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CIVPRO RAMENotes Atty.

Senga Recitation 3G-3H (2020- NOTE: it is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court/ the
2021) Updated by Ae judiciary to come up with the Rules of Court.

What is Remedial law? There are a lot of cases that provides for the suspension of
Remedial law refers to the rules which provide the system for the Rules of Court, does that mean that compliance with
the protection of rights, the prevention and violation of such the Rules of Court is only directory, not mandatory? NO. As
rights and the means of redress for such violations a general rule, compliance with rules of procedure is mandatory.
Exception to this is when there is justifiable reason to warrant
How is remedial law different from Substantive law? the relaxation of the rules of procedure; there should be an effort
Remedial Law Substantive Law on the part of the party invoking liberality to at least explain its
failure to comply with the rules. (Banco Filipino Savings and
Definition
Mortgage Bank v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 132703, 23 June
A method of enforcing rights, Creates, defines, and 23, 2000)
preventing the violation of regulates rights and duties
such rights and the means of concerning life, liberty and Jurisprudence provides that the invocation of substantial justice
redress for such violations. property. cannot be used as a magic want to compel the court to suspend
Establishment of Vested Rights procedural laws. Procedural rules are not to be belittled or
No vested rights may attach Makes vested rights dismissed simply because their nonobservance may have
to nor arise therefrom possible. resulted in prejudice to a party such. substantive rights. They
Application are still mandatory for the effective performance of business and
It is prospective in nature It is retroactive in application; the discharge of justice by Courts.
applicable to actions pending
at the time of their passage In the case of Sarmiento v. Zaratan, the Court stated that in
certain cases it may suspend the strict application of the
rules of Court and the Supreme Court gave five exceptions.
Can we apply remedial law retroactively?
What are these exceptions?
YES. Procedural rules are construed to be applicable to actions
1.) The existence of special or compelling circumstances,
pending and undetermined at the time of their passage and are
2.) The merits of the case,
deemed retroactive in that sense and to that extent. As a
3.) A cause not entirely attributable to the fault or negligence of
general rule, the retroactive application of procedural rules
the party favored by the suspension of rules,
cannot be considered a violation of any personal rights because
4.) A lack of any showing that the review sought is merely
no vested right may attach to nor arise therefrom. (In the Matter
frivolous or dilatory,
to Declare
5.) The other party will not be unjustly prejudiced thereby.
in Contempt of Court Hon. Simeon Datumanong)
In Redeña v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 146611, February 6,
What is the rule making power of the Supreme Court as
2007, there is an additional exception, to wit:
provided by the Constitution?
Article VIII Section 5(5) of the 1987 Constitution provides “The
6. There is the existence of substantial rights in favor of which,
Supreme Court has the power to “x.x.x. Promulgate rules
the strict application of technical rules must concede.
concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional
rights, pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, he
admission to the practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal Note: The Sarmiento v. Zaratan case is a 2007 case and we do
assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall provide a not use the three-day notice rule anymore because it is no longer
simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition found in the Rules of Court as amended.
of cases, shall be uniform foo all courts of the same grade, and
shall not diminish, incase or modify substantive rights. Rules of In the case of Labao v. Flores the Court gave even more
procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies shall exceptions, what are the thirteen exceptions to the strict
remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme Court”’ application of the Rules of Court?

Can Congress come up with a law that amends the Rules of 1.) Most persuasive and weighty reasons;
Court? 2.) To relieve litigant from an injustice not commensurate with
NO. Rules issued by the Supreme court may not be repealed or his failure to comply with the prescribed procedure;
amended by Congress. (Re: Petition for Recognition of the 3.) Good faith of the defaulting party by immediately paying
Exemption of the GSIS from Payment of Legal Fees, A.M. No. within a reasonable time from the time of the default;
08-2-01-0, February 11, 2010) 4.) The existence of special and compelling circumstance;
5.) The merits of the case;
The Supreme Court has the sole prerogative to amend, repeal, 6.) A cause not entirely attributable to the fault or negligence of
or even establish new rules for a more simplified and the party favored by the suspension of the rules;
inexpensive process, and the speedy disposition of the case. 7.) A lack of any showing that the review sought is merely
The other branches, specifically the Congress, are said to frivolous and dilatory
trespass the rule-making power of the Supreme Court if they 8.) The other party will not be unjustly prejudiced thereby;
enact laws or issues orders that effectively repeal, alter or 9.) Fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence without
modify any of the procedural rules promulgated by the Court. appellant’s fault;
10.) Peculiar legal and equitable circumstances attendant to
each case;
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11.) In the name of substantial justice and fair play; CONCURRENT-ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
12.) Importance of the issues involved; and Power of the different courts to take cognizance of the same
13.) Exercise of sound discretion by the judge guided by all the subject matter. Where there is concurrent jurisdiction, the court
attendant circumstances. first taking cognizance of the case assumes jurisdiction to the
exclusion of the others.
The failure of counsel to file an appellant’s brief which
brought about the dismissal of the appeal, was invoked as Examples of courts having concurrent jurisdiction over a
negligence of counsel that warranted the relaxation of the case.
Rules. Give exceptions where mistake of counsel is not • The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with
binding on client. the RTC in cases affecting ambassadors, other public
(1) where the reckless or gross negligence of counsel deprives ministers, and consuls.
the client of due process of law; • The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with
(2) when application of the rule will result in outright deprivation the CA in petitions for certiorari, and mandamus against the
of the client's liberty or property; or RTC
(3) where the interests of justice so require. (Redeña v. Court of • The Supreme Court has concurrent original jurisdiction with
Appeals, G.R. No. 146611, February 6, 2007) the CA and RTC in petitions for certiorari, prohibition and
mandamus against lower courts and bodies and in petitions
for quo warranto and habeas corpus.
Note: If none of the foregoing exist, then there is no basis to
relax the rules; negligence must be gross.
EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
Original jurisdiction means jurisdiction to take cognizance of the
JURISDICTION case at its inception, try and pass judgement upon the laws and
facts. Exclusive Jurisdiction precludes the idea of co-existence
What do you mean by JURISDICTION? and refers fo jurisdiction possessed to the exclusion of others.
Jurisdiction is the power of the court to hear and decide on a case
and to execute the decision in the same. A court may be conferred with both original and exclusive
jurisdiction over a particular subject matter. For example; MTC
Jurisdiction is the authority of the court to hear, try and decide a has original-exclusive jurisdiction over forcible entry and unlawful
case. It also includes the to implement the decision. Because detainer.
once you acquire a decision of the Court, you want to implement
or execute the same decision. The same court has jurisdiction to What do you mean by the principle of HIERARCHY OF
implement it. COURTS?
The principle of the hierarchy of courts is a judicial policy
NOTE: Jurisdiction is determined by the statute in force at the designed to restrain direct resort to the Supreme Court if relief
time of the commencement of the action and that once acquired, can be granted or obtained from the lower courts. (Metropolitan
it continues until the case is finally terminated. (A' Prime Security Waterworks and Sewerage System v. Local Government of
Services, Inc. v. Drilon, G.R. No. 91987, July 17, 1995) Quezon City, G.R. No. 194388, November 7, 2018, J. Leonen)

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION The logic behind this policy is grounded on the need to prevent
The court’s power to hear and decide a matter before any court "inordinate demands upon the Court's time and attention which
can review the matter. The jurisdiction to take cognizance of a are better devoted to those matters within its exclusive
case at its inception. jurisdiction," as well as to prevent the congestion of the Court's
dockets. Hence, for this Court to be able to "satisfactorily perform
APPELLATE JURISDICTION the functions assigned to it by the fundamental charter[,]" it must
The power of a court to review and revise a lower court’s remain as a "court of last resort." This can be achieved by
decision. A court is one with appellate jurisdiction when it has the relieving the Court of the "task of dealing with causes in the first
power to review over the decisions or orders of a lower court. instance.” (Id)

GENERAL JURISDICTION When there are several courts who exercise concurrent-original
The court’s authority to hear a wide range of cases, that arise jurisdiction, you do not directly go the highest court, you start at
within its jurisdiction. the lowest court. So even if the Supreme Court has original
jurisdiction over certiorari, prohibition and mandamus you do not
SPECIAL OR LIMITED JURISDICTION directly go to the SC but you file it first with the lower court.
Jurisdiction confined to a particular type of case that may be
only exercised under statutory limits and prescriptions. What is the reason behind this rule as discussed in the case
of Gio-Samar?
EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION So that you do not unduly burden the dockets of the Supreme
Power to hear and decide cases to the exclusion of all other Court, you file it first to the lower court that would also have the
courts. competence to hear and decide the case.

CONCURRENT JURISDICTION In the same case, the Court ruled that the hierarchy of Courts
Jurisdiction exercised simultaneously by more than one court is not absolute and is subject to exceptions. What are these
over the same subject matter and within the same territory. exceptions?

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• When there are genuine issues of constitutionality that must However, under the expanded definition of the Constitution it
be addressed at the most immediate time; does not distinguish. It settles actual controversies involving
• When the issues involved are of transcendental importance; rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to
• Cases of first impression; determine whether or not there is grave abuse of discretion
• The constitutional issue raised are better decided by the amounting lack or excess jurisdiction on the part of any
Supreme Court; instrumentality of the government. This means that even if the
• Exigency in certain situations; instrumentality is NOT exercising judicial or quasi-judicial power
• The filed petition reviews the act of constitutional organ; it is subject to the review of the courts provided that the act is
• When petitioners rightly claim that they had no other plain, done with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess
speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary courts of law jurisdiction (GADALEJ). It is expanded because it is not limited
that could free them from the injurious effects of to those exercising judicial or quasi judicial.
respondent’s acts in violation of their right to freedom and
expression ROC, Rule 65 1987 Constitution Article
• The petition includes questions that are "dictated by public Certiorari VIII, Section 1
welfare and the advancement of public policy, or demanded It is to review acts of any To settle actual controversies
by the broader interest of justice, or the orders complained tribunal, body, or board that involving rights which are
of were found to be patent nullities, or the appeal was is exercising judicial and legally demandable and
considered as clearly an inappropriate remedy quasi-judicial functions. enforceable, and to
determine whether or not
In MWSS v. Local Gov’t of Quezon City, the court added 2 there has been grave abuse
exceptions, to wit: of discretion amounting to
• When the order complained of was a patent nullity; and lack or excess jurisdiction on
• When the appeal was considered as an inappropriate the part of any branch or
remedy. instrumentality of the
Government
What is the Angara Model discussed in the same case?
Direct invocation of the Court’s original jurisdiction over the Limited to acts of those It does not distinguish, Even
issuance extraordinary writs is allowed when there is NO exercising judicial or if the instrumentality is NOT
DISPUTE as to the facts. quasijudicial function exercising judicial or
quasijudicial power it is
In this case the petition was allowed because what was subject to review of the
considered was the nature of the issue involved in the case: a courts provided that there is
legal controversy between two agencies of the government that GADALEJ
called for the exercise of the power of judicial review by the final
arbiter of the Constitution, the Supreme Court. IMPORTANT NOTE: If we will recall in Criminal Procedure, going
back to prosecutors. You will remember that the function of a
Expanded Jurisdiction of Supreme Court prosecutor in the conduct of a preliminary investigation it is not
The expanded jurisdiction of the Supreme Court can be found judicial or quasi judicial rather it is administrative or executive
under Article VIII, Section 1 which provides: because in the conduct of a PI it is merely inquisitorial to
determine whether there is probable cause. It is investigative and
“Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme therefore administrative in nature. Therefore it is NOT
Court and in such lower courts a may be established by law. quasijudicial. Nevertheless, if you will remember from the
Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle prosecutor, the remedy is you file a Motion for Reconsideration
actual controversies involving rights which are legally or a petition for review with the Secretary of Justice. Once you
demandable and enforceable, and to determine whether or not file with the SOJ and the latter makes a resolution your remedy
there has been grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or is either an MR and afterward from the denial of the motion of
excess jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality MR, your remedy is a petition for certiorari to the Court of
of the Government” Appeals. Note that the SOJ’s function is also not quasi-judicial.

As enunciated in the case of Araullo v. Aquino III the Court held Thus, if we apply Rule 65, Sec. 1 you cannot review the decision
that: with respect to the Court, however, the remedies of certiorari of the SOJ because the latter is not performing judicial or
and prohibition are necessarily broader in scope and reach, and quasijudicial functions.
writ of certiorari or prohibition may be issued to correct errors of
jurisdiction committed not only by a tribunal, corporation, board BUT, if we use the expanded jurisdiction under the Constitution
or officer exercising judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial then the Courts can review the decision of the SOJ because
functions. under expanded definition courts can act that are GADALEJ on
the part of ANY instrumentality of the government. As long as it
NOTE: Look at Rule 65 Section 1, it talks about Certiorari and if is GADALEJ of any body or instrumentality, it is susceptible to
you look at the first phrase it says “it is to review acts of any review.
tribunal, body, board that is exercising judicial and quasi-judicial
functions”. We will use Certiorari under a special civil action of COURT OF EQUITY v COURT OF LAW
Rule 65 when there is grave abuse of discretion on the part of Court of Equity Court of Law
one exercising judicial or quasi-judicial function.

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Administers equity. Court that proceeds i) when the issue of non-exhaustion of administrative
according to the course of remedies has been rendered moot;
law and is governed by its j) when there is no other plain, speedy and adequate
rules. remedy;
k) when strong public interest is involved; and
A court of equity is a type of A court of law, only hears
l) in quo warranto proceedings
court that hears cases cases involving monetary
involving remedies other damages.
In the case of spouses Gonzales, the S.C gave an exception
than monetary damages,
to the rule of exhaustion of administrative remedies where
such as injunctions, writs, or we can go directly to the Court. In what instance is that?
specific performance. When the issues involved is purely a legal question. So, if it is
purely a question of law and it does not involve the review of facts
NOTE: In the Philippines, courts are not divided into that of or evidence then the Court has competence to rule on the case
equity and of law, but are vested with power to administer both and the administrative body would not have the competence to
law and equity. Distinction between an equitable relief and a do so.
remedy at law is not jurisdictional. [Santos v. De Leon, 60 Phil.
573 (1954)] DOCTRINE OF ADHERENCE TO JURISDICTION?
Once a court has acquired jurisdiction, it retains its jurisdiction
PRIMARY JURISDICTION until it finally disposes the case. Once jurisdiction is acquired, that
Competence to take cognizance of a case at the first instance. jurisdiction continues until the court has done all that it can do in
the exercise of such jurisdiction.
NOTE: Agencies to first take cognizance of the case before
resort to judicial remedies may be allowed, to take advantage of Where a court has already obtained and is exercising jurisdiction
the special technical expertise possessed by administrative over a controversy, its jurisdiction to proceed to the final
agencies. (Provincial Bus Operators Association of the determination of the case is not affected by new legislation
Philippines v. Department of Labor and Employment, G.R. No. placing jurisdiction over such proceedings in another tribunal,
202275, July 17, 2018, J. Leonen) except when the change in jurisdiction is curative in character.
(Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. v. Dulay, G.R. No.
What is the principle of EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE 53446, April 12, 1989)
REMEDIES?
The doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies instructs DOCTRINE OR NON-INTERFERENCE or DOCTRINE OF
that before a party is allowed to seek the intervention of the JUDICIAL STABILITY?
courts, it is a pre-condition that he avail himself of all The doctrine of judicial stability or non-interference in the regular
administrative processes afforded him. It entails lesser expenses orders or judgments of a co-equal court is an elementary
and provides for the speedier resolution of controversies. Also, principle in the administration of justice: no court can interfere by
courts must allow administrative agencies to carry out their injunction with the judgments or orders of another court of
functions and discharge their responsibilities within the concurrent jurisdiction having the power to grant the relief sought
specialized areas of their respective competence by the injunction. If in violation, the judgement is void.
(Tan v. Cinco, G.R. No. 213054, June 15, 2016)
What is the reason behind this principle?
Courts must allow administrative agencies to carry out their Can a decision rendered by the RTC court in Makati be
functions and discharge their responsibilities within the reviewed by another RTC court in Manila?
specialized areas of their respective competence. It entails NO. It is a violation of the doctrine of judicial stability. The
lessee expenses and provides for the speedier resolution of judgment rendered by the Makati RTC , as well as the execution
controversies. thereof, and all other incidents arising therefrom, may not be
interfered with by the Manila RTC, a court of concurrent
Exceptions provided in Republic v. Gallo, G.R. No. 207074, jurisdiction, for the simple reason that the power to open, modify,
January 17, 2018, J. Leonen or vacate the said judgment or order is not only possessed but is
a) where there is estoppel on the part of the party invoking restricted to the court in which the judgment or order is rendered
the doctrine; or issued.
b) where the challenged administrative act is patently illegal,
amounting to lack of jurisdiction; What about in the exercise of discretion by prosecutors and
c) where there is unreasonable delay or official inaction that the Ombudsman, can courts interfere with the determination
will irretrievably prejudice the complainant; of Probable Cause?
d) where the amount involved is relatively small so as to Unless there is compelling reason such as if there is grave abuse
make the rule impractical and oppressive; of discretion amounting to lack or excess jurisdiction Courts may
e) where the question involved is purely legal and will interfere with the determination.
ultimately have to be decided by the courts of justice;
What are the four aspects of Jurisdiction in Civil Cases?
f) where judicial intervention is urgent;
• Jurisdiction over the Subject Matter
g) when its application may cause great and irreparable
• Jurisdiction over the Parties
damage;
• Jurisdiction over the Issues of the case
h) where the controverted acts violate due process;
• Jurisdiction over the Res or thing involved

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Jurisdiction over the subject matter of the case what do we
look at? MTC JURISDICTION
The law because it is substantive. Jurisdiction over the subject
matter is conferred by law and not by the consent or EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF MTC
acquiescence of the parties. Basically, jurisdiction over the • Civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and intestate,
subject matter is determined by the cause of action as alleged in including the grant of provisional remedies in proper cases,
the complaint. where the value of the personal property, estate, or amount
of the demand does not exceed 2,000,000.00;
• Cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer;
When a case arises from a violation of a right to know what • Civil actions which involve title to, or possession of, real
court has jurisdiction, what is our reckoning point? The time property, or any interest therein where the assessed value
the cause of action arises or at the time the case is filed in of the property or interest therein does not exceed Four
court? hundred thousand pesos (P400,000) exclusive on interest,
At the time that the case is Filed in court damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation
expenses and costs; and
If it is exactly P400,000 in Metro Manila? • Admiralty and maritime actions where the demand or claim
MTC does not exceed Two million pesos. (B.P. 129, Section 33)

For probate or settlement of estate proceedings, how much? Grant of provisional remedies in proper cases. This rule
By virtue of R.A. 11576, in all matters of probate, both testate presupposes that the MTC has jurisdiction over the principal
and intestate, the RTC has jurisdiction where the gross value of action.
the estate exceeds 2,000,000 while the MTC has jurisdiction if
the gross value does not exceed 2,000,000. DELEGATED JURISDICTION OF MTC
• The MTC also exercises delegated jurisdiction in cadastral
What if it is a REAL ACTION? and land registration cases covering lots where there NO
For real actions where the assessed value of the property controversy or opposition or contested lots the value of
involved exceeds P400,000, the RTC has jurisdiction. If the which does not exceed P100,000, as may be delegated by
assessed value of the property does not exceed 400,000, then the Supreme Court (B.P. 129, Section 34)
MTC has jurisdiction.
SPECIAL JURISDICTION
What do we look at? • In the absence of all the RTC judges in a province, or city,
Assessed Value. Assessed value is NOT the same as the fair any MTC, MCTC, MeTC Judge may hear and decide
market value petitions for a writ of habeas corpus or applications for bail
in criminal cases in the province or city where the absent
Fair Market Value is the price at which a property may be sold RTC judge sit. (B.P. 129, Section 35)
by a seller who is not compelled to sell and bought by a buyer
who is not compelled to buy. NOTE: When there are no judges in the RTC the writ of habeas
corpus and the application of bail (the records) will be
Assessed Value is the fair market value of the real property TRANSFERRED from the RTC to the MTC. The reason being
multiplied by the assessment level. It is synonymous with taxable that in the court of calendar habeas corpus has priority in the
value. The value of a property for purposes of payment of real hearing. You want to have a continuous hearing of habeas
property taxes. corpus because of the importance of the case. It is only a special
jurisdiction meaning the law provides that it is only to hear
habeas corpus. File it first to the RTC then it the RTC will transfer
Where can we find the assessed value?
it to the MTC.
In the tax declaration
TOTALITY RULE (Sec. 22 (I), B.P. 129)
Do you need to allege the assessed value in the complaint
Where there are several claims or causes of action between the
the if it is a real action?
same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the
If you do not have tax declaration, you have to allege.
amount of the demand shall be the totality of the claims in all the
causes of action, irrespective of whether the causes of action
What if you did not allege it but you attached the tax
arose out of the same or different transactions.
declaration which provides for the assessed value. Is that
sufficient for the Court?
YES
KATARUNGANG PAMBARANGAY
What if it’s a real action and you did not allege the assessed
value and you also did not attach the tax declaration can the What is the LUPON TAGAPAMAYAPA?
court assume jurisdiction over your real action? NO, It is the body organized in every barangay that settles disputes
because we do not know which court as jurisdiction over the among barangay members through mediation, conciliation and
case. arbitration.

How many members are there?

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The lupon is composed of the punong barangay as Chairman and may therefore be deemed waived if not raised seasonably in a
not less than ten (10) or nor more than twenty (20) members from motion to dismiss or in a responsive pleading. (Lansangan v.
which the members of every pangkat shall be chosen. Caisip, G.R. No. 212987, August 6, 2018)

Can they be from a different barangay? NOTE: This is because jurisdiction is provided by law. For
NO. They should reside in the same barangay. example, you have an ejectment case and you did not resort to
barangay conciliation proceedings, still the law provides that the
How are they chosen? MTC has exclusive-original jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
The barangay captain shall prepare a notice to constitute the
Lupon, which shall include the names of proposed members who Nevertheless, the failure to resort to barangay conciliation
are residing or working in the barangay, not otherwise proceedings as held in Lansangan v. Caisip case is a ground to
disqualified by law and who have expressed their willingness to dismiss the case because of the failure to comply with the
serve. condition precedent. (Lansangan v. Caisip, G.R. No. 212987,
August 6, 2018)
In this case, anyone from the barangay can write their comments
on the prospective members, regardless of this, the choice is still Is there another requirement similar to barangay
left to the barangay captain to appoint who will be part of the proceedings for a condition precedent under the family
Lupon. code?
Jurisprudence provides that the law mentions only those Under the Family Code, Article 151 provides that family members
that do not fall under Katarungang Pambarangay. It does not should exert earnest efforts towards a compromise or amicable
enumerate those included, it only provides for those that are settlement before filing a suit.
excluded. What are these cases excluded from the barangay Let us say you are living in the same barangay with Mico
proceedings? Suarez, Mico borrowed from you P1,000. Mico refuses to
All disputes may be the subject of proceedings for amicable pay, so you went to the Barangay. Can you file an oral
settlement except for the following: complaint to the Barangay?
(a) Where one party is the government, or any subdivision YES. It can be oral and written.
of instrumentality thereof;
(b) Where one party is a public officer or employee, and the It can be an oral complaint, so first the one who will preside
dispute related to the performance of his official over it is the Lupon Chairman. What will the Lupon Chairman
functions; do? Can he rule on the case like a judge? SUMMONS: The
(c) Offenses for which the law prescribes a maximum Lupon Chairman shall receive all written complaints and put in
penalty of imprisonment exceeding one (1) year or a writing all verbal complaints made by individuals personally
fine not exceeding Five Thousand pesos (P5,000); before him against other individuals. He shall not receive
(d) Offenses where there is no private offended party; complaints made by or against corporations, partnerships or
(e) Where the dispute involves real properties located in other juridical entities. Immediately upon such receipt he shall
different citied or municipalities unless the parties notify the complainant of the date of initial hearing and shall,
thereto agree to submit their differences to amicable within the next working day, issue summons to the respondent/s
settlement by an appropriate Lupon; to appear before him not later than five(5) days from date thereof
(f) Disputes involving parties who actually reside in for a mediation of their conflicting interests;
barangays of different cities or municipalities, except
where such barangay units adjoin each other and the When they attend, he will act as what?
parties thereto agree to submit their differences to A mediator. He will just facilitate the discussion.
amicable settlement by an appropriate Lupon; and
(g) Such other classes of disputes which the President may After the lapse of ten (10) days and no amicable settlement
determine in the interest of justice or upon the has been reached. What will happen next?
recommendation of the Secretary of Justice If the parties fail to reach an amicable settlement after the lapse
of 10 days, the Lupon shall constitute the Pangkat
What if the imprisonment is only for two months but the Tagapagsundo
person is already detained, will it still fall under barangay
conciliation proceedings? Where will you get the members of the Pangkat?
NO. Because if they are already detained then there is no need The parties shall choose three (3) members from the Lupon
to resort to barangay. You can go directly go to the courts. Tagapamayapa. We only constitute the pangkat only where there
is a dispute and the parties will agree upon themselves who will
They must first go to barangay conciliation proceedings be the members of the pangkat.
before going directly to court?
Yes Does the pangkat Act as a court and issue a decision?
NO. It is for Meditation.
If it falls directly under barangay conciliation proceedings
but it does not fall under the exception, but they went So the pangkat will act as a mediator, is there an instance
straight to court, does that mean that the Court cannot act where the pangkat can act as a tribunal?
on the case for lack of jurisdiction? Yes. Under the Local Government Code it provides that at any
NO. Barangay conciliation proceedings is not a jurisdictional time the parties may agree to submit the case to arbitration.
requirement. The non-referral of a case for barangay conciliation
when so required under the law is not jurisdictional in nature andThere are two things that can happen before the barangay:
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(1) AMICABLE SETTLEMENT: The parties will just be What is your basis? Why is it P1,000 when they already have
facilitated by the pangkat or the Lupon Chairman to come an agreement that Rania will only pay P500?
into an amicable settlement which is voluntary. Article 2041 provides that if one parties fails or refuses, to abide
by compromise, the other party may either enforce the
(2) ARBITRATION: You can also have arbitration in the level of compromise or regard it as rescinded, and insist upon his original
the barangay. Under the LGC, at any time the parties can demand.
submit the case for arbitration. But the agreement must be
in writing. When the parties in writing agree to submit the In this case, the agreement will be treated as rescinded because
case to arbitration in that instance, the Lupon Chairman or there is refusal to comply. In this instance, you can treat the
the Pangkat Tagapagsundo will act now as an arbitral settlement as rescinded and insist on the payment of the original
tribunal. In this instance, when they agree in writing to demand of P1,000 and you can file an original action of sum of
submit the matter in arbitration, they also agree to abide with money.
the arbitral award. There will be a decision rendered by the
Lupon Chairman or the Pangkat Tagapagsundo acting as an However, if he DOES NOT want to treat it as rescinded and
arbitral tribunal. wants to enforce it but seven (7) months have already
lapsed. Does that mean he can no longer enforce such
So let us say that the parties are in the middle of the discussion amicable settlement?
for amicable settlement before the pangkat. They can if they He can enforce it in the MTC for enforcement of amicable
decide, agree to submit it to arbitration because the LGC settlement under Small claims. The coverage of small claims
provides “at anytime agree in writing to submit it to arbitration”. includes the enforcement of barangay conciliation settlements.

Let us say that Rania owes you P1,000. There was an CONCLUSION:
amicable settlement for Rania to pay only P500. So there is WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS LAPSE OF SIX (6) MONTHS
an amicable settlement in writing submitted to the pangkat • Enforce before Enforce before the MTC for
that Rania will pay you P500. Can you execute that the enforcement of Barangay
settlement before the barangay? barangay conciliation under small
The amicable settlement or arbitration award may be enforced by • Repudiate it within 10 claims
execution by the Lupon within six (6) months from date of the days on the ground of
settlement or date of receipt of the award or from the date the violence, fraud, and
obligation stipulated in the settlement or adjudged in the intimidation
arbitration award becomes due and demandable.
Is summary procedure the same as summary proceeding?
What if at the time that you were entering into an amicable Summary Procedure Summary Proceeding
settlement, there is a knife pointed at you forcing you to
Immediate process issuing Court action in which the
agree to a settlement. Out of fear you signed the settlement.
Can you still repudiate the settlement? and taking effect without formal procedures normally
Any party to the dispute may, within ten (10) days from the date intermediate applications or applicable to matters are
of the settlement, repudiate the same by filing with the Punong delay. dispensed with
Barangay a statement to that effect sworn to before him, where As to CASES COVERED
the consent is vitiated by fraud, violence, or intimidation. Such Cases falling under the MTC Cases falling under the
repudiation shall be sufficient basis for the issuance of the Family Code
certification for filing a complaint in court or any government
office for adjudication. Failure to repudiate the settlement within Example: declaration of
the aforesaid time limit shall be deemed a waiver of the right to presumptive death for
challenge on said grounds. purposes of remarriage

What are the grounds to repudiate? What are the cases falling under Summary Procedure?
• Fraud For Civil Cases
• Violence • All cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer, irrespective
• Intimidation of the amount of damages or unpaid rentals sought to be
recovered. Where attorney's fees are awarded, the same
Within what period? shall not exceed twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00).
Within 10 days • All other civil cases, except probate proceedings, where the
total amount of the plaintiff's claim does not exceed one
What if Rania says “kahit patayin mo ako di kita babayaran hundred thousand (P100,000) if outside Metro Manila and
ng P500”, what is your remedy? two hundred thousand (P200,000) if within Metro Manila,
You can file it to the courts. exclusive of interest and costs.

What will you file in the Court? For Criminal Cases:


An action for collection of sum of money. • Violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations;
• Violations of the rental law;
For what amount? • Violations of municipal or city ordinances;
P1,000
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• All other criminal cases where the penalty prescribed by law • Motion for extension of time to file pleadings affidavits or any
for the offense charged is imprisonment not exceeding six other paper;
months, or a fine not exceeding (P1,000.00), or both, • Memoranda;
irrespective of other imposable penalties, accessory or • Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any
otherwise, or of the civil liability arising therefrom: Provided, interlocutory order issued by the court;
however, that in offenses involving damage to property • Motion to declare the defendant in default;
through criminal negligence, this Rule shall govern where • Dilatory motions for postponement;
the imposable fine does not exceed ten thousand pesos • Reply;
(P10,000.00). • Third party complaints;
• Batas Pambansa Bilang 22 (B.P. 22) • Interventions

So, for summary procedure the threshold amount is it does Do you agree that all motions to dismiss is prohibited in
not exceed P200,000 if within Metro Manila and does not summary procedure or is there an exception?
exceed P100,000 outside Metro Manila. What about SMALL NO. The exceptions are: (a) Motions to dismiss on the ground of
CLAIMS what is the threshold of the amount? lack of jurisdiction and (b) failure to comply with the condition
• WITHIN Metro Manila: Does not exceed P400,000 precedent of referral to barangay conciliation proceedings
• OUTSIDE Metro Manila: Does not exceed P300,000
DUTY OF THE COURTS AFTER COMPLAINT IS FILED
You are in the City of Manila and the amount of your claim is After the court determines that the case falls under summary
P190,000. Which court has jurisdiction over your collection procedure, it may, from an examination of the allegations therein
of sum of money? and such evidence as may be attached thereto, dismiss the case
The Court that has jurisdiction is MTC because it is less than outright on any grounds apparent therefrom for the dismissal of
P400,000 a civil action. If no ground for dismissal is found it shall forthwith
issue summons which shall state that the summary procedure
What proceedings will you use, summary procedure or small under the Rules of Summary Procedure shall apply.
claims? It depends.
Should it be small claims because it is the later rule, isn’t it
considered to have amended the summary procedure? NO. The court will look if there are grounds to dismiss. If there
Summary Procedure could not have been considered to have are grounds to dismiss can the court dismiss it outright?
amended the rules on small claims. YES, the court can dismiss outright because motions to dismiss
are a prohibited pleading so the parties cannot raise those
What will you file under summary procedure to commence grounds. That is why the court has the duty upon the filing of the
an action? complaint to look at the allegations in the complaint and if there
Under summary procedure the only pleadings that are allowed are grounds to dismiss, the Court may dismiss outright.
• Complaints,
• Compulsory Counterclaims, For instance, if the claim has already prescribed. That is visible
• Cross-claims pleaded in the answer and, in the complaint so the court can dismiss outright.
• Answers thereto
ALL Pleadings must be VERIFIED After the court identifies that there are no grounds to
dismiss, what will happen next?
Should all pleadings in Summary Procedure be verified? The court shall issue two things:
YES (1) Issue summons
(2) An order declaring that the complaint falls under
Are permissive counterclaims allowed in Summary summary procedure.
Procedure?
NO What order should the court issue?
The court will issue an order declaring whether the case falls
How about in SMALL CLAIMS is permissive counter-claims under summary procedure or not.
allowed? Yes
Will it attach the complaints and summons?
What are the other pleadings allowed in Summary YES, it will attach the complaint and summons and then it will be
Procedure? served to the defendant.
Position papers and Affidavits.
How many days does the defendant have to file an answer?
What are the Prohibited Pleadings in Summary Procedure? 10 days. Within ten (10) days from service of summons, the
• Motion to dismiss the complaint or to quash the complaint or defendant shall file his answer to the complaint and serve a
information except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over copy thereof on the plaintiff. Affirmative and negative defenses
the subject matter, or failure to comply with the preceding not pleaded therein shall be deemed waived, except for lack of
section; jurisdiction over the subject matter. Cross-claims and
• Motion for a bill of particulars; compulsory counterclaims not asserted in the answer shall be
• Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgement, considered barred. The answer to counterclaims or cross-
or for reopening of trial; claims shall be filed and served within ten days from service of
• Petition for relief from judgement; answer in which they are pleaded.

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After 10 days the defendant did not file an answer, can the position papers setting forth the law and the facts relied upon
plaintiff file a motion to declare the defendant in default? by them.
NO. A motion to declare the defendant in default is a prohibited
pleading. The affidavits must be based on the direct personal knowledge
of the affiants.
So, if the defendant does not file an answer what will the
court do? If it is not based on the direct personal knowledge of the
Should the defendant fail to answer the complaint within the affiant, what is the effect?
period above provided, the court, motu proprio, or on motion of It will not be admitted and will not be considered by the court. In
the plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be warranted by the this instance the affidavits are INADMISSIBLE.
facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what is prayed for
therein: Provided, however, that the court may in its discretion EXCLUSION OF EVIDENCE
reduce the amount of damages and attorney's fees claimed for Testimonial evidence to be admissible must be based on the
being excessive or otherwise unconscionable. This is without direct personal knowledge of the affiant.
prejudice to the applicability of Section 4, Rule 15 of the Rules
of Court, if there are two or more defendant. Does the same rules apply to SMALL CLAIMS? YES, if you
submit an affidavit that is not based on direct personal
Can the court do so upon the motion of the plaintiff? YES. knowledge, it will not be admitted.
The court may decide motu proprio or upon motion of the
plaintiff. Should the affidavits be in the form of a judicial affidavit
pursuant to the JA rule? Or is it not necessary because the
Let us say the plaintiff prayed for P80,000 damages. If the summary procedure only mentions affidavit without
defendant does not file an answer, and the court will render qualifying it?
judgement, can the court award a lesser amount of YES. Although the Summary Procedure was issued before the
P50,000? JA rule. The JA rule provides that it should apply to all cases
YES under the MTC. Since summary procedure falls under the MTC,
the Judicial Affidavit Rule must be followed.
Can the court award a bigger amount of P150,000? NO.
Because the rules provide that the court will render judgement The court will render judgement within 30 days, is there a
based on the allegations in the complaint. Meaning if the prayer longer period that may be allowed for the Court to render
is P80,000 the court cannot go beyond that but the court can go judgement beyond the 30-period?
below that but never beyond. Should the court find it necessary to clarify certain material facts,
it may, during the said period, issue an order specifying the
The defendant files an answer what happens next? A matters to be clarified, and require the parties to submit affidavits
preliminary conference shall be held. Both parties must file their or other evidence on the said matters within ten (10) days from
preliminary conference brief. receipt of said order. Judgment shall be rendered within fifteen
(15) days after the receipt of the last classificatory affidavits, or
What if the plaintiff does not attend the preliminary the expiration of the period for filing the same.
conference?
The failure of plaintiff to appear in the preliminary conference Once the Court renders judgement, let us say it is an
shall be the cause for the DISMISSAL of his complaint. The ejectment case, is it immediately final and executory?
defendant who appears in the absence of the plaintiff shall be YES. Civil cases under the summary procedure, including
entitled to judgement on his counterclaim in accordance with forcible entry and unlawful detainer shall immediately
Section 6 (Failure to file an answer). executory.

If defendant files an answer with a compulsory counterclaim Is it final?


the but the plaintiff does not attend the preliminary NO. It is immediately executory without prejudice to a further
conference, the court will dismiss the complaint. Does that appeal that may be taken.
mean that all the counter-claims will be dismissed?
NO. The court will render judgement on the basis of the If you appeal, do we apply the rule on summary procedure
counterclaim. Just like when the court renders judgement based in the proceedings of the appeal level?
on the complaint. Because the counterclaim of a defendant is in The judgment or final order shall be appealable to the appropriate
the nature of a complaint. regional trial court which shall decide the same in
accordance with Section 22 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129
So, if the plaintiff does not appear. The court will dismiss the
complaint but the court can render judgement based on the Can you instead of appealing file a motion for
allegations counter claim. reconsideration first to assail the decision? NO. A motion for
reconsideration is a prohibited pleading under summary
After the preliminary conference, the court already orders a procedure.
preliminary conference order. What happens next?
Within ten (10) days from receipt of the order, the parties shall What if you file an MR, will the motion for reconsideration
submit the affidavits of their witnesses and other evidence on toll the period within which to appeal?
the factual issues defined in the order, together with their NO. If the court does not act on the MR, it will not toll the period
to file an appeal and the effect of that is that your decision
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becomes final and executory if the 15 day period lapses. This is • Certified photocopies of documents
because you filed for the wrong remedy. So the remedy here is • Affidavits of witnesses and other evidence in support
to file an appeal. thereof.

SMALL CLAIMS What are the instances in small claims where the court can
dismiss the case?
What are the cases covered by Small Claims? • Non-submission of the required affidavits
• For money owed under any of the following o Contract • Falls under the summary procedure
of Lease; o Contract of Loan; o Contract of • When a business of banking, lending, or similar
Services; o Contract of Sale o Contract of activities misrepresents themselves
Mortgage • Failure of the parties to appear
Wherein the amount DOES NOT EXCEED P400,000 in
Metropolitan Trial Courts and DOES NOT EXCEED P300,000 in Can you try to sue as an Indigent and not pay the docket
Municipal Court, Municipal Circuit Trial Court and Municipal fees? Yes.
Courts in Cities
• For liquidated damages arising from contracts What if the court denies your motion to sue as an indigent?
• The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an Should you pay docket fees? Within how many days?
arbitration award involving a money claim covered by the The plaintiff shall be given five (5) days within which to pay the
Rule pursuant to the Local Government Code docket fees, otherwise, the case shall be dismissed without
Can unliquidated damages fall under small claims? prejudice.
NO. It has to be liquidated damages. The reason is that if it is a
liquidated damage it is agreed or stipulated in the contract. There If the defendant does not file a response, what is the effect?
is no need to prove. While if it is for unliquidated damages there Should the defendant fail to file his Response within the required
is a need for trial to prove that amount. period, and likewise fail to appear on the date set of hearing, the
court shall render judgement on the same day, as may be
Should there be lawyers in summary procedure? warranted by the facts alleged in the Statement of Claim/s.
YES
What if the plaintiff does not attend the hearing, what is the
Can there be lawyers on small claims effect?
NO. The rules on small claims provides that “No attorney shall Failure of the plaintiff to appear shall cause for the dismissal of
appear in behalf of or represent a party at the hearing” the Statement of Claim/s without prejudice.
EXCEPTION:
Unless the attorney is the plaintiff or defendant of the small
claims. If the party-litigant is a lawyer Is it with or without prejudice?
WITHOUT prejudice, it can be refiled.
What do you file in small claims to institute the actions? A
small claims action is commenced by filing with the court: What about when the defendant is absent during the
• An accomplished and verified Statement of Claim hearing?
(Form 1-SCC) in duplicate Failure of the defendant to appear shall have the same effect as
• Accompanied by a Certification against Forum failure to file a Response.
Shopping
• Splitting a Single Cause of Action What if the defendant did not file an answer but was present
• Multiplicity of Suits (Form 1-A-SCC) and, during the hearing?
• Two duly certified photocopies of the actionable The defendant who appears in the absence of the plaintiff shall
documents/subject of the claim be entitled to judgement on a permissive counterclaim.

Should there be anything attached to it? If you are engaged in a banking business or lending or
• Affidavits of witnesses similar activities. What is the additional requirement of small
• Other evidence to support the claim. claims?
If the plaintiff is engaged in the business of banking, lending, and
What is the effect if you do not attach the affidavits in a similar activities, must state in the Statement of Claim that he is
statement of claims? engaged in such activities.
It will be DISMISSED.
What if they misrepresent or do not allege that they are
There is a statement of claims, then summons will be served involved in that business, what is the effect?
to the defendant. Then defendant will file what? Response If the plaintiff misrepresent that he/she/it is not engaged in the
within a non-extendible period of ten days from receipt of business of banking, lending or similar activities when in fact they
summons. are engaged, the Statement of Claim/s shall be dismissed with
prejudice and plaintiff shall be meted the appropriate sanctions,
such as direct contempt.
Should it be verified?
Yes.
What if summons cannot be served within 30 days, the court
will direct the plaintiff to serve the summons and still
What should be attached to your response?
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summons cannot be served. What will be its effect on the thousand pesos (P400,000) except actions for forcible entry
small claims case? into and unlawful detainer of lands or buildings
It will be dismissed but without prejudice • All actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the
demand and claim exceeds Two million pesos
The rules on venue provide that if it is a personal action it is (2,000,000.00);
to be filed in the residence of the plaintiff or defendant. So, • In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where
if it is a corporation, it is the place of business. In small the gross value of the estate exceeds Two million pesos
claims if the principal office of BPI, a banking institution, is (2,000,000.00);
in Makati but it has a branch in Manila where the defendant • In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court,
resides. Can it still be filed in Manila where the branch is tribunal, persons or body exercising judicial or quasi-judicial
located under small claims? functions;
If the plaintiff is engaged in the business of lending, banking, and • In all other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest,
similar activities, and has a branch within the municipality or city damages of whatever kind, attorney's fees, litigation
the defendant resides, the Statement of Claim/s shall be filed expenses, and costs or the value of the property in
where the branch is located. controversy exceeds Two million pesos (2,000,000.00).

Do we include the amount of interest and costs in CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OF THE RTC
determining the threshold amount? • Concurrent original jurisdiction with the Supreme Court in
NO, it is exclusive of interest and costs actions affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and
consuls.
What is the rule for filing fees in small claims, are there • Concurrent original jurisdiction with the Supreme Court and
additional amounts in filing fees in small claims? Court of Appeals in petitions for certiorari, prohibition,
• If more than five (5) small claims are filed by one party mandamus against lower courts and bodies and in petitions
within the calendar year an additional filing fee of P500 for quo warranto and habeas corpus.
shall be paid fo every claim filed after the fifth (5th) claim
• An additional P100, or a total of P600 fo ever claim filed APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE RTC
after the tenth (10th) claim Over all cases decided by the MTC, MCTC, MeTC in their
• Another P100 or a total of P700 for every claim filed respective jurisdiction.
after the fifteenth (15th) claim, progressively and
cumulativelty SPECIAL JURISDICTION OF THE RTC
Certain RTCs may be designated by the Supreme Court to
Do we just follow rule 141 on the payment of docket and handle exclusively criminal cases, juvenile and domestic
filing fees? NO. relations cases, agrarian cases, urban and land reform cases
which do not fall under the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial bodies and
agencies, and/or such other special cases the Supreme Court
Do you agree that the prohibited pleadings in summary may determine in the interest of a speedy and efficient
procedure are exactly the same in small claims? NO. administration of justice.

PROHIBITED PLEADINGS IN SMALL CLAIMS FAMILY COURTS


• Motion to dismiss the Statement of Claim/s;
• Motion for a bill of particulars; ORIGINAL EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF FAMILY COURTS
• Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a a) Criminal cases where one or more of the accused is below
judgement, or for reopening of trial; 18 years of age but not less than 9 years of age or where
• Petition for relief from judgement; one or more of the victims is a minor at the time of the
• Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits, commission of the offense: Provided, That if the minor is
or any other paper; found guilty, the court shall promulgate sentence and
• Memoranda; ascertain any civil liability which the accused may have
• Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against incurred;
any interlocutory order issued by the court; b) Petitions for guardianship, custody of children, habeas
• Motion to declare the defendant in default; corpus in relation to the latter;
• Dilatory motions for postponement; c) Petitions for adoption of children and the revocation thereof;
• Reply and rejoinder; d) Complaints for annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity
• Third-party Complaints; and of marriage and those relating to marital status and property
• Interventions relations of husband and wife or those living together under
different status and agreements, and petitions for
RTC JURISDICTION dissolution of conjugal partnership of gains;
e) Petitions for support and/or acknowledgment;
f) Summary judicial proceedings brought under the provisions
JURISDICTION OF RTC
of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the “Family
• All civil actions in which the subject of the litigation is Code of the Philippines”;
incapable of pecuniary estimation g) Petitions for declaration of status of children as abandoned,
• In all civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, dependent of neglected children, petitions for voluntary or
real property, or any interest therein, where the assessed involuntary commitment of children; the suspension,
value of the property involved exceeds Four hundred termination, or restoration of parental authority and other
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cases cognizable under Presidential Decree No. 603, NO. The Court of Appeals can also exercise exclusive original
Executive Order No. 56, (Series of 1986), and other related jurisdiction.
laws;
h) Petitions for the constitution of the family home; ORIGINAL EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF
i) Cases against minors cognizable under the Dangerous APPEALS
Drugs Act, as amended; The Court of Appeals shall exercise exclusive-original jurisdiction
j) Violations of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the in actions for the annulment of the judgements of the RTC.
“Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” as amended by ORIGINAL CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OF THE CA
Republic Act No. 7658; and • With the Supreme Court to issue writ of certiorari,
k) Cases of domestic violence against women and children. prohibition, mandamus against the following o RTC
o Civil Service Commission
What if there is no designated as a special family court in a o Other quasi-judicial agencies mentioned in Rule
city or locality, does that mean the case involving family 43
cases can no longer be filed? o NLRC
NO. In areas where there are no Family Courts, the case shall be • Concurrent and original jurisdiction with the Supreme Court
adjudicated by the RTC. So, the RTC is called a court general and RTC to issue writ of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus,
jurisdiction because all cases, the jurisdiction of which is not against lower courts and also writ of quo warranto (whether
specifically provided by law to be within the jurisdiction of any in the exercise of appellate jurisdiction or not)
other court falls within the jurisdiction of the RTC.

RECAP OF ASPECTS OF JURISDICTION


Jurisdiction over the subject matter – conferred by law EXCLUSIVE APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE CA
• By way of ordinary appeal from the judgement of the RTC
Jurisdiction over the person – and the Family Courts
Plaintiff – filing of valid complaint with payment of docket and • By way of petition for review from the judgement of the RTC
filing fees rendered in its appellate jurisdiction
Defendant – summons/voluntary • By way of petition for review from the decisions, resolutions,
orders or awards by the Civil Service Commissions and
Jurisdiction over the issues – court has jurisdiction over the
other bodies mentioned in Rule 43
issue being tried and decided by the court be within the issues
raised in the pleadings, or if not pleaded, if tried and no timely
objection is made thereto by the parties. APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE CA
Over decisions of the MTC in cadastral or land registration cases
Jurisdiction over the res – pursuant to its delegated jurisdiction.
(1) by the seizure of the property under legal process, whereby
it is brought into actual custody of the law; or What about annulment of judgement of the MTC. Does the
(2) as a result of the institution of legal proceedings, in which RTC exercise that under the original or appellate
the power of the court is recognized and made effective. jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction over the remedy - Jurisdiction over the remedy ORIGINAL
pertains to the court's competence over the process. This
should not be confused with the relief, that which the party filing SUPREME COURT
the case wants the court to declare, and which addresses the
breach of the right or obligation (Philippine Long Distance ORIGINAL EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION
Telephone Co. v. Citi Appliance M.C. Corp., G.R. No. 214546, The Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in petitions
October 9, 2019, J. Leonen for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus against the
• Court of Appeals
• COMELEC
VENUE VS. JURISDICTION
• Commission on Audit
• Sandiganbayan
Jurisdiction may not be conferred by consent or waiver upon a
court which otherwise would have no jurisdiction • CTA
over the subject matter of an action.
ORIGINAL CONCURRENT JURISDICTION
Venue of an action as fixed by statute may be changed by the • With the CA in petitions for certiorari, prohibition, and
consent of the parties and an objection that the plaintiff brought mandamus against the o RTC
his suit in the wrong county may be waived by the failure of the o Civil Service Commission o Central Board of
defendant to make a timely objection. (Anama v. Citibank, N.A., Assessment Appeals
G.R. No. 192048, December 13, 2017) o NLRC
o Other quasi-judicial bodies
COURT OF APPEALS • With the CA and RTC in petitions in certiorari,
prohibition, mandamus against lower courts and bodies
Is the CA only an appellate court and which does not and in petitions for quo warranto and habeas corpus.
exercise exclusive original jurisdiction? • With the RTC in cases affecting ambassadors, public
ministers, and consuls.
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In this case you filed it with the proper court except that your
APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SC procedure is wrong. In that instance you filed it through
It had appellate jurisdiction by way of petition for review on small claims but the proper court. But you used the wrong
certiorari against the procedure, what will happen to your unlawful detainer filed
• CA, Sandiganbayan, RTC on pure legal question through small claims procedure? The rules provide that it will
• Constitutionality or validity of a law or treaty, be redocketed from small claims to summary procedure. The
international or executive agreement, law, presidential docketing of cases are in this wise:
decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance or • If it is small claims docket no. Small claims No. 12345 • If
regulation, legality of tax, impost, assessment, toll or it is summary procedure is Summary procedure No.
penalty, jurisdiction of lower court. 12345

ORIGINAL CASES OF THE SC It will not be dismissed because it was filed in the correct court
• The following may be filed originally with the SC that has jurisdiction.
• Petition for certiorari
• Petition for prohibition Which court has jurisdiction over accion publiciana? It
• Petition for mandamus depends on the assessed value because in accion publiciana it
• Petition for quo warranto involves title, possession of or interest therein.
• Petition for habeas corpus
• Disciplinary proceedings against members of the NOTE: Unlawful detainer and forcible entry would have been a
judiciary and attorneys real action that involves real action to, or title or possession
• Cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, therein. However because the law expressly provides that
and consuls unlawful detainer and forcible entry falls within the exclusive
• A petition for writ of amparo original jurisdiction of the MTC, then it is MTC.
• A writ of Habeas Data
NOTE: In criminal procedure we know that it is provided by law Accion Publiciana involves possession of property, therefore the
for the subject matter, but at the same time determined by the determination of jurisdiction depends on the assessed value of
allegations of the complaint or information. Similarly, in civil the property.
cases we have jurisdiction over the subject matter which is
provided in law, nevertheless it is still determined by the REAL ACTION
allegations of the complaint or information. An action affecting title to real property or for the recovery of
possession, or for partition or condemnation of, or foreclosure of
What if the case is denominated as one of specific a mortgage on, real property,
performance which you would think is incapable of
pecuniary estimation but the prayer is for annulment of title PERSONAL ACTION
and reconveyance of land, recovery of ownership and An action seeking the recovery of personal property, the
possession over the land. What is the nature of the action? enforcement of a contract or the recovery of damages.
It depends on the access values because it is a real action and
incapable of pecuniary estimation. Because the issue here is it Is personal action synonymous to action in personam?
claims to be incapable of pecuniary estimation because it is an NO
action for specific performance. But in the allegation of the
complaint, it is recovery of ownership and annulment of title to In action in personam, the decision is binding upon whom?
recover ownership and possession which by definition under BP The parties. An action in personam is an action against a person
129 is one deals with ownership, title, to possession or interest on the basis of his personal liability.
therein in real property. Therefore, it is a real action, and to
determine the jurisdiction of the court you need to know the
Does it follow that all actions in personam are personal
assessed value if it does not exceed P20,000 outside metro
actions?
manila it MTC if it does not exceed within metro manila it is MTC.
NO, a real action may at the same time be an action in personam.
Exceeding those amount RTC.
ACTIONS IN REM
What if in the small claims case there is a claim to be a
Actions against the thing itself. They are binding upon the whole
breach of the lease contract. You are recovering the amount
world.
of unpaid rentals, but also you are claiming for the
defendant to vacate the premises. You filed it with form of
Does it follow actions in rem are always real action? Can you
statement of claims filed for a small claims procedure. Will
think of actions in rem thar does nor involve real property?
the case be dismissed?
When it affects status.
No. Because the court which has jurisdiction over unlawful
detainer cases is MTC. If you file it through small claims the case
is actually filed with the MTC. JURISDICTION OVER THE PERSON
Power of the court to make decisions that are binding on person.
In civil cases it is acquired either by (1) compulsory process, or
It cannot be dismissed because jurisdiction is provided by law
(2) his voluntary appearance
and the law provides that the MTC has exclusive jurisdiction of
the case.
Can you waive lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter?
NO

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Action commences when you filed the motion to implead.
How about lack of jurisdiction over the person? YES, when
there is no proper service of summons but the defendant Under Rule 1, how do you construe the rules of court? The
voluntarily appears or submits himself to the court. Rules of Court shall be liberally construed in order to promote
their objective of securing a just, speedy and inexpensive
As a general rule, we can raise lack of jurisdiction at any time disposition of every action and proceeding.
even on the first time of appeal. What do you mean by
estoppel jurisdiction? An action to revive judgement, is that an action that is
After a party invokes the jurisdiction of the court and only after he incapable of pecuniary estimation?
did not acquire relief that he wanted. He will assail the jurisdiction YES. In determining jurisdiction of an action whose subject is
he invoked. incapable of pecuniary estimation the nature of the principal
action or remedy sought must first be ascertained.
JURISDICTION OVER THE ISSUES • Primarily for the recovery of a sum of money the
The power of the court to try and decide the issues raised in the claim is considered CAPABLE of pecuniary estimation
pleadings of the parties. and the jurisdiction depends on the amount of the claim.
• Where the primary issue is something other than the
JURISDICTION OVER THE RES right to recover a sum of money, where the money
It refers to the court’s jurisdiction over the thing or the property claim is purely incidental to or, a consequence of, the
which is the subject of the action. It is acquired either principal relief sought, such actions are INCAPABLE of
• By the seizure of the property under legal process, pecuniary estimation hence cognizable by the RTC. An
whereby it is brought into actual custody of law action to revive judgement raises the issues of
• As a result of the institution of legal proceedings, in whether the petitioner has a right to have the final and
which the power of the court is recognized or made executory judgement revived and to have that
effective. judgement enforced and DOES NOT involve recover
of a sum of money. It is incapable of pecuniary
QUASI IN REM ACTIONS estimation and shall be filed with the RTC.
It is an action brought against persons seeking to subject the
property of such persons to the discharge of the claims assailed. So lets us say that the judgement sought to be revived deals
It is when an individual is named as defendant and the purpose with a recovery of a real property and you want to revive that
of the proceeding is to subject the interest therein. judgement, do we follow the rule on jurisdiction of real
CIVIL ACTION - An action brought to enforce, redress or protect property because the judgement sought to be revived is a
rights. real action?
YES. We must follow the rules on jurisdiction of real property.
CRIMINAL ACTION – An action brought to prosecute. The proper venue depends on the determination of whether an
If it is a special civil action, does that mean that the ordinary action for revival of judgement is a real action or a personal
rules will not apply? action.
Ordinary rules will still apply subject to when otherwise provided • REAL action: if it affects the title or possession of real
by the special rule. property, or interest therein, it must be files with the
court of the place where the real property is located.
What is a SPECIAL PROCEEDING? • PERSONAL action: filed with the court of the place
It is a remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, right, where plaintiff or defendant resides,
or a particular fact.
What is an action to revive a judgement?
In what cases will the Rules of Court NOT apply? An action to revive a judgement is an action whose exclusive
The Rules of Court do not apply to the following: purpose is to enforce a judgement by which could no longer be
• Election case enforced by mere motion.
• Land registration case
• Cadastral case It raises the issue of whether the petitioner has the right to have
• Naturalization Cases a final and executory judgement reviving.,
• Insolvency proceedings
• And other cases not herein provided for, except by Action to revive a judgement depends on the nature of the
analogy or in suppletory character whenever judgment to be revived? So if the basis of action to revive
practicable and convenient will be dependent on the action sought to be revived?
NO, since it is a separate action from the original action
Let us say you filed a letter without paying docket fees, did
the court acquire jurisdiction over your person? What is the nature of an action to revive a judgement so that
No, because jurisdiction over the person is acquired by filing of we know what court has jurisdiction? Under B.P. 129 where
the complaint. In this instance you only filed a letter, and you did does it fall under?
not pay docket fees. Real Action. It is not personal, because it is incapable of
pecuniary estimation. For personal actions then it would depend
If you want to implead additional parties and you filed a on the amount.
motion in court for leave to implead an additional defendant
in so far as that additional defendant is concerned when was Atty Senga: It is incapable of pecuniary estimation because of the
the action commences? nature of the case which is to revive a judgement. As provided in
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the case of Anama the way to execute a judgement by means of there is no assessed value, we can rely on the fair market
motion within 5 years, if you fail to execute the judgement within value?
5 years, then you would have to revive the judgement and the The case of Trayvilla, there is an orbiter dictum. The only issue
revival of a judgement is independent of the judgement sought to is whether or not the court can assume jurisdiction in so far as
be revived and therefore it is an independent action and is the payment of docket fees.
incapable of pecuniary estimation.
We know that to know which Court will exercise jurisdiction over
What do you mean by jurisdiction is determined by the one case, we look at the assessed value of the real property as
allegations of the complaint? provided in the Tax Declaration.
Since jurisdiction is conferred by law, the factual allegations of
the complaint will determine which Court has the power to try and However, it is not enough for us to look at the law, you also need
decide the case. Irrespective of whether the parties is entitled to to pay the Docket AND Filing fees. The Court will not exercise
the claim ascertained. So you need to have a concise statement jurisdiction if you do not pay them. That’s why in Jurisdiction over
of the ultimate facts for determining jurisdiction alleged in the the parties for the court to acquire jurisdiction over the plaintiff
complaint. there must be valid filing of the complaint. For the plaintiff to file
a complaint, the plaintiff needs to pay for docket fees and filing
In the case of Anama v. Citi Bank the Court explained how fees. IF you DO NOT pay the Court cannot assume jurisdiction
an action is incapable of pecuniary estimation. How would
you know whether an action is incapable of pecuniary Two concepts to consider:
estimation? 1. Jurisdiction over the subject matter which is provided by law
If it is for recovery of money that is capable of pecuniary as provided by B.P. 129. Which provides that if the assessed
estimation but if the remedy is other than a claim for money then value is not more than P20,000 if outside Metro Manila, and
it is incapable of pecuniary estimation. not more than P50,000 if within Metro Manila and the MTC
Distinguish Venue v. Jurisdiction and in excess of that is the RTC.
Venue Jurisdiction
2. Even if the assessed value is for example the assessed
It is the place, or It is the power/authority of the value is P30,000 the MTC will not assume jurisdiction if you
geographical area, in which court to hear and determine a do not pay the docket and filing fees.
an action or proceeding case.
should be brought. If you will now go to the issue of docket fees you need to look at
Procedural Law Substantive law Rule 141 as amended. According to Rule 141 for computation of
docket fees the Clerk of Court will look at the Fair Market Value
Venue may be waived if not CANNOT be waived by the or Zonal Valuation as the case may be.
invoked either in a motion to parties
dismiss or in the answer Jurisdiction over the For Computation of
May be conferred by the act Conferred/fixed by law Subject Matter Docket Fees and Filing
or agreement of the parties Fees
The court cannot dismiss The Court may dismiss motu Assessed Value Fair Market Value or the
motu proprio for improper proprio in case of lack of Zonal Valuation whichever
venue jurisdiction over the subject MTC is higher
matter
• OUTSIDE Metro Manila:
not more than P20,000 In the absence of both:
*Jurisdiction over the subject • WITHIN Metro Manila: Not Purchase Price or what is
matter may be raised at any more than P50,000 alleged in the complaint
time during the proceedings.
RTC: In the excess of
There is an amended complaint and the amended complaint abovementioned amount,
was denominated as for specific performance, but it prayed more than
for reconveyance of property as well as the cancellation of P20,000 or P50,0000
defendants Torrens Title over the property, what is the
nature of the action? In the case of Travilla, the Court ruled that if you do not have FMV
Real action. or Zonal Valuation you look at the amount ALLEGED. That’s why
in the case the purchase price was included, the SC ruled that
For us to determine the jurisdiction of a real action what do the purchase price is not the basis to determine jurisdiction over
we look at? the subject matter because the price is not the assessed value
The Assessed Value of the real property as determine by the tax declaration BUT for purposes of
computation of docket fees you can use the purchase price in the
However, in the case of Trayvilla it makes mention of Rule absence of the zonal valuation and fair market value. This is
141 as amended by A.M. No. 04-2-04-SC and it says that for because the purchase price alleged in the complaint falls under
the Court to be able to vest jurisdiction for the payment of the third one, which says that in the absence of the FMV or Zonal
docket fees it should be alleged in the complaint the fair Value it is what is alleged by the claimant.
market value or the zonal evaluation whichever is higher, in
the absence of the allegations of the complaint. Does that TWO-TIERED RULE FOR THE ASSESSED VALUE
mean for us to have jurisdiction over the subject matter, if
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If you do not allege the assessed value in the complaint, it is the property. The value of the property is P100,000 in Metro
sufficient if there is a tax declaration or document attached to the Manila. Which Court has jurisdiction over the case?
complaint that provides for the assessed value. Exclusive Jurisdiction of the MTC because the demand to vacate
the premise constitute an unlawful detainer.
First Tier: It is the assessed value alleged in the complaint
Second Tier: in the absence of the allegations the court can take When can we raise the issue of lack of jurisdiction?
a liberal stance and consider the assessed value as At any time of the proceeding.
indicated in the documents attached in the complaint
Even for the first time on Appeal?
Rule on immutability of judgement is not absolute, it is Yes.
subject to exceptions. What are these exceptions?
1. The correction of clerical errors The exception to this rule is the rule on estoppel laches,
2. The so-called nunc pro tone entries which cause when is there estoppel by laches like in the case of Tijam?
prejudice to any party If you timely raise it, estoppel by laches will not apply.
3. Void judgements;
4. Whenever circumstances transpire after the finality of What is the doctrine of immutability of judgements? The
the decision rendering its execution unjust and doctrine of immutability of judgements bars courts from modifying
inequitable. decisions that have already attained finality, even if the purpose
of the modification is to correct errors of facts or law.
There is a complaint filed called the quieting of title and
reconveyance and declaration of nullity of affidavit and Even if it is the wrong judgement?
sales certificate. So the plaintiff is assailing the certificate of Yes. Because of principle that at risks of errors, litigation must
title of the defendant because there is not effective transfer come to an end and a right to appeal is not really a constitutional
of title because of the forgery in the affidavit. But the land right but more of a substantive right. And being substantive you
involved here is a friar land. What is the nature of the action? must follow the period prescribed by law. If the law prescribes a
Real Action. It involves an action of title or possession of a real period for you to appeal you must follow that.
property. The Supreme Court said that the action for
reconveyance seeks the transfer of property to its legal or rightful We said earlier that when there is no jurisdiction over the
owner. subject matter the judgement is void. So even if more than
15 days from the rendition of that void judgement you
The next issue here is that the land is a friar land. The cannot execute that void judgement. So a void judgement
question now is whether it should be Land Management may never be executed?
Bureau (formerly, the Bureau of Public Lands) that should You must raise the issue of the nullity if the decision
exercise jurisdiction over the case. What is the ruling of the
Court? In the case of Bautista v. Lindo the Court gave examples on
Regular Court has jurisdiction over the case. This is because cases incapable or pecuniary estimation, what are these
jurisdiction is provided by law and act 1120 does not provide that cases?
the Bureau of Public Lands will have jurisdiction over a case of The following are actions which are incapable of pecuniary
friar lands that has already been transferred to a private person. estimation:
Once it is transferred to a private person it will not be under the • Actions for specific performance;
Jurisdiction of the Land Management Bureau. • Actions for support which will require the determination
of the civil status;
What is an accion publiciana? • The right to support of the plaintiff;
It is a plenary action to recover the right of possession which • Those for the annulment if decisions of lower courts;
should be brought in the proper regional trial court when • Those for the rescission or reformation of contracts;
dispossession has lasted for more than one year, it is an ordinary • Interpretation of a contractual stipulation
civil proceeding to determine the better right of possession of
realty independently of title. In the case of Bautista he sold properties that are covered
by a free patent. Now in the contract of Sale it does not
Which court has jurisdiction? provide for a right to redeem or repurchase. However, under
Depends on the assessed value Sec. 119 of Commonwealth Act 141, it provides for a period
of five years to redeem or repurchase a property that is
In an accion publiciana can we also have a determination of subject of a free patent. The one who sold the property
the ownership of the real property? subject to a free patent filed a case in Court for repurchase
Yes. If the issue of possession cannot be determined without first of the land being sold. What is the nature of the action.
determining the issue on ownership, the court may also Specific performance. It is incapable of pecuniary estimation
determine the ownership of the property involved but such which is not a real action.
determination is not final. The issue of ownership shall be
resolved only to determine the issue of possession. But why is it not a real action? Isn’t it about the title of a
property because you want to buy it back? It is an action for
If the action complaint is denominated as accion publiciana specific performance because he wants to enforce his right to
but it alleges that within one year from the last demand repurchase which is provided by law
Destura who is the lessee who refuse to pay the lease was
also demanded to vacate the premises but refused to vacate
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But does it not matter that the right to repurchase was not discovery (if by means of stealth) or from dispossession (if by
included as a provision in the contract? other means of ouster).
It does not matter, because the law is deemed written in the
contract even if you do not state it. Exact wording from the case:
“Jurisdiction over the remedy is different from jurisdiction over
NOTE: there are only four aspects of jurisdiction: subject matter, the subject matter. Jurisdiction over the remedy pertains to the
the res, issues, and person but in the case of PLDT v. court's competence over the process. This should not be
Citi Appliance jurisdiction over the remedy is discussed. confused with the relief, that which the party filing the case wants
the court to declare, and which addresses the breach of the right
There was a land sold by Mr. Bautista covered by CA 141 or obligation.
(land covered by a free patent). He sold it to another. Under
CA 141, Sec. 119, if the land is covered by a free patent, the The source of jurisdiction is important. Generally, jurisdiction
seller has the right to repurchase it within 5 years. This is over the remedy is provided by the Rules of Court. Thus, it is
not part of the contract. Nevertheless, it is provided by law. mainly a procedural matter which this Court the authority that
Mr. Bautista is seeking to repurchase the land from the promulgates the Rules of Court — may change ad hoc, or clarify
buyer, invoking CA 141. The buyer refuses. Bautista filed a the application or interpretation of, in proper cases.
case to repurchase the land pursuant to CA 141. Is this a real
action? Meanwhile, the source of jurisdiction over the subject matter is
This is an action for specific performance. It is incapable of generally conferred by law. This is why the doctrine is that this
pecuniary estimation as such it is NOT a real action. This is a type of jurisdiction cannot be waived by the parties. Laws can
PERSONAL ACTION. You are seeking to enforce a right – the only be amended by a subsequent law, and nothing that parties
right to repurchase. do in any case can change it. Thus, the question of jurisdiction
over the subject matter can be raised even for the first time on
NOTE: It is essential to determine the nature of the action to appeal, not simply because it is jurisdiction over the subject
determine which court has jurisdiction. matter, but mainly because it is the law that prescribes it.

