Remedial Law Reviewer

ENERALPRINCIPLES
CONCEPTSOFREMEDIALLAW
RemedialLawisthatbranchoflawwhichprescribesthemethodofenforcingrightsor
obtainingredressfortheirinvasion.
Substantivelawcreates,definesandregulatesrightsanddutiesregardinglife,libertyor
propertywhichwhenviolatedgivesrisetoacauseofaction.
Remediallawprescribesthemethodsofenforcingthoserightsandobligationscreatedby
substantivelawbyprovidingaproceduralsystemforobtainingredressfortheinvasionof
rightsandviolationsofdutiesandbyprescribingrulesastohowsuitsarefiled,triedand
decidedbythecourts.
Asappliedtocriminallaw,substantivelawisthatwhichdeclareswhatactsarecrimes
andprescribesthepunishmentforcommittingthem,asdistinguishedfromremediallaw
whichprovidesorregulatesthestepsbywhichonewhocommitsacrimeistobe
punished.
Section5(5),Art.VIIIoftheConstitutionprovidesthattheSupremeCourtshallhavethe
powerto:
a.
promulgaterulesconcerningtheprotectionandenforcementofconstitutional
rights,pleading,practice,andprocedureinallcourts;
b.
admissiontothepracticeoflaw;
c.
theIntegratedBar;
d.
andlegalassistancetotheunderprivileged
1)Therulesshallprovideasimplifiedandinexpensiveprocedureforthespeedy
dispositionofcases
2)Theyshallbeuniformforallcourtsofthesamegrade
3)Theyshallnotdiminish,increase,ormodifysubstantiverights.
4)ThepowertoadmitattorneystotheBarisnotanarbitraryanddespoticonebutisthe
dutyofthecourttoexerciseandregulateitbyasoundandjudicialdiscretion.
Rulesofprocedureofspecialcourtsandquasijudicialbodiesshallremaineffective
unlessdisapprovedbytheSupremeCourt.
Whencompellingreasonssowarrantorwhenthepurposeofjusticerequiresit=
discretionaryuponcourts.
Reasonsthatwouldwarrantthesuspension:
.
1) theexistenceofspecialorcompelling
circumstances;
2) meritsofthecase;
3) causenotentirelyattributabletothefaultor
negligenceofthepartyfavoredbythe
suspensionofrules
4) alackofshowingthatthereviewsoughtis
merelyfrivolousanddilatory;
5) theotherpartywillnotbeunjustly
Whereresolutionprejudicedtherebyissuesawait
Whentranscendentalmattersoflife,libertyorstatesecurityareinvolved.
TheconstitutionalpoweroftheSupremeCourttopromulgaterulesofpracticeand
procedurenecessarilycarrieswithitthepowertooverturnjudicialprecedentson
pointsofremediallawthroughtheamendmentoftheRulesofCourt.
substantialandimportant
NATUREOFPHILIPPINECOURTS
Philippinecourtsarebothcourtsoflawandequity.Hence,bothlegalandequitable
jurisdictionisdispensedwithinthesametribunal.
WHATISACOURT
a.
Itisanorganofgovernmentbelongingtothejudicialdepartmentthefunctionof
whichistheapplicationofthelawstothecontroversiesbroughtbeforeitaswell
asthepublicadministrationofjustice.
b.
Itisagovernmentalbodyofficiallyassembledunderauthorityoflawatthe
appropriatetimeandplacefortheadministrationofjusticethroughwhichthe
Stateenforcesitssovereignrightsandpowers.
c.
Itisaboardortribunalwhichdecidesalitigationorcontest.
COURT DISTINGUISHED FROM JUDGE
a) Acourtisatribunalofficiallyassembledunderauthorityoflaw;ajudgeis
simplyanofficerofsuchtribunal;
b) Acourtisanorganofthegovernmentwithapersonalityseparateanddistinct
fromthepersonorjudgewhositsonit;
c) Acourtisabeinginimaginationcomparabletoacorporation,whereasajudge
isaphysicalperson;
d) Acourtmaybeconsideredanoffice;ajudgeisa
publicofficer;and
e) Thecircumstancesofthecourtarenotaffectedbythe
circumstancesthatwouldaffectthejudge.
CLASSIFICATION OF PHILIPPINE COURTS
Regularcourtsengagedintheadministrationofjusticeareorganizedintofour(4)levels:
(a)FirstLevel(MTCs,MeTCs,MCTCs) whichtryanddecide
(1)Criminalactionsinvolving:
a.
violationsofcityormunicipalordinances
committedwithintheirrespectiveterritorial
jurisdiction;and
b.
offensespunishablewithimprisonmentnot
exceedingsix(6)yearsirrespectiveoftheamountoffineandregardlessofother
imposableaccessoryorotherpenalties,and
(2)CivilactionsincludingEJECTMENTCASES(FEUD)andrecoveryofpersonal
propertywithavalueofnotmorethanP300,000outsideMMordoesnotexceed
P400,000inMM;
(b)SecondLevel(RTCs,FamilyCourts) courtsofgeneraljurisdiction
amongthecivilactionsassignedtothembylawarethoseinwhichthesubjectof
litigationis
a.
actionsincapableofpecuniary
estimation
b.
actionsinvolvingtitletoor
possessionofrealpropertywheretheassessedvalueofthepropertyexceeds
P20,000outsideMMorexceedsP50,000inMM.
c.
wherethedemandexclusiveofinterest,damagesofwhateverkind,attorneysfees,
litigationexpenses,andcost,orthevalueofthepersonalpropertyorcontroversy
exceedsP300,000outsideMMorexceedsP400,000inMM.
exerciseappellatejurisdiction
Reviewcasesappealedfromcourtsofthefirstlevel.
(c)ThirdLevel(CourtofAppeals,Sandiganbayan)CAisanappellatecourt
a.
reviewingcasesappealedtoitfromtheRTConquestionsoffactormixed
questionsoffactandlaw
b.
decisionsoftheRTCintheexerciseoforiginaljurisdiction
i.
asamatterofright
ii.
asamatterofdiscretion.
Occasionally,CAmayactasatrialcourt,asinactionsprayingfortheannulmentoffinal
andexecutoryjudgmentsofRTCsonthegroundofextrinsicfraudsubsequently
discovered,againstwhichnootherremedieslies.
Sandiganbayanhasjurisdiction
overallcriminalandcivilcasesinvolving
graftandcorruptpracticesact
suchotheroffensescommittedbypublicofficersandemployeesincludingthosein
GOCCsinrelationtotheiroffice.
Italsohasexclusiveappellatejurisdictionoverfinaljudgments,resolutions,ororders
ofRTCswhetherintheexerciseoftheirownoriginalorappellatejurisdictionover
criminalandcivilcasescommittedbypublicofficersoremployeesincludingthosein
GOCCsinrelationtotheiroffice.
(d)FourthLevel(SupremeCourt)
COURTSOFORIGINALANDAPPELLATEAcourtisonewithoriginaljurisdiction
whenactionsorproceedingsareoriginallyfiledwithit.Acourtisonewithappellate
jurisdictionwhenithasthepowerofreviewoverthedecisionsorordersofalowercourt.
MeTCs,MCTCsandMTCsarecourtsoforiginaljurisdictionwithoutappellate
jurisdiction.RTCislikewiseacourtoforiginaljurisdictionwithrespecttocases
originallyfiledwithit;andappellatecourtwithrespecttocasesdecidedbyMTCswithin
itsterritorialjurisdiction.(Sec.22,BP129).
CAisprimarilyacourtofappellatejurisdictionwithcompetencetoreviewjudgmentsof
theRTCsandspecifiedquasijudicialagencies(Sec.9[3],BP129).Itisalsoacourtof
originaljurisdictionwithrespecttocasesfiledbeforeitinvolvingissuanceofwritsof
certiorari,mandamus,quowarranto,habeascorpus,andprohibition.CAisacourtof
originalandexclusivejurisdictionoveractionsforannulmentofjudgmentsofRTCs
(Sec.9[1],[2],BP129).
TheSCisfundamentallyacourtofappellatejurisdictionbutitmayalsobeacourtof
originaljurisdictionovercasesaffectingambassadors,publicministersandconsuls,and
incasesinvolvingpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamus(Sec.5[1],Art.VIII,
Constitution).TheSupremeCourtenbancisnotanappellatecourttowhichdecisionsor
resolutionsofadivisionoftheSupremeCourtmaybeappealed.
Courtsofgeneraljurisdictionarethosewithcompetencetodecideontheirown
jurisdictionandtotakecognizanceofallcases,civilandcriminal,ofaparticularnature.
Courtsofspecial(limited)jurisdictionarethosewhichhaveonlyaspecialjurisdictionfor
aparticularpurposeorareclothedwithspecialpowersfortheperformanceofspecified
dutiesbeyondwhichtheyhavenoauthorityofanykind.
Acourtmayalsobeconsideredgeneralifithasthecompetencetoexercisejurisdiction
overcasesnotfallingwithinthejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunal,personorbody
exercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions.ItisinthecontextthattheRTCis
consideredacourtofgeneraljurisdiction.
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY COURTS
AconstitutionalcourtisonecreatedbyadirectConstitutionalprovision.Exampleofthis
courtistheSC,whichowesitscreationfromtheConstitutionitself.OnlytheSCisa
Constitutionalcourt.
AstatutorycourtisonecreatedbylawotherthantheConstitution.Allcourtsexceptthe
SCarestatutorycourts.SBwasnotdirectlycreatedbytheConstitutionbutbylaw
pursuanttoaconstitutionalmandate.
COURTSOFLAW
Acourtoflawdecidesacaseaccordingtotheexistinglaws.
COURTSOFEQUITY
Acourtofequityadjudicatesacontroversyaccordingtothecommonpreceptsofwhatis
rightandjustwithoutinquiringintothetermsofthestatutes.
PRINCIPLE OF JUDICIAL HIERARCHY
Thisisanordainedsequenceofrecoursetocourtsvestedwithconcurrentjurisdiction,
beginningfromthelowest,ontothenexthighestandultimatelytothehighest.This
hierarchyisdeterminativeofthevenueofappeals,andislikewisedeterminativeofthe
properforumforpetitionsforextraordinarywrits.Thisisanestablishedpolicynecessary
toavoidinordinatedemandsupontheCourtstimeandattentionwhicharebetterdevoted
tothosematterswithinitsexclusivejurisdiction,andtoprecludethefurthercloggingof
theCourtsdocket(Sec.9[1],BP129;Sec.5[1],Art.VIII,Constitutionofthe
Philippines).
Ahighercourtwillnotentertaindirectresorttoitunlesstheredresscannotbeobtainedin
theappropriatecourts.TheSCisacourtoflastresort.Itcannotandshouldnotbe
burdenedwiththetaskofdecidingcasesinthefirstinstances.Itsjurisdictiontoissue
extraordinarywritsshouldbeexercisedonlywhereabsolutelynecessaryorwhereserious
andimportantreasonsexist.
Thedoctrineofhierarchyofcourtsmaybedisregardedifwarrantedbythenatureand
importanceoftheissuesraisedintheinterestofspeedyjusticeandtoavoidfuture
litigations,orincasesofnationalinterestandofseriousimplications.Undertheprinciple
ofliberalinterpretations,forexample,itmaytakecognizanceofapetitionforcertiorari
directlyfiledbeforeit.
DOCTRINEOFNONINTERFERENCEORDOCTRINEOFJUDICIALSTABILITY
Courtsofequalandcoordinatejurisdictioncannotinterferewitheachothersorders.
Thus,theRTChasnopowertonullifyorenjointheenforcementofawritofpossession
issuedbyanotherRTC.Theprinciplealsobarsacourtfromreviewingorinterferingwith
thejudgmentofacoequalcourtoverwhichithasnoappellatejurisdictionorpowerof
review.
COURTSOFGENERALANDSPECIALJURISDICTION
Thisdoctrineapplieswithequalforcetoadministrativebodies.Whenthelawprovides
foranappealfromthedecisionofanadministrativebodytotheSCorCA,itmeansthat
suchbodyiscoequalwiththeRTCandlogicallybeyondthecontrolofthelatter.
Jurisdiction thepowerandauthorityofthecourttohear,tryanddecideacase.
JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES
a) Themannerbywhichthecourtacquiresjurisdictionoverthepartiesdependson
whetherthepartyistheplaintifforthedefendant
b) Jurisdictionovertheplaintiffisacquiredbyhisfilingofthecomplaintorpetition.
Bydoingso,hesubmitshimselftothejurisdictionofthecourt.
c) Jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantisobtainedeitherbyavalidserviceof
summonsuponhimorbyhisvoluntarysubmissiontothecourtsauthority.
d) Themodeofacquisitionofjurisdictionovertheplaintiffandthedefendantapplies
tobothordinaryandspecialcivilactionslikemandamusorunlawfuldetainer
cases.
HOWJURISDICTIONOVERPLAINTIFFISACQUIRED
Acquiredwhentheactioniscommencedbythefilingofthecomplaint.This
presupposespaymentofthedocketfees.
HOWJURISDICTIONOVERDEFENDANTISACQUIRED
Jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantisrequiredonlyinanactioninpersonam;it
isnotaprerequisiteinanactioninremandquasiinrem.Inanactioninpersonam,
jurisdictionoverthepersonisnecessaryforthecourttovalidlytryanddecidethecase,
whileinaproceedinginremorquasiinrem,jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendant
isnotaprerequisitetoconferjurisdictiononthecourt,providedthelatterhasjurisdiction
overtheres.
Byvoluntaryappearanceofthedefendant,withoutserviceofsummonsordespitea
defectiveserviceofsummons.Thedefendantsvoluntaryappearanceintheactionshall
beequivalenttoserviceofsummons.
Instanceswhenappearanceofdefendantisnottantamounttovoluntarysubmissiontothe
jurisdictionofthecourt:
1)whendefendantfilesthenecessarypleading;
2)whendefendantfilesmotionforreconsiderationofthejudgmentbydefault;
3)whendefendantfilesapetitiontosetasidethejudgmentofdefault;
4)whenthepartiesjointlysubmitacompromiseagreementforapprovalofthecourt;
5)whendefendantfilesananswertothecontemptcharge;
6)whendefendantfilesapetitionforcertiorariwithoutquestioningthecourts
jurisdictionoverhisperson.
JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER
Itisthepowertodealwiththegeneralsubjectinvolvedintheaction,andmeansnot
simplyjurisdictionoftheparticularcasethenoccupyingtheattentionofthecourtbut
jurisdictionoftheclassofcasestowhichtheparticularcasebelongs.Itisthepoweror
authoritytohearanddeterminecasestowhichtheproceedingisquestionbelongs.
Whenacomplaintisfiledincourt,thebasicquestionsthatipsofactoaretobe
immediatelyresolvedbythecourtonitsown:
a)Whatisthesubjectmatteroftheircomplaintfiledbeforethecourt?
b)Doesthecourthavejurisdictionoverthesaidsubjectmatterofthecomplaintbeforeit?
Answeringthesequestionsinevitablyrequireslookingintotheapplicablelawsconferring
jurisdiction.
Jurisdictionisthepowerorauthorityofthecourt.Theexerciseofthispowerorauthority
istheexerciseofjurisdiction.
AnERROROFJURISDICTIONisonewheretheactcomplainedofwasissuedbythe
courtwithoutorinexcessofjurisdiction.Itoccurswhenthecourtexercisesajurisdiction
notconferreduponitbylaw,orwhenthecourtortribunalalthoughwithjurisdiction,acts
inexcessofitsjurisdictionorwithgraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackor
jurisdiction.
AnERROROFJUDGMENTisonewhichthecourtmaycommitintheexerciseofits
jurisdiction.Aslongasthecourtactswithinitsjurisdiction,anyallegederrorscommitted
intheexerciseofitsdiscretionwillamounttonothingmorethanmereerrorsof
judgment.Errorsofjudgmentincludeerrorsofprocedureormistakesinthecourts
findings.
JURISDICTION
ERROROFJURISDICTIONVS.ERROROFJUDGMENT
Errorsofjudgmentarecorrectiblebyappeal;errorsofjurisdictionarecorrectibleonlyby
theextraordinarywritofcertiorari.Anyjudgmentrenderedwithoutjurisdictionisatotal
nullityandmaybestruckdownatanytime,evenonappeal;theonlyexceptioniswhen
thepartyraisingtheissueisbarredbyestoppel.
JURISDICTIONVERSUSEXERCISEOFJURISDICTION
Jurisdictionisamatterofsubstantivelawbecauseitisconferredbylaw.Thisjurisdiction
whichisamatterofsubstantivelawshouldbeconstruedtoreferonlytojurisdictionover
thesubjectmatter.Jurisdictionovertheparties,theissuesandtheresaremattersof
procedure.Thetestofjurisdictioniswhetherthecourthasthepowertoenterintothe
inquiryandnotwhetherthedecisionisrightorwrong.
Itisthedutyofthecourttoconsiderthequestionofjurisdictionbeforeitlooksatother
mattersinvolvedinthecase.Ifthecourtfindsthatithasjurisdiction,itisthedutyofthe
courttoexercisethejurisdictionconferreduponitbylawandtorenderadecisionina
caseproperlysubmittedtoit.Itcannotdeclinetoexerciseitsjurisdiction.Failuretodoso
maybeenforcedbywayofmandamusproceeding.
Note:Jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterisconferredbysubstantivelawwhichmay
eitherbeaConstitutionorstatute;whilejurisdictionoverthesubjectmatteris
determinedbytheallegationsofthecomplaintregardlessofwhetherornottheplaintiff
isentitledtotheclaimsassertedtherein.
DOCTRINE OF PRIMARY JURISDICTION
Courtswillnotresolveacontroversyinvolvingaquestionwhichiswithinthejurisdiction
ofanadministrativetribunal,especiallywherethequestiondemandstheexerciseof
soundadministrativediscretionrequiringthespecialknowledge,experienceandservices
oftheadministrativetribunaltodeterminetechnicalandintricatemattersoffact.
Theobjectiveistoguideacourtindeterminingwhetheritshouldrefrainfromexercising
itsjurisdictionuntilafteranadministrativeagencyhasdeterminedsomequestionorsome
aspectofsomequestionarisingintheproceedingbeforethecourt.
Onceacourthasacquiredjurisdiction,thatjurisdictioncontinuesuntilthecourthasdone
allthatitcandointheexerciseofthatjurisdiction.Thisprinciplealsomeansthatonce
jurisdictionhasattached,itcannotbeoustedby
subsequenthappeningsoreventsandretainsthatjurisdictionuntilitfinallydisposesof
thecase.
Eventhefinalityofthejudgmentdoesnottotallydeprivethecourtofjurisdictionover
thecase.Whatthecourtlosesisthepowertoamend,modifyoralterthejudgment.Even
afterthejudgmenthasbecomefinal,thecourtretainsjurisdictiontoenforceandexecute
it.
Whenitappearsfromthepleadingsorevidenceonrecordthatthecourthasno
jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter,thecourtshalldismissthesame.(Sec.1,Rule9).The
courtmayonitsOWNINITIATIVEobjecttoanerroneousjurisdictionandmayexmero
motutakecognizanceoflackofjurisdictionatanypointinthecaseandhasaclearly
recognizedrighttodetermineitsownjurisdiction.
Jurisdictionoverthesubjectmattermayberaisedatanystageoftheproceedings,even
forthefirsttimeonappeal.Whenthecourtdismissesthecomplaintforlackof
jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter,itiscommonreasonthatthecourtcannotremandthe
casetoanothercourtwiththeproperjurisdiction.Itsonlypoweristodismissandnotto
makeanyotherorder.
