Ibid., citing Cheshire and North, Private International Law, p. 5 by P.M. North and J.J. Faucett (Butterworths; London, 1992). xli[41] Ibid. xlii[42] Paras, Philippine Conflict of Laws, sixth edition (1984), p. 24, citing Leflar, The Law of Conflict of Laws, pp. 5-6. xliii[43] xliv[44] Supra, note 17. xlv[45] 83 SCRA 237, 247. Supra, note at 17, at p. 6. Morada prays that judgment be rendered against Saudia, ordering it to pay: (1) not less than P250,000.00 as actual damages; (2) P4 million in moral damages; (3) P500,000.00 in exemplary damages; and (4) P500,000.00 in attorneys fees. xlvi[46] xlvii[47] Baguioro v. Barrios, 77 Phil. 120. Jurisdiction over the subject matter is conferred by law and is defined as the authority of a court to hear and decide cases of the general class to which the proceedings in question belong. (Reyes v. Diaz, 73 Phil. 484,487) xlviii[48] Supra, note 37, p. 58, citing Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, 350 U.S. 501, 67 Sup. Ct. 839 (1947). xlix[49] Omnibus Motion to Dismiss dated January 14, 1994; Reply (to Plaintiffs Opposition) dated February 19, 1994; Comment (to Plaintiffs Motion to Admit Amended Complaint dated June 23, 1994) dated July 20, 1994; Manifestation and Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint dated June 23, 1994 under date August 11, 1994; and Motion for Reconsideration dated September 19, 1994. l[50] li[51] 18 SCRA 207, 213-214. lii[52] 64 SCRA 23, 31. Coquia and Pangalangan, Conflict of Laws, 1995 edition, p. 65, citing Von Mehren, Recent Trends in Choice-of-Law Methodology, 60 Cornell L. Rev. 927 (1975). liii[53] liv[54] Ibid. lv[55] Supra, note 40 at p. 94, citing Falconbridge, Essays on the Conflict of Laws, p. 50. lvi[56] Ibid.