What do you mean by JURISDICTION OVER THE REMEDY? Parenthetically, "subject matter" in jurisdiction over the subject
In the case of PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE matter can refer to: (a) the cause of action, or the breach of legal
COMPANY (PLDT) v. CITI APPLIANCE M.C. CORPORATION right or legal duty; or (b) the res, or the thing over which the legal
(G.R. No. 214546, October 9, 2019) Respondent is trying to right or duty breached subsists. In forcible entry or unlawful
excavate his property so he can build a parking space detainer actions, the subject matter refers to a breach of the
underground. In the process of doing so, the PLDT lines extend general right to actual possession, which is an attribute of
over their property. So they are asking PLDT to vacate. PLDT ownership and the res which is always real property.”
refused. They filed an action for forcible entry on the ground of
stealth.

ISSUE: Whether the Court has jurisdiction? Jurisdiction over the Jurisdiction over the
SUBJECT MATTER REMEDY
The Court discussed jurisdiction over the subject matter
Pertains to the court’s That which the party filing the
VERSUS jurisdiction over the remedy. competence over the case wants the court to
process declare, and which
JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER is conferred by
addresses the breach of the
law. It is for the court to know whether they have the competence
right or obligation
to hear and decide a case. As far as jurisdiction over the subject
matter is concerned, BP 129 provides that the MTC has SOURCE of Jurisdiction
jurisdiction over actions for forcible entry. B.P. 129 – it is conferred by Rules of Court – it is a
law. procedural matter which the
You have one year to bring an action for forcible entry. The court may change ad hoc or
issue is whether the action has prescribed? What is the It can be raised even for the clarify the application or
reckoning point to count the one-year period? From the time first time on appeal. interpretation of, in proper
of last demand or from the time of discovery? cases
The SC ruled that in forcible entry cases, there is no need to
make a demand. You only need demand for unlawful detainer What is jurisdiction over the parties?
cases. So, the one-year period is counted from the date of The court’s competence to hear the case when it has acquired
discovery. jurisdiction over the person of the plaintiff and defendant. It is the
power of the court to make decisions that are binding on the
The SC held that jurisdiction over the remedy is the court’s parties.
competence over the process. But you should not confuse
jurisdiction over the remedy with the relief that the party is praying Why does the court have to have jurisdiction over the
for. person of the plaintiff and the defendant? What is the
purpose?
Jurisdiction over the remedy is provided by the Rules of Court. It In order for them to be bound by the proceedings and the ruling
is mainly a procedural matter. The Rules of Court provides that of the court.
you should bring an action for forcible entry within 1 year from
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How does the court acquire jurisdiction over the person of In an action for annulment of marriage where the husband is
the plaintiff? a non-resident who is also not a citizen of the Philippines,
For the court to assume jurisdiction over the person of the but the wife is a Filipino, how does the court acquire
plaintiff, the plaintiff must file a valid complaint or petition and pay jurisdiction over the res in their annulment of marriage? If at
the required filing and docket fees. least one of the parties is domiciled in or a national of the forum.

How does the court acquire jurisdiction over the person of What is a personal action?
the defendant? Action not involving title to, possession, or interest in real property
It is acquired either by his: (damages etc.)
(a) voluntary appearance or
(b) By the service of summons on the defendant. What is a real action?
Action involving title to, possession, or interest in real property
You are A. B owes you money in the amount of Php 1M.
Bwiset na bwiset ka sa kanya bec ayaw niyang magbayad. What is the purpose why we want to distinguish real
However, you also want to leave the country. You talk to property from personal property? To determine jurisdiction.
your best friend, C, asking him to file a case in your behalf. And to determine venue.
You are leaving the country in 3 hours, so you asked him to
file the case immediately. C filed the case in your name and What is the rule on venue (personal action versus real
against B. However, the one who signed the certification action)?
against forum shopping was C. Is that sufficient for the court • REAL ACTION: it is local depends on the location of the
to acquire jurisdiction over your person? No. C has to have real property. The place where the property or any
a proof of authorization, a special power of attorney (SPA). portion thereof is situated.
• PERSONAL ACTION: it is transitory depends on the
What is the effect of filing a case on A’s behalf but without a residence of the plaintiff or defendant
special power of attorney?
It is deemed not filed. What if you have a non-resident defendant in a personal
action?
What is jurisdiction over the issues? Residence of the plaintiff. If involves real property, then where
Competence of the court to rule on an issue. It is the power of the the property is located.
court to try and decide the issues raised in the pleadings of the
parties. What is the purpose why we want to distinguish whether the
action is in personam, in rem, or quasi in rem? To distinguish
How do we know that the court has jurisdiction over the as to whom the judgment shall be enforced. Also to know which
issues? rule on service of summons we will apply.
Look at the pleadings. Jurisdiction over the issues is based on
the issues raised in the pleadings by the parties. What is an action IN PERSONAM?
Action filed against a person to enforce his personal liability.
Is it correct to say that, as a rule, if you did not raise an issue
in the pleading, the court cannot rule on that issue? YES
Is this rule ABSOLUTE? Or is there an exception where the
court can rule on an issue not alleged in the pleading? NO. In an action in personam, does that court need to have
There is an exception. When there is an issue raised during jurisdiction over the person of the defendant? YES. Because
the presentation of evidence and the other party FAILS to it is to enforce his personal liability. To enforce that liability, the
timely object. There will be an amended of the pleading to defendant must be bound.
conform to the evidence.
Is an action in personam automatically a personal action?
Distinguish jurisdiction over the subject matter from NO.
jurisdiction over the issue.
Jurisdiction over the subject matter is conferred by law; Can we have a real action that is in personam? YES.
jurisdiction over the issue can be stipulated by the parties.
How is summons served in an action in personam?
What is jurisdiction over the res? Personal service. Or substituted service of summons.
Jurisdiction of the court over the property subject of litigation. It
refers to the court’s jurisdiction over the thing or the property If the defendant in an action in personam is a non-resident
which is the subject of the action. who cannot be found in the Philippines, can we
automatically use summons by publication?
How does the court acquire jurisdiction over the res? NO. Because the Rules provide that it will only apply to action in
(1) By seizure of property under legal process where it is rem and quasi in rem.
brought to the actual custody of the court (actual custody),
and In an action in personam for sum of money filed against a
(2) as a result of the institution of a legal proceeding where the non-resident defendant not found in the Philippines, we
power of the court is recognized and deemed effective cannot serve summons. And the Rules provide that for
(within the potential power of the court). extra-territorial service of summons (which includes

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summons by publication), the action has to be quasi in rem. In personam
So what is your remedy since your action is in personam
and you cannot avail of the summons by publication? Judicial foreclosure of real estate mortgage?
The remedy is to convert the action to quasi in rem. Quasi in rem

HOW? Land registration proceedings?


By acquiring jurisdiction over the res by actual seizure of the In rem
property.
Specific performance, breach of contract?
What is the PROCESS? In personam
Apply for a write of preliminary attachment. After it has been
attached, that is the time when you can have summons by RULE 2 CAUSES OF ACTION
publication.
Sec. 1, Rule 2
What if you did the summons by publication first, and then SECTION 1. Ordinary Civil Actions, Basis of .— Every ordinary
you converted it to quasi in rem by applying for writ of civil action must be based on a cause of action
attachment after? Is that valid?
NO. It is INVALID. Because at the time you did publication, it is Sec. 2, Rule 2
in personam. The SC ruled that you need to convert it first to SECTION 2. Cause of Action, Defined. — A cause of action is
quasi in rem. After it has been converted, that is the time when the act or omission by which a party violates a right of another
you can serve summons by publication.
Is the right of action the same as the cause of action? NO.
What is quasi in rem? Jurisprudence provides that cause of action is the formal
Quasi in rem involves a real property but directed to a particular statement of facts that give rise to the remedial right that is the
person. right of action. The right of action is the remedial right to maintain
an action in court.
In order for the court to acquire jurisdiction over the res in a
quasi in rem, is service of summons (on the defendant) Is it correct to say that the right of action springs from the
required? NO. cause of action?
YES
Nevertheless, if it is an action quasi in rem, do we still need
to comply with the rules on service of summons? Elements of cause of action
Yes. To comply with the due process requirement. Because in (1) there is a legal right by one party ;
quasi in rem, it affects/threatens/burdens the interest of the (2) the other party has the obligation to respect that right;
person over the property subject of litigation. It is to afford him (3) there is an act or omission by the defendant in violation
the chance to protect his interest if he likes to. of the right of the plaintiff.
What is an action in rem? What is a real party in interest?
It is an action against a particular property. A real party in interest is the party who stands to be benefited or
injured by the judgment in the suit, or the party entitled to the
An action in rem is binding upon the whole world. Correct? avails of the suit. Unless otherwise authorized by law or these
YES. Rules, every action must be prosecuted or defended. (RULES
What is an action quasi in rem? OF COURT, RULE 3, Section 2)
Action involving the status of the property over which a party has
interest. Not binding upon the whole world, but rather affects only Can a person who is not a real party in interest be part of a
the particular parties. case (whether as a plaintiff or as a defendant)? As a general
rule, the parties should always be a party in interest.
Action for partition of real property?
Quasi in rem In criminal cases, however, where there is a public offense,
who is the real party in interest?
Action for quieting of title? The STATE.
Quasi in rem
If there is an acquittal of the accused, and a petition for
Action for adoption? certiorari on the ground of GADALEJ was filed by a private
In personam complainant, will the case prosper?
NO. The private complainant is not a real party in interest. The
Action for correction of entry in the local Civil Registrar? In Solicitor General should file the case.
rem.
What is the test to determine whether there is failure to state
Action for nullity of marriage? a cause of action?
In personam. Whether or not the court can render judgment in accordance with
the prayer prayed for. The test is – assuming the allegations in
Action for support?

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the plaintiff are true, will it entitle the plaintiff to the remedy prayed NO. You cannot invoke the doctrine of anticipatory breach.
for? Jurisprudence provides that it is a premature cause of action. It
is just fear; merely speculative.
In the Heirs of Dolleton v. Real Estate Management case, the
defendants are seeking dismissal of the complaint on the What is the doctrine of anticipatory breach? When will the
ground that there is failure to state a cause of action. Was doctrine apply?
there failure to state a cause of action? They claimed that There must be a positive refusal of the other party to perform the
they have been in possession of the property for 90 years. contract.
The respondent assailed they own the property.
No. There is a cause of action because they applied the rule on If before the debt became due and demandable, there is positive
acquisitive prescription. Assuming the allegations are true, there refusal or denial, then you can apply the doctrine of anticipatory
is a cause of action to speak of. breach.

As a rule, all cases should have a cause of action under In what other instances can you bring an action before
ordinary rules? Yes. waiting for the debt to mature?
YES. Article 1198 of the Civil Code provides that a debtor shall
If there is lack of cause of action, what is the effect? lose his right to make use of a period:
The case will be dismissed. (1) When after the obligation has been contracted, he
becomes INSOLVENT, unless he gives a guaranty or
But are there instances where notwithstanding that there is security for his debt;
no cause of action, the case will still prosper? In what (2) When he DOES NOT FURNISH to the creditor the
instances? guaranties or securities which he has promised;
Action for declaratory relief. (3) When by his own acts he has IMPAIRED SAID
GUARANTIES AND SECURITIES after their
What is an action for declaratory relief? establishment, and when through a fortuitous event
Rule 63, Sec. 1, Rules of Court – File the case before there is a they disappear, unless he immediately gives a new one
breach or violation. Under ordinary rules for cause of action, equally satisfactory;
there is no cause of action. But the case will prosper because (4) When the debtor VIOLATES ANY UNDERTAKING, in
this is a special civil action, governed by ordinary rules unless consideration of which the creditor agreed to the period;
provided for by special rules. (5) When the debtor attempts to ABSCOND

Rule 63, Sec. 6, Rules of Court – If there is a breach during the NOTE: If for instance, your obligation is subject to a period such
pendency of the Rule 63 case, the case will be converted into an that it is payable after one year. If you make a demand to pay
ordinary civil action and the parties will be allowed to file their before that one year and assuming that the doctrine of
pleadings. Why? Because there is now a breach, so the rules on anticipatory breach does not apply, your action is premature.
ordinary civil action apply now.
It needs to be due and demandable and you need to make a
Rule 63 is not only about declaratory relief. There are other demand but despite the demand it was not paid. HOWEVER,
similar remedies. What are these similar remedies? even if it was not due you can bring an action based on;
Other remedies are: • There is anticipatory breach
• Reformation of contracts • You lose the period to demand under ARTICLE 1198
• Quieting of title (demand is still necessary)
• Consolidation of ownership

In these instances, we use Rule 63. (RULE 63, Second


paragraph, RULES OF COURT)
It is not enough for you to bring an action based on a cause You entered into a contract to sell with B to buy a tricycle
of action. There is also a period to bring a cause of action. If payable annually, 100K pesos every December 31. During
you want to bring a cause of action based on a written the first year, you already failed to pay the first installment.
contract, what is the period within which you can bring an Can B file an action for collection of sum of money against
action? 10 years. you for the first installment, or is it premature? Yes. B can
demand 100K, unless the contract provides that in case of
There are also condition precedents for you to have a cause breach, the whole amount will be due and demandable. In this
of action. If you loaned money to B, for your cause of action instance, the cause of action is divisible. The first cause of action
to accrue, is it enough that you loaned money to B? No. The (first installment) already accrued with the breach. You can
loan must be due and demandable. Must make a demand to pay, already bring an action for the first installment, unless there is an
unless the contract provides that demand is not needed to incur acceleration clause.
delay.
What is an acceleration clause?
Is it possible for you to file a collection for sum of money It provides that if there is non-payment of any installment, the
case even before the loan is due? whole obligation will become due.
As a general rule, no. The loan at that time is still premature.
What is a splitting of causes action?
What if B lose in a casino, can you bring an action?
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If two or more suits are instituted on the basis of the same cause If there is splitting of action, what is your ground for
of action, the filing of one or a judgment upon the merits in any dismissal?
one is available as a ground for the dismissal of the others Litis Pendentia or Res Judicata

Mr. Kho entered into a contract to sell with Mr. Suarez. In Note: splitting of action is alleged in the affirmative. The
your contract to sell, you agreed that the purchase price will defendant may move for the dismissal and his right to do so is
be paid by you in 10 annual installments every January of non-waivable.
each year. On January 2020, the first installment was due,
you did not pay. Mr. Kho made a demand for payment on LITIS PENDENTIA
February but Mr. Suarez did not pay anything. However, Mr. Litis pendentia as a ground for the dismissal of a civil action refers
Suarez did not say that he has no intention to pay for the to that situation wherein another action is pending between the
obligation. same parties for the same cause of action, such that the second
action becomes unnecessary and vexatious. The underlying
• Can you bring an action for the first installment? principle of litis pendentia is the theory that a party is not allowed
YES to vex another more than once regarding the same subject matter
and for the same cause of action. This theory is founded on the
• Your only action was for the payment of the purchase public policy that the same subject matter should not be the
price, but you’re only bringing a part of the purchase subject of controversy in courts more than once, in order that
price as an action. Isn’t there a splitting of action? possible conflicting judgments may be avoided for the sake of the
stability of the rights and status of persons.
NOTE: FAILURE TO MAKE A DEMAND
If you fail to make a demand, then your action is premature. REQUISITES OF LITIS PENDENTIA
The only exception is when you make a waiver to the demand. a) the identity of parties, or at least such as representing
There is a waiver to demand when in your contract it provides the same interests in both actions;
that the obligation is due on particular date without need further b) the identity of rights asserted and relief prayed for, the
demand. relief being founded on the same facts; and
c) the identity of the two cases such that judgment in one,
In this instance even without making a demand your cause of regardless of which party is successful, would amount
action will arise because in your contract because the obligation to res judicata in the other.
is due.
RES JUDICATA
What is the test to determine if there is a splitting of action? Res judicata literally means "a matter adjudged; a thing judicially
• Whether the same evidence would support and sustain both acted upon or decided; a thing or matter settled by judgment." It
the first and second causes of action (also known as the also refers to the "rule that a final judgment or decree on the
"same evidence" test), or merits by a court of competent jurisdiction is conclusive of the
• Whether the defenses in one case may be used to rights of the parties or their privies in all later suits on points and
substantiate the complaint in the other. Also fundamental is matters determined in the former suit. It rests on the principle that
the test of determining parties should not to be permitted to litigate the same issue more
• Whether the cause of action in the second case existed at than once; that, when a right or fact has been judicially tried and
the time of the filing of the first complaint determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, or an opportunity
for such trial has been given, the judgment of the court, so long
When there was a breach of installment, and an action was as it remains unreversed, should be conclusive
filed for the first installment. Was the action for the second upon the parties and those in privity with them in law or estate
to tenth installment already existing? REQUISITES OF RES JUDICATA
NO. It was only the first installment that was due and • The former judgment must be final;
demandable. All second to tenth were not yet due. • the court that rendered it had jurisdiction over the
If it was already September of 2021, two installments subject matter and the parties;
(January 2020 and January 2021) are already past due. Can • it is a judgment on the merits; and
you already bring two actions for the collection of the sum • there is — between the first and the second actions —
of money? One for the first installment and another for the an identity of parties, subject matter and cause of
second installment? action
NO. They should be filed together.
LITIS PENDENTIA v. RES JUDICATA
What is the effect if you don’t file it together? There is a LITIS PEDENTIA RES JUDICATA
splitting of action. If for instance all ten installments are already
both cases are pending. But There is already a judgement
due, you’re not going to file 10 actions for the 10 installments.
You are just going to file one case for the purchase price. the test to determine if it is which would bar another
litis pendentia is if you render case.
BUT, if it was divisible on the first time. Where the first one is only judgement in one of the
due and the rest was not yet due, you can bring an action for the cases, whether your
first one. If BOTH are already due then there is a single cause of successful or not, will it
action. You cannot separate it, otherwise there is a splitting of operate as res judicata and
action. bar the second case.

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Ms. Villena loaned money to Ms. Andaya in the amount of • whether separate actions could be maintained for
P100,000. Ms. Andaya really refused to pay. Ms. Villena separate relief; or
wants to bring an action for recover of P100,000 with interest • whether more than one distinct primary right or subject
at legal rate of 6% per annum and for moral damages. Can of controversy is alleged for enforcement or
you bring three separate cases? (One for moral damages, adjudication.
one for the interest, and one for the payment of loan)
NO. It is possible that you are asking several reliefs but it is Andaya bought an action for sum of money against Suarez
actually one single cause of action. If you separate it there will be in for the amount of the loan. Andaya won the case
splitting of cause of action, because you are already shopping for afterwhich the judgement became final. She moved for
forum. execution of judgement. Pursuant to the writ of execution,
the sheriff goes to Suarez and asked him to pay. So, the next
Ms. Panandigan loaned money to Ms. Ang of P1M and the step if the money cannot be satisfied is to attach some
loan was secured by a promissory note and also a real properties then it will be sold for public auction. Suarez only
estate mortgage. Can you file two separate cases? One for has one property; the same property is subject to a real
recovery of money on the basis of the promissory note and estate mortgage. If the same is attached and sold in an
the other one for the foreclosure or real estate mortgage? auction, will there now be splitting of action in this instance?
NO. These remedies are ALTERNATIVE. You can only avail of NO. Because it is pursuant to the case that Andaya chose, which
one. This is because there is only one action for recovery. Even is collection for the sum of money. It is part of the collection of
if the second action is for a foreclosure of mortgage, it is NOT a sums of money, there is NO SPLITTING OF ACTION. It just so
property case. Your end view for the foreclosure is so that your happens that the property attached is the same property subject
loan will be paid. of the mortgage BUT Andaya is not pursuing foreclosure of
mortgage.
This is an example where you have ONE CAUSE OF ACTION
BUT SEVERAL RELIEFS OR REMEDIES. There are several RULE 68, SECTION 6 DEFICIENCY JUDGEMENT
cases possibly filed but you can only avail of one. “Deficiency judgment.— If upon the sale of any real property as
provided in the next preceding section there be a balance due to
In loan contracts secured by a real estate mortgage, the rule is the plaintiff after applying the proceeds of the sale, the court,
that the creditor-mortgagee has a single cause of action against upon motion, shall render judgment against the defendant for
the debtor-mortgagor, i.e., any such balance for which, by the record of the case, he may
• to recover the debt, through the filing of a personal be personally liable to the plaintiff, upon which execution may
action for collection of sum of money or issue immediately if the balance is all due at the time of the
• the institution of a real action to foreclose on the rendition of the judgment; otherwise, the plaintiff shall be entitled
mortgage security. to execution at such time as the balance remaining becomes due
under the terms of the original contract, which time shall be
The two remedies are alternative, not cumulative or successive, stated in the judgment.”
and each remedy is complete by itself. Thus, if the creditor-
mortgagee opts to foreclose the real estate mortgage, he waives Under this is instance, if you pursue a foreclosure of mortgage
the action for the collection of the unpaid debt except only for the and the property will be foreclosed. It will then be sold in an
recovery of whatever deficiency may remain in the outstanding auction. If the property is sold in an auction and price in the
obligation of the debtor-mortgagor after deducting the bid price auction is the P600,000 but the loan is P1M. There is a balance
in the public auction sale of the mortgaged properties. of P400,000. The remedy is to seek for Deficiency Judgement.
Accordingly, a deficiency judgment shall only issue after it is
established that the mortgaged property was sold at public In this instance, there is still NO splitting of cause of action
auction for an amount less than the outstanding obligation because deficiency judgement is part of the procedure in
If you bring an action for collection of money, does that foreclosure of mortgage. What you will do is seek in the same
mean you already forego your foreclosure? court and in the same case for deficiency of judgement by
Yes motion.

If you bring your action for foreclosure of mortgage, you If Suarez issued postdated checks to pay for his loan. They
already forego your action for collection of money? were dishonored, Andaya gave notice but he still did not
Yes pay. Andaya then filed a case for B.P. 22, can you also file a
separate civil case for the civil aspect arising from the
TEST TO DETERMINE IF JOINING OF CAUSE OF ACTION OR crime?
IF THERE IS JUST ONE CAUSE OF ACTION WITH SEVERAL NO. Under Rule 111, it categorically provides that the civil case
RELIEFS is deemed instituted with the criminal case and reservation is not
The question of the joinder of causes of action involves a allowed.
preliminary inquiry as to whether two or more causes of action
are alleged. In declaring whether more than one cause of action Can you apply this retroactively?
is alleged, the main thrust is whether more than one primary Yes. Because procedural rules are construed to be applicable to
right or subject of controversy is present. Other tests are actions pending and undetermined at the time of their passage
• whether recovery on one ground would bar recovery on and are deemed retroactive in that sense and to that extent.
the other,
• whether the same evidence would support the other TEST TO DETERMINE IDENTITY OF CAUSE OF ACTION
different counts and
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• whether the same evidence would support and sustain
both the first and second causes of action (also known TEST TO DETERMINE OF IDENTITY OF PARTIES
as the "same evidence" test), or "[t]here is identity of parties where the parties in both actions are
• whether the defenses in one case may be used to the same, or there is privity between them, or they are
substantiate the complaint in the other. Also successors-in-interest by title subsequent to the commencement
fundamental is the test of determining of the action, litigating for the same thing and under the same title
• whether the cause of action in the second case exist and in the same capacity. Absolute identity of parties is not
required, shared identity of interest is sufficient to invoke the
The parties, 3 of them entered into a compromise agreement coverage of this principle. Thus, it is enough that there is a
covering a parcel of land and that compromise agreement community of interest between a party in the first case and a party
was submitted to the court for approval. The court rendered in the second case even if the latter was not impleaded in the first
a judgement for compromise, subsequently one of the case.
parties bought an action to recover the land subject to the
agreement. So out of the 5 properties, the action was only In the example, do we need to follow the first requisite? NO.
bought for the 3 properties. Can this be done?
NO. Because there is RES JUDICATA. There is already a So, does that mean since it does not mean the first requisite,
judgement for the compromise agreement and a resolution of the you cannot have a joinder of parties? The first requisite in this
properties. So, if you another action because of that there will a case does not need to be applied because they are the same
splitting of a cause of action. It will be dismissed on the ground parties. It does not involve several parties. We only apply joinder
of res judicata. of parties if you join different parties. In the example given, they
are the only two parties for all the causes of action. There is no
When we say that there should be the identity of parties, need to test it against the first requisite.
should it be exactly the same persons?
NO. It does not necessarily mean identical parties, it can also Ricardo borrowed money from a bank and there is a surety,
include identical interests represented. Rania, who secured the loan. Additionally, he has Isabelle
who is the guarantor of the loan. When the loan became past
JOINDER OF CAUSES OF ACTION due, the bank in pursuing Ricardo also joined Rania and
Joinder of actions (or joinder of causes of action) is the union of Isabelle. Can they be joined?
two or more demands or rights of action in one action. It is the Multiple parties but their involvement arises from the same
union of two or more civil causes of action, each of which could transaction
be made the basis of a separate suit, in the same complaint,
declaration, or petition. What is the nature of these parties?
• What is the nature of the obligation of a surety?
Villena loaned money to Ang in January 2020 in the amount Solidary debtor wherein you can claim the whole amount from
of P20,000. Then Villena loaned another P20,000 on the surety.
February. And then in March another P20,000 again. All the
loans have different maturity dates. By September, all the • What is the nature of the surety as a party?
loans are past due, can Villena file three cases against Ang In this case the bank can claim the whole money from Ricardo. If
separately for those three loans? the action was filed against Rania alone, then she is
YES. Because there are different causes of action. There is a indispensable. But if it is against both of you she is not an
separate right and a separate wrong for each cause of action. indispensable party anymore because the amount may be
But you can join them. collected from her or the bank.

NOTE: there are cases when you have separate contracts but • What is the nature of the guarantor as a party? There
there is only one cause of action because the contracts are cannot be a joinder for the guarantor. In fact you do not have
connected. a cause of action against the guarantor because the
REQUISITES FOR JOINDER OF ACTION guarantor’s obligation arises only after the benefit of
A party may in one pleading assert, in the alternative or excursion has already been exercised. There is no cause of
otherwise, as many causes of action as he may have against an action unless the guarantor waives the right of excursion.
opposing party, subject to the following conditions:
1. The party joining the causes of action shall comply with Mr. X is driving his car and there was a common carrier that
the rules on joinder of parties; collided with it. After the collision, his car was damaged. In
2. The joinder shall not include special civil actions or making the repairs for damages on the car, there was a cost
actions governed by special rules; which amounts to P100,000. Mr. X goes to his insurance
3. Where the causes of action are between the same company. But the insurance company only paid for P20,000.
parties but pertain to different venues or jurisdictions, Can Mr. X bring an action against the common carrier for the
the joinder may be allowed in the Regional Trial Court balance of P80,000? YES.
provided one of the causes of action falls within the
jurisdiction of said court and the venue lies therein; and Can the insurance company claim the amount or P20,000 it
4. Where the claims in all the causes of action are paid to Mr. X from the owner of the common carrier? YES.
principally for recovery of money, the aggregate amount The insurance company is surrogated to the rights of the insured
claimed shall be the test of jurisdiction. party?

FIRST REQUISITE: PERMISSIVE JOINDER OF PARTIES


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Can we argue that these cases cannot be joined because the proper court where the property is located, namely, in
responsibilities of each party arise from different legal Parañaque City, conformably with Section 1, Rule 4 of the Rules
basis, one from a quasi-delict and the other from an of Court. Since the petitioners, who were residents of Malolos,
insurance contract? Bulacan, filed their complaint in the said RTC, venue was
improperly laid.
• Are there the same questions of facts? YES, it arises
from the same accident. Was there a joinder of action?
• Is there a common question of law? YES, because of the NO. In this case, petitioners had only one cause of action
liability of the common carrier. against the respondents, namely, the breach of the MOA upon
• Does it arise from same transaction or series of the latter's refusal to pay. The claim for damages for reasonable
transaction? YES compensation for the respondents' use and occupation of the
• So, we can join them together? YES property, as well as moral and exemplary damages are merely
incidental to the main cause of action, and are not
SECOND REQUISITE: THE JOINDER SHALL NOT INCLUDE independent or separate causes of action.
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS OR ACTIONS GOVERNED BY
SPECIAL RULES. NOTE: in this the cause of action is the recovery of property but
in order the nullity of contract, that is why the ground used was
Mico has two properties. For first property (acquired breach of contract.
through prescription), he has been in open, continuous,
exclusive, notorious, possession since June 12, 1945 FOURTH REQUISITE: WHERE THE CLAIMS IN ALL THE
through your predecessors in interest over an agricultural CAUSES OF ACTION ARE PRINCIPALLY FOR RECOVERY
land. Mico sought for it to be titled in his name and acquired OF MONEY, THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT CLAIMED SHALL
a torrens title over the property. The second property is BE THE TEST OF JURISDICTION
where he resides. The Government wants to expropriate the
property he is living in because they will use it as a facility TOTALITY RULE
for the virus. In actions where the jurisdiction of the court is dependent on the
amount involved, the test of jurisdiction shall be the aggregate
At the same time Mico was fighting with them, he mentioned sum of all the money demands, exclusive only of interest and
“I only have two properties”. When the government checked costs, irrespective of whether or not the separate claims are
the other property, they claimed that it was a government owned by or due to different parties. If any demand is for
land. The Government instituted an action to annul the title damages in a civil action, the amount thereof must be specifically
for the first property. Can they join both actions together? alleged.
NO. The action for expropriation is a special civil action while
the action to annul the title is an ordinary civil action. Totality rule is applied also to cases where two or more plaintiffs
having separate causes of action against a defendant join in a
NOTE: Rule 62-71 are the special civil actions. single complaint, as well as to cases where a plaintiff has
separate causes of action against two or more defendants joined
THIRD REQUISITE: WHERE THE CAUSE OF ACTION ARE in a single complaint. However, the causes of action in favor of
BETWEEN THE SAME PARTIES BUT PERTAIN TO the two or more plaintiffs or against the two or more defendants
DIFFERENT VENUES OR JURISDICTIONS x.x.x should arise out of the same transaction or series of transactions
and there should be a common question of law or fact, as
This rule so we test it with the example with the common provided in Section 6 of Rule 3.
carrier. One should be with the RTC?
It should be with the same parties. In this case there are three Clarice loaned money to Krystel on three separate
different parties. If it is between the same parties but they pertain occasions with three different maturity dates. Each loan was
to different venues or jurisdiction it is allowed in the RTC provided at P20,000 each but the interest Clarice imposed is P2M
that one of the causes of action is within the jurisdiction of the each. Which court has jurisdiction when you join all the
RTC, and the venue lies therein. cases?

SPOUSES DECENA V. SPOUSES PIQUERO • Exclude always if damages?


• What if you are asking for moral damages?
There was a house and lot sold in Paranaque subject to a What about civil case arising from crime? What will happen
MOA with a purchase price payable with six installments if the amount you are asking for is beyond the jurisdiction
post-dated checks with a provision stating that if two of the court where it is filed?
installments are dishonored then the property should be
returned to the seller. Two checks were dishonored. At that For example, in a case of adultery pending with the MTC and
time the seller was already living in Bulacan. The seller you ask for damages in the amount of P500,000. The civil
bought an action for annulment of the MOA and recovery of aspect is only damages, does this mean the MTC has no
the land. They claimed that they can file it at RTC Bulacan jurisdiction over your civil aspect?
because the annulment of MOA is a personal action as such NO. The MTC has jurisdiction. The main cause of action is the
it can be filed to where they are residing now which is adultery which is tried in the MTC. The totality rule DOES NOT
Bulacan. Are they correct? APPLY since the damages sought for is only incidental to the
The action of the petitioners for the rescission of the MOA is a main action
REAL ACTION. As such, the action should have been filed in the
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In criminal cases, once the court acquires jurisdiction over the NOTE: If there is no amount specifically mentioned, the docket
person, over the subject matter and over the territory, it acquires fees will constitute as a lien on the judgement. For example, if
jurisdiction over all aspects including all incidental actions such the court awards you P500,000, that is where the court will
as the damages or the civil aspect as such the totality rule will deduct its docket fees because it will be computed based on the
not apply. P500,000 award.

MISJOINDER OF CAUSE OF ACTION The Court in this case ruled that what Manchester did was a clear
It is the failure to meet all the requisites of joinder of actions. manifestation of fraud or intent to defraud the government
because he is trying to escape the payment of docket fees.
What is your remedy when there is a misjoinder of causes of Accordingly, the Court executed a strict ruling saying that “if you
action? do not pay docket fees upon the filing of the complaint, the
Severe the actions. Rule 17 sec 3. If, for no justifiable cause, the court will not exercise jurisdiction. If you do not allege an
plaintiff fails to appear on the date of the presentation of his or amount in your prayer, the case will be dismissed and
her evidence in chief on the complaint, or to prosecute his or her stricken off the record of the Court.”
action for an unreasonable length of time, or to comply with these
Rules or any order of the court, the complaint may be SUN LIFE RULE on Docket Fees:
DISMISSED upon motion of the defendant or upon the court's The Court clarified that the Manchester rule will only apply if there
own motion, without prejudice to the right of the defendant to is an intent to defraud. It is not strictly applied to everything.
prosecute his or her counterclaim in the same or in a separate Because the purpose of the strict ruling in Manchester is to curb
action. This dismissal shall have the effect of an adjudication that behavior of avoiding the payment of filing fees by means of
upon the merits, unless otherwise declared by the court. deceit or fraud. If such deceit or fraud is not present you apply
the following guidelines:
Why?
Because there are different causes of action. 1. It is not simply the filing of the complaint or appropriate
initiatory pleading, but the payment of the prescribed docket
Is there a way for the Court to just dismiss it? The Court can fee, that vests a trial court with jurisdiction over the subject
dismiss the case when the parties do not comply with the order matter or the nature of the action. Where the filing of the
of the court severing the misjoinder of causes of action initiatory pleading is not accompanied by payment of docket
fee, the court may allow payment of the fee within a
DOCKET FEES reasonable time but in no case beyond the applicable
You compute the filing fees based on the amount alleged in the prescriptive or reglementary period.
complaint. In real action, it is the zonal value. So, it depends on
what kind of action. So, if the action is for the recovery of amount, If it is not immediately paid, you can pay it still within a reasonable
the percentage of that amount is the basis for computing the filing time. It will not be automatically dismissed as long as you pay full
fees. So, it follows that if you ask for a big amount from the amount of docket fees within a reasonable time and before the
opposite parties, the filing fees that you will pay will also be high. prescriptive period to do so has lapsed.
This is because it depends on the percentage of the amount you
are asking for. BEFORE THE PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD HAS LAPSED
You filed a complaint, and you know that an action in a
MANCHESTER RULE of Payment of Docket Fees: written contract prescribed within 10 years from the time the
To put a stop to this irregularity, henceforth all complaints, right of action arises. Let us say you only have one day
petitions, answers and other similar pleadings should specify the before the period lapses so you filed the complaint today but
amount of damages being prayed for not only in the body of the you did not yet pay docket fees will it be dismissed?
pleading but also in the prayer, and said damages shall be NO, because you have a reasonable time to do so
considered in the assessment of the filing fees in any case. Any
pleading that fails to comply with this requirement shall not be What if you paid it after 5 days?
accepted nor admitted, or shall otherwise be expunged from the NO, because the action has already prescribed. Another
record. example, if you file an appeal you need to pay for docket fees. If
you do not pay for docket fees, your appeal is not perfected.
The Court acquires jurisdiction over any case only upon the
payment of the prescribed docket fee. An amendment of the Let us say you received the decision today. From today you
complaint or similar pleading will not thereby vest have 15 days in which to file your appeal. You filed tomorrow
jurisdiction in the Court, much less the payment of the but did not pay docket fees. Is this allowed? Yes, but you
docket fee based on the amounts sought in the amended have to pay it within the 15 days period. If you do not pay it within
pleading. the 15 day period, (if you file it on the 20th day) then your appeal
was never perfected because you filed it beyond the period. In
which case, there is nothing left for you to appeal because
In Manchester, in the body of the complaint he was asking for
decision is already final.
P78M. The clerk of court computes the docket fees based on the
prayer. To avoid paying a big amount he did not include the
2. The same rule applies to permissive counterclaims,
amount of P78M in the prayer. What he placed in the prayer is
thirdparty claims and similar pleadings, which shall not be
“in such amount as this court may award”.
considered filed until and unless the filing fee prescribed
therefor is paid. The court may also allow payment of said

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fee within a reasonable time but also in no case beyond its If a party becomes incompetent or incapacitated, the court, upon
applicable prescriptive or reglementary period. motion with notice, may allow the action to be continued by or
against the incompetent or incapacitated person assisted by his
If the amount that is adjudged to you is miscomputed. You will be legal guardian or guardian ad litem.
given a reasonable time to settle the deficiency.
Can a fetus be a party to a civil action?
3. Where the trial court acquires jurisdiction over a claim by the It must be born under the conditions given by Article 41. For civil
filing of the appropriate pleading and payment of the purposes, the foetus is considered born if it is alive at the time it
prescribed filing fee but, subsequently, the judgment is completely delivered from the mother's womb. However, if the
awards a claim not specified in the pleading, or if foetus had an intra-uterine life of less than seven months, it is not
specified the same has been left for determination by deemed born if it dies within twenty-four hours after its complete
the court, the additional filing fee therefor shall delivery from the maternal womb.
constitute a lien on the judgment. It shall be the
responsibility of the Clerk of Court or his duly authorized EFFECT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH RULE 3, SEC.
deputy to enforce said lien and assess and collect the If PLAINTIFF - motion to dismiss may be filed on the ground that
additional fee. plaintiff has no legal capacity to sue

Plainly, while the payment of the prescribed docket fees is a If DEFENDANT - may be dismissed on the ground that the
jurisdictional requirement, even its non-payment at the time of pleading states no cause of action or failure to state a cause of
filing does not automatically cause the dismissal of the case, as action
long as the fees is paid within the applicable prescriptive or
reglementary period, more so when the party involved Andaya, Ang and Kho decided that you wanted to sell
demonstrates a willingness to abide by the rules prescribing such facemasks. The three paid Suarez P1M each for the delivery
payment. Thus, when insufficient filing fees were initially of the mask. Andaya, Ang and Kho wanted to make a
paid by the plaintiffs and there was no intention to defraud company named “The Face-Mask”. After that they applied
the government, the Manchester rule does not apply. with the SEC, but there is no registration yet. Suarez failed
to deliver the mask. Now, “The Face-Mask” company is filing
IN RELATION TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: a case against Suarez, will it prosper?
Rule 111 of Filing Fees. In so far as the civil aspect arising from NO. There is lack of capacity to sue. Because the application for
the crime, if there is a criminal case there is a civil case deemed incorporation is still pending with the SEC, the corporation has
instituted. You need to pay for docket fees if you are asking for not obtained a juridical personality to sue under the company
moral, nominal, temperate, exemplary damages name.

Everything is included EXCEPT for Actual damages. The rule is CAPACITY TO SUE v. PERSONALITY TO SUE
there is no computation of docket fees in Actual Damages. This LACK OF CAPACITY TO LACK OF PERSONALITY
is not absolute; the only exception is if the case involves B.P. 22. SUE TO SUE
If it is B.P. 22 you need to pay for docket fees based on the refers to a plaintiff’s general the fact that the plaintiff is not
amount of the checks.
disability to sue, such as on the real party- in-interest.
account of minority, insanity,
If you ask for damages without specifying the amount of damages
incompetence, lack of
then the docker fees will constitute as a lien on the judgement.
juridical personality or any
other general
RULE 3 PARTIES TO CIVIL ACTION
disqualifications of a party.
PARTIES OF A CIVIL ACTION
Who has the burden to show legal capacity to sue? Rule 8
Only natural or juridical persons, or entities authorized by law
Sec 4. Facts showing the capacity of a party to sue or be sued
may be parties in a civil action. The term "plaintiff" may refer to
or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a representative
the claiming party, the counter-claimant, the cross-claimant, or
capacity or the legal existence of an organized association of
the third (fourth, etc.) — party plaintiff. The term "defendant" may
persons that is made a party, must be averred. A party desiring
refer to the original defending party, the defendant in a
to raise an issue as to the legal existence of any party or the
counterclaim, the cross-defendant, or the third (fourth, etc.) —
capacity of any party to sue or be sued in a representative
party defendant.
capacity, shall do so by specific denial, which shall include
such supporting particulars as are peculiarly within the pleader's
JURIDICAL PERSONS UNDER ARTICLE 44 knowledge.
a) The State and its political subdivision
b) Other corporations, institutions, and entities for public What do you mean by interest?
interest or purpose, created by law and The party has interest when benefited
c) Corporations, partnerships and associations for private
interest or purpose to which the law grants a juridical
personality, separate and distinct from that of each
shareholder, partner or member What is the REMEDY because there is lack of capacity of
sue?
Can an incapacitated person be a party in a case?

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The complaint must be filed by the three parties because they are alleged that they are using it in contravention of the spirit and
the one alleging to be the members of the group. purposes of the trust.

Can one of the party file in a representative authority for the What is the rule in KALIKASAN cases?
other parties? There must be a violation of environment rules. The legal
Yes. But the other two parties must file an SPA. standing is where there is an environmental violation and it
involves at least two or more cities or municipalities. It is an
NOTE: Rule 3, Section 15 DOES NOT apply because the rule indispensable requirement. So, in that instant, if it involves two or
refers to defendants. more cities or municipalities or provinces there are numerous
parties involve that is why you can file it in a representative
Rule 8, Section 4 capacity. The strict rules on real party interest and ordinary rules
“Capacity. — Facts showing the capacity of a party to sue or be of civil actions DO NOT apply because in Kalikasan is a special
sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a civil action together with continuous mandamus.
representative capacity or the legal existence of an organized
association of persons that is made a party, must be averred. A Kalikasan cases. Is material damage required?
party desiring to raise an issue as to the legal existence of any No. Strict rule in RPI is not followed. It is a special civil action.
party or the capacity of any party to sue or be sued in a What is indispensable here is “representative capacity”
representative capacity, shall do so by specific denial, which shall
include such supporting particulars as are peculiarly within the TAX PAYER’S SUIT REQUISITES
pleader's knowledge.” • public funds derived from taxation are disbursed by a
political subdivision or instrumentality and in doing so
In capacity, you need to allege your capacity to sue. So if you are • a law is violated or some irregularity is committed; and
filing in a representative capacity you need to establish it as such the petitioner is directly affected by the alleged act
there must be a Special Power of Attorney otherwise it is deemed
as not filed. Locus standi of minors in Opposa v. Factoran
Intergenerational responsibility. Their personality to sue in
Who is a PLAINTIFF? behalf of the succeeding generations can only be based on
Is the claiming party and is the one who files the complaint. It may the concept of intergenerational responsibility insofar as the
also apply to the defendant filing the counter claim, cross right to a balanced and healthful ecology is concerned. Put
claim or third party plaintiff a little differently, the minors' assertion of their right to a sound
environment constitutes, at the same time, the performance of
Can be a defendant also be considered as a PLAINTIFF? The their obligation to ensure the protection of that right for the
term "defendant" may refer to the original defending party, the generations to come
defendant in a counterclaim, the crossdefendant, or the third
(fourth, etc.) — party defendant. CLASS SUIT
When the subject matter of the controversy is one of common or
Panandigan has an issue with Villena before the National general interest to many persons so numerous that it is
Housing Authority, Panandigan bought a case against her impracticable to join all as parties, a number of them which the
with the NHA. The NHA resolved the issue, but Panandigan court finds to be sufficiently numerous and representative as to
appealed it under Rule 43. The NHA wanted to intervene fully protect the interests of all concerned may sue or defend for
because it claims to be a real-party-interest. Should NHA be the benefit of all. Any party in interest shall have the right to
included? intervene to protect his individual interest
NHA is NOT a real party in interest because it is the only one who
rendered the decision. All students of “X” school were informed by the school that
the basis of the grade will be the number of ube cheese
LOCUS STANDI pandesal that they can bake within 24 hours. That is what
Personal and substantial interest in a cases such that the party the school did. So all of the students wanted to sue the
has sustained or will sustain direct injury because of the school. Can you file a class suit?
governmental act. NO. Because the students have separate contract with the
school. Each one of the students have a separate contract and
Versoza v. Fernandez Ruling each one has a separate breach of contract with the school.
In view of the allegations of the complaint, there can be no sort
of doubt as to the right of the plaintiff, as Bishop of the diocese Can you bring an action against a Dead Person? No. A
of Lipa, to maintain his action. As ecclesiastical superior of the deceased person does not have the capacity to be sued
parish priest, the Bishop necessarily has an interest in the and may not be made a defendant in a case.
enforcement of the trust, even apart from the duty imposed upon
his predecessor, the Archbishop of Manila in the closing Can you file a case against the estate or do you file it against
paragraph of the royal cedula, to enforce exact and punctual the executor or administrator?
performance of the trust. You can file it against the executor and administrator because
they are the lawful representatives of the estate. That is why
A Roman Catholic Bishop having the right of supervision and under the rules when someone dies, you need to substitute the
inspection over religious brotherhoods established in his dead person with the legal representatives, who may be the
bishopric may maintain a civil action to compel the persons executor or administrator.
comprising the directorate of such a fund in their custody, it being
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What if the spouses have a separation of property regime,
do they need to be sued jointly?
What about the principal, should the principal always be An instance when a spouse need not be joined in a suit involving
joined in the case? the other is when the litigation pertains to an exclusive property
General Rule: The principal should always be impleaded of the spouse.
because it is the real party in interest.
If the property is CPG, do they need to file a case together to
By EXCEPTION, the case can be sued in the name of the agent recover the property in CPG?
when: NO. It does not need to be together because the CPG is
An agent may sue or be sued solely in its own name and without governed by the rules of co-ownership.
joining the principal when the following elements concur:
1) Agent acted in his own name during the transaction; For example if there are 5 co-owners, and the co-owners
2) Agent acted for the benefit of an undisclosed principal; lost the property and they want to recover it. Is it required
and that all 5 co-owners should file the action?
3) Transaction did not involve the property of the principal. NO. You only need one party from a co-ownership to recover a
property. The law provides that in case of recovery of property,
The reason why it is an exception because in these cases it the co-owners do not need to get the consent or require a SPA.
appears that there is no principal. So the agent becomes the real Anyone of them may bring the action for recovery of the property,
party in interest. because it is to the benefit of the co-ownership. The same rules
apply to CPG.
RESIDENT MAMMALS LOCUS STANDI
The Court passed the landmark Rules of Procedure for With regard to actions for partition, Section 1, Rule 69 of the
Environmental Cases, which allow for a "citizen suit," and permit Rules of Court requires that all persons interested in the property
any Filipino citizen to file an action before our courts for violations shall be joined as defendants. Thus, all the co-heirs and persons
of our environmental laws. having an interest in the property are indispensable parties; as
such, an action for partition will not lie without the joinder of the
SEC. 5. Citizen suit. — Any Filipino citizen in representation of said parties.
others, including minors or generations yet unborn, may file an
action to enforce rights or obligations under environmental laws. What if it’s Absolute Community Property Regime?
Upon the filing of a citizen suit, the court shall issue an order
which shall contain a brief description of the cause of action and INDISPENSABLE PARTY v. NECESSARY PARTIES
the reliefs prayed for, requiring all interested parties to manifest INDISPENSABLE PARTY NECESSARY PARTY
their interest to intervene in the case within Fifteen (15) days Parties in interest without A necessary party is one who
from notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a whom no final determination is not indispensable but who
newspaper of a general circulation in the Philippines or furnish can be had of an action shall ought to be joined as a party
all affected barangays copies of said order. be joined either as plaintiffs if complete relief is to be
or defendants. accorded as to those already
The need to give the Resident Marine Mammals legal standing parties, or for a complete
has been eliminated by our Rules, which allow any Filipino determination or settlement
citizen, as a steward of nature, to bring a suit to enforce our of the claim subject of the
environmental laws. It is worth noting here that the Stewards are action.
joined as real parties in the Petition and not just in representation
of the named cetacean species. The Stewards, Ramos and
In Criminal Case, the private complainant necessary,
Eisma-Osorio, having shown in their petition that there may be
Indispensable or none-of the above?
possible violations of laws concerning the habitat of the Resident
You don’t need them to get full relief. Private complainants are
Marine Mammals, are therefore declared to possess the legal
deemed witnesses of the case. The real interest party in the case
standing to file this petition.
is the State.
NOTE: In environmental laws, there is an equivalent of a class
PRO-FORMA PARTIES
suit called as “CITIZEN’S SUIT”
a nominal or pro forma party is one who is joined as a plaintiff or
defendant, not because such party has any real interest in the
SPOUSES AS PARTIES subject matter or because any relief is demanded, but merely
Husband and wife shall sue or be sued jointly, except as provided because the technical rules of pleadings require the presence of
by law. such party on the record
The husband obtained the loan from a bank, the marriage is These are those who are required to be joined as co-parties in
celebrated after the family code. He defaulted, but the loan suits as provided by the law and the rules. A pro-forma party can
redounded to the benefit of the Family. Can the case just be either be indispensible, necessary or none of the above.
filed against the husband, or to both spouses?
NO. It shall be filed against both spouses.
In the example of solidary debtors, in that instance, you can
recover the entire amount as against one debtor. So if you sue a
Can the case be filed against the husband alone since he’s case against one debtor he is indispensable party and all the
the only one who obtained the loan? other solidary debtors.