Theactiveparticipationofapartyinacaseistantamounttorecognitionofthatcourts
jurisdictionandwillbarapartyfromimpugningthecourtsjurisdiction.Thegeneralrule
remains:acourtslackofjurisdictionmayberaisedatanystageoftheproceedingseven
onappeal.TheSibonghanoyappliesonlytoexceptionalcircumstances.
Doctrineofestoppelsbylaches(inrelationtoobjectionstojurisdiction)=theSCbarred
abelatedobjectiontojurisdictionthatwasraisedonlyafteranadversedecisionwas
renderedbythecourtagainstthepartyraisingtheissueofjurisdictionandafterseeking
affirmativerelieffromthecourtandafterparticipatinginallstagesoftheproceedings.
TheSCfrownsupontheundesirablepracticeofsubmittingonescasefordecision,and
thenacceptingthejudgmentonlyiffavorable,butattackingitforlackofjurisdictionifit
isnot.
JURISDICTION OVER THE ISSUES
Itisthepowerofthecourttotryanddecideissuesraisedinthepleadingsoftheparties.
HOWJURISDICTIONISCONFERREDANDDETERMINED
OBJECTIONTOJURISDICTIONOVERTHESUBJECTMATTER
EFFECTOFESTOPPELONOBJECTIONTOJURISDICTION
DOCTRINEOFADHERENCEOFJURISDICTION/CONTINUITYOF
JURISDICTION
Anissueisadisputedpointorquestiontowhichpartiestoanactionhavenarroweddown
theirseveralallegationsanduponwhichtheyaredesirousofobtainingadecision.Where
thereisnodisputedpoint,thereisnoissue.
Generally,jurisdictionovertheissuesisconferredanddeterminedbythepleadingsofthe
parties.Thepleadingspresenttheissuestobetriedanddeterminewhetherornotthe
issuesareoffactorlaw.
.
a) mayalsobedeterminedandconferredbystipulationofthepartiesaswhenin
thepretrial,thepartiesenterintostipulationsoffactsanddocumentsorenterinto
agreementsimplifyingtheissuesofthecase.
b) mayalsobeconferredbywaiverorfailuretoobjecttothepresentationof
evidenceonamatternotraisedinthepleadings.Herethepartiestrywiththeir
expressorimpliedconsentorissuesnotraisedbythepleadings.Theissuestried
shallbetreatedinallrespectsasiftheyhadbeenraisedinthepleadings.
Jurisdictionovertheresreferstothecourtsjurisdictionoverthethingortheproperty
whichisthesubjectoftheaction.
Jurisdictionovertheresmaybeacquiredbythecourt
.
1) byplacingthepropertyorthingunderitscustody(custodialegis)(theseizure
ofthethingunderlegalprocesswherebyitisbroughtintoactualcustodyoflaw).
Example:attachmentof
property.
2) throughstatutoryauthorityconferringuponit
thepowertodealwiththepropertyorthingwithinthecourtsterritorial
jurisdiction(institutionofalegalproceedingwhereinthepowerofthecourtover
thethingisrecognizedandmadeeffective).Example:suitsinvolvingthestatusof
thepartiesorsuitsinvolvingthepropertyinthePhilippinesofnonresident
defendants.
JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
EXCLUSIVEORIGINALJURISDICTION
Petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainstCAandSandiganbayan
CONCURRENTJURISDICTION
a)WiththeCAandRTC:petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainstthe
MTC
b) WiththeCA:petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainsttheRTC
c) withSandiganbayan:petitionsformandamus,prohibition,certiorari,habeascorpus,
injunctionandancillarywritsinaidofitsappellatejurisdictionandoverpetitions
ofsimilarnature,includingquowarrantoarisingorthatmayariseincasesfiledor
whichmaybefiled.
APPELLATEJURISDICTION
a) fromtheRTCinallcriminalcasesinvolvingoffensesforwhichthepenaltyis
reclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonment,andthoseinvolvingotheroffenseswhich,
althoughnotsopunished,aroseoutofthesameoccurrenceorwhichmayhave
beencommittedbytheaccusedonthesameoccasion;
b) Automaticreviewwheredeathpenaltyisimposed.
c) BypetitionforreviewonCertiorarifromtheCA,SandiganbayanandfromtheRTC
whereonlyerrororquestionoflawisinvolved
Note:InPPvs.Mateo(2004),theSCheldthatwhiletheFundamentalLawrequiresa
mandatoryreviewbytheSCofcaseswherethepenaltyimposedisreclusionperpetua,
lifeimprisonmentordeath,nowherehowever,hasitproscribedanintermediatereview.If
onlytoensureutmostcircumspectionbeforethepenaltyofreclusionperpetua,life
imprisonmentordeathisimposed,theCourtnowdeemsitwiseandcompellingto
provideinthesecasesareviewbytheCAbeforethecaseiselevatedtotheSC.Aprior
determinationbytheCAon,particularly,thefactualissues,wouldminimizethe
possibilityofanerrorofjudgment.IftheCAshouldaffirmthepenaltyofreclusion
perpetua,lifeimprisonmentordeath,itcouldthenrenderjudgmentimposingthe
correspondingpenaltyasthecircumstancessowarrant,refrainfromenteringjudgment
andelevatetheentirerecordsofthecasetotheSCforfinaldisposition.
JURISDICTIONOVERTHERESORPROPERTYINLITIGATIONCIVILCASES
CRIMINALCASES
EXCLUSIVEORIGINALJURISDICTIONinpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionand
mandamusagainsttheCA,COMELEC,COA,CTA,Sandiganbayan
1)WithCourtofAppealsinpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainst
theRTC,CSC,CentralBoardofAssessmentAppeals,NLRC,
Quasijudicialagencies,andwritofkalikasan,allsubjecttothedoctrineofhierarchyof
courts.
2)WiththeCAandRTCinpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainst
lowercourtsandbodiesandinpetitionsforquowarranto,andwritsofhabeascorpus,all
subjecttothedoctrineofhierarchyofcourts.
3) WithCA,RTCandSandiganbayanforpetitionsforwritsofamparoandhabeasdata
4) ConcurrentoriginaljurisdictionwiththeRTCincasesaffectingambassadors,public
ministersandconsuls.
1) bywayofpetitionforreviewoncertiorari
(appealbycertiorariunderRule45)againstCA,Sandiganbayan,RTCon
purequestionsoflawandCTAinitsdecisionsrenderedenbanc.
2) incasesinvolvingtheconstitutionalityorvalidityofalawortreaty,internationalor
executiveagreement,law,presidentialdecree,proclamation,order,
instruction,ordinanceorregulation,legalityofatax,impost,assessment,
tollorpenalty,jurisdictionofalowercourt;and
3) allcasesinwhichthejurisdictionofanycourtisinissue;
4) allcasesinwhichanerrororquestionoflawisinvolved
ExceptionsinwhichfactualissuesmayberesolvedbytheSupremeCourt:
a) Whenthefindingsaregroundedentirelyonspeculation,surmisesorconjectures;
b) Whentheinferencemadeismanifestlymistaken,absurdorimpossible;
c) Whenthereisgraveabuseofdiscretion;
d) Whenthejudgmentisbasedonmisapprehensionoffacts;
e) Whenthefindingsoffactsareconflicting;
f) WheninmakingitsfindingstheCAwentbeyondtheissuesofthecase,orits
findingsarecontrarytotheadmissionsofboththeappellantandtheappellee;
g) Whenthefindingsarecontrarytothetrialcourt;
h) Whenthefindingsareconclusionswithoutcitationofspecificevidenceonwhich
theyarebased;
i) Whenthefactssetforthinthepetitionaswellasinthepetitionersmainandreply
briefsarenotdisputedbytherespondent;
j) Whenthefindingsoffactarepremisedonthesupposedabsenceofevidenceand
contradictedbytheevidenceonrecord;and
k) WhentheCourtofAppealsmanifestlyoverlookedcertainrelevantfactsnot
disputedbytheparties,which,ifproperlyconsidered,couldjustifyadifferent
conclusion.
a) ActionsforannulmentofjudgmentoftheRTCs
b) CrimesofTerrorismunderHumanSecurityActof2007
CONCURRENTORIGINALJURISDICTION
a)WiththeSC:petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainsttheRTC
b)WiththeSCandRTC:petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainstthe
MTC
NoticeofAppeal:
a)FromtheRTCintheexerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction,exceptthoseappealabletothe
Sandiganbayan
b)FromtheRTCwherepenaltyimposedisreclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonmentor
wherealesserpenaltyisimposedbutforoffensescommittedonthesameoccasionor
whicharoseoutofthesameoccurrencethatgaverisetothemoreseriousoffensefor
whichthepenaltyofdeath,reclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonmentisimposed(Sec.3,
Rule122asamendedbyAMNo.00503SC).
AutomaticReview(i.e.nonoticeofappealisnecessary)fromtheRTCincases
whereinthedeathpenaltyisimposed.
PetitionforReviewfromtheRTCincasesappealedtheretofromthelowercourts
andnotappealabletotheSandiganbayan.
inactionsfortheannulmentofthejudgmentsoftheRTC.
CONCURRENTORIGINALJURISDICTION
1)WithSCtoissuewritsofcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainstthe
RTC,CSC,CBAA,otherquasijudicialagenciesmentionedinRule43,andthe
NLRC(however,thisshouldbefiledfirstwiththeCAasperSt.MartinFuneral
Homecase),andwritofkalikasan.
2)WiththeSCandRTCtoissuewritsofcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamus
(CPM)againstlowercourtsandbodiesandwritsofquowarranto,
JURISDICTIONOFTHECOURTOFAPPEALS(69Justices)
CRIMINALCASES
CIVILCASES
>habeascorpus,whetherornotinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction,andwritofcontinuing
mandamusonenvironmentalcases.
3)WithSC,RTCandSandiganbayanforpetitionsforwritsofamparoandhabeasdata
wheretheactioninvolvespublicdataorgovernmentoffice
EXCLUSIVEAPPELLATEJURISDICTION
1) bywayofordinaryappealfromtheRTCandtheFamilyCourts.
2) bywayofpetitionforreviewfromtheRTCrenderedbytheRTCintheexerciseof
itsappellatejurisdiction.
3) bywayofpetitionforreviewfromthedecisions,resolutions,ordersorawardsof
theCSC,CBAAandotherbodiesmentionedinRule43andoftheOfficeofthe
Ombudsmaninadministrativedisciplinarycases.
4) overdecisionsofMTCsincadastralorlandregistrationcasespursuanttoits
delegatedjurisdiction;thisisbecausedecisionsofMTCsinthesecasesare
appealableinthesamemannerasdecisionsofRTCs.
Note:ThereisnoactiontoannulthedecisionoftheCA.
5)DecisionsoftheCentralBoardofAssessmentAppealsintheexerciseofitsappellate
jurisdictionovercasesinvolvingtheassessmentandtaxationofrealpropertyoriginally
decidedbytheprovincialorcityboardofassessmentappeals;
6)DecisionofthesecretaryofFinanceoncustomscaseselevatedtohimautomatically
forreviewfromdecisionsoftheCommissionerofCustomswhichareadversetothe
governmentunderSec.2315oftheTariffandCustomsCode;
7)DecisionsofSecretaryofTradeandIndustryinthecaseofnonagriculturalproduct,
commodityorarticle,andtheSecretaryofAgricultureinthecaseofagriculturalproduct,
commodityorarticle,involvingdumpingdutiesandcounterveilingdutiesunderSecs.
301and302,respectively,oftheTariffandCustomsCode,andsafeguardmeasures
underRA8800,whereeitherpartymayappealthedecisiontoimposeornottoimpose
saidduties.
1)OverallcriminalcasesarisingfromviolationoftheNIRCandtheTCCandother
laws,partoflaws,orspeciallawsadministeredbytheBIRortheBOCwherethe
principalamountoftaxesandfees,exclusiveofchargesandpenaltiesclaimedislessthan
P1Morwherethereisnospecifiedamountclaimed(theoffensesorpenaltiesshallbe
triedbytheregularcourtsandthejurisdictionoftheCTAshallbeappellate);
2)Intaxcollectioncasesinvolvingfinalandexecutoryassessmentsfortaxes,fees,
chargesandpenaltieswheretheprincipalamountoftaxesandfees,exclusiveofcharges
andpenaltiesclaimedislessthanP1MtriedbytheproperMTC,MeTCandRTC.
EXCLUSIVEAPPELLATEJURISDICTION
1)Incriminaloffenses
a)overappealsfromthejudgment,resolutionsorordersoftheRTCintaxcases
originallydecidedbythem,intheirrespectiveterritorialjurisdiction,and
b)overpetitionsforreviewofthejudgments,resolutionsorordersoftheRTCinthe
exerciseoftheirappellatejurisdictionovertaxcasesoriginallydecidedbytheMeTCs,
MTCs,andMCTCsintheirrespectivejurisdiction.
2)Intaxcollectioncases
.
a) overappealsfromthejudgments,resolutionsorordersoftheRTCintax
collectioncasesoriginallydecidedbythemintheirrespectiveterritorial
jurisdiction;and
b) overpetitionsforreviewofthejudgments,resolutionsorordersoftheRTCin
theexerciseoftheirappellatejurisdictionovertaxcollection
JURISDICTIONOFTHECOURTOFTAXAPPEALS(UNDERRA9282AND
RULE5,AM051107CTA)
EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTIONTOREVIEWBYAPPEAL
.
1) DecisionsofCIRincasesinvolvingdisputedassessments,refundsofinternal
revenuetaxes,feesorothercharges,penaltiesinrelationthereto,orothermatters
arisingundertheNIRCorotherlawsadministeredbyBIR;
2) InactionbyCIRincasesinvolvingdisputedassessments,refundsofIRtaxes,
feesorothercharges,penaltiesinrelationthereto,orothermattersarisingunder
theNIRCorotherlawsadministeredbyBIR,wheretheNIRCorotherapplicable
lawprovidesaspecificperiodofaction,inwhichcasetheinactionshallbe
deemedanimplieddenial;
3) Decisions,ordersorresolutionsoftheRTCsinlocaltaxesoriginallydecided
orresolvedbythemintheexerciseoftheiroriginalorappellatejurisdiction;
4) DecisionsoftheCommissionerofCustoms
a.
incasesinvolvingliabilityforcustomsduties,feesorothercharges,
seizure,detentionorreleaseofpropertyaffected,fines,forfeituresorother
penaltiesinrelation
thereto,or
b.
othermattersarisingundertheCustomslaworotherlaws,partoflawsor
speciallawsadministeredbyBOC;
ORIGINALORAPPELLATEcasesoriginallydecidedbytheMeTCs,MTCsand
MCTCsintheirrespectivejurisdiction.
JURISDICTION OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN
ORIGINALJURISDICTIONinallcasesinvolving
1) ViolationsofRA3019(AntiGraftandCorruptPracticesAct)
2) ViolationsofRA1379(AntiIllGottenWealthAct)
3) Sequestrationcases(E.O.Nos.1,2,14,14A)
4) Bribery(ChapterII,Sec.2,TitleVII,BookII,RPC)
whereoneormoreoftheprincipalaccusedareoccupyingthefollowingpositions
inthegovernment,whetherinpermanent,actingorinterimcapacityatthetimeof
thecommissionoftheoffense:
a) Officialsoftheexecutivebranchoccupyingthepositionsofregionaldirector
andhigher,otherwiseclassifiedasGrade27andhigher,ofthe
CompensationandPositionClassificationActof1989(RA6758)
b) MembersofCongressandofficialsthereofclassifiedasG27andupunder
RA6758
c) MembersoftheJudiciarywithoutprejudicetotheprovisionsofthe
Constitution
d) ChairmenandMembersoftheConstitutionalCommissionswithout
prejudicetotheprovisionsoftheConstitution
e) AllothernationalandlocalofficialsclassifiedasGrade27andhigherunder
RA6758
f) Otheroffensesorfeloniescommittedbythepublicofficialsandemployees
mentionedinSec.4(a)ofRA7975asamendedbyRA8249inrelationto
theiroffice
g) CivilandcriminalcasesfiledpursuanttoandinconnectionwithEONos.1,
2,14A(Sec.4,RA8249)
Note:Withouttheoffice,thecrimecannotbecommitted.
APPELLATEJURISDICTIONfromtheRTCincasesunderPD1606,asamendedby
PD1861,whetherornotthecasesweredecidedbthemintheexerciseoftheiroriginalor
appellatejurisdictions.
CONCURRENTORIGINALJURISDICTIONWITHSC,CAANDRTCforpetitions
forwritsofhabeasdataandamparo
> TherequisitesthattheoffendertheoffenderoccupiessalaryGrade27andtheoffense
mustbeintimatelyconnectedwiththeofficialfunctionmustconcurfortheSBtohave
jurisdiction JusticeMagdangalDeLeon
JURISDICTION OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
1) Offensespunishablewithimprisonmentwhichexceeds6yearsimprisonment
2) Offensesnotwithintheexclusivejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunalorbody,except
thosefallingundertheexclusivejurisdictionoftheSandiganbayan
Note:Incaseswheretheonlypenaltyisfine,theamountthereofshalldetermine
jurisdiction.IftheamountexceedsP4,000,theRTChasjurisdiction.
3) FamilyCourt CriminalCases
a) Oneormoreoftheaccusedis/arebelow18yearsoldbutnotlessthan9
yearsold;
b) Whereoneofthevictimsisaminoratthetimeofthecommissionofthe
offense;
c) CasesagainstminorscognizableundertheDangerousDrugsAct;
d) ViolationsofRA7610,otherwiseknownastheSpecialProtectionof
ChildrenAgainst
ChildAbuse,ExploitationandDiscriminationAct asamendedbyRA7658;and
e)Casesofdomesticviolationagainstwomenandtheirchildren.
> AllcasesdecidedbytheMTCintheirrespectiveterritorialjurisdiction.
1) Theactionisincapableofpecuniaryestimation(suchasrescissionofcontract,
actiontorevivejudgment,declaratoryrelief(1stpart),support,expropriation)
2) Titleto,possessionof,orinterestin,realpropertywithassessedvalueexceeding
P20,000outsideMetroManila,orexceedsP50,000inMetroManila
3) IftheamountinvolvedexceedsP300,000outsideMMorexceedsP400,000inMM
inthefollowingcases:
a) Admiraltyandmaritimecases
b) MattersofProbate(testateandintestate)
c) Otheractionsinvolvingpersonalproperty
d) Demandformoney
4) Casesnotfallingwithinthejurisdictionofanycourt,tribunal,personorbody
exercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions(generaljurisdictionofRTC)
5)Allactionsinvolvingthecontractofmarriageandfamilyrelations
JURISDICTIONOFFAMILYCOURTS(RA8369)
a)Petitionsforguardianship,custodyofchildrenandhabeascorpusinvolvingchildren
b) Petitionsforadoptionofchildrenandtherevocationthereof
c) Complaintsforannulmentofmarriage,declarationofnullityofmarriageandthose
relatingtostatusandpropertyrelationsofhusbandandwifeorthoseliving
togetherunderdifferentstatusandagreements,andpetitionsfordissolutionof
conjugalpartnershipofgains
d) Petitionsforsupportand/oracknowledgment
e) SummaryjudicialproceedingsbroughtundertheprovisionsofEO209(FamilyCode)
f) Petitionsfordeclarationofstatusofchildrenasabandoned,dependentorneglected
children,petitionsforvoluntaryorinvoluntarycommitmentofchildren,the
suspension,terminationorrestorationofparentalauthorityandothercases
cognizableunderPD603,EO56(1986)andotherrelatedlaws
g) Petitionsfortheconstitutionofthefamilyhome
> InareaswheretherearenoFamilyCourts,theaboveenumeratedcasesshallbe
adjudicatedbytheRTC(RA8369)sufficientpropertytocoverallitsdebtsbut
foreseestheimpossibilityofmeetingthemwhentheyrespectivelyfalldueorin
caseswherethecorporation,partnershipofassociationhasnosufficientassetsto
coveritsliabilities,butisunderthemanagementofaRehabilitationReceiveror
ManagementCommittee.
