In a complaint seeking partition and a separate loan collection, is it proper to join these causes of action in one RTC case?

• A. Yes, it is proper to join partition and loan claims in one RTC complaint.
• B. It is not proper to join because partition involves Marvin; joinder would effectively include a special civil action not allowed.
• C. It is proper if the amount claimed is within jurisdiction.
• D. It is proper if all parties consent.

Answer: (B)

Partition is pursued as a special civil action under Rule 69, focused on determining rights to real property and its distribution among co-owners. A loan collection is an ordinary civil action for money. The rules treat these as different kinds of remedies, and a single RTC case should not fuse a special civil action with an independent money claim. Joining a separate loan claim to a partition action would drag in issues outside the partition’s scope and effectively convert the proceeding into something not permitted. The amount or consent of parties does not override this distinction. If the loan claim is to be pursued, it should be filed separately (or raised as a counterclaim within a partition action only if permitted by the rules).