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knowledge and consent, as such would be a denial of due
Rule 65, Section 5 process.
When the petition filed relates to the acts or omissions of a judge,
court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal, corporation, board, officer Moreover, the reason cited by the petitioners Stewards for
or person, the petitioner shall join, as private respondent or including former President Macapagal-Arroyo in their petition, is
respondents with such public respondent or respondents, the not sufficiency to implead her as an unwilling co-petitioner.
person or persons interested in sustaining the proceedings in the Impleading the former President as an unwilling co-petitioner, for
court; and it shall be the duty of such private respondents to an act she made in the performance of the functions of her office,
appear and defend, both in his or their own behalf and in behalf is contrary to the public policy against embroiling the President
of the public respondent or respondents affected by the in suits, "to assure the exercise of Presidential duties and
proceedings, and the costs awarded in such proceedings in functions free from any hindrance or distraction, considering that
favor of the petitioner shall be against the private respondents being the Chief Executive of the Government is a job that, aside
only, and not against the judge, court, quasi-judicial agency, from requiring all of the office holder's time, also demands
tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person impleaded as undivided attention."
public respondent or respondents.
Who has the duty to implead the indispensable parties?
FIRST PARAGRAPH: Private respondent who is the party that The plaintiff.
is interested in sustaining the judgement that is assailed. For
example, if you have an acquittal, the prosecution or OSG What is the effect if there is non-joinder of indispensable
causes the filing of the certiorari to assail the acquittal. The parties?
PRIVATE RESPONDENT is the accused because he is The non-joinder of indispensable parties, the proper remedy is
interested in sustaining the acquittal and the PUBLIC to implead them and not dismiss the case. At any stage of the
RESPONDENT is the court that rendered the decision being proceeding parties may be added on the motion of the party or
assailed. on the initiative of the tribunal concerned. If plaintiff refuses to
implead the court may dismiss the case.
“Unless otherwise specifically directed by the court where the
petition is pending, the public respondents shall not appear in or Can we implead indispensable parties for the first time on
file an answer or comment to the petition or any pleading therein. appeal?
If the case is elevated to a higher court by either party, the public YES. An indispensable party may be impleaded AT ANY TIME
respondents shall be included therein as nominal parties. during the proceedings. The court needs to allow it, otherwise
However, unless otherwise specifically directed by the court, the judgement can never be valid.
they shall not appear or participate in the proceedings therein.”
If there is refusal to implead the indispensable parties and
SECOND PARAGRAPH: the public respondent does not file the court directs for them to be impleaded, can the court
anything, it does not file an answer or comment because the duty dismiss?
belongs in the private respondent. So the kind of party that the YES. Because of the refusal to comply with the lawful order of
public respondent is, is called a NOMINAL PARTY. It does not the court.
do anything, but by name it has to be there.
Does the same apply for necessary parties? Thus, their
NOTE: a nominal party in certiorari case is ALSO AN non-inclusion is debilitating: "the presence of indispensable
INDISPENSABLE PARTY. parties is a condition for the exercise of juridical power and
when an indispensable party is not before the court, the action
Co-owners want to partition the property, should all of them should be dismissed." In contrast, a necessary party's
be the parties in action for parties? YES. All the co-owners are presence is not imperative, and his or her absence is not
indispensable parties. debilitating. Nevertheless, it is preferred that they be
included in order that relief may be complete.
What if they don’t want to file, what is your remedy? You
join them as an unwilling plaintiffs. Example of common carrier, what is the nature of the liability
of the tortfeasors?
MARINE MAMMALS: Joining the president as an unwilling Solidary liable. You can file against any of them. When the
plaintiff, was this valid? cause of action is based on the breach of a contact of carriage
Section 10, Rule 3 of the Rules of Court provides: the liability of the common carrier is direct and primary since the
Sec. 10. Unwilling co-plaintiff. — If the consent of any party who contract is between the carrier and passenger
should be joined as plaintiff cannot be obtained, he may be made
a defendant and the reason therefor shall be stated in the What is the effect of a DEATH OF A PARTY ON THE
complaint. PENDING CASE
Whenever a party to a pending action dies, and the claim is not
Under the foregoing rule, when the consent of a party who should thereby extinguished,
be joined as a plaintiff cannot be obtained, he or she may be
made a party defendant to the case. This will put the unwilling The heirs of the deceased may be allowed to be substituted for
party under the jurisdiction of the Court, which can properly the deceased, without requiring the appointment of an executor
implead him or her through its processes. The unwilling party's or administrator and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem
name cannot be simply included in a petition, without his or her for the minor heirs.

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The court shall forthwith order said legal representative or require; when his identity or true name is discovered, the
representatives to appear and be substituted within a period of pleading must be amended accordingly.
thirty (30) days from notice.
ALTERNATIVE DEFENDANTS
TWO FOLD DUTY OF THE COUNSEL UPON DEATH OF Where the plaintiff is uncertain against who of several persons
PARTIES he is entitled to relief, he may join any or all of them as
1. to inform the court within thirty (30) days after such defendants in the alternative, although a right to relief against one
death of the fact thereof, and may be inconsistent with a right of relief against the other.
2. to give the name and address of his legal representative
or representatives. ENTITY WITHOUT JURIDICAL PERSONALITY (SEC. 15)
When two or more persons not organized as an entity with
juridical personality enter into a transaction, they may be sued
If you do not inform the court, will this cause the dismissal under the name by which they are generally or commonly known.
of the case?
NO. It will only be a ground for administrative sanction against In the answer of such defendant, the names and addresses of
the counsel. the persons composing said entity must all be revealed.

NOTE: When there is someone who dies, there will be settlement Once there is a transfer of interest is it necessary that we
proceedings/ settlement of estate. If there is a will left behind, we substitute the transferee?
call it testate, if there is no will it is called intestate. In BOTH It is NOT mandatory because the rules make use of the word
instances, the court will appoint someone who will represent the “may”. So, it is only discretionary upon the court whether or not
estate and take charge of the administration of the estate of the to make a transfer.
diseased.
INDIGENT PARTY
If there is no person named in the will, you call that person as If it is satisfied that the party is one who has no money or
an administrator/administratrix that will be appointed by the property sufficient and available for food, shelter and basic
court. necessities for himself and his family.

If there is someone named in the will, the person will be called Exempt from payment
an executor/executrix. • Docket Fees
• Other lawful fees
It should be executor or administrator that will be SUBSTITUTED. • Transcript of stenographic notes
However, it is possible that you have already instituted your
settlement of estate case but there is no appointment of When will the SolGen be given notice on cases? (Sec. 22)
representative. In this case the Supreme Court recognized that In any action involving the validity of any treaty, law, ordinance,
if the settlement of estate has already been filed but there is executive order, presidential decree, rules or regulations, the
no administrator/executor named yet, the heirs can he used court, in its discretion, may require the appearance of the
as the representative of the deceased. This is because death Solicitor General who may be heard in person or through a
opens the succession so by virtue of death, they can already be representative duly designated by him.
the representatives.
Is Rule 4 related to venue subject to exceptions?
However, if there is no representative appointed, the Rules • Where a specific rule or law provides otherwise
provide that the opposing party has to be the one to appoint the • Where the parties have validly agreed in writing before
executor or administrator at his costs. It means that if there is no the filing of the action on the exclusive venue thereof.
case filed for the settlement of estate, the creditor has to file the
case. The filing of the case is the only way an executor or Panandigan loaned money to Suarez. Panandigan is from
administrator will be appointed. Quezon City while Suarez is from Manila. In your loan
contract there is a provision that if an action arises from
Is this allowed? the case it will be filed in Makati? What does that mean?
YES, because the creditor has an interest and a legal standing in This does not vest exclusive jurisdiction over the case. For there
the estate. to be exclusive jurisdiction, the parties must use words that
expressly provides for such exclusivity. In this case, the Makati
CONTRACTUAL MONETARY CLAIMS UNDER RULE 3 Court is only an added court that can exercise jurisdiction over
If the opposing party untimely dies, you cannot claim the amount the case. The normal rules apply and the Makati Court can be
in the same case. You need to have a settlement of estate and the venue of the case.
that is where you will bring your claim. The claim of the party must
he against the estate of the deceased. Can a case be dismissed on the ground of improper venue?
YES. Without prejudice.
If you do not know the name of the defendant, can you not
file the case? RULE 6 KINDS OF PLEADINGS
You CAN file a case. Whenever the identity or name of a
defendant is unknown, he may be sued as the unknown owner, What is a PLEADING?
heir, devisee, or by such other designation as the case may

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Pleadings are the written statements of the respective claims • The document is not Spurious, counterfeit, or of
and defenses of the parties submitted to the court for different import on its face from the one executed by the
appropriate judgment. party
• That the party whose signature it bears has Signed it
What is a MOTION? • That at the time it was signed, it was in words and
A motion is an application for relief other than by a pleading. figures exactly as set out in the pleadings.
(Section 1, Rule 15) When you say it is genuine it is what it purports to be.

What are the Pleadings allowed under Ordinary Rules? The For example, if I say this is the sale contract between us. That
claims of a party are asserted in a complaint, counterclaim, sale contract is genuine. If you do not specifically deny that, you
cross-claim, third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint, or complaint- admit that it is the sale contract that you entered into. That the
inintervention. agreement between the parties is agreement that is in words and
figures in this actionable document. It is what it purports to be.
The defenses of a party are alleged in the answer to the pleading
asserting a claim against him or her. If It purports to be a deed of sale between the plaintiff and
defendant, if you do not specifically deny that under oath. You
An answer may be responded to by a reply only if the defending admit that it is the deed of sale that was entered into by the
party attaches an actionable document to the answer. (Section plaintiff and defendant.
2, Rule 6) DUE EXECUTION:
• The document was signed voluntarily and knowingly by
What is an ACTIONABLE DOCUMENT? the party whose signature appears thereon;
The action or defense is based on a written instrument. • That if signed by somebody else such representative
had authority to do so, • The documents are duly
How are you going to sufficiently ALLEGE an actionable delivered and
document in your pleading? • The formalities were complied with.
Rule 8, Section 7. Whenever an action or defense is based upon The signature appearing thereon is indeed signed by the same
a written instrument or document, the substance of such parties or pursuant to his property.
instrument or document shall be set forth in the pleading, and the
original or a copy thereof shall be attached to the pleading as an NOTE is that we need to specifically deny the actionable
exhibit, which shall be deemed to be a part of the pleading. document. It has to be done so under oath so if the complaint is
based on actionable document your Answer must have specific
Does it have to be an original copy? denials of the actionable document and it is under oath.
It may be either be an Original or a Copy.
What do you call a pleading under oath?
Give an example of an actionable document in which your Verified Pleading
ACTION depends on?
Collection of money based on promissory note The rule is you need to specifically deny the actionable
document under oath otherwise you are deemed to have
Give an example of an actionable document in which your admitted its genuineness and due execution? What is the
DEFENSE depends on? further effect of your failure to specifically deny?
A receipt of Dacion En Pago which showed the original contract The Court can render judgement on the pleadings.
was extinguished by a novation. In that instance your dacion en
pago is your actionable document and you need to allege it in When is JUDGEMENT OF PLEADINGS proper?
your answer and it needs to be attached. Section 1, Rule 34. Where an answer fails to tender an issue, or
otherwise admits the material allegations of the adverse party's
Actionable documents in Ejectment Case? pleading, the court may, on motion of that party, direct judgment
Contract of Lease on such pleading. However, in actions for declaration of nullity or
annulment of marriage or for legal separation, the material facts
How do you contest an actionable document? alleged in the complaint shall always be proved.
1. By specific denial under oath
2. By setting forth what is claimed to be the facts. It means for example I filed a case against Ms. Ang, my collection
for a sum of money case is based on an actionable document
Is it enough to say “hindi kaya yan totoo yan” under oat? which is a promissory note executed by Ms. Ang. If you want to
NO. Because that is a general denial. Because you did not refute, Ms. Ang must specifically deny it.
specifically deny.
How will she specifically deny it?
What is the effect if you make a GENERAL DENIAL? The It depends on her defense. She can say that the signature is a
effect is you admit the genuineness and due execution of the forgery, or that she doesn’t know the person, or haven’t met her
document. or her defense could that “yes I have a loan, but it was already
paid”. So you attach another actionable document as part of your
Is genuineness the same with due execution? NO. defense to prove that the obligation has been distinguished.
You only need to specifically deny under oath.
GENUINENESS means the document is:

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But if Mr. Suarez Filed answer saying “di totoo yan”. In that A negative defense is the specific denial of the material fact or
instance that is only a GENERAL DENIAL. When you make a facts alleged in the pleading of the claimant essential to his or
specific denial, it must be as to the facts. You cannot just say a her cause or causes of action.
general “no”.
Specific Denial but you must also invoke the facts of which you
The effect of a GENERAL DENIAL: she admits not only the base your specific denial on.
pleading itself, all allegations, and genuineness and due
execution of the document. So, it means she is admitting the Example: “Hindi mo ako masisingil ng pera kasi hindi ako
claim that she owes the money, that the proof that she owes the umutang sayo kasi kapangalan ko lang yung Juan Dela Cruz na
money is the promissory, and that is here signature thereon. umutang sayo, pero Juan Dela Cruz din pangalan ko”
So, if she admits everything THERE IS NO MORE ISSUE. The What is an AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE?
court can render judgements on the pleadings alone. If an action
An affirmative defense is an allegation of a new matter which,
fails to tender an issue it means there is nothing left to be tried.
while hypothetically admitting the material allegations in the
You will only have trial if there is an issue to be resolved. pleading of the claimant, would nevertheless prevent or bar
recovery by him or her.
Rule 129, Section 4
“Judicial Admissions. — An admission, oral or written, made by In an affirmative defense you are not making a judicial admission
the party in the course of the proceedings in the same case, does you are making a hypothetical admission.
not require proof. The admission may be contradicted only by
showing that it was made through palpable mistake or that the
Example: “Assuming may utang talaga ako sayo, I still won’t be
imputed admission was not, in fact, made.”
liable because it has already been paid or that the action has
What is the effect?
prescribed”
It does not require proof. So when you make a general denial in
your Answer, the effect is you did not specifically deny it. You
admit, or have deemed to be admitted. It may be made orally or “Assuming may utang ako sayo pinatawad mo na ako” –
in writing and in the course of the proceedings. Avoidance.

When a judicial admission is made you do not need to go to trial Affirmative defenses have two paragraphs: What are
again. That is why you can have judgement in pleadings. In affirmative defenses on Paragraph 1?
relation to Criminal Procedure: Rule 118 during pre-trial, the An affirmative defense is an allegation of a new matter which,
parties can make stipulations of facts. When they make while hypothetically admitting the material allegations in the
stipulations of facts during the pre-trial they agree on the facts of pleading of the claimant, would nevertheless prevent or bar
the case. It means that once they have undisputed facts, those recovery by him or her. The affirmative defenses include fraud,
are judicial admissions. It will lessen the trial. statute of limitations, release, payment, illegality, statute of
frauds, estoppel, former recovery, discharge in bankruptcy, and
For example: they agree that the victim “Ms. X”. If they agree that any other matter by way of confession and avoidance.
the name of the victims is “Ms. X” that is a judicial admission
already by BOTH parties. It means they do not need to produce What is an actionable document? Is a sale invoice an
evidence that the name of the victim is “Ms. X”. If there is NO actionable document?
JUDICIAL ADMISSION they would still have to present a birth Sales document is not an actionable document because it is
certificate to prove her name. merely evidentiary but it does not foreclose the probability of the
other party to be liable. So, the Supreme Court held that the sales
Another example: the case is for Robbery and you want to say invoice is just a little statement of the nature, quantity or costs of
that the amount stolen is P500k. You are not admitting that you the thing sold it is not considered as a billed sale, not a proof of
were the one who stole it, but you want to stipulate is P500k. If the sales that would give rise to the cause of action.
there is a judicial admission you do not need to prove the amount
and shortens the trial. THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT
A third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint is a claim that a defending
What is a COMPLAINT? party may, with leave of court, file against a person not a party to
The complaint is the pleading alleging the plaintiff's or claiming the action, called the third (fourth, etc.)-party defendant for
party's cause or causes of action. contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any other relief, in respect
of his or her opponent's claim.
What should be alleged?
The names and residences of the plaintiff and defendant must be How is it different from an instance where you file a
stated in the complaint. counterclaim and where the exception allows or you to
implead a party through a counter claim?
In a third-party complaint, the pleading itself is against the third
What is an ANSWER?
person however in a counterclaimed pleading is not directed to
An answer is a pleading in which a defending party sets forth his
the third person but directed to the original plaintiff.
or her defenses.
GENUINENESS AND DUE EXECUTION
An answer can be either affirmative or negative. What is a
Genuineness is what it purports to be. The words, figures and the
NEGATIVE DEFENSE?
terms in that document is what agreed upon by the parties.

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instrument shall be deemed admitted unless the adverse party, all
under oath specifically denies them, and sets forth what he or eg
she claims to be the facts; but the requirement of an oath does ati
not apply when the adverse party does not appear to be a party on
to the instrument or when compliance with an order for an s
inspection of the original instrument is refused. (Section 10, Rule or
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ni As a rule, we need to raise all defenses. What is the effect if
al you fail to raise it?
on If you fail to raise it, the court would not allow admission of other
. evidences. It would constitute a waiver of all those defenses.

SPECIFIC DENIAL An exception to this rule is when you do not raise it but you
Specifically, denial each material allegations presented it as evidence and there was no objection to
presentation of such evidence. In this instance you can have an
KINDS OF SPECIFIC DENIAL amendment of the pleading.
1) ABSOLUTE Denial – specifies the material allegations of
fact the truth of which he does not admit, and, whenever NON-WAIVABLE DEFENSES UNDER RULE 9, SEC. 1
practicable, shall set forth the substance of the matters upon “when it appears from the pleadings or the evidence on record
which he relies to support his denial. that the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter, that
there is another action pending between the same parties for the
2) PARTIAL Denial – where a defendant desires to deny only same cause, or that the action is barred by a prior judgment or
a part of an averment, he shall specify so much of it s true by statute of limitations, the court shall dismiss the claim.”
and material and shall deny the remainder.
EXCEPTIONS
3) Denial by DISAVOWAL OF KNOWDLEDGE – where a • Statute of Limitations
defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to • Res Judicata
form a belief as to the truth of a material averment made to • Lack of fixation of the subject matter
the complaint, he or she shall so state, and this shall have
the effect of a denial.
As such, everything in the complaint must be specifically
(Section 10, Rule 8)
denied. Otherwise, it will be an admission. Is there an
exception to this rule? When you did not specifically deny
How do you make a denial by disavowal of knowledge? but will not amount to admission?
It must also be denied specifically and under oath. Material averments in a pleading asserting a claim or claims,
other than those as to the amount of unliquidated damages, shall
When the defendant alleges having no knowledge or information be deemed admitted when not specifically denied. (Section
sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations of the 11, Rule 8)
other party but such matters are plainly and necessarily within
the defendant’s knowledge, a claim of “ignorance of lack of
Unliquidated Damages. When it is an to an unliquidated damages
information” will not be considered as a specific denial.
you need to make a specific denial under oath, if it involves an
actionable document
Do you need to distinguish denial for lack of knowledge and
which one you are specifically denying by negative UNLESS you are NOT A PARTY to that actionable document.
defenses? The reason for this is how can you deny something if you have
YES. You need to let the party know which one you are denying no knowledge of it. Therefore, if you are not a party to you must
for lack of knowledge and which one you are denying by specifically deny it but it does not need to be under oath.
asserting facts in which you relying for the denial. You need to
distinguish so that they know what needs to be refuted during
Another instance is if you requested for the inspection of the
trial.
original but only attached a copy of the actionable document. The
Court then directed them to produce the original but they refuse,
What if you specifically deny some but you do not
in this instance you need to make a specific denial but it does not
specifically deny the rest, are you deemed to have admitted
need to be under oath. The exception is not to both specific
the entire pleading?
denial and oath but only as to the oath. Specific denial must
NO. This would amount to partial denial.
always be present.

NOTE: If you admit it, which is a general admission and What is a NEGATIVE PREGNANT?
specifically denied. The actionable document, the effect is you A denial in the form of a negative pregnant is an ambiguous
are admitting the need to execution. pleading, since it cannot be ascertained whether it is the fact or
only the qualification that is intended to be denied
If there is an admission of the allegations in the pleading,
would there still be an issue? Example of Negative Pregnant?
NO. There are no more issues in case of admission of the Like you told your boyfriend “lumabas ka nanaman kagabi
allegations of the pleading. kasama yung mga babae mo” but he replied “hindi ako umuwing
lasing kagabi”. That is an negative pregnant he did not really
The answer admitted the complaint which is a judicial admission. deny.
So, there is no issue when there is nothing left to be tried and
there is an issue and there is something left to be tried when there I am an owner of a parcel of land. Ms. Andaya is occupying that
is dispute as to the facts. If there is no dispute to the facts, land. I bring an action against her for accion publiciana so I can
meaning you actually admitted, there then there is no need to try recover possession of my land. So I allege that Ms. Andaya is
or no need to present evidence. the court can render judgement. unlawfully possessing my land. But what Ms. Andaya replies “di

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ko naman inaangkin yung property mo” or “I never said I was the Does not require the Should be accompanied by a
owner of the property.” certificate mentioned certification against forum
because it is not initiatory in shopping and whenever
In that instance she is not denying that she is unlawfully character. required by law a certificate
possessing because her defense is with respect to the title of the to file an action by the
property. That is a negative pregnant because therefore she is Lupong Tagapamayapa
effectively admitting it.
As to the effect of failure to Answer
Question: “Pangit yung baby ko no?” Failure is not a cause for Must be answered by the
Answer: “Ay ang chubby naman, ang laki ng cheeks” default declaration party against whom it is
interposed otherwise he may
Reina, has a parcel of land. I’m trying to recover the parcel of be declared in default as to
land from her who is unlawfully possessing the land. Her answer the counterclaim.
is that “I am not claiming title to the land”. The answer is not as
As to the payment of docket fees
to the possession, she is denying “di ko sinasabi ako may ari” but
the issue is not title, but the unlawful possession of the land, No need to pay docket fees MUST pay docket fees
negative pregnant, in effect she admitted that she is unlawfully
possessing the land It is like a complaint because it is your claim against the
other party or the original plaintiff?
COUNTERCLAIM YES
Any claim which a defending party may have against an opposing
party. Do we need to pay docket fees on compulsory
counterclaim?
If the original defendant makes a claim against the original NO
plaintiff. If you have a third party complaint, can the third
party defendant make a counter claim? Compulsory Counterclaim deemed initiatory?
Yes he may do so to any of the two original parties. NO

KINDS OF COUNTERCLAIM FOUR TESTS OF DETERMINING COMPULSORY OR


• Compulsory Counter claim PERMISSIVE COUNTERCLAIMS
• Permissive Counterclaim • Are the issues of fact and law raised by the claim and the
counterclaim largely the same?
Distinguish Permissive and compulsory • Would res judicata bar a subsequent suit on defendant’s
COMPULSORY PERMISSIVE claims, absent the compulsory counterclaim rule?
As to the basis • Will substantially the same evidence supports or refute the
It arises out of or is It does not arise out of or is plaintiff’s claim as well as the defendant’s counterclaim?
connected with the not necessarily connected • Is there any logical relation between the claim and the
transaction or occurrence with the subject matter of the counterclaim?
that is the subject matter of opposing party’s claim. It is
the opposing party’s claim, essentially an independent A positive answer to all would indicate that the counterclaim is
falls within the jurisdiction of claim that may be filed compulsory. Otherwise, it is permissive.
the court and does not separately in another case.
require for its adjudication Do we need to pay docket fees in permissive counterclaim?
the presence of third parties Yes. A permissive counterclaim is not necessarily connected to
over whom the court cannot the subject matter of the opposing parties. You should file docket
acquire jurisdiction fees in a permissive counterclaim, because your permissive
As to Effect of FAILURE to Set up a counterclaim counterclaim can survive without that original case, because it
does not arise from the same matter there is no logical
It is barred if not set up in the It is NOT barred even if not
connection.
action. This is also known as set up in an action. This is
a “set-off” also known as “recoupment”
If you file a compulsory counterclaim after there has been a
As to the KIND of pleading judgement on the present case, will it prosper? You have to
NOT an initiatory pleading Considered as an initiatory file during the present case otherwise it will be barred by res
pleading which is separate judicata.
from that of the original
pleading. You have to file the compulsory counterclaim which is connected
to your original claims otherwise you will be splitting an action
As to Necessity of a Certification against Forum
and it also a waiver on your part if you do not place it there so it
Shopping
will be barred by res judicata.

If it is a permissive counterclaim by the notion of its name you


can file it at a later time and it will not be barred by res judicata

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For compulsory counterclaim you should pay docket fees but if it automatic such that whatever is in your answer it is already
is a permissive counterclaim you have to pay docket fees in lieu deemed denied.
of a complaint for forum shopping.

If it's a compulsory counterclaim you need to raise it in that case EXCEPTION:


if you do not raise it in that case it is barred by your subsequent When your answer attaches an actionable document, if your
judgment answer attaches an actionable document it is not deemed
If you do not raise permissive counterclaim it's ok it can be the automatically denied.
subject of a separate case therefore you are your permissive
counterclaim is like separate from your original case it can stand Is it MANDATORY for you to file a reply?
alone therefore if it's permissive counterclaim you need to pay If you want to waive your right, then it is possible not to make
your docket fees and file your certification of non forum shopping reply. But if you want to deny it you need to file your reply. A
which is necessary for initiatory pleadings the same rule does not reply may only be filed if the answer is based on actionable
apply in your permissive counterclaim. document. (Section 10, Rule 6)

CONCEPT OF ACTIONABLE DOCUMENT If you have a reply you want to post the actionable document it
An actionable document is a document that is the basis of your should be under oath specifically denying.
complaint or of your defense.
Example # 1: In a complaint for ejectment on the basis of a
If your action is a contract of lease then your actionable document lease contract. If in the answer what is stated is that “that’s not
is the contract of lease. If you have a tenant and you want him to true because we have agreed on a new lease contract”. The
vacate the premises the actionable document is your lease lease contract will then be the actionable document attached to
contract and your demand to vacate that was received by the answer.
defendant that is your basis of cause of action.
In this case, you need to specifically deny the contract of lease
If in the same instance, the parties executed another contract for in a reply. In the reply, you can say as a specific denial that “it
the extension of the same lease. So in order to refute the cause is not true that there is an extension of the lease because that
of action of the plaintiff, the defendant can attach in his defense signature in the extension of the lease is a forgery. I could not
the subsequent contract of lease which becomes the actionable have signed that because at the time that it was being executed
document of the defendant. was outside the country which can be proven by my passport
and tickets” to cut the date here is my passport tickets showing
ATTACHMENT OF ACTIONABLE DOCUMENT & SPECIFIC i was outside the country. That is your specific denial
DENIAL
At the same time the concept of attaching an actionable Example # 2: What if your actionable document is for a sum of
document in the answer is different from specifically denying it. money in your complaint so you demanded for a complaint for
sum of money and the answers as sasagot siya wala nang
So, in addition to attaching an actionable document you need to complaint for sum of money extinguish na yan kasi meron na
specifically say no it's not true that the lease has expired. tayo new agreement. In the complaint for the sum of money,
the actionable document attached is the original contract,
So, what is the basis of fact of your denial? however in the answer of the defendant he attaches the alleged
The basis of fact of the denial is that a new lease has been new contract between them as an actionable document and
executed between the parties. That is how you make a specific alleges that there was dacion en pago. However, the attached
denial. If you say “that's not true or is not true it's expired” that's contract is not the same as the contract contract attached by
just a general denial. The rules provide that when you make a the plaintiff.
specific denial you need to allege the facts of which to base
your specific denial on. In that instance plaintiff has the claims it's not just a denial. So,
one hand, defendant says attaches as an actionable document
ANSWER & REPLY a contract claiming that there was dacion en pago. On the other
ANSWER REPLY hand, plaintiff denies that there was dacion en pago and states
that the actionable document attached in the reply was for a
An answer is a pleading in A reply is a pleading, the
previous transaction executed many years ago between the
which a defending party set office or function of which is
forth his or her defense to deny, or allege facts in parties. But he also claims that they did execute another dacion
(Section 3, Rule 6) denial or avoidance of a new en pago for the transaction but it was breached so it was
matters alleged in, or relating rescinded.
to, said actionable document.
(Section 10, In this case, to specifically deny the dacion en pago attached
paragraph 2, Rule 6) to the answer there must be a reply filed that specifically denies
the dacion en pago attached to the answer.
NOTE: If you have a complaint the response is an answer then
you do not file any more a reply because the rules provide that So what if you want to specifically deny under oath that that is
the allegations in your answer are deemed controverted. In not the dacion en pago that we entered into for that contract,
other words, we don't need to file reply because it's already because what was presented was that used in a previous

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contract. But if you want to also mention that there was dacion
en pago for the present transaction but was rescinded. THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT
A third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint is a claim that a defending
If in the reply or in the answer it raises the allegations that party may, with leave of court, file against a person not a party
makes the original plaintiff want to interpose any claims to the action, called the third (fourth, etc.)-party defendant for
arising out of the new matters so alleged such that it is not contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any other relief, in
just a matter of refuting it but that of raising a new claim. In respect of his or her opponent's claim.
this case the new claim is that the dacion en pago is
extinguished that is why your obligation remains the same. When is the instance where the court will not grant leave for
What will happen? filing of a third-party complaint?
The rules provide the proper remedy is for amendment of the “The third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint shall be denied
complaint or supplemental complaint as the case may be. So it's admission, and the court shall require the defendant to institute
not just a matter of denying but it's a matter of raising new matters a separate action, where: (a) the third (fourth, etc.)-party
or new allegations and then your remedy is to amend by defendant cannot be located within thirty (30) calendar days from
supplemental complaint because you don't only then deny but the grant of such leave; (b) matters extraneous to the issue in
you raise new allegations. the principal case are raised; or (c) the effect would be to
introduce a new and separate controversy into the action.”
So let us assume that in the dacion en pago you attach the (Section 11, par. 2, Rule 6)
real dacion en pago which was rescinded, so again the
defense in the reply is based on an actionable document A third-party complaint does not refer to the same transaction
how do you refute it? or arising party to the same transaction of the subject matter of
Then that is the time you file a REJOINDER under oath. the original complaint. There are two instances when the court
will not grant leave for filing a third complaint:
In summary the process is that:
Plaintiff files a complaint 1.) If there are matters raised with extraneous issues to the
Defendant files an Answer principal issue.
Plaintiff files a reply 2.) When it requires a introduction of a new and separate
Defendant may file a rejoinder controversy and action.

NOTE: the reply and the rejoinder will only be filed only if it is to However, once leave is granted it will be dismissed again if they
answer an actionable document. If there is no actionable cannot acquire jurisdiction over the person of the defendant
document you cannot file a file a reply or rejoinder.
Ricardo sold a parcel of land to Mico with a clean title. Later
CROSS-CLAIM on Mico sold the parcel of land to Krystel. Subsequently,
A cross-claim is any claim by one party against a co-party arising Mico received a summons in a complaint filed by Krystel
out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter for breach of warranty against eviction because what
either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein. Such happened was Krystel had a pending ejectment case filed
crossclaim may cover all or part of the original claim. by Isabelle. In return, Krystel files a complaint against Mico.
Mico wants to refute the claim. What is the proper remedy?
COUNTER CROSS-CLAIM Does Mico file a counterclaim with Krystel to implead
A counterclaim may be asserted against an original Ricardo?
counterclaimant. The general rule is the Mico cannot file a counter claim.

Can it be that you will file a cross claim to a co-plaintiff on However, Section 12 makes an exception that you can bring
the basis of the counterclaim of the defendant? A cross-claim parties in your counterclaim if the court cannot determine
may also be filed against an original crossclaimant. that a counterclaim without bringing in a new party. What
is the Remedy?
What are the requisites for there to be a third-party Mico can file a third-party complaint against Ricardo.
complaint fourth party or fifth party complaint? It must only
be on those grounds wherein we can have a thirdparty complaint. Can Mico compel Krystel to implead Ricardo?
In the absence of which, we cannot have a third-party complaint. NO. You cannot compel the plaintiff. So, you just file a third party
complaint against Ricardo.
Under the rules, when you file a motion for leave you already
need to attach the pleading that you are seeking leave from the In another case, Mico applied with “X” company which is
court. So, like motion for leave to admit the attached third-party engaged in a dealership of cars. Mico applied to be a dealer
complaint. You cannot ask motion of leave without attaching so to apply as a dealer Mico filed an application to the
what you're asking it of. company. X company said that they will process it.

Examples: In that instance Mico applied for do dealership. Pending


• Motion to leave to intervene, your complaint in application, the company said “OK i will give you the cars
intervention should be attached so that you can already have some of the cars that you can
• Motion to leave for demurrer of evidence, you should sell later on.” Later on the company said to Mico that “It's a
attach your demurrer to evidence. prank. you're not accepted in the company” so Mico got
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angry because the company and their officer, Rania, told The body shall state the cause of action and the answer shall
Mico that as a condition to process the application he needs also include the answer to the cause of action.
to buy parcel of land which he did buy.
When two or more causes of action are joined, the statement of
So Mico want to charge them rent and refuses to return the the first shall be prefaced by the words "first cause of action," of
cars until he is paid for the rent, for the cars, and for the second by "second cause of action," and so on for the others.
damages. X company filed a complaint against Mico to (Section 2 (b), Rule 7)
recover the cars. But Rania who told Mico to buy the land
was not impleaded. What is the remedy? How do you make a specific allegation the relief?
According to the Supreme Court this is the instance when you The pleading shall specify the relief sought, but it may add a
can file a counterclaim and through the counterclaim implead general prayer for such further or other relief as may be deemed
another person just or equitable. (Section 2 (c), Rule 7)

Because it is the company through the officer who told Mico that The allegation of relief need not be specific a general prayer is
he needs to buy a land so he will allege that the company told enough provided it would be warranted by the allegations and
me through your officer for me to buy land. So Mico can file a rules of the complaint
counterclaim mentioning that officer and in that instance the court
can implead on the basis of a counterclaim. You need to allege the prayer the specific relief that you are
seeking that's why if you remember in the Manchester case that
But the Supreme Court also ruled in case that it is denied or when we talked about in the body he was framed from the 78 million
you make a counterclaim but the court does not allow the dapat in the relief he should specify also 78 million that he is
impleading THEN your remedy is a third-party complaint. asking for yung nag circumvent and damages and filing fees

So, you can try to make a counterclaim impleading the So everything that you are asking for must be alleged in your
officer but it is DISCRETIONARY on the Court and if it is prayer then you can add a general denial such that if you did not
DENIED then you file a third-party complaint. ask for something specifically but you can add a general denial
or such other as may the court may be just and equitable
You can also file an answer to the claims so you can have an
answer to a third-party complaint, or an answer to a counterclaim, Are all pleadings supposed to be dated?
answer to a cross claim or a permissive claim and etc. YES. Every pleading shall be dated. (Section 2 (d), Rule 7)

RULE 7 PARTS AND CONTENTS OF A PLEADING What are the details of the lawyer which should be included
in the pleading? The lawyer should include:
CAPTION • Full name
The caption sets forth the name of the court, the title of the action, • Address of the party that is not the post office
and the docket number if assigned. (Section 1, Rule 7) • Address of the lawyer
• Signature of the lawyer
What if there are 100 plaintiff v. 100 defendants in the first • Counsel’s roll number.
time you file your complaint, do you need to name all the • Professional Tax Receipt Number (PTR)
parties? All the 100 plaintiffs and 100 defendants? Yes, you
• Current IBP Official Receipt Number indicating its date
need to by virtue of Section 1. The rules provide that if it's the first
of issues
time you have to enumerate all the names of the parties but for
the next pleadings it will be sufficient to name the first party and • MCLE Certification
use “et al”.
“The title of the action indicates the names of the parties. They Is it mandatory that both the lawyer and the party to sign?
shall all be named in the original complaint or petition; but in NO. Every pleading and other submissions to the court must be
signed by the party or counsel representing him or her. It should
subsequent pleadings, it shall be sufficient if the name of the first
be either the party or the counsel.
party on each side be stated with an appropriate indication when
there are other parties. Their respective participation in the case
shall be indicated.” (Section 1, Rule 7) It shall include the full name, the signature, the address of the
party that is not the post office, the signature of the lawyer, the
How do you call the participations of the parties? Plaintiffs address of the lawyer, he's professional tax receipt number,
and Defendant. roll number, the roll number is the number in the entry of the roll
attorney.
In some instance they refer to it as petitioner or defendant, or
SIGNATURE OF LAWYER v. SIGNATURE OF THE
then there is a third party you place third party-plaintiff or
CERTIFICATION
thirdparty defendant or plaintiff-in-intervention and etc.
The signature of the lawyer as distinguished to a signature that
is the certification. The signature details of the lawyer is what
BODY would show that the one signing is a lawyer in good standing.
The body of the pleading sets forth its designation, the allegations
of the party's claims or defenses, the relief prayed
The pleading requires the full name so that the name should be
for, and the date of the pleading. (Section 2, Rule 7)
the same data that would appear in the roll of attorneys. In the

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same way the signature in your roll of attorneys should be the CONSEQUENCE OF VIOLATION
same signature you use. Administrative liability which may also extend to the partner and
law firm. The sanction may be monetary and non-monetary. If it
The name at you use in the roll is the same name that you should is monetary, it cannot be passed to the lawyer
use as a lawyer. Such that if you’re a woman who got married,
and you decide to take your husband’s name, you need file a “If the court determines, on motion or motu proprio and after
petition to the Supreme Court if you want to change your name. notice and hearing, that this rule has been violated, it may
impose an appropriate sanction or refer such violation to the
LAWYER IN GOOD STANDING proper office for disciplinary action, on any attorney, law firm, or
To be a lawyer in good standing you need to pay your IBP dues. party that violated the rule, or is responsible for the violation.
Unless you apply for the lifetime membership with IBP. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly
and severally liable for a violation committed by its partner,
associate, or employee. The sanction may include, but shall not
But for others you need to pay annually, and everytime you pay
be limited to, non-monetary directive or sanction; an order to pay
annually, the receipt of your payment that is your IBP number,
a penalty in court; or, if imposed on motion and warranted for
receipt number and the date.
effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant
of part or all of the reasonable attorney's fees and other
Professional Tax Return Number it is the professional tax. expenses directly resulting from the violation, including
Every January before you sign a pleading, once the New Year attorney's fees for the filing of the motion for sanction. The lawyer
arrives, you need to pay your IBP dues and your PTR so that or law firm cannot pass on the monetary penalty to the
when you sign your pleading it is updated otherwise it is not client.” (Section 3 (c), Rule 7)
updated.
Is It always the entire law firm will be liable? When their
Then you need to also include your MCLE compliance number
exceptional circumstances so. For example, if there is an
again that is showing that you are a lawyer in good standing if
associate who is mad at you and he violates all the rules to make
you are exempted from MCLE what you can put is your
the firm liable the firm cannot be held liable.
exemption number.
VERIFICATION
Additionally, the rules require that you need to put your email
A pleading is verified by an affidavit of an affiant duly authorized
address, the email address must be included therein.
to sign said verification.
In the old rules, a circular provides that if it is not completed it is
Should under oath?
deemed an unsigned pleading. HOWEVER, subsequently the
It should be under oath.
court came out with the subsequent circular changing the rule
that of the “unsigned pleading” and changed it to an
administrative liability. When you say it is verified it is an affidavit when it is verified it is
under oath. That is automatic. That is why in summary
procedure, all pleadings should be verified it means everything
What should the signature portion provide or what would it
should be under oath.
indicate?
The signature of counsel constitutes a certificate by him or her
that he or she has read the pleading and document; that to the ALLEGATIONS IN A VERIFICATION
best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, formed after The authorization of the affiant to act on behalf of a party, whether
an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances: in the form of a secretary's certificate or a special power of
attorney, should be attached to the pleading, and shall allege the
(1) It is not being presented for any improper purpose, such following attestations:
as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly • The allegations in the pleading are true and correct
increase the cost of litigation; based on his or her personal knowledge, or based on
(2) The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions are authentic documents;
warranted by existing law or jurisprudence, or by a • The pleading is not filed to harass, cause unnecessary
nonfrivolous argument for extending, modifying, or delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and
reversing existing jurisprudence;
(3) The factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if • The factual allegations therein have evidentiary support
specifically, so identified, will likely have evidentiary or, if specifically, so identified, will likewise have
support after availment of the modes of discovery under evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for
these rules; and discovery.
(4) The denials of factual contentions are warranted on the
evidence or, if specifically, so identified, are reasonably The signature of the affiant shall further serve as a certification of
based on belief or a lack of information. the truthfulness of the allegations in the pleading.
(Section 4, Rule 7)
The reason for the rule is that there are times when lawyers know
they will lose but they will file it for harassment or so that the other
When you make a verification for your clients make sure that you
party will incur unnecessary cause. So, to deter this they will put
don't tell a lie. Because if the client does not read and you created
a burden of the lawyer. facts then your client may be perjured. The worst pleadings that
you make are those that you sign under oath or those that you
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make your client sign on your oath. The danger is that there may What is the rule if someone else will signs for you? Whether
be a falsification of public documents when there is a false it is a verification or certification of non-forum shopping,
statement in the alteration of facts or perjury. what is required?
If, for justifiable reasons, the party-pleader is unable to sign, he
You need to be very very careful when it is verified that is why if must execute a special power of attorney designating his
you are not a party to your actionable document it does not to be counsel of record to sign in his behalf.
under oath or verified because you cannot say under oath that
it's not true because you are not a party and you don't have any In cases of juridical entities, a board resolution authorizing a
knowledge so when you verify you need to have knowledge corporate officer to execute the certification against forum
either based on your personal knowledge or you rely on shopping is necessary otherwise, the complaint will have to be
offending reports. dismissed. A Secretary’s Certificate is sufficient proof of
authority for a person named to represent a corporation in a suit.
Can you base it on your belief? NO.
NOTE: It is the petitioner and not the counsel is in the best
THE FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS THEREIN HAVE position to know whether he or it actually filed or caused to filing
EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT OR, IF SPECIFICALLY, SO of a petition. As such a certification signed by counsel without
IDENTIFIED, WILL LIKEWISE HAVE EVIDENTIARY an SPA is a defective certification and a valid cause of
SUPPORT AFTER A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR dismissal. A certification signed by the counsel without an SPA
DISCOVERY is considered as no certification at all.
When the evidence is not yet available but when you use the EFFECT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH VERIFICATION A
modes of discovery under Rule 23-28 there will be evidentiary pleading required to be verified but lacks the proper verification
basis. So, if you don’t have the evidence yet but you will be able shall be treated as an unsigned pleading.
to get it later on, you need to specify. It must be specifically
mentioned, so you need to say which one has evidentiary basis However, non-compliance with verification requirement, does not
after the modes of discovery. necessarily render the pleading defective. It is only a formal and
not a jurisdictional requirement.
What is the effect of the signature of the affiant? Does it deprive the court of jurisdiction?
It is to serve as the truthfulness of the allegations in the pleading NO. It is only procedural and can be corrected.

What if there are three plaintiffs should all three plaintiffs FORUM SHOPPING
sign and execute the verification? Forum shopping is the act by a party of repetitively availing of
NO. The rule is if it is a verification it does not to be all of them several judicial remedies in different courts simultaneously or
to sign the verification. This is because the purpose of the successively, all substantially founded on the same transactions
verification is merely just to secure an assurance that the and the same essential facts or circumstances, and all raising
allegations in the pleading are true and correct and not the substantially the same issues either pending or already resolved
product of imagination or speculation so you need to have at adversely by some other court.
least one of them say that yes, it is true or correct based on our
personal knowledge or authentic records and it as evidence REQUISITES FOR FORUM SHOPPING
basis. There is forum shopping when:
• Identity of the parties, or at least such parties as represent
The certification of non-forum shopping of the three the same interests in both actions;
plaintiffs should all of them execute their certification of • Identity of rights asserted and relief prayed for, the relief
non-forum shopping? being founded on the same facts and;
Yes. Because the purpose of certification of non-forum
• The identity of the two preceding particulars is such that any
shopping is to avoid the malpractice of degrading the
judgement rendered in the pending case, regardless of
administration of justice and also to avoid clogging of the topics
which party is successful, would amount to res judicata in
of the courts.
the other case.

The certification of non-forum shopping would say you did not


CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING
file any case. You certify that you did not file a case that would
The plaintiff or principal party shall certify under oath in the
result to forum shopping. So, if there are three plaintiffs, the two
complaint or other initiatory pleading asserting a claim for relief,
others cannot say for the other one or they cannot speak for the
or in a sworn certification annexed thereto and simultaneously
other that they did not file a case. Even if the three of them are
filed therewith
join creditors, they still won’t have knowledge if the other party
has a pending case in another court.
The authorization of the affiant to act on behalf of a party, whether
It is required for each of them to file a certification of non-forum in the form of a secretary's certificate or a special power of
shopping. The lawyer alone cannot on his own sign the attorney, should be attached to the pleading.
certification for non-forum shopping. This is because the lawyer
has no knowledge if his client filed another case. NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE CERTIFICATION OF FORUM
SHOPPING
The mere failure to comply with it will result to a dismissal without
prejudice.

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“Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements shall not be pleading and then you do not need all of them to sign the
curable by mere amendment of the complaint or other initiatory verification it is substantial if one of them signed.
pleading but shall be cause for the dismissal of the case without
prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon motion and after If it is CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING it's not
hearing” (Section 5, Par. 3, Rule 7) curable by submission of correction UNLESS there is a need to
relax the rules for special compelling reasons such when there is
WILLFUL DELIBERATE FORUM SHOPING substantial compliance when there is justifiable reason all of
If the acts of the party or his or her counsel clearly constitute them should sign the certification of non forum shopping and it
willful and deliberate forum shopping, the same shall be ground should be executed by the party.
for summary dismissal with prejudice and shall constitute NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENT ON OR
direct contempt, as well as a cause for administrative sanctions. SUBMISSION OF
DEFECTIVE VERIFICATION DEFECTIVE
When there is deliberate forum shopping it would be dismissal CERTIFICATION AGAINST
with prejudice it would be ground for administrative sanction. FORUM SHOPPING
Can it be corrected? Non compliance therewith or Non-compliance therewith or
No it cannot be corrected, but it can be cured by amendment. a defect therein DOES NOT a defect therein, is generally
render the pleading fatally not curable by its subsequent
Is this absolute? defective. submission or correction
When there is substantial compliance it can be dispensed with. thereof.
REMEDY
The supreme court said that although the rules mention that it The Court may order the It is not curable by its
cannot be corrected by amendment, still om the rules of court it
submission or correction or subsequent submission or
does not say that it is not automatically be dismissed because if
act on the pleading if the correction, UNLESS there is
you look at the wording under the specific rule in court it says that
attending circumstances are a need to relax the Rule on
the “failure to comply x.x.x unless otherwise provided upon
motion after hearing.”. So “unless otherwise provide” so it means such that strict compliance ground of “substantial
the court can still provide otherwise and not just an automatic with the Rule may be served compliance” or presence of
dismissal thereby. “special circumstances or
compelling reasons.
How can there be a substantial compliance what is the SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE
example? It is deemed substantially It must be signed by all the
If they failed to attach but it really existed, they just inadvertently complied with when: plaintiffs or petitioners in the
failed to attach. They just have to resubmit it the following day Or • one who has ample case, otherwise those who
they will execute a secretary’s certification where previously knowledge to swear to did not sign will be dropped
there was no authority the board will ratify the authority and will the truth of the as a party.
say “authorized siya they affirm that he is authorized” or when allegations in the
they will immediately submit it and they must offer justifiable complaint or petition Under reasonable or
reasons for their failure. signs the verification, justifiable circumstances,
and; when all the plaintiffs or
The Supreme Court has ruled that there will be no petitioners share a common
• when matters alleged in interest and invoke a
substantial compliance if you do not provide for a justifiable
the petition have been common cause of action or
reason for your failure and if you do not provide for a
made in good faith or defense, the signature of one
submission in compliance. of them in the certification
are true and correct
substantially comply with the
What should you undertake in your certification? Rule.
• that he or she has not theretofore commenced any action or
filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, When will you be liable for direct contempt? When will you
tribunal or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of his or her be liable for indirect contempt in so far as certificate of
knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein; forum shopping?
• if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete DIRECT CONTEMPT INDIRECT CONTEMPT
statement of the present status thereof; and If the acts of the party or his Submission of a false
• if he or she should thereafter learn that the same or similar or her counsel clearly certification shall constitute
action or claim has been filed or is pending, he or she shall constitute willful and indirect contempt of court,
report that fact within five (5) calendar days therefrom to the deliberate forum shopping, without prejudice to the
court wherein his or her aforesaid complaint or initiatory the same shall be ground for corresponding administrative
pleading has been filed. summary dismissal with and criminal actions
prejudice and shall constitute
SUMMARY OF EFFECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH direct contempt, as well as
VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM cause for administrative
SHOPPING sanctions.
If it is VERIFICATION, it will not make your pleading directly or
defective the court can order a submission or correction of the
CONTENTS OF A PLEADING
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Every pleading stating a party's claims or defenses shall, in JUDICIAL AFFIDAVIT RULE (JA RUL)
addition to those mandated by Section 2, Rule 7, state the
following: What courts do we apply the JA rule?
ALL COURTS except for MTC for small claims.
a) Names of witnesses who will be presented to prove a party's
claim or defense; It applies to the municipal trial court even if the summary does
b) Summary of the witnesses' intended testimonies, provided not mention any kind of affidavit, in the JA rule it provides that
that the judicial affidavits of said witnesses shall be attached that it applies to the MTC except in small claims. Even if the
to the pleading and form an integral part thereof. Only summary procedure does not mention it, it applies, it was not
witnesses whose judicial affidavits are attached to the mentioned because summary procedure was enacted first before
pleading shall be presented by the parties during trial. the JA Rule.
Except if a party presents meritorious reasons as basis for
the admission of additional witnesses, no other witness or
Do we apply it in Criminal cases?
affidavit shall be heard or admitted by the court; and
YES. It is required that if it exceeds six years you need the
c) Documentary and object evidence in support of the
consent of the accused.
allegations contained in the pleading.
NOTE: Judicial affidavit is in lieu of your direct testimony.
NOTE: the pleading that asserts a claim or defense. When you
say a pleading that asserts a claim or defense it is not limited to
the complaint or answer. Because a counter-claim, cross-claim, The rule under the JA rule which says that you need to serve and
third-party complaint asserts a claim and an answer to a counter file it within five days before trial is NOT APPLICABLE
claim asserts a defense. ANYMORE.

Without prejudice to those others mentioned earlier (cause of This is because the new rules of court provide for the period.
action etc) It should be the name of the witnesses, and if it asserts
a claim or defense you already need to allege the name of your That you can already submit as early as attaching it to your
witnesses, the summary of their testimony then you need to pleadings seeking a claim or defense. It means you do not need
attach their judicial affidavits and then you have to also attached to file it before the pre-trial. It is deemed amended because of the
already all your documentary and object evidence in support of inconsistency. Also, the last part of the revised rules of court that
the pleading you have to allege it already then you it is deemed to a meant those circulars that are inconsistent
also included it therewith so obviously the period of filing in your JA rule is
inconsistent with the period of filing in the revised rules.
If you fail to allege it, what is the effect?
It will not be any more admitted. So, the rule is if you file a complaint you should already attach
the judicial affidavits to your complaint and if you file an answer
Is this rule absolute? you should already attach the judicial affidavit in your answer.
NO. When you have meritorious reasons. (Evidentiary support That is the reason why the 15-day period to file an answer in the
through modes of discovery) previous rules of court was amended to 30 days because you
need to attach the judicial affidavits to your pleading.
EFFICIENT PAPER RULE
ALLEGATIONS IN A JUDICIAL AFFIDAVIT
A judicial affidavit shall be prepared in the language known to the
Size of the Paper: 8.5 by 13
witness and, if not in English or Filipino, accompanied by a
Font size: is 14 translation in English or Filipino, and shall contain the following:
Spacing: single space paragraph and 1.5 spacing between (A) The name, age, residence or business address and
paragraphs occupation of the witness;
(B) The name and address of the lawyer who conducts or
Margins: supervises the examination of the witness and the place
Left margin. 1.5 inch where the examination is being held;
Top margin 1.2 inch (C) A statement that the witness is answering the questions
Right margin: 1 inch asked for him, fully conscious that he does not so under
Bottom margin 1 inch oath, and that he may face criminal liability for false
testimony or perjury
how many copies do we file in the supreme court? five (D) Questions asked of the witness and his corresponding
copies one originally marked and 4 copies answers consecutively numbered, that:
a. Show the circumstances which the witness
En Banc: Five copies acquired the facts upon which he testifies
b. Elicit from him those facts which are relevant to the
issues that the case presents and
Court of Appeals: Three copies c. Identify the attached documentary object and
evidence and establish their authenticity in
Regional Trial Court: One copy only but in real life 2 copies accordance with the Rules of Court
(E) The signature of the witness over his printed name and

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(F) A jurat with the signature of the notary public who b.) A false attestation shall subject the lawyer mentioned to
administers the oath or an officer who is authorized by law disciplinary including disbarment.
to administer the same.
Is it mandatory that we attach the original document in the SUCCESSIVELY NUMBERED AND LETTERED
judicial affidavit? We need to attach the exhibits it should be successively
The JA rule says that it does not need to be the original provided numbered or lettered.
that it has to be authenticated you need to warrant the due
execution and the authenticity in the judicial affidavit. If you attach 5 exhibits for judicial affidavit so that will be exhibits
“A to E” then the second judicial affidavit which has two exhibits
Example: the copy of the deed of sale dated January 1 is it should continue it should be exhibits “F and G”. Then if there is
attached hereto and I warrant that it is a faithful reproduction of a third judicial affidavit then it shall be marked as. “H”
the original and it is a presenting copy.
If it already exceeds “Z”, you can continue with “AA-ZZ”. You

EFFECT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS cannot include “ñ” and “ñg”.
• A party who fails to submit the required judicial affidavits
and exhibits on time shall be deemed to have waived their What is the REMEDY if you make a mistake?
submission. The court may, however, allow only once the You need to pay for a fine.
late submission of the same provided, the delay is for a
valid reason, would not unduly prejudice the opposing How many times can you to correct it?
party, and the defaulting party pays a fine of not less than Once only with fine for damages
P1,000.00 nor more than P5,000.00, at the discretion of the
court. Will there not be a violation of due process if you need to
submit judicial affidavit in advance?
• The court shall not consider the affidavit of any witness who It is just only submission for orderly procedure but it is not yet
fails to appear at the scheduled hearing of the case as offered for evidence because the rules provide that there will be
required. Counsel who fails to appear without valid cause no evidence will be considered by the court until it is formally
despite notice shall be deemed to have waived his client's offered. There is a properly procedure to properly offer the
right to confront by cross-examination the witnesses there evidence and if you only submit it in compliance of attaching it to
present. the document that is that the formal offer contemplated by the
court.
• The court shall not admit as evidence judicial affidavits that
do not conform to the content requirements of Section 3 In the rules, before the JA rule, we were able to object each
and the attestation requirement of Section 4 above. The question propounded on direct but now it is oral so
court may, however, allow only once the subsequent everything is on paper and so does that mean that we cannot
submission of the compliant replacement affidavits before object to the questions anymore?
the hearing or trial provided the delay is for a valid reason NO, you may still object. Before you start with trial you need to
and would not unduly prejudice the opposing party and manifest your objections to the question before you start with trial
provided further, that public or private counsel responsible or you file it in writing prior to your trial objecting to each question
for their preparation and submission pays a fine of not less so that you can strike out each question that is in
than P1,000.00 nor more than P5,000.00, at the discretion violation of the rules
of the court.
COURT’S OBLIGATION IN JA RULE
If you did not warrant what is the effect or the violation any The court shall take an active part in examining the witness. The
of the requirements? court is not just passive in receiving evidence, it is mandated
It would be deemed waived so you cannot use that you just shall to take an active part in examine the witness in determining
make your own statement it's not a question-and-answer his credibility.
format. the statement of the witness in the questions asked him
questions propounded he should also warrant that he executed
The court will also ask us questions to witness isn't this
the affidavit knowing that he may be liable for faultless
unlawful lawyering for the party since the court will ask
information or perjury.
questions?
NO, because the rules require it. Because before direct
LAWYERS ATTESTATION IN JUDICIAL AFFIDAVIT examination is made orally. Now it is made on paper, so the court
Sworn Attestation of the Lawyer: to be able to test the credibility and for it to be able to rule on the
case it should take an active part.
a.) The judicial affidavit shall contain a sworn attestation at the
end, executed by the lawyer who conducted or supervised In the cases we give a lot of credence to the lower courts finding
the examination of the witness, to that effect that because they were able to observe the witnesses. For instance,
a. He faithfully recorded or caused to be recorded the you ask “do you owe X money” when the witness answers, the
questions he asked and the corresponding trial court will be able to observe the difference in the behavior
answers that the witness gave; and but if it is on the transcript of the stenographic notes you will only
b. Neither he nor any other person then present or be able to see the answer “NO”. So the notes will not be able to
assisting him coached the witness regarding the observe that kind of expression but the court wil, so for the court
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to be able to test the credibility the truthfulness the court can ask ALTERNATIVE CAUSES OF ACTION OR DEFENSE
questions. A party may state as many claims or defenses as he has,
regardless of consistency, but each must be consistent in itself.
Should all witnesses execute a judicial affidavit? A party may set forth two or more statements of a claim or
YES defense alternatively or hypothetically, either in one cause of
action or defense or in separate causes of action or defenses.
Let's say the local civil registrar or the one who issued the When two or more statements are made in the alternative and
certification from the government so do they need to one of them if made independently would be sufficient, the
execute a judicial affidavit? YES. Execute through a pleading is not made insufficient by the insufficiency of one or
subpoena. more of the alternative statements. (Section 2, Rule 8)

What if at the time you are going to file your answer and you
“If the government employee or official, or the requested witness,
are claiming that if you alleged those two cohesive actions
who is neither the witness of the adverse party nor a hostile
it would be inconsistent with each other is that correct is?
witness, unjustifiably declines to execute a judicial affidavit or
refuses without just cause to make the relevant books, In alternative you are just hypothetically admitting it’s not a fact
documents, or other things under his control available for but you are basing it on a claim or defense that alternatively or
copying, authentication, and eventual production in court, the hypothetically. It does not have to be actual it can be
requesting party may avail himself of the issuance of a subpoena hypothetical.
ad testificandum or duces tecum under Rule 21 of the Rules of
Court. The rules governing the issuance of a subpoena to the If you have available alternative defense is that you did not
witness in this case shall be the same as when taking his raise at the time, he could have raised it what is the effect?
deposition except that the taking of a judicial affidavit shall be It is deemed waived.
understood to be ex parte.”
CONDITION PRECEDENT
Is there an exception? In any pleading, a general averment of the performance or
If you have an unwilling or hostile witness. occurrence of all condition’s precedent shall be sufficient.

NOTE: As a rule, everyone should be issued an subpoena, Condition precedent are those matters which must be complied
anyone who cannot be a witness you get a subpoena such as with before a cause of action arises. The compliance of the same
government officials. The exception under Section 5 is when you must be alleged in the complaint or petition.
have an adverse witness or hostile witness.
Examples of Condition Precedent
• Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
How are you going to make objection to the offer? Oral or in
writing? • Barangay Conciliation
Oral • Arbitration

How do you enforce a foreign judgement?