1)withtheSupremeCourtinactionsaffectingambassadors,otherpublicministersand
consuls
2)withtheSCandCAinpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamusagainst
lowercourtsandbodiesinpetitionsforquowarranto,habeascorpus,andwritof
continuingmandamusonenvironmentalcases
3)withtheSC,CAandSandigabayaninpetitionsforwritsofhabeasdataandamparo
4)WithInsuranceCommissioner claimsnotexceedingP100,000
APPELLATEJURISDICTIONovercasesdecidedbylowercourtsintheirrespective
territorialjurisdictionsexceptdecisionsoflowercourtsintheexerciseofdelegated
jurisdiction.
SPECIALJURISDICTION SCmaydesignatecertainbranchesofRTCtotry
exclusivelycriminalcases,juvenileanddomesticrelationscases,agrariancases,urban
landreformcasesnotfallingwithinthejurisdictionofanyquasijudicialbodyandother
specialcasesintheinterestofjustice.
.
1) CasescoveredbySummaryproceedings
.
a) Violationsofcityormunicipalordinancesincludingtrafficlaws
b) Violationofrentallaw
c) Violationoftrafficlaws,rulesandregulations
d) ViolationofBP22(BouncingCheckLaw)
effectiveApril15,2003
e) Allothercriminalcaseswherethepenaltyis
imprisonmentnotexceeding6monthsand/orP100,000fineirrespectiveof
otherpenaltiesarisingtherefrom
2) offensespunishablewithimprisonmentnotexceedingsix(6)yearsirrespective
oftheamountoffine,andregardlessofotherimposableaccessoryorother
penalties,includingthecivilliabilityarisingfrom
Sec.52,SecuritiesandRegulationsCode):
Tohearanddecideintracorporatecontroversies
a)Casesinvolvingdevisesorschemesemployedbyoranyacts,oftheboardofdirectors,
businessassociates,itsofficersorpartnership,amountingtofraudandmisrepresentation
whichmaybedetrimentaltotheinterestofthepublicand/orofthestockholders,
partners,membersofassociationsororganizationsregisteredwiththeSEC
b) Controversiesarisingoutofintracorporateorpartnershiprelations,betweenand
amongstockholders,membersorassociates;betweenanyorallofthemandthe
corporation,partnershiporassociationofwhichtheyarestockholders,membersor
associates,respectively;andbetweensuchcorporation,partnershiporassociation
andthestateinsofarasitconcernstheirindividualfranchiseorrighttoexistas
suchentity
c) Controversiesintheelectionorappointmentsofdirectors,trustees,officersor
managersofsuchcorporations,partnershipsorassociations
d) Petitionsofcorporations,partnershipsorassociationstobedeclaredinthestateof
suspensionofpaymentsincaseswherethecorporation,partnershipofassociation
possesses
JURISDICTIONOFMETROPOLITANTRIALCOURTS/MUNICIPALTRIAL
COURTS
CRIMINALCASESsuchoffensesorpredicatedthereon,irrespectiveofthekind,nature,
valueoramountthereof;providedhowever,thatinoffensesinvolvingdamageto
propertythroughcriminalnegligence,theyshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdiction
thereof(Sec.2,RA7691).
3) OffensesinvolvingDAMAGETOPROPERTYthroughCRIMINAL
NEGLIGENCEwheretheimposablefineisnotexceedingP10,000
Note:Incaseswheretheonlypenaltyisfine,theamountthereofshalldetermine
jurisdiction.IftheamountdoesnotexceedP4,000,theMTChasjurisdiction.
4) Alloffenses(exceptviolationsofRA3019,RA1379andArts.210to212,RPC)
committedbypublicofficersandemployeesinrelationtotheiroffice,including
thoseemployedinGOCCs,andbyprivateindividualschargedascoprincipals,
accomplicesoraccessories,punishablewithimprisonmentofnotmorethan6
yearsORwherenoneoftheaccusedholdsapositionofsalaryGrade27and
higher.
1)IftheamountinvolveddoesnotexceedP300,000outsideMMordoesnotexceed
P400,000inMMinthefollowingcases:
a) Actionsinvolvingpersonalproperty
b) ProbateProceeding(testateandintestate)
basedongrossvalueoftheestate
c) Admiraltyandmaritimecases
d) Demandformoney
Note:DonotincludeInterest,Damagesofwhateverkind,Attorneysfees,Litigation
Expenses,andCosts(IDALEC).However,incaseswheretheclaimordamagesisthe
maincauseofaction,oroneofthecausesofaction,theamountofsuchclaimshallbe
consideredindeterminingthejurisdictionofthecourt.
2) Actionsinvolvingtitleto,orpossessionof,realproperty,oranyinteresttherein
wheretheassessedvalueofthepropertyorinterestthereindoesnotexceed
P20,000outsideMMordoesnotexceedP50,000inMM
3) Inclusionandexclusionofvoters
4) ThosegovernedbytheRulesonSummaryProcedure
a)Forcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer(FEUD)
> WithjurisdictiontoresolveissueofownershiptodetermineONLYissueof
possession(provisionalonly)
> Irrespectiveoftheamountofdamagesorunpaidrentalssoughttoberecover
b)Whereattorneysfeesareawarded,thesameshallnotexceedP20,000
Othercivilcases,exceptprobateproceeding,wherethetotalamountoftheplaintiffs
claimdoesnotexceedP200,000inMM,exclusiveofinterestsandcosts.
SPECIALJURISDICTIONoverpetitionforwritofhabeascorpusORapplicationfor
bailincriminalcasesintheabsenceofallRTCjudgesintheprovinceorcity
DELEGATEDJURISDICTIONtohearanddecidecadastralandlandregistrationcases
wherethereisnocontroversyoverthelandorincaseofcontestedlands,thevaluedoes
notexceedP100,000=appealabletotheCA
1stlevelcourts:
a.
MetropolitanTrialCourt MetroManila;
b.
MunicipalTrialCourtsinCities situatedincities
c.
MunicipalCircuitTrialCourt composedofmultisala
d.
MunicipalTrialCourts inonemunicipality
SHARIAHCOURTS
EXCLUSIVEJURISDICTION
1)Allcasesinvolvingcustody,guardianship,legitimacy,paternityandfiliationarising
undertheCodeofMuslimPersonalLaws;
2)Allcasesinvolvingdisposition,distributionandsettlementofestateofdeceased
Muslims,probateofwills,issuanceoflettersofadministrationofappointment
administratorsorexecutorsregardlessofthenatureoraggregatevalueoftheproperty;
3)Petitionsforthedeclarationofabsenceanddeathforthecancellationandcorrectionof
entriesintheMuslimRegistries;
4)AllactionsarisingfromthecustomarycontractsinwhichthepartiesareMuslims,if
theyhavenotspecifiedwhichlawshallgoverntheirrelations;and
5)Allpetitionsformandamus,prohibition,injunction,certiorari,habeascorpusandall
otherauxiliarywritsandprocessesinaidofitsappellatejurisdiction
1)PetitionsofMuslimfortheconstitutionofthefamilyhome,changeofnameand
commitmentofaninsanepersontoanasylum
2)Allotherpersonalandlegalactionsnotmentionedinpar1(d)whereintheparties
involvedareMuslimsexceptthoseforforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer,whichshall
fallundertheexclusivejurisdictionoftheMTC.
3)Allspecialcivilactionsforinterpleaderordeclaratoryreliefwhereinthepartiesare
MuslimsorthepropertyinvolvedbelongsexclusivelytoMuslims
Casesthatcanbefiles:
.
1) OffensesdefinedandpunishedunderPD1083
2) Disputesrelatingto:
a.
Marriage
b.
Divorce
c.
Betrothalorbreachofcontracttomarry
d.
Customarydowry(mahr)
e.
Dispositionanddistributionofproperty
upondivorce
f.
Maintenanceandsupportand
consolatorygifts(muta)
g.
Restitutionofmaritalrights
3) Disputesrelativetocommunalproperties
JURISDICTIONOVERSMALLCLAIMS
1) MTCs,MeTCsandMCTCsshallhavejurisdictionoveractionsforpaymentof
moneywherethevalueoftheclaimdoesnotexceedP100,000exclusiveof
interestandcosts(Sec.2,AM0887SC,Oct.27,2009).
2) Actionscoveredare
a) purelycivilinnaturewheretheclaimorreliefprayedforbytheplaintiffis
solelyforpaymentorreimbursementofsumofmoney,and
b) thecivilaspectofcriminalactions,eitherfiledbeforetheinstitutionofthe
criminalaction,orreserveduponthefilingofthecriminalactionincourt,
pursuanttoRule111(Sec.4,AM0887SC).
Theseclaimsmaybe:
a) Formoneyowedunderthecontractsoflease,
loan,services,sale,ormortgage;
b) Fordamagesarisingfromfaultornegligence,
quasicontract,orcontract;and
c) Theenforcementofabarangayamicablesettlementoranarbitrationaward
involvingamoneyclaimpursuanttoSec.417ofRA7160(LGC).
1)Allcasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer(FEUD),irrespectiveoftheamount
ofdamagesorunpaidrentalssoughttoberecovered.Whereattorneysfeesareawarded,
thesameshallnotexceedP20,000;
2)Allothercases,exceptprobateproceedingswherethetotalamountoftheplaintiffs
claimdoesnotexceedP100,000(outsideMM)orP200,000(inMM),exclusiveof
interestandcosts.
1)Violationsoftrafficlaw,rulesandregulations;
2)Violationoftherentallaw;
3)Allothercriminalcaseswherethepenaltyprescribed
isimprisonmentnotexceedingsix(6)months,orfinenotexceedingP1,000,orboth,
irrespectiveofotherimposablepenalties,accessoryorotherwise,orofthecivilliability
arisingtherefrom,provided,thatinoffensesinvolvingdamagetopropertythrough
criminalnegligence,RSPshallgovernwheretheimposablefinedoesnotexceed
P10,000.
RSPdoesnotapplytoacivilcasewheretheplaintiffscauseofactionispleadedinthe
samecomplaintwithanothercauseofactionsubjecttotheordinaryprocedure;nortoa
criminalcasewheretheoffensechargedisnecessarilyrelatedtoanothercriminalcase
subjecttotheordinaryprocedure.
CASESCOVEREDBYTHERULESONBARANGAYCONCILIATION
TheLuponofeachbarangayshallhavetheauthoritytobringtogetherthepartiesactually
residinginthesamemunicipalityorcityforamicablesettlementofalldisputesexcept:
1)Whereonepartyisthegovernmentoranysubdivisionorinstrumentalitythereof
2)Whereonepartyisapublicofficeroremployee,andthedisputerelatestothe
performanceofhisofficialfunctions
3)Offensespunishablebyimprisonmentexceedingone(1)yearorafineexceeding
P5,000
4)Offenseswherethereisnoprivateoffendedparty5)Wherethedisputeinvolvesreal
propertieslocatedindifferentcitiesormunicipalitiesunlessthepartiestheretoagreeto
submittheirdifferencestoamicablesettlementbyanappropriatelupon
6)Disputesinvolvingpartieswhoactuallyresideinbarangaysofdifferentcitiesor
municipalities,exceptwheresuchbarangayunitsadjoineachotherandthepartiesthereto
agreetosubmittheirdifferencestoamicablesettlementbyanappropriatelupon
7)SuchotherclassesofdisputeswhichthePresidentmaydetermineintheinterestof
justiceorupontherecommendationoftheSecretaryofJustice
8) Anycomplaintbyoragainstcorporations,partnerships,orjuridicalentities.The
reasonisthatonlyindividualsshallbepartiestobarangayconciliation
proceedingseitherascomplainantsorrespondents
9) Disputeswhereurgentlegalactionisnecessarytopreventinjusticefrombeing
committedorfurthercontinued,specifically:
a) Acriminalcasewheretheaccusedisunderpolicecustodyordetention
b) Apetitionforhabeascorpusbyapersonillegallydetainedordeprivedofhis
libertyoroneactinginhisbehalf
c) Actionscoupledwithprovisionalremedies,suchaspreliminaryinjunction,
attachment,replevinandsupportpendentelite
d) Wheretheactionmaybebarredbystatuteoflimitation
10)Laboremployeremployeerelationshipdisputesorcontroversiesarisingfrom
11) WherethedisputearisesfromtheCARL
12) Actionstoannuljudgmentuponacompromisewhichcanbedirectlyfiledincourt.
Ordinarycivilactionisonebywhichonepartysuesanother,basedonacauseofaction,
toenforceorprotectaright,ortopreventorredressawrong,wherebythedefendanthas
performedanactoromittedtodoanactinviolationoftherightsoftheplaintiff.(Sec.
3a)Thepurposeisprimarilycompensatory.
Specialcivilaction actionswhichwhilegovernedbytherulesforordinarycivil
actions,aresubjecttospecialrulesprovidedforSpecialCivilActions
CriminalactionisonebywhichtheStateprosecutesapersonforanactoromission
punishablebylaw(Sec.3[b],Rule1).Thepurposeisprimarilypunishment.
Thepurposeofanactioniseithertoprotectarightorpreventorredressawrong.The
purposeofspecialproceedingistoestablishastatus,arightoraparticularfact.
PERSONAL ACTIONS AND REAL ACTIONS
AnactionisREALwhenitaffectstitletoorpossessionofrealproperty,oraninterest
therein.Allotheractionsarepersonalactions.
Anactionisrealwhenitisfoundedupontheprivityofrealestate,whichmeansthatthe
realtyoraninterestthereinisthesubjectmatteroftheaction.Theissuesinvolvedinreal
actionsaretitleto,ownership,possession,partition,foreclosureofmortgageor
condemnationofrealproperty.
Noteveryactioninvolvingrealpropertyisarealactionbecausetherealtymayonlybe
incidentaltothesubjectmatterofthesuit.Exampleisanactionfordamagestoreal
property,becausealthoughitinvolvesrealproperty,itdoesnotinvolveanyoftheissues
mentioned.
Realactionsarebasedontheprivityofrealestates;whilepersonalactionsarebasedon
privityofcontractsorfortherecoveryofsumsofmoney.
LOCAL AND TRANSITORY ACTIONS
Thedistinctionbetweenrealactionandpersonalactionisimportantforthepurposeof
determiningthevenueoftheaction.ArealactionisLOCAL,whichmeansthatits
venuedependsuponthelocationofthepropertyinvolvedinthelitigation.Apersonal
actionisTRANSITORY,whichmeansthatitsvenuedependsupontheresidenceofthe
plaintifforthedefendantattheoptionoftheplaintiff.
> ItisaconditionprecedentunderRule16;canbedismissedbutwithoutprejudice
TOTALITY RULE
Wherethereareseveralclaimsorcausesofactionsbetweenthesameordifferentparties,
embodiedinthesamecomplaint,theamountofthedemandshallbethetotalityofthe
claimsinalltheclaimsofaction,irrespectiveofwhetherthecausesofactionaroseout
ofthesameordifferenttransactions(Sec.33[1],BP129).
CIVILPROCEDURE
ACTIONS
Action(synonymouswithsuit)isthelegalandformaldemandofonesrightfromanother
personmadeandinsisteduponinacourtofjustice.Thekindsofactionsareordinaryand
special,civilandcriminal,excontractuandexdelicto,penalandremedial,real,personal,and
mixedaction,actioninpersonam,inrem,andquasiinrem.
CIVILACTIONSVERSUSSPECIALPROCEEDINGS
ORDINARYCIVILACTIONS,SPECIALCIVILACTIONS,CRIMINALACTIONS
Alocalactionisonefoundedonprivityofestatesonlyandthereisnoprivityof
contracts.Arealactionisalocalaction;itsvenuedependsuponthelocationofthe
propertyinvolvedinlitigation.Actionsaffectingtitletoorpossessionofrealproperty,
orinteresttherein,shallbecommencedandtriedinthepropercourtwhichhas
jurisdictionovertheareawhereintherealpropertyinvolved,oraportionthereofis
situated (Sec.1,Rule4).
Transitoryactionisonefoundedonprivityofcontractsbetweentheparties.Apersonal
actionistransitory,itsvenuedependsupontheresidenceoftheplaintifforthedefendant
attheoptionoftheplaintiff.Apersonalactionmaybecommencedandtriedwherethe
plaintifforanyoftheprincipalplaintiffsresidesorwherethedefendantoranyofthe
principaldefendantsresides,orinthecaseofnonresidentdefendant,wherehemaybe
found,attheelectionoftheplaintiff.(Sec.2,Rule4).
Actionsinrem,inpersonamandquasiinrem(thisisimportantinserviceofsummons)
> Anactioninrem,oneinstitutedandenforcedagainstthewholeworld.
> Anactioninpersonamisonefiledagainstadefinitedefendant.Itisintendedto
subjecttheinterestofdefendantonapropertytoanobligationorlien.Jurisdiction
overtheperson(defendant)isrequired.Itisaproceedingtoenforcepersonal
rightsandobligationsbroughtagainsttheperson,andisbasedonthejurisdiction
oftheperson,althoughitmayinvolvehisrightto,ortheexerciseofownershipof,
specificproperty,orseektocompelhimtocontrolordisposeofitinaccordance
withthemandateofthecourt.Thepurposeistoimposethroughthejudgmentofa
court,someresponsibilityorliabilitydirectlyuponthepersonofthedefendant.No
otherthanthedefendantisliable,notthewholeworld,asinanactionforasumof
moneyoranactionfordamages.
> Anactionquasiinrem,alsobroughtagainstthewholeworld,isonebroughtagainst
personsseekingtosubjectthepropertyofsuchpersonstothedischargeofthe
claimsassailed.Anindividualisnamedasdefendantandthepurposeofthe
proceedingistosubjecthisintereststhereintotheobligationorloanburdeningthe
property.Itdealswithstatus,ownershiporliabilityoraparticularpropertybut
whichareintendedtooperateonthesequestionsonlyasbetweentheparticular
partiestotheproceedingsandnottoascertainorcutofftherightsorinterestsof
allpossibleclaimants.Examplesofactionsquasiinremareactionforpartition,
actionforaccounting,attachment,foreclosureofmortgage.
> Anactioninpersonamisnotnecessarilyapersonalaction.Norisarealaction
necessarilyanactioninrem.Aninpersonamoraninremactionisaclassification
ofactionsaccordingtofoundation.Forinstance,anactiontorecover,titletoor
possessionofrealpropertyisarealaction,butitisanactioninpersonam,not
broughtagainstthewholeworldbutagainstthepersonuponwhomtheclaimis
made.
