While the rules are liberally construed ( rule 1 section 6), the provisions on reglementary

periods are strictly applied as they are “deemed indispensable to the prevention of
needless delays and necessary to the orderly and speedy discharge of judicial business”
AIVERO V. DELA ROSA et. al. 76 Phil 428

All things considered, the supreme court called attention to the fact that “rules of
procedure exist for a purpose and to disregard such rules in the guise of liberal
construction would be to defeat such purpose. Procedural rules are not to be disclaimed
as mere technicalities. They may not be ignored to suit the convenience of a party.
Adjective law ensures the effective enforcement of substantive rights through the orderly
and speedy administration of justice. Rules are not intended to hamper litigants or
complicate litigation. But they help provide for a vital system of justice where suitors
may be heard in the correct form and manner at the confrontation before a judge whose
authority litigants acknowledge. PUBLIC ORDER AND OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE
ARE WELL SERVED BY A CONSCIENTIOUS OBSERVANCE OF THE RULES OF
PROCEDURE. Kowloon House/Willy Ng vs. CA et. al., GR No. 140024, June 8, 2003

Quoted in UNITED PULP and PAPER Co., INC. VS. UNITED PULP and PAPER
CHAPTER etc., GR. No. 14117 MARCH 2, 2004.