RULE 8 MANNER OF MAKING ALLEGATIONS IN In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court,
PLEADINGS judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of a board or officer, it is
sufficient to aver the judgment or decision without setting forth
ALLEGATION IN A PLEADING matter showing jurisdiction to render it. An authenticated copy of
Every pleading shall contain in a methodical and logical form, a the judgment or decision shall be attached to the pleading.
plain, concise and direct statement of the ultimate facts, including (Section 6, Rule 8)
the evidence on which the party pleading relies for his or her
claim or defense, as the case may be. HOW DO YOU MAKE SPECIFIC DENIAL?
A defendant must specify each material allegation of fact the truth
If a cause of action or defense relied on is based on law, the of which he or she does not admit and, whenever practicable,
pertinent provisions thereof and their applicability to him or her shall set forth the substance of the matters upon which he or she
shall be clearly and concisely stated. relies to support his or her denial. Where a defendant desires to
(Section 1, Rule 8) deny only a part of an averment, he or she shall specify so much
of it as is true and material and shall deny only the remainder.
Is ultimate facts the same as evidentiary facts? NO. Where a defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient
What distinguishes ultimate facts from evidentiary facts? to form a belief as to the truth of a material averment made to the
ULTIMATE FACTS EVIDENTIARY FACTS complaint, he or she shall so state, and
Ultimate Facts are the Evidentiary facts are those this shall have the effect of a denial. (Section 10, Rule 8)
essential facts constituting which are necessary to prove
the plaintiff’s cause of action, the ultimate fact or which AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
Affirmative Defenses. —
or such facts as are so furnish the evidence of
(A) A defendant shall raise his or her affirmative defenses in his
essential that they cannot be existence of some other
or her answer, which shall be limited to the reasons set forth
stricken out without leaving facts.
under Section 5 (b), Rule 6, and the following grounds:
the statement of the cause of
1. That the court has no jurisdiction over the person of the
action inadequate defending party;
2. That venue is improperly laid;
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3. That the plaintiff has no legal capacity to sue; Does this mean that in the entire proceeding the defendant
4. That the pleading asserting the claim states no cause has no participation and no notice?
of action; and NO. He can serve as a witness for the plaintiff. The counsel of
5. That a condition precedent for filing the claim has not the plaintiff
been complied with.
REMEDY TO AN ORDER OF DEFAULT?
What are these NON-WAIVABLE DEFENSES? Motion under oath to set aside the order of Default.
• Lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter
• Litis Pendentia Under what grounds?
• Res Judicata A party declared in default may at any time after notice thereof
• Statute of Limitations and before judgment, file a motion under oath to set aside the
order of default upon proper showing that his or her failure to
These are non-waivable defenses subject to the EXCEPTION of answer was due to fraud, accident, mistake or excusable
Estoppel by Laches as provided for in Tijam v. Sibonghanoy negligence and that he or she has a meritorious defense. In such
case, the order of default may be set aside on such terms and
Period within which to FILE AN ANSWER? conditions as the judge may impose in the interest of justice.
30 calendar days (Section 3 (b), Rule 9)

Can you EXTEND this period within which to file an Answer? What kind of fraud?
YES. A defendant may, for meritorious reasons, be granted an Extrinsic
additional period of not more than thirty (30) calendar days to file
an answer. A defendant is only allowed to file one (1) motion for Example of an Extrinsic Fraud?
extension of time to file an answer. (Rule 11, Section 11) The plaintiff pretended that he is the defendant. The plaintiff
Stayed outside the house of the defendant, and the plaintiff
How many times can you file a Motion for Extension of acting as the defendant received the summons so that the 30day
Time? period will run. The defendant does not know that there is a
Only ONCE. summons already, there is extrinsic fraud because the defendant
could not file on time because the plaintiff defrauded the
The answer was not filed on time, it was filed on the 40th day defendant making it appear that he is the defendant.
and there was no motion to for extension. But the plaintiff
did not move to declare the defendant in default, the REMEDY AFTER JUDGEMENT AND BEFORE JUDGEMENT
defendant filed in on the 40th day and the court admitted it. BECOMES FINAL AND EXECUTORY
The plaintiff objected on the ground that the court should If the judgement has already been rendered when the defendant
not have admitted the answer, because it was filed out of discovered the default but before the same has become final and
time. Was the Court incorrect in admitting the Answer filed executory, he may file a motion for new trial under Rule 37. He
out of time? NO. may also file an appeal from the judgement as being contrary to
evidence or law.
Can a court declare a party in default motu proprio?
NO. It has to be upon motion. REMEDY AFTER JUDGEMENT BECOMES FINAL AND
EXECUTORY
RULE 9 EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PLEAD The defendant may file a petition for relief from judgement
under Rule 38.
In BOTH cases, Certiorari may be filed when said party was
What is the EFFECT of an ORDER OF DEFAULT?
improperly declared in default because this would tantamount to
There will be a judgment on default. From the order of default,
a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction.
the court can render a judgment which is based on what the
pleadings may warrant.
Appeal instead of a motion for new trial?
You may file a motion for new trial and then file an appeal.
For example: in summary procedure, if the plaintiff asks for
P50,000. The Court cannot award more than P50,000.
Grounds of striking out a pleading if it is a sham?
Another act of the court is that rather than rendering judgement Upon motion made by a party before responding to a pleading or,
right away, it can require reception of evidence first before it if no responsive pleading is permitted by these Rules, upon
renders a judgement. motion made by a party within twenty (20) calendar days after
the service of the pleading upon him or her, or upon the court's
own initiative at any time, the court may order any pleading to be
“A party in default shall be entitled to notices of subsequent
stricken out or that any sham or false, redundant,
proceedings but shall not take part in the trial.”
(Section 3 (a), Rule 9)
Three joint debtors but only one filed an answer, will the two
parties who did not file an answer be declared in default
Can the reception of evidence be delegated on the Clerk of
upon motion of the plaintiff?
Court?
• Can they not benefit from the answer of the one who
YES. The reception of evidence may be delegated to the Clerk of
answered?
Court under Section 3, Rule 9.

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• Can it not be argued that there is a common cause of the name of a party or a mistaken or inadequate allegation or
action against them and therefore they cannot be description in any other respect, so that the actual merits of the
declared in default? controversy may speedily be determined, without regard to
No, it is not a common cause of action. In joint obligations, each technicalities, in the most expeditious and inexpensive manner.
one is liable for a specific amount so it is not a common cause (Section 1, Rule 10)
for all of them. They are NECESSARY PARTIES.
AMENDMENT OF A PLEADING AS A MATTER OF RIGHT
If they are solidary debtors then there will not be a default and A party may amend his pleading once as a matter of right at any
they will benefit from the answering defendant because they time before a responsive pleading is served or, in the case of a
have the same cause of action. In such instance, the Court will reply, at any time within ten (10) calendar days after it is served.
not declare them as default. The court will receive the evidence. (Section 2, Rule 10)

RULE 62, Section 1 Does it only apply to a complaint?


“When interpleader proper. — Whenever conflicting claims upon NO. It can be any other pleading as long as there is no responsive
the same subject matter are or may be made against a person pleading.
who claims no interest whatever in the subject matter, or an
interest which in whole or in part is not disputed by the claimants, Amendment of a REPLY not based on an actionable
he may bring an action against the conflicting claimants to document, or REJOINDER?
compel them to interplead and litigate their several claims 10 Calendar Days from time it is served. After the answer has
among themselves.” been filed, it is now with leave of court.

In relation to Credit Transaction (Warehouse Receipts): when When can the leave of court be refused?
there are conflicting claimants against the warehouseman, the A Leave of court shall be refused if it appears to the court that the
warehouseman can file an action for interpleader. motion was made with intent to delay or confer jurisdiction on the
court, or the pleading stated no cause of action from the
Interpleader is what you file when you are not claiming anything beginning which could be amended.
against the subject matter. In the case of the warehouseman, he
does not have anything to do with the object of the warehouse It shall be refused if it was made with:
receipt. He just doesn’t know where to deliver because there are • Intent to delay
two conflicting claimants. • Confer jurisdiction on the court
• Pleading stated no cause of action from the beginning
The remedy should’ve been that the two claimants filed an action
against each other. But they are not filing a complaint against FORMAL AMENDMENT
each other but claiming it against the warehouse man. A defect in the designation of the parties and other clearly clerical
or typographical errors may be summarily corrected by the court
LEASE: It is similar to a lessee who lease the premises, and he at any stage of the action, at its initiative or on motion, provided
does not know where payment should be made. When there are no prejudice is caused thereby to the adverse party.
two people who claims to be the owner of the leased property. (Section 4, Rule 10)

In such instance, the one that they are claiming against who has Jurisdiction over the issues is based on the pleadings, if it
no interest in the subject matter, can file an action of an is not in the pleading the court does not acquire jurisdiction
interpleader for the conflicting claimants to interplead. over the issues, the exception is when it is heard in trial and
there is no objection during trial. So, it will be an additional
In that case, they are both defendants. But if one of them does issue that the court will rule upon. Do you need to amend
not answer, the other one will not benefit even if it is the same the pleading when that happens?
subject matter that they are claiming. This is because they have When issues not raised by the pleadings are tried with the
conflicting claim that is why you cannot apply the rules on partial express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in
default that one is benefited by the answer of another. all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. No
amendment of such pleadings deemed amended is necessary to
Cases when there are NO DEFAULT cause them to conform to the evidence.
If the defending party in an action for annulment or declaration of (Section 5, Rule 10)
nullity of marriage or for legal separation fails to answer, the court
shall order the Solicitor General or his or her deputized public SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADING
prosecutor, to investigate whether or not a collusion between the Upon motion of a party, the court may, upon reasonable notice
parties exists, and if there is no collusion, to intervene for the and upon such terms as are just, permit him or her to serve a
State in order to see to it that the evidence submitted is not supplemental pleading setting forth transactions, occurrences or
fabricated. events which have happened since the date of the pleading
sought to be supplemented. The adverse party may plead thereto
within ten (10) calendar days from notice of the order
RULE 10 AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADING admitting the supplemental pleading. (Section 6, Rule 10)

AMENDMENT OF A PLEADING Mico Filed for a collection for sum of money against Cardo
Pleadings may be amended by adding or striking out an and Mico did not attach an actionable document. Before
allegation or the name of any party, or by correcting a mistake in Cardo was able to file an answer, Mico found in his drawer
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the contract of loan. But Mico only found it after he filed the RULE 11 WHEN TO FILE RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS
complaint, if Mico want to include the contract of loan what
is your remedy a supplemental complaint or amended ANSWER TO A COMPLAINT
complaint? Amended Complaint The defendant shall file his or her answer to the complaint within
thirty (30) calendar days after service of summons, unless a
Remedy to implead an indispensable party not impleaded in different period is fixed by the court.(Section 1, Rule 10)
your original complaint?
It is a formal amendment. Period to file an Answer of a Foreign Private Juridical Entity.
Where the defendant is a foreign private juridical entity and
Can you file a third-party complaint? service of summons is made on the government official
NO. It must be a formal amendment impleading the designated by law to receive the same, the answer shall be filed
indispensable party. This is because your failure to implead the within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of summons by
indispensable party would render the proceedings void. such entity. (Section 2, Rule 10)

What is the effect of an amended pleading? Period Answer to Amended Complaint


An amended pleading supersedes the pleading that it amends. When the plaintiff files an amended complaint as a matter of
However, admissions in superseded pleadings may be offered in right, the defendant shall answer the same within thirty (30)
evidence against the pleader, and claims or defenses alleged calendar days after being served with a copy thereof.
therein not incorporated in the amended pleading shall be
deemed waived. Where its filing is not a matter of right, the defendant shall
(Section 8, Rule 10) answer the amended complaint within fifteen (15) calendar
days from notice of the order admitting the same. An answer
You filed an answer, in the answer you raised 10 affirmative earlier filed may serve as the answer to the amended complaint
defenses. Subsequently, you wanted to file an amended if no new answer is filed. (Section 3, Rule 10)
answer, but when you filed it you only raised 3 affirmative
defenses. Can you tell the court that your affirmative If you did not file an answer to an amended complaint, does
defenses are those contained in your original and amended that mean that you will be declared in default?
answer combined? NO. You cannot be declared in default because you already filed
NO. The rules provide that admissions in superseded pleadings an Answer to the complaint. The rules provide that the answer
may be offered in evidence against the pleader, and claims or earlier filed will serve as the answer to the amended complaint if
defenses alleged therein not incorporated in the amended no new answer is filed.
pleading shall be deemed waived.
Period to file Answer to counter claim and cross-claim?
The 7 affirmative defenses you did not admit is deemed waived. A counterclaim or cross-claim must be answered within twenty
(20) calendar days from service. (Section 4, Rule 10)
Does this mean that we can no longer use for any purpose
the original pleading that was amended? Answer to third party complaint
You use it to confront it to the witness. So, you can show The time to answer a third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint shall be
inconsistent statements to impeach a witness and that affects the governed by the same rule as the answer to the complaint.
credibility or believability of witness.
It must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after service of
For example: if the plaintiff originally claimed in the complaint summons unless a different period is fixed by the court.
P100,000 then he amends it to P150,000 so you can show the (Section 5, Rule 11)
conflicting documents to show that the claim is actually lesser
than what he is asking for. When is a REPLY ALLOWED?
A reply, if allowed under Section 10, Rule 6 hereof, may be filed
When you file an answer with affirmative defenses, will the within fifteen (15) calendar days from service of the pleading
court wait for trial before the court rules on the affirmative responded to. (Section 6, Rule 11)
defenses? What will the court do with the defenses raised in
the Answer? ANSWER TO SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT
Make a ruling within 30 calendar days A supplemental complaint may be answered within twenty (20)
calendar days from notice of the order admitting the same,
Can a party file a motion to set the affirmative defenses for unless a different period is fixed by the court. The answer to the
hearing? complaint shall serve as the answer to the supplemental
NO. It is a prohibited motion. You can only have a hearing if the complaint if no new or supplemental answer is filed.
court, in its discretion, decides to do so.
No answer to supplemental complaint, can we use the
In so far as summary hearing for defenses, is it allowed for original answer as an answer to supplemental?
any ground? As a rule, if you do not raise counter claims and cross-claims it
First paragraph of Rule 6, Section (b). Because the others, you is deemed waived
can already determine based on the pleading. For example,
jurisdiction over the subject matter, you can determine it from EXCEPTIONS
looking at the pleading on its own.

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counterclaim or a cross-claim which either matured or was court may be filed either in a separate or in an amended pleading,
acquired by a party after serving his or her pleading may, with serving a copy thereof on the adverse party.
the permission of the court, be presented as a counterclaim or a (Section 3, Rule 12)
cross-claim by supplemental pleading before judgment. File a bill of particulars of a more definite statement of what is
lacking and it may either be in a separate or amended pleading.
How do you plead them?
Supplemental counter-claim or cross claim because it is a EFFECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE
transaction that occurred after your filing. If the order is not obeyed, or in case of insufficient compliance
therewith, the court may order the striking out of the pleading or
When you say supplemental it presupposes that you already the portions thereof to which the order was directed, or make
have an original counter claim or cross claim. What if you failed such other order as it deems just. (Section 4, Rule 12)
to plead it? It existed before but you forgot?
When a pleader fails to set up a counterclaim or a crossclaim REFUSAL TO COMPLY
through oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect, or when If the order is not obeyed, or in case of insufficient compliance
justice requires, he or she may, by leave of court, set up the therewith, the court may order the striking out of the pleading or
counterclaim or cross-claim by amendment before judgment. the portions thereof to which the order was directed, or make
such other order as it deems just. (Section 4, Rule 12)
RULE 12 BILL OF PARTICULARS
STAY PERIOD TO FILE A RESPONSIVE PLEADING
BILL OF PARTICULARS After service of the bill of particulars or of a more definite
Before responding to a pleading, a party may move for a definite pleading, or after notice of denial of his or her motion, the moving
statement or for a bill of particulars of any matter, which is not party may file his or her responsive pleading within the period to
averred with sufficient definiteness or particularity, to enable him which he or she was entitled at the time of filing his or her motion,
or her properly to prepare his or her responsive pleading. If the which shall not be less than five (5) calendar days in any event
pleading is a reply, the motion must be filed within ten (10) (Section 5, Rule 12).
calendar days from service thereof. Such motion shall point out
the defects complained of, the paragraphs wherein they are BILL PART OF PLEADING
contained, and the details desired. A bill of particulars becomes part of the pleading for which it is
(Section 1, Rule 12) intended

PURPOSE OF BILL OF PARTICULARS RULE 13 FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS,


To enable the parties to properly prepare his or her responsive JUDGEMENTS AND OTHER PAPERS
pleading.
FILING OF A PLEADING
A function of a bill of particulars is to clarify the allegations in the Filing is the act of submitting the pleading or other proper to the
pleading so an adverse party may be informed with certainty of court.
the exact character of the cause of action or defense. Without the
clarifications sought by the motion, the movant may be deprived SERVICE OF A PLEADING
of the opportunity to submit an intelligent responsive pleading. Service is the act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading
or any other court submission.
Within what period should you file the motion?
Within ten (10) calendar days from service thereof. Who conducts service, is it only the party who serves the
other party?
Are you only limited to filing a motion for bill of particulars NO. The court can also serve. The court serves documents like
for a complaint? orders, judgements, resolutions and notices to parties and
Within the period to file a responsive pleading, before a parties also serve to other parties the pleadings.
responsive pleading is filed. Otherwise, you are deemed to have
waived it. You cannot file a pleading without proper service. If you do not
serve it before filing it is not deemed filed.
If no responsive pleading is allowed such as when a reply not
based on an actionable document you have 10 calendar days. When you have several counsels, are all of them entitled to
a copy?
ACTION BY THE COURT When one counsel appears for several parties, such counsel
Upon the filing of the motion, the clerk of court must immediately shall only be entitled to one copy of any paper served by the the
bring it to the attention of the court, which may either deny or opposite side.
grant it outright, or allow the parties the opportunity to be heard.
(Section 2, Rule 12) When several counsels appear for one party, such party shall
be entitled to only one copy of any pleading or paper to be served
What should the plaintiff do if the court grants the motion? upon the lead counsel if one is designated
If the motion is granted, either in whole or in part, the compliance
therewith must be effected within ten (10) calendar days from What if there is no lead counsel?
notice of the order, unless a different period is fixed by the court. If there is no lead counsel it shall be served upon any one of
The bill of particulars or a more definite statement ordered by the them

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DIFFERENT WAYS OF FILING A PLEADING IN COURT • Place
The filing of pleadings and other court submissions shall be made • Manner of service
by: Proof of filing personally is the pleading that is in court with
a) Submitting personally the original thereof, plainly indicated the acknowledgement receipt and the indorsement of the
as such, to the court; clerk of court. But if they cannot find that copy in the
b) Sending them by registered mail; records, what is your proof of filing?
c) Sending them by accredited courier; or The receiving copy with the written or stamp acknowledgement
d) Transmitting them by electronic mail or other electronic of the clerk of court.
means as may be authorized by the Court in places where
the court is electronically equipped. Filing by accredited courier, Is it any courier?
NO. It must be ACCREDITED courier.
In the first case, the clerk of court shall endorse on the pleading
the date and hour of filing. In the second and third cases, the date NOTE: the rules only came out with the rules this September
of the mailing of motions, pleadings, and other court 2020 on how to accredit a courier. There is no accredited courier.
submissions, and payments or deposits, as shown by the post
office stamp on the envelope or the registry receipt, shall be PROOF OF FILING BY COURIER SERVICE
considered as the date of their filing, payment, or deposit in court. If the pleading or any other court submission was filed through
The envelope shall be attached to the record of the case. In the an accredited courier service, the filing shall be proven by an
fourth case, the date of electronic transmission shall be affidavit of service of the person who brought the pleading or
considered as the date of filing other document to the service provider, together with the
courier's official receipt and document tracking number. (Section
PERSONAL FILING 16 (c), Rule 13)
Court submissions may be served by personal delivery of a copy
to the party or to the party's counsel, or to their authorized DATE OF FILING
representative named in the appropriate pleading or motion, or • Registered Mail
by leaving it in his or her office with his or her clerk, or with a • Accredited courier
person having charge thereof. If no person is found in his or her • EMAIL
office, or his or her office is not known, or he or she has no office,
then by leaving the copy, between the hours of eight in the PROOF OF FILING BY ELECTRONIC MEANS - EMAIL
morning and six in the evening, at the party's or counsel's If the pleading or any other court submission was filed by
residence, if known, with a person of sufficient age and discretion electronic mail, the same shall be proven by an affidavit of
residing therein. (Section 6, Rule 13) electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by a paper copy
of the pleading or other document transmitted or a written or
You should have the receiving copy where there is an stamped acknowledgment of its filing by the clerk of court. If the
acknowledgement of receipt. You have one original copy to file paper copy sent by electronic mail was filed by registered mail,
in court because if it is the trial court under the efficient paper rule paragraph (b) of this Section applies. (Section 16 (d), Rule 13)
you only have one copy to be filed in court.
In other words, if you file through electronic mail, you still
The you the receiving copy and they will stamp in both copies the need a personal service.
date and time of receipt.
PROOF OF FILING OTHER AUTHORIZED ELECTRIC MEANS
FILING BY REGISTERED MAIL If the pleading or any other court submission was filed through
Service by registered mail shall be made by depositing the copy other authorized electronic means, the same shall be proven by
in the post office, in a sealed envelope, plainly addressed to the an affidavit of electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by
party or to the party's counsel at his or her office, if known, a copy of the electronic acknowledgment of its filing by the court.
otherwise at his or her residence, if known, with postage fully
prepaid, and with instructions to the postmaster to return the mail How do you prove this?
to the sender after ten (10) calendar days if undelivered. If no Accompanied by the copy that is acknowledgement
registry service is available in the locality of either the sender or
the addressee, service may be done by ordinary mail.
What are the papers required to be filed and served?
PROOF OF FILING BY REGISTERED MAIL
DIFFERENT MODES OF SERVICE
If the pleading or any other court submission was filed by
• Ordinary Mail
registered mail, the filing shall be proven by the registry receipt
• Registered Mail
and by the affidavit of the person who mailed it, containing a full
• Accredited Courier Service
statement of the date and place of deposit of the mail in the post
• Electric mail, fascimile, or other Authorized electronic means
office in a sealed envelope addressed to the court, with postage
of transmission
fully prepaid, and with instructions to the postmaster to return the
mail to the sender after ten (10) calendar days if not
PROOF OF SERVICE BY PERSONAL SERVICE
delivered. (Section 16 (b), Rule 13)
Proof of personal service shall consist of a written admission of
the party served, or the official return of the server, or the affidavit
What should be contained in the affidavit?
of the party serving, containing a statement of the date, place,
The Affidavit shall contain a statement of the:
and manner of service.
• Date,
PROOF OF SERVICE OF ORDINARY MAIL
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Proof shall consist of an affidavit of the person mailing stating the executed by the person who sent the e-mail, facsimile, or other
facts showing compliance with Section 7 of this Rule. electronic transmission, together with a printed proof of
transmittal.
PROOF OF SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL
Proof shall be made by the affidavit mentioned above and the You went to court and you are facing Atty. Panandigan. You
registry receipt issued by the mailing office. The registry return asked Atty Panandigan if she received the email you sent
card shall be filed immediately upon its receipt by the sender, or her. Atty. Panandigan said she did not receive anything. Is
in lieu thereof, the unclaimed letter together with the certified or that deemed served?
sworn copy of the notice given by the postmaster to the NO. Because you learned that it did not reach
addressee.
CONVENTIONAL SERVICE OF FILING OF ORDERS,
Do you need to make an affidavit for personal service? Yes. PLEADINGS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
The preference is personal or by registered mail
Isn’t the acknowledgement already the proof of service? It is
only one of the proof of service. It can either be the What are these pleadings?
acknowledgement or the affidavit of the party serving. Initiatory pleadings or initiatory responsive pleadings

Can we avail by ordinary mail? When? Can you do service by email?


YES. Only when there is no registered mail Yes but only when permitted by the court.

NOTE: Proof of service that is by registered mail and accredited What if the court did not make a ruling but the parties
courier service is essentially the same as filing. Affidavit and agreed. Can you have service by email?
either the registry receipt or the official receipt with the tracking Either the parties agree or the court directs.
number.
if there is no court directive and no agreement, can you
PROOF OF SERVICE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL, FACSIMILE, automatically serve by email?
OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS You need indicate the official email where you can mail it. If the
Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the court does not direct it and there is no agreement. The party can
person who sent the e-mail, facsimile, or other electronic still file electronic mail but CANNOT SERVE electronic mail.
transmission, together with a printed proof of transmittal.
PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE
Filing through registered mail or accredited courier is There shall be presumptive notice to a party of a court setting if
deemed filed on the date of mailing, what about if it is such notice appears on the records to have been mailed at least
SERVICE? When is it completed? twenty (20) calendar days prior to the scheduled date of hearing
Service by registered mail is complete upon actual receipt by and if the addressee is from within the same judicial region of the
the addressee, or after five (5) calendar days from the date he or court where the case is pending, or at least thirty (30) calendar
she received the first notice of the postmaster, whichever date is days if the addressee is from outside the judicial region. (Section
earlier. 10, Rule 13)

Service by accredited courier is complete upon actual receipt If it has been mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to the
by the addressee, or after at least two (2) attempts to deliver by scheduled date of hearing and if the addressee is within the same
the courier service, or upon the expiration of five (5) calendar judicial region. If it is not the same judicial region within 30
days after the first attempt to deliver, whichever is earlier. calendar days.

NOTE: Even if the rules only mention ordinary mail, you apply Is this presumption disputable or conclusive?
also the registered mail. So, it is upon actual receipt or at least DISPUTABLE.
three attempts
The reason is that, for example, if you serve by registered mail,
The usual case is they don’t deliver it to your house. What they the proof of actual date of receipt that they have notice is the
will do is send you a notice that you have a mail in the post office return. So, if you mail, there will be a return to you. It will show
and that you should claim it. So even if you haven’t claimed it but the date you received it. If there is no return, there is no proof that
you have notice that you have mail. From the lapse of the 5day the party received notice.
period from the day that you have notice, you are deemed to
have received it. In those cases, for interest of justice the court will reset the
hearing. This delays the case, this is why they have the
PROOF OF SERVICE OF COURIER SERVICE presumptive service, such that after the lapse of the period it is
Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the presumed that they received notice. But since it is disputable it is
person who brought the pleading or paper to the service provider, subject to the contrary.
together with the courier's official receipt or document tracking
number. SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
If service of pleadings, motions, notices, resolutions, orders and
PROOF OF SERVICE OF ELECTRONIC SERVICE other papers cannot be made under the two preceding sections,
Electronic mail, facsimile, or Other Authorized electronic means the office and place of residence of the party or his or her counsel
of transmission. — Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service being unknown, service may be made by delivering the copy to
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the clerk of court, with proof of failure of both personal service It shall be issued within Five (5) calendar days from receipt of
and service by mail. The service is complete at the time of such the initiatory pleading AND proof of payment of the requisite
delivery. (Section 8, Rule 13) - Show proof that all the others have legal fees.
failed and the place and residence is unknown. CONTENTS OF A SUMMONS
The summons shall be directed to the defendant, signed by the
What if it is unknown because the lawyer changed his clerk of court under seal, and contain:
address, can you make substituted service? a) The name of the court and the names of the parties to
YES, because it is the address in the court records that is binding. the action;
So, if you change your address, you need to give notice to the b) When authorized by the court upon ex parte motion, an
court and the parties. authorization for the plaintiff to serve summons to the
defendant;
If you did not give notice to the court and to the parties, what will c) A direction that the defendant answer within the time
be used is the address you have given. fixed by these Rules; and
d) A notice that unless the defendant so answers, plaintiff
NOTICE OF LIS PENDENS will take judgment by default and may be granted the
In an action affecting the title or the right of possession of real relief applied for.
property, the plaintiff and the defendant, when affirmative relief is A copy of the complaint and order for appointment of guardian ad
claimed in his or her answer, may record in the office of the litem, if any, shall be attached to the original and each copy
registry of deeds of the province in which the property is situated of the summons
a notice of the pendency of the action. Said notice shall contain
the names of the parties and the object of the action or defense, What should accompany the summons if the plaintiff is
and a description of the property in that province affected incompetent?
thereby. Only from the time of filing such notice for record shall a Appointment of guardian ad litem attached to it is the complaint.
purchaser, or encumbrancer of the property affected thereby, be
deemed to have constructive notice of the pendency of the WHO SERVES THE SUMMON?
action, and only of its pendency against the parties designated The sheriff, his or her deputy, or other proper court officers.
by their real names.
Can the plaintiff do it on his own?
TWO-FOLD PURPOSE NO. It has to be with the sheriff if it is within the judicial region.
1. The property is within the jurisdiction of the court such that
the judgement will not be defeated by subsequent alienation Outside the judicial region, it is allowed that the plaintiff alone.
of property during the pendency of the case
2. To give notice to bona fide purchasers of the property so that HOW CAN A CORPORATION SERVE SUMMONS AS
they will be bound by the judgement of the case. Then they PLAINTIFF?
cannot claim that they are mere innocent purchaser for value If the plaintiff is a juridical entity, it shall notify the court, in writing,
without knowledge, you will apprise them of the status. and name its authorized representative therein, attaching a
board resolution or secretary's certificate thereto, as the case
GROUNDS TO CANCEL A NOTICE OF LIS PENDENS may be, stating that such representative is duly authorized to
The notice of lis pendens hereinabove mentioned may be serve the summons on behalf of the plaintiff.
cancelled only upon order of the court, after proper showing that (Section 3, par. 2, Rule 14)
the notice is for the purpose of molesting the adverse party, or
that it is not necessary to protect the rights of the party who Can the plaintiff automatically serve summons? Should the
caused it to be recorded. court allow?
Court should authorize the plaintiff.
RULE 14 SUMMONS
How will the plaintiff ask permission to serve summons? Ex-
SUMMONS parte Motion. It is an ex-parte because it is without notice to the
Unless the complaint is on its face dismissible under Section 1, other defendant.
Rule 9, the court shall, within five (5) calendar days from receipt
of the initiatory pleading and proof of payment of the requisite As a rule, motion should be made with notice to the other party,
legal fees, direct the clerk of court to issue the corresponding but in this instance, it is ex-parte, wherein you do not need to
summons to the defendants. furnish the motion to the other party. This is because there is no
jurisdiction over the person of the defendant. The summons is
Is the purpose of the summons only to give information? Its the mode for you to acquire jurisdiction over the person of the
purpose is two-fold: (a) to acquire jurisdiction over the person of defendant.
the defendant and (b) to notify the defendant that an action has
been commenced so that he may be given opportunity to be Since summons have not yet been served, there is no jurisdiction
heard on the claim against him over the person of the defendant as such there is no need to
furnish the copy to the other party.
TO WHOM SHOULD THE COURT DIRECT THE SUMMONS?
It shall be directed to the clerk of court who shall issue the
You are the plaintiff, you attempted to serve the summons
corresponding summons to the defendant. but you were not really able to serve the summons. But you
reported to the Court that you were able to serve summons,
PERIOD OF ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS so the case proceeded. The defendant was not able to file
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an answer, because he did not know that there was a case What if you did it 10x in one day, can you already do service
filed against him because no summons was served. of summons?
NO. It must be done at two (2) different dates and atleast three
You moved to declare the defendant in default. The Court (3) different attempts.
issued an order of default and the Court rendered judgement
on Default. Subsequently, the Court learned that you HOW DO WE EFFECT SUBSTITUTED SERVICE OF
misrepresented that you served summons to the defendant. SUMMONS?
What is the effect? If, for justifiable causes, the defendant cannot be served
Dismissed with prejudice. personally after at least three (3) attempts on two (2) different
dates, service may be effected:
The sheriff or his deputy or the other officer of the court a.) By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's
attempted to serve summons. They were unable to serve residence to a person at least eighteen (18) years of
summons. Will the case be dismissed? age and of sufficient discretion residing therein;
NO. The Court will order the plaintiff to cause the service of b.) By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's
summons in accordance with the other rules of service of office or regular place of business with some competent
summons. person in charge thereof. A competent person includes,
but is not limited to, one who customarily receives
PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF SUMMONS correspondences for the defendant;
Summons shall remain valid until duly served, unless it is recalled c.) By leaving copies of the summons, if refused entry upon
by the court. In case of loss or destruction of summons, the court making his or her authority and purpose known, with
may, upon motion, issue an alias summons. any of the officers of the homeowners' association or
condominium corporation, or its chief security officer in
NOTE: In the past, if you are unable to serve summons, you need charge of the community or the building where the
to ask for summons again in the form of an alias summons. But defendant may be found; and
NOW, even if it remains to be unserved, it remains to be valid d.) By sending an electronic mail to the defendant's
until it is served just like a warrant of arrest. electronic mail address, if allowed by the court

The process server was hungry so he ate the summons. The son of the defendant is 25 years of age and is insane.
What is the remedy of the plaintiff? Can you leave the summons to him?
File a motion for the issuance of an alias summons. NO. He cannot be considered as someone with sufficient
discretion.
When is an Alias Summons issued?
When the summons is lost or destroyed. What do you mean by competent person?
It includes but is not limited to, one who customarily receives
What is the proper mode of service? correspondences for the defendant.
As a rule, summons must be served must be done personally.
If for instance the office is in a unit in a building. He is leasing
Just like with service, you need to get an acknowledgement of one unit. There is a guard assigned for the building. Can you
the person being served. So, they will acknowledge receipt, write leave it at the guard assigned in the building? YES. So long
their name, the time and date of the service. as the guard customarily receives correspondence of the
defendant.
What if they refuse to sign or acknowledge receipt? Does
this mean we cannot serve summons? What if he does not customarily receive, can he be
Whenever practicable, the summons shall be served by handing considered as a person-in-charge?
a copy thereof to the defendant in person and informing the NO. Because he is only assigned as the officer-in-charge of the
defendant that he or she is being served, or, if he or she refuses building and not the office.
to receive and sign for it, by leaving the summons within the view
and in the presence of the defendant. Is it automatic that we can avail for E-MAIL after three
(Section 5, Rule 14) attempts on two different dates?
NO. The Court must allow it.
Tender of summons. You leave it in his presence and within his
view because he refuses to receive it and sign it. NOTE: You need to announce the purpose.

First is personally serving it. It should be acknowledged or CONTENTS OF THE RETURN


signed. If they refuse to receive and acknowledge or sign then it In the return of the sheriff when you are going to do a
is within their presence. service, what should be alleged there?
Should substituted service have been affected, the return shall
You went to the house of the defendant. But the defendant state the following:
was not there. Every-time you try to serve he was not there.
Does that mean you cannot serve summons? (1) The impossibility of prompt personal service within a period
After at least three (3) attempts at two (2) different dates, the of thirty (30) calendar days from issue and receipt of
plaintiff can avail of substituted service of summons. summons;
(2) The date and time of the three (3) attempts on at least

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(3) two different dates to cause personal service and the details SERVICE OF SUMMONS UPON DOMESTIC PRIVATE
of the inquiries made to locate the defendant residing JURIDICAL ENTITY
thereat; and When the defendant is a corporation, partnership or association
(4) The name of the person at least eighteen (18) years of age organized under the laws of the Philippines with a juridical
and of sufficient discretion residing thereat, name of personality, service may be made on the president, managing
competent person in charge of the defendant's office or partner, general manager, corporate secretary, treasurer, or
regular place of business, or name of the officer of the inhouse counsel of the corporation wherever they may be found,
homeowners' association or condominium corporation or its or in their absence or unavailability, on their secretaries.
chief security officer in charge of the community or building
where the defendant may be found. If such service cannot be made upon any of the foregoing
You need to mention on whom you made the service to. all the persons, it shall be made upon the person who customarily
details, circumstances that would warrant a substituted service. receives the correspondence for the defendant at its principal
Otherwise, your substituted service will not be valid. office.

If there are spouses on the case, is it enough to serve on In case the domestic juridical entity is under receivership or
only one of them? liquidation, service of summons shall be made on the receiver or
When spouses are sued jointly, service of summons should be liquidator, as the case may be.
made to each spouse individually. (Section 11, Rule 11)
Should there be a refusal on the part of the persons
Service of summons upon prisoners? abovementioned to receive summons despite at least three (3)
When the defendant is a prisoner confined in a jail or institution, attempts on two (2) different dates, service may be made
service shall be effected upon him or her by the officer having the electronically, if allowed by the court, as provided under Section
management of such jail or institution who is deemed as a special 6 of this Rule. (Section 12, Rule 14)
sheriff for said purpose. The jail warden shall file a return within
five (5) calendar days from service of summons to the defendant. Is this an exclusive list limited to the given officers?
(Section 8, Rule 14) YES

Who is the person-in-charge? Do they have to be in the office or in the principal place of
The Warden business to serve summons on them?
NO. The rules make it clear that it may be served wherever they
Who makes the return? may be found.
The Warden within 5 calendar days from the service of summons.
Remedy if they are not available in the office?
SERVICE OF SUMMONS TO AN ENTITY WITHOUT Serve the summons upon the secretaries of such officers.
JURIDICAL PERSONALITY
When persons associated in an entity without juridical personality If the officers or secretaries are unavailable does that mean
are sued under the name by which they are generally or we cannot serve summons?
commonly known, service may be effected upon all the NO. It may be made under substituted service.
defendants by serving upon any one of them, or upon the person
in charge of the office or place of business maintained in such If it is under liquidation or receivership, to whom should we
name. But such service shall not bind individually any person serve?
whose connection with the entity has, upon due notice, been Service of summons shall be made on the receiver or liquidator,
severed before the action was filed. (Section 7, Rule 14) as the case may be.

When should he have severed his ties? If all of these persons are not available what is your remedy?
Before the action was filed and upon due notice. Electronic Mail

If “X” is an incompetent, can you serve summons personally What if the counsel of the defendant makes a special
to “X”? appearance to the court to assail the validity of the service
YES. You need to serve summons personally to “X” as well as summons, what will the court do?
serve summons to the guardian. The Court will ask counsel to serve.

For minors, who would be the legal guardians? “Where the summons is improperly served and a lawyer makes
When the defendant is a minor, insane or otherwise an a special appearance on behalf of the defendant to, among
incompetent person, service of summons shall be made upon others, question the validity of service of summons, the counsel
him or her personally and on his or her legal guardian if he or she shall be deputized by the court to serve summons on his or her
has one, or if none, upon his or her guardian ad litem whose client.” (Section 13, Rule 14)
appointment shall be applied for by the plaintiff. In the case of a
minor, service shall be made on his or her parent or guardian. Note: a lot of delay because of raising lack of jurisdiction over the
person of the defendant. That is why it is not anymore a among
What if they don’t have a legal guardian? the grounds for a motion to dismiss, it is only an affirmative
It shall be served on the guardian ad litem whose appointment defense.
shall be filed by the plaintiff

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SERVICE OF SUMMONS TO THE GOVERNMENT OR PUBLIC In service of summons by publication on a defendant whose
CORPORATION identity or whereabouts are unknown, does it matter if it is
When the defendant is the Republic of the Philippines, service in personam, in rem or quasi-in rem?
may be effected on the Solicitor General; in case of a province, It does not because there is nothing in the rules that distinguish.
city or municipality, or like public corporations, service may be But if it is extraterritorial service of summon under Section 17 it
effected on its executive head, or on such other officer or officers matters.
as the law or the court may direct. (Section 15, Rule 14)
In section 16 it presupposes that it is not extraterritorial meaning
You want to sue the City of Pasig to whom to we serve not outside the country. Because if it is outside the country the
summons? proper remedy is either section 17 or 18.
The Mayor, who is the executive head.
SERVICE OF SUMMONS ON FOREIGN PRIVATE ENTITY Section 18: if he is a resident but is not in the country or is
REGISTERED AND DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES temporarily out you follow section 18 which also refers to section
When the defendant is a foreign private juridical entity which has 17.
transacted or is doing business in the Philippines, as defined by Section 17: If it is non-resident and not found in the Philippines
law, service may be made on its resident agent designated in
accordance with law for that purpose, or, if there be no such CASES INVOLVED IN EXTA-TERRITORIAL SERVICE
agent, on the government official designated by law to that effect, When the defendant does not reside and is not found in the
or on any of its officers, agents, directors or trustees within the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the
Philippines. plaintiff or relates to, or the subject of which is, property within
(Section 14, Rule 14) the Philippines, in which the defendant has or claims a lien or
interest, actual or contingent, or in which the relief demanded
If there is no agent? consists, wholly or in part, in excluding the defendant from any
If there be no agent, on the government official designated by law interest therein, or the property of the defendant has been
to the effect, or on any of its officers, agents, directors or trustees attached within the Philippines, service may, by leave of court,
within the Philippines be effected out of the Philippines by personal service as under
Section 6; or as provided for in international conventions to which
SERVICE OF SUMMONS TO A PRIVATE FOREIGN the Philippines is a party; or by publication in a newspaper of
JURIDICAL ENTITY NOT REGISTERED IN THE PHILIPPINES general circulation in such places and for such time as the court
If the foreign private juridical entity is not registered in the may order, in which case a copy of the summons and order of
Philippines, or has no resident agent but has transacted or is the court shall be sent by registered mail to the last known
doing business in it, as defined by law, such service may, with address of the defendant, or in any other manner the court may
leave of court, be effected outside of the Philippines through any deem sufficient. Any order granting such leave shall specify a
of the following means: reasonable time, which shall not be less than sixty (60) calendar
a. By personal service coursed through the appropriate days after notice, within which the defendant must answer.
court in the foreign country with the assistance of the (Section 17, Rule 14)
department of foreign affairs;
b. By publication once in a newspaper of general Where is the property located?
circulation in the country where the defendant may be Property must be located within the Philippines
found and by serving a copy of the summons and the
court order by registered mail at the last known address Do you need leave of court for extra-territorial service? YES.
of the defendant; When it involves status, such as nullity of case or quasi in rem.
c. By facsimile; So, if it is not quasi-in rem, the remedy is to convert it from in
d. By electronic means with the prescribed proof of personam to quasi-in rem by attaching the property such as by a
service; or writ of attachment.
e. By such other means as the court, in its discretion, may
direct. DIFFERENT MODES OF SERVICE
SECTION 5. Service in Person on Defendant. — Whenever
You want to file a complaint against Ang, you go to the practicable, the summons shall be served by handing a copy
house of Ang to make your third demand to pay. But when thereof to the defendant in person and informing the defendant
you went to the house of Ang, you were told that Ang moved that he or she is being served, or, if he or she refuses to receive
out. You researched where Ang was found and even asked and sign for it, by leaving the summons within the view and in the
the help of the RTC. You posted a picture of Ang. Still, you presence of the defendant.
cannot find Ang. What is your remedy?
Leave of court by publication SECTION 6. Substituted Service. — If, for justifiable causes, the
defendant cannot be served personally after at least three (3)
If you do not know where the defendant resides or you do not attempts on two (2) different dates, service may be effected:
know the identity of the defendant publication is the proper a. By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's
service but it is with leave of court. residence to a person at least eighteen (18) years of
age and of sufficient discretion residing therein;
In order to support your motion for leave of court, what b. By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's
should be attached to your motion? office or regular place of business with some competent
Affidavit that set forth the grounds for your application. person in charge thereof. A competent person includes,

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but is not limited to, one who customarily receives The defendant's voluntary appearance in the action shall be
correspondences for the equivalent to service of summons. The inclusion in a motion to
defendant; dismiss of other grounds aside from lack of jurisdiction over the
person of the defendant shall be deemed a voluntary
c. By leaving copies of the summons, if refused entry upon appearance. (Section 23, Rule 14)
making his or her authority and purpose known, with
any of the officers of the homeowners' association or HAGUE SERVICE CONVENTION (effectivity October 1,
condominium corporation, or its chief security officer in 2020)
charge of the community or the building where the
defendant may be found; and COVERAGE OF THE HAUGE CONVENTION
The Hague Service Convention shall apply in the Philippines
d. By sending an electronic mail to the defendant's provided the following conditions are present:
electronic mail address, if allowed by the court. (7a) • A document is to be transmitted from one State Party
for service to another State Party;
NOTE: The publication must be coupled with registered mail • The address of the intended recipient in the receiving
What if the court only allows extra-territorial service of State Party is known
summons but only orders publication not coupled with • The document to be served is a judicial document; and
registered mail? • The document to be served relates to a civil or
It falls under the last mode which is under other means as the commercial matter
court may deem just. GROUNDS FOR OBJECTION
The Central Authority may decline the request for service if it
Jurisprudence provides that one mode is publication coupled with does not comply with the provisions of the Hague Service
registered mail in the last known address. In one case however, Convention, or when compliance with the request would infringe
the court only ordered publication without registered mail. It was upon its sovereignty or security.
assailed for being an improper mode of service of summons. The
Supreme Court ruled that it is valid falling under the last mode CENTRAL AUTHORITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
which is “other means as the court may deem just” Office of the Court Administrator (OCA)

So, if the court deems it sufficient only publication without FORWARDING AUTHORITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
registered mail, it is valid falling under the last mode. All Justices and Clerk of Court of collegiate courts, and Judges
of lower courts.
FILING OF RETURN OUTBOUND SERVICE
In thirty (30) calendar days from issuance of summons by the From the Philippines to Other State Parties
clerk of court and receipt thereof, the sheriff or process server, or
person authorized by the court, shall complete its service. Within INBOUND SERVICE
five (5) calendar days from service of summons, the server shall
From other State Parties to the Philippines
file with the court and serve a copy of the return to the plaintiff's
counsel, personally, by registered mail, or by electronic means
authorized by the Rules. OUTBOUND REQUEST FOR SERVICE

PROOF OF SERVICE Apply with the court by motion for leave for extra-territorial
The proof of service of a summons shall be made in writing by service, and the court shall consider whether it is necessary,
the server and shall set forth the manner, place, and date of what should accompany your motion for leave?
service; shall specify any papers which have been served with • A copy of the Model Form, including the Request,
the process and the name of the person who received the same; Certificate, Summary of Documents to be Served, and
and shall be sworn to when made by a person other than a sheriff Warning
or his or her deputy. • The original documents to be served or certified true copies
thereof, including all annexes
If summons was served by electronic mail, a printout of said • Certified translations of the Model Form and all
email, with a copy of the summons as served, and the affidavit of accompanying documents, where necessary;
the person mailing, shall constitute as proof of service. • An undertaking to pay in full in any fees associated with the
(Section 21, Rule 14) service of the documents; and
• Any other requirements of the Requested State, taking into
PROOF OF SERVICE OF PUBLICATION account its reservations, declarations and notifications,
The service has been made by publication, service may be which may be found in the HCCH website.
proved by the affidavit of the publisher, editor, business or
advertising manager, to which affidavit a copy of the publication Once the court finds extraterritorial service under the Hague
shall be attached and by an affidavit showing the deposit of a convention is proper and warranted the court will issue an
copy of the summons and order for publication in the post office, order. What directive should be included in the order?
postage prepaid, directed to the defendant by registered mail to The Order shall include a directive to the requesting party to
his or her last known address. (Section 22, Rule 14) procure and submit a prepaid courier pouch which shall be used
for the transmission of documents from the court to the Central
VOLUNTARY APPEARANCE Authority of the Requested State.

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What is the courier pouch for? the house number, building, street name, barangay,
From where to where, whose central authority municipality/city, province and zip code. Post office boxes
shall not be allowed.
After that your forwarding authority which would be the
judges would accomplish the Request using the Model form. Can it be an address of Post Office Box?
What is effect if fees and cost are not paid? NO. It is not allowed
Failure to settle the fees in full, wherever necessary, shall be
ground for direct contempt of court, in addition to any other How much are the fees?
sanction that the judge may impose in accordance with the Rules All requests must be accompanied by payment of One Hundred
of Court, as amended. U.S. Dollars (US$100.00) for costs of service for each recipient
to be served. For multiple recipients residing in the same
The Court will coordinate with whom? address, only one fee shall be paid.
Central Authority of the Requested State.
Should cost for the service of document exceed the said amount,
What will you transmit to the Central Authority of the the OCA shall send an updated Statement of Cost to the
Requested State? Forwarding Authority of the Requesting State for payment.
Once all the requirements are submitted by the party requesting
the extraterritorial service through the Hague Service Payment methods shall be posted on the OCA website and
Convention, they shall coordinate with the Central Authority of official receipts shall be issued upon verification of payment and
the Requested State and transmit the following: a copy shall be sent to the applicant immediately.
• The Order granting the extraterritorial service;
• The filled-out Request and Summary of Document to be
Served with Warning;
• The blank Certificate (to be completed by the Central What if there are 5 persons to be served but in the same
Authority of the Requested State); residence, should they pay 5 $100?
• The documents sought to be served; and NO. For multiple recipients residing in the same address only one
• Certified translations of the Model Form and all fee should be paid.
accompanying documents, where necessary The Court
shall also furnish the OCA with a copy of the request If they are from different addresses should they pay 5 $100?
and shall update the OCA on the status of its request. YES

Documents are transmitted to the Central Authority of the How do you transmit the request to the OCA? The request
Requested State, what will you do next? shall be transmitted, together with the documents, including proof
The Central Authority of the Requested State shall then process of payment to the OCA through any of the following modes:
the request and attempt service in accordance with its domestic • Electronic transmission via email:
laws. It shall thereafter provide formal confirmation whether the PHCA-
service was successful or unsuccessful, using the Certificate Service@judiciary.gov.ph
annexed to the Hague Service Convention. The completed • Physical transmission via registered mail or courier
Certificate shall thereafter be transmitted back to the requesting services to: Office of the Court Administrator , Supreme
court, and shall form part of the records of the case. Court of the Philippines, Third Floor, Old Supreme Court
Building, Padre Fauna Street, Ermita,
What rules of service do we follow? Manila 1000
Domestic Laws of Service of the foreign country.
How is physical transmission made?
Then they will make a certificate to be transmitted to the Registered mail or courier service.
requesting party.
If there is failure to comply can our OCA inform the
IN BOUND REQUEST FOR SERVICE requesting state and inform them of the deficiency to give
them time to comply?
Referred to what entity in the Philippines? Should the request, upon evaluation of the OCA, :
OCA • fails to comply with any of the above-mentioned
requirements, or
Requirements for the Request for service of documents • there are objections for the execution of the request, the
from other State Party? OCA shall inform the Forwarding Authority specifying the
• The document sought to be served are judicial; objection/s thereto.
• The Request conforms with the Model Form;
• The document sought to be served is attached to the If the objections are resolved, the processing of the request shall
Request; proceed. Otherwise, the request shall be denied and all
• The request and its attachment documents relating thereto shall be returned to the Forwarding
are accomplished/translated in English or Filipino; Authority, along with a notice of objection or denial, stating the
• The Request and its attachment/s are filed in duplicate; and reasons therefor.
• The address of the intended recipient is indicated with
If the request is sufficient in form what will happen next?
sufficient specificity. As much as practicable, it shall include
When the request should be sufficient in form, the OCA shall
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forward the request to the court having jurisdiction over the area
where the intended recipient resides. UNSUCCESSFUL SERVICE: if the document was not delivered
successfully, the return shall state the reasons which prevented
Requests sent via email shall be transmitted to the official e-mail the successful service. The officer assigned shall deliver the
accounts of the court concerned. unserved document to the court, so that it may later be returned
to the Forwarding authority.
How will we make the service in accordance with foreign law
or in accordance with our Rules of Court? CERTIFICATE
In accordance with our Rules of Court. As soon as the return on the service is submitted, whether the
service is successful or not, the judge shall immediately
DUTY OF EXECUTIVE/PRESIDING JUDGE accomplish and sign the Certificate, following the Model Form
The Executive Jude in Muliitple-sala courts, or the Presiding annexed to the Hague Service Convention.
Judge in single-sala courts, shall immediately assign a sheriff,
process server, or any other competent personnel to serve the In cases of unsuccessful service, the documents sought to be
document in accordance with the Rules of Court. served shall be attached to the Certificate.

Requests transmitted via email shall be printed by the court TRANSMISSION TO THE REQUESTING STATE
concerned. The judge shall ensure that service is done in Within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the request, the
accordance with these Guidelines and the Rules of Court. judge shall transmit the duly-accomplished Certificate and
Return of Service to the Forwarding Authority of the Requesting
Once service is completed or not completed, how will you State.
do the report?
RETURN ON THE SERVICE. The officer assigned to serve the These shall be accompanied by a copy of the documents served,
document shall execute a return on the service in accordance in case of successful service. The judge shall furnish the OCA
with the Rules of Court and submit the same to the judge of the with the copy of all documents transmitted. The judge shall
court who directed the service of the document within five (5) furnish the OCA with a copy of all the documents transmitted, for
days from service. monitoring purposes. Should compliance exceed thirty (30)
calendar days, the judge shall also submit an explanation to the
CONTENTS OF THE SERVICE. The return shall state that the OCA for the delay.
document and attachment/s have been served, and shall include
the method, the place and the date of service and the person to
whom the document was delivered.

APPLICATION REQUEST FOR SERCIVE


by leave of court Judicial documents originating
from other parties shall be
referred to OCA.

COST OF SERVICE
EXCEEDS OCA
will send an updated
Statement of Cost to
the FA of the
Requesting State
WARRANTED:
Execute an Order to that effect. The
order shall include a directive to the TRANSMISSION OF FAILS TO COMPLY
requesting party to procure and REQUEST WITH
submit a prepaid courier pouch The Forwarding Authority of the REQUIREMENT OR
Requesting State from which THERE ARE
the originated shall transmit the OBJECTIONS
request to the OCA

Forwarding Authorities
Judges, in lower courts, or Justice and
Clerk of Court of collegiate courts OCA shall inform the
ACCOMPLISH and SIGN the SUFFICIENT IN FORM FA of the objections
REQUEST using the Model Form thereto.

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Transmission of Documents DUTY OF All documents
Once all the requirements are submitted EXECUTIVE/PRESIDING relating thereto
by the court shall coordinate with the JUDGE shall be
Central authority of the Requested Assign a sheriff, process server, returned to the
State. The court shall furnish the OCA or any other competent FA with notice
with the copy of the request and update personnel to serve the of objection or
RETURN OF SERVICE document in accordance with
the OCA on the status of the request denial
Officer assigned shall return the ROC.
OUTBOUND REQUEST OF SERVICE on the service and submit to INBOUND
REQUEST OF SERVICE the judge the document within NOT DELIVERED
The officer assigned
shall deliver the
unserved document to
NOT the court 5 days from service.
Court will determine if WARRANTED
extraterritorial service is warranted Deny
Application PAYMENT OF COSTS
US$100.00 for costs of service
for each recipient to be served.
CERTIFICATION DELIVERED
EXECUTION OF REQUEST
The Central Authority of the Requested
State shall process the request and
attempt service in accordance with the
Domestic Law of the Foreign Country

TRANSMISSTION TO
REQUESTING STATE WITHIN 30 DAYS

RULE 15 MOTIONS Motions which the court may act upon without
prejudicing the rights of
MOTION the adverse
A motion is an FORWARDING TO EXECUTIVE
Payment of Fees application for relief JUDGE/PRESIDING JUDGE RESOLVED DENIED
other than by a OCA shall forward the request to
the court having jurisdiction over
pleading. the area where the intended
recipient resides
Should all motions be in writing? parties.
All motions shall be in writing except those made in open court
or in the course of a hearing or trial. EXAMPLE OF LITIGIOUS MOTION
a) Motion for the issuance of an alias summons;
If a motion is made orally in open court, what should the b) Motion for extension to file answer;
court do? c) Motion for postponement;
A motion made in open court or in the course of a hearing or trial d) Motion for the issuance of a writ of execution;
should immediately be resolved in open court, after the adverse e) Motion for the issuance of an alias writ of execution;
party is given the opportunity to argue his or her opposition f) Motion for the issuance of a writ of possession;
thereto. g) Motion for the issuance of an order directing the sheriff
to execute the final certificate of sale; and
When a motion is based on facts not appearing on record, the h) Other similar motions.
court may hear the matter on affidavits or depositions presented
by the respective parties, but the court may direct that the matter Is the list EXCLUSIVE?
be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions. NO. The last paragraph provides that it includes other similar
motions.
CONTENTS OF A MOTION
A motion shall state the relief sought to be obtained and the Should we set Non-litigious for hearing?
grounds upon which it is based, and if required by these Rules Non-litigious motions shall not be set for hearing and shall be
or necessary to prove facts alleged therein, shall be resolved within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof.
accompanied by supporting affidavits and other papers.
LITIGIOUS MOTIONS
What should accompany your motion? 1) Motion for bill of particulars;
Supporting affidavits 2) Motion to dismiss;
3) Motion for new trial;
NON-LITIGIOUS MOTIONS 4) Motion for reconsideration;
5) Motion for execution pending appeal;
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6) Motion to amend after a responsive pleading has been e. Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or
filed; any other papers, except a motion for extension to file an
7) Motion to cancel statutory lien; answer as provided by Section 11, Rule 11; and
8) Motion for an order to break in or for a writ of f. Motion for postponement intended for delay, except if it is
demolition; based on acts of God, force majeure or physical inability of
9) Motion for intervention; the witness to appear and testify. If the motion is granted
10) Motion for judgment on the pleadings; based on such exceptions, the moving party shall be warned
11) Motion for summary judgment; that the presentation of its evidence must still be terminated
12) Demurrer to evidence; on the dates previously agreed upon.
13) Motion to declare defendant in default; and 14) Other
similar motions. A motion for postponement, whether written or oral, shall, at all
times, be accompanied by the original official receipt from the
Is it mandatory that all motions that are litigious motions office of the clerk of court evidencing payment of the
should be set for hearing? postponement fee under Section 21 (b), Rule 141, to be
Discretionary of the court submitted either at the time of the filing of said motion or not later
than the next hearing date. The clerk of court shall not accept the
What will happen when you file a litigious motion? motion unless accompanied by the original receipt.
The opposing party shall file his or her opposition to a litigious (Section 12, Rule 15)
motion within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof. No
other submissions shall be considered by the court in the DIFFERENCE ON THE ACTION OF DEFENSE
resolution of the motion. If the affirmative defense is granted, can you file a motion
for reconsideration on the ruling of the court? If your
The motion shall be resolved by the court within fifteen (15) affirmative defenses are granted it will result to a dismissal of the
calendar days from its receipt of the opposition thereto, or upon case.
expiration of the period to file such opposition.
Can the dismissal be the subject of an MR?
Period to resolve? YES. The dismissal is already a judgement on the merits.
Fifteen (15) Calendar days from receipt of the opposition or upon
the expiration of the period to file such opposition If you have an action on affirmative defense and the court
DENIES the affirmative defense, is it a judgement?
EFFECT OF FAILURE TO SERVE LITIGIOUS MOTION TO NO. It is an interlocutory order. An interlocutory order leaves
THE OTHER PARTY something else to be done in a proceeding. If it is a judgement,
The Court will not act on your motion if you do not serve motion it leaves nothing else it to be done in the proceedings.
to the other party.
If you have an order than denies your affirmative defense, that is
OMNIBUS MOTION RULE an interlocutory order which is NEVER subject to an Appeal.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1 of Rule 9, a motion Generally, you can assail an interlocutory order by filing an MR
attacking a pleading, order, judgment, or proceeding shall or a certiorari, after your MR is denied if there is GADALEJ.
include all objections then available, and all objections not so
included shall be deemed waived. (Section 9, Rule 15) However, under this rule, specifically if it is an affirmative defense
you cannot file an MR. Neither can you file a prohibition,
MOTION DAY mandamus, certiorari. The remedy is to proceed to trial, and only
Except for motions requiring immediate action, where the court after judgement has been rendered can you appeal it, then you
decides to conduct hearing on a litigious motion, the same shall raise your affirmative defenses as grounds for error in the
be set on a Friday. (Section 8, Rule 15) judgement in your appeal.