SCsumsupthebasicrulesinBiacovs.PhilippineCountrysideRuralBank(2007):
1)Thequestionofwhetherthetrialcourthasjurisdictiondependsonthenatureofthe
action whethertheactionisinpersonam,inrem,orquasiinrem.Therulesonservice
ofsummonsunderRule14likewiseapplyaccordingtothenatureoftheaction.
2) Anactioninpersonamisanactionagainstapersononthebasisofhispersonal
liability.Andactioninremisanactionagainstthethingitselfinsteadofagainst
theperson.Anactionquasiinremisonewhereinanindividualisnamedas
defendantandthepurposeoftheproceedingistosubjecthisinterestthereintothe
obligationorlienburdeningtheproperty.
3) Jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantisnecessaryforthecourttovalidlytry
anddecideacaseagainstsaiddefendantwheretheactionisoneinpersonambut
notwheretheactionisinremorquasiinrem.Jurisdictionovertheresisacquired
either
a.
bytheseizureofthepropertyunderlegalprocess,wherebyitisbroughtinto
actualcustodyofthelaw;or
b.
asaresultoftheinstitutionoflegalproceedings,inwhichthepowerofthecourt
isrecognizedandmadeeffective.
> Nonetheless,summonsmustbeserveduponthedefendantnotforthepurposeof
vestingthecourtwithjurisdictionbutmerelyforsatisfyingthedueprocessrequirements.
MEANING OF CAUSE OF ACTION
Acauseofactionistheactoromissionbywhichaparty(defendant)violatestherightsof
another(plaintiff).
Itisthedelictorwrongbywhichthedefendantviolatestherightorrightsoftheplaintiff.
Theelementsare:
1)Arightinfavoroftheplaintiffbywhatevermeansandunderwhateverlawitarisesor
iscreated;
2) Anobligationonthepartofthenameddefendanttorespectornottoviolatesuch
right;and
3) Actoromissiononthepartofsuchdefendantinviolationoftherightoftheplaintiff
orconstitutingabreachoftheobligationofthe
CAUSEOFACTION(Rule2)defendanttotheplaintiffforwhichthelattermay
maintainanactionforrecoveryofdamagesorotherappropriaterelief.
RIGHT OF ACTION VERSUS CAUSE OF ACTION
a) Acauseofactionreferstothedelictorwrongcommittedbythedefendants,
whereasrightofactionreferstotherightoftheplaintifftoinstitutetheaction;
b) Acauseofactionisdeterminedbythepleadings;whereasarightofactionis
determinedbythesubstantivelaw;
c) Arightofactionmaybetakenawaybytherunningofthestatuteoflimitations,by
estoppelsorothercircumstances;whichdonotatallaffectthecauseofaction;
d) Thereisnorightofactionwherethereisnocauseofaction!
FAILURE TO STATE CAUSE OF ACTION
Themereexistenceofacauseofactionisnotsufficientforacomplainttoprosper.Even
ifinrealitytheplaintiffhasacauseofactionagainstthedefendant,thecomplaintmaybe
dismissedifthecomplaintorthepleadingassertingtheclaimstatesnocauseofaction.
Thismeansthatthecauseofactionmustunmistakablybestatedorallegedinthe
complaintorthatalltheelementsofthecauseofactionrequiredbysubstantivelawmust
clearlyappearfromthemerereadingofthecomplaint.
Toavoidanearlydismissalofthecomplaint,thesimpledictumtobefollowedis:Ifyou
haveacauseofaction,thenbyallmeans,stateit! Wherethereisadefectoran
insufficiencyinthestatementofthecauseofaction,acomplaintmaybedismissednot
becauseofanabsenceoralackofcauseofactionbybecausethecomplaintstatesno
causeofaction.Thedismissalwilltherefore,beanchoredonafailuretostateacauseof
action.
Itdoesntmeanthattheplaintiffhasnocauseofaction.Itonlymeansthattheplaintiffs
allegationsareinsufficientforthecourttoknowthattherightsoftheplaintiffwere
violatedbythedefendant.Thus,evenifindeedtheplaintiffsufferedinjury,ifthesameis
notsetforthinthecomplaint,thepleadingwillstatenocauseofactionevenifinreality
theplaintiffhasacauseofactionagainstthedefendant.
Thetestiswhetherornotadmittingthefactsalleged,thecourtcouldrenderavalid
verdictinaccordancewiththeprayerofthecomplaint.
Tobetakenintoaccountareonlythematerialallegationsinthecomplaint;extraneous
factsandcircumstancesorothermatteraliundearenotconsideredbutthecourtmay
considerinadditiontothecomplainttheappendedannexesordocuments,other
pleadingsoftheplaintiff,oradmissionsintherecords.
Itiserrorforthecourttotakecognizanceofexternalfactsortoholdpreliminaryhearings
todetermineitsexistence.
Itistheactofinstitutingtwoormoresuitsforthesamecauseofaction(Sec.4,Rule2).It
isthepracticeofdividingonecauseofactionintodifferentpartsandmakingeachpart
thesubjectofaseparatecomplaint.
Insplittingacauseofaction,thepleaderdividesasinglecauseofaction,claimor
demandintotwoormoreparts,bringsasuitforoneofsuchpartswiththeintentto
reservetherestforanotherseparate.ThispracticeisNOTALLOWEDbytheRules
becauseitbreedsmultiplicityofsuits,clogsthecourtdockets,leadstovexatious
litigation,operatesasaninstrumentofharassment,andgeneratesunnecessaryexpenses
totheparties.
Thefilingofthefirstmaybepleadedinabatementoftheotherorothersandajudgment
uponthemeritsinanyoneisavailableasabarto,oragroundfordismissalof,theothers
Theremedyofthedefendantistofileamotiontodismiss.Hence,ifthefirstactionis
pendingwhenthesecondactionisfiled,thelattermaybedismissedbasedonlitis
pendencia,thereisanotheractionpendingbetweenthesamepartiesforthesamecause.
Ifafinaljudgmenthadbeenrenderedinthefirstactionwhenthesecondactionisfiled,
thelattermaybedismissedbasedonresjudicata,thatthecauseofactionisbarredby
priorjudgment.Astowhichactionshouldbedismissedwoulddependuponjudicial
discretionandtheprevailingcircumstancesofthecase.
Joinderofcausesofactionistheassertionofasmanycausesofactionasapartymay
haveagainstanotherinonepleadingalone(Sec.5,Rule2).Itistheprocessofuniting
twoormoredemandsorrightsofactioninoneaction,subjecttothefollowing
conditions:
a) Thepartyjoiningthecausesofactionshallcomplywiththerulesonjoinderof
parties(sametransactionadcommonquestionoflawanfact);
b) Thejoindershallnotincludespecialcivilactionsgovernedbyspecialrules;
c) Wherethecauseofactionarebetweenthesamepartiesbutpertaintodifferent
venuesorjurisdictions,thejoindermaybeallowedintheRTCprovidedoneofthe
causesofactionfallswithinthejurisdictionofsaidcourtandthevenuelies
therein;and
d)Wheretheclaimsinallthecausesofactionare
SPLITTINGASINGLECAUSEOFACTIONANDITSEFFECTS
JOINDERANDMISJOINDEROFCAUSESOFACTIONS(SECS.5AND6,ULE2)
TESTOFTHESUFFICIENCYOFACAUSEOFACTION
principallyforrecoveryofmoney,theaggregateamountclaimedshallbethetestof
jurisdiction(totalityrule).
Note:Restrictionsonjoinderofcausesofactionare:jurisdiction,venue,andjoinderof
parties.Thejoindershallnotincludespecialcivilactionsoractionsgovernedbyspecial
rules.
Whenthereisamisjoinderofcausesofaction,theerroneouslyjoinedcauseofactioncan
beseveredorseparatedfromtheothercauseofactionuponmotionbyapartyoruponthe
courtsowninitiative.Misjoinderofcausesofactionisnotagroundforthedismissalof
thecase.
REALPARTYININTEREST(e.g.plaintiffanddefendant)isthepartywhostandstobe
benefitedorinjuredbythejudgmentinthesuit,orthepartyentitledtotheavailsofthe
suit(Sec.2,Rule3).
> Theinterestmustbereal,whichisapresentsubstantialinterestasdistinguishedfroma
mereexpectancyorafuture,contingentsubordinateorconsequential.
> Itisaninterestthatismaterialanddirect,asdistinguishedfromamereincidental
interestin.
> Whileordinarilyonewhoisnotaprivytoacontractmaynotbringanactionto
enforceit,therearerecognizedexceptionsthisrule:
a) Contractscontainingstipulationspouratruiorstipulationsexpresslyconferring
benefitstoanonpartymaysueunderthecontractprovidedsuchbenefits
havebeenacceptedbythebeneficiarypriortoitsrevocationbythe
contractingparties(Art.1311,CivilCode).
b) Thosewhoarenotprincipallyorsubsidiarilyobligatedinthecontract,inwhichthey
hadnointervention,mayshowtheirdetrimentthatcouldresultfromit.For
instance,Art.1313,CC,providesthatcreditorsareprotectedincasesof
contractsintendedtodefraudedthem.Further,Art.1318,CC,provides
thatcontractsenteredintoinfraudofcreditorsmayberescindedwhenthe
creditorscannotinanymannercollecttheclaimsduethem.Thus,a
creditorwhoisnotapartytoacontractcansuetorescindthecontractto
redressthefraudcommitteduponhim.
INDISPENSABLEPARTYisarealpartyininterestwithoutwhomnofinal
determinationcanbehadofanaction(Sec.7,Rule3).
> Withoutthepresenceofthisparty,thejudgmentofacourtcannotattainreal
judgement.
> Thepresenceofindispensablepartiesisaconditionfortheexerciseofjuridicalpower
andwhenanindispensablepartyisnotbeforethecourt,theactionshouldbedismissed.
> Theabsenceofindispensablepartyrendersallsubsequentactionsofthecourtnulland
voidforwantofauthoritytoact,notonlytotheabsentpartiesbutevenastothose
present.
> ApersonisnotanIPifhisinterestinthecontroversyorsubjectmatterisseparable
fromtheinterestoftheotherparties,sothatitwillnotnecessarilybedirectlyor
injuriouslyaffectedbyadecreewhichdoescompletejusticebetweenthem.Also,a
personisnotanIPifhispresencewouldmerelypermitcompletereliefbetweenhimand
thosealreadypartiestotheaction,orifhehasnointerestinthesubjectmatterofthe
action.
> Althoughnormallyajoinderofactionispermissive(Sec.6,Rule3),thejoinderofa
partybecomescompulsorywhentheoneinvolvedisanindispensableparty.Clearly,the
ruledirectsacompulsoryjoinderofIP(Sec.7,Rule3).
NECESSARYPARTYisonewhoisnotindispensablebutoughttobejoinedasaparty
ifcompletereliefistobeaccordedastothosealreadyparties,offoracomplete
determinationorsettlementoftheclaimsubjectoftheaction.
> Butanecessarypartyoughttobejoinedasapartyifcompletereliefistobe
accordedastothosealreadyparties(Sec.8,Rule3).
> Thenoninclusionofanecessarypartydoesnotpreventthecourtfromproceedingin
theaction,andthejudgmentrenderedthereinshallbewithoutprejudicetothe
rightsofsuchnecessaryparty(Sec.9,Rule3).
INDIGENTPARTYisonewhoisallowedbythecourttolitigatehisclaim,action
ordefenseuponexparteapplicationandhearing,whenthecourtissatisfiedthat
suchpartyhasnomoneyorpropertysufficientandavailableforfood,shelter,
basicnecessitiesforhimselfandhisfamily(Sec.21,Rule3).
> Ifoneisauthorizedtolitigateasanindigent,suchauthorityshallincludean
exemptionfromthepaymentofdocketfee,andoftranscriptsofstenographic
notes,whichthecourtmayordertoefurnishedbyhim.
> However,theamountofthedocketandotherfees,whichtheindigentwasexempt
frompaying,shallbelienonthejudgmentrenderedinthecasefavorabletothe
indigent.Alienonthejudgmentshallorariseifthecourtprovidesotherwise.
REPRESENTATIVESASPARTIESpertainstothepartiesallowedbythecourt
assubstitutepartiestoan
PARTIESINCIVILACTION(Rule3)
actionwherebytheoriginalpartiesbecomeincapacitated
MISJOINDER AND NON-JOINDER OF PARTIES of incompetent (Sec. 18, Rule 3).
> Thesubstitutionofapartydependsonthenatureoftheaction.Iftheactionis
personal,andapartydiespendentlite,suchactiondoesnotsurvive,andsuchpartycannotbe
substituted.Iftheactionisreal,deathofthedefendantsurvivestheaction,andtheheirswill
substitutethedead.Afavorablejudgmentobtainedbytheplaintiffthereinmaybeenforced
againsttheestateofthedeceaseddefendant(Sec.1,Rule87).
> Incaseapartybecomesincapacitatedorincompetentduringthependencyofthe
action,thecourt,uponmotion,mayallowtheactiontobecontinuedbyoragainst
theincapacitatedorincompetentpartywiththeassistanceofhislegalguardianor
guardianadlitem(Sec.18,Rule20).
> Incaseoftransfer,theactionmaybecontinuedbyoragainsttheoriginalparty,
unlessthecourtuponmotiondirectsthepersontowhomtheinterestistransferred
tobesubstitutedintheactionorjoinedwiththeoriginalparty(Sec.19,Rule3).
> Anagentmaysueorbesuedwithoutjoininghisprincipalexceptwhenthe
contractinvolvethingsbelongingtotheprincipal(Wheretheactionisallowedto
beprosecutedanddefendedbyarepresentativeorsomeoneactinginafiduciary
capacity,thebeneficiaryshallbeincludedinthetitleofthecaseandshallbe
deemedtobetherealpropertyininterest,Sec.3,Rule3).
ALTERNATIVEDEFENDANTSarethosewhomaybejoinedassuchinthe
alternativebytheplaintiffwhoisuncertainfromwhomamongthemheisentitled
toarelief,regardlessofwhetherornotarighttoareliefagainstoneisinconsistent
withthatagainsttheother(Sec.13,Rule3).
>Wheretheplaintiffcannotdefinitelyidentifywhoamongtwoormorepersonsshould
beimpleadedasadefendant,hemayjoinallofthemasdefendantsinthe
alternative.
> Justastheruleallowsasuitagainstdefendantsinthealternative,therulealsoallows
alternativecausesofaction(Sec.2,Rule8)andalternativedefenses(Sec.5[b],Rule6).
Joinderofpartiesiscompulsoryiftherearepartieswithoutwhomnofinaldetermination
canbehadofanaction(Sec.7,Rule3).
Joinderofpartiesispermissivewhenthereisarightorreliefinfavoroforagainstthe
partiesjoinedinrespecttoorarisingoutofthesametransactionorseriesoftransactions,
andthereisaquestionoflaworfactcommontothepartiesjoinedintheaction(Sec.6,
Rule3).
Apartyis
a.misjoinedwhenheismadeapartytotheactionalthoughheshouldnotbeimpleaded
b.notjoinedwhenheissupposedtobejoinedbutisnotimpleadedintheaction
Undertherules,neithermisjoindernornonjoinderofpartiesisagroundforthe
dismissalofanactionbutfailuretoobeytheorderofthecourttodroporaddapartyisa
groundforthedismissalofthecomplaint(Sec.3,Rule17).Partiesmaybedroppedor
addedbyorderofthecourtonmotionofanypartyoronitsowninitiativeatanystageof
theactionandonsuchtermsasarejust(Sec.11,Rule3).Misjoinderofpartiesdoesnot
involvequestionsofjurisdictionandnotagroundfordismissal.
CLASS SUIT
Aclasssuitisanactionwhereoneormoremaysueforthebenefitofalliftherequisites
forsaidactionarecompliedwith.
Aclasssuitdoesnotrequirecommonalityofinterestinthequestionsinvolvedinthesuit.
WhatisrequiredbytheRulesisacommonorgeneralinterestinthesubjectmatterofthe
litigation.Thesubjectmatteroftheactionmeansthephysical,thethingsrealorpersonal,
themoney,lands,chattels,andthelike,inrelationtothesuitwhichisprosecutedandnot
thedirectorwrongcommittedbythedefendant.Itisnotalsoacommonquestionoflaw
thatsustainsaclasssuitbutacommoninterestinthesubjectmatterofthecontroversy.
Thereisnoclasssuitwheninterestsareconflicting.Hence,foraclasssuittoprosper,the
followingrequisitesmustconcur:
Thesubjectmatterofthecontroversymustbeofcommonorgeneralinteresttomany
persons;Thepersonsaresonumerousthatitisimpracticabletojoinallasparties;
Thepartiesactuallybeforethecourtaresufficientlynumerousandrepresentativeasto
fullyprotecttheinterestsofallconcerned;andTherepresentativessueordefendforthe
benefitofall(Sec.12,Rule3).
COMPULSORYANDPERMISSIVEJOINDEROFPARTIES
Itshallapprovalofthecourt.
SUITSAGAINSTENTITIESWITHOUTJURIDICALPERSONALITY
Acorporationbeinganentityseparateanddistinctfromitsmembershasnointerestin
theindividualpropertyofitsmembersunlesstransferredtothecorporation.Absentany
showingofinterests,acorporationhasnopersonalitytobringanactionforthepurpose
ofrecoveringtheproperty,whichbelongstothemembersintheirpersonalcapacities.
Anentitywithoutjuridicalpersonalitymaybesuedunderacommonnamebywhichitis
commonlyknownwhenitrepresentstotheplaintiffunderacommonname,andthelatter
reliesonsuchrepresentation.
Personsassociatedinanentitywithoutjuridicalpersonalitymaybesuedunderthename
bywhichtheyaregenerallyorcommonlyknown,buttheycannotsueundersuchname.
EFFECT OF DEATH OF PARTY LITIGANT
Thedeathoftheclientextinguishestheattorneyclientrelationshipanddivestsacounsel
ofhisauthoritytorepresenttheclient.Accordingly,adeadclienthasnopersonalityand
cannotberepresentedbyanattorney.Neitherdoeshebecomethecounseloftheheirsof
thedeceasedunlesshisservicesareengagedbysaidheirs.
Wheretheclaimisnotextinguishedbythedeathofthelitigant,uponthereceiptofthe
noticeofdeath,thecourtshallorderthelegalrepresentativeorrepresentativesofthe
deceasedtoappearandbesubstitutedforthedeceasedwithinthirty(30)daysfromnotice
(Sec.16,Rule3).
Thesubstitutionofthedeceasedwouldnotbeorderedbythecourtincaseswherethe
deathofthepartywouldextinguishtheactionbecausesubstitutionisproperonlywhen
theactionsurvives.
Wherethedeceasedhasnoheirs,thecourtshallrequiretheappointmentofanexecutor
oradministrator.Thisappointmentisnotrequiredwherethedeceasedleftanheirbecause
theheirunderthenewrule,maybeallowedtobesubstitutedforthedeceased.Ifthereis
anheirbuttheheirisaminor,thecourtmayappointaguardianadlitemforsaidminor
heir(Sec.13,Rule3).
Thecourtmayappointanexecutororadministratorwhen:
a) thecounselforthedeceaseddoesnotnamealegalrepresentative;or
b) thereisarepresentativenamedbuthefailedtoappearwithinthespecifiedperiod
(Sec.16,Rule3).
