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Question

II. JURISDICTION

Topic: H. Primary Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies

A telecommunications company filed a complaint before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against a local television network for alleged violation of its franchise provisions and unfair competition. The NTC, after conducting an initial investigation, issued a resolution dismissing the complaint for lack of merit. Unsatisfied with the NTC's resolution, the telecommunications company filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking damages against the television network.

Question:

1. What is the principle of primary jurisdiction? Explain its significance in the context of resolving disputes involving administrative agencies.
2. Discuss the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies. Under what circumstances can a party be excused from exhausting administrative remedies before resorting to judicial action?
3. In the given scenario, should the RTC exercise jurisdiction over the telecommunications company's petition for damages? Provide reasons for your answer in light of the principles of primary jurisdiction and exhaustion of administrative remedies.

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Answer