PROHIBITED MOTIONS The action of the court on your affirmative defenses:


The following motions shall not be allowed: DENIAL – CANNOT MR, or APPEAL because it is interlocutory
a. Motion to dismiss except on the following grounds: order
a. That the court has no jurisdiction over the subject
matter of the claim; GRANTED results to dismissal, the dismissal is not a ruling on
b. That there is another action pending between the the affirmative defense because it is separate.
same parties for the same cause; and
c. That the cause of action is barred by a prior If the court says granting the affirmative defense and dismissing
judgment or by the statute of limitations. the case, it is not merely an interlocutory order because there is
b. Motion to hear affirmative defenses; dismissal of the case. In this instance, there is nothing left to be
c. Motion for reconsideration of the court's action on the done because it is a judgement. As such, the remedy can be an
affirmative defenses; MR because you are not assailing merely an action on the
d. Motion to suspend proceedings without a temporary affirmative defense. You are already assailing a judgement.
restraining order or injunction issued by a higher court;

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Do you need to pay for postponement fees?
YES

DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE


Subject to the right of appeal, an order granting a motion to
dismiss or an affirmative defense that the cause of action is
barred by a prior judgment or by the statute of limitations; that
the claim or demand set forth in the plaintiff's pleading has been
paid, waived, abandoned or otherwise extinguished; or that the
claim on which the action is founded is unenforceable under the
provisions of the statute of frauds, shall bar the refiling of the
same action or claim. (Section 13, Rule 14)

What is your remedy if it is a dismissal with prejudice?


Appeal

RULE 17 DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS

There can be a motion to dismiss under Rule 9, Section 1. There


SUMMARY:
can also be dismissal motu proprio if there is grounds thereof
ACTION ON AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES that exists, whether it is during pre-trial or at any stage when it
GRANTED DENIED becomes apparent from the evidence on record based on the
NATURE grounds provided for under Rule 9.
JUDGEMENT ON THE INTERLOCUTORY ORDER
MERITS – the granting of the – does not terminate nor DISMISSAL BY NOTICE OF THE PLAINTIFF
court of the affirmative finally dispose of the case. A complaint may be dismissed by the plaintiff by filing a notice of
defenses results to dismissal at any time before service of the answer or of a motion
DISMISSAL of the case. The for summary judgment. Upon such notice being filed, the court
dismissal of the case is shall issue an order confirming the dismissal. Unless otherwise
already a judgement on the stated in the notice, the dismissal is without prejudice, except
merits of the case. that a notice operates as an adjudication upon the merits when
There is nothing left to be It leaves something to be filed by a plaintiff who has once dismissed in a competent court
done done by the court before the an action based on or including the same claim.
case is finally decided on the
merits. Is this dismissal with or without prejudice?
Without prejudice UNLESS otherwise stated in the notice.
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
Allowed NOT Allowed
DISMISSAL UPON THE MOTION OF THE PLAINTIFF
APPEAL Except as providing in the preceding section, a complaint shall
Allowed Allowed AFTER judgement not be dismissed at the plaintiff's instance save upon approval of
is rendered. the court and upon such terms and conditions as the court
REMEDY deems proper. If a counterclaim has been pleaded by a
File a Motion for Proceed to trial of thecase. defendant prior to the service upon him or her of the plaintiff's
Reconsideration (MR) motion for dismissal, the dismissal shall be limited to the
complaint. The dismissal shall be without prejudice to the right of
If MR is DENIED, file an After judgement is rendered the defendant to prosecute his or her counterclaim in a separate
appeal assailing that there is on the case, you can file an action unless within fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of the
grave abuse of discretion appeal on the judgement. motion he or she manifests his or her preference to have his or
her counterclaim resolved in the same action. Unless otherwise
specified in the order, a dismissal under this
MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME
Paragraph shall be without prejudice. A class suit shall not be
It is only allowed for extension of filing an Answer.
dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court.
(2a)
MOTION FOR POSTPONEMENT
It is allowed when it is based on acts of God, force majeure or
If there is dismissal upon the motion of the plaintiff, does
physical inability of the witness to appear and testify. If the
this mean that the counterclaim’s will always be dismissed?
motion is granted based on such exceptions, the moving party
NO. If the counterclaim was pleaded by the defendant prior to
shall be warned that the presentation of its evidence must still be
the service to him, the dismissal is limited to the complaint.
terminated on the dates previously agreed upon.

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When will it be dismissal upon motion or dismissal by i.For testimonial evidence, by giving the
notice? name or position and the nature of the
Before service of the answer or a motion for summary testimony of the proposed witness;
judgement. ii. For documentary evidence and other
object evidence, by giving a particular
DISMISSAL DUE TO THE FAULT OF THE PLAINTIFF description of the evidence. No
If, for no justifiable cause, the plaintiff fails to appear on the date reservation shall be allowed if not made
of the presentation of his or her evidence in chief on the in the manner described above,
complaint, or to prosecute his or her action for an unreasonable h. Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of
length of time, or to comply with these Rules or any order of the the action.
court, the complaint may be dismissed upon motion of the
defendant or upon the court's own motion, without prejudice to The failure without just causes of a party and counsel to appear
the right of the defendant to prosecute his or her counterclaim in during pre-trial, despite notice, shall result in a waiver of any
the same or in a separate action. This dismissal shall have the objections to the faithfulness of the reproductions marked, or
effect of an adjudication upon the merits, unless otherwise their genuineness and due execution.
declared by the court.
The failure without just causes of a party and/or counsel to bring
DISMISSAL OF COUNTERCLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, OR the evidence required shall be deemed a waiver of the
THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT presentation of such evidence.
The provisions of this Rule shall apply to the dismissal of any
counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint. A voluntary The branch clerk of court shall prepare the minutes of the pretrial,
dismissal by the claimant by notice as in Section 1 of this Rule, which shall have the following format: (See prescribed form)
shall be made before a responsive pleading or a motion for Do you just say we will introduce 5 witnesses. Is this
summary judgment is served or, if there is none, before the sufficient?
introduction of evidence at the trial or hearing. The rules require that you identify the witnesses so it is not
enough that you just say you will introduce five witnesses. You
RULE 18 PRE-TRIAL need to identify who are these witnesses.

PRE-TRIAL They will also set the pre-trial dates already. So, there is already
A pre-trial is conducted after the last responsive pleading has a schedule on when the parties will present their evidence.
been served and filed, the branch clerk of court shall issue, within Advisability of preliminary reference to a commissioner.
five (5) calendar days from filing, a notice of pre-trial which shall
be set not later than sixty (60) calendar days from the filing of the Propriety of rendering judgement on the pleading or summary
last responsive pleading. judgement thereto or dismissing the action if there is ground.

PURPOSE OF PRE-TRIAL NOTE: Pre-Trial does NOT include affidavits. This is because
The pre-trial is mandatory and should be terminated promptly. Judicial affidavits are already attached in the pleading the
The court shall consider: asserts the claim and defense.

a. The possibility of an amicable settlement or of a submission We do not follow the JA rule that you submit it during trial but
to alternative modes of dispute resolution; rather when you already file a pleading asserting a claim or
b. The simplification of the issues; defense such as your complaint, answer, counterclaim. That is
c. The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions of where you attach the judicial affidavits.
facts and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof;
d. The limitation of the number and identification of witnesses REQUIREMENTS OF THE PARTIES AS TO EVIDENCE
and the setting of trial dates; First, Mark it if it is not marked in the judicial affidavit then you
e. The advisability of a preliminary reference of issues to a examine and compare.
commissioner;
f. The propriety of rendering judgment on the pleadings, or It means that if there is a photocopy, you bring your original and
summary judgment, or of dismissing the action should a photocopy to the other party. So that they can compare if the
valid ground therefor be found to exist; photocopy is a faithful reproduction of the original and they will
g. The requirement for the parties to: stipulate that it is genuine and faithful reproduction of the original.
a. Mark their respective evidence if not yet marked in
the judicial affidavits of their witnesses; If they do not stipulate, the party needs to prove it in court that it
b. Examine and make comparisons of the adverse is genuine and a faithful reproduction.
parties' evidence vis-a-vis the copies to be marked;
c. Manifest for the record stipulations regarding the NOTE: Under Section 6, Rule 6 attached to the pleading
faithfulness of the reproductions and the asserting a claim or defense should be the judicial affidavits and
genuineness and due execution of the adverse if you do not do so, you cannot present them later on subject to
parties' evidence; meritorious exceptions. So, under pre-trial, it allows you to make
d. Reserve evidence not available at the pre-trial, but a reservation to present witnesses and exhibits later on that is
only in the following manner: not mentioned in the pre-trial.
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follow that you will win the case because the court will still
How do you make a RESERVATION? determine whether you were able to establish by preponderance
of evidence.
You do not just say “Mr. X”. You have to say “Mr. X testifying to
prove the existence of the loan.” Does the same rule with respect to failure to file and serve
your PRE-TRIAL brief?
You need to state the purpose. YES. It has the same effect as failure to appear.

In the past, you present 10 witnesses who testifies the same FAILURE TO FILE A PRE-TRIAL BRIEF
thing. The court needs to know what is the purpose of the Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as
testimony so that they can limit it. Rather than having 10 failure to appear at the pre-trial.
corroborating witnesses, the court can say “no we will only allow
just one because they are presenting the same thing” What about in the court annex mediation in the JDR when
applicable, attendance is required. Is the consequence of
RESERVATION ON DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE failure to attend the same as the failure to appear in the
You need to specify it. If you fail to make a specification, then no pretrial?
reservation will be allowed YES

WHO ISSUES A NOTICE OF PRE-TRIAL? PERIOD OF PRE-TRIAL BRIEF


Clerk of Court for a period 60 calendar days from the filing of the 3 calendar days before the Pre-Trial
last responsive pleading. Should it also be served 3 days before the pre-trial?
Yes, to the Court and the adverse party.
APPEARANCE OF PARTIES
It shall be the duty of the parties and their counsel to appear at Pre-trial is on October 12 (Monday), you filed by registered
the pretrial, court-annexed mediation, and judicial dispute mail on October 9 your pre-trial brief, did you comply with
resolution, if necessary. The non-appearance of a party and the period to file three days before? YES. The date of filing
counsel may be excused only for acts of God, force majeure, or is the date of mailing.
duly substantiated physical inability.
If you also served by Registered Mail on October 9, does it
A representative may appear on behalf of a party, but must be comply?
fully authorized in writing to enter into an amicable settlement, to NO. The service must be done three days before the pre-trial.
submit to alternative modes of dispute resolution, and to enter Service is completed UPON ACTUAL RECEIPT, in this case,
into stipulations or admissions of facts and documents. when you mailed it on October 9, the party will not receive. In
which case there is failure to file and serve the pre-trial brief and
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO ATTEND PRE-TRIAL you are subjected to the consequences of such failure.

PLAINTIFF FAILURE TO ATTEND In this case, there is no actual receipt or notice of the from the
When duly notified, the failure of the plaintiff and counsel to post-master. Therefore, there is failure to comply with the service
appear without valid cause when so required, pursuant to the of the pre-trial brief.
next preceding Section, shall cause the dismissal of the action.
The dismissal shall be with prejudice, unless otherwise ordered SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL
by the court. (Section 5, Rule 18) In service by registered mail, it is not the date of mailing that is
the date of service but it is when it COMPLETELY DELIVERED
Plaintiff – with prejudice unless otherwise ruled upon by the court which is the date of actual receipt or in the case of registered
without prejudice to the counter-claims. mail after the lapse of 5 days from the notice of the
postmaster.
DEFENDANT FAILURE TO ATTEND
A similar failure on the part of the defendant and counsel shall CONTENTS OF A PRE-TRIAL BRIEF
be cause to allow the plaintiff to present his or her evidence ex The Contents of a pre-trial brief shall be the following:
parte within ten (10) calendar days from termination of the a. A concise statement of the case and the reliefs prayed
pretrial, and the court to render judgment on the basis of the for;
evidence offered. (Section 5, Rule 18) b. A summary of admitted facts and proposed stipulation
of facts;
If you will present evidence ex-parte that is no longer a judgment c. The main factual and legal issues to be tried or
on the pleadings because there is trial you are presenting resolved;
evidence. d. The propriety of referral of factual issues to
commissioners;
The Court will render judgement after presenting evidence e. The documents or other object evidence to be marked,
exparte. “Ex-parte” means without the participation of the other stating the purpose thereof;
party. So the other party will be entitled to the notice of the f. The names of the witnesses, and the summary of their
proceedings but he cannot present evidence. But it does not respective testimonies; and

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g. A brief statement of points of law and citation of
authorities. If the issue is not raised in the complaint, you can agree on the
issue in your pre-trial as an issue added to those on the
CONTENTS OF THE PRE-TRIAL ORDER pleadings upon the agreement of the parties.
Upon termination of the pre-trial, the court shall issue an order
within ten (10) calendar days which shall recite in detail the When you go to trial, every time you go to a hearing, you should
matters taken up. The order shall include: always have with you the complaint, answer and pre-trial order
a. An enumeration of the admitted facts; so that everything they seek to present for evidence that is
b. The minutes of the pre-trial conference; outside the pre-trial order, you need to object it otherwise it would
c. The legal and factual issue/s to be tried; be deemed a waiver.
d. The applicable law, rules, and jurisprudence;
e. The evidence marked; For instance, the witnesses, if he is not among the list in the
pretrial order you object to it if they try to present him as a
ONE DAY EXAMINATION RULE witness.
Adherence to the one-day examination of witness rule shall be
required where the witness shall be fully examined in one day The pre-trial order also mentions that the Court can render
only, subject to the court’s discretion during the trial on whether judgment after pre-trial.
or not to extend the examination for justifiable reason. • It can be a judgement on the pleadings – because the
parties can make stipulations on facts. The parties will
MOST IMPORTANT WITNESS RULE agree on facts and then it will not be an issue anymore.
Where no settlement has been effected, the court shall follow the If they agree on so many things and there is no issue
Most Important Witness Rule, where the court shall determine left, the court can then render Judgement on the
the most important witness, limit the number of such witnesses pleadings without trial.
and require the parties and/or counsels to submit to the branch • Summary judgement – if based on the stipulations
of clerk of court the names, addresses, and contact numbers of agreed upon by the parties and it appears that there is
the witnesses to be summoned by subpoena. Note, however, the no genuine issue, the court can render summary
court may also refer the case to a trial by commissioner under judgement.
Rule 32. • Dismissal of the case - Under Rule 9, if it appears on
the records, or in evidence, or the documents
POSTPONEMENT OF A PRE-TRIAL presented, the court can dismiss case.
Postponement of presentation of the parties' witnesses at a
scheduled date is prohibited, except if it is based on acts of God, PRE-TRIAL SHORTENS THE PROCEEDINGS
force majeure or duly substantiated physical inability of the The pre-trial will also shorten the proceedings.
witness to appear and testify. The party who caused the
postponement is warned that the presentation of its evidence For example, if the parties stipulate that there is a contract of loan
must still be terminated within the remaining dates previously but the only issue left is the amount of the loan. In this instance,
agreed upon. it will shorten the trial because it lessens the amount of evidence
you need to present. You don’t need to ask questions on the
NOTE: You can also ask for postponement during trial to reset existence of the contract of loan. You don’t need to anymore
the case. prove that there is a loan between the parties because it is
admitted. The only thing needed to be proven is the amount of
FAILURE TO APPEAR AFTER POSTPONEMENT loan.
Should the opposing party fail to appear without valid cause
stated in the next preceding paragraph, the presentation of the When the parties already agree that there is a loan, it is already
scheduled witness will proceed with the absent party being a judicial admission. An admission made by the parties in the
deemed to have waived the right to interpose objection and course of the proceedings, they stipulated on it and therefore you
conduct cross-examination. do not need to present evidence on the matter and shorten the
proceedings. The more stipulations the shorter the proceedings.
Let us say that the plaintiff is given three dates: October 14,
November 14, December 14, within which to present its IN RELATION TO RULES OF EVIDENCE
evidence as stipulated in the pre-trial order. On October 14, Under the rules of evidence, the original documents must be
the witness is still in the COVID center, you asked for presented otherwise the document will not be admissible.
postponement, does that mean that the court will give you HOWEVER, if the other party stipulates that the photocopy that
an additional day to present evidence? you have is an authentic document then that will be admissible
NO, the court will not because it will still terminate in accordance without you presenting an original document.
with the remaining dates to plead upon. So, it will not be
extended when you ask for a postponement provide that it is COURT-ANNEXED MEDIATION
warranted. After pre-trial and, after issues are joined, the court shall refer the
parties for mandatory court-annexed mediation.
The Pre-trial Order is very important because it will govern the
proceedings in the case. Everything is limited by the pre-trial The period for court-annexed mediation shall not exceed thirty
order. (30) calendar days without further extension.
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(Section 8, Rule 18)
The order of the court to submit the case for judgment pursuant
What happens first the pre-trial proper or the court annexed to this Rule shall not be the subject to appeal or certiorari.
mediation?
Pre-trial first then it will be referred to the court-annexed RULE 19 INTERVENTION
mediation.
INTERVENTION
Is it the judge who resides over the Court Annexed Intervention is a remedy by which a third party, not originally
Mediation? impleaded in the proceedings, becomes a litigant therein to
NO. It is only a mediator. He will only assist the parties into enable him, her or it to protect or preserve a right or interest
coming to an agreement. which may be affected by such proceedings.

Is Court Annexed Mediation MANDATORY? WHO CAN INTERVENE?


YES A person who has a legal interest in the matter in litigation, or in
the success of either of the parties, or an interest against both,
PERIOD OF COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION or is so situated as to be adversely affected by a distribution or
30 Calendar Days. other disposition of property in the custody of the court or of an
officer thereof may, with leave of court, be allowed to intervene
JUDICIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION in the action. The court shall consider whether or not the
Only if the judge of the court to which the case was originally intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the
raffled is convinced that settlement is still possible, the case may rights of the original parties, and whether or not the intervenor's
be referred to another court for judicial dispute resolution. The rights may be fully protected in a separate proceeding.
judicial dispute resolution shall be conducted within a (Section 1, Rule 19)
nonextendible period of fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of
failure of the court-annexed mediation. GROUNDS TO INTERVENE
• A person has a legal interest in the matter in litigation, or in
If judicial dispute resolution fails, trial before the original court the success of either of the parties, or an interest against
shall proceed on the dates agreed upon. both
• A person is so situated as to be adversely affected by a
All proceedings during the court-annexed mediation and the distribution or other disposition of property in the custody of
judicial dispute resolution shall be confidential. (Section 9) the court or of an officer

Judicial Dispute Resolution mandatory at all times? Is it a matter of right to intervene? What is required? NO. It
NO. It is only discretionary on the court. is subject to judicial discretion. You must file a motion for leave
to intervene
When will the court order JDR?
Only when the court is convinced that settlement is still possible The court shall consider the following:
• Whether or not the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice
Who shall preside over the JDR, a different JDR judge or a adjudication of the right of the original parties
judge whom the case is raffled? • Whether or not the intervenor’s right may be fully protected
It can be to the judge whom the case is raffled and it may be in a separate proceeding
referred to another court.
When you file a motion for leave to intervene, do you already
PERIOD FOR JUDICIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION attach your complaint or answer in intervention? YES. A
15 Calendar Days. Not extendible. copy of the pleading-in-intervention shall be attached to the
The court will only order JDR if the court where the case is raffled motion and served on the original parties.
is convinced that settlement may be possible.
RATIONALE: mediation in JDR was started with the purpose of NOTE: the complaint will be called a complaint-in-intervention,
ending litigation. There are two stages of possibilities wherein and the answer will be an answer-in-intervention.
the parties will agree on a settlement.
What should the court consider in deciding on whether or
JUDGMENT AFTER PRE-TRIAL not the intervention will be granted leave? YES, Whether or
Should there be no more controverted facts, or no more genuine not the rights can be fully protected in a separate proceedings.
issue as to any material fact, or an absence of any issue, or In other words, file a separate case because your rights will be
should the answer fail to tender an issue, the court shall, without protected in a separate action and if you are allowed to intervene
prejudice to a party moving for judgment on the pleadings under in this case, it will only unduly delay the case.
Rule 34 or summary judgment under Rule 35, motu proprio
include in the pre-trial order that the case be submitted for When can you make an intervention?
summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings, without need The motion to intervene may be filed at any time before rendition
of position papers or memoranda. In such cases, judgment shall of judgment by the trial court. A copy of the pleading-
be rendered within ninety (90) calendar days from termination of inintervention shall be attached to the motion and served on the
the pre-trial. original
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d. Any Justice of the Supreme Court or the Court of
Can you make an intervention for the first time on appeal? Appeals in any case or investigation pending within the
NO. It must be made before the judgement of the trial court. Philippines

Intervention is not a matter of right, but is left to the trial court's If you are going to ask for a subpoena to a prisoner what is
sound discretion. The trial court must not only determine if the the duty of the court?
requisite legal interest is present, but also take into consideration When an application for a subpoena to a prisoner is made, the
the delay and the consequent prejudice to the original parties judge or officer shall examine and study carefully such
that the intervention will cause. Both requirements must concur, application to determine whether the same is made for a valid
as the first requirement on legal interest is not more important purpose.
than the second requirement that no delay and prejudice should
result. To help ensure that delay does not result from the granting If the prisoner is sentenced to reclusion perpetua, life
of a motion to intervene, the Rules also explicitly say that imprisonment and death, can he be released? NO. Unless
intervention may be allowed only before rendition of judgment by there is an order from the Supreme Court.
the trial court.
“No prisoner sentenced to death, reclusion perpetua or life
If you have an indispensable party who seeks to intervene imprisonment and who is confined in any penal institution shall
on appeal, will this be allowed for the first time on appeal be brought outside the penal institution for appearance or
even after rendering judgement by the trial court? You attendance in any court unless authorized by the Supreme
cannot have a valid judgement without impleading the Court.”
indispensable parties.
CONTENTS OF A SUBPOENA
The rule that you cannot allow intervention after judgement is A subpoena shall state the name of the court and the title of the
rendered is subject to the exceptions. The EXCEPTIONS are: action or investigation, shall be directed to the person whose
• When it is an indispensable party attendance is required, and in the case of a subpoena duces
• When it is the State that is intervening and there are tecum, it shall also contain a reasonable description of the books,
transcendental reasons or exceptional circumstances as documents or things demanded which must appear to the court
justice may require provided that there is no previous prima facie relevant.
waiver to intervene. Such that if they already had notice of
the proceedings ahead of time, like the State already knew GROUNDS OF QUASHING A SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM
of it but they did not intervene before judgement, it is a The court may quash a subpoena duces tecum upon motion
waiver. Such as when they receive notices of the pending promptly made and, in any event, at or before the time specified
case. But in the absence of that they can intervene in therein:
exceptional circumstances, transcendental importance on • if it is unreasonable and oppressive, or
the first time of appeal. • the relevancy of the books, documents or things does
not appear, or
RULE 21 SUBPOENA • if the person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued
fails to advance the reasonable cost of the production
SUBPOENA thereof.
Subpoena is a process directed to a person requiring him or her
to attend and to testify at the hearing or the trial of an action, or EFFECT SERVICE OF SUBPOENA
at any investigation conducted by competent authority, or for the Service of a subpoena shall be made in the same manner as
taking of his or her deposition. It may also require him or her to personal or substituted service of summons. The original shall
bring with him or her any books, documents, or other things be exhibited and a copy thereof delivered to the person on whom
under his or her control, in which case it is called a subpoena it is served. The service must be made so as to allow the witness
duces tecum. (RULE 21, Section 1) a reasonable time for preparation and travel to the place of
attendance.
Example of a competent authority issuing a subpoena
Prosecutor issuing a subpoena requiring the respondent to file a How do you effect service? Is it in accordance with Rule 13
counter-affidavit in preliminary investigation. or Rule 14?
Rule 14

Example: Subpoena duces tecum The case is for collection


Who issues the subpoena? of money, but you are asking to subpoena the love letters
The subpoena may be issued by the following: between the plaintiffs and defendants.
a. The court before whom the witness is required to GROUNDS TO QUASH A SUBPOENA AD TESTIFICATUM
attend; The court may quash a subpoena ad testificandum on the ground
b. The court of the place where the deposition is to be that the witness is not bound thereby.
taken;
c. The officer or body authorized by law to do so in NOTE: In either case (subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad
connection with investigations conducted by said officer testificatum), the subpoena may be quashed on the ground that
or body; or
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the witness fees and kilometrage allowed by these Rules were a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday in the place where the
not tendered when the subpoena was served. court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day.

If you are seeking for a deposition of a witness can you RULE 23 DEPOSITION ON PENDING CASES
apply for the subpoena before obtaining notice or request
for deposition? DEPOSITION
NO. Secure first the deposition before the subpoena. Deposition is taking, out of court, of the testimony of any person,
whether a party or not, but at the instance of a party to the action.
What do you mean by kilometrege fees?
The kilometrege fees are those fees charged when the witness In deposition on pending case, who is the one that can be
is found beyond 100 kilometers. taken deposition of? Is it limited to the adverse party To Any
person, whether a party or not.
If it exceeds 100 kilometers, is the witness required to attend
the distance? DEPOSITION IN A PENDING CASE
NO Upon ex parte motion of a party, the testimony of any person,
whether a party or not, may be taken by deposition upon oral
Witness fees, does that mean that you are paying someone examination or written interrogatories. The attendance of
to be a witness? Isn’t that unlawful? witnesses may be compelled by the use of a subpoena as
Expense that they will incur such as for missing work that day. provided in Rule 21. Depositions shall be taken only in
accordance with these Rules. The deposition of a person
If the witness does not reside within 100km, he received the confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such
subpoena but he did not attend? terms as the court prescribes.
The Court can order for the arrest of the witness, which is called
a Bench Warrant. When the attendance is required, and they did How do you apply?
not attend, the court can issue a bench warrant and then they Ex-Parte Motion
can arrest the witness.
After the court allows you to take deposition, you still need
Other consequences of failure to attend? to secure the attendance of the witness by subpoena. Is it
In case of failure of a witness to attend, the court or judge issuing automatic that once deposition is granted the court will
the subpoena, upon proof of the service thereof and of the failure forthwith, as a matter of course, issue a subpoena or do you
of the witness, may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the province, need to apply?
or his or her deputy, to arrest the witness and bring him or her You still need to apply for a subpoena.
before the court or officer where his or her attendance is
required, and the cost of such warrant and seizure of such SCOPE OF EXAMINATION
witness shall be paid by the witness if the court issuing it shall Unless otherwise ordered by the court as provided by Section 16
determine that his or her failure to answer the subpoena was or 18 of this Rule, the deponent may be examined regarding any
willful and without just excuse. matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject of the
pending action, whether relating to the claim or defense of any
CONTEMPT other party, including the existence, description, nature, custody,
Failure by any person without adequate cause to obey a condition, and location of any books, documents, or other
subpoena served upon him or her shall be deemed a contempt tangible things and the identity and location of persons having
of the court from which the subpoena is issued. If the subpoena knowledge of relevant facts.
was not issued by a court, the disobedience thereto shall be
punished in accordance with the applicable law or Rule. NOTE: In deposition, we apply the rules in evidence that it is
subject to a direct examination, cross-examination, redirect and
EXCEPTIONS re-cross.
The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Rule shall not apply to
a witness who resides more than one hundred (100) kilometers AVAILMENT OF DEPOSITION
from his or her residence to the place where he or she is to testify
by the ordinary course of travel, or to a detention prisoner if no When will you take the deposition of the person? The
permission of the court in which his or her case is pending was deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by
obtained. any party for any purpose if the court finds:
1. That the witness is dead; or
RULE 22 COMPUTATION OF TIME 2. That the witness resides at a distance more than one
hundred (100) kilometers from the place of trial or
COMPUTATION OF TIME hearing, or is out of the Philippines, unless it appears
In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these that his or her absence was procured by the party
Rules, or by order of the court, or by any applicable statute, the offering the deposition; or
day of the act or event from which the designated period of time 3. That the witness is unable to attend or testify because
begins to run is to be excluded and the date of performance of age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment; or
included. If the last day of the period, as thus computed, falls on

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4. That the party offering the deposition has been unable Section 14. If the parties so stipulate in writing, depositions may
to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; be taken before any person authorized to administer oaths, at
or any time or place, in accordance with these Rules, and when so
5. Upon application and notice, that such exceptional taken may be used like other depositions.
circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the
interest of justice and with due regard to the importance PERSONS BEFORE WHOM DEPOSITION MAY BE TAKEN
of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
court, to allow the deposition to be used; and In a foreign state or country, depositions may be taken
a) on notice before a secretary of embassy or legation,
Is it exactly 100 kilometers or more than 100 kilometer? consul general, consul, viceconsul, or consular agent of
More than 100 kilometers the Republic of the Philippines;
b) before such person or officer as may be appointed by
PURPOSE OF A DEPOSITION commission or under letters rogatory; or
The purpose for which a deposition may be used depends on c) the person referred to in Section 14 hereof.
who the deponent is and on who will be using the deposition.
Under Section 14 which mentions agreement of the parties,
Can the deposition you took be used by the adverse party? does it require letters of rogatory?
YES. Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose Letters of rogatory are only issued when necessary or
of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of the deponent as convenient. Section 14 refers to those stipulated by the parties.
a witness
LETTERS OF ROGATORY
NOTE: When you impeach a credibility, you are saying that he is A commission or letters rogatory shall be issued only when
not credible. This means that he is not believable. Credibility necessary or convenient, on application and notice, and on such
means believability. terms and with such direction as are just and appropriate.
Officers may be designated in notices or commissions either by
If during testimony he says one thing but during the deposition name or descriptive title and letters rogatory may be addressed
he says a contradicting statement. You will use the deposition to to the appropriate judicial authority in the foreign country.
show that the witness is unreliable because he is saying two
different things. DISQUALIFICATION OF DEPOSITION OFFICER
No deposition shall be taken before a person who is a relative
Richard is the defendant in a case of reconveyance of land. within the sixth degree of consanguinity or affinity, or employee
During the pendency of the case, Richard sold the land to or counsel of any of the parties; or who is a relative within the
Ranins. Prior to the sale of the property to Ranins subject of same degree, or employee of such counsel; or who is financially
the case, Richard already obtained approval of the court for interested in the action. (Section 13)
deposition. Subsequently, Ranins substituted Richard from
the case as a transferee-in-interest. Does Ranins need to Can your second cousin take a deposition?
apply for a new deposition? NO. NO. He is disqualified, relative within the 6th degree is
disqualified.
When you take three different depositions of individuals, is
it automatic that they become your witnesses? NO. The rules Today, you gave a notice of deposition to your opposing
say that they shall not be deemed to be witnesses. counsel. They received it at 10am today and the deposition
is at 2pm. Can you object to it?
The rules of court provides that no evidence shall be considered YES. The rules provide that the there must be reasonable notice.
by the court until it is formally offered. So, for it to be part of your
witnesses you need to formally offer it. CONTENTS OF A NOTICE
A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral
The mere taking of the deposition without formally offering it for examination shall give reasonable notice in writing to every other
evidence means it is NOT AUTOMATICALLY part of your party to the action. The notice shall state the time and place for
evidence or witnesses. taking the deposition and the name and address of each person
to be examined, if known, and if the name is not known, a general
You can get 10 depositions of 10 different persons but later on description sufficient to identify him or her or the particular class
only present 3 out of the 10. You are NOT COMPELLED to or group to which he or she belongs. On motion of any party upon
present the other 7 witnesses. whom the notice is served, the court may for cause shown
enlarge or shorten the time.
DEPOSITION OFFICER
What can be issued by the court to PROTECTION of the
PERSONS BEFORE WHOM DEPOSITION MAY BE TAKEN parties in relation to the deposition?
WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES After notice is served for taking a deposition by oral examination,
Within the Philippines, depositions may be taken before any upon motion seasonably made by any party or by the person to
judge, notary public, or the person referred to in Section 14 be examined and for good cause shown, the court in which the
hereof. action is pending may make the following orders:
a. That the deposition shall not be taken;
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b. That the deposition may be taken only at some Insofar as the competence of the witness is concerned or the
designated place other than that stated in the notice; admissibility of evidence, the time for you to object to that is the
c. That the deposition may be taken only on written time when it is offered in evidence.
interrogatories;
d. That certain matters shall not be inquired into; So, you make an offer, if it is testimonial, at the time when you
e. That the scope of the examination shall be held with no are presenting the witness. When you make that offer that is the
one present except the parties to the action and their time that you object to it.
officers or counsel;
f. That after being sealed the deposition shall be opened In the same way, when you are orally offering your document
only by order of the court; evidence that is the time to object of the admissibility of the
g. That secret processes, developments, or research same.
need not be disclosed; or
h. That the parties shall simultaneously file specified The mere taking of the deposition does not automatically mean
documents or information enclosed in sealed that it will form part of your evidence. It would be premature to
envelopes to be opened as directed by the court. ask that it be removed from the records because it is not yet been
The court may make any other order which justice requires to offered in evidence.
protect the party or witness from annoyance, embarrassment, or
oppression. It is only at that time when it is being formally offered in evidence
can you object to its admissibility. UNLESS, at that time, you
Can the court rule that the deposition should not be taken? could’ve made the opposition at the time of the deposition you
Discretion of the court could’ve prevent it. But at this instance, you could not have
prevented the taking of the deposition.
After being sealed what can the court order for the
deposition? REFUSAL OF WITNESS TO ANSWER
It will only be open upon order of the court. If a party or other deponent refuses to answer any question upon
oral examination, the examination may be completed on other
Secret processes? matters or adjourned as the proponent of the question may
It should not be disclosed. prefer. The proponent may thereafter apply to the proper court
of the place where the deposition is being taken, for an order to
The deposition officer will take the oath of the deponent, compel an answer. The same procedure may be availed of when
what will happen next? a party or a witness refuses to answer any interrogatory
submitted under Rules 23 or 25.
RECORD OF EXAMINATION; OATH; OBJECTION
The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall put Can the proceedings be terminated and set for another day?
the witness on oath and shall personally, or by someone acting YES. The proceedings can be suspended and set for another
under his or her direction and in his or her presence, record the day.
testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken
stenographically unless the parties agree otherwise. All What is the effect? Who will be liable for the expenses?
objections made at the time of the examination to the The party who is presenting that witness.
qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, or to the manner
of taking it, or to the evidence presented, or to the conduct of any Let us say that you are the one who asked for the deposition
party, and any other objection to the proceedings, shall be noted of the witness. However, on the day of the deposition you
by the officer upon the deposition. Evidence objected to shall be forgot to attend. What is the consequence?
taken subject to the objections. In lieu of participating in the oral If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition fails to
examination, parties served with notice of taking a deposition attend and proceed therewith and another attends in person or
may transmit written interrogatories to the officers, who shall by counsel pursuant to the notice, the court may order the party
propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim. giving notice to pay such other party the amount of the
reasonable expenses incurred by him or her and his or her
Can there be a separate stenographer? counsel in so attending, including reasonable attorney’s
fees.
They are presenting an expert witness, but you want to
object because that expert witness is not really competent After the deposition of the witness, once it is all transcribed
to be an expert because he has only been a doctor for 3 what will happen next?
hours. If you object to it, will the deposition officer make a When the testimony is fully transcribed, the deposition shall be
ruling to your deposition? Will it prevent the taking of the submitted to the witness for examination and shall be read to or
deposition of that witness? by him or her, unless such examination and reading are waived
NO. The deposition officer CANNOT make a ruling. He must only by the witness and by the parties. Any changes in form or
make a note of the objection. It will not prevent the taking of the substance which the witness desires to make shall be entered
deposition of the witness. upon the deposition by the officer with a statement of the reasons
given by the witness for making them. The deposition shall then
Does that mean you are waiving the objection because there be signed by the witness, unless the parties by stipulation waive
is no ruling?
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the signing or the witness is ill or cannot be found or refuses to Objections to the competency of a witness or the competency,
sign. relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not waived by failure to
make them before or during the taking of the deposition, unless
If the witness refuses to sign, what will the deposition officer the ground of the objection is one which might have been
do? obviated or removed if presented at that time. (Section 29, par.
If the deposition is not signed by the witness, the officer shall sign (c), Rule 23)
it and state on the record the fact of the waiver or of the illness
or absence of the witness or the fact of the refusal to sign NOTE: Section 29 Paragraph C, it is not a waiver to the
together with the reason given therefor, if any, and the deposition objections to the competence or relevance of the evidence.
may then be used as fully as though signed, unless on a motion
to suppress under Section 29 (f) of this Rule, the court holds that ERRORS AS TO ORAL EXAMINATION AND OTHER
the reasons given for the refusal to sign require rejection of the PARTICLURAS
deposition in whole or in part. Errors and irregularities occurring at the oral examination in the
manner of taking the deposition, in the form of the questions or
CERTIFICATION answers, in the oath or affirmation, or in the conduct of the
The officer shall certify on the deposition that the witness was parties and errors of any kind which might be obviated, removed,
duly sworn to by him or her and that the deposition is a true or cured if promptly prosecuted, are waived unless reasonable
record of the testimony given by the witness. He or she shall then objection thereto is made at the taking of the deposition.
securely seal the deposition in an envelope indorsed with the title
of the action and marked "Deposition of (here insert the name of ERRORS AS TO FORM OF WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES
witness)" and shall promptly file it with the court in which the Objections to the form of written interrogatories submitted under
action is pending or send it by registered mail to the clerk thereof Sections 25 and 26 of this Rule are waived unless served in
for filing. writing upon the party propounding them within the time allowed
for serving succeeding cross or other interrogatories and within
Do you need to give notice to the other party of the filing of three (3) calendar days after service of the last interrogatories
the deposition? authorized.
The officer taking the deposition shall give prompt notice of its
filing to all the parties.
OFFICERS TO TAKE RESPONSES AND PREPARE RECORD
When a deposition upon interrogatories is filed, the officer taking A copy of the notice and copies of all interrogatories served shall
it shall promptly give notice thereof to all the parties and may be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer
furnish copies to them or to the deponent upon payment of designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the
reasonable charges therefor. (section 27, Rule 23) manner provided by Sections 17, 19 and 20 of this Rule, to take
the testimony of the witness in response to the interrogatories
DEPOSITION WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES and to prepare, certify, and file or mail the deposition, attaching
A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon written thereto the copy of the notice and the interrogatories received by
interrogatories shall serve them upon every other party with a him or her.
notice stating the name and address of the person who is to
answer them and the name or descriptive title and address of the ERRORS AS TO MANNER OF PREPARATION
officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. Within ten (10) Objections to the form of written interrogatories submitted under
calendar days thereafter, a party so served may serve cross- Sections 25 and 26 of this Rule are waived unless served in
interrogatories upon the party proposing to take the deposition. writing upon the party propounding them within the time allowed
Within five (5) calendar days thereafter the latter may serve re- for serving succeeding cross or other interrogatories and within
direct interrogatories upon a party who has served cross three (3) calendar days after service of the last interrogatories
interrogatories. Within three (3) calendar days after being served authorized.
with re-direct interrogatories, a party may serve
recrossinterrogatories upon the party proposing to take the RULE 24 DEPOSITION BEFORE ACTION OR PENDING
deposition. APPEAL

What if you learned that the deposition officer is the first Can we take a deposition of a party or a person even before
cousin of the other party but they tried their best to conceal there is a pending case in court?
it to you. You learned about it after the deposition was YES. A person who desires to perpetuate his or her own
already taken, is this a waiver on you part? testimony or that of another person regarding any matter that
NO. Objection to taking a deposition because of disqualification may be cognizable in any court of the Philippines, may file a
of the officer before whom it is to be taken is waived unless made verified petition in the court of the place of the residence of any
before the taking of the deposition begins or as soon thereafter expected adverse party.
as the disqualification becomes known or could be discovered
with reasonable diligence.
We can’t just take the deposition of the person?
NO. You need to go to court and file a verified petition.
ERROR OR IRREGULARITY AS TO COMPETENCY OR
RELEVANCY OF EVIDENCE
What should you allege in the verified petition? The petition
shall be entitled in the name of the petitioner and shall show:
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a. that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action in
a court of the Philippines but is presently unable to bring RULE 25 INTERROGATORIES TO PARTIES
it or cause it to be brought;
b. the subject matter of the expected action and his or her WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES
interest therein; Upon ex parte motion, any party desiring to elicit material and
c. the facts which he or she desires to establish by the relevant facts from any adverse parties shall file and serve upon
proposed testimony and his or her reasons for desiring the latter written interrogatories to be answered by the party
to perpetuate it; served or, if the party served is a public or private corporation or
d. the names or a description of the persons he or she a partnership or association, by any officer thereof competent to
expects will be adverse parties and their addresses so testify in its behalf.
far as known; and
e. the names and addresses of the persons to be Who can be served written interrogatories?
examined and the substance of the testimony which he Only the Adverse Party
or she expects to elicit from each, and shall ask for an
order authorizing the petitioner to take the depositions ANSWER TO INTERROGATORIES
of the persons to be examined named in the petition for The interrogatories shall be answered fully in writing and shall be
the purpose of perpetuating their testimony. signed and sworn to by the person making them.

Who should be given of notice of the deposition before the Within what period should the ANSWER be filed?
filing of the case? The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall
Any person name that is expected to be an adverse party of the file and serve a copy of the answers on the party submitting the
action. interrogatories within fifteen (15) calendar days after service
thereof, unless the court, on motion and for good cause shown,
“The petitioner shall serve a notice upon each person named in extends or shortens the time.
the petition as an expected adverse party, together with a copy
of the.petition, stating that the petitioner will apply to the court, Can you object on the written interrogatories served upon
at a time and place named therein, for the order described in the you?
petition.” (Section 3, Rule 24) YES. Within 10 calendar days. Objections to any interrogatories
may be presented to the court within ten (10) calendar days after
PERIOD OF ISSUANCE OF NOTICE service thereof, with notice as in case of a motion; and answers
At least twenty (20) calendar days before the date of the hearing, shall be deferred until the objections are resolved, which shall be
the court shall cause notice thereof to be served on the parties at as early a time as is practicable.
and prospective deponents in the manner provided for service of
summons.

DEPOSITION PENDING APPEAL Does it mean that you need to file your answer on the written
If an appeal has been taken from a judgment of a court, including interrogatories during the pendency of the ruling of the
the Court of Appeals in proper cases, or before the taking of an court on your opposition? Should you answer or otherwise
appeal if the time therefor has not expired, the court in which the it will be deemed waived?
judgment was rendered may allow the taking of depositions of The effect of the opposition is that it will defer the period to
witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for use in the event of Answer. So, you need to wait for the ruling of the court for your
further proceedings in the said court. In such case the party who opposition.
desires to perpetuate the testimony may make a motion in the
said court for leave to take the depositions, upon the same notice
If you are served written interrogatories but you did not
and service thereof as if the action was pending therein. The
answer does that mean that the adverse party cannot be
motion shall state (a) the names and addresses of the persons
presented as an adverse witness?
to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he or
NO. It does not prevent the party from presenting the adverse
she expects to elicit from each; and (b) the reason for
party as witness. This is because it was already served to the
perpetuating their testimony. If the court finds that the
adverse party. The rules only mention service without requiring
perpetuation of the testimony is proper to avoid a failure or delay
that it should be answered. Otherwise, it would be dependent on
of justice, it may make an order allowing the depositions to be
the adverse party on whether or not it will be an adverse witness,
taken, and thereupon the depositions may be taken and used in
it can be called upon.
the same manner and under the same conditions as are
prescribed in these Rules for depositions taken in pending
The adverse can just defeat it by not answering. Accordingly, it
actions.
is sufficient that there is service of the written interrogatories.
Within what period and to which court do you apply for the
In written interrogatories do you need to apply for it in court
deposition?
or do you just serve it on the other party and file it in court?
The Court where the case is pending or the court of origin
It should be filed and served to the adverse parties.
What should you file? Should it also be a verified petition?
NO. File a motion.
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What if the other party is a corporation to whom to do you allow on motion, the party to whom the request is directed files
serve the written interrogatories? and serves upon the party requesting the admission a sworn
If the adverse party is a corporation, it may be served to any statement either denying specifically the matters of which an
officer thereof competent to testify in its behalf. admission is requested or setting forth in detail the reasons why
he or she cannot truthfully either admit or deny those matters.
How many sets of written interrogatories can you serve to Objections to any request for admission shall be submitted to the
the other party? court by the party requested within the period for and prior to the
One (1) Set. No party may, without leave of court, serve more filing of his or her sworn statement as contemplated in the
than one set of interrogatories to be answered by the same party. preceding paragraph and his or her compliance therewith shall
be deferred until such objections are resolved, which resolution
When can it be more than one (1) set? shall be made as early as practicable.
When allowed by the Court.
EFFECT OF FAILURE TO RESPOND OR SERVE FOR
SCOPE AND USE REQUEST OF ADMISSION
Interrogatories may relate to any matters that can be inquired Unless otherwise allowed by the court for good cause shown and
into under Section 2 of Rule 23, and the answers may be used to prevent a failure of justice, a party who fails to file and serve a
for the same purposes provided in Section 4 of the same Rule. request for admission on the adverse party of material and
relevant facts at issue which are, or ought to be, within the
Section 2, Rule 23 the deponent may be examined regarding any personal knowledge of the latter, shall not be permitted to
matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject of the present evidence on such facts.
pending action, whether relating to the claim or defense of any
other party, including the existence, description, nature, custody, EFFECT OF ADMISSION
condition, and location of any books, documents, or other Any admission made by a party pursuant to such request is for
tangible things and the identity and location of persons having the purpose of the pending action only and shall not constitute
knowledge of relevant facts. an admission by him or her for any other purpose nor may the
same be used against him or her in any other proceeding.
Section 4: Refers to the uses of depositions.
The Rules of Court is suppletory in criminal cases, can we
NOTE: Before you can present an adverse witness, you have to use this in Criminal Cases?
get the written interrogatories of that party. In other words, you NO. The right of the accused not to be compelled to be a witness
want to produce the adverse party as your witness. against himself is violated. Because if you will use it against an
accused it will be deemed an implied admission, therefore it
Serve them with written interrogatories first before you serve cannot be allowed because you are compelling him to be a
them as a witness. But if they do not answer the written witness against himself.
interrogatories, it will not prevent you from presenting them as a
witness as long as you serve them the written interrogates. WITHDRAWAL
RULE 26 ADMISSION BY ADVERSE PARTIES Unless otherwise allowed by the court for good cause shown and
to prevent a failure of justice, a party who fails to file and serve a
request for admission on the adverse party of material and
What can be the subject of the request of Admission?
relevant facts at issue which are, or ought to be, within the
• Genuineness of any material and relevant document
personal knowledge of the latter, shall not be permitted to
described in and exhibited with the request
present evidence on such facts.
• The truth of any material and relevant matter of fact set forth
in the request
RULE 27 PRODUCTION OR INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
OR THINGS
“At any time after issues have been joined, a party may file and
serve upon any other party a written request for the admission
by the latter of the genuineness of any material and relevant What can you produce and inspect?
document described in and exhibited with the request or of the Upon motion of any party showing good cause therefor, the court
truth of any material and relevant matter of fact set forth in the in which an action is pending may (a) order any party to produce
request. Copies of the documents shall be delivered with the and permit the inspection and copying or photographing, by or
request unless copies have already been furnished.” (Section 1, on behalf of the moving party, of any designated documents,
Rule 26) papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or
tangible things, not privileged, which constitute or contain
Is it only limited to documents? evidence material to any matter involved in the action and which
NO. It can include not just documents but for requesting of proof are in his or her possession, custody or control; or (b) order any
of relevant facts. party to permit entry upon designated land or other property in
his or her possession or control for the purpose of inspecting,
measuring, surveying, or photographing the property or any
IMPLIED ADMISSION
designated relevant object or operation thereon. The order shall
Each of the matters of which an admission is requested shall be
specify the time, place and manner of making the inspection and
deemed admitted unless, within a period designated in the
taking copies and photographs, and may prescribe such terms
request, which shall not be less than fifteen (15) calendar days
and conditions as are just.
after service thereof, or within such further time as the court may
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For instance, your action is to determine which property belongs RULE 29 REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH MODES OF
to you. So, you want it to be measured by an engineer but you DISCOVERY
cannot enter the premises because it is a private property. You
cannot compel him to allow you entry so you need to avail of EFFECT OF REFUSAL TO ANSWER A DEPOSITION
Rule 27 so that you can enter into the premises. If a party or other deponent refuses to answer any question upon
oral examination, the examination may be completed on other
RULE 28 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION OF matters or adjourned as the proponent of the question may
PERSONS prefer. The proponent may thereafter apply to the proper court
of the place where the deposition is being taken, for an order to
When can we use physical and mental examination? compel an answer. The same procedure may be availed of when
In an action in which the mental or physical condition of a party a party or a witness refuses to answer any interrogatory
is in controversy, the court in which the action is pending may in submitted under Rules 23 or 25.
its discretion order him or her to submit to a physical or mental
examination by a physician. (Section 1, Rule 28) If the application is granted, the court shall require the refusing
party or deponent to answer the question or interrogatory and if
Example where a physical or mental examination is it also finds that the refusal to answer was without substantial
required, where that condition is relevant to the case. In justification, it may require the refusing party or deponent or the
probate proceedings to determine the capacity or mental counsel advising the refusal, or both of them, to pay the
capacity such as when you are going to have a probate during proponent the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred in
the lifetime of a party. obtaining the order, including attorney's fees.

As a rule, there is a privilege between a lawyer and client, or If the application is denied and the court finds that it was filed
in patient-doctor. Won’t Rule 28 violate the privilege without substantial justification, the court may require the
communication between patient and doctor? proponent or the counsel advising the filing of the application, or
By requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so both of them, to pay to the refusing party or deponent the amount
ordered or by taking the deposition of the examiner, the party of the reasonable expenses incurred in opposing the application,
examined waives any privilege he or she may have in that action including attorney's fees.
or any other involving the same controversy, regarding the
testimony of every other person who has examined or may What is the effect of the deponent’s refusal to answer the
thereafter examine him or her in respect of the same mental or questions propounded upon the deponent?
physical examination. (Section 4) If a party or other deponent refuses to answer any question
upon oral examination, the examination may be completed on
If you ask for the report it is deemed a waiver, but the one who other matters or adjourned as the proponent of the question
asks the report should be the patient. Because the one who has may prefer.
the right to waive that privilege is the patient.
In addition to holding that liable for expenses, what else can
How do you apply for it in Court? he be held liable?
The Order for examination may be made only on motion good Contempt of Court. If a party or other witness refuses to be sworn
cause shown and upon notice to the party to be examined and or refuses to answer any question after being directed to do so
to all other parties, and shall specify the time, place, manner, by the court of the place in which the deposition is being taken,
conditions and scope of the examination and the person or the refusal may be considered a contempt of that court
persons by whom it is to be made.
Other consequences of refusal to answer the deposition or
What should be contained in the report and to whom shall it refusal to produce under Rule 27 or allow inspection, or
be delivered? refusal to allow an examination under Rule 28 that is not
If requested by the party examined, the party causing the covered the privilege?
examination to be made shall deliver to him or her a copy of a The court may make such orders in regard to the refusal are just,
detailed written report of the examining physician setting out his and among others the following:
or her findings and conclusions. After such request and delivery, • An order that the matters regarding which the questions
the party causing the examination to be made shall be entitled were asked, or the character or description of the thing or
upon request to receive from the party examined a like report of land, or the contents of the paper, or the physical or mental
any examination, previously or thereafter made, of the same condition of the party, or any other designated facts shall be
mental or physical condition. taken to be established for the purposes of the action in
accordance with the claim of the party obtaining the order;
What if the one who made the examination refuses to make • An order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support
a report? or oppose designated claims or defenses or prohibiting him
If the party examined refuses to deliver such report, the court on or her from introducing in evidence designated documents
motion and notice may make an order requiring delivery on such or things or items of testimony, or from introducing evidence
terms as are just, and if a physician fails or refuses to make such of physical or mental condition;
a report, the court may exclude his or her testimony if offered at • An order striking out pleadings or parts thereof, or staying
the trial. further proceedings until the order is obeyed, or dismissing
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the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or rendering a RULE 30 TRIAL
judgement by default against the disobedient party; and
• In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, What is a TRIAL?
an order directing the arrest of any party or agent of a party A trial is a judicial examination and determination of the issues
for disobeying any of such orders except an order to submit between the parties to the action.
to a physical or mental examination.
What is the SCHEDULE OF HEARING?
Will all pleadings be stricken out? The parties shall strictly observe the scheduled hearings as
NO. The pleadings that pertain to the matters that is sought for agreed upon and set forth in the pre-trial order.
discovery.
a. The schedule of the trial dates, for both plaintiff and
Is it automatic that as long as you refuse to comply the court defendant, shall be continuous and within the following
will dismiss? NO. periods:
i. The initial presentation of plaintiff’s evidence shall
STRIKING OUT OF PLEADINGS be set not later than thirty calendar days after the
If you strike out portions of the pleadings. Let us say that the termination of the pre-trial conference. Plaintiff
defendant seeks a mode of discovery against the plaintiff and the shall be allowed to present its evidence within
plaintiff does not comply. When you strike out such relevant three (3) months or ninety (90) calendar days
matters of the pleading, and if so much of it is already stricken which shall include the date of the judicial dispute
out such that there nothing is left and there is no more cause of resolution if necessary;
action then that can result into a dismissal. ii. The initial presentation of defendant’s evidence
shall be set not later than thirty (30) calendar days
If you strike out part of the answers that are portions that have after the court’s ruling, on the formal offer of
denials and what would only remain is the admission then there evidence. The defendant shall be allowed to
is no more issues, the court can then render judgement on the present its evidence within a period of three (3)
pleadings. months or ninety (90) calendar days;
iii. The period for the presentation of evidence on the
In what instances can a party be liable for expenses and third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or
attorney’s fees in cases of refusal? cross-claim shall be determined by the court, the
• Refusal to Answer total of which shall in no case exceed ninety (90)
• Refusal to Admit calendar days; and
• Failure to Attend or Serve Answers iv. if deemed necessary , the court shall set the
presentation of the parties' respective rebuttal
REFUSAL TO ADMIT evidence, which shall be completed within a period
If a party after being served with a request under Rule 26 to admit of thirty (30) calendar days.
the genuineness of any document or the truth of any matter of
fact, serves a sworn denial thereof and if the party requesting the b. The trial dates may be shortened depending on the number
admissions thereafter proves the genuineness of such document of witnesses to be presented, provided that the presentation
or the truth of any such matter of fact, he or she may apply to the of evidence of all parties shall be terminated within a period
court for an order requiring the other party to pay him or her the of ten (10) months or three hundred (300) calendar days. If
reasonable expenses incurred in making such proof, including there are no third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or
reasonable attorney's fees. Unless the court finds that there were cross-claim, the presentation of evidence shall be
good reasons for the denial or that admissions sought were of terminated within a period of six (6) months or one hundred
no substantial importance, such order shall be issued. eighty (180) calendar days.

FAILURE TO ATTEND OR SERVE ANSWERS c. The court shall decide and serve copies of its decision to the
If a party or an officer or managing agent of a party wilfully fails parties within a period not exceeding ninety (90) calendar
to appear before the officer who is to take his or her deposition, days from the submission of the case for resolution, with or
after being served with a proper notice, or fails to serve answers without memoranda. (n)
to interrogatories submitted under Rule 25 after proper service (SECTION 1, RULE 30)
of such interrogatories, the court on motion and notice, may
strike out all or any part of any pleading of that party, or dismiss When can POSTPONEMENT OF A TRIAL be granted?
the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or enter a judgment A motion to postpone trial on the ground of illness of a party
by default against that party, and in its discretion, order him or or counsel upon affidavit or sworn certification that the presence
her to pay reasonable expenses incurred by the other, including of such party or counsel at the trial is such that the presence of
attorney's fees. such party or counsel at the trial is indispensable and that the
character of his or her illness is such as to render his or her non-
What if it was the Republic of the Philippines who violated attendance excusable.
the rules on deposition, will they be liable for expenses?
Expenses and attorney's fees are not to be imposed upon the What is the Order of Trial?
Republic of the Philippines Subject to the provisions of Section 2 of Rule 31, and unless the
court for special reasons otherwise directs, the trial shall be
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limited to the issues stated in the pre-trial order and shall proceed Any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim or third-part complaint or of
as follows: any separate issue or of any number of claims, crossclaims,
a) The plaintiff shall adduce evidence in support of his or counterclaims, third-party complaints or issues.
her complaint
b) The defendant shall then adduce evidence in support When can there be CONSOLIDATION of cases?
of his or her defense, counterclaim, cross claim and When actions involving a common question of law or fact are
third-party complaint; pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of
c) The third-party defendant, if any, shall adduce evidence any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the
of his or her defense, counterclaim, crossclaim and actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning
fourth party complaint proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or
delay. (SECTION 1, RULE 31)
d) The fourth-party, and so forth, if any shall adduce
evidence of the material facts pleaded by them
Let us say there are two related cases in Makati RTC. One is
e) The parties against whom any counterclaim or raffled in Branch 1 the other is in Branch 2.
crossclaim has been pleaded shall adduce evidence in
support of their defense, in the order to be prescribed
Branch 1: Civil Case 11
by the court
Branch 2: Civil Case 12
f) The parties may then respectively adduce rebutting
evidence only, unless the court, for good reasons and You moved for consolidation of cases, is the Court
in the furtherance of justice, permits them to adduce mandated to grant the consolidation?
evidence upon their original case NO. It is within the discretion of the Court.
g) Upon admission of the evidence, the case shall be
deemed submitted for decision, unless the court direct If it is granted, in which court will it be consolidated in?
the parties to argue or to submit their respective Branch 1. The Court where the lower docket number is filed
memoranda or any further pleadings.
RULE 32
What if there are several defendants?
TRIAL BY COMMISSIONER
If several defendants or third-party defendants, and so forth,
having separate defenses appear by different counsel, the court
What if the reception of evidence was delegated to a
shall determine the relative order of the presentation of evidence.
commissioner, can the commissioner rule on the
objections?
Is rebuttal evidence allowed?
YES. The commissioner may rule upon the objections unless
Yes. The rules of provide if deemed necessary rebuttal evidence
otherwise stated in the order of reference.
is allowed. Accordingly, it is discretionary upon the court.
When can a case be referred to a commissioner?
So, the court receives the evidence of the case and the court
By written consent of the parties, the court may order any or all
rules on the objections to the admissibility of evidence. We
of the issue in the case to be referred to a commissioner to be
learned, for instance, after a defendant is declared in
agreed upon by the parties or to be appointed by the court. As
default, the court does not render judgement on default, the
used in these Rules, the word “commissioner” includes a referee,
court may receive evidence to be delegated to the clerk of
an auditor, an examiner.
court. Can the clerk of Court not be a member of the Bar?
NO. According to Section 9, Rule 30, the court may delegate the
What are the GROUNDS to refer a case to a commissioner?
reception of evidence to its clerk of court who must be a member
By written consent of both parties
of the bar.