Venueistheplaceorthegeographicalareawhereanactionistobefiledandtried.In
civilcases,itrelatesonlytotheplaceofthesuitandnottothejurisd2011Bar
Examinations31BERT NOTESinREMEDIALLAW
VENUEVERSUSJURISDICTION
a)Jurisdictionistheauthoritytohearanddetermineacase;venueistheplacewherethe
caseistobeheardortried;
b)Jurisdictionisamatterofsubstantivelaw;venueofprocedurallaw;
c)Jurisdictionestablishesarelationbetweenthecourtandthesubjectmatter;venue,a
relationbetweenplaintiffanddefendant,orpetitionerandrespondent;
d)Jurisdictionisfixedbylawandcannotbeconferredbytheparties;venuemaybe
conferredbytheactoragreementoftheparties;and
e)Lackofjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterisagroundforamotupropiodismissal;
venueisnotagroundforamotupropiodismissalexceptincasessubjecttosummary
procedure.
VENUEOFREALACTIONS
Actionsaffectingtitletoorpossessionofrealproperty,orinteresttherein,shallbe
commencedandtriedinthepropercourtwhichhasjurisdictionovertheareawhereinthe
realpropertyinvolvedoraportionthereofissituated.Forcibleentryanddetaineractions
shallbecommencedandtriedinthemunicipaltrialcourtofthemunicipalityorcity
whereintherealpropertyinvolved,oraportionthereof,issituated(Sec.1,Rule4).
VENUEOFPERSONALACTIONS
Allotheractionsmaybecommencedandtried:
a)wheretheplaintifforanyoftheprincipalplaintiffsresides,or
b)wherethedefendantoranyoftheprincipaldefendantsresides
> allattheoptionoftheplaintiff(Sec.2,
Rule4)VENUEOFACTIONSAGAINSTNONRESIDENTS
IfanyofthedefendantsdoesnotresideandisnotfoundinthePhilippines,andtheaction
affectsthepersonalstatusoftheplaintiff,oranypropertyofsaiddefendantlocatedinthe
Philippines,theactionmaybe
.
1) commencedandtriedinthecourtoftheplacewheretheplaintiffresides,or
2) wherethepropertyoranyportionthereofissituatedorfound(Sec.3,Rule4),
or
3) attheplacewherethedefendantmaybefound attheoptionoftheplaintiff
(Sec.2).
WHENTHERULESONVENUEDONOTAPPLY
TheRulesdonotapply
VENUE(Rule4)
a) inthosecaseswhereaspecificruleorlawprovidesotherwise(i.e.actionfor
damagesarisingfromlibel);or
b) wherethepartieshavevalidlyagreedinwritingbeforethefilingoftheactiononthe
exclusivevenuethereof(Sec.4,Rule4).
EFFECTSOFSTIPULATIONSONVENUE
Thepartiesmaystipulateonthevenueaslongastheagreementis
a) inwriting
b) madebeforethefilingoftheaction,and
c) exclusiveastothevenue(Sec.4[b],Rule4).
Ininterpretingstipulationsastovenue,thereisaneedtoinquireastowhetherornotthe
agreementisrestrictiveornot.IfthestipulationisRESTRICTIVE,thesuitmaybefiled
onlyintheplaceagreeduponbytheparties.Itmustbereiteratedandmadeclearthat
underRule4,thegeneralrulesonvenueofactionsshallnotapplywheretheparties,
beforethefilingoftheaction,havevalidlyagreedinwritingonanexclusivevenue.The
merestipulationonthevenueofanaction,however,isnotenoughtoprecludeparties
frombringingacaseinothervenues.Iftheintentionofthepartiesweretorestrictvenue,
theremustbeaccompanyinglanguageclearlyandcategoricallyexpressingtheirpurpose
anddesignthatactionsbetweenthembelitigatedonlyattheplacenamedbythem.
ThepartiesmustbeabletoshowthatsuchstipulationisEXCLUSIVE.Intheabsenceof
qualifyingorrestrictivewords,thestipulationshouldbedeemedasmerelyanagreement
onanadditionalforum,notaslimitingvenuetothespecifiedplace.
Pleadingsarewrittenstatementsoftherespectiveclaimsanddefensesoftheparties
submittedtothecourtforappropriatejudgment(Sec.1,Rule6).Pleadingsaimtodefine
theissuesandfoundationofprooftobesubmittedduringthetrial,andtoapprisethe
courtoftherivalclaimsoftheparties.
A.COMPLAINT
Complaintisthepleadingallegingtheplaintiffscauseorcausesofaction,statingtherein
thenamesandresidencesoftheplaintiffanddefendant(Sec.3,Rule6)andshould
containaconcisestatementoftheultimatefactsconstitutingtheplaintiffscauseof
action.
B.ANSWER
Ananswerisapleadinginwhichadefendingpartysetsforthhisdefenses(Sec.3,Rule
6).Itmayallegelegalprovisionsrelieduponfordefense(Sec.1,Rule8).Itmaybean
answertothecomplaint,counterclaimoracrossclaim,thirdpartycomplaintor
complaintinintervention.
Thedefendantmaysetuptwokindsofdefenses:
1.NEGATIVEDEFENSES
a) Negativedefensesarethespecificdenialsofthematerialfactorfactsallegedinthe
pleadingoftheclaimantessentialtohiscauseorcausesofaction(Sec.5[a],Rule
6).
b) Whentheanswersetsforthnegativedefenses,theburdenofproofrestsuponthe
plaintiff,andwhentheanswerallegesaffirmativedefenses,theburdenofproof
devolvesuponthedefendant.
c) Therearethreetypesspecificdenials:
1.Absolutedenialwhenthedefendantspecifyeachmaterialallegationoffactthetruth
ofwhichhedoesnotadmitandwheneverpracticablesetsforththesubstanceof
themattersuponwhichhereliestosupportsuchdenial.
2.Partialdenial whenthedefendantdoesnotmakeatotaldenialofthematerial
allegationsinaspecificparagraph,denyingonlyapartoftheaverment.Indoingsohe
specifiesthatpartofthetruthofwhichheadmitsanddeniesonlytheremainder.
3.Denialbydisavowalofknowledgewhenthedefendantallegeshavingnoknowledge
orinformationsufficienttoformabeliefastothetruthofamaterialavermentmadein
thecomplaint.Suchdenialmustbemadeingoodfaith.
> Whenthematterdeniedbyadisavowalofknowledgeisplainlyandnecessarilywithin
thedefendantsknowledge,suchclaimshallnotbeconsideredasaspecificdenial.
> Ifthedenialdoesnotfallwithinthescopeoftheabovementionedkindsofaspecific
denial,itshallbeconsideredageneraldenialwhichisconsideredasanadmissionofthe
avermentnotspecificallydenied.
2.NEGATIVEPREGNANT
> Negativepregnantisanadmissioninavoidancewhichdoesnotqualifyasaspecific
denial.
> Itisaformofnegativeexpressionwhichcarrieswithitanaffirmationoratleastan
implicationofsomekindfavorabletotheadverseparty.Itisadenialpregnant
withanadmissionofthesubstantialfactsallegedinthepleading.
PLEADINGS(Rules613)
KINDSOFPLEADINGS(RULE6)
> Whereafactisallegedwithqualifyingormodifyinglanguageandthewordsofthe
allegationassoqualifiedormodifiedareliterallydenied,thequalifying
circumstancesalonearedeniedwhilethefactitselfisadmitted.
> Itisnotaspecificdenialandisusuallyanadmission.
.
a) Fraud
b) Statuteoflimitations
c) Release
d) Payment
e) Illegality
f) Statuteoffrauds
g) Estoppel
C.COUNTERCLAIM
Acounterclaimisanyclaimwhichadefendingpartymayhaveagainstan
opposingparty(Sec.6,Rule6).Itisinitselfaclaimorcauseofactioninterposed
inananswer.Itiseithercompulsoryorpermissive.
1.COMPULSORYCOUNTERCLAIM
Acompulsorycounterclaimisonewhich,beingcognizablebytheregularcourts
ofjustice,arisesoutoforisconnectedwiththetransactionoroccurrence
constitutingthesubjectmatteroftheopposingpartysclaimanddoesnotrequire
foritsadjudication,thepresenceofthirdpartiesofwhomthecourtcannotacquire
jurisdiction.Suchacounterclaimmustbewithinthejurisdictionofthecourt,both
astotheamountandthenaturethereof,exceptthatinanoriginalactionbeforethe
RTC,thecounterclaimmaybeconsideredcompulsoryregardlessoftheamount
(Sec.7,Rule6).
Thefailureofthedefendanttosetupacompulsorycounterclaimshallbarits
institution,subjecttothefollowingexceptions:
.
a) Ifthecounterclaimmaturedorwasacquiredafterthedefendanthad
servedhisanswer.Insuchcase,itmaybepleadedbyfilingasupplemental
answerorpleadingbeforejudgment;and
b) Whenapleaderfailstosetupacounterclaimthroughoversight,
inadvertence,excusablenegligence,orwhenjusticerequires,hemay,by
leaveofcourt,setupthecounterclaimbyamendmentofthepleadings
beforejudgment.
Pointstoconsider:
a)Acompulsorycounterclaimifnotsetupisbarred
.
b) Itrequiresnopaymentofthedocketfee
c) Neednotbeanswered
d) Doesnotneedacertificateagainstforum
AFFIRMATIVEDEFENSES
Affirmativedefensesareallegationsofnewmatterswhich,whilehypothetically
admittingthematerialallegationsinthepleadingoftheclaimant,wouldnevertheless
preventorbarrecoverybyhim.
Affirmativedefensesinclude:
h)Formerrecovery
i)Dischargeinbankruptcy
j)Anyothermatterbywayofconfessionandavoidance(Sec.5[b],Rule6)
2.PERMISSIVECOUNTERCLAIM
Permissivecounterclaimisacounterclaimwhichdoesnotariseoutofnorisit
necessarilyconnectedwiththesubjectmatteroftheopposingpartysclaim.Itisnot
barredevenifnotsetupintheaction.
Therequirementsofapermissivecounterclaimare:
1)Itdoesnotrequireforitsadjudicationthepresenceofthirdpartiesofwhomthecourt
cannotacquirejurisdiction;
.
2) Itmustbewithinthejurisdictionofthecourtwhereinthecaseispendingandis
cognizablebytheregularcourtsofjustice;and
3) Itdoesnotariseoutofthesametransactionorseriesoftransactionssubjectof
thecomplaint.
Pointstoconsider:
.
a) evenifnotsetupisnotbarredbecauseitdoesntariseoutofthesame
transactionasthatofthecomplaint
b) itcanbebroughtasaseparateactioninitself
c) docketfeemustbepaid
d) itmustbeansweredbytheadversepartyto
preventdefault
e) itneedsacertificateagainstforumshopping.
3.EFFECTONTHECOUNTERCLAIMWHENTHECOMPLAINTISDISMISSED
Ifacounterclaimhasalreadybeenpleadedbythedefendantpriortotheserviceuponhim
oftheplaintiffsmotiontodismiss,andthecourtgrantsthesaidmotiontodismiss,the
dismissalshallbelimitedtothecomplaint(Sec.2,Rule17).
Thedismissaluponmotionofplaintiffshallbewithoutprejudicetotherightofthe
defendanttoprosecutethecounterclaim
Thedefendantifhesodesiresmayprosecutehiscounterclaimeitherinaseparateaction
orinthesameaction.Shouldhechoosetohavehiscounterclaimresolvedinthesame
action,hemustnotifythecourtofhispreferencewithin15daysfromnoticeofthe
plaintiffsmotiontodismiss.Shouldheopttoprosecutehiscounterclaiminaseparate
action,thecourtshouldrenderthecorrespondingordergrantingandreservinghisrightto
prosecutehisclaiminaseparatecomplaint.
ThedismissalofthecomplaintunderSec.3(duetofaultofplaintiff)iswithoutprejudice
totherightofthedefendanttoprosecutehiscounterclaiminthesameactionorina
separateaction.Thisdismissalshallhavetheeffectofadjudicationuponthemerits,
unlessotherwisedeclaredbythecourt.Thedismissalofthemainactiondoesnotcarry
withitthedismissalofthecounterclaim(Sec.6,Rule16).
D.CROSSCLAIMS
Acrossclaimisanyclaimbyonepartyagainstacopartyarisingoutofthetransaction
oroccurrencethatisthesubjectmattereitheroftheoriginalactionorofacounterclaim
therein.Suchcrossclaimmayincludeaclaimthatthepartyagainstwhomitisassertedis
ormaybeliabletothecrossclaimantforallofpartofaclaimassertedintheaction
againstthecrossclaimant(Sec.8,Rule6).
E.THIRD(FOURTHETC.)PARTYCOMPLAINTS
Itisaclaimthatadefendingpartymay,withleaveofcourt,fileagainstapersonnota
partytotheaction,calledthethird(fourth,etc.)partydefendant,forcontribution,
indemnity,subrogationoranyotherrelief,inrespectofhisopponentsclaim.
F.COMPLAINTININTERVENTION
Complaintininterventionisapleadingwherebyathirdpartyassertsaclaimagainst
eitheroralloftheoriginalparties.Ifthepleadingseekstounitewiththedefendingparty
inresistingaclaimagainstthelatter,heshallfileananswerinintervention.
Ifatanytimebeforejudgment,apersonnotapartytotheactionbelievesthathehasa
legalinterestinthematterinlitigationinacaseinwhichheisnotaparty,hemay,with
leaveofcourt,fileacomplaintininterventionintheactionifheassertsaclaimagainst
oneoralloftheparties.
G.REPLY
Replyisapleading,theofficeorfunctionofwhichistodeny,orallegefactsindenialor
avoidanceofnewmattersallegedbywayofdefenseintheanswerandtherebyjoinor
makeissueastosuchmatters.Evenifapartydoesnotfilesuchreply,allthenewmatters
allegedintheansweraredeemedcontroverted(Sec.10,Rule6).
Butyouneedtofileareplyifthereisanactionabledocumentdenyingthedueexecution
ofsuchdocumentunderoath
TheonlypleadingsallowedundertheRulesonSummaryProcedureare
.
a) Complaint
b) COMPULSORYCOUNTERCLAIMpleaded
intheanswer,
c) crossclaimpleadedintheanswer,
d) answers
> thesepleadingsmustbeverified.
Theonlypleadingsallowedundersmallclaimcasesare:
.
a) Statementofclaim
b) Response
c) Counterclaimintheresponse
ThepartsofapleadingunderRule7are:thecaption(Sec.1),thetextorthebody(Sec.
2),thesignatureandaddress(Sec.3),theverification(Sec.4),andthecertification
againstforumshopping(Sec.5).
CAPTION
Thecaptionmustsetforththenameofthecourt,thetitleoftheaction,andthedocket
numberifassigned.
Thetitleoftheactionindicatesthenamesoftheparties.Theyshallallbenamedinthe
originalcomplaintorpetition;butinsubsequentpleadings,itshallbesufficientifthe
nameofthefirstpartyoneachsidebestatedwithanappropriateindicationwhenthere
areotherparties.Theirrespectiveparticipationinthecaseshallbeindicated.
SIGNATUREANDADDRESS
Everypleadingmustbesignedbythepartyorcounselrepresentinghim,statingineither
casehisaddresswhichshouldnotbeapostofficebox.
Thesignatureofcounselconstitutesacertificatebyhimthathehasreadthepleading;
thattothebestofhisknowledge,information,andbeliefthereisgoodgroundtosupport
it;andthatitisnotinterposedfordelay.
PLEADINGSALLOWEDINSMALLCLAIMCASESANDCASESCOVEREDBY
THERULESONSUMMARYPROCEDURE
PARTSOFAPLEADING(RULE7)
Anunsignedpleadingproducesnolegaleffect.However,thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,allow
suchdeficiencytoberemediedifitshallappearthatthesamewasduetomereinadvertenceand
notintendedfordelay.Counselwhodeliberatelyfilesanunsignedpleading,orsignsapleading
inviolationoftheRule,orallegesscandalousorindecentmattertherein,orfailstopromptly
reporttothecourtachangeofhisaddress,shallbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction.
Ineverypleading,counselhastoindicatehisprofessionaltaxreceipt(PTR)andIBP
receipt,thepurposeofwhichistoseetoitthathepayshistaxandmembershipdue
regularly.
VERIFICATION
Averificationofapleadingisanaffirmationunderoathbythepartymakingthe
pleadingthatheispreparedtoestablishthetruthfulnessofthefactswhichhehas
pleadedbasedonhisownpersonalknowledge.
Thegeneralruleunder,Sec.4.Rule7isthat,pleadingneednotbeunderoath.This
meansthatapleadingneednotbeverified.Apleadingwillbeverifiedonlywhena
verificationisrequiredbyalaworbyarule.
Apleadingisverifiedbyanaffidavit,whichdeclaresthat:
a) theaffianthasreadthepleading,and
b) theallegationsthereinaretrueandcorrecttohis
personalknowledgeorbasedonauthenticrecords.
Theverificationrequirementissignificant,asitisintendedtosecureanassurancethat
theallegationsinapleadingaretrueandcorrectandnottheproductoftheimaginationor
amatterofspeculation,andthatthepleadingisfiledingoodfaith.Theabsenceofproper
verificationiscausetotreatthepleadingasunsignedanddismissible.
Itis,however,beenheldthattheabsenceofaverificationorthenoncompliancewiththe
verificationrequirementdoesnotnecessarilyrenderthepleadingdefective.Itisonlya
formalandnotajurisdictionalrequirement.Therequirementisaconditionaffectingonly
theformofthepleading(Sarmeintovs.Zaratan,2007).Theabsenceofverificationmay
becorrectedbyrequiringanoath.Thecourtmayorderthecorrectionofthepleadingor
actonanunverifiedpleadingiftheattendingcircumstancesaresuchthatstrict
compliancewouldnotfullyservesubstantialjustice,whichafterall,isthebasicaimfor
therulesofprocedure(RobertDevelopmentCorp.vs.Quitain,315SCRA150).
CERTIFICATIONAGAINSTFORUMSHOPPING
> Neededininitiatorypleadings
Thecertificationagainstforumshoppingisaswornstatementcertifyingtothefollowing
matters:
1)ThatthepartyhasNOTCOMMENCEDorfiledanyclaiminvolvingthesameissues
inanycourt,tribunal,orquasijudicialagencyand,tothebestofhisknowledge,nosuch
otheractionorclaimispending;
2)Thatifthereissuchotherpendingactionorclaim,acompletestatementofthepresent
STATUSthereof;and
3)Thatifheshouldthereforelearnthatthesameorsimilaractionorclaimhasbeenfiled
orispending,heshallREPORTTHATFACTwithinfive(5)daystherefromtothecourt
whereinhisaforesaidcomplaintorinitiatorypleadinghasbeenfiled.
Failuretocomplywiththeforegoingrequirementsshallnotbecurablebymere
amendmentofthecomplaintorotherinitiatorypleadingbutshallbecauseforthe
dismissalofthecasewithoutprejudice,unlessotherwiseprovided,uponmotionandafter
hearing.
Thesubmissionofafalsecertificationornoncompliancewithanyoftheundertakings
thereinshallconstituteindirectcontemptofcourt,withoutprejudicetothecorresponding
administrativeandcriminalactions.Iftheactsofthepartyorhiscounselclearly
constitutewillfulanddeliberateforumshopping,thesameshallbegroundforsummary
dismissalwithprejudiceandshallconstitutedirectcontempt,aswellasacausefor
administrativesanctions(Sec.5,Rule7).
