Revival of Judgment; Equity Jurisdiction; Laches

"[T]he Court, in the exercise of its equity jurisdiction, relaxes the rules and decides to allow the action for the revival of judgment filed by petitioners. The Court believes that it is its bounden duty to exact justice in every way possible and exercise its soundest discretion to prevent a wrong. Although strict compliance with the rules of procedure is desired, liberal interpretation is warranted in cases where a strict enforcement of the rules will not serve the ends of justice; and that it is a better rule that courts, under the principle of equity, will not be guided or bound strictly by the statute of limitations or the doctrine of !aches when to do so, manifest wrong or injustice would result."

("Rubio vs. Albata," G.R. No. 203947. February 26, 2014)

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