Does the Clerk of Court rule on objections? When the parties DO NOT CONSENT the court may, upon the
application of either or of its own motion, direct a reference to a
NO. The Clerk of Court shall have no power to rule on objections
commissioner in the following cases:
to any question, or to the admission of exhibits. The objection
• When the trial of an issue of fact requires the examination
shall be resolved by the court.
of a long account on either side, in which case, the
commissioner may be directed to hear and report upon the
What would the Clerk of Court do if there are objections?
whole issue or any specific question involved therein;
The clerk of court shall submit his or her report and the
• When the taking of an account is necessary for the
transcripts within 10 calendar days from the termination of the
information of the court before judgement, or for carrying a
hearing. After which, the Court will rule upon it.
judgement or order into effect;
RULE 31 CONSOLIDATION OF CASES
• When a question of fact, other than upon the pleadings,
arises upon motion or otherwise, in any stage of a case, or
When can there be SEPARATE TRIAL? for carrying a judgement or order into effect.
The Court, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice
may order a separate trial.
Is the commissioner entitled compensation?
What will be separated?

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YES. The court shall allow the commissioner such reasonable conclusions therein set forth, shall not be considered by the court
compensation as the circumstances of the case warrant, to be unless they were made before the commissioner.
taxed as costs against the defeated party, or apportioned, as
justice requires.
Will there be a hearing on the report?
Does the commissioner have the power to administer oath YES. Upon the expiration of the 10 day period, the report shall
of the witnesses? be set for hearing, after which the court shall issue an order
YES. The commissioner shall have the power to regulate the adopting, modifying or rejecting the report in whole or in part, or
proceedings in every hearing before him or her and to do all acts recommitting it with instructions, or requiring the parties to
and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient present further evidence before the commissioner or the court.
performance of his or her duties under the order. He or she may
issues subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, swear When the parties agree not to dispute the report and agree
witnesses, and unless otherwise provided in the order of that the findings of the commissioner are correct, what is
reference, he or she may rule upon the admissibility of evidence. the effect?
When the parties stipulate that a commissioner’s findings of fact
NOTE: The court can limit the power of the commissioner in the shall be final, only questions of law shall thereafter be
order of reference. considered. The Court may only rule on the questions of law.

Can the commissioner issue subpoenas? Let us say you want to present an expert witness. Before
YES. you can present an expert witness, you need to establish
the expertise of the witness (this includes school graduated
The party has notice of the hearing but does not attend, what from, number of years in practice.) Rather than presenting
are the consequences? this in evidence, Can the parties stipulate that he is an
If a party fails to appear at the time and place appointed, the expert witness?
commissioner may proceed ex parte or, in his or her discretion, YES. Because the Rules of Court allows it. Under the pre-trial,
adjourn the proceedings to a future day, giving notice to the the ROC allows the parties to stipulate facts. Rather than
absent party or his or her counsel of the adjournment. presenting evidence of a fact, the parties can stipulate instead.

Is the adjournment of hearing the same as suspension of In trial, it is expressly provided that there can be an agreement
the case? for the stipulation of facts. Which means you do not need to
NO. Adjournment refers to the postponement of a trial date. present evidence on that matter anymore.
While suspension refers to the trial being temporarily stopped
PNB v. GOTESCO
You assail an interlocutory order, because you take the
position that there was GADALEJ, so you filed a petitioner JUDDICIAL AFFIDAVIT RULE (JA RULE) A.M. No. 12-8-8-8-
for certiorari for that interlocutory order. is the filing a SC
certiorari to assai an interlocutory order, a ground to
suspend the proceedings? What courts do we apply the JA rule?
YES. Provided that there is a temporary restraining order (TRO) ALL COURTS except for MTC for small claims.
granted. If there is an injunction or restraining order, it can be
allowed. What are the contents of a Judicial Affidavit?
A judicial affidavit shall be prepared in the language known to the
Once there is a reception of evidence before the witness and, if not in English or Filipino, accompanied by a
commissioner, what happens next? translation in English or Filipino and shall contain the following:
The commissioner shall proceed with all reasonable diligence.
Upon the completion of the trial or hearing or proceeding before
the commissioner, he or she shall file with the court his or her a) The name, age, residence, or business address, and
report in writing upon the matters submitted to him or her by the occupation of the witness;
order of reference. When his or her powers are not specified or b) The name and address of the lawyer who conducts or
limited, he or she shall set forth his or her findings of facts and supervises the examination of the witness and the
conclusions of law in his or her report. He or she shall attach place where the examination is being held;
thereto all exhibits, affidavits, depositions, papers and the c) A statement that the witness is answering the questions
transcript, if any, of the testimonial evidence presented before asked of him, fully conscious that he does so under
him or her. oath, and that he may face criminal liability for false
testimony or perjury
After notice to the parties, what happens next?
Upon the filing of the report, the parties shall be notified by the d) Questions asked of the witness and his corresponding
clerk, and they shall be allowed 10 calendar days within which to answers, consecutively numbered, that
signify grounds of objections to the findings of the report, if they (a) Shows the circumstances under which the
so desire. Objections to the report based upon grounds which witness acquired the facts upon which he
are available to the parties during the proceedings before the testifies
commissioner, other than objections to the findings and
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(b) Elicit from him those facts which are relevant
to the issues that the case presents; and THREE KINDS OF EVIDENCE
(c) Identify the attached documentary and object 1. Testimonial
evidence and establish their authenticity in 2. Documentary
accordance with the rules of court 3. Object
e) The signature of the witness over his printed name
f) A jurat with the signature of the notary public who If there is a contract of loan. You cannot just submit it as evidence
administers the oath or an officer who is authorized by to the court. You need to authenticate that contract of loan. There
law to administer the same. must genuineness and due execution.

What else should be included in a Judicial Affidavit? So, someone needs to say that this is the loan that we entered
The Judicial Affidavit must contain the sworn attestation of the into. And someone needs to say that the signatures appearing in
lawyer. It shall be placed at the end, executed by the lawyer who the contract are the signatures of the debtor and creditor. It is not
conducted and supervised the examination of the witness, to the self-authenticating; someone needs to testify on it.
effect that
(1) He faithfully recorded or caused to be recorded the TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE
questions he asked and the corresponding answers In testimonial evidence – the time to make an offer is when you
that the witnesses gave are going to present that witness. Before you present the
(2) Neither he nor any other person then present or witness: you need to make your formal offer the witness, so you
assisting him coached the witness regarding the latter’s will tell the court the purpose for which the testimony is being
answers. offered.

A false attestation shall subject the lawyer mentioned to a For instance; the first witness will testify to the existence of the
disciplinary action including disbarment. loan to prove the existence between complainant and defendant.

In CRIMINAL CASES when do you use Judicial Affidavits? Generally, what you want to prove are pieces of evidence that
A judicial affidavit is used to all criminal actions: would establish your cause of action. So, in case of doubt, you
(1) Where the maximum of the imposable penalty does not look at your cause of action, check the elements and check what
exceed six years; you need to prove by means of evidence.
(2) Where the accused agrees to the use of judicial
affidavits irrespective of the penalty involved; or So, if it is testimonial evidence, you make an offer before the
(3) With respect to the civil aspects of the actions, witness will talk. Right after the plaintiff or whoever is presenting
whatever penalties involved are. the witness, that is the time you will object.

If the penalty EXCEEDS six years, can you not use the So, if they are offering Mr. X as an expert witness for example he
Judicial Affidavit? is offered as a Doctor but he is only a med student, that is the
NO. A judicial affidavit may still be used in criminal cases where time you object to the offer because of the incompetence of the
the imposable penalty exceeds six years when the accused witness. At the same you can already object to the questions in
agrees to the use of the judicial affidavit. the judicial affidavit. For example, you will object to number 1 of
the Judicial affidavit for being leading, number 2 for misleading,
If your witness is a government official declines to execute compound question etc. So the time you make an objection to
a judicial affidavit, what do you do? the evidence is the time when it is formally offered.
The requesting party may avail himself of the issuance of a
subpoena ad testificandum or duces tecum under Rule 21 of the DOCUMENTARY AND OBJECT EVIDENCE
Rules of Court. Even if a witness will testify on that during his testimony, the time
for you to object the evidence is when it is being offered.
If it is an adverse party, you just need to subpoena, but
before you can subpoena, what is the requirement before Documentary and object evidence will be formally offered after
you can present an adverse party as a witness? They must the last witness.
be served a written interrogatory. If it is an adverse witness, you
need to serve written interrogatories, they do not need to reply. SIMULATION OF DIRECT EXAMINATION WITH JUDICIAL
Otherwise, if you fail to serve it you cannot present him as a AFFIDAVIT
witness.
In direct examination you can only ask question that are NOT
leading, or NOT misleading.
The Judicial affidavit is in lieu of your direct examination
and you should attach all of your exhibits in your judicial LEADING QUESTION
affidavits. When is the time to object to the questions in the
A question is generally leading when the question can be
judicial affidavit? Or are you already prevented from
answered by YES or NO. Unless it is used as a basis of a
objecting from the same because the questions are already
subsequent question.
answered in the judicial affidavit?
After the offer of the testimony.
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MISLEADING QUESTION Luciano: I extended a loan to Ms. Panandigan but despite
It assumes facts. Meaning it assumes something that the witness demands, she did not pay.
has not testified on. KHO: Strike out the portion that stated that she demanded for
the payment of loan. Strike it out for being misleading to the
SUAREZ – COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF question.
LUCIANO – WITNESS
KHO – COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENDANT So if that statement is stricken out the only remaining part is “I
extended the loan”
The case is a contract of Loan, Luciano is the creditor.
Luciano loaned P5,000 to Panandigan on January 1, 2019. It Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us to whom did you extend the
is payable January 30, 2020. The proof the loan is the loan, if any?
contract of loan which they both signed. Luciano: To Ms. Pananadigan

After January 30, Luciano sent a demand letter to NOTE: you need to let the witness say that the “Panandigan” she
Panandigan but despite the notice and demand letter mentioned is the same Panandigan in the case. The question
Panandigan did not pay the loan. A collection for the sum of should be asked in a way that it will point to the defendant.
money.
Suarez: Is the Ms. Panandigan you are referring to the same Ms.
PROCEDURE Panandigan who is the defendant of the case?

1. CALL THE WITNESS – when the court tells you to call on Kho: Objection on the ground that the question is misleading.
the witness you will just say “may we call on the witness.”
NOTE: the question to be asked must be answerable by yes or
“May we call on Ms. Reina Luciano to the witness stand” no, so it has to be leading.

After she goes there, they will ask her name, her personal PROPER QUESTION: “Can you point to her if she is in the
circumstances, address, occupation, and then they will swore court” or “What is the relation of the Ms. Panandigan you
him as a witness. mentioned to the defendant of this case, if any?”

2. OFFER OF THE WITNESS – what will the witness prove Then the witness will answer that “she is the same person” or
“she is the defendant in this case”
Suarez: I am offering the testimony of Ms. Luciano to prove that
Ms. Luciano and Ms. Panandigan entered into a contract of loan
(3) THIRD SCENARIO
extending a loan of P5,000. The loan was due and demandable
and despite demand Ms. Panandigan did not pay and that Ms.
Luciano is entitled to the damages. AMOUNT OF THE LOAN
Suarez: Ms. Luciano How much did you extend to Ms.
3. EXAMINATION (QUESTIONS) – you need to prove your Panandigan?
cause of action. In this case (1) that there is a loan (2) the
amount of the loan (3) the due date (4) and that there was Luciano: P5,000
demand and payment was not made. You must be able to
let the witness to identify the documents i.e contract of loan ESTABLISHING THE DEFAULT
and demand letter. Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us what are the stipulations in
the contract that you agreed upon, if any?
(1) FIRST SCENARIO
Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us what happened in January Luciano: That the loan should be payable on January 30, 2019.
1, 2019.
Suarez: On January 30, 2019, can you tell us what happened, if
Kho: Objection. MISLEADING any?

WHY? The question was misleading because it assumes that Luciano: Ms. Panandigan did not pay the loan.
something happened in January 1, 2019.
Suarez: what did you do, if any?
PROPER QUESTION: What happened in January 1, 2019 if
any? Luciano: I made a demand
(2) SECOND SCENARIO
Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us what happened in January (4) FOURTH SCENARIO
1, 2019, if any?

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EXISTENCE OF THE CONTRACT OF LOAN Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us to whom did you extend the
The next is how do you make her testify the existence of the loan, if any?
contract of loan. Because you can enter it verbally, but you want
to prove that there is a contract of loan. Luciano: To Ms. Pananadigan

Suarez: what is your proof that you enter into a contract of loan, Suarez: What is the relation of the Ms. Panandigan you
if any? mentioned to the defendant of this case, if any?

Luciano: We executed a contract of loan/deed of loan. Luciano: She is the defendant.


Suarez: Ms. Luciano How much did you extend to Ms.
Suarez: If shown a copy of this contract, will you be able to Panandigan?
identify it?
Luciano: P5,000
Luciano: Yes
Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us what are the stipulations in
NOTE: The previous question is an example of laying a basis the contract that you agreed upon, if any?
that is answerable by a yes or no.
Luciano: That the loan should be payable on January 30, 2019.
Suarez: I have a copy of a contract of loan, can you go over this
and tell us if you know what is the relation of this document with
Suarez: On January 30, 2019, can you tell us what happened, if
the contract of loan you mentioned earlier.
any?

NOTE: You cannot ask the question “is this the contract of loan” Luciano: Ms. Panandigan did not pay the loan.
because that question is leading.
Suarez: what did you do, if any?
Luciano: This is the contract of loan that we entered into
Luciano: I made a demand
That is how you prove the genuineness of the contract
Suarez: what is your proof that you enter into a contract of loan,
SIGNATURE OF THE PARTIES if any?

Suarez: Whose signature is this appearing? Luciano: We executed a contract of loan/deed of loan.

NOTE: you have to ask it one by one. Suarez: If shown a copy of this contract, will you be able to
identify it?
After you identify it then the judicial affidavit the contract of loan
is attached with A-1 signature of Luciano and A-2 signature of Luciano: Yes
Panandigan.
Suarez: I have a copy of a contract of loan, can you go over this
SUMMARY OF PROPER QUESTIONING and tell us if you know what is the relation of this document with
the contract of loan you mentioned earlier.
“May we call on Ms. Reina Luciano to the witness stand”
Luciano: This is the contract of loan that we entered into
Suarez: I am offering the testimony of Ms. Luciano to prove that
Ms. Luciano and Ms. Panandigan entered into a contract of loan FINAL NOTES
extending a loan of P5,000. The loan was due and demandable To cut the proceedings short, they are already in judicial affidavit
and despite demand Ms. Panandigan did not pay and that Ms. form, if you look at it Kho was able to object to the questions of
Luciano is entitled to the damages. the counsel before the witness can answer.

So the better thing to do is before the witness is able to answer,


Suarez: Ms. Luciano can you tell us what happened in January
1, 2019, if any? you should make a timely objection.
In the simulation, the counsel of the defendant was able to object
Luciano: I extended a loan to Ms. Panandigan but despite on the answers of the witness. This cannot happen in a judicial
demands, she did not pay. affidavit because all the answers are in the paper, together with
the questions. That is why in Judicial Affidavits the time to make
an objection is before the Judicial Affidavit is presented.
KHO: Strike out the portion that stated that she demanded for
the payment of loan. Strike it out for being misleading*** to the
question. What will happen in the Direct Examination if there is a
judicial affidavit?

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First, you call the witness then you make a formal offer of 2019. Exhibit B the demand letter to prove that a demand was
evidence. made and that despite demand there was no payment.

Second, then you ask the witness “do you recall executing a So, if 26 evidence was offered, the other party can object. And
judicial affidavit in relation to this case, if any?” the court will rule on the admissibility and if the court will say that
out of the 26 only one is admissible that is the only time that you
can say if the evidence is sufficient or insufficient. After the court
Third, will you be able to identify the Judicial Affidavit? Fourth, rules on its admissibility or after the objections of the formal
I’m showing you a document denominated judicial affidavit of Ms. evidence.
Luciano, can you go over this and tell us what is the relation of
this document to the judicial affidavit that you mentioned? So when you say after the plaintiff rests its case it means that the
formal offer is already done and the court has ruled on the formal
Fifth, there appears to be a signature above the name Ms. Reina offer taking into account the objections, if any.
Luciano can you go over it and tell us whose signature this is?
When a demurrer is denied, the order denying the demurrer
The Direct Examination ends there and then you will proceed is it an interlocutory order or a judgement?
with cross-examination. Interlocutory Order.

The time that the court will consider the testimony of a Generally, an interlocutory order can be a subject of
witness only after you formally offered. And the time to certiorari if there is GADALEJ. Under the rules, can a
object the admissibility is only AFTER IT IS FORMALLY demurrer be subject of an appeal or petition for certiorari,
OFFERED. prohibition or mandumus?
NO. It is prohibited. The order denying the demurrer to evidence
RULE 33 DEMURRER OF EVIDENCE shall NOT be subject of certiorari, prohibition or mandamus.

What is a demurer to evidence? What is the remedy of defendant?


After the plaintiff has completed the presentation of his or her The defendant will present evidence.
evidence, the defendant may move for dismissal on the ground
upon the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to If the demurrer is granted, what is the effect?
relief. The case will be dismissed as if there is a judgement of
dismissal.
When do you file a demurrer of evidence in a civil case?
When the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to Remedy of the plaintiff?
relief. Appeal the order of dismissal.

Is it right after the last witness is presented? If on appeal the Court Appeals reverses the RTC, what is the
NO. It is after the court rules on the formal offer of evidence. effect?
The defendant is deemed to have waived the right to present
Before the formal offer of documentary evidence? NO. After evidence.
the court rules on the formal offer of documentary evidence.
Because if you are asking for a demurrer you are saying that the If the demurrer evidence under Civil Procedure the same as
evidence is insufficient. So, for you to know what is the evidence, the demurrer to evidence in a Criminal Procedure?
you need to know what forms part of the evidence of the plaintiff. NO. It is different.

OFFERING OF EVIDENCE
In a CRIMINAL CASE the filing of a demurrer to evidence results
When you make a formal offer and the other party objects. The
in the waiver of the accused to adduce evidence if the filing was
Court will rule on the admissibility of the evidence.
without leave and the same is denied, while in CIVIL CASE the
filing of a demurrer to evidence does not need leave of court and
Let us say, after the last witness, you need to make a formal offer. its denial will not result in a waiver of the defendant to present
The formal offer must be orally made after the last witness. evidence.
The objections must be made orally also then the court rule will
rule on the admissibility.
In CRIMINAL CASE the grant of demurrer to evidence results in
the acquittal of the accused and hence the dismissal cannot be
If the plaintiff’s exhibit consists of 26 exhibits (A-Z) at the time the appealed while in a CIVIL CASE, the grant of the demurrer to
last witness, the documentary evidence has not been offered. evidence may be appealed and if on appeal the dismissal of the
But in order for it to be admissible it must be offered. So, after case is reversed, the defendant is deemed to have waived the
the last witness testifies you still need to formally offer the presentation of evidence.
documentary evidence.
DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE
So, for example: The contract of loan exhibit A that the loan was
CRIMINAL CASE CIVIL CASE
extended and that it was due and demandable on January 1,
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The filing of a demurrer to The filing of a demurrer to NO. In actions of declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage
evidence results in the evidence DOES NOT NEED or for legal separation, the material facts alleged in the complaint
waiver of the accused to LEAVE OF COURT and its shall always be proved.
adduce evidence if the DENIAL WILL NOT
filing was WITHOUT RESULT IN A WAIVER of EXAMPLE: Even if your husband says “oo may psychological
LEAVE OF COURT and the defendant to present incapacity” it is not considered as a judicial admission; you would
same was DENIED evidence. still need to prove it as a fact because of the peculiar
WHEN GRANTED circumstance of these cases. They are special proceedings in
Acquittal of the accused. Dismissal of the case such that the State is interested in preserving the sancity of
marriage.
APPEAL
Dismissal CANNOT be The dismissal may be
NOTE: If there is already an admission, then there is no more
appealed appealed but if on appeal the
disputed facts. If the adverse party admits it, then there is no
dismissal of the case is need for trial and what is left is only a question of law, the Court
reversed, the defendant is can already render judgement on the pleadings.
deemed to have waived the
right to presentation of IMPORTANT NOTE:
evidence.
“Any action of the court on a motion for judgement on the
pleadings shall not be subject of an appeal or petition for
REPUBLIC v. DE BORJA certiorari, prohibition or mandamus.”

RADIOWEALTH FINANCE CORP v. SPOUSES DEL


• File a motion for the Court to render judgement on the
ROSARIO pleadings.
• If the Court GRANTS the motion to render judgement on the
GMA NETWORK INC. v. CENTRAL CATV pleadings. It is NOT AUTOMATIC that you already won the
case.
RULE 34 JUDGEMENT ON THE PLEADINGS • When the Court grants the motion it means that the court
will render a judgement.
When is a judgement of the pleadings proper? • Once it is granted, the judgement can either be in favor or
Where an answer fails to tender an issue, or otherwise admits against you. This judgement can be a subject of an appeal
the material allegation of the adverse party’s the pleading, the
court may, on motion of that party, direct judgement on such The order of the court whether it grants or deny the motion
pleadings. is NOT A JUDGEMENT. The Court only accepts that it will
render a judgement. The judgement will come after the order
For there to be judgement on the pleadings, can the court granting the motion for judgement on the pleadings.
decide to render a judgement on the pleadings motu
proprio? ONCE A JUDGEMENT IS RENDERED, EITHER IN FAVOR OR
YES. The court may motu proprio or on motion render judgement AGAINST YOU, THE REMEDY IS AN APPEAL BECAUSE
on the pleadings if it is apparent that the answer fails to tender THERE IS ALREADY A JUDGEMENT.
an issue, or otherwise admits the allegations
of the adverse parties’ pleadings. (SECTION 2)
ORDER GRANTING OR DENYING THE MOTION
As a rule, THE ORDER GRANTING OR DENYING THE
The judgement of the pleadings by motion of the parties or by the MOTION to render judgement on the pleadings is an
court motu proprio. INTERLOCUTORY ORDER. It does not fully dispose of the
case.
In relation to previous rules: For instance, you failed to While generally an interlocutory order can be appealed because
specifically deny the allegations like when you have a general of GADALEJ, however in this case since the ROC expressly
denial, in which case it is an admission of the facts. Also, when provides that the motion for judgement on the pleadings
you have actionable document and you do not spcifically deny
cannot be subject of appeal or petition for certiorari,
under oath then it is considered an admission. Or you did not
prohibition, or mandamus.
deny rather you admitted, it is an admission.

What is the effect if there is judicial admission, do you need SUNBANUN v. GO


to present evidence to prove your admission?
NO A motion to render a judgement on the pleadings, litigious
or non-litigious?
Litigious because the court cannot render a judgement without
Can there be judgement on the pleadings on all kinds of
the prejudice to the other party. Because the ground for
cases?
judgement on the pleadings is that it does not render any issue,
so the other party would contend that there is an issue.

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So you need to furnish a copy to the other party, then the before it and by interrogating counsel, ascertain what material
other party will file what? facts exist without substantial controversy, including the extent
A Comment or Opposition to motion. (in relation to RULE 15) to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in
controversy, and direct such further proceedings in the action as
DIMAN v. ALUMBRES are just. The facts so ascertained shall be deemed established,
and the trial shall be conducted on the controverted facts
ILOILO JAR CORP. v. COMGLASCO accordingly. (SECTION 4)

COMGLASCO CORP v. SANTOS CAR CHECK CENTER NOTE: In case of a motion for summary judgement, the ruling of
the court on the motion is an interlocutory order. Because the
CORP
ruling of the court, whether the court grants or denies the motion.
The summary judgement itself is different. As such, it is not
RULE 35 SUMMARY JUDGEMENTS subject to an appeal, petition for certiorari, prohibition and
mandamus.
What is SUMMARY JUDGEMENT?
A summary judgement, also known as an accelerated What should accompany a motion for summary judgement?
judgement, is proper where, upon motion filed after the issues Affidavits and supporting Papers.
had been joined and on the basis of the pleadings and the papers
filed, the court finds that there is no genuine issue as to any Is this motion a litigious motion?
material fact except as to the amount of damages. YES

When the CLAIMANT file for summary judgement? After a motion is filed, what will the other party file?
A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, An Opposition or a Comment
crossclaim or to obtain a declaratory relief may, at any time after
the pleading in answer thereto has been served, moved with
What should be attached in your comment?
supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for a summary
Opposing affidavits and deposition.
judgement in his or her favor or upon all or any party thereto.

When can the DEFENDING PARTY file for summary How many days?
judgement? Within 5 days from receipt of the motion.
A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is
asserted or a declaratory relief is sought may, at any time, move Is it mandatory for the court to have a hearing on a motion
with supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for for summary judgement?
summary judgement in his or her favor as to all or any part NO. The code provides that “unless the court orders the conduct
thereof. of a hearing?

What are the GROUNDS for summary judgement?


When the court finds that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact. What is the basis of the supporting affidavits?
How do you distinguish “there is no genuineness issue” Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal
from “failing to tender an issue in the pleadings”? knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in
evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is
competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Certified true
NO GENUINE ISSUE FAILURE TO TENDER AN copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in the affidavit
ISSUE IN THE PLEADINGS shall be attached thereto or served therewith.
While the pleadings, on their When there is an absence of
face, appear to raise issues, an issue. If it does not comply What if the affidavit is made in BAD FAITH?
it does not actually present with specific denial, there is Should it appear to its satisfaction at any time that any of the
genuine issue or the issue is failure to tender an issue in affidavits presented are presented in bad faith, or solely for the
a sham. the pleadings. purpose of delay, the court shall order the offending party or
counsel to pay the other party the amount of the reasonable
expenses which filing of the affidavits caused him or her to
Can there be a summary judgement not on the entire case incur including attorney’s fees, it may, after further adjudge
but only on the counter claim? the offending party or counsel guilty of contempt (indirect).
Yes because the ROC provides for what will happen when the
case is not fully adjudicated on motion.
ASIAN CONSTRUCTION v. PCIB

What is the effect if there is only a PARTIAL SUMMARY


REPUBLIC v. SANDIGANBAYAN
JUDGEMENT?
If on motion under this Rule, judgement is not rendered upon the
PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN v, COURT OF APPEALS
whole case or for all the reliefs sought and a trial is necessary,
the court may, by examining the pleadings and the evidence
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RULE 36 JUDGEMENTS, FINAL ORDERS AND ENTRY render judgement on the pleadings. The ruling of the court on
THEREOF that motion is an interlocutory order, because it does not finally
dispose of the case.
INTERLOCUTORY ORDER
It is an order which does not finally dispose of the case, and So, when the court denies the motion to render judgement on
indicates that other things remain to be done by the court. It the pleadings, the court is just saying that it will not any render
leaves something else to be done. judgement. This not the judgement itself and there will be
separate judgement on the pleadings.
The same applies to a motion for summary judgement. If you
In BA Finance Corp v. CA, how did the court distinguish a
file a motion for summary judgement, the Court will either grant
final order from an interlocutory order?
or deny it which means that they are saying yes/no on rendering
A FINAL ORDER is defined as one which disposes of the whole
a judgement but it is separate and distinct from the summary
subject matter or terminates a particular proceeding or action,
judgement.
leaving nothing to be done but enforce by execution what has
been determined.
In these cases, generally there can be a petition for
certiorari if there is grave abuse of discretion, HOWEVER,
An INTERLOCUTORY ORDER is one that does not dispose the
by express provision of the rules it is not allowed.
case completely, but leaves something to be done upon its
merits.
JUDGEMENT
A judgement is the final ruling by a court of competent
INTERLOCUTORY ORDER FINAL ORDER
jurisdiction regarding the rights or other matters submitted to it
one that does not dispose the one which disposes of the in an action or proceeding. It is the court’s official and final
case completely, but leaves whoel subject matter or consideration and determination of the respective rights and
something to be done upon terminates a particular obligations of the parties.
its merits. proceeding or action, leaving
nothing to be done but Can a judgement be a subject of an appeal?
enforce by execution what YES
has been determined.
Under the Constitution in order for there to be valid
REMEDY AGAINST AN INTERLOCUTORY ORDER judgement, what should be contained in a judgement? A
As a general rule is an interlocutory order is not appealable. The judgement must clearly and distinctly state the facts and law on
proper remedy in questioning an interlocutory order is PETITION which it is based. It shall be in writing and written personally
FOR CERTIORARI UNDER RULE 65 assailing grave abuse of and directly prepared by the judge, signed by him, and filed with
discretion or by questioning the final order or judgement. the clerk of court.

There are some instances under the ROC where there are Which judge should render the judgement?
interlocutory orders that you cannot assail by certiorari because The judge of the court wherein the case was filed.
it is expressly prohibited.
The RTC Makati Judge is the one who heard the case, he
NOTE: A petition for review under Rule 45 is the proper mode of was transferred to RTC Pasig. While in RTC Pasig can he
redress to question only final judgements. render judgement on the case he heard in RTC Makati? NO.
Why can you not appeal an interlocutory order? When a judge is transferred to another court of equal
Permitting appeals of interlocutory order may result in jurisdiction, he loses jurisdiction over all the cases of the Court.
multiplicity of appeals in a single action, thus prolonging the
action. That is why as a general rule an interlocutory order If the Makati Judge was not transferred but instead, he
cannot be appealed. RETIRED, and he was doing nothing. Can he render
judgement on cases he heard before his retirement, can he
EXAMPLES OF INTERLOCUTORY ORDERS CANNOT BE do that during retirement?
ASSAILED BY CERTIORARI NO. A decision penned by a judge after his retirement cannot be
When the rules or the law expressly prohibits the interlocutory validly promulgated and cannot acquire a binding effect. When a
order to be assailed in a petition for certiorari such as: (a) A judge retires, all his authority to decide any case ceases.
motion for judgement on the pleadings (b) A motion for
summary procedure. Branch 1: Judge Ang; Branch 2: Judge Andaya

It is the order of the court of the motion. If you file a motion for Judge Andaya took a leave of absence so there was no
a judgement on the pleadings or summary judgement, the judge in Branch 2. Judge Ang was appointed as acting
ruling of the court on that motion is the interlocutory order which judge of branch 2 RTC Makati. So, Judge Ang has two
separate and distinct from the judgement on the pleadings and courts. Subsequently, before rendering a judgement, Judge
the summary judgement. Valdez returned to branch 2. While Judge Ang went back to
Branch. While in RTC Makati Branch 1, can Judge Ang
When you file a motion to the court asking to render a render a decision for a case she heard in Branch 2 Makati?
judgement on the pleadings and the court grants the motion to
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YES. Because Judge Ang continues to be an RTC Makati Judge. The conclusion of the court. It constitutes the judgement of the
Whether the judge in Branch 1 or Branch 2, she is still a regional court.
trial court Makati Judge and there is only one court in the regional
trial court of Makati. The branches are only there for In case of conflict between the two which shall prevail?
administrative purposes. Whether she is in branch 1 or branch Dispositive Portion/ fallo
2, she remains to be a court of jurisdiction in Makati.
The part of the judgement that is subject to execution is the
• In case of a default of the defendant the defendant, after dispositive portion which constitutes the judgement of the court.
being declared in default, there can be a judgement on
default based on the allegations of the complaint, or the What is the reason?
court can require the reception of evidence to be delegated It rests on the theory that the fallo is the final order while the
to the clerk of court opinion in the body is merely a statement ordering nothing.
• Under Rule 18 if the plaintiff is absent or did not file a pretrial
brief the case can be dismissed which is another judgement Is there an exception where the ratio dicidendi prevail over
• If the defendant is absent, the case can be presented the dispositive judgement?
exparte If there are clerical errors. Where the inevitable conclusion from
• Under Rule 17, If there is a violation of the rules of court, or the body of the decision is so clear that there was a mere mistake
refusal to comply with the court order there can be in the dispositive portion, the decision will prevail
judgement of dismissal
AMENDED JUDGEMENT
In all of these instances, there is a judgement? An amended judgement is an entirely new decision which
supersedes or takes the place of the original decision.
JUDGEMENT ON A COMPROMISE
A judgement on the merits. In this case the parties will enter into REMEDIES TO AVAIL AN AMENDED JUDGEMENT
a compromise agreement and they will submit it to the court and • Appeal
the court will approve. After which, the ruling of the court will • Motion for reconsideration
contain the compromise agreement. Such that, the compromise • Motion for new trial
agreement will be the judgement of the court. • Petition from relief of judgement
• Petition for annulment of judgement
A judgement on a compromise is one rendered by the court on
the basis of a compromise of agreement entered into between Is an amendment judgement the same as a supplemental
the parties to the action. judgement?
NO. An amended judgement is an entirely new judgement
What is the nature of a judgement on a compromise? Is it replacing the original judgement. In a supplemental judgement
immediately executory? the original judgement is there but the Court only adds to the
It is final and immediately executory unless set aside because of original decision.
falsity or vices of consent.
CLARIFICATORY JUDGEMENT
What is your remedy? When the judgement is difficult to execute because of ambiguity
Since a judgement on compromise agreement is effectively a in the terms, a clarificatory judgement must be availed of for the
judgement on the case, the proper remedies against ordinary removal of the ambiguity in the judgement.
judgement may be used against judgements on a compromise
agreement. Accordingly: Does a clarificatory judgement alter the judgement? NO. The
(a) Motion for reconsideration court will only clarify the ambiguous terms in the judgement and
(b) Motion for new trial will not dwell on the merits of the case
(c) Appeal
(d) Petition for relief from judgment DOCTRINE OF IMMUTABILITY OF FINAL JUDGEMENT An
(e) Petition for certiorari immutability of judgement is the principle that once a judgement
(f) Petition for annulment of judgement. has become final and executory, the judgement may no longer
be modified in any respect, even if the modification is meant to
REMEDY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE: What if the other party correct what is perceived to be an erroneous conclusion of fact
refuses to comply with the terms of the judgement on the or law.
compromise, what is your remedy?
In the non-compliance of some of the parties with the terms of
the compromise agreement, the party may file a MOTION FOR
EXECUTION OF JUDGDEMENT. What is the reason behind the doctrine?
It is founded on considerations of public policy and sound
BODY OF THE JUDGEMENT/ RATIO DICIDENDI practice, that at risk of occasional errors, judgements shall
Explains how the court was able to reach the conclusion of their become final at some point in time so that litigation comes to an
decision. end.

DISPOSITIVE PORTION OF THE JUDGEMENT/ FALLO


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When does a judgement become final? The decision becomes final and executory AFTER the lapse
After the expiration of the reglementary period of the appeal. The of 15 days. The period to file an appeal or MR is WITHIN 15
reglementary period begins to run from the notice of the decision. days.

What is the PERIOD? When is your reckoning point?


After the lapse of the 15 days. (16th day) From the notice of the decision. So until you have not received
the decision the reglementary period will not commence.
The fifteen days is for you to file your appeal or motion for
reconsideration. The Decision becomes immutable, meaning it can no longer
be altered because an appeal or MR is no longer available.
Take note that a decision will not be final if it can still be Does the rule on Immutability of judgement apply to
amended. judgement on pleadings?
YES
When can a decision be amended?
If there is still a remedy for you to amend it. Summary judgement?
YES
What are remedies available for you to amend it? Does it apply on judgement on compromise?
For instance, a motion for reconsideration (MR) or appeal. YES

You are the plaintiff and receive the decision on January 1, How about judgement on default?
when your last day to file an appeal or motion for YES
reconsideration?
January 16 EXCEPTIONS TO THE IMMUTABILITY OF FINAL
JUDGEMENTS
The defendant received the decision on January 2, what is (1) Correction of clerical errors
the last day for the defendant to file an appeal or motion for (2) Nunc Pro Tunc entries in which case there is no prejudice
reconsideration? to any party
January 17 (3) Void Judgements
(4) Whenever circumstances transpire after the finality of the
On January 16 the plaintiff can still file an appeal or an MR? decision rendering its execution unjust and inequitable.
YES
What is nunc pro tunc judgement?
On January 17, can the plaintiff still file an appeal or an MR? A nunc pro tunc order is made to enter into the record an act
NO. previously done by the court, which had been omitted either
through inadvertence or mistake.
On January 17, can the defendant still file an appeal or an
MR? A nunc pro tunc judgement does not prejudice the parties
YES why?
It does not create any rights of the parties that is different from
NOTE: You count the 15 days from the date of receipt. The date what is ruled upon. It only puts on record what has already been
of receipt is not always the same. In so far as the PLAINTIFF is done.
concerned, on January 17 the plaintiff can no longer file an
appeal or a motion for reconsideration. However, it does not DOCTRINE OF RES JUDICATA
mean that the decision is already final because on January 17 Res Judicata means that once a matter has been decided with
the decision can still be potentially changed if the defendant files finality by a court, the matter is conclusive as between the parties
an appeal or a motion for reconsideration. to the case and can no longer be relitigated.

It will only be final and executory if no one can file an appeal or The doctrine embraces two concepts:
a motion for reconsideration. (1) Bar by Prior Judgement
(2) Conclusiveness of judgement
So therefore, when does it become final and executory?
January 18. This is also the date of the entry of judgement. BAR BY PRIOR JUDGEMENT
The judgement or final order is with respect to the matter directly
So even if it is the defendant who won the case on January 17 it adjudged or as to any other matter that could have been raised
is still not final and executory because the defendant, even if he in relation thereto, conclusive between the parties and their
won, he can still appeal such as when he is not satisfied with the successors-in-interest by title subsequent to the commencement
decision. For example, if the defendant won and he was awarded of the action or special proceeding, litigating for the same thing
P500,000 but he is not satisfied, he can file an appeal. and under the same title, and in the same capacity (SECTION
47(b), RULE 39)

REQUISITES OF BAR BY PRIOR JUDGEMENT

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• The prior judgement or order must be final and executory or on which such decision was predicated continue to be the facts
final and unappealable of the case before the court.
• It must be rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the
subject matter and the parties This principle generally finds application in cases where an
• The prior judgement or order must be on the merits, that is, appellate court passes on a question and remands the case to
it was rendered after a consideration of the evidence or the lower court for further proceedings. The question there
stipulations submitted by the parties at the trial of the case. settled becomes the law of the case upon subsequent appeal.
A dismissal order which even if not on the merits is a Consequently, the court reviewing the succeeding appeal will not
dismissal with prejudice or has the effect of an adjudication relitigate the case but instead apply the ruling in the previous
on the merits constitutes res judicata appeal.
• The identity of subject matter, parties and causes of action
between the prior action and the subsequent action Once a decision attains finality, it becomes the law of the
case irrespective of whether the decision is erroneous or
CONCLUSIVENESS OF JUDGEMENT not and no court has the power to revise, review, change or
In any other litigation between the same parties or their alter the same.
successors-in-interest, that only is deemed to have been
adjudged in a former judgement or final order which appears RULE 37 NEW TRIAL OR RECONSIDERATION
upon its face to have been so adjudged, or which actually and
necessarily included therein or necessary thereto (SECTION 47 What is a MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION?
(C), RULE 39) One that is directed against a judgement or final order. It is a
motion filed asking the court to review a prior decision.
In conclusiveness of judgement the parties in both actions are
the same but the causes of action are different. Hence the former Is a motion for reconsideration the same as a motion for new
judgement or final order is conclusive only in respect as to the trial?
matters actually raised and adjudged therein. NO. the grounds for motion for reconsideration and a motion for
new trial is different.
REQUSITIES OF CONCLUSIVNESS OF JUDGEMENT
• Final Judgement is final GROUNDS FOR MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
• It was rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the • Fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence which
subject matter and the parties ordinary prudence could not have guarded against and by
• The judgement is on the merits reason of which such aggrieved party has probably been
• There is, between the first and second actions, identity of impaired in his rights; or
parties, of subject matter and cause of action • Newly discovered evidence, which he could not, with
reasonable diligence, have discovered and produced at the
BAR BY PRIOR CONCLUSIVNESS OF trial, and which if presented would probably alter the result
JUDGEMENT JUDGEMENT
Identity of CAUSES OF ACTION GROUNDS FOR MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
There is identity of causes of The causes of action are The aggrieved party may move for reconsideration upon the
action between the prior and different grounds that
the subsequent case • The damages awarded are excessive
CONCLUSIVNESS • That the evidence is insufficient to justify the decision or final
order; or
The prior case is conclusive the prior case is conclusive
• That the decision or final order is contrary to law
not only as to the matters only in respect of the matters
directly adjudged but also to actually raised and adjudged
Is there an instance where the time to file your motion for
any other matter that could in the prior case
new trial or MR is within 30 days?
have been raised in relation
YES. In case of records on appeal or in special proceedings. A
thereto
notice of appeal together with the records on appeal must be filed
PRECLUSIVE EFFECT within 30 days.
Bars the relitigation of a bars only the relitigation of the
CASE ISSUES In both instances, whether Motion For New Trial (MNT) or
GROUND FOR MOTION TO DISMISS Motion for Reconsideration (MR), it must be filed before the
It is a ground for motion to it is NOT a ground for motion judgement becomes final?
dismiss to dismiss. YES. Specifically, it must be filed within the period of taking an
appeal.
What is the LAW OF THE CASE?
According to this principle, whatever is once irrevocably One of the evidence you wanted to present was a receipt to
established as the controlling legal rule or decision between the prove that payment has already been made, but you cannot
same parties in the case continues to be the law of the case, find the receipt. Decision was rendered holding you the
whether correct on general principles or not, so long as the facts defendant liable. After the decision was rendered, you found
the receipt in your drawer, can you file for a motion for new
trial for newly reception of evidence? NO. Because according
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to the rules newly discovered evidence is only a ground for a Can we have a partial new trial or reconsideration?
motion for new trial if such evidence could not, with reasonable YES
diligence, have discovered and produced at the trial. In this
case, the receipt could have been found if reasonable diligence PARTIAL NEW TRIAL OR RECONSIDERATION
was exercised. If the grounds for a motion under the rule appear to the court to
affect the issues to only a part, or less than all of the matter in
What must be alleged and attached? controversy, or only, or less than all, of the parties to it, the court
The motion shall be made in writing stating the ground or may order a new trial or grant reconsideration as to such issues
grounds therefore, a written notice of which shall be served by if severable without interfering with the judgement or final order
the movant to the adverse party. upon the rest

A MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL (MNT) must follow the following RULE 38 RELIEF FROM JUDGEMENTS, ORDERS, OR
conditions: OTHER PROCEEDINGS
• MOTION IS FRAUD, ACCIDENT, MISTAKE OR
EXECUSABLE NEGLIGENCE: It shall be supported by PETITION FOR RELIEF OF JUDGEMENT
affidavits of merits which may be rebutted by It is a remedy provided by law to any person against whom a
counteraffidavits decision or order is entered through fraud, accident, mistake or
• NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE: it shall be supported excusable negligence.
by affidavits of the witnesses by whom such evidence is
expected to be given, or by duly authenticated documents Where do you file a petition for relief of judgement? In the
which are proposed to be introduced in evidence. same court and in the same case where the judgement was
rendered.
In a MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION the motion shall point
out specifically the findings or conclusions of the judgement or What is the period to file a petition for relief of a judgement?
final order which are not supported by evidence or which are It must filed within 60 days after the petitioner learns of the
contrary to law, making express reference to the testimonial or judgement, final order, or other proceeding to be set aside, and
documentary evidence or the provisions of law alleged to be not more than 6 months after such judgement or final order was
contrary to such findings or conclusions. entered, or such proceeding was taken.

You filed a motion for reconsideration, it was denied. Can What are the grounds for petition for relief from judgement?
you file second motion for reconsideration? NO. A second When a judgement or final order is entered, or any other
motion for reconsideration is prohibited. proceedings is thereafter taken against a party in any court
through fraud, accident, mistake or excusable negligence.
If a motion for new trial is denied, can you assail it by
certiorari? What kind of fraud?
NO. An order denying a motion for new trial or reconsideration is EXTRINSIC FRAUD
not appealable, the remedy being an appeal from judgement or
final order. Can you give me an example of an extrinsic fraud? When
one of the parties gave to the clerk the old address of the
What will you appeal? defendant knowing that he is no longer a resident of the place.
The decision itself that you are appealing.
Is a petition for relief from judgement an original action that
Is it indispensable to file a Motion for reconsideration (MR) requires a certification of forum shopping?
when you file an appeal? NO
NO. You can file either an MR or go straight to an appeal.
Should a petition from relief of judgement be verified?
Unlike in CERTIORARI, A motion for reconsideration (MR) as a YES, it must be verified.
general rule is indispensable because in certiorari you can avail
of it when there is no speedy, plain, adequate remedy under the
During the period to file an appeal or MR, can you file a
ordinary course of law.
petition of relief from judgement?
NO. Because in petition for relief there must be an entry of
If a motion for new trial is granted what is the effect? judgement or final
If a new trial is granted, the original judgement or final order shall
be vacated, and the action shall stand for trial de novo.
From the time a petition for relief from judgement, what
Accordingly, there will be a new trial.
happens next?
Order to file an Answer. If a petition is sufficient in forma and
Does that mean that all evidence previously presented will substance to justify relief, the court in which it is filed, shall issue
be dispensed with? an order requesting the adverse party to answer the same within
The recorded evidence taken upon the former trial, in so far as 15 days from receipt thereof.
the same is material and competent to establish the issues, shall
be used at the new trial without retaking the same.

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You file a petition for relief of judgement, the court will order YES. So, it means that execution is already a matter of right
the adverse party to file an answer what will happen next? because the period of appeal has already lapsed.
After the filing of the answer or the expiration of the period
therefor, the court shall hear the petition. Will the filing of a petition for relief from judgement suspend
the execution judgement?
What are the actions of the court? NO. Even if your petition is pending, the judgement can still be
Grant or deny the petition executed.

• If after such hearing it finds that the allegations are NOT What is your remedy?
TRUE, the petition shall be DISMISSED. Preliminary Injunction. The court in which the petition is filed, may
• If it finds the allegations to be TRUE: it shall set aside the grant such preliminary injunction as may be necessary for the
judgement or final order or other proceeding complained of preservation of the rights of the parties.
upon such terms as may be just. Thereafter the case shall
stand as if such judgement, final order or other proceeding What must be filed?
have been rendered issued or taken. A preliminary injunction may be granted upon the filing by the
The court shall then proceed to hear and determine the case as petitioner of a bond in favor to the adverse party, conditioned that
if a timely motion for new trial or reconsideration had been if the petition is dismissed or the petitioner fails on trial of the
granted by it. case upon its merits, he will pay the adverse party all damages
and costs that may be awarded to him by reason of the issuance
NOTE: this is not always the case. Look at Section 2 of Rule 38, of such injunction or other proceedings following the petition.
it talks about one who is prevented from taking an appeal.
Is the filing of the application sufficient to suspend the
SCENARIO 1: For instance, Rania is the plaintiff and she won execution?
the case. The Defendant is Clarice. Rania when to the house of NO. The injunction must be issued. The remedy is to file it but
Clarice and pretends to be Clarice. Rania waits for the decision, you must obtain the injunctive relief. In the absence of the
so that she can pretend to be Clarice. So it is as if Clarice has no injunction the execution will continue.
notice of the decision such that she does not know that she lost
the case. Rania did this so that Clarice cannot file an appeal. Your remedy is to obtain an injunction to restrain the court from
This is an extrinsic fraud. executing the decision.
RULE 47 ANNULMENT OF JUDGEMENT OR FINAL
So, in this case, once Clarice learns of the decision provided that ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
it is within 6 months from the finality of the decision and 60 days
from the day she discovers, a petition for relief can be filed. She PETITION FOR ANNULMENT OF JUDGEMENT
will allege extrinsic fraud. It is a remedy granted only under exceptional circumstances
provided that petitioner has failed to avail himself of the ordinary
If the court finds after the answer, Clarice will be allowed to file or other appropriate remedies provided by law without fault on
an appeal. his part.

SCENARIO 2: if Rania issued fake decisions making it look like It is an original action, which is separate and distinct and
that the case is being reset so Clarice was not able to attend the independent of the case where the judgement is sought to be
hearing and she could not present evidence. Clarice was annulled is rendered.
deemed to have been waived. This is again an extrinsic fraud.
COVERAGE
In a petition for relief, Clarice can be allowed to adduce evidence Annulment by the Court of Appeals of judgement or final orders
in his behalf as if there is a motion for new trial. and resolutions in civil actions of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC)
for which ordinary remedies of new trial, appeal, petition for relief
SCENARIO 3: Clarice did not learn of the decision because or other appropriate remedies are no longer available through no
Rania prevented her from learning it. The period to file an fault of the petitioner.
appeal has lapsed. In this example, the period lapsed and
Clarice still filed a petition for relief alleging that she filed out of NOTE: this is only filed as a last resort when you do not have any
time because of extrinsic fraud. The appeal is denied for being other remedies that are available.
filed out of time.
GROUNDS FOR PETITION FOR
In SECTION 7, the appeal will be set aside and then the ANNULMENT OF JUDGEMENT
appeal will be allowed. The annulment may be based only on the grounds of extrinsic
fraud and lack of jurisdiction.
A decision becomes final and executory after the lapse of
the period to file an appeal such as 15 days or 30 days as Extrinsic fraud shall not be a valid ground if it was availed of, or
the case may be. If you file a petition for relief, it could have been availed of, in a motion for new trial or petition
presupposes that the decision is already final and for relief.
executory?

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When the period of appeal is still existing, you cannot file a If after such hearing it finds A judgement of annulment
annulment of judgement? that the allegations are set aside the questioned
YES NOT TRUE, the petition shall judgement or final order or
be DISMISSED. resolution and render the
When a petition for relief is still available, you cannot file an same null and void, without
annulment of judgement? prejudice to the original
YES If it finds the allegations to action being refiled in the
be TRUE: it shall set aside proper court.
PERIOD TO FILE the judgement or final order
• EXTRINSIC FRAUD: the action must be filed within 4 years or other proceeding However, where the
from discovery complained of upon such judgement or final order or
• LACK OF JURISDICTION: it must be filed before it is barred terms as may be just. resolution is set aside on the
by laches or estoppel. Thereafter the case shall ground of extrinsic fraud, the
stand as if such judgement, court may on motion order
final order or other the trial court to try the case
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PETITION FOR RELIEF FROM
proceeding have been as if a timely motion for new
ANNULMENT OF JUDGEMENT trial has been granted
rendered issued or taken.
therein.

PETITION FOR RELIEF ANNULMENT OF


JUDGEMENT When you file a petition for annulment assailing the
NATURE judgement of the RTC, do you file it at the CA? YES. (B.P.
Remedy. It is not an original Original Action 129) It is under the original jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals to
action. have an annulment of judgements of the RTC. In the same way,
GROUNDS if you are assailing the decision of the MTC by annulment of
judgements, you file it with the RTC.
• Fraud • Extrinsic Fraud
• Accident • Lack of Jurisdiction
Petition for annulment of judgement is it an appeal or an
• Mistake
original judgement?
• Excusable Negligence
Original Judgement.
WHERE DO YOU FILE
In the same court where the For MTC judgments: RTC When there is deprivation of due process it falls under
judgement was rendered For RTC judgements: CA which ground?
For CA judgements: SC Lack of jurisdiction. Because a court cannot render a valid
judgement if it runs counter to the Constitution.
PERIOD TO FILE
Within 60 days after the • EXTRINSIC FRAUD: Should your petition for annulment of judgement be
petitioner learns of the the action must be filed accompanied by a certificate of forum shopping?
judgement, final order, or within 4 years from YES
other proceeding to be set discovery
aside, and not more than 6 • LACK OF What is the reason why we need to attach a certificate for
months after such judgement JURISDICTION: it must forum shopping?
or final order was entered, or be filed before it is Because it is an original action.
such proceeding was taken. barred by laches or What should be alleged in your petition?
estoppel. Allege therein with particularity the facts and the law relied upon
FILING AND CONTENTS OF PETITION for annulment, as well as those supporting the petitioner’s good
• Verified Petition • Verified Petition and substantial cause of action or defense, as the case may be.
• Affidavits showing • There must be certificate
Fraud, Accident, against forum shopping What can you attach for your petition of annulment of
Mistake, or excusable • Affidavits of witness and judgement?
negligence documents supporting A certified true copy of the judgement or final order or resolution
cause of action shall be attached with the original copy of the petition intended
for the court and indicated as such by the petitioner.
EFFECT
The petitioner shall also submit together with the petition affidavit
of witnesses or documents supporting the cause of action or
defense and a certification against forum shopping.

ACTION OF THE COURT


Should the court find no substantial merit in the petition, the same
may be dismissed outright with specific reasons for such
dismissal.
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A judgement of annulment set aside the questioned judgement
Should prima facie merit be found in the petition, the same shall or final order or resolution and render the same null and void,
be given due course and summons shall be served on the without prejudice to the original action being refiled in the proper
respondent. court.

Can a court dismiss a petition for annulment of judgement However, where the judgement or final order or resolution is set
outright? aside on the ground of extrinsic fraud, the court may on motion
YES. If the court finds no substantial merit in the petition. When order the trial court to try the case as if a timely motion for new
it finds no reason or merits on the petition. trial has been granted therein.

If the court finds prima facie merit petition? RULE 39 EXECUTION, SATISFACTION, AND EFFECT OF
Give due course and serve summons. JUDGEMENTS

Why does it have to serve summons? Can the Court of


EXECUTION
Appeals serve summons?
Execution is the remedy provided by law for the enforcement of
Yes. The CA can serve summons because it is an original action.
a judgement. It also refers to the process of enforcing the
judgement
After the issuance of summons what will happen next? The
procedure in ordinary civil cases shall be observed. So, there
When we talk about jurisdiction, the power of the court also
can be trial. The CA can conduct trial.
includes the power of the court to enforce a judgement rendered.
Accordingly, Jurisdiction is the power to hear, decide and enforce
Can the CA refer the conduct of trial for reception of the judgement because it is the court that will render the decision
evidence to the RTC? that enforced the judgement.
YES
The writ is issued against whom? Is it not directed to the
Who will make the ruling? Will it be the RTC because it Sheriff?
received the evidence? The writ is actually addressed to the sheriff telling him to enforce
The CA will still be the one to make the ruling. the judgement of the court. That is why if you are the judgement
debtor and you do not comply with the judgement despite the writ
What happens to the prescriptive period of filing of the case of execution you will not be held in contempt.
upon the filing for petition for annulment of judgement? It
shall be suspended from the filing of the original action until the Because for you to be held in contempt you must disobey the
finality of the judgement of the Court of Appeals. order of the court. But the writ orders the Sheriff to enforce
the judgement.
Is it absolute that there is suspension of the prescriptive
period? Is there an exception? The time you will be held in contempt is if you disobey the order
The prescriptive period shall not be suspended where the of the court directed against you but the writ is addressed to the
extrinsic fraud is attributable to the plaintiff in the original action. Sheriff directing him to enforce the judgement.

RELIEF AVAILABLE What should be contained in the writ of execution?


The judgement of annulment may include the award of damages, Section 8 provides that the writ of execution shall:
attorney’s fees and other relief. (1) Issue in the name of the Republic of the Philippines from the
court which granted the motion;
If the questioned judgement or final order or resolution had (2) State the name of the court, the case number and title, the
already been executed, the court may issue such order of dispositive part of the subject judgement or order and;
restitution or other relief as justice and equity may warrant under (3) Require the sheriff or other proper officer to whom it is
the circumstances. directed to enforce the writ according to its terms, in the
Can you ask for damages? manner provided in Section 8, Rule 39.
YES Judgement is that defendant should vacate the premises
(accion publiciana) and deliver the possession. The
Attorney’s fees? judgement directs the transfer of possession but the writ of
YES execution issued provides for the transfer of the possession
AND transfer of title, is it valid?
What if during the pendency of the annulment of judgement, NO. It must conform of the judgement of the court. Since in this
the execution already takes place and later on the case, the judgement only directs the transfer of possession the
annulment of judgement is granted? writ of execution is limited to the transfer of possession.
The court may issue such orders of restitution or other relief as
justice and equity may warrant under the circumstances. Judgement provides among others, that it is for a nullity of
marriage on the ground of psychological incapacity. The
EFFECT OF ANNULMENT OF JUDGEMENT IS GRANTED judgement provides for the registration of the judgement of
nullity decree in the civil registry. We know that that as a

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consequence of a nullity of marriage, the property regime of
the spouses will now fall under Article 147 of the Family Where do you file your motion for execution pending an
Code which is one of co-ownership. Will the judgement appeal after you perfect the appeal?
necessarily include that they should partition the property It depends.
as co-owners?
Even without stating it, necessarily as a consequence, the • COURT OF ORIGIN: When it still exercises residual
property regime will be under Article 147 subject to coownership. jurisdiction of the case.
This is true even if it is not specified. • APPELATE COURT: When the court of origin has already
lost its jurisdiction over the case.
If you are the spouse who won the case, what will you do for
the property to be divided? When will there be residual jurisdiction?
The spouse can either file for a judicial or extrajudicial partition When the records of the case are still with the lower court despite
of the property. the perfection of the appeal.

EXECUTION AS A MATTER RIGHT Examples of decision which are not final but are
Execution becomes a matter of right immediately executory.
1. On motion, upon a judgement or order that disposes of the • Judgements in actions for injunction, receivership,
action or proceeding upon the expiration of the period to accounting and support.
appeal therefrom if no appeal has been duly perfected • In cases of Unlawful Detainer
2. If the appeal has been duly perfected and finally resolved, • In cases of Forcibly Entry
the execution may forthwith be applied for in the court of
origin, on motion of the judgement oblige, submitting If it is immediately executory, do you still need to file a
therewith certified true copies of the judgement or motion for execution? Or it will already execute as a matter
judgements or final order or orders sought to be enforced of procedure?
and of the entry thereof, with notice to the adverse party. NO. It is still necessary to file a motion for a writ of execution.
The appellate court may, on motion in the same case, when
the interest so requires, direct the court of origin to issue a As a general rule, the appeal will stay the execution unless
writ of execution. (SECTION 1, RULE 39) it is immediately executory or you have an execution
pending an appeal. You need to revive a judgement when
When does a judgement become final? the period to execute which is five years from entry has
After the lapse of the reglementary period. lapsed, from the time that there is already an action for that
revival of judgement and it becomes final and executory.
Is it correct to say that execution can only happen when a Should we move to execute that revived judgement?
decision is final, executory and unappealable? Can we only YES
have an execution when the judgement is immutable? NO.
An execution can be made when the judgement or final order is Within what period?
pending on appeal known as discretionary execution. Within 5 years from the entry of the judgement.