PossibleViolations(asperDeanRiano):
1)Noncompliancewiththeundertaking
dismissalwithoutprejudice
2)FalseCertificationindirectcontempt,administrativeandcriminalsanction
3)Willfulanddeliberateforumshopping groundforsummarydismissalwithprejudice
withoutmotionandhearing;ithasadministrativebutwithoutcriminalsanctions
> So,ifthedismissaliswithoutprejudice,yourremedyiscertiorari;ifwithprejudice,
theremedyisappeal(Sec.1(g),Rule41)
> Thedismissalisnotasubjectofappealiftheorderofdismissaliswithoutprejudice.
> ThecertificationismandatoryunderSec.5,Rule7,butnotjurisdictional.
Thereisforumshoppingwhen
a)asaresultofanadverseopinioninoneforum,apartyseeksafavorable
opinion,otherthanbyappealorcertiorariinanotherforum
b)apartyinstitutestwoormoresuitsindifferentcourts,eithersimultaneouslyor
successively,inordertoaskthecourtstoruleonthesameorrelatedcausesand/or
tograntthesameorsubstantiallythesamereliefsonthesuppositionthatoneor
theothercourtwouldmakeafavorabledispositionorincreaseapartyschancesof
obtainingafavorabledecisionoraction
c)theelementsoflitispendentiaarepresentorwhereafinaljudgmentinonecasewill
amounttoresjudicatainanother.
Itisanactofmalpractice,asthelitigantstriflewiththecourtsandabusetheirprocesses.
Itisimproperconductanddegradestheadministrationofjustice.Iftheactofthepartyor
itscounselclearlyconstituteswilfulanddeliberateforumshopping,thesameshall
constitutedirectcontempt,andacauseforadministrativesanctions,aswellasaground
forthesummarydismissalofthecasewithprejudice(Montesvs.CAMay4,2006)
Itistheplaintifforprincipalpartywhoexecutesthecertificationunderoath,andnotthe
attorney.Itmustbesignedbythepartyhimselfandcannotbesignedbyhiscounsels.As
ageneralandprevailingrule,acertificationsignedbycounselisadefectivecertification
andisavalidcausefordismissal.Thisisthegeneralandprevailingrule.Acertification
bycounselandnotbytheprincipalpartyhimselfisnocertificationatall.Thereasonfor
requiringthatitmustbesignedbytheprincipalpartyhimselfisthathehasactual
knowledge,orknowsbetterthananyoneelse,whetherhehasinitiatedsimilaraction/sin
othercourts,agenciesortribunals.
Thiscertificationisnotnecessarywhenwhatisfiledisameremotionforextension,orin
criminalcasesanddistinctcausesofaction.
Ajuridicalentity,unlikeanaturalperson,canonlyperformphysicalactsthrough
properlydelegatedindividuals.Thecertificationagainstforumshoppingwherethe
plaintifforaprincipalpartyisajuridicalentitylikeacorporationmaybeexecutedby
properlyauthorizedpersons.Thispersonmaybethelawyerofacorporation.
Aslongasheisdulyauthorizedbythecorporationandhaspersonalknowledgeofthe
factsrequiredtobedisclosedinthecertificationagainstforumshopping,thecertification
maybesignedbytheauthorizedlawyer.
Counselssignaturesignifiesthat:
a)Hehasreadthepleading;
b)Thattothebestofhisknowledge,informationandbeliefthereisagoodgroundto
supportit;and
c)Thatitisnotinterposedfordelay.
ALLEGATIONSINAPLEADING
Everypleadingshallcontaininamathematicalandlogicalform,aplain,conciseand
directstatementoftheultimatefactsonwhichthepartyreliesforhisclaimanddefense,
asthecasemaybe,containingthestatementofmereevidenciaryfacts(Sec.1,Rule8).
PLEADINGCONDITIONPRECEDENT
Conditionsprecedentsarematterswhichmustbecompliedwithbeforeacauseofaction
arises.Whenaclaimissubjecttoaconditionprecedent,thecomplianceofthesamemust
beallegedinthepleading.
Failuretocomplywithaconditionprecedentisanindependentgroundforamotionto
dismiss:thataconditionprecedentforfilingtheclaimhasnotbeencomplied(Sec.1[j],
Rule16)(i.e.barangayconciliation,demand,etc)
PLEADINGAJUDGMENT
Inpleadingajudgmentordecisionofadomesticorforeigncourt,judicialorquasi
judicialtribunal,orofaboardorofficer,itissufficienttoaverthejudgmentordecision
withoutneedofallegingmattersshowingthejurisdictiontorendersuchdecision.
WhenmakingavermentsofFRAUDORMISTAKE,THECIRCUMSTANCES
CONSTITUTINGSUCHFRAUDORMISTAKEmustbestatedwithparticularity(Sec.
5,Rule8).Itisnotenoughtherefore,forthecomplainttoallegethathewasdefraudedby
thedefendant.Underthisprovision,thecomplaintmuststatewithPARTICULARITY
thefraudulentactsoftheadverseparty.Theseparticularswouldnecessarilyincludethe
time,placeandspecificactsoffraudcommittedagainsthim.
MALICE,INTENT,KNOWLEDGEOROTHERCONDITIONSOFTHEMINDofa
personmaybeaverredGENERALLY(Sec.5,Rule8).Unlikeinfraudormistake,they
neednotbestatedwithparticularity.The
MANNEROFMAKINGALLEGATIONS(RULE8)
REQUIREMENTSOFACORPORATIONEXECUTINGTHE
VERIFICATION/CERTIFICATIONONNONFORUMSHOPPING
PLEADINGFRAUD,MISTAKE,MALICE,INTENT,KNOWLEDGEANDOTHER
CONDITIONOFTHEMINDJUDGMENTSOFFICIALDOCUMENTSORACTS
EFFECTOFTHESIGNATUREOFCOUNSELINAPLEADING
ruleisborneoutofhumanexperience.Itisdifficulttostatetheparticularsconstituting
thesematters.Hence,ageneralavermentissufficient.
PLEADINGANACTIONABLEDOCUMENT
Anactionabledocumentisadocumentrelieduponbyeithertheplaintifforthe
defendant.
Wheneveranactionabledocumentisthebasisofapleading,therulespecificallydirect
thepleaderto:
.
a) setforthinthepleadingthesubstanceoftheinstrumentorthedocument;or
b) toattachtheoriginalorthecopyofthedocumenttothepleadingasanexhibit
andtobepartofthepleading;or
c) tosetforthinthepleadingsaidcopyoftheinstrumentordocument(Sec.7,
Rule8).
Thismannerofpleadingadocumentappliesonlytoonewhichisthebasisofactionora
defense.Hence,ifthedocumentdoesnothavethecharacterofanactionabledocument,
aswhenitismerelyevidentiary,itneednotbepleadedstrictly.
SPECIFICDENIALS
TherearethreemodesofspecificdenialwhicharecontemplatedbytheRules,namely:
.
a) Byspecifyingeachmaterialallegationofthefactinthecomplaint,thetruthof
whichthedefendantdoesnotadmit,andwheneverpracticable,settingforththe
substanceofthematterwhichhewillrelyupontosupporthisdenial;
b) Byspecifyingsomuchoftheavermentinthecomplaintasistrueandmaterial
anddenyingonlytheremainder;
c) Bystatingthatthedefendantiswithoutknowledgeorinformationsufficientto
formabeliefastothetruthofamaterialavermentinthecomplaint,whichhasthe
effectofdenial.
Thepurposeofrequiringthedefendanttomakeaspecificdenialistomakehimdisclose
themattersallegedinthecomplaintwhichhesuccinctlyintendstodisproveatthetrial,
togetherwiththematterwhichhereliedupontosupportthedenial.Thepartiesare
compelledtolaytheircardsonthetable.
Materialallegations,exceptunliquidateddamages,notspecificallydeniedaredeemed
admitted(Sec.11,Rule8).
Iftheallegationsaredeemedadmitted,thereisnomoretriableissuebetweentheparties
andiftheadmissionsappearintheanswerofthedefendant,theplaintiffmayfilea
motionforjudgmentonthepleadingsunderRule34.
Anadmissioninapleadingcannotbecontrovertedbythepartymakingsuchadmission
becausetheadmissionisconclusiveastohim.Allproofssubmittedbyhimcontrary
theretoorinconsistenttherewithshouldbeignoredwhetheranobjectionisinterposedby
apartyornot.Saidadmissionisajudicialadmission,havingbeenmadebyapartyinthe
courseoftheproceedingsinthesamecase,anddoesnotrequireproof.
Apartywhodesirestocontradicthisownjudicialadmissionmaydosoonlybeeitherof
twoways:
.
a) byshowingthattheadmissionwasmadethroughpalpablemistake;or
b) thatnosuchadmissionwasmade(Sec.4,Rule129).
Thefollowingarenotdeemedadmittedbythefailuretomakeaspecificdenial:
a)Theamountofunliquidateddamages;
b)Conclusionsinapleadingwhichdonothavetobedeniedatallbecauseonlyultimate
factsneed
beallegedinapleading;
c)Nonmaterialallegations,becauseonlymaterial
allegationsneedbedenied.
Specificdenialswhichmustbeunderoathtobesufficientare:
a)Adenialofanactionabledocument(Sec.8,Rule8);
b)Adenialofallegationsofusuryinacomplainttorecoverusuriousinterest(Sec.11,
Rule8).
Defensesorobjectionsnotpleadedeitherinamotiontodismissorintheanswerare
deemedwaived.
Exceptions:
.
a) Lackofjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter;
b) Thatthereisanotheractionpendingbetweenthe
samepartiesforthesamecause(litispendentia);
c) Thattheactionisbarredbythestatuteof
limitations(prescription);
d) Resjudicata.
WHENASPECIFICDENIALREQUIRESANOATH
EFFECTOFFAILURETOPLEAD(RULE9)
FAILURETOPLEADDEFENSESANDOBJECTIONS
EFFECTOFFAILURETOMAKESPECIFICDENIALS
> Inallthesecases,thecourtshalldismisstheclaim.
Acompulsorycounterclaimoracrossclaimnotsetupshallbebarred(Sec.2,Rule9).
DEFAULT
Defaultisaproceduralconceptthatoccurswhenthedefendingpartyfailstofilehis
answerwithinthereglementaryperiod.Itdoesnotoccurfromthefailureofthedefendant
toattendeitherthepretrialorthetrial.
Ifthedefendingpartyfailstoanswerwithinthetimeallowedtherefor,thecourtshall,
uponmotionoftheclaimingpartywithnoticetothedefendingparty,andproofofsuch
failure,declarethedefendingpartyindefault(Sec.3,Rule9).
Inorderforthecourttodeclarethedefendantindefaultthefollowingrequisitesmustbe
present:
1.
ThecourtmusthavevalidlyACQUIREDJURISDICTIONoverthepersonofthe
defendanteitherbyserviceofsummonsorvoluntaryappearance;
2.
ThedefendantFAILSTOANSWERwithinthetimeallowedtherefore;
3.
TheremustbeaMOTIONtodeclarethedefendantindefault;
4.
TheremustbeNOTICEtothedefendantbyservinguponhimacopyofsuch
motion;
5.
TheremustbePROOFofsuchfailuretoanswer;and
6.
TheremustbeaHEARINGtodeclarethedefendantindefault.
Itisnotcorrecttodeclareapartyindefaultofthedefendingpartyfiledananswer
REMEDYFROMTHENOTICEOFORDERANDBEFOREJUDGMENT:
MOTIONTOSETASIDEORDEROFDEFAULT,showingthatthefailuretoanswer
wasduetofraud,accident,mistake,orexcusablenegligence,andthedefendanthasa
meritoriousdefense theremustbeanaffidavitofmerit(Sec.3[b],Rule9).
FAILURETOPLEADACOMPULSORYCOUNTERCLAIMANDCROSSCLAIM
WHENADECLARATIONOFDEFAULTISPROPEREFFECTOFANORDEROF
DEFAULT
Thepartydeclaredindefaultloseshisstandingincourtpreventinghimfromtakingpart
inthetrial;Thepartyindefaultshallstillbeentitledtonoticesofsubsequentproceedings
aswellastoreceivenoticethathewasdeclaredindefault;
Thedeclarationofdefaultisnotanadmissionofthetruthorvalidityoftheplaintiffs
claims.
REMEDYAFTERJUDGMENTBUTBEFOREFINALITY:
> MOTIONFORNEWTRIAL(Rule37);
> MOTIONFORRECONSIDERATION;or
> APPEALfromthejudgmentasbeingcontrarytotheevidenceorthelaw(Rule41).
> YoucandirectlyfileanappealwithoutpassingMRandMNT;oryoucanMR/MNT
andifdenied,thenyoucanstillfileanappealandhaveanewfresh15day periodof
appeal(Neypesdoctrine)
> ThisNeypesdoctrineonfreshperiodofappeal appliestoRule45andSec.3(e)of

Rule122.
> Thepurposeofthedoctrineistostandardizetheperiodofappeal.
> Theappealshallbetakenwithinfifteen(15)daysfromnoticeofthejudgmentor
finalorderappealedfrom.Wherearecordonappealisrequired,theappellantshallfilea
noticeofappealandarecordonappealwithinthirty(30)daysfromnoticeofthe
judgmentorfinalorder.
> Sotheperiodofappealis15daysfromnoticeofjudgmentor15daysfromfinalorder
appealedfrom.
> TheSCruledinonecasethatthisfreshperiodofappeal isapplicableincriminal
cases(JudithYuvs.JudgeSamson,Feb.9,2011)
REMEDYAFTERJUDGMENTBECOMESFINALANDEXECUTORY:
> PETITIONFORRELIEFFROMJUDGMENT(Rule38);
> ACTIONFORNULLITYOFJUDGMENT(Rule47).
Iftheorderofdefaultisvalid,Certiorariisnotavailable.Ifthedefaultorderwas
improvidentlyissued,thatis,thedefendantwasdeclaredindefault,withoutamotion,or
withouthavingservedwithsummonsbeforetheexpirationofthereglementaryperiodto
answer,certiorariisavailableasaremedy.
RELIEFFROMANORDEROFDEFAULT
Whenapleadingassertingaclaimstatesacommoncauseofactionagainstseveraldefending
parties,someofwhomanswerandtheothersfailtodoso,thecourtshalltrythecaseagainstall
upontheanswersthusfiledandrenderjudgmentupontheevidencepresented(Sec.33[c],Rule
9).
Defaultisonlyagainstthosedefendantwhodidntfiletheanswerbuttheycanalso
benefitfromtheansweringdefendants
Ajudgmentrenderedagainstapartyindefaultmaynotexceedtheamountorbedifferent
fromthatprayedfornorincludeunliquidateddamageswhicharenotawarded(Sec.3[c],
Rule9).Infact,therecanbenoautomaticgrantofreliefasthecourthastoweighthe
evidence.
Thecourtmayrenderjudgmentbeforeorafterthepresentationofevidence.Sothecourt
mayawardunliquidateddamagesincasewherethecourtdefaultdefendantindefault
afterthepresentationoftheevidence.
1) Annulmentofmarriage;
2) Declarationofnullityofmarriage;
3) Legalseparation
4) Inspecialcivilactionsofcertiorari,prohibitionand
mandamuswherecommentinsteadofanansweris
requiredtobefiled;and
5) Summaryprocedure.
PAYMENTOFDOCKETFEES
Itisnotsimplythefilingofthecomplaintorappropriateinitiatorypleadingbutthe
paymentsoftheprescribeddocketfeethatvestsatrialcourtwithJURISDICTIONover
thesubjectmatterornatureoftheaction.Inconnectionwiththepaymentofdocketfees,
thecourtrequiresthatallcomplaints,petitions,answersandsimilarpleadingsmust
specifytheamountofdamagesbeingprayedforbothinthebodyofthepleadingandin
prayerthereinandsaiddamagesshallbeconsideredintheassessmentofthefilingfees;
otherwisesuchpleadingshallnotbeacceptedforfilingorshallbeexpungedfromthe
record.
Anydefectintheoriginalpleadingresultinginunderpaymentofthedocketfeecannotbe
curedbyamendment,suchasbythereductionoftheclaimas,foralllegalpurposes,
thereisnooriginalcomplaintoverwhichthecourthasacquiredjurisdiction.
Theruleonpaymentofdocketfeehas,insomeinstances,beensubjecttotheruleon
LIBERALINTERPRETATION.Thus,inacase,itwasheldthatwhilethepaymentof
therequireddocketfeeisajurisdictionalrequirement,evenitsnonpaymentatthetimeof
filingdoesnotautomaticallycausethedismissalofthecase,aslongasthefeeispaid
withintheapplicableprescriptiveorreglementaryperiod.
Also,iftheamountofdocketfeesisinsufficientconsideringtheamountoftheclaim,the
partyfilingthecasewillberequiredtopaythedeficiency,butjurisdictionisnot
automaticallylost.
WithintheperiodfortakinganAPPEAL,theappellantshallpaytotheclerkofcourt
whichrenderedthejudgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom,thefullamountofthe
appellatecourtdocketandotherlawfulfees(Sec.4,Rule41).Hence,theRulenow
requiresthatappellatedocketandotherlawfulfeesmustbepaidwithinthesameperiod
fortakinganappeal.Suchpaymentofdocketfeewithintheprescribedperiodis
mandatoryfortheperfectionofanappeal.
Withoutsuchpayment,theappellatecourtdoesnotacquirejurisdictionoverthesubject
matteroftheactionandthedecisionsoughttobeappealedfrombecomesfinaland
executor.Hence,nonpaymentisavalidgroundforthedismissalofanappeal.However,
delayinthepaymentofthedocketfeesconfersuponthecourtadiscretionary,nota
mandatorypowertodismissanappeal.
FILINGVERSUSSERVICEOFPLEADINGS
FILINGistheactofpresentingthepleadingorotherpapertotheclerkofcourt;
SERVICEistheactofprovidingapartywithacopyofthepleadingorpaperconcerned
(Sec.2,Rule13).
PERIODSOFFILINGOFPLEADINGS
Thedateofthemailingofmotions,pleadings,oranyotherpapersorpaymentsor
deposits,asshownbythepostofficestampontheenvelopeortheregistryreceipt,shall
beconsideredasthedateoftheirfiling,payment,ordepositincourt.Theenvelopeshall
beattachedtotherecordofthecase(Sec.3,Rule13)
EFFECTOFAPARTIALDEFAULT
EXTENTOFRELIEF
ACTIONSWHEREDEFAULTARENOTALLOWED
FILINGANDSERVICEOFPLEADINGS(RULE13)
THEFILINGOFRESPONSIVEPLEADINGSSHALLHAVETHEFOLLOWING
PERIODS
1) Answertothecomplaint within15daysafterserviceofsummons
unlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.
2) Answerofadefendantforeignprivatejuridicalentity
a.
Ifithasaresidentagent within15daysafterserviceofsummonstosuch
agent.
b.
IfithasnoresidentagentbutithasanagentorofficerinthePhilippines
within15daysafterserviceofsummonstosaidagentorofficer.
c.
Ifithasnoresidentagent,agentorofficertheserviceofsummonsshallbe
madeonthepropergovernmentofficewhichwillthenforwarditby
registeredmailwithin10daystothecorporationsofficetheanswermust
befiledwithin30daysfromthereceiptofthesummonsbythehome
office.
3) Whentheserviceismadebypublication withinthetimespecifiedinthe
ordergrantingleavetoservesummonsbypublicationwhichshallnotbelessthan
60mdaysafternotice.
4) Whenthedefendantisanonresidentonwhomextraterritorialserviceis
madewithin60daysfromsuchservice.
