Venue is for party's convenience
In civil proceedings, venue is procedural, not jurisdictional, and may be
waived by the defendant if not seasonably raised either in a motion to dismiss
or in the answer.[1] Section 1, Rule 9 of the Rules of Court thus expressly
stipulates that defenses and objections not pleaded either in a motion to
dismiss or in the answer are deemed waived. As it relates to the place of
trial, indeed, venue is meant to provide convenience to the parties, rather
than to restrict their access to the courts.[2] In other words, unless the
defendant seasonably objects, any action may be tried by a court despite its
being the improper venue.
[2] Rudolf Lietz Holdings, Inc. v. Registry of Deeds of Parañaque City,
G.R. No. 133240, November 15, 2000.
[1] Marcos-Araneta v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 154096, August 22, 2008.