How do you obtain execution what should you file? By motion but by independent action. The prevailing party should
By a motion file an action for revival of the judgement after 5 years but within
10 years from the date of its entry. When the judgement has
Within what period? been has been revived, the prevailing party can then enforce it
The parties should file a motion within 5 years from the entry of by motion within 6 years from the date of entry of
the judgement. the revived judgement. (SECTION 6)

If you fail to do so, what will happen? You failed again to execute, another 5 year period lapses
and you did not execute. Can you revive the revived
Where do you file your REVIVAL OF JUDGEMENT? judgement?
The RTC has original and exclusive jurisdiction. A revival of Yes. The revived judgement mat also be enforced by motion
judgement is an action incapable of pecuniary estimation. within 5 years from the date of entry and thereafter by action
before it is barred by the statute of limitations.
DISCRETIONARY EXECUTION
The execution, ordered by the court in its discretion, of a There is an appeal that is filed. So, there is an execution
judgement or final order during the pendency of an appeal. pending an appeal. You are the losing party, what is your
REQUIREMENTS remedy to stop the execution pending on appeal?
• Motion of the prevailing party with notice to the adverse Discretionary execution may be stayed upon the filing of a
party SUPERSEDEAS BOND that is conditioned upon the
• Upon good reasons to be stated in the special order after performance of the judgement or order allowed to be executed
due hearing. in case it shall be finally sustained in whole or in part.
REMEDY SPECIFIC TO FORCIBLE ENTRY OR UNLAWFUL
When does it take place? DETAINER
Pending appeal
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If the judgement is one for forcibly entry or unlawful detainer, it is In wills and successions, no properties will pass unless the will
immediately executory even if you appeal it. So your remedy is has been admitted for probate. That means you cannot move to
to file supersedeas bond after you perfect the appeal but execute in your case because it will affect the property of the
additionally you need to pay monthly deposit of the amount deceased. The court that has jurisdiction over the property of the
adjudged. deceased is the court where the settlement is pending. Either by
(1) testate or (2) intestate.
Let us say that it is an unlawful detainer and you are liable to pay
unpaid rentals. The amount is in the contract. But if the amount In settlement, the properties will be distributed to the heirs after
is not in the contract, the court adjudges an amount for collation. But before that happens you need to pay for the
reasonable use and enjoyment of the premises. obligations of the estate. So, what you need to do is that:
Whether the death happens before or after the decision the point
So, in addition to the supersedeas bond, the amount in the order here is you can only enforce it by bringing the judgement and file
or judgement must be deposited to the court. it to the settlement court to claim the amount of the estate and
then the preference of credit will apply
IF YOU FAIL TO DEPOSIT, the other party can already move for
execution. Is there an instance, after the death of the judgement debtor
you can still execute in the case?
Is there a judgement that becomes final and executory that As long as there is already a levy on the property and there is a
cannot be executed? death, it will continue to the auction of sale.
• When subsequent facts occur which render execution
impossible, unjust or inequitable The reckoning point whether or not you will file it with the
• Where the judgement has been novated by the parties settlement case or proceed in execution in the original case, is
• Where the judgement obligor has complied with the whether or not it has been levied upon.
judgement
• Where a temporary restraining order or preliminary So, if you are the creditor, you must immediately make a levy on
injunction is issued by the proper court in a petition for relief the property.
or annulment of judgement
• When there is a compromise agreement The decision is appealed to the Court of Appeals and from
the CA to the Supreme Court. The SC affirmed the decision,
Rule 63 of the ROC. In action for declatory relief, in a declaratory where will the execution happen? The SC? CA? or in the
relief the court only declares the rights of the parties. The Court Court of Origin?
in an instrument interprets the rights of the parties. The The Court of Origin. The Supreme Court should forward the case
judgement there is only a declaration of rights. in the Court of origin.

You use it for vagueness in a contract or reformation of a A writ of execution is issued what should the sheriff do? If
contract. You will not execute anything because the judgement it is a money claim?
declares the rights. There is nothing to execute in that. MONEY CLAIM – immediate payment on demand from the
judgement obligor of the full amount in the writ of execution and
The judgement was executed pending appeal. On appeal the all lawful fees. The judgement obligor shall pay in cash, certified
judgement was reversed, what will happen? bank checks payable to the judgement obligee or any amount of
Where the executed judgement is reversed totally or partially or the judgement acceptable to the latter, the amount of the
annulled, on appeal or otherwise, the trial court may, on motion, judgement debt under the proper receipt directly to the
issue orders of restitution or reparation of damages as equity judgement oblige or his authorized representative if present at
and justice may warrant under the circumstances. the time of the payment.

Within what period should you bring an action for revival of The debtor gives money to the sheriff, should the sheriff
judgement? deliver it already to the judgement creditor?
Within 10 years from the entry of judgement. The lawful feels shall be handed to the sheriff who in turn shall
hand over the said amount within the same day to the clerk of
NOTE: Within 5 years from the entry is for the execution. After 5 court that issued the writ.
years, the revival of the judgement. So, it has to be within 10
years. If the same is not practicable, the sheriff shall deposit the said
amounts to a fiduciary account in the nearest government
What happens if you won the case against X, who is a depository bank of the RTC of the locality.
debtor, the decision said you need to pay the defendant
P500,000. At the day he received it, the debtor died. Because The Clerk of Court shall then arrange for the remittance of the
he died, no body appealed. The decision become final and deposit to the account of the court that issued the writ whose
executory. Can you file it against a dead defendant? What is clerk of court shall deliver said payment of the judgement obligee
your remedy? in satisfaction of the judgement.
NO. You cannot file against a dead defendant. You file your
claims on the settlement of estate.

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EXCESS – the excess, if any, shall be delivered to the judgement due and demandable. Can the loan due to Mr. Suarez be the
obligor while the lawful fees shall be retained by the clerk of court subject of a garnishment?
for disposition s provided by law. YES

If payment is already made then in which case the court will What about bank deposits?
deduct from the amount the legal fees before it is transmitted to Yes. When you deposit with a bank, it is a mutuum or a contract
the judgement obligor. of loan. You as the depositor are the creditor because you are
How do you make a levy? delivering money to the bank, and the bank has the obligation
Levy shall be made by serving notice upon the person owing to return the money upon your demand such as when you
such debts or having in his possession or control such credits withdraw the money. The bank you deposited is the same
to which the judgement obligor is entitled. amount that they will return.

Levy on real property It is a loan that is why it is subject to garnishment. It is like a


receivable of the debtor.
What will happen if the debtor refuses to make a payment? Everything (money) that the debtor may receive may be a subject
LEVY. If the judgement obligor cannot pay all or part of the of a garnishment.
obligation to the judgement oblige, the officer shall levy upon
the Can a garnishment be on a third person?
properties of the judgement obligor. (SECTION 9 (b)) YES

What may be levied on? Do you need to serve summons to bind that third person?
Both real and personal properties. The officer shall levy upon So that the court can have jurisdiction over the garnishee?
the properties of the judgement obligor of every kind and nature NO. Because by issuance of the order of garnishment, the
whatsoever which may be disposed of for value and not garnishee is already bound by the court and needs to comply.
otherwise exempt from execution.
Let us say that Mr. Kho is the debtor of the debtor, the
Can you levy all at once? amount that is payable to the judgement debtor or the
Levy only the amount sufficient to cover the amount stated in the amount you owe is deemed garnished. The Court ordered
judgement. you to keep it safe and not for it to be released. However,
Ms. Andaya, your creditor, is already demanding for the
Can the debtor choose which property to levy on? The payment but Mr. Kho refused because he wants to follow
judgement obligor is given the option to immediately choose the order of the Court. Can he be held liable to Ms. Andaya
which property or part thereof may be levied upon, sufficient to for your refusal to pay?
satisfy the judgement. NO

If he does not choose, which one will be levied on first? If If the judgement involves a conveyance of property. Let us
the judgement obligor does not exercise the option, the officer say the title should be transferred in the name of Ms.
shall first levy on the personal properties, if any, and then on Panandigan. So, there should be a deed of conveyance to
the real properties if the personal properties are insufficient to effect the transfer of her name. But the judgement debtor
answer the judgement. despite the issuance of the writ of execution refuses to
comply, what can be the remedy?
When there is levy, the property is attached. Is the levy the The court in lieu of directing a conveyance thereof may by an
same as a garnishment? order divest the title of any party and vest it in others, which shall
NO. A levy creates a lien over the property to secure the have the force and effect of a conveyance executed in due form
satisfaction of the debt. of law.

In garnishment a third person having possession or control of The Court will issue an order divesting one of the properties and
the credits is asked whether the judgement obligor has vesting it to the one entitled to it and it shall have an effect as if
sufficient funds to satisfy the judgement. The credits that the there is a conveyance.
third person has control over shall be used for the satisfaction
of judgement. There is an action for forcible entry. The Court ruled that the
one in possession has no right to possess it and must
What can be the subject of garnishment? vacate the premises. He refuses to vacate. Contempt cannot
• Bank deposits lie because the writ is directed against the sheriff. What is
• Financial interest the remedy?
• Royalties He may avail the assistance of the police officer. The sheriff shall
• Commissions oust all such persons therefrom with the assistance, if necessary,
• Other personal property not capable of manual delivery in of appropriate peace officers and employing such means as may
the possession or control of third parties be reasonably necessary to retake possession, and place the
judgement oblige in possession of such property.
Ms. Villena is judgement debtor and last year Mr. Suarez (SECTION 10, (c))
borrowed in the amount of P1 million. The loan is already
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There are structures on that property and the order says that This is because you want to have a lot of bidders because it will
you must vacate the premises free of structures, can you increase the price.
already demolish the property?
NO. the officer shall not destroy, demolish or remove said In Sales, even if the bid is not that high it is not a void sale. This
improvements except upon special order of the court, issued is because it is in favor of the judgement debtor. If the price is
upon motion of the judgement oblige after due hearing and after not that high, so if the value for example the property is worth P5
the former has failed to remove the same within a reasonable million but it is only sold for P500,000, it is for the benefit of the
time fixed by law. judgement debtor. Because the price he needs to pay for
redemption is only P500,000.
What will the court issues?
A Writ of Demolition What is your remedy so you will not lose your property in an
auction sale? You may pay the amount.
The property has been levied upon; the next step is to sell.
Is it a private or public sale? Can all property be subject of an execution?
Public Sale NO. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the following
property, and no other, shall be exempt from execution:
Before you can have valid sale, what is required? Before the
sale of property on execution, notice thereof must be given as (a) The judgement obligor’s family home as provided by law, or
follows: the homestead in which he resides and land necessarily
• PERISHABLE PROPERTY – posting a notice of the time used in connection therewith – note in Urban Area to the
and place of the sale in 3 public places, preferably in extent of P300,000 and in Rural Area to the extend to
conspicuous areas of municipal or city hall, post office and P200,000
public market in the municipality or city where the sale is to (b) Ordinary tools and implements personally used by him in his
take place, for such time as may be reasonable, considering trade, employment, or livelihood;
the character and condition of the property. (c) Three horses, or three cows, or three carabaos, or other
beasts of burden, such as the judgement obligor may select
• PERSONAL PROPERTY – by posting a similar notice in the necessarily used by him in his ordinary occupation
three public places above mentioned for not less than 5 (d) His necessary clothing and articles for personal use,
days excluding jewelry;
(e) Household furniture and utensils necessary for
• REAL PROPERTY – by posting for 20 days in 3 public housekeeping, and used for the purpose by the judgement
places a similar notice particularly describing the property obligor and his family, such as the judgement obligor may
and stating where the property is to be sold, and if the select of a value not exceeding one hundred thousand
assessed value of the property EXCEED P50,000 by persons;
publishing a copy of the notice once a week for two (f) Provisions for individual or family use sufficient for four
consecutive weeks in one newspaper selected by raffle, months;
whether in English or Filipino, or any major regional (g) The professional libraries and equipment’s of judges,
language published, edited and circulated or, in the absence lawyers, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, engineers,
thereof, having general circulation in the province or city. surveyors, clergymen, teachers and other professions, not
exceeding three hundred thousand pesos in value
How do you effect the notice? (h) One fishing boat and accessories not exceeding the total
Posting and publication if the assessed value is more than value of one hundred thousand pesos owned by a fisherman
P50,000 for real property and by the lawful use of which he earns his livelihood
(i) So much of the salaries, wages, or earnings of the
For movable property, by posting. judgement obligor for his personal services within the four
months preceding the levy as are necessary for the support
The notice shall specify the following the place, Date, Exact time of his family;
of the sale which shall not be earlier than 9 o’clock in the morning (j) Lettered gravestones;
and not later 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The place of the sale (k) Monies, benefits, privileges, or annuities accruing or in any
may be agreed upon by manner growing out of any life insurance
(l) The right to receive legal support, or money or property
Can the creditor participate in the auction? obtained as such support, or any pension or gratuity from
YES the Government
(m) Properties specially exempted by law.
Is there an instance when the creditor cannot participate in
the auction? But no article or species of property mentioned shall be exempt
from execution issued upon a judgement recovered for its price
What is the purpose of the posting or publication of the or upon judgement of foreclosure of a mortgage thereon.
notice, as the case may be, of the auction sale? So that third
persons or others persons that have an interest over the If there is no notice of the sale of the execution, what is the
properties may be informed of the auction sale. effect?
If there is notice of the sale the sale is void.
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What is the remedy of the movant, the one who won the
In courts there is a bulletin board which provides for the sale of case, so that execution shall proceed? How will he fight the
the properties. People just go to court to check what properties tercira? He should post a bond.
they can buy.
When is the period to redeem a property sold in an action?
The property was sold in the auction. However, the highest It must be within 1 year from the time of the judgement.
bidder did not pay, what will happen?
If the purchaser refuses to pay, the officer may again sell the Is there an exception?
property to the highest bidder. Yes. When the property so redeemed is redeemed again. It must
be redeemed within 60 days after the last redemption upon
So, every time that the highest bidder will not pay, another payment of the sum paid on the last redemption.
auction will be made.
Who may redeem the property?
REFUSAL OF PURCHASER TO PAY • Judgement obligor or his successor in interest in the whole
If a purchaser refuses to pay the amount bid by him for property or any part of the property
struck off to him at a sale under execution, the officer may again • A creditor having a lien by virtue of an attachment
sell the property to the highest bidder and shall not be judgement or mortgage on the property sold, or on some
responsible for any loss occasioned thereby; but the court may part thereof, subsequent to the lien under which the property
order the refusing purchaser to pay the court the amount of such was sold. (SECTION 27)
loss, with costs, and may punish him for contempt if he disobeys
the order. The amount of such payment shall be for the benefit These are what we called junior encumbrancers.
entitled to the proceeds of the execution unless the execution
has been fully satisfied, in which even such proceeds shall be for If the junior encumbrancer will redeem the property, what
the benefit of the judgement obligor. The officer may thereafter should be paid?
reject any subsequent bid of such purchaser who refuses to pay. The purchase price or the amount of his purchase with 1% per
(SECTION 20) month interest thereon and the other costs incurred for the
redemption.
CONTENTS OF CERTIFICATE OF SALE After the redemption of a junior encumbrancers, can
Upon the sale of real property, the officer must give to the another creditor redeem it?
purchaser a certificate of sale containing: YES. Provided that it is done within the period 60 days from the
• A particular description of the real property sold; last redemption.
• The price paid for each distinct lot or parcel
• The whole price paid by him What should the subsequent redemptioner pay?
• A statement that the right of redemption expires one (1) The sum paid on the last redemption plus the costs and interest.
year from the date of the registration of the certificate of
sale What if the first redemptioner is the judgement debtor, can
Such certificate must be registered in the registry of deeds of the a junior encumbrancer redeem after the judgement debtor
place where the property is located. redeems?
NO. once the judgement debtor redeems the property, no other
If there is a third-party claimant it should also mention that there redemptions may be made.
is a third party claimant claiming.
During the period of redemption, will the title already be
The third person is claiming to be the owner of the property transferred in the name of the highest bidder? NO. The
subject of the execution. What is the remedy of a third highest bidder must wait for the period of redemption to lapse
person? before it can be transferred in his name.
When a third person makes an affidavit of his title thereto or right
to possession thereof, stating the grounds of such right or title The fruits that grew during the period of redemption, to
and serves the same upon the officer making the levy and a copy whom will it pertain? Highest bidder or the judgement
thereof upon the judgement oblige, the officer shall be bound to debtor who redeems the property?
keep the property, unless such judgement obligee, on demand The judgement debtor, because he does not lose his right over
of the officer the property.
• Files a bond approved by the court to indemnify the
third-party claimant in a sum not less than the value of Why is it other creditors or junior encumbrancers may
the property levied on. redeem the property?
• In case of disagreement on the value, the same shall Because they have an interest in such property.
be determined by the court issuing the writ of execution.
In order to effect a redemption what should be presented? A
No claim for damages for the taking or keeping of the property redemptioner must produce to the officer, or person from whom
may be enforced against the bond unless the action thereof is he seeks to redeem, and serve with his notice to the officer a
filed within 120 days from the date of the filing of the bond. copy of the judgement or final order under which he claims the
right of redeem certified by the clerk of court wherein the
judgement or final order was entered.
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If he redeems upon a MORTGAGE OR OTHER LIEN, a EFFECT OF FOREIGN JUDGEMENT
memorandum of the record thereof, certified by the registrar of The effect of a judgement or final order of a tribunal of a foreign
deeds; or an original or certified copy of any assignment country, having jurisdiction to render the judgement or final order
necessary to establish his claim, and in the affidavit executed by is as follows
him or his agent, showing the amount then actually due on the
lien. • SPECIFIC THING the judgement or final order is conclusive
upon the title of the thing
The judgement creditor learned that the judgement debtor • AGAINST A PERSON, the judgement or final order is
was already trying to come up with the funds needed to presumptive evidence of a right as between the parties and
redeem the property. So the judgement creditor, started their successors in interest by a subsequent title.
burning the trees and plants on that property. What is your
remedy? How do you repel a foreign judgement? On what grounds?
Until the expiration of the time allowed for redemption, the court • Evidence of want of jurisdiction
may, as in other proper cases, restrain the commission of waste • Want of notice of the party
on the property by injunction, on the application of the purchaser • Collusion
or the judgement oblige, with or without notice, but is not waste • Fraud
for a person in possession of the property at the time of the sale, • Clear mistake of law or fact
or entitled to possession afterwards, during the period allowed •
for redemption, to continue to use it in the same manner in which
CASE:
it was previously used; or to use it in the ordinary course of
Can the right of redemption be a subject of garnishment or
husbandry; or to make the necessary repairs to the buildings
attachment?
thereon while he occupies the property.
You cannot because if you garnish a right of redemption then you
will deprive the debtor a right to redeem. If there is a garnish on
What writ will they obtain? the right of redemption he can no longer exercise the right. It will
Writ of Injunction. automatically go to the creditor.

When should a sheriff make a return? If there is a property claimed by a terciria and he filed an
Immediately after the judgement has been satisfied in part or in affidavit but the winner of the case filed a bond so it was
full. If the judgement cannot be satisfied in ful within 30 days after sold in auction. What is your remedy?
receipt of the writ, the officer shall report to the court and state
the reason therefor. Such writ shall continue in effect during the
What constitutes the factors of the redemption price?
period within which judgement may be enforced by motion.
Interest counted until when?
The officer shall make a report to the court every 30 days on the
proceedings taken thereon until judgement is satisfied in full, or
Let us say that you are getting married. Both of you applied
effectively expires. The returns or periodic reports shall set forth
for a marriage license, there was posting in accordance with
the whole of the proceedings taken, and shall be filed with the
law. After the period of posting, the marriage license should
court and copies thereon promptly furnished the parties.
already been issued. However, the local civil registrar
appears to be the ex-girlfriend, she refuses to issue that
Where should the return be filed?
marriage license. What is the nature of the issuance of the
To the Court issuing it.
marriage license when all the requirements are present
already?
What if the property was sold in an auction where the It is ministerial on the part of the ex-girlfriend. She cannot
creditor is the highest bidder. Should the creditor pay the exercise discretion.
amount to the sheriff?
YES
Because it is ministerial, to compel her to issue that
marriage license, you brought an action for petition for
There is partial execution. The obligation dues is P1M. But mandamus and judgement was rendered against her. You
one of the real property valued at P2M was levied and sold move for execution, but she still refuses to execute the
in an auction for P200,000. What will happen next since the license. What is the effect of her refusal. What kind of
judgement is not satisfied? Should you file a new case? You judgement is this in so far as the subject of execution? What
want to continue with the execution in so far as levying other is the nature of the judgement?
properties. Because the rules provide that you will levy as much Special Judgement. In this instance, the remedy is contempt
as needed in order to cover for the obligation. because it does not fall under any of the classes of judgement
under Rule 39.
The examination will only take place if you do not know whether
there are properties. So, the court may call on third persons or What is a remedy of a third-party claimant in order for him
judgement debtors. to recover title over a property which he claims to be his but
which has been subject of execution?
What is the effect if they do not appear?
Contempt
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File a separate action for the determination of the rights of the DO NOT CONFUSE EXECUTION WITH APPEAL
parties. There can be execution even during the pendency of an appeal.

Under MTC jurisdiction, there are also cases that fall under
ordinary procedure. Summary procedure and ordinary
procedure under MTC may be subject of an appeal,
APPEALS
regardless of whether the decision is immediately executory
What is an appeal?
or not.
An appeal is a proceeding by which a party seeks from a higher
• A ruling on the merits can be a dismissal or a grant of the
court the review of a judgment or final order of a lower court on
complaint.
the ground that the judgment or final order is against the
• A judgment is one that finally disposes of a case. Even if
evidence or the law.
your complaint is dismissed, that is still a judgment.
• There are some dismissals that are with prejudice or without
RULE 40 ORDINARY APPEAL FROM MTC TO RTC prejudice. o WITH PREJUDICE: you cannot refile it
anymore.
Rule 40 is the appeal for the first time in the RTC from MTC o WITHOUT PREJUDICE: you can refile it.
judgments rendered in its original jurisdiction. However, • REGARDLESS OF WHETHER DISMISSAL IS WITH
remember that NOT ALL judgments from the MTC may be PREJUDICE OR NOT, THAT IS STILL A JUDGMENT OR
subject of an appeal. A FINAL RULING. IT IS STILL A DISMISSAL. Meaning,
refiling is a remedy against your dismissal WITHOUT
MTC – SMALL CLAIMS prejudice.
Decisions are immediately final and executory. It is o The fact that you can refile it does not make it an
UNAPPEALABLE. interlocutory order.
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION What are the two (2) ways to perfect an appeal from the MTC
MR IS A PROHIBITED MOTION. You do not need to file MR. to the RTC? (Rule 40, Sec. 2)
This is an exception to the rule that an MR is indispensable 1) File notice of appeal with the court of origin (MTC); or 2)
before you file a petition for certiorari. File notice of appeal with record on appeal.
REMEDY TO DECISIONS OF MTC IN SMALL CASE RIGHT When is there a record on appeal?
REMEDY: PETITION FOR CERTIORARI (RULE 65)
In special proceedings.
PROVIDED THERE IS GADALEJ.
What are special proceedings?
When you avail of Rule 65, two requirements are:
Settlement of estate, etc.
(1) When there is GADALEJ, and that
(2) there is no appeal, or any plain, speedy,
To perfect your appeal, is it limited to timely filing your
adequate remedy. Therefore, if an appeal is an available
notice of appeal?
remedy, even if the decision was rendered with GADALEJ, you
NO. Aside from filing your notice of appeal (or notice with record
cannot avail of certiorari.
on appeal), you also have to pay appeal and docket fees, and
PERIOD OF APPEAL LAPSED
costs.
If your period for appeal has lapsed, you cannot resort to
certiorari because you negligently failed to appeal on time. It was
Is the period within which to file an appeal extendible?
because of your own fault.
NO. It is inextendible. Rules 40 and 41 appeals are inextendible.
• CERTIORARI IS NOT A REMEDY FOR LOST
Why? Because it is NOT a matter of right. It is merely a statutory
APPEAL.
right. It means you have to comply with the rules that allow for
• Motion for Reconsideration is an example of a plain,
appeals. If you do not file within the prescribed period to appeal,
speedy, adequate remedy.
the decision becomes final and executory. Because a decision
• As opposed to an appeal, an MR or motion for new trial
becomes final after the lapse of the period within which to
(MNT) is not indispensible before you appeal a case.
appeal. The doctrine of immutability of judgment then attaches.
Meaning, you cannot alter the decision anymore. You cannot
NOTE: You can either file an MR or an MNT. Or instead of filing appeal anymore, or if you did, it will be dismissed.
both motions, you can go straight to filing an appeal.
NOTE: Rules 42 to 45 appeals are extendible.
MTC SUMMARY PROCEDURE
Whether immediately executory or not and ordinary procedure. When is an appeal perfected?
Forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases are immediately
Timely filing of Notice of Appeal
executory.
MATERIAL DATE RULE
Even if some cases in summary procedure are immediately
The material date should be alleged. It is applicable not only in
executory, the rules do not provide that they are NOT
Rule 40, but also in Rules 41, 42, 43, 45. This allows the court to
appealable. Meaning, they can be appealed.

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determine whether on the face of your appeal, the appeal is filed property. Once the will is admitted to probate, the other heirs will
on time. complain. Once they appeal the decision of the probate, that is a
record of appeal. In the record of appeal, they put the full names
CONTENTS: of the parties. They include what they are assailing (in this case,
• Date of receipt of judgment or final order appealed from the court’s ruling that admits the will to probate). Then attach the
• Date of filing of MR or MNT (if you filed any) records forming part of the proceedings, but these records are
• If the court ruled on your MR or MNT, allege the date you not the original records. You just have to attach the records. The
received it original remains with the probate court. Why? Because during
• Date of perfection of appeal o SEE: RULE 50, SECTION 1 the pendency of your record on appeal, the original case
• Payment of appeal and docket fees – Attach to Notice of continues. They can appoint special administrator in the
Appeal the receipt of proof of payment meantime during the pendency of your appeal.

NOTE: SUNLIFE DOCTRINE: Even if not paid at the time of filing NOTE: In special proceedings we have multiple appeals so that
of Notice of Appeal, you are given reasonable time to pay, every issue that is appealable, you can assail the subject matter
provided that it is paid within the period to perfect appeal. of that specific issue and the rest of the issues in the case will
Otherwise, the decision becomes final and executory. proceed.

TIME FOR FILING IS INEXTENDIBLE because appeal is only NOTE: The record on appeal is subject to the court’s approval.
statutory. The other party can object to your filing of a notice of appeal with
• FILING OF NOTICE OF APPEAL CANNOT BE record on appeal within 5 days. If they do not object, the court
EXTENDED. can approve it as presented on the appeal. But if the adverse
• FILING OF PETITIONS CAN BE EXTENDED. (See Rule party objects to the record on appeal, the court, on that motion
45) or upon its own motion, may order you to amend your record on
appeal.
EFFECT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY
Denial of appeal What is the period?
Period depends on the court’s order. If there is no period in the
order, within ten (10) days.
WHEN IS THE PERIOD INTERRUPTED?
By the timely filing of an MR or MNT
Can the period be subject to an extension?
YES, if the court allows for it.
Neypes doctrine: If you filed MR from 14th day from receipt of
decision, if MR is denied, you have a fresh period of 15 days (or
30 days as the case may be) to file appeal. Also applicable in NOTE: Once you perfect an appeal, the court of origin loses
criminal cases. jurisdiction over the subject matter. But with regard to notice of
appeal with record on appeal: The court loses jurisdiction only
over the subject matter thereof. This is because in record of
What is the period for perfecting an appeal?
appeal, it is not the whole case that is subject of an appeal; only
It depends on whether it is under ordinary procedure or special
an aspect of a case is being appealed.
proceedings. If it is ordinary procedure, within 15 days from
notice of the decision. If record on appeal is required (in special
proceedings), then within 30 days from notice of the decision. RESIDUAL JURISDICTION OF THE COURT (Rule 41, Sec. 9,
After the lapse of 15 days or 30 days within you perfecting your last par.)
appeal, the decision becomes final and executory. What is the residual jurisdiction of the court?
“Once the appeal is perfected, the court of origin loses
PARTIES jurisdiction.” But that is not entirely accurate. There is a residual
Who are the parties to an appeal? jurisdiction of the court (of origin). This takes place after the
appeal is perfected, but before the records are transmitted to the
The appellant and the appellee.
appellate court. The records are still with the court of origin.
If the original case is A (plaintiff) v. B (defendant), and B appeals,
What do you need the residual jurisdiction for? Say, if after
the only thing that will happen is that the designation will be
you perfect the appeal, you want to file a motion for the
changed: A will be your plaintiff-appellee, B is
defendantappellant. It will still be A v. B. court to execute pending appeal, where will you file your
motion?
It depends. If the records are still with the court of origin, you file
What is a record on appeal?
it with the court of origin because the court of origin still has
We have special proceedings where we can have multiple
residual jurisdiction, notwithstanding the perfection of the appeal.
appeals. In the record of appeal, you will provide the record.
But if after perfection of the appeal and the records are
Because the record in special proceedings will remain with the
transferred to the appellate court, then you file it with the
court where the case is pending.
appellate court because the court of origin loses all of its
jurisdiction, including the residual jurisdiction.
Example:
There is a will executed by the testator. He died. The first thing
NOTE: This also happens in criminal cases.
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If you want to withdraw your appeal, where do you withdraw NOTE: If the appelle does not file any memorandum, the period
your appeal? will just lapse and the case will be submitted for decision.
It depends on where the records are after perfection of appeal. If
the records are still with the lower courts or with the court of Submitted for decision: the court will proceed to rule on the case.
origin, file it there. Same thing applies with other reliefs you can The ruling will be based on the review of the records of the entire
avail of, like provisional remedies. case because the entire case will be transmitted to the appellate
court.
When should the clerk of court transmit the complete
records of the case? (Rule 40, Sec. 6) If the MTC in its original jurisdiction dismisses the case, and
Within fifteen (15) days from the perfection of the appeal, the there was NO TRIAL (such as when there is judgment on the
clerk of court shall transmit the original record or the record on pleadings or summary judgment), and that judgment was
appeal, together with the transcripts and exhibits, which he shall appealed to the RTC, what can the RTC do?
certify as complete. A copy of his letter of transmittal of the The RTC can either affirms or reverse.
records to the appellate court shall be furnished to the parties.
If RTC affirms on the ground of lack of jurisdiction, you do not
NOTE: What the clerk of court will furnish to the party is the need to refile case with the RTC. The RTC will try the case on
transmittal letter, which is like a cover letter. Once the appellate the merits as if it was filed in RTC. If RTC finds that MTC has
court receives records, the appellate court will inform the parties jurisdiction (the RTC does not have jurisdiction), the RTC will
that they received such records. remand the case to the MTC for further proceedings or for the
MTC to conduct trial.
APPELLANT’S MEMORANDUM
What happens after receipt of the notice of transmittal? If the MTC ruled on the merits, but the MTC had no jurisdiction
Within 15 days after receipt of the notice of transmittal, the over the subject matter, and it was appealed in the RTC and the
appellant will file a memorandum. RTC has jurisdiction, the RTC will decide the case. Without
prejudice to amendment of pleadings and reception of evidence,
NOTE: Rule 40: memorandum. Rule 41: brief. as the interest of justice may require.

What should you allege in your appellant’s memorandum? RULE 41 APPEAL FROM RTC (ORIGINAL JURISDICTION)
You should assign all the errors that you impute in the lower TO CA
court.
What cases cannot be appealed?
NOTE: Appellate court will not rule on matters that you will not Rule 4, Sec. 1 provides which cases cannot be appealed:
assail in the memorandum. Only the matters assailed as an error a) An order denying a motion for new trial or
will be subject of review. reconsideration;
Criminal case: it opens the b) An order denying a petition for relief or any similar
entire case for review. motion seeking relief from judgment;
Civil case: only the assigned errors are subject of c) An interlocutory order;
review. d) An order disallowing or dismissing an appeal;
e) An order denying a motion to set aside a judgment by
NOTE: You cannot raise matters for the first time on appeal. But consent, confession or compromise on the ground of
this rule is subject to exceptions: fraud, mistake or duress, or any other ground vitiating
When there are already admissions of facts or consent;
stipulations of facts; f) An order of execution;
When there is already judicial admission or judicial g) A judgment or final order for or against one or mor of
notice. These matters do not require the reception of several parties or in separate claims, counterclaims,
evidence. cross-claims and third-party complaints, while the main
case is pending, unless the court allows an appeal
What happens if the appellant fails to file a memorandum? therefrom; and
The appeal will be dismissed. This is considered a waiver of the h) An order dismissing an action without prejudice.
appeal on the part of the appellant. This only applies to the
appellant. In subsection (e), if there is a judgement in a compromise, it is
IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY. Based on Rule 41, you cannot
NOTE: You can liken this rule to Rule 17, where the case will be appeal it.
dismissed if the plaintiff does not comply with the rules.
What are your remedies against a judgment on a
APPELLEE’S MEMORANDUM compromise?
What happens after the filing of appellant’s memorandum? NOTE: If there is refusal to comply with the terms of the judgment
The appellee should file a memorandum within 15 days from on a compromise, DO NOT INVOKE THE CIVIL CODE. In the
receipt of the appellant’s memorandum. Civil Code provisions on the Katarangang
Barangay, the rule that you will consider it rescinded only applies
if it is a plain compromise agreement that was not submitted to
the court for its approval. But what we are talking about here is a
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compromise agreement that has already been approved by the papers) shall be written in single space with a 1.5 space between
court. It is not a mere contract. It is in the nature of a decision of paragraphs, using an easily readable font style of the party’s
the court, and in fact the doctrine of immutability of judgment choice, of 14-size font, and on a 13-inch by 8.5-inch white bond
applies. THE RIGHT REMEDY IS NOT TO CONSIDER IT paper.
RESCINDED.
You have three (3) remedies: AS TO MARGINS AND PRINTS:
1) If there is refusal to comply with the terms of the The parties shall maintain the following margins on all
judgment on a compromise, MOVE FOR EXECUTION. courtbound papers: Left-hand margin: 1.5 inch
2) If you entered into the compromise on the ground of Upper margin: 1.2 inch
fraud, mistake, duress, or any way that your consent Right-hand margin: 1.0 inch
was vitiated, you MOVE TO SET ASIDE. But a denial Lower margin: 1.0 inch
of a motion to set aside (a motion denying it) cannot be
a subject of an appeal. AS TO COPIES TO BE FILED
3) For a motion denying your motion to set aside, your Unless otherwise directed by the court, the number of
remedy is CERTIORARI UNDER RULE 65, courtbound papers that a party is required or desires to file shall
PROVIDED THERE IS GADALEJ. be as follows:
1) In the SC — 1 original (properly marked) + 4 copies,
NOTE: If it was just a mere error on your part (i.e. you did not unless the case is referred to the SC En Banc, whereby
want to enter into a compromise agreement), there is no more the parties shall file 10 additional copies.
remedy. a. For En Banc, the parties need to submit only
2 sets of annexes: 1 attached to the original, 1
What is the test to know if one is an interlocutory order? extra copy.
Whether or not it leaves something to be done. If it finally b. For the Division, the parties need to submit
disposes of a case, then it is not an interlocutory order. also 2 sets of annexes: 1 attached to the
original, 1 extra copy.
NOTE: PERFECTION OF APPEAL: Rules in Rule 40 applies 2) In the CA and SB — 1 original (properly marked) + 2
here. copies with annexes.
Residual jurisdiction is the same. The fresh period rule also 3) In the CTA — 1 original (properly marked) + 2 copies
applies. with annexes.
a. On appeal to CTA En Banc, 1 original
After you perfect your appeal, the records will be submitted. (properly marked) + 8 copies with annexes.
If it is incomplete, what should the clerk of court do? If it is 4) In other courts — 1 original (properly marked) with the
incomplete, the clerk of court must make known in the transmittal stated annexes attached to it.
that it is not complete. Does it really happen? Yes, because
sometimes the transcript of stenographic notes (records of the As a rule, the records should be complete. What can be done
proceeding) are not completed on time. Sometimes they get if they are not complete?
destroyed. You have to allege when the records are not The clerk of court will make a recommendation to the court to
complete. complete the records.

If the record on appeal is not transmitted within 30 days from How will the court complete the records?
perfection, what should be done? It depends. If what is missing are the transcripts, the court will
Either party may, upon motion and notice to the other party, ask direct it from the court of origin. If there is lack of copy of certain
(the trial court) that the record on appeal be transmitted. Once it exhibits, the court can require any of the parties to produce the
is transmitted, the CA will now have jurisdiction. certified true copies.

Once the records are received, what happens? NOTE: On a record on appeal and then you are required to
From receipt of the records, there will be a docketing of the case. amend. And after you transmit it, you make unauthorized
(CA-GR. No. xxxxxx) changes: that is a ground for dismissal.

NOTE: From Rule 41 in relation to Rule 44, Rules 43, 45, 42, Is it possible that the CA dispense with the requirement of
apply Efficient Use of Paper Rule for the appellant’s and complete records?
appellee’s briefs. For example: CA division — 3 copies: 1 YES. The CA can, on motion or motu proprio, dispense with the
originally marked + 2 duplicate copies; SC division — 5 copies: requirement of complete records.
1 originally marked + 4 duplicate copies.
EFFICIENT USE OF PAPER RULE In what instances?
If the completion cannot be accomplished within a sufficient
What are the relevant provisions of the Efficient Use of period due to extreme, insuperable or difficult cases.
Paper Rule?
NOTE: In RULE 40, what you will file is a MEMORANDUM OF
AS TO FORMAT AND STYLE: APPEAL.
All pleadings, motions, and similar papers intended for the court In RULE 41, what you will file is an APPELLANT’S BRIEF.
and quasi-judicial body’s consideration and action (court-bound
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What should be alleged in the memorandum of appeal?
All the assigned errors. What is your remedy if your appeal from the RTC contains
only pure question of law?
APPELLANT’S BRIEF Disregard the hierarchy of courts. Go to the SC with petition for
What should be alleged in your appellant’s brief? (Rule 44, review under Rule 45. The jurisdiction of the SC under Rule 45
Section 13) The appellant’s brief shall contain, in the order is to review cases that have pure questions of law.
herein indicated, the following:
a) A subject index of the matter in the brief with a digest of NOTE: Before you file your appellee’s brief, please take note of
the arguments and page references, and a table of the summary of the rules on dismissal in relation to the
cases alphabetically arranged, textbooks and statutes appellant’s brief. The following are grounds for dismissal of
cited with references to the pages where they are cited; appeal:
b) An assignment of errors intended to be urged, which Failure to serve 2 copies of appellant’s brief to the
errors shall be separately, distinctly and concisely adverse party
stated without repetition and numbered consecutively; Failure to comply with stating of assigned errors and
c) Under the heading “Statement of the Case,” a clear and reference to the records
concise statement of the nature of the action, a Failure to file appellant’s brief
summary of the proceedings, the appealed rulings and
orders of the court, the nature of the judgment and any In assailing an MTC small claims judgment, your remedy is
other matters necessary to an understanding of the a petition for certiorari. You file it with the RTC. Once you
nature of the controversy, with page references to the file it with the RTC, that is an original action. What is your
record; remedy when the RTC renders judgment on your petition for
d) Under the heading “Statement of Facts,” a clear and certiorari?
concise statement in a narrative form of the facts Rule 41. Since certiorari is an original action filed with the RTC
admitted by both parties and of those in controversy, and the RTC rendered judgment in its original jurisdiction (in that
together with the substance of the proof relating thereto certiorari case), the proper remedy is by filing a notice of appeal
in sufficient detail to make it clearly intelligible, with under Rule 41.
page references to the record;
e) A clear and concise statement of the issues of fact or NOTE: But take note that under Rule 44, IF WHAT IS
law to be submitted to the court for its judgments; APPEALED IS A DECISION IN CERTIORARI, PROHIBITON,
f) Under the heading “Argument,” the appellant’s MANDAMUS, QUO WARRANTO, OR HABEAS CORPUS:
arguments on each assignment of error with page Instead of filing an appellant’s brief, you should file a
references to the record. The authorities relied upon memorandum. And the period of thirty (30 days) is
sall be cited by the page of the report at which the case INEXTENDIBLE.
begins and the page of the report on which the citation
is found; *Appellant’s brief: 45 days (extendible)
g) Under the heading “Relief,” a specification of the order Memorandum: 30 days (inextendible)
or judgment which the appellant seeks; and
h) In cases not brought up by record on appeal, the GENERAL RULE: Not allowed to extend the period.
appellant’s brief shall contain, as an appendix, a copy EXCEPTION: For good and sufficient cause, and only if the
of the judgment or final order appealed from. motion for extension is filed before the expiration of the period.

NOTE: Apply Efficient Use of Paper Rule! NOT 7 COPIES, but APPELLEE’S BRIEF
rather: 3 copies to the CA division and 2 copies to the opposing What should be alleged in the appellee’s brief? (Rule 44,
parties. Sec. 14) The appellee’s brief shall contain, in the order herein
indicated, the following:
NOTE: Subject index is like a table of contents. a) A subject index of the matter in the brief with a digest of
the arguments and page references, and a table of cases
Page reference to the records must be contained in the brief. alphabetically arranged, textbooks, and statutes cited with
What is the page reference to the records? Records of the references to the pages where they are cited; b) Under the
court contain all the records of the proceeding — from the filing heading “Statement of Facts,” the appellee shall state that
of the complaint, service of summons, decisions, orders, he accepts the statement of facts in the appellant’s brief, or
transcripts. Manually, page numbers are to be put. One page under the heading “Counter-
number per page. In your brief, you must allege: “Records, page Statement of Facts,” he shall point out such
__.” Failure to comply with that rule is a ground for dismissal. insufficiences or inaccuracies as he believes exist in
the appellant’s statement of facts with references to the
NOTE: You can photocopy page references to the record. But pages of the record in support thereof, but without
can you take a picture? NO. repetition of matters in the appellant’s statement of
facts; and
NOTE: Issues of fact AND law are to be alleged because the c) Under the heading “Argument,” the appellee shall set
rules provide that if it is only an issue of law, it will be dismissed. forth his arguments in the case on each assignment of
In appeals under Rules 40 and 41, you should allege issues of error with page references to the record. The authorities
facts and law (or just issues of facts, but never just of law). relied on shall be cited by page of the report at which
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the case begins and the page of the report on which the jurisdiction of the court, or those within its appellate
citation is found. jurisdiction where a motion for new trial is granted on
the ground of newly discovered evidence; and
REPLY BRIEF d) To take up such other matters which may aid the court
What is a reply brief? in the prompt disposition of the case.
After the appellee’s brief is filed, the appellant has twenty (20)
days from notice of the appellee’s brief within which to file a reply NOTE: There are some cases that cannot be subject of a
brief. compromise.

The court then resolves the case based on the records of the What are some of the cases that cannot be the subject of a
case. It may, but it is not mandated to, ask the parties to file their compromise?
memorandum. This is not to be confused with memorandum filed Annulment of marriage
in lieu of appellant’s brief that is filed in petitions for certiorari, Ground for nullity of marriage
prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, or habeas corpus. Legal separation

Can there be a trial in the CA?


YES. If it is an original jurisdiction of the CA, such as under Rule
47. There can be a trial because it has to follow the procedure.
IN RELATION TO RULE 41: You can also file a motion for new trial in the CA.
PROCEDURE IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OF APPEAL NOTE: While there is trial, the CA can delegate the reception of
evidence to the RTC. The trial will be held in the RTC, but the
What are the grounds for the dismissal of appeals in the CA will be the one the rule on it.
CA? (Rule 50, Sec. 1)
The following are grounds for dismissal of appeals in the CA: MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL IN THE CA
When is there a motion for new trial in the CA? (Rule 53, Sec.
• Failure, on its face, of notice of appeal/record on appeal
1)
to show the timely filing of the appeal by the appellant;
At any time after the appeal from the lower court has been
• Failure to pay docket fees by the appellant; perfected and before the CA loses jurisdiction over the case, a
• Unauthorized alteration, omissions, or additions in party may file a motion for a new trial on the ground of newly
approved record on appeal by the appellant; discovered evidence which could not have been discovered prior
• Failure to serve and file number of copies of to the trial in the court below by the exercise of due diligence and
brief/memorandum within the time to do so by the which is of such a character as would probably change the result.
appellant; The motion shall be accompanied by affidavits showing the facts
constituting the grounds therefor and the newly discovered
• Absence of specific assignment of errors or page
evidence.
references to the record in the appellant’s brief;
• Failure of appellant to take necessary steps for NOTE: The ground is limited to newly discovered evidence.
correction/completion of record within the time provided
by the court;
What is newly-discovered evidence?
• Failure of appellant to appear at the preliminary Newly-discovered evidence could not have been discovered
conference; with reasonable diligence.
• If appeal under Rule 41 is based purely on questions of
law; What should be attached to the motion?
• If there are orders, circulars, or directives by the CA and Attach the affidavit that will constitute the grounds for
appellant fails to comply; newlydiscovered evidence.
• If you have an improper mode of appeal.
What can the CA do after receipt of the motion? The CA can
either grant or refuse that motion. The CA can also require the
PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE IN THE CA
taking of testimony, either orally or by deposition.
What are the purposes of a preliminary conference? (Rule
48, Sec. 1)
When should the CA resolve the motion?
At any time during the pendency of a case, the court may call the
The CA shall resolve the motion within 90 days from the date
parties and their counsel to preliminary conference:
when the court declares it submitted for resolution.
a) To consider the possibility of an amicable settlement,
except when the case is not allowed by law to be
compromised; RULE 42 PETITION FOR REVIEW FROM THE RTC
b) To define, simplify, and clarify the issues for (APPELLATE JURISDICTION) TO THE CA
determination;
c) To formulate stipulations of facts and admissions of MTC TO RTC TO CA
documentary exhibits, limit the number of witnesses to • Covers appeals of RTC decisions rendered in its appellate
be presented in cases falling within the original jurisdiction.
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proceed as a matter of course. But in here, the CA can deny
Should the petition be verified? outright.
YES. The petition should be verified. And just like appeals under
Rules 40 and 41, you need to pay docket and other lawful fees. What are the grounds for dismissal by the CA?
Then furnish the adverse party with a copy of your petition before If you do not comply with the formal requirement (Rule
you file it in court. 42, Sec. 3)
If you do not pay filing and docket fees on time (Rule
What is the period to file? 42, Sec. 3)
15 days from notice of the decision Patently without merit
(Rule 42, Sec. 4)
Do we apply fresh period rule here? Prosecuted manifestly for
YES. Fresh period rule in the Neypes case applies in all kinds of delay (Rule 42, Sec. 4)
appeals. Questions raised are too unsubstantial to require
consideration (Rule 42, Sec. 4)
Is the period extendible?
YES, but you need to file within the period to file an appeal. When will the CA not give due course to the petition?
If there is no prima facie showing that the lower court committed
Let us say that January 16 falls on a Saturday. The last day error of fact or law that warrant reversal or modification.
to file motion for extension is January 16. Can you argue Conversely, it will give due course if there is such prima facie
that you have until January 18, Monday within which to file showing.
motion for extension?
If the last day to file is January 16, which falls on a Saturday, you NOTE: The court can already require the filing of comment even
should file the petition by January 18, which is the last day of if the court has not given due course to the petition yet. The court
the filing of the petition (last working day following Saturday). If will issue an order requiring the respondent to file a comment. In
you will file motion for extension of time, file on January 15, or here, the parties become ‘petitioner’ and ‘respondent.’
January 16 if the post office is open.
SUMMARY: If the court does not give due course, the petition
NOTE: After you file an extension, the maximum that may be will be dismissed or denied outright. But if the court gives due
granted is 15 days. As a general rule, you cannot have a further course, it only means the court will review the case. It does not
extension. But by exception: for the most compelling reasons, it mean your appeal is granted.
shall not exceed 15 days. The total then is 30 days. RULE 43 APPEALS FROM THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS
AND QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES TO THE COURT OF
What should be alleged in the petition? APPEALS
Put concise statements of matters involved, the issues raised,
the specification of errors of fact or law, or both, allegedly What court and quasi-judicial bodies are contemplated by
committed by the RTC. Write all the reasons and arguments Rule 43? (Rule 43, Sec. 1)
relied upon for your appeal. It should also be verified and This Rule shall apply to appeals from judgments or final orders
accompanied by a certification of forum shopping to show that of the Court of Tax Appeals and from awards, judgments, final
you did not avail of multiple appeals. orders or resolutions of our authorized by any quasi-judicial
agency in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions. Among
NOTE: You do not assail the MTC. It is the RTC error that you these agencies are the:
are assailing. Civil Service Commission
Central Board of
NOTE: In a notice of appeal, you do not need to attach a certified Assessment Appeals
true copy of the decision you are assailing. In a petition (Rule 42, Securities and Exchange
43, 45): you always file a certified true copy of the decision that Commission
you are assailing. Additionally, attach pleadings and other Office of the President
material portions of the record that will support your petition. Land Registration Authority
Social Security Commission
Why do you need to attach everything material to your Civil Aeronautics Board
appeal? Bureau of Patents
Because unlike in a notice of an appeal, transmittal of record is Trademarks and
NOT MANDATORY in Rule 42. In Rules 40 and 41, the rules Technology Transfer
provide for the word “shall” forward the record. In Rule 42, Sec. National Electrification and
7: it says “may,” so it is not mandatory. Here, the court may not Administration
elevate, so you need to attach the relevant records that will Energy Regulatory Board
support your petition. National
Telecommunications Commission
What can the CA do? Department of Agrarian
The CA may dismiss your petition outright. Note that in notice of Reform under RA 6657
appeal under Rules 40 and 41, it is not discretionary. As long as
timely filed and you paid the docket fees, the appeal shall
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Government Service Insurance System That the questions raised are too unsubstantial to require
Employees Compensation Commission consideration (Rule 43, Sec. 8)
Agricultural Inventions Board Does not find prima facie that the court or agency has
Insurance Commission committed errors of facts or law that warrant
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission modification of the award or judgment
Board of Investments
Construction Industry Arbitration Commission In reviewing a case on appeal with the CA, are the findings
Voluntary arbitrators authorized by law of fact of agencies concerned binding on the CA?
YES. As a rule, the findings of fact of the agencies concerned
Is the NLRC covered by Rule 43? (Rule 43, Sec. 2) NO. It is are binding on the CA, provided they are supported by
expressly provided that the NLRC is not covered by Rule 43. substantial evidence.

NOTE: In the Saint Martins Funeral Homes case: From the NOTE: The court is not required, but may set the case for oral
NLRC decision, you can file MR. If the MR is denied (assuming arguments or require parties to submit memoranda.
there is no GADALEJ), you have no more appeal. Your remedy
is to file petition for certiorari with the CA. If it is an immediately When can there be oral arguments? (Rule 49, Sec. 1)
executory NLRC decision, the filing of certiorari will not stop the At its own instance or upon motion of a party, the court may hear
execution of the NLRC decision. So you have to file for injunctive the parties in oral argument on the merits of a case, or on any
relief. But the mere filing of injunction will not suspend the material incident in connection therewith.
execution of the NLRC decision. It has to be granted.
NOTE: But the court will limit the matters subject of the oral
In the Ombudsman cases: The summary is that if it is an arguments. It is the same in the SC.
Ombudsman administrative case and the Ombudsman makes a
ruling: How many counsel is allowed to argue for a party? (Rule
If administrative case, does not involve a light penalty, 49, Sec. 2)
and does not absolve respondent of the charge — Unless authorized by the court, only one counsel may argue for
remedy is appeal under Rule 43 a party. The duration allowed for each party, the sequence of the
If administrative case, includes a penalty that is light, or argumentation, and all other related matters shall be as directed
involves a ruling absolving respondent of the charge — by the court.
immediately executory; unappealable; remedy is Rule
65 (assuming there is GADALEJ) and file it at the CA Is there hearing on a motion? (Rule 49, Sec. 3)
Motions shall not be set for hearing and, unless the court
In the latter case, since appeal is not allowed, is it otherwise directs, no hearing or oral argument shall be allowed
indispensable that you file first an MR before you file a in support thereof.
certiorari?
NO, you do not need to file an MR. This is an example when an What is the period to file objections to the motion in the CA?
MR is not an adequate remedy. Why? Because the decision is (Rule 49, Sec. 3)
immediately executory. The adverse party may file objections to the motion within five (5)
days from service, upon the expiration of which such motion shall
NOTE: If OMBUDSMAN in preliminary investigation (criminal be deemed submitted for resolution.
cases) — file MR then petition for certiorari to SC under Rule 65.
Are the COMELEC and COA covered by Rule 43? NOTE: The period to file an objection in the lower court is ten
NO. COMELEC and COA are not covered. Remedy is Rule 64. (10) days from the service.

Is the CSC covered by Rule 43? In certiorari, it does not stay the award. This also applies to
YES. CSC is covered by Rule 43. Rule 43. What is the relevance of this?
As a general rule, when you avail of ordinary appeal (Rules 4041)
GROUNDS FOR OUTRIGHT DISMISSAL or pending Rule 42 appeals, the enforcement or execution of the
What are the grounds for outright dismissal under this decision that you are appealing shall be stayed. Rules 40, 41,
Rule? and 42 appeals would normally stay the enforcement or
execution of the decision.
Is that rule absolute?
NO, it is subject to exception, such as when the decision is
immediately executory, or the court allows execution pending
appeal. But as a general rule, the appeal would stay the
execution.
Failure to comply with requirements (Rule 43, Sec. 7)
Not filed on time (Rule 43, Sec. 7 in relation to Sec. 6) In Rule 43, if you file a petition to assail the decision of a
No payment of appeal/docket fee (Rule 43, Sec. 7) quasi-judicial body, such filing will not stay the execution of
Patently without merit (Rule 43, Sec. 8) the decision assailed. So what is the remedy? The CA may
Prosecuted manifestly for delay (Rule 43, Sec. 8) make orders it may deem just, or the party may apply for
injunctive relief to restrain the quasi-judicial body from enforcing
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the decision. If you do not apply for an injunction or restraining 7. CA fails to notice certain relevant facts which, if properly
order, then nothing can stop the quasi-judicial body from considered, will justify a different conclusion;
enforcing a decision that is already final and executory or 8. Findings of fact are themselves conflicting;
immediately executory. 9. There are conclusions of fact that have no basis in
evidence;
Under petition for relief from judgment (Rule 38), the period 10. When the findings of fact of the CA are premised on the
within which to file this petition is sixty (60) days from notice of absence of evidence but such findings are contradicted
the decision but not more than six (6) months from finality or by the evidence on record;
entry of said judgment. When we say from finality and entry, it 11. Amparo;
presupposes that the decision is already final and executory. 12. Habeas data;
Thus, there is nothing left to do but to execute the decision as a 13. Kalikasan;
matter of right. Accordingly, the remedy is to file an injunction to 14. Continuing mandamus.
restrain the enforcement of the decision. But the mere
application is not enough; it must be granted by the court. NOTE: The verified petition shall be filed within fifteen (15) days
from notice of the judgment, or of denial of the petitioner’s MNT
RULE 45 or MR filed in due time after notice of judgment. Allowed
PETITION FOR REVIEW ON CERTIORARI extension: 30 days.

Rule 45 VERSUS Rule 65 What should be alleged?


RULE 45 RULE 65 Same requirements as Rules 42 and 43 in relation to Rules 40
and 41.
Appeal by certiorari because Original action, but last resort
this is a mode of appeal (only to raise jurisdictional
Do you need to implead the lower court or judge as
issues and provided there is
respondent?
no plain, speedy, adequate
NO. The rules expressly state that you do not implead the lower
remedies in ordinary courts
court or judge as a respondent.
of law)
Under ordinary rules Special civil action GROUNDS FOR OUTRIGHT DISMISSAL
Jurisdiction: SC only Jurisdiction: Concurrent (SC, What are the grounds for outright dismissal by the SC?
CA, RTC, SB) • Failure to comply with requirements (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
Only questions of law Issues of facts and law • Not filed on time (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
Correct errors of judgment Correct errors of jurisdiction • No payment of appeal/docket fee (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
• Patently without merit (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
NOTE: Finding of facts of CA and the lower courts are usually • Prosecuted manifestly for delay (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
conclusive upon the SC. The SC is not duty-bound to analyze
• That the questions raised are too unsubstantial to
and weigh the evidence in the lower courts.
require consideration (Rule 45, Sec. 5)
ERROR OF JUDGEMENT • A review is not a matter of right, but of sound judicial
What do you mean by error of judgment? discretion, and will be granted only when thereare
It is committed by the court in the exercise of jurisdiction, special ad important reasons therefor.
procedure, or findings of fact. This is reviewable by appeal.
Review by the SC is discretionary. What matters are to be
NOTE: Mistake in application of law: reviewable by appeal. considered in reviewing?
Appreciation of evidence: reviewable by appeal. • Is it an important case, guidance to the bench and bar

GENERAL RULE: The SC will only review questions of law. It will NOTE: Your pleading must be authorized by the SC.
not review questions of facts.
EXCEPTIONS: HARMLESS ERROR RULE
1. If the findings of fact of the RTC and the CA are What is the harmless error rule? (Rule 51, Sec. 6)
different; In any stage of the proceedings, the court shall disregard any
2. When the findings are grounded entirely on error or defect that does not affect the substantial rights of the
speculation, surmises, or conjecture; parties.
3. If the inference made by the CA on its findings are
manifestly mistaken, absurd, or impossible; GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OF APPEAL BY THE SC
4. Grave abuse of discretion in the appreciation of the • Not filed on time
facts; • No docket fees
5. Goes beyond the issues of the case, and such findings
• No proof of service
are contrary to the admissions of both appellant and
appellee; • Failure to comply with contents/attachments
6. Contrary to the admissions of the parties; • Failure to comply with circular, directive of SC without
justifiable cause

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• Error in mode of appeal perpetua, death, and life imprisonment) — remedy: Rule 45, Sec.
• The fact case is not appealable to the SC 9.