5) Answertoanamendedcomplaint wheretheamendmentisamatterofright,
within15daysfromtheserviceofamendedcomplaint.Iftheamendmentis
NOTamatterofright,theanswermustbefiledwithin10daysfromnoticeof
theorderadmittingthesame.
> Thesameperiodsshallapplytoanswersfiledonanamendedcounterclaim,cross
claimandthirdpartycomplaint.
.
6) Answertocounterclaimorcrossclaim within10daysfromservice
7) Answertothirdpartycomplaint
> theperiodtoanswershallbethesameastheperiodsgiveninansweringacomplaint
whichshalleitherbe15,30or60daysasthecasemaybe.
8)Reply within10daysfromtheserviceofthepleadingrespondedto.
9)Answertosupplementalcomplaintwithin10daysfromnoticeoftheorderadmitting
thesupplementalcomplaintunlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.
MANNEROFFILING
ByPERSONALSERVICEorbyREGISTEREDMAIL.Thefilingofpleadings,
appearances,motions,notices,orders,judgmentsandallotherpapersshallbemadeby
presentingtheoriginalcopiesthereof,plainlyindicatedassuch,personallytotheclerkof
courtorbysendingthembyregisteredmail(RegistryService).Inthefirstcase,theclerk
ofcourtshallendorseonthepleadingthedateandhouroffiling.Inthesecondcase,the
dateofthemailingofmotions,pleadings,oranyotherpapersorpaymentsordeposits,as
shownbythepostofficestampontheenvelopeortheregistryreceipt,shallbe
consideredasthedateoftheirfiling,payment,ordepositincourt.Theenvelopeshallbe
attachedtotherecordofthecase(Sec.3,Rule13).
MODESOFSERVICE
Therearetwomodesofserviceofpleadings,judgments,motions,notices,orders,
judgmentsandotherpapers:
a)personally,orb)bymail.
However,ifpersonalserviceandservicedbymailcannotbemade,serviceshallbedone
bysubstitutedservice.
PERSONALSERVICE
Itisthepreferredmodeofservice.Ifanothermodeofserviceisusedotherthanpersonal
service,theservicemustbeaccompaniedbyawrittenexplanationwhytheserviceof
filingwasnotdonepersonally.Exemptfromthisexplanationarepapersemanatingfrom
thecourt.Aviolationofthisexplanationrequirementmaybeacauseforthepapertobe
consideredasnothavingbeenfiled(Sec.11,Rule13).
Personalserviceismadeby:
.
a) deliveringacopyofthepapersservedpersonally
tothepartyorhiscounsel,or
b) byleavingthepapersinhisofficewithhisclerk
orapersonhavingchargethereof,or
c) Ifnopersonisfoundintheoffice,orhisofficeisnotknownorhehasno
office,thenbyleavingacopyofthepapersatthepartysorcounselsresidence,if
known,withapersonofsufficientageanddiscretionresidingthereinbetween
eightinthemorningandsixintheevening(Sec.6,Rule
13).
Thepreferredservicebymailisbyregisteredmail.Itisdeemedcompleteuponactual
receiptbytheaddresseeorafter5daysfromthedatehereceivedthefirstnoticeofthe
postmasterwhicheverisearlier.Servicebyordinarymailmaybedoneonlyifnoregistry
serviceisavailableinthelocalityofeitherthesenderortheaddressee(Sec.7,Rule13).
SERVICEBYMAIL
Itshallbedonebydepositingthecopyinthepostoffice,inasealedenvelope,plainly
addressedtothepartyorhiscounselathisoffice,ifknown,orotherwiseathisresidence,
ifknown,withpostagefullyprepaid,andwithinstructionstothepostmastertoreturnthe
mailtothesenderafterten(10)daysifnotdelivered.
SUBSTITUTEDSERVICE(FILING)
Thismodeisavailedofonlywhenthereisfailuretoeffectservicepersonallyorbymail.
Thisfailureoccurswhentheofficeandresidenceofthepartyorcounselisunknown.
Itiseffectedbydeliveringthecopytotheclerkofcourt,withproofoffailureofboth
personalserviceandservicebymail(Sec.8,Rule13).
Substitutedserviceiscompleteatthetimeofdeliveryofthecopytotheclerkofcourt.
Finalordersorjudgmentsshallbeservedeitherpersonallyorbyregisteredmail.Whena
partysummonedbypublicationhasfailedtoappearintheaction,finalordersor
judgmentsagainsthimshallbeserveduponhimalsobypublicationattheexpenseofthe
prevailingparty(Sec.9).
> Personalserviceisthepreferredmodeofservice.
> Thepreferredservicebymailisbyregisteredmail.
> Thefollowingpapersarerequiredtobefiledincourtandservedupontheparties
affected:(a)Judgments;(b)Resolutions;(c)Orders;(d)Pleadingssubsequentto
thecomplaint;(e)Writtenmotions;(f)Notices;(g)Appearances;(h)Demands;(i)
Offersofjudgment;(j)Similarpapers(Sec.4,Rule13).
WHENSERVICEISDEEMEDCOMPLETE
Personalserviceisdeemedcompleteupontheactualdeliveryfollowingtheabove
procedure(Sec.10,Rule13).
Servicebyordinarymailisdeemedcompleteupontheexpirationoften(10)days
aftermailing,unlessthecourtotherwiseprovides.Ontheotherhand,serviceby
registeredmailiscompleteuponactualreceiptbytheaddressee,orafterfive(5)days
fromthedatehereceivedthefirstnoticeofthepostmaster,whicheverisearlier(Sec.8,
Rule13).
Substitutedserviceiscompleteatthetimeofdeliveryofthecopytotheclerkofcourt.
PROOFOFFILINGANDSERVICE
PROOFOFFILING
Thefilingofapleadingorpaperisprovedbyitsexistenceintherecord.Ifitisnotinthe
record
IffiledPERSONALLY:
> Provedbythewrittenorstampedacknowledgementofitsfilingbytheclerkof
courtonacopyofthesame;or
IffiledbyREGISTEREDMAIL:
> ProvedbytheregistryreceiptANDthe
affidavitofthepersonwhodidthemailingwithafullstatementof:
a) Thedateandplaceofdepositingthemailinthepostofficeinasealedenvelope
assessedtothecourt;
b) Withpostagefullypaid;and
c) Withtheinstructionstothepostmastertoreturnthemailtothe
senderafter10daysifundelivered.
SERVICEOFJUDGMENTS,FINALORDERSORRESOLUTIONS
PROOFOFSERVICE
1)Proofofpersonalserviceshallconsistof:
> thewrittenadmissionofthepartyserved;or
> Theofficialreturnoftheserver;or
> Theaffidavitofthepartyserving(incaseofrefusaltoreceive),containingfull
informationofthedate,placeandmannerofservice(Sec.13,Rule13).
2)Proofofservicebyregisteredmail
>ShallbeshownbytheaffidavitofthemailershowingcompliancewithSec.7,Rule13
andtheregistryreceiptissuedbythemailingofficeandpresentthedocument
returnedorthecard.
3)Proofofserviceofordinarymail
> ServiceshallbeprovedbyaffidavitofthemailershowingcompliancewithSec.7,
Rule13
AMENDMENTASAMATTEROFRIGHT
Aplaintiffhastherighttoamendhiscomplaintonceatanytimebeforearesponsive
pleadingisservedbytheotherpartyorincaseofareplytowhichthereisnoresponsive
pleading,atanytimewithinten(10)daysafteritisserved(Sec.2,Rule10).
PRIORITIESINMODESOFSERVICEANDFILING
AMENDMENT(RULE10)
Thus,beforeananswerisservedontheplaintiff,thelattermayamendhiscomplaintasa
matterofrightforwhateverreasonsasitmaybe,eventocorrecttheerrorofjudgment.
Thedefendantmayalsoamendhisanswer,alsoasamatterofright,beforeareplyis
serveduponhim.(Sec.2referstoanamendmentmadebeforethetrialcourt,notto
amendmentsbeforetheCA).
TheCAisvestedwithjurisdictiontoadmitordenyamendedpetitionsfiledbeforeit.
Hence,evenifnoresponsivepleadinghasyetbeenserved,iftheamendmentis
subsequenttoapreviousamendmentmadeasamatterofright,thesubsequent
amendmentmustbewithleaveofcourt.
Soyoucanamendthecomplainttocorrecttheerrorofjurisdictionasamatterofright
(withoutleaveofcourt)beforearesponsivepleadingisservedeventhoughthereis
alreadyamotiontodismissfiledforlackofjurisdiction.Thecourtshoulddenythe
motionsincesuchmotionisnotaresponsivepleading.Note:Theamendmentasamatter
ofrightshouldbefiledbeforetheordertodismissbecomesfinal.
AMENDMENTSBYLEAVEOFCOURT
Leaveofcourtisrequiredforsubstantialamendmentmadeafterserviceofaresponsive
pleading(Sec.3,Rule10).Theplaintiff,forexample,cannotamendhiscomplaintby
changinghiscauseofactionoraddinganewonewithoutleaveofcourt.
Afteraresponsivepleadingisfiled,anamendmenttothecomplaintmaybesubstantial
andwillcorrespondinglyrequireasubstantialalterationinthedefensesoftheadverse
party.Theamendmentofthecomplaintisnotonlyunfairtothedefendantbutwillcause
unnecessarydelayintheproceedings.Leaveofcourtisthus,required.
Wherenoresponsivepleadinghasyetbeenserved,nodefenseswouldbealtered.The
amendmentofthepleadingwillnotthenrequireleaveofcourt.
FORMALAMENDMENT
Adefectinthedesignationofthepartiesandotherclearlyclericalortypographicalerrors
maybesummarilycorrectedbythecourtatanystageoftheaction,atitsinitiativeoron
motion,providednoprejudiceiscausedtherebytotheadverseparty(Sec.4,Rule10).
Whenissuesnotraisedbythepleadingsaretriedwiththeexpressorimpliedconsentof
theparties,theyshallbetreatedinallrespectsasiftheyhadbeenraisedinthepleadings.
Suchamendmentofthepleadingsasmaybenecessarytocausethemtoconformtothe
evidenceandtoraisetheseissuesmaybemadeuponmotionofanypartyatanytime,
evenafterjudgment;butfailuretoamenddoesnotaffecttheresultofthetrialofthese
issues.
Ifevidenceisobjectedtoatthetrialonthegroundthatitisnotwithintheissuesmadeby
thepleadings,thecourtmayallowthepleadingstobeamendedandshalldosowith
liberalityifthepresentationofthemeritsoftheactionandtheendsofsubstantialjustice
willbesubservedthereby.Thecourtmaygrantacontinuancetoenabletheamendmentto
bemade(Sec.5,Rule10).
Asupplementalpleadingisonewhichsetsforthtransactions,occurrences,orevents
whichhavehappenedsincethedateofthepleadingsoughttobesupplemented.The
filingofsupplementalpleadingsrequiresleaveofcourt.Thecourtmayallowthe
pleadingonlyuponsuchtermsasarejust.Thisleaveissoughtbythefilingofamotion
withnoticetoallparties(Sec.6,Rule10).
Asupplementalpleadingdoesnotextinguishtheexistenceoftheoriginalpleading,while
anamendedpleadingtakestheplaceoftheoriginalpleading.Asupplementalpleading
existssidewiththeoriginal;itdoesnotreplacethatwhichitsupplementsitdoesnot
supersedetheoriginalbutassumesthattheoriginalpleadingremainastheissuestobe
triedintheaction.Asupplementalpleadingsuppliesthedeficienciesinaidofanoriginal
pleading,nottoentirelysubstitutethelatter.
EFFECTOFAMENDEDPLEADING
Anamendedpleadingsupersedestheoriginalonewhichitamends(Sec.8,Rule10).
Theoriginalpleadinglosesitsstatusasapleading,isdeemedwithdrawnand
disappearsfromtherecord.Ithasbeenheldthattheoriginalcomplaintisdeemed
supersededandabandonedbytheamendatorycomplaintonlyifthelatterintroducesa
newordifferentcauseofaction.
Thedefensesintheoriginalpleadingsnotreproducedintheamendedpleadingsare
waived.
Admissionsinthesupersededpleadingcanstillbereceivedinevidenceagainstthe
pleader.
Summonsisawritorprocessissuedandserveduponthedefendantinacivilaction
forthepurposeofsecuringhisappearancetherein.
Thepurposeofsummonsistocomplywiththeconstitutionalrightsondueprocess
DIFFERENTFROMSUPPLEMENTALPLEADINGS
SUMMONS(Rule14)
AMENDMENTSTOCONFORMTOORAUTHORIZEPRESENTATIONOF
EVIDENCE
Theserviceofsummonsenablesthecourttoacquirejurisdictionoverthe
personofthedefendant.Ifthereisnoserviceofsummons,anyjudgmentrendered
orproceedingshadinacasearenullandvoid,exceptincaseofvoluntary
appearance.Thelawrequiringthemannerofserviceofsummonsisjurisdictional.
Whenthedefendantisacorporation,partnershiporassociationorganized
underthelawsofthePhilippineswithajuridicalpersonality,servicemaybemade
onthepresident,managingpartner,generalmanager,corporatesecretary,
treasurer,orinhousecounsel(Sec11).
Ifapartydiesandthereissubstitute,thereisnoneedforsummonsbutonly
anorderforhimtomappear.Inanactioninpersonam,thepurposeofsummonsis
notonlytonotifythedefendantoftheactionagainsthimbutalsotoacquire
jurisdictionoverhisperson.Thefilingofthecomplaintdoesnotenablethecourts
toacquirejurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendant.Bythefilingofthe
complaintandthepaymentoftherequiredfilinganddocketfees,thecourt
acquiresjurisdictiononlyoverthepersonoftheplaintiff,notoverthepersonof
thedefendant.Acquisitionofjurisdictionoverthelatterisaccomplishedbyavalid
serviceofsummonsuponhim.Serviceofsummonslogicallyfollowsthefilingof
thecomplaint.Notefurtherthatthefilingofthecomplainttollstherunningofthe
prescriptiveperiodofthecauseofactioninaccordancewithArticle1155ofthe
CivilCode.
Inanactioninremorquasiinrem,jurisdictionoverthedefendantisnotrequired
andthecourtacquiresjurisdictionoveranactionaslongasitacquiresjurisdiction
overtheres.Thepurposeofsummonsintheseactionsisnottheacquisitionof
jurisdictionoverthedefendantbutmainlytosatisfytheconstitutionalrequirement
ofdueprocess.
VOLUNTARYAPPEARANCE
Thedefendant'svoluntaryappearanceintheactionshallbeequivalenttoservice
ofsummons.Theinclusioninamotiontodismissofothergroundsasidefrom
lackofjurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantshallnotbedeemeda
voluntaryappearance(Sec.20,Rule14).
Jurisdictionoverthedefendantisacquiredby:
a) Validserviceofsummons;or
b) Byhisvoluntaryappearanceorsubmissiontothe
jurisdictionofthecourt.
Thedefendantsvoluntaryappearanceintheactionshallbeequivalenttoservice
ofsummons.Lackofjurisdictionoveronespersonmaybeinvokedinamotionto
dismissallegingsuchground.Ifnomotiontodismissisfiled,itmayberaisedas
anaffirmativedefenseintheanswer.
Theinclusioninamotiontodismissofothergroundsasidefromlackofjurisdictionover
thepersonofthedefendantshallnotbedeemedavoluntaryappearance.
PERSONALSERVICE
ItshallbeservedbyHANDLINGacopytothedefendantinperson,orifherefusesit,by
TENDERINGittohim(Sec.6,Rule14).
SUBSTITUTEDSERVICE(SUMMONS)
Ifthedefendantcannotbeservedwithinareasonabletime,servicemaybeeffected:
1)Byleavingcopiesofthesummonsatthedefendantsdwellinghouseorresidencewith
somepersonofsuitableageanddiscretionthenresidingtherein;or
2)Byleavingcopiesatdefendantsofficeorregularplaceofbusinesswithsome
competentpersoninchargethereof(Sec.7).
Thefollowingfactsmustfirstbeshownfortheservicetobevalid:
1)Theimpossibilityofthepersonalservicewithinareasonabletime
2)Theeffortexertedtolocatethepersontobeserved
3)Serviceuponapersonofsufficientageanddiscretionresidinginthesameplaceor
somecompetentpersoninchargeofhisofficeorregularplaceofbusiness
4)Thereshouldbeatleast3attemptsin2days.
Itmayberesortedtoiftherearejustifiablecauses,wherethedefendantcannotbeserved
withinaREASONABLETIME(forplaintiff=7days;sheriff=15 30days).An
exampleiswhenthedefendantisinhidingandresortedtoitintentionallytoavoid
serviceofsummons,orwhenthedefendantrefuseswithoutjustifiablereasontoreceive
thesummons.
Insubstitutedserviceofsummons,actualreceiptofthesummonsbythedefendant
throughthepersonservedmustbeshown.Itfurtherrequiresthatwherethereis
substitutedservice,thereshouldbeareportindicatingthatthepersonwhoreceivedthe
summonsindefendantsbehalfwasonewithwhompetitionerhadarelationof
confidenceensuringthatthelatterwouldreceiveorwouldbenotifiedofthesummons
issuedinhisname.
Substitutedserviceisnotallowedinserviceofsummonsondomesticcorporations.
CONSTRUCTIVESERVICE(BYPUBLICATION)
NATUREANDPURPOSEOFSUMMONSINRELATIONTOACTIONSIN
PERSONAM,INREMANDQUASIINREM
Asarule,summonsbypublicationisavailableonlyinactionsinremorquasiinrem.Itisnot
availableasameansofacquiringjurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantinanactionin
personam.
Againstaresident,therecognizedmodeofserviceisserviceinpersononthedefendant
underSec.6Rule14.Inacasewherethedefendantcannotbeservedwithinareasonable
time,substitutedservicewillapply(Sec.7,Rule14),butnosummonsbypublication
whichispermissiblehowever,undertheconditionssetforthinSec.14,Rule14.
Againstanonresident,jurisdictionisacquiredoverthedefendantbyserviceuponhis
personwhilesaiddefendantiswithinthePhilippines.Asonceheld,whenthedefendant
isanonresident,personalserviceofsummonsinthestateisessentialtotheacquisitionof
jurisdictionoverhim.Thisisinfacttheonlywayofacquiringjurisdictionoverhis
personifhedoesnotvoluntarilyappearintheaction.Summonsbypublicationagainsta
nonresidentinanactioninpersonamisnotapropermodeofservice.
Publicationisnoticetothewholeworldthattheproceedinghasforitsobjecttobar
indefinitelyallwhomightbemindedtomakeanobjectionofanysortagainsttheright
soughttobeestablished.Itisthepublicationofsuchnoticethatbringsthewholeworld
asapartyinthecaseandveststhecourtwithjurisdictiontohearanddecideit.
Wherethedefendantisdesignatedasunknown,orwheneverhiswhereaboutsare
unknownandcannotbeascertaineddespiteadiligentinquiry,servicemay,withprior
leaveofcourt,beeffecteduponthedefendant,bypublicationinanewspaperofgeneral
circulation.Theplaceandthefrequencyofthepublicationisamatterforthecourtto
determine(Sec.14,Rule14).
Theruledoesnotdistinguishwhethertheactionisinpersonam,inremorquasiinrem.
Thetenoroftheruleauthorizessummonsbypublicationwhatevertheactionmaybeas
longastheidentityofthedefendantisunknownorhiswhereaboutsareunknown.
RULESONSUMMONSONDEFENDANT
(1)Resident
(a)PresentinthePhilippines
.
1) Personalservice(Rule14,Sec.6)
2) Substitutedservice(Rule14,Sec.7)
3) Publication,butonlyif
a)hisidentityorwhereaboutsisunknown(Rule14,Sec.14);and
b)theactionisinremorquasiinrem
(b)AbsentfromthePhilippines
1)Substitutedservice(Rule14,Sec.7)
2)Extraterritorialservice(Rule14,Sec.16
and15);actionneednotbeinremorquasiinrem
(2)Nonresident
1.PresentinthePhilippines
a) Personalservice(Sec.6,Rule14)
b) Substitutedservice(Sec.7,Rule14)
2.AbsentfromthePhilippines
a)Actioninremorquasiinrem only
Extraterritorialservice(Rule14,Sec.15)b)Actioninpersonam,andjudgmentcannotbe
securedbyattachment(e.g.actionforinjunction)
1) WaitforthedefendanttocometothePhilippinesandtoservesummonsthen
2) Waitthedefendanttovoluntarilyappearincourt(Rule14,Sec.20)
3) Plaintiffcannotresorttoextraterritorialserviceofsummons
ServiceofsummonsuponaresidentofthePhilippineswhoistemporarilyoutofthe
country,may,byleaveofcourtbeeffectedoutofthePhilippinesasundertheruleson
extraterritorialserviceinSec.15,Rule14byanyofthefollowingmodes:
1)bypersonalserviceasinSec.6,
2)bypublicationinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationtogetherwitharegisteredmailing
ofacopyofthesummonsandtheorderofthecourttothelastknownaddressofthe
defendant,or
3)byanymannerthecourtmaydeemsufficientunderSec.16.
Likeinthecaseofanunknowndefendantoronewhosewhereaboutsareunknown,the
ruleaffectingresidentswhoaretemporarilyoutofthePhilippinesappliesinanyaction.
Notealso,thatsummonsbypublicationmaybeeffectedagainstthedefendant.
Thedefendantmayhowever,alsobeservedbysubstitutedservice.Thisisbecauseeven
ifheisabroad,hehasaresidenceinthePhilippinesoraplaceofbusinessandsurely,
becauseofhisabsence,hecannotbeservedinpersonwithinareasonabletime.
UnderSec.15,Rule14,extraterritorialserviceofsummonsisproperonlyinfour(4)
instancesnamely:
SERVICEUPONRESIDENTSTEMPORARILYOUTSIDETHEPHILIPPINES
1) Whentheactionaffectsthepersonalstatusoftheplaintiffs;
2) Whentheactionrelatesto,orthesubjectofwhichis,propertywithinthe
Philippines,inwhichthedefendanthasorclaimsalienorinterest,actualor
contingent;
3) Whenthereliefdemandedinsuchactionconsists,whollyorinpart,in
excludingthedefendantfromanyinterestinpropertylocatedinthePhilippines;
and
4) Whenthedefendantnonresidentspropertyhasbeenattachedwithinthe
Philippines.
SERVICEUPONADEFENDANTWHEREHISIDENTITYISUNKNOWNOR
WHEREHISWHEREABOUTSAREUNKNOWN
EXTRATERRITORIALSERVICE,WHENALLO
Extraterritorialserviceofsummonsapplieswhenthefollowingrequisitesconcur:
.
1) Thedefendantisnonresident;
2) HeisnotfoundinthePhilippines;and
3) Theactionagainsthimiseitherinremorquasiinrem.
Iftheactionisinpersonam,thismodeofservicewillnotbeavailable.Thereisno
extraterritorialserviceofsummonsinanactioninpersonam.Hence,extraterritorial
serviceuponanonresidentinanactionforinjunctionwhichisinpersonamisnotproper
(BancoDoBrasilvs.CA,333SCRA545).
Whentheactionisinpersonam,jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantisnecessary
forthecourttovalidlytryanddecidethecase.However,whenthedefendantisa
nonresident,personalserviceofsummonsinthestateisessentialtotheacquisitionof
jurisdictionoverhim.
SERVICEUPONPRISONERSANDMINORS
Onaminor.Serviceshallbemadeonhimpersonallyandonhislegalguardianifhehas
one,orifnone,uponhisguardianadlitemwhoseappointmentshallbeappliedforbythe
plaintiff,oruponapersonexercisingparentalauthorityoverhim,butthecourtmayorder
thatservicemadeonaminorof15ormoreyearsofageshallbesufficient(Sec.10);
Onprisoners.Itshallbemadeuponhim(prisoner)byservingontheofficer(becomes
thedeputysheriff)havingthemanagementofthejailorinstitutionwhoisdeemed
deputizedasaspecialsheriffforsaidpurpose(Sec.9).
Ifservedbythesheriff,hisdeputy,orotherpropercourtofficer,thereisnoneedtobe
swornbutthisisneededifservedbyotherpersons.
PROOFOFSERVICE
Whentheservicehasbeencompleted,theservershall,withinfive(5)daystherefrom,
serveacopyofthereturn,personallyorbyregisteredmail,totheplaintiffscounsel,and
shallreturnthesummonstotheclerkwhoissuedit,accompaniedbyproofofservice
(Sec.4,Rule14).
Theproofofserviceofsummonsshallbemadeinwritingbytheserverandshallset
forththemanner,placeanddateofservice;shallspecifyanypaperswhichhavebeen
servedwiththeprocessandthenameofthepersonwhoreceivedthesame;andshallbe
sworntowhenmadebyapersonotherthanasherifforhisdeputy(Sec.18).
Iftheservicehasbeenmadebypublication,servicemaybeprovedbytheaffidavitofthe
printer,hisforemanorprincipalclerk,oroftheeditor,businessoradvertisingmanager,
towhichaffidavitacopyofthepublicationshallbeattachedandbyanaffidavitshowing
thedepositofacopyofthesummonsandorderforpublicationinthepostoffice,postage
prepaid,directedtothedefendantbyregisteredmailtohislastknownaddress(Sec.19).
Amotionisanapplicationforreliefotherthanbyapleading(Sec.1,Rule15).
MOTIONSVERSUSPLEADINGS
Apleadingisawrittenstatementoftherespectiveclaimsanddefensesoftheparties
submittedtothecourtforappropriatejudgment(Sec.1,Rule6).Itmaybeintheformof
acomplaint,counterclaim,crossclaim,thirdpartycomplaint,orcomplaintin
intervention,answerorreply(Sec.2,Rule6).
Amotionontheotherhandisanapplicationforreliefotherthanapleading(Sec.1,Rule
15).
Amotionisnotapleading,evenwhenreducedtowriting;itrelatesgenerallyto
proceduralmatters,unlikepleadingswhichgenerallystatessubstantialquestions.
Moreover,amotionisnotanindependentremedy,andthuscannotreplaceanactionto
enforcealegalright.
CONTENTSANDFORMOFMOTIONS
Amotionshallstatetheordersoughttobeobtained,andthegroundswhichitisbased,
andifnecessaryshallbeaccompaniedbysupportingaffidavitsandotherpapers(Sec.3).
Allmotionsmustbeinwritingexceptthosemadeinopencourtorinthecourseofa
hearingortrial(Sec.2).
MOTIONS(Rule15)
MOTIONSINGENERAL,DEFINITIONOFMOTION
NOTICEOFHEARINGANDHEARINGOFMOTIONS
Exceptformotionswhichthecourtmayactuponwithoutprejudicingtherightsoftheadverse
party,everywrittenmotionshallbesetforhearingbytheapplicant.
Themotionwhichcontainsthenoticeofhearingshallbeservedastoensureitsreceipt
bytheotherpartyatleastthree(3)daysbeforethedateofhearing,unlessthecourtfor
goodcausesetsthehearingonshorternotice.Itshallbeaddressedtoallparties
concerned,andshallspecifythetimeanddateofthehearingwhichmustnotbelaterthan
ten(10)daysafterthefilingofthemotion(Sec.4,Rule15).
OMNIBUSMOTIONRULE
Theruleisaproceduralprinciplewhichrequiresthateverymotionthatattacksa
pleading,judgment,orderorproceedingshallincludeallgroundsthenavailable,andall
objectionsnotsoincludedshallbedeemedwaived(Sec.8).
SincetheruleissubjecttotheprovisionsofSec.1,Rule9,theobjectionsmentioned
thereinarenotdeemedwaivedevenifnotincludedinthemotion.Theseobjectionsare:
motionisdeemedalitigatedmotion.Amotiontodismiss(Rule16),amotionfor
judgmentforthepleadings(Rule34),andasummaryjudgment(Rule35),arelitigated
motions.
Anexpartemotionisonewhichdoesnotrequirethatthepartiesbeheard,andwhichthe
courtmayactuponwithoutprejudicingtherightsoftheotherparty.Thiskindofmotion
isnotcoveredbythehearingrequirementoftheRules(Sec.2).Anexampleofanex
partemotionisthatonefiledbytheplaintiffpursuanttoSec.1,Rule18,inwhichhe
movespromptlythatthecasebesetforpretrial.Amotionforextensionoftimeisanex
partemotionmadetothecourtinbehalfofoneortheotherofthepartiestotheaction,in
theabsenceandusuallywithouttheknowledgeoftheotherpartyorparties.Exparte
motionsarefrequentlypermissibleinproceduralmatters,andalsoinsituationsandunder
circumstancesofemergency;andanexceptiontotherulerequiringnoticeissometimes
madewherenoticeortheresultingdelaymighttendtodefeattheobjectiveofthemotion.
Motionofcourse amotionforacertainkindofrelieforremedytowhichthemovantis
entitledasamatterofright,andnotasamatterofdiscretiononthepartofthecourt.
Moreover,theallegationscontainedinsuchamotiondonothavetobeinvestigatedor
verified.Anexamplewouldbeamotionfiledoutoftime,becausethismotionmaybe
disposedofthecourtonitsowninitiative.Anotherexamplewouldbeamotiontosell
certainpropertyaftertheperiodgivenbythecourttothedebtortopayhaselapsed,and
suchpreviousorderhadspecifiedthatthepropertybesoldincaseofdefault.
Specialmotion theoppositeofamotionofcourse,herethediscretionofthecourtis
involved;usuallyaninvestigationofthefactsallegedisrequired.
TheCourthasconsistentlyheldthatamotionwhichdoesnotmeettherequirementsof
Sections4and5ofRule15onhearingandnoticeofthehearingisamerescrapofpaper,
whichtheclerkofcourthasnorighttoreceiveandthetrialcourthasnoauthoritytoact
uponandonewhichwillbetreatedasamotionintendedtodelaytheproceedings.
Serviceofacopyofamotioncontaininganoticeofthetimeandtheplaceofhearingof
thatmotionisamandatoryrequirement,andthefailureofmovantstocomplywiththese
requirementsrenderstheirmotionsfatallydefective.
PURPOSEANDWHENAPPLIEDFOR
thatthecourthasnojurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter;thatthereisanotheraction
pendingbetweenthesamepartiesforthesamecause(litispendencia),thattheactionis
barredbyapriorjudgment(resjudicata),andthattheactionisbarredbythestatuteof
limitations(prescription)(Sec.1,par.2,Rule9).
Evenifjurisdictionwasnotraisedtherein,apartymay,whenhefilesananswer,raisethe
lackofjurisdictionasanaffirmativedefensebecausethisdefenseisnotbarredunderthe
omnibusmotionrule.
Amotiontodismissisatypicalexampleofamotionsubjecttoomnibusmotionrule,
sinceamotiontodismissattacksacomplaintwhichisapleading.
Undertheomnibusmotionrule,amotionattackingapleadinglikeamotiontodismiss
shallincludeallgroundsthenavailableandallobjectionsnotsoincludedshallbe
deemedwaived.Itcannolongerbeinvokedasaffirmativedefenseintheanswerwhich
themovantmayfilefollowingthedenialofhismotiontodismiss.Thedefenseoflackof
jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterishowever,adefensenotbarredbythefailureto
invokethesameinamotiontodismissalreadyfiled.
LITIGATEDANDEXPARTEMOTIONS
Alitigatedmotionisonewhichrequiresthepartiestobeheardbeforearulingonthe
motionismadebythecourt.Sec.4establishesthegeneralrulethateverywrittena
motiontodismisswasfiledandtheissueof
PROFORMAMOTIONS
MOTIONSFORBILLOFPARTICULARS(RULE12)
Thepurposeofthemotionistoseekanorderfromthecourtdirectingthepleaderto
submitabillofparticularswhichaversmatterswithsufficientdefinitivenessor
particularitytoenablethemovanttopreparehisresponsivepleading(Sec.1,Rule12),
nottoenablethemovanttopreparefortrial.Thelatterpurposeistheultimateobjective
ofthediscoveryproceduresfromRules23to29andeverofapretrialunderRule18.
Inotherwords,thefunctionofabillofparticularsistoclarifytheallegationsinthe
pleadingsoanadversepartymaybeinformedwithcertaintyoftheexactcharacterofa
causeofactionoradefense.Withouttheclarificationssoughtbythemotion,themovant
maybedeprivedoftheopportunitytosubmitanintelligentresponsivepleading.
Thisistoavertthedangerwheretheopposingpartywillfinddifficultyinsquarely
meetingtheissuesraisedagainsthimandpleadthecorrespondingdefenseswhichifnot
timelyraisedintheanswerwillbedeemedwaived.
Amotionforabillofparticularsistobefiledbefore,notafterrespondingtoapleading
(Sec.1,Rule12).Thus,wherethemotionforbillofparticularsisdirectedtoacomplaint,
themotionshouldbefiledwithinfifteen(15)daysafterserviceofsummons.Ifthe
motionisdirectedtoacounterclaim,thenthesamemustbefiledwithinten(10)days
fromserviceofthecounterclaimwhichistheperiodprovidedforbySec.4,Rule11to
answeracounterclaim.
IncaseofareplytowhichnoresponsivepleadingisprovidedforbytheRules,the
motionforbillofparticularsmustbefiledwithinten(10)daysoftheserviceofsaid
reply(Sec.1,Rule12).
ACTIONSOFTHECOURT
Uponreceiptofthemotionwhichtheclerkofcourtmustimmediatelybringtothe
attentionofthecourt,thelatterhasthreepossibleoptions,namely:
1) todenythemotionoutright,
2) tograntthemotionoutrightor
3) toholdahearingonthemotion.
Ifamotionforbillofparticularsisgranted,thecourtshallorderthepleadertosubmita
billofparticularstothepleadingtowhichthemotionisdirected.Thecomplianceshall
beeffectedwithinten(10)daysfromnoticeoftheorder,orwithintheperiodfixedbythe
court(Sec.3,Rule12).
Incomplyingwiththeorder,thepleadermayfilethebillofparticularseitherina
separatepleadingorintheformoranamendedpleading(Sec.3,Rule12).Thebillof
particularssubmittedbecomespartofthepleadingforwhichitisintended(Sec.6,Rule
12).
Iftheordertofileabillofparticularsisnotobeyed,orincaseofinsufficientcompliance
therewith,thecourtmay:
a)orderthestrikingoutofthepleading;or
b)theportionsthereoftowhichtheorderwas
directed;or
c)makesuchotherorderasitdeemsjust(Sec.4).
Amotionforbillofparticularsisnotapleadinghence,notaresponsivepleading.
Whetherornothismotionisgranted,themovantmayfilehisresponsivepleading.When
hefilesamotionforBOP,theperiodtofiletheresponsivepleadingisstayedor
interrupted.
Afterserviceofthebillofparticularsuponhimorafternoticeofthedenialofhismotion,
hemayfilehisresponsivepleadingwithintheperiodtowhichheisentitledtoatthetime
themotionforbillofparticularsisfiled.Ifhehasstilleleven(11)daystofilehis
pleadingatthetimethemotionforBOPisfiled,thenhehasthesamenumberofdaysto
filehisresponsivepleadingfromtheserviceuponhimoftheBOP.
Ifthemotionisdenied,thenhehasthesamenumberofdayswithinwhichtofilehis
pleadingcountedfromhisreceiptofthenoticeoftheorderdenyinghismotion.Ifthe
movanthaslessthanfive(5)daystofilehisresponsivepleadingafterserviceofthebill
ofparticularsorafternoticeofthedenialofhismotion,heneverthelesshasfive(5)days
withinwhichtofilehisresponsivepleading.(Sec.5,Rule12).
Aseasonablemotionforabillofparticularsinterruptstheperiodwithinwhichtoanswer.
Afterserviceofthebillofparticularsorofamoredefinitepleading,orafternoticeof
denialofhismotion,themovingpartyshallhavethesametimetoservehisresponsive
pleading,ifanyispermittedbytherules,asthattowhichhewasentitledatthetimeof
servinghismotion,butnolessthanfive(5)daysinanyevent.
Amotiontodismissisnotapleading.Itismerelyamotion.Itisanapplicationfor
reliefotherthanbyapleading(Sec.1,Rule15).
ThepleadingsallowedundertheRulesare:
a)complaint,(b)answer,(c)counterclaim,(d)crossclaim,(e)third(fourth,etc.)party
complaint,(f)complaintinintervention(Sec.2,Rule6),andreply(Sec.10,Rule6).A
EFFECTONTHEPERIODTOFILEARESPONSIVEPLEADING
COMPLIANCEWITHTHEORDERANDEFFECTOFNONCOMPLIANCE
MOTIONTODISMISS(RULE16)
motionisnotoneofthosespecifically
designatedasapleading. Failuretostateacauseofaction
GROUNDS
UnderSec.1,Rule16,amotiontodismissmaybefiledondependingupontheground
forthedismissaloftheaction.Forinstance,ifthegroundfordismissalwasanchoredon
impropervenue,theplaintiffmayfiletheactioninthepropervenue.
Wherethedismissalisfinalanditbarstherefilingofthecase,hemayappealfromthe
orderofdismissalwherethegroundrelieduponisonewhichbarstherefilingofthe
complaintlikeresjudicata,prescription,extinguishmentoftheobligationorviolationof
thestatuteoffrauds(Sec.5,Rule16).
Sincethecomplaintcannotberefiled,thedismissaliswithprejudice.UnderSec.1[h],
Rule41,itisanorderdismissinganactionwithoutprejudicewhichcannotbeappealed
from.Conversely,wherethedismissaliswithprejudice,anappealfromtheorderof
dismissalisnotprecluded.
Wherethedismissaliswithoutprejudiceandthecourtgravelyabuseditsdiscretionin
doingso,theplaintiffmayresorttocertiorari(Sec.1,Rule41).
1)FileanswerwithinthebalanceoftheperiodprescribedbyRule11towhichhewas
entitledatthetimeofservinghismotion,butnotlessthanfive(5)daysinanyevent
(Sec.4,Rule16).
Asarule,thefilingofananswer,goingthroughtheusualtrialprocess,andthe
filingofatimelyappealfromanadversejudgmentaretheproperremediesagainst
adenialofamotiontodismiss.
Thefilingofanappealfromanorderdenyingamotiontodismissisnotthe
remedyprescribedbyexistingrules.
Theorderofdenial,beinginterlocutoryisnotappealable(Sec1[c],Rule4).
2)CivilactionunderRule65(Certiorari)
Inordertojustifythegrantofthe
extraordinaryremedyofcertiorari,themustbeashowingthatthedenialofthe
motionwastaintedwithgraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackof
jurisdiction.Withoutsuchshowing