NOTE: The rules provide that what is applicable to criminal and NOTE: Because if it is a capital punishment/offense, the
civil cases are also applicable in Rule 45. Constitution provides that there must be an automatic review by
the SC. In the Mateo case, go to CA first before the SC. From
IN CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: If the case is originally filed in the CA to SC, the mode of review is notice of appeal filed with the
Sandiganbayan (Sandiganbayan exercises original jurisdiction) CA before it is elevated to the SC
and you will appeal it, the mode of appeal is not Rule 45! The Why should it be with notice of appeal when it was already
proper appeal is with the SC, but not Rule 45. You must file a appealed in the CA?
notice of appeal with SB first. (2018 RULES OF PROCEDURE Rule 45 is an appeal that is discretionary, wherein the court has
ISSUED BY THE SC FOR THE SANDIGANBAYAN) the discretion not to review the case. And this should not be
applied in cases of capital offense because it is a Constitutional
SB decision in its appellate jurisdiction (criminal case) — remedy: mandate that review is automatic. Thus, the better mode of
appeal to SC by Rule 45. appeal is notice of appeal. Because in this instance, the
appellate court has no choice. The records will be transmitted to
CA decision in its appellate jurisdiction (criminal case) — said court. Also, if notice of an appeal is perfected, the appeal
remedy: appeal to SC by Rule 45. will proceed; the court will review the record of the case but in
Rule 45, the discretion is still with the SC whether to give due
course to the appeal
CA decision in its appellate jurisdiction, but it involves automatic
review for cases with capital offense (punishable by reclusion

RULE 40
APPEAL FROM MTC TO RTC
WHAT IS BEING First time appeal of MTC Judgements in its ORIGINAL JURISDICTION.
APPEALED:
WHERE DO YOU FILE RTC
CASES COVERED BY All cases where the MTC exercises original jurisdiction
THE APPEAL EXCEPT:
1. SMALL CLAIMS
2. SUMMARY PROCEDURE
WAYS FOR PERFECTING OF AN APPEAL
NOTICE OF APPEAL RECORD ON APPEAL
CONTENTS

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Filing a notice of appeal with the court that rendered the judgement or • Full of names of the parties shall be stated in the caption
final order appealed from. • Judgement or final order from which appeal is to be
taken
• Indicate the Parties to the appeal
• Judgement of final order or part thereof appealed from In chronological order:
• State material dates showing timeliness of the appeal • Copies of only such pleadings petitions, motions and all
interlocutory orders related to the appealed judgement
or final order for the proper understanding of the issue
• Such data as will show that the appeal was perfected in
time.
IF AN ISSUE IN FACT IS TO BE RAISED ON APPEAL
• It shall include by reference all evidence, testimonial
and documentary, taken upon the issue involved

REFERENCE SHALL SPECIFY
• DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE by the exhibit number or
letters by which it was identified when admitted or
offered at the hearing
• TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE by the names of the
corresponding witnesses
• WHOLE TESTIMONIAL OR
DOCUMENTARY
EVIDENCE: a statement to the effect that will be
sufficient without mentioning the names of the
witnesses or the numbers or letters of exhibits
EXCEEDING 20 PAGES: contain a subject index
PERIOD OF PERFECTING OF AN APPEAL
WITHIN 15 days AFTER notice to appellant of the judgement or order The appellant shall file a notice of appeal and a record on
appealed from. appeal WITHIN 30 days AFTER notice of judgement or final
order
PERFECTION OF AN APPEAL
Upon the filing of the notice of an appeal in due time It is deemed perfected as to him with respect to the subject
matter thereof upon the approval of the record on appeal in
due time.
EFFECT OF AN APPEAL
The court loses jurisdiction over the case upon the perfection of the The court loses jurisdiction over the subject matter
appeals filed in due time and expiration of the time appeal of the other thereof upon the approval of the records on appeal filed
parties in due time and expiration of the time appeal of the other
parties.
INTERRUPTION OF Upon the timely filing of an Motion for Reconsideration
APPEAL
EXTENDIBLE NO
WHAT MAY BE In either case, prior to the transmittal of the original record or the record on appeal, the court may
ISSUED BY THE issue:
COURT • Orders for the protection and preservation of the rights of the parties which do not involve any
matter litigated by the appeal
• Approve compromises
• Permit appeals of indigent litigents
• Order execution pending appeal in accordance with Section 2 of Rule 39 Allow withdrawal of the
appeal

PAYMENT OF DOCKET AND LAWFUL FEES


WHEN Within the period of taking an appeal – Within 15 days after notice to the appellant of the jud

WHO Pay the clerk of court of the court which rendered the judgement or final order appealed
WHAT The full amount of the appellate:
• Docket fees
• Other lawful fees

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WHAT IS TRANSMITTED • Proof of the payment of the fees shall be transmitted to the APPELLATE COURT
• Original record or record on appeal, as the case may be
DUTY OF THE CLERK
WITHIN 15 DAYS FROM THE PERFECTION OF THE APPEAL, the clerk of court or the branch clerk of court of the lower court shall transmit t
transcripts and exhibits, which shall certify as complete to the proper regional trial Court. A copy of his letter of transmittal of the appellate court s

PROCEDURE AFTER TRANSMITTAL


After transmittal, the Appellant must file the Appellant’s memorandum which shall assign all the error that the party will impute to the lower c
SUBJECT TO REVIEW

WITHIN 15 DAYS from receipt of the appellant’s memorandum, APPELLEE’S MEMORANDUM must be filed in answer to the appellan’ts memo

FAILURE TO FILE APPELEE’S MEMORANDUM: the period to file an appeal will lapse and the case will be submitted for decision

PROCEDURE IN THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

PROCEDURE IN THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

Upon receipt of the The Clerk of Court of the Within 15 days from such notice, appellant
record or record on RTC shall notify the must submit memorandum discussing the
appeal parties errors imputed to the lower court and furnish
the same to the adverse party

FAILURE
TO FILE

Within 15 days from receipt of appellant’s


Ground for dismissal of
memorandum, the appellee may file his
the appeal
memorandum

FILING OR
EXPIRATION
OF THE
PERIOD

The case is considered submitted for decision.


The RTC shall decide the case based on the
entire record of the proceedings had in the
court of origin and special civil action under
Rule 65

WHEN DISMISSED
WITHOUT TRIAL
If an appeal is taken from an order of the lower court DISMISSING the case without trial on the merits, WITHOUT JURISDICTION O
the RTC may affirm or reverse it as the case may be.

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If the case was tried on the merits by
AFFIRMED: the ground of dismissal is lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter the RTC on appeal SHALL NOT DIS
shall decide the case in accordance w
IF RTC HAS JURISDICTION: of amended pleadings and additional
If it has jurisdiction thereover, it shall try the case on the merits as if the case was originally filed with
it.

REVERSAL: the case shall be remanded for further proceedings

RULE 41
APPEAL FROM THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
WHAT IS BEING First time appeal of RTC Judgements in its ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
APPEALED:
WHERE DO YOU FILE Court of Appeals
CASES COVERED BY All cases which the RTC has original jurisdiction
THE APPEAL
HOWEVER, SECTION 1 PROVIDES FOR CASES THAT CANNOT BE APPEALED
• An order denying a motion for new trial or reconsideration
• An order denying a petition for relief or any similar motion seeking relief from judgement • An
interlocutory order
• An order denying a motion to set aside a judgement by consent, confession or compromise on the
ground of fraud, mistake or duress, or any other ground vitiating consent
• An order of execution
• A judgement or final order for or against one or more several parties or in separate claims,
counterclaims, cross claims, and third party complaints, while the main case is pending, unless the
court allows an appeal therefrom.
• An order dismissing an action without prejudice
MODES OF APPEAL
ORDINARY APPEAL PETITION FOR REVIEW APPEAL BY CERTIORARI
WHERE: Court of Appeals WHERE: Court of Appeals WHERE: Supreme Court

WHAT: Cases decided by the WHAT: Cases decided by the RTC in the WHAT: In all cases where only question
exercise of its original jurisdiction exercise of its appellate jurisdiction shall of law are raised or involved, the appeal
RTC in the be filed in accordance with RULE 42 shall be to the Supreme Court by petition
HOW: By filing a noticeof appeal for review in accordance with RULE 45.
court which rendered the judge
final order aooealed from and serviwith the
thereof to the adverse rty. ment or
pa ng copy
cept in
RECORD ON APPEAL:
ases of mu
NOT REQUIRED ex
proceedings and other cthe law o h special
separate appeals wherecases reltiple or
rules so require. In sucnd served r these
appeal shall be filed a cod on
same manner in the
PERIOD TO FILE

ORDINARY APPEAL RECORD ON APPEAL APPEAL ON HABEAS CORPUS

Within 15 days from notice of jud gement WITHIN 30 days file a notice of appeal and WITHIN 48 HOURS from notice of the
or final order appealed from a record on appeal from notice of the judgement or final order appealed from.
judgement or final order
WHEN INTERRUPTED
Timely motion for new trial or reconsideration.
(No motion for extension of time to file a motion for new trial or reconsideration shall be allowed)
PAYMENT OF DOCKET AND LAWFUL FEES
WHEN Within the period of taking an appeal
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WHO Pay the clerk of court of the court which rendered the judgement or final order appealed from
WHAT The full amount of the appellate court:
• Docket fees
• Other lawful fees
WHAT IS • Proof of the payment of the fees shall be transmitted to the APPELLATE COURT
TRANSMITTED • Original record or record on appeal, as the case may be
CONTENTS
NOTICE OF APPEAL RECORD ON APPEAL

Filing a notice of appeal with the court that rendered the judgement • Full of names of the parties shall be stated in the caption
or final order appealed from. • Judgement or final order from which appeal is to be taken

• Indicate the Parties to the appeal In chronological order:


• Judgement of final order or part thereof appealed from • Copies of only such pleadings petitions, motions and all
• State material dates showing timeliness of the appeal interlocutory orders related to the appealed judgement or final
order for the proper understanding of the issue
• Such data as will show that the appeal was perfected in time.
IF AN ISSUE IN FACT IS TO BE RAISED ON APPEAL
• It shall include by reference all evidence, testimonial and
documentary, taken upon the issue involved

REFERENCE SHALL SPECIFY
• DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE by the exhibit number or letters
by which it was identified when admitted or offered at the
hearing
• TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE by the
names of the
corresponding witnesses
• WHOLE TESTIMONIAL OR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE: a
statement to the effect that will be sufficient without
mentioning the names of the witnesses or the numbers or
letters of exhibits
EXCEEDING 20 PAGES: contain a subject index

PERFECTION OF AN APPEAL
Upon the filing of the notice of an appeal in due time It is deemed perfected as to him with respect to the subject matter
thereof upon the approval of the record on appeal in due time.
EFFECT OF AN APPEAL
The court loses jurisdiction over the case upon the perfection The court loses jurisdiction over the subject matter thereof
of the appeals filed in due time and expiration of the time appeal upon the approval of the records on appeal filed in due time
of the other parties and expiration of the time appeal of the other parties.
In either case, prior to the transmittal of the original record or the record on appeal, the court may issue:
• Orders for the protection and preservation of the rights of the parties which do not involve any matter litigated by the appeal
• Approve compromises
• Permit appeals of indigent litigents
• Order execution pending appeal in accordance with Section 2 of Rule 39 • Allow withdrawal of the appeal

FILING OF APPROVAL

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Upon the filing for APPROVAL

NO OBJECTION BY THE APPELLEE WITHIN 5 DAYS from


receipt of a copy thereof, the trial may
• APPROVE it as presented
• ON ITS OWN MOTION OR AT THE INSYANCE OF THE
APPELLEE: direct its amendment by the inclusion of
any omitted matters which are deemed essential to the
determination of the issue of law or fact involved in the
appeal.

ORDERS AMENDMENT OF THE RECORD


The appellant within the time limited in the order, or such
extension as may be granted or if no time is fixed by the order
within 10 days from receipt thereof shall redraft the record by
including therein:
• Proper chronological sequence such additional matters
as the court may have directed him to incorporation
• Shall thereupon submit the redrafted record for approval,
upon notice to the appellee in like manner the original
draft
DUTY OF THE CLERK
WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER PERFECTION OF ALL THE APPEALS in accordance with the preceding section, it shall be the duty of the
clerk of court of the lower court

a. To verify the correctness of the original record or the record on appeal, as the case may be, and to make a certification of
the correctness
b. To verify the completeness of the records that will be transmitted to the appellate court

c. If found to be incomplete to take such measures as may be required to complete the records, availing of the authority that he
or the court may exercise for his purpose
d. Transmit the records to the appellate court

IF THE EFFORTS TO COMPLETE THE RECORDS FAIL, he shall indicate in his letter of transmittal
• the exhibits or trancripts not induced in the records being transmitted to the appellate court, • the
reasons for their non-transmittal,
• the steps taken or that could be taken to have them available

The Clerk of Court shall furnish the parties with the copies of his letter o transmittal of records to the appellate court.
TRANSCRIPT
WHEN Upon the perfection of the appeal
HOW The Clerk of Court shall immediately direct the stenographers concerned to attach the record of the case
five copies of the transcripts of the testimonial evidence referred to in the record of the appeal.
WHAT IS The stenographers shall transcribe such testimonial evidence and shall prepare and affix their transcripts
TRNASCRIBED in an index containing:
• Names of the witnesses
• Pages wherein the testimonies of the witnesses are found
• List of exhibits and the pages wherein each of them appears to have been offered and admitted
or rejected by the trial court
WHERE IT IS The transcripts shall be transmitted to the clerk of the trial court who shall thereupon arrange the same
TRANSMITTED in the order in which the witness testified at the trial, and shall cause the pages to be numbered
consecutively
TRANSMITTAL
TO WHOM The appellate court
WHAT the approved record on appeal
WHEN WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM PERFECTION OF THE APPEAL

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ATTACHED • Proof of payment of the appellate court docket and lawful fees
• A certified copy of the minutes of the proceedings
• The order of approval
• The certificate of correctness
• The original documentary evidence referred to therein
• The original and 3 copies of the trancrips

Copies of the transcripts and certified true copy of the documentary evidence shall remain with the
lower court for the examination of the parties
PROCEDURE AFTER TRANSMITTAL
INCOMPLETE If it is incomplete, the clerk of court must make known in the transmittal that it is not complete. Does it
RECORDS really happen? Yes, because sometimes the transcript of stenographic notes (records of the proceeding)
TRANSMITTED are not completed on time. Sometimes they get destroyed. You have to allege when the records are not
complete

REMEDY: The clerk of court will make a recommendation to the court to complete the records.

How will the court complete the records?


It depends. If what is missing are the transcripts, the court will direct it from the court of origin. If there is lack
of copy of certain exhibits, the court can require any of the parties to produce the certified true copies.

NOTE: On a record on appeal and then you are required to amend. And after you transmit it, you make
unauthorized changes: that is a ground for dismissal.

NOT TRANSMITTED Either party may, upon motion and notice to the other party, ask (the trial court) that the record on appeal
be transmitted. Once it is transmitted, the CA will now have jurisdiction.
RECORDS The CA can, on motion or motu proprio, dispense with the requirement of complete records. If the completion
DISPENSED WITH cannot be accomplished within a sufficient period due to extreme, insuperable or difficult cases.
APPELLANT APPELLEE
WHAT SHOULD BE Appellant’s Brief Appellee’s Brief
FILED
PERIOD TO FILE Within 45 days from receipt of notice from the clerk Withing 45 days from receipt of Appellants brief
that all the evidence, oral and documentary, are
attached to the record
EXTENDIBLE NO NO
CONTENTS The appellant’s brief shall contain, in the order herein The appellee’s brief shall contain, in the order herein
indicated, the following: indicated, the following:

i) A subject index of the matter in any other matters necessary to an


the brief with a digest of the understanding of the nature of the
arguments and page controversy, with page references to
references, and a table of the record;
cases alphabetically arranged, l) Under the heading “Statement of
textbooks and statutes cited Facts,” a clear and concise
with references to the pages statement in a narrative form of the
where they are cited; facts admitted by both parties and of
j) An assignment of errors those in controversy, together with
intended to be urged, which the substance of the proof relating
errors shall be separately, thereto in sufficient detail to make it
distinctly and concisely stated clearly intelligible, with page
without repetition and references to the record;
numbered consecutively; m) A clear and concise statement of the
k) Under the heading “Statement issues of fact or law to be submitted
of the to the court for its judgments;
Case,” a clear and concise n) Under the heading “Argument,” the
statement of the nature of the appellant’s arguments on each
action, a summary of the assignment of error with page
proceedings, the appealed references to the record. The
rulings and orders of the court, authorities relied upon sall be cited
the nature of the judgment and by the page of the report at which the
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case begins and the page of inaccuracies as he
the report on which the citation believes exist in the
is found; appellant’s statement of
o) Under the heading “Relief,” a facts with references to the
specification of the order or pages of the record in
judgment which the appellant support thereof, but without
seeks; and repetition of matters in the
p) In cases not brought up by appellant’s statement of
record on appeal, the facts; and
appellant’s brief shall contain, f) Under the heading
as an appendix, a copy of the “Argument,” the appellee
judgment or final order shall set forth his
appealed from. arguments in the case on
d) A subject index of the each assignment of error
matter in the brief with page references to the
with a digest of the record. The authorities
arguments and page relied on shall be cited by
references, and a page of the report at which
table of cases the case begins and the
alphabetically page of the report on which
arranged, textbooks, the citation is found.
and statutes cited
with references to the REPLY BRIEF
pages where they are After the appellee’s brief is filed, the appellant has twenty (20)
cited; days from notice of the appellee’s brief within which to file a reply
e) Under the heading brief.
“Statement of Facts,”
the appellee shall The court then resolves the case based on the records of the
state that he accepts case. It may, but it is not mandated to, ask the parties to file their
the statement of facts memorandum. This is not to be confused with memorandum filed
in the appellant’s in lieu of appellant’s brief that is filed in petitions for certiorari,
brief, or under the prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, or habeas corpus.
heading “Counter-
Statement of Facts,”
he shall point out
such insufficiences or

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otice of thejudgement or final order


ant shall file a notice of appeal or
e case may be
INCOMPLETE The transcript shall be transmitted to the clerk of the trial NOT
RECORDSS court TRAMSMITTED

The Clerk of Court If not transmitted


RECORDS
shall make it known within 30 days from
RECEVIED
in the transmittal that perfection, Either
it is incomplete party may, upon
motion and notice to
the other party, ask
(the trial court) that
the record on appeal
Docketing of the case. be transmitted.

WITHIN 45 DAYS, from receipt of notice from the clerk


that all the evidence, oral and documentary, are attached
to the record, FILE APPELLANT’S BRIEF

WITHIN 45 DAYS From receipt of appellant’s brief, file


APPELLEE’S BRIEF

WITHIN 20 DAYS From notice of the appellee’s brief, the


appellant must file a REPLY BRIEF

The court then resolves the case based on the records of


the case. It may, but it is not mandated to, ask the
parties
to file their memorandum

DISMISSAL
PRIOR TO THE TRANSMITTAL OF THE ORIGINAL RECORD OR RECORD ON APPEAL
The trial court may motu prorio or on motion DISMISS THE APPEAL for having been taken out of time or for non-payment of
the docket fees and other lawful fees within the reglementary period

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

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The following are grounds for dismissal of appeals in the CA:
• Failure, on its face, of notice of appeal/record on appeal to show the timely filing of the appeal by the appellant; • Failure
to pay docket fees by the appellant;
• Unauthorized alteration, omissions, or additions in approved record on appeal by the appellant;
• Failure to serve and file number of copies of brief/memorandum within the time to do so by the appellant;
• Absence of specific assignment of errors or page references to the record in the appellant’s brief;
• Failure of appellant to take necessary steps for correction/completion of record within the time provided by the court; •
Failure of appellant to appear at the preliminary conference;
• If appeal under Rule 41 is based purely on questions of law;
• If there are orders, circulars, or directives by the CA and appellant fails to comply;
• If you have an improper mode of appeal.

RULE 42
PETITION FOR REVIEW FROM THE RTC TO THE CA, MTC TO RTC TO CA

WHAT IS BEING RTC Decisions rendered in its Appellate Jurisdiction


APPEALED:
WHERE DO YOU FILE Court of Appeals
WHAT MUST BE FILED VERIFIED PETITION FOR REVIEW
WHEN Within 15 days from notice decision sought to be reviewed or of the denial of petitioner’s MNT or MR
EXTENDIBLE YES an additional 15 days may be given

FOR THE MOST COMPELLING REASON: Another 15 days may be added

TOTAL: the maximum is an extension of 30 days (15 days for addition, then if there is compelling reason
another 15 days)
PAYMENT OF FEES • The docket and other lawful fees
• Deposit the amount of P500 for costs
FURNISHED TO WHOM The RTC and the adverse party must be furnished with a copy of the petition
HOW MANY COPIES Follow Efficient Paper Rule: 1 original (properly marked) + 2 copies with annexes.
CONTENTS • State the full names of the parties to the case, without impleading the lower courts or judges thereof
either as petitioners or respondents;
• Indicate the specific material dates showing that it was filed on time
• Set forth concisely a statement of the matters involved, the issues raised, the specification of errors of
fact or law, or both allegedly committed by the RTC
• Reasons or arguments relied upon for the allowance of the appeal
• Clearly legible duplicate originals or true copies of the judgements or final orders of both lower courts,
certified by the cler
• A certification of Forum shopping
FAILURE TO COMPLY Ground for dismissal
WITH REQUIREMENTS
PERFECTION OF APPEAL
WHEN PERFECTED Timely filing of the petition for review and payment of docket and other lawful fees.
EFFECT OF PERFECTION The Regional Trial Court loses jurisdiction over the case

HOWEVER, before the Court of Appeals gives due course to the petition, the RTC may issue orders for the
protection and preservation of the rights of the parties, which do not involve any matter litigated by the
appeal approve compromises, permit appeals of indigent litigants, order execution pending appeal in
accordance with Section 2, Rule 39 and allow withdrawal of the appeal
STAY THE JUDGEMENT Except in civil cases under Summary Procedure, the appeal SHALL STAY the judgement or final order
unless the CA, the law, or the Rules provide otherwise.
ACTION ON THE PETITION
WHAT IS FILED A comment
WHEN FILED Within 10 days from notice or dismiss

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GROUNDS If it finds the petition to be:
• Patently without merit,
• Prosecuted manifestly for delay
• Questions raised therein are too unsubstantial to require consideration
CONTENTS • State whether or not he accepts the statement of matters involved in the petition
• Point out such insufficiencies or inaccuracies as he believes exist in petitioner’s statement of matters
involved but without repetition
• State the reasons why the petition should not be given due course.
PROCEDURE IN RULE 42

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WITHIN 15 DAYS from notice of the decision sought to
be reviewed or the denial of the MNT or MR FILE A EXTENDED
PETITION FOR REVIEW WITH THE CA

• Payment of docket and other lawful fees An additional 15 days.


• Deposit an amount of P500 for costs
MOST COMPELLING
REASON: further
addition of 15 days

Furnish copy with the RTC and the adverse party of the
petition.

PATENTLY
WITHOUT
PERFECTION OF THE APPEAL MERIT, ETC

FILE A COMMENT If it finds that


THE CA MAY DISMISS the petition is patently without merit,
OUTRIGHT OR MOTU EFFECT OF PERFECTION
prosecuted manifestly for delay, or
PROPRIO
that the questions raised are too
unsubstantial

If upon the filing of the comment or


GIVEN DUE such other pleadings as the court
COURSE may allow or require, or after the
expiration of the period for the filing
thereof without such comment or
pleading, CA finds prima facie that
the lower court committed error of
fact or law that will warrant reversal
or mo dification of the appealed
decision
WITHIN 15 DAYS from notice, the CA may set the case
for oral argument or require the parties to submit a
memoranda

FILING OF LAST
PLEADING OR
MEMORANDA

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GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

• If you do not comply with the formal requirement (Rule 42, Sec. 3)
• If you do not pay filing and docket fees on time (Rule 42, Sec. 3)
• Patently without merit (Rule 42, Sec. 4)
• Prosecuted manifestly for delay (Rule 42, Sec. 4)
• Questions raised are too unsubstantial to require consideration (Rule 42, Sec. 4)

RULE 43
APPEALS FROM THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS AND QUASI JUDICIAL AGENCITES TO THE COURT OF APPEALS
WHAT IS BEING Judgements or final orders of the CTA
APPEALED: Awards, judgements, final orders or resolution or authorized by quasi-judicial agency in the exercise of its
quasi-judicial functions.
AGENCIES INCLUDED • Civil Service Commission
• Central Board of Assessment Appeals
• Securities and Exchange Commission
• Office of the President
• Land Registration Authority
• Social Security Commission
• Civil Aeronautics Board
• Bureau of Patents
• Trademarks and Technology Transfer
• National Electrification and Administration
• Energy Regulatory Board
• National Telecommunications Commission
• Department of Agrarian Reform under RA 6657
• Government Service Insurance System
• Employees Compensation Commission
• Agricultural Inventions Board
• Insurance Commission
• Philippine Atomic Energy Commission
• Board of Investments
• Construction Industry Arbitration Commission
• Voluntary arbitrators authorized by law
WHERE DO YOU FILE Court of Appeals
WHAT MUST BE FILED VERIFIED PETITION
WHEN Within 15 days from notice of award, judgement, final order or resolution, or from the date of its last
publication, if publication is required by law for its effectivity, or the denial of the MNT or MR filed in
accordance with the governing law of the court or agency.
MOTION FOR Only 1 motion for reconsideration may be filed.
RECONSIDERATION
EXTENDIBLE YES an additional 15 days may be given

FOR THE MOST COMPELLING REASON: Another 15 days may be added

TOTAL: the maximum is an extension of 30 days (15 days for addition, then if there is compelling reason
another 15 days)
PAYMENT OF FEES • The docket and other lawful fees
• Deposit the amount of P500 for costs

EXEMPTION FROM FEES: upon verified motion setting forth valid grounds thereof.

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CONTENTS • State the full names of the parties to the case, without impleading the court or agencies either as
petitioners or respondents;
• Set forth concisely a statement of the matters involved and grounds relied upon for the review
• Be accompanied by a clearly legible duplicate original or a certified true copy of the award, judgement,
final order or resolution appealed from
• Certified true copies of each material portions of the record referred to therein and other supporting
papers
• Contain a sworn certification against forum shopping
FAILURE TO COMPLY Ground for dismissal
WITH REQUIREMENTS
EFFECT OF THE APPEAL It shall not stay the award, judgement, final order or resolution sought to be reviewed unless the CA shall
direct otherwise upon such term as may be deem just.

ACTION ON THE PETITION


WHAT IS FILED A comment
WHEN FILED Within 10 days from notice or dismiss the ptition
GROUNDS If it finds the petition to be:
• Patently without merit,
• Prosecuted manifestly for delay
• Questions raised therein are too unsubstantial to require consideration
CONTENTS • Point out insufficiencies or inaccuracis in petitioner’s statement of facts and issues
• State the reasons why the petition should be denied or dismissed

PROCEDURE IN RULE 43

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FILING OF LAST
PLEADING OR
MEMORANDA

CASE IS SUBMITTED FOR DECISION

GROUNDS FOR OUTRIGHT DISMISSAL

• Failure to comply with requirements (Rule 43, Sec. 7)


• Not filed on time (Rule 43, Sec. 7 in relation to Sec. 6)
• No payment of appeal/docket fee (Rule 43, Sec. 7)
• Patently without merit (Rule 43, Sec. 8)
• Prosecuted manifestly for delay (Rule 43, Sec. 8)
• That the questions raised are too unsubstantial to require consideration (Rule 43, Sec. 8)
• Does not find prima facie that the court or agency has committed errors of facts or law that warrant modification of the award or
judgment

RULE 45
PETITION FOR REVIEW ON CERTIORARI
WHAT IS BEING From a judgement of the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Regional Trial Court or other courts
APPEALED: authorized by law
NATURE OF THE Only reviews QUESTION OF LAW
APPEAL
EXCEPTIONS:
15. If the findings of fact of the RTC and the CA are different;
16. When the findings are grounded entirely on speculation, surmises, or conjecture;
17. If the inference made by the CA on its findings are manifestly mistaken, absurd, or impossible;
18. Grave abuse of discretion in the appreciation of the facts;
19. Goes beyond the issues of the case, and such findings are contrary to the admissions of both
appellant and appellee;
20. Contrary to the admissions of the parties;
21. CA fails to notice certain relevant facts which, if properly considered, will justify a different
conclusion;
22. Findings of fact are themselves conflicting;
23. There are conclusions of fact that have no basis in evidence;
24. When the findings of fact of the CA are premised on the absence of evidence but such findings
are contradicted by the evidence on record;
25. Amparo;
26. Habeas data;
27. Kalikasan;
28. Continuing mandamus.

WHERE DO YOU FILE Supreme Court


WHAT MUST BE FILED Verified Petition for Review on Certiorari
WHEN Within 15 days from notice of the judgement or final order or resolution appealed from, or the denial of the
MNT or MR
EXTENDIBLE For JUSTIFIABLE REASONS grant 30 days only on DISCRETION OF THE COURT
PAYMENT OF FEES • The docket and other lawful fees
• Deposit the amount of P500 for costs
HOW MANY COPIES 1 original (properly marked) + 4 copies, unless the case is referred to the SC En Banc, whereby the parties
shall file 10 additional copies.
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CONTENTS • State the full name of the appealing party as the petitioner and the adverse party as respondent, without
impleading the lower courts or judges thereof either as petitioners or respondents
• Indicate the material dates showing when notice of the judgement or final order or resolution subject
thereof was received, when a MNT or MR, if any, was filed and when notice of the denial thereof was
received;
• Set forth concisely a statement of the matters involved, and the reasons or arguments relied on for the
allowance of the petition

• Be accompanied by a clearly legible duplicate original, or a certified true copy of the judgement or
final order or resolution certified by the clerk of court a quo and the requisite number of plain copies
thereof, and such material portions of the record as would support the petition
• Contain a sworn certification against forum shopping
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH Ground for dismissal
REQUIREMENTS
WHEN PERFECTED Timely filing of the petition for review and payment of docket and other lawful fees.
GROUNDS FOR OUTRIGHT • Not filed on time
DISMISSAL No docket fees

• No proof of service

• Failure to comply with contents/attachments

• Failure to comply with circular, directive of SC without justifiable cause

• Error in mode of appeal

• The fact case is not appealable to the SC

CONSIDERATIONS FOR • When the court a quo has decided a question of substance, not theretofore determined by the Supreme
REVIEW Court, or has decided it in a way probably not in accord with law or with the applicable decisions of the
Supreme Court
• When the court a quo has so far departed from the accepted and usual course of judicial proceedings,
or so far sanctioned such departure by a lower court, as to call for an exercise of the power of
supervision

PROCEDURE IN RULE 45

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WITHIN 15 DAYS from notice of the judgement or final
order or resolution appealed from, or of the denial of the EXTENDED
petitioner’s MNT or MR file VERIFIED PETITION FOR
CERTIORARI

30 DAYS ONLY FOR


• Payment of docket and other lawful fees
JUSTIFIABLE REASONS
DENY PETITION: ON ITS • Deposit an amount of P500 for costs

OWN INITIATIVE

• Without merit FAILURE TO


SUBMIT:
SUBMISSION OF ALL THE REQUIREMENTS
• Manifest delay DISMISS THE
CASE
• Questions
are too
unsubstantial
Supreme Court may require or allow the filling of such
pleadings, briefs, memoranda or documents as it may
deem necessary within such periods and under such
conditions as it may consider appropriate, and impose
the corresponding sanctions in case of non -filing or
unauthorized filing of such pleadings and documents or
non-compliance with the conditions thereof

GIVEN DUE
COURSE

WITHIN 15 DAYS, it may require elevation of the


complete record of the case or specified thereof

CASE IS SUBMITTED FOR DECISION

PROVISIONAL REMEDIES What is the other reason?


These are remedies to which the parties may resort to for the To have jurisdiction over the res.
preservation or protection of their rights or interest, during the
pendency of the litigation. This is your way of converting an action in personam where the
defendant, a non-resident not located in the Philippines. Since
RULE 57 PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT he cannot be served the summons then you need to convert the
action in personam to in rem by means of preliminary
PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT attachment.
It is a provisional remedy, auxiliary or incidental to the main
action, where the property of the adverse party is taken into the Does that rule apply when the defendant is a resident but is
custody of the court as security for the satisfaction of any temporarily outside of the Philippines?
judgement that may be recovered. The Supreme Court said that we do not. The remedy instead is
to avail of substituted service of summons.
What is the reason why you want a preliminary attachment?
So that the property attached may be used as a security in order Because you can still avail a substituted summons by serving at
for the judgement to be satisfied. his residence. You only use that when he is a non-resident
outside of the Philippines. But nevertheless, you need to serve

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summons to acquire jurisdiction over the res but to comply
with the dictate of due process. Wouldn’t the application for ex-parte be a violation of the
right to due process?
GROUNDS FOR ISSUANCE OF A None of the requirements provide that you need to give notice
PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT before you are able to obtain an attachment or your writ.
(a) In an action for the recovery of a specified amount of money
or damages, other than moral and exemplary, on a cause of If the court grants your application for a writ of attachment, is the
action arising from law, contract, quasi-contract, delict or order granting it the same as the writ of attachment?
quasi-delict against a party who is about to depart from the NO. It is different.
Philippines with intent to defraud his creditors;
When you allege the acts constituting the grounds in your
(b) In an action for money or property embezzled or fraudulently affidavit. You cannot copy paste the grounds because that will
misapplied or converted to his own use by a public officer, only be mere conclusions of law. You need to allege the acts
factor, broker, agent or clerk, in the course of the constituting the grounds. Otherwise, your application will be
employment as such, or by any other person in a denied.
fiduciary capacity, or for a willful violation of duty
Once the writ is issued, what will happen next? Can it
(c) In an action to recover possession of property unjustly or already be enforced?
fraudulently taken, detained or converted, when the • Notice and hearing to the adverse party
property or any part thereof, has been concealed, removed • Service of summons
or disposed of to prevent its being found or taken by the • Copy of the complaint
applicant or an authorized person; • The application of the attachment
• The applicant’s affidavit and bond
(d) In an action against a party who has been guilty of a fraud • Order of the writ of attachment
in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon
which the action is brought, or in the performance thereof; What is the reason why we need to serve a summon before
we enforce the attachment?
(e) In an action against a party who has removed or disposed It is to acquire jurisdiction over the person of the defendant. So
of his property, or is about to do so, with intent to defraud that the defendant will be bound by the court’s orders.
his creditors; or
Is it possible for you to enforce and then serve the summons
(f) In an action against a party who does not reside and is not and then correct it later on with a second attachment?
found in the Philippines or on whom summons may be NO. it cannot be rectified, it should be that the summons be
served by publication. served before the attachment otherwise it will be an invalid
implementation.
NOTE: In paragraph (b), if the position is all the way until before If you are serving the summons together with the
other person in fiduciary capacity, in your affidavit that is application, isn’t that going to render nugatory the
accompanying your application for attachment, you do not need attachment?
to establish the fiduciary capacity. Because in all of those NO. The Court said that when you enforce it, you will serve the
positions, it presupposes that there is trust and fiduciary summons. The reason why you need to serve it is because of
relationship. due process. So that the other party is given the opportunity
against the attachment.
If, however, it is other person in a fiduciary capacity, you need to
allege how there is a fiduciary capacity in the affidavit. What is the purpose of the bond in the attachment?
The bond is in the amount fixed by the court in its order granting
What should accompany your application for attachment? the issuance of the writ, conditioned that the latter will pay all the
• Affidavit costs which may be adjudged to the adverse party and all the
• Bond for the attachment damages which he may sustain by reason of the attachment, if
the court shall finally adjudge that the applicant was not entitled
CONTENTS OF THE AFFIDAVIT thereto. (SECTION 4)
• A sufficient cause of action exists
• That the case is one of those mentioned in Section The bond is conditioned on the fact that if it is later found, there
1 should not have been an attachment or if judgement is rendered
• That there is no other sufficient security for the against the party.
claim sought to be enforced by the action
• That amount due to the applicant, or the value of The bond is answer for damages to the defendant.
the property the possession of which he is entitled
to recover, is as much as the sum for which the The plaintiff attached to satisfy judgement for the plaintiff.
order is granted above all legal counterclaims. In the judgement it was found that there was no cause of
action. So it means that the attachment is not proper to
Can we apply for ex-parte application for attachment? begin with because the plaintiff did not win. Judgement was
YES
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rendered in favor of the defendant, until when can the of the writ, and a notice stating that the stock or interest of
defendant claim damages against the bond? the party against whom the attachment is issued is attached
Before the judgement becomes final and executory. Before the in pursuance of such writ
trial or before the appeal is perfected or before the judgement (d) DEBTS AND CREDITS, including bank deposits, financial
becomes executory. interest, royalties, commissions and other personal property
not capable of manual delivery, by leaving with the person
How should he claim it? owing such debts, or having in his possession, or under his
In the answer, he can already claim that if the case is dismissed control, such credits or other personal property, or with his
“this is the damage I’m praying for”. He can claim it during the agent, a copy of the writ and notice that the debts owing by
case. He can do it as long as the judgement does not become him to the party against whom attachment is issued, and the
final and executory. credits and other personal property in his possession, or
under his control, belonging to said party, are attached in
Once the judgement becomes final and executory, it becomes pursuance of such writ
immutable. Even if you have damages you cannot ask for it (e) The interest of the party against whom such attachment is
because of the principle of res judicata. You cannot file a issued in PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE ESTATE OF
separate action to claim for it begin because of the rule against THE DECEDENT, whether as heir, legatee, or devisee, by
splitting of action and res judicata. It will be considered as a serving the executor or administrator or other personal
waiver of the right. representative of the decedent with a copy of the writ and
notice that said interest is attached. A copy of said writ of
MANNER OF ATTACHING THE PROPERTY attachment and of said notice shall also be filed in the office
The sheriff enforcing the writ shall attach only so much of the of the clerk of the court in which said estate is being settled
property in the Philippines of the party against whom the writ is served upon the heir, legatee, or devise concerned.
issued, not exempt from execution, as may be sufficient to satisfy (f) CUSTODIA LEGIS a copy of the writ of attachment shall be
the applicant’s demand, unless the former makes a deposit or filed with the proper court or quasi-Judicial agency, and
counter bond executed by the applicant in an amount equal to notice of the attachment served upon the custodian of such
the bond fixed by the court in the order of the attachment or the property.
value of the property to be attached.
For the garnishee to be bound by the court’s order, do we
The writ issued shall be preceded or contemporaneously need to serve summons?
accompanied, by service of summons, together with a copy of NO. By serving the notice the garnishee is already bound
the complaint, the application for attachment, the applicant’s thereby.
affidavit and bond, and the order and writ of attachment on the
defendant within the Philippines Are the exceptions from execution the same property
exempted from attachment?
HOW ARE WE GOING TO LEVY? YES
(a) REAL PROPERTY or growing crops thereon, or any
interest therein, standing upon the record of the registry of Once the sheriff is able to attached the property should he
deeds of the province in the name of the party against whom release it to the plaintiff?
attachment is issued, or not appearing at all upon such NO. The property attached remains under the custody of the law.
records, or belonging to the party against whom attachment
is issued and held by any other person, or standing on the What if the property attached is perishable, will it remain
records of the registry of deeds in the name of any other under the custody of the law?
person, by filing with the register of deeds a copy of the NO. When the property attached is perishable, or that the interest
order, together with a description of the property attached, of all the parties to the action will be subserved by the sale
and a notice that it is attached, or that such real property thereof, the court may order such property to be sold at the public
and any interest therein held by or standing in the name of action in such manner as may direct and the proceeds of such
such other person are attached, and by leaving a copy of sale to be deposited in court to abide the judgement in the action.
such order, description, and notice with the occupant of the
property, if any, or with such other person or his agent if It is as if the proceeds or the cash is in place of the property
found within the province. Where the property has been attached.
brought under the operation of either the Land Registration
Act or the Property Registration Decree, the notice shall The property value that is perishable is P500,000. But at the
contain a reference to the number of the certificate of title, auction where it is sold, it was sold on P100,000. Later on
the volume and page in the registration book where the judgement was rendered against the plaintiff, in favor of the
certificate is registered, and the registered owner or owners defendant. The defendant seeks to claim the P400,000
thereof. attached the bond. Can that be allowed?
(b) PERSONAL PROPERTY CAPABLE OF MANUAL The Supreme Court ruled that this one only contemplates
DELIVERY by taking and safely keeping it in his custody, damage and not the loss suffered in connection with the sale of
after issuing he corresponding receipt therefor, perishable property. It has to be damage.
(c) STOCKS, SAHRES, OR AN INTEREST IN STOCKS OR
SHARES, OF ANY CORPORATION OR COMPANY by Let us say the defendant won the case and the court
leaving with the president or managing agent thereof, a copy adjudged the plaintiff to be liable for damages in favor of the
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defendant directing the plaintiff to pay the defendant and For instance, Villena borrowed money from Suarez. In order
not to take it as against the bond. Is this valid? NO. The for Suarez to enter into the loan, Villena induced Suarez by
Supreme Court said that if there is a damage, you cannot claim saying that he will paid by presentment of the post-dated
it to the plaintiff. You must claim it against the bond because the check. So Suarez believed Villena, but when it was
bond is conditioned on the damage of the defendant. presented for payment it was dishonored. Suarez filed a
criminal case against her but likewise filed an independent
So you do not make the plaintiff pay directly, but you get it directly civil action under Article 33 of the Civil Code for damages
from the bond. on the ground of fraud. Together with that, Suarez was able
to file for a preliminary attachment. Villena opposes the
DISCHARGE AN ATTACHMENT attachment, she seeks to dissolve the attachment on the
The movant makes a cash deposit or files a counter-bond ground that she did not commit fraud. Can the court rule on
executed to the attaching party with the clerk of court where the that ground for dissolution?
application is made in an amount equal to that fixed by the court It is a ground but the Court will not rule on it. Because while it is
in the order of attachment, exclusive of costs. If it is with respect a ground, it is also the main action. The ruling on that
to a particular property, the counter-bond shall be equal to the attachment will prejudged the case before trial. Because your
value of the property as determined by the court. case and the ground for attachment is exactly the same.

NOTE: this is the fastest way to have it discharged you either You need to be careful that just because it is fraud the court will
make a cash deposit or file a counter bond. not rule upon the dissolution. IT DEPENDS ON THE MAIN
ACTION.
What is the purpose of the case deposit and the counter
bond? You need to look at whether that is exactly the main case. If a
The cash deposit or counter bond shall secure the payment of ruling on the attachment would also amount to a ruling on the
any judgement that the attaching party may recover in the action. main case that will be a prejudgment which is not allowed.

NOTE: In all of the rules, the bond has the same rules. RULE 58 PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
The bond of the applicant for the damage of the adverse party.
The counter- bond of the adverse party is for the damage of the PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
applicant. It is an order requiring a party or a court, agency or a person to
refrain from a particular act or acts.
In all provisional remedies, you should apply for your damage
before the judgement becomes final and executory against the PRELIMINARY MANDATORY INJUNCTION
bond. It is an order that requires the performance of a particular act or
acts.
OTHER GROUNDS TO DISCHARGE
• File a motion for an order to set aside or discharge the NOTE: A preliminary injunction can also be a main action. You
attachment on the ground that the same was IMPROPERLY can have an action for injunction with a prayer for a provisional
or IRREGULARLY ISSUED OR ENFORCED, or that the remedy of a preliminary mandatory injunction.
bond is INSUFFICIENT. If the attachment is EXCESSIVE, it
shall be limited to the excess. All the provisional remedies must be construed strictly against
the applicant. Because in provisional remedies you are seeking
• Properties EXEMPT FROM ATTACHMENT to affect the rights of the defendant even before there is a final
determination of the case.
• Judgement is rendered against the plaintiff
For example, in attachment of a property, you are attaching the
You filed for a counter-bond so that your property will not property even before the court makes a judgement to the case
be attached. Afterwards, you also moved for the dissolution so it affects the rights of a person. It humiliates and it annoys. So
of the writ of attachment on the ground that it was because of these reasons the grounds for issuance of
improperly issued because it is alleged that you are provisional remedies must be strictly construed, it is limited to
engaged in fraudulent acts. Your ground is that you are not the grounds provided for in the rules. You cannot have
fraudulent. Is this allowed? grounds other than those under the Rules.
The bond was already discharged. When you file the Particularly in Injunction, it is an extraordinary event. It is a strong
counterbond the writ of attachment was already discharged. So arm of equity or a transcendental remedy. So it should be
you do not need to file another ground for dissolving your writ of exercised with utmost case and deliberation.
attachment because it was already dissolved. Once it is already
dissolved, there is nothing left to be dissolved so you do cannot GROUNDS FOR ISSUANCE OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
raise any other ground. (a) That the applicant is entitled to the relief demanded, and the
whole or part of such relief consists in restraining the
When does the discharge take effect when it is respect to commission or continuance of the act or acts complained of,
the counter-bond? or in requiring performance of an act or acts, either for a
After due notice and hearing conducted by the court. limited period or perpetually;

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(b) That the commission, continuance or non-performance of 7. When the court has no jurisdiction over the offense;
the act or acts complained of during the litigation would 8. When it is a case of persecution rather than prosecution;
probably work injustice to the applicant; or 9. When the charges are manifestly false and motivated by the
(c) That a party, court, agency or a person is doing, threatening, lust for vengeance;
or is attempting to do, or is procuring or suffering to be done, 10. When there is no prima facie case against the accused and
some act or acts probably in violation of the rights of the a motion to quash on the ground has been denied.
applicant respecting the subject of the action or proceeding,
and tending to render the judgement ineffectual. NOTE: when it ceases to be a prosecution and it is only
persecution.
What should you prove in order for a preliminary injunction
may be issued? NOTE: You need to apply with a verified application, there should
1. That the applicant must have a clear, legal and be an affidavit. Just like in attachment you need to allege the
unmistakable right or what we call a right in esse. grounds constituting the same.
2. Material and substantial invasion of such right
3. There is an urgent need to prevent the irreparable injury to Can we have a preliminary injunction issued without
the applicant hearing?
4. No other remedy is available to prevent the infliction the NO
irreparable injury.
Can we deny a preliminary injunction without a hearing?
What is the quantum of proof required to establish the right YES because the Rules only say that it cannot be granted without
to an injunctive relief? a hearing. It does not say that it cannot be denies without a
Prima Facie Evidence or an Ostensible Right to the final relief hearing.
prayed for.
Is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) the same as a
NOTE: Just like with attachment if your injunction will act as a preliminary injunction?
prejudgment of the case as well it will not be granted by the court. NO

IRREPARABLE INJURY Can a TRO be issued ex parte?


An injury is considered irreparable if there is no standard by YES
which its amount can be measured with reasonable accuracy.
For how many hours can an ex-parte TRO be?
Is loss of business profit considered irreparable injury? 72 hours from issuance.
NO
In that 72-hour period there will be a summary hearing. The
Loss of good will? hearing will be whether or not the TRO will be extended.
YES
If it is trial court how many days is the TRO?
Business reputation? Only up to 20 days
YES
After that 20 days what happens to your TRO?
May the trial court’s grant or denial of injunctive relief be It is functus officious. There is no use.
subject of review of the higher courts?
As a general rule they cannot. Unless there is grave abuse of That 20-day period already include your 72 hours. In case there
discretion amounting to lack or excess jurisdiction of the court is extreme urgency, a TRO even without prior hearing and for a
who ruled on the injunction. limited period of 72 hours. In case of extreme urgency when he
will suffer grave irreparable injury can be issued. And during that
Can a criminal prosecution be a subject of an injunction? 72-hour period there will be a summary hearing separate and
As a general rule NO, but this is subject to several exceptions. distinct from the hearing of the injunction.

In the case of BPI v. Hontanosas, Jr., G.R. No. 157163 provides The 72 hour has a summary hearing for the purpose of
for the following exceptions: determining whether or not the 72 hours will be extended to a
1. When the injunction is necessary to afford adequate 20-day TRO.
protection constitutional rights of the accused;
2. When it is necessary for the ordinary administration of The TRO can be denied without a hearing?
justice or to avoid oppression or multiplicity of actions; YES
3. When there is a prejudicial question that is sub judice;
4. When the acts of the officer are without or in excess of How long is the validity of the TRO if it is issued by the
authority Supreme Court?
5. When the prosecution is under an invalid law, ordinance or It shall be effective until further orders of the Supreme Court
regulation How long is the validity of a TRO if it is issued by the
6. When double jeopardy is clearly apparent;

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CA? It shall be effective for 60 days from service on the party The receiver should be a neutral or impartial party tasked to
or person sought to be enjoined. receive and preserve the property or fund in the litigation. He
must be indifferent.
NOTE: The 20 day period that is when you will have a hearing
for your preliminary injunction. You want to have your preliminary What should the court consider whether or not it should
injunction before your 20 day TRO lapses. This is because once appoint a receiver?
the TRO lapses, the act sought to be restrained can be made by There is sufficient cause.
the adverse party because there is nothing that stops him. So
after the lapse of the TRO you should get the preliminary What is your cause for the appointment the receiver?
injunction. Whether or not the property is in danger of being destroyed and
whether or not the appointment will prejudice the parties.
SITUATION: There is a TRO because there is an intra-corporate Whether it will imperil the rights of others whose rights deserve
dispute. The two groups are fighting over who is the proper as much consideration from the court as the person requesting
representative of the corporation to withdraw from a bank the receivership.
account. So in order to prevent the other party to withdraw a TRO
was filed. So the other party cannot withdraw. Does the applicant for the receivership need to file a bond?
YES
Once the TRO is lifted and there is no preliminary injunction
issued, nothing prevents them from withdrawing. Accordingly, it How about the receiver, does he need to file a bond?
renders your prayer for injunction moot. Yes. Both the applicant and the receiver should post a bond.

If the action sought to be restrained is already committed, the Before the receiver enters into the performance of his
injunction is useless. In that 20 period the hearing and issuance function what should he do in addition to the bond? Before
should be finished. entering upon his duties, the receiver shall be sworn to perform
them faithfully, and shall file a bond, executed to such person
Once the injunction is granted, you need to post for your bond as and in such sum as the court may direct, to the effect that he will
well. faithfully discharge his duties in the action or proceeding and
obey the orders of the court.
What is your remedy against a writ of injunction? Can you
just file a counter-bond? Is it correct to say that a bond will not be required if there is
You must file an affidavit against the injunction issued on the a sufficient ground for the appointment of the receiver?
ground that it is insufficient, or that the damage to the person Meaning they can do away with the bond? For example
enjoined is greater, or it was improperly issued such as when there is a wastage, can the court do away with the bond?
there is no urgency. NO. Section 2, Rule 59 is clear.

RULE 59 RECEIVERSHIP “Before issuing the order appointing a receiver the court shall
require the applicant to file a bond”
RECEIVERSHIP
It is a provisional or ancillary remedy whrein the court appoints a The use of the word “shall” denote the mandatory nature. Even
receiver to receive and preserve the property or fund in litigation if the other person consents that there is no need for a bond,
pendente lite, when it does not seem reasonable to the court that there should still be a bond because of the mandatory nature of
either party should hold it. the provision.

Where can you apply your receivership? GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OF THE APPLICATION OR TO
• Court where the action is pending DISCHARGE THE RECEIVER
• Court of Appeals • When the adverse party FILE A BOND executed to the
• Supreme Court applicant, in an amount to be fixed by the court, to the effect
that such party will pay the applicant all damages he may
The application needs to be verified? suffer by reason of the acts, omissions or other matters
YES specified in the application as a ground or appointment.
• If it is shown that his appointment was obtained WITHOUT
As a rule, can a party to a case be appointed as a receiver? SUFFICIENT CAUSE
YES. As long as there is consent between the parties. Without • When the bond or counterbond filed is INSUFFICIENT
this consent the court cannot appoint a party as a receiver.
If the bond of the adverse party is found to be insufficient,
Is the receiver a representative of the party who asked for can they just give another bond to make it sufficient?
the appointment of the receivership? NO
NO. He is considered as an officer of the court.
GENERAL POWERS OF THE RECEIVER
WHY? Subject to the control of the court the receiver shall have the
following powers:

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• To bring and defend, in such capacity, actions in his own Replevin may also refer to the main action for the recovery of
name; personal property wrongfully detained by the defendant.
• To take and keep possession of the property in the
controversy; Can replevin cover real property?
• To receive rents; NO
• To collect debts dues to himself as receiver or the fund,
property, estate, person, or corporation of which he is the Who is a person who can file a writ of replevin? A party
receiver; praying for the recovery of possession of personal property
• To compound for and compromise the same; When can you file a writ of replevin?
• To make transfers; • At the commencement of the action
• To pay outstanding debts; • At any time before the Answer
• To divide the money and other property that shall remain
among the persons legally entitled to receive the same;
• Generally, to do such acts respecting the property as the
court may authorize Do we need to file an affidavit in support of the Replevin?
YES
The receiver should take possession of the property. So
what if the property is in the possession of a third person, CONTENTS OF THE AFFIDAVIT
it has to be delivered to the receiver? (a) That the applicant is the owner of the property claimed,
YES particularly describing it, or is entitled to the possession
thereof;
What if the third party refuses to deliver it to the receiver, (b) That the property is wrongfully detained by the adverse
what is the remedy? party, alleging the cause of detention thereof according to
The person will be in contempt. A person refuses or neglects, the best of his knowledge, information, and belief;
upon reasonable demand, to deliver to the receiver all the (c) That the property has not been distrained or taken for a tax
property, money books, deeds, notes, bills, documents and assessment or a fine pursuant to law, or seized under a writ
papers within his power or control, subject of or involved in the of execution or preliminary attachment, or otherwise placed
action or proceeding, or in case of disagreement, as determined under custodia legis, or if so seized, that it is exempt from
by the court, may be punished for contempt and shall be liable such seizure or custody; and
to the receiver for the money or the value of the property and (d) The actual market value of the property
other things so refused or neglected to be surrendered, together
with all damages that may have been sustained by the party or How much bond should you give in support of your writ of
parties entitled thereto as a consequence of such refusal or replevin?
neglect. (SECTION 7)
The applicant must also GIVE A BOND, executed to the adverse
party in DOUBLE THE VALUE of the property as stated in the
Can the receiver be entitled to compensation? affidavit, for the return of the property to the adverse party if such
YES. The court shall allow the receiver such reasonable return be adjudged, and for the payment to the adverse party of
compensation as the circumstances of the case warrant to be such sum as he may recover from the applicant in the action.
taxed as costs against the defeated party, or apportioned, as
justice requires. (SECTION 8) Is it required that before you file your application for writ of
replevin that you should have had a prior demand on the
GROUND FOR TERMINATION OF RECEIVERSHIP other party to deliver the possession to you and he just
Whenever the court shall determine that the NECESSITY FOR refused to heed such demand?
A RECEIVER NO LONGER EXISTS. NO. The Rules does not provide that there must be prior demand
before the filing of an application for a writ of replevin.
Once there is a decision to terminate the receivership what
should the court? Is there an instance where a replevin can contemplate a real
it shall, after due notice to all interested parties and hearing, property?
settle the accounts of the receiver, direct the delivery of the They will treat the real property as a movable property such as
fund and other property in his possession to the person when there is a CHATTEL MORTGAGE. In that instance it will
adjudged to be entitled to receive them, and order the be binding to the parties and therefore they can consider the real
discharge of the receiver from further duty as such. property as if it is a movable party. However, it does not bind a
third person because it may only be considered as such after the
RULE 60 REPLIVIN consent of the parties.

REPLEVIN What if there is a third party claiming for such right over the
A provisional remedy wherein a party praying for the recovery of replevin subject to the replevin?
possession of personal property may apply for an order for the The third person should make an AFFIDAVIT of his title
delivery to him of such property wrongfully detained by the therefore, or right to the possession thereof, stating the
adverse party. grounds therefor, and serves such affidavit upon the sheriff
while the latter has possession of the property and a copy thereof
upon the applicant.
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It is available even if the It is available only where the
Do you need to file a separate case if you want to finally recovery of personal principal relief sought in
resolve the issue on who has the real right over the property property is only an incidental action is the recovery of
if it is a third-party claimant? relief sought in the action. possession of personal
YES property.
COVERAGE
Can the third party intervene in the action?
BOTH Personal Personal Property
YES. The same principle applies to the attachment when there
Property and Real
is a third party complainant.
Property. EXCEPTION: Chattel
Mortgage
When a property being subject to a replevin is seized,
should it also be destroyed? Presupposes that the It may be availed of to
NO property has been recover personal property
concealed, removed, or even if it is being concealed,
DUTY OF THE SHERIFF disposed of to prevent its removed or disposed of
Upon receiving such order, the sheriff must serve a copy thereof being found or taken by the
on the adverse party, together with a copy of the application, applicant.
affidavit and bond, and must forthwith take the property, if it be DELIVERY
in the possession of the adverse party, or his agent and retain in Personal property is not Delivered to the applicant
his custody. delivered to the applicant
but merely attached
If the property or any part thereof be concealed in a building or WHEN TO AVAIL
enclosure, the sheriff must demand its delivery, and if it be not
• At the commencement • At the commencement
delivered, he must cause the building or enclosure to be broken
open and take the property into his possession. of the action of the action
• At any time before entry • At any time before
After the sheriff has taken possession of the property as herein of judgement answer
provided, he must keep it in a secure place and shall be
responsible for its delivery to the party entitled thereto upon RULE 61
receiving his fees and necessary expenses for taking and SUPPORT PENDENTE LITE
keeping the same.
SUPPORT PENDENTE LITE
What is your remedy if the writ of replevin is improperly It is support provided a party during the pendency of the litigation.
served?
Motion to Quash the writ of replevin What is the basis of support?
Obligation of the parties
If you are serving the replevin, how are we going to execute
the writ of replevin? How do we know how much of the support will be given?
The necessity and the capacity of the person who will give
Once the sheriff gets the property subject to the writ of support.
replevin, should he immediately deliver it to the applicant?
NO. the sheriff must keep it in a secure place and shall be Cooling-off period in Legal Separation
responsible for the delivery to the party entitled thereto upon The parties are given a chance at reconciliation within a period
receiving his fees and necessary expenses for taking and of 6 months.
keeping the same
Will the case have a hearing during that period? NO. The rule
Should he keep it forever? is during the cool-off period the trial will not proceed on the case
If within 5 days after the taking the property by the sheriff the so that they will give the parties a chance to reconcile.
property shall be delivered to the applicant.
Since trial will not proceed, does that mean that during the
It has 5 days to give the opposing party a right to avail of same period the court cannot rule on the support pendente
remedies. lite of the parties?
NO. Because what is only prohibited on the cooling-off period is
REMEDY AGAINST WRIT OF REPLEVIN on the grounds of legal separation but it does not prohibit
• File a Delivery Bond to terminate the writ of replevin incidents such as your right to support.
• The party against whom the writ is issued can assail the
insufficiency In order to apply for support pendente lite should your
application be verified?
WRIT OF ATTACHMENT v. REPLEVIN YES
WRIT OF ATTACHMENT REPLEVIN

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What else should be included in your application? A verified Who has the obligation to give support?
application for support pendente lite may be filed by any party It is the spouses who has the obligation to give support. But in
stating the grounds for the claim and the financial conditions of case of urgent need, the court can provisionally require only one
both parties, and accompanied by affidavits, depositions or other of them first to give support subject to reimbursement of the
authentic documents in support thereof. other.

You filed for application for support pendente lite after you The payment should it be divided equally according to their
filed an application for nullity against your spouse. A resources?
petition for nullity of marriage was filed but at the same time NO. It should be in proportion to their income.
you asked for support. Are you still entitled to support?
What is your right? Why are you asking for support? If the person obliged to give support pendente lite refuses
Because at that point in time you are still married and by law you to give support, what is the remedy of the person entitled to
are still entitled to support as a spouse in the absolute community support?
or conjugal partnership of gains as the case may be. When the person ordered to give support pendente lite refuses
or fails to do so, any third person who furnished the support to
the applicant may, after due notice and hearing in the same
case, obtain a writ of execution to enforce his right of
reimbursement against the person ordered to provide such
support.

In support if the person who is obliged to give support refuses to


do so, the court can have a third person furnish the support
subject to reimbursement from the person who is obliged to give
support.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SUPPORT PENDENTE LITE


The court in support can issue an enforcement order. The court
motu proprio or upon motion issue an order of execution and if
they refuse, it is without prejudice to the liability of contempt.

As a general rule if the writ is directed to the sheriff, you cannot be held
in contempt. This is an instance when there is payment of money but
there can still be contempt. In criminal cases you can have
support provided that the civil case is deemed instituted with the criminal
case.
What are the criminal cases that can have support? Rape,
VAWC. But in these cases, you can only claim support in the
civil cases provided that the civil case is deemed instituted with
your criminal case.

If the civil case is reserved to be filed later on or the civil case is


filed in advance and it is not consolidated with the criminal case,
support pendente lite cannot be applied because there should
be a civil aspect.

If Mr. X, putative father (alleged to be the biological fatner), was ordered


to give support pendente lite, and later it is found that he is not liable
therefor because he is not the father. What is the remedy? The
remedy is that the recipient will be ordered by the court to return the
amounts and it will be subject to legal interest. When do you
count the legal interest? It is from the date of the actual payment.

REMEDY OF THE RECEPIENT It is without prejudice to the right of


the recipient to ask reimbursement from the person who is obliged to give
support.
Should it be in that case?
NO. Because he is not a party to the case. It would be subject
to a separate action, there is no violation of res judicata or
forum shopping because there is no identity of parties. The
obligation will rest on the one who is obliged to give support.

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If the recipient refuses to reimburse to the one who gave, he may seek
reimbursement from the person legally obliged to give support. So the
person legally obliged is liable to the applicant or to the one erroneously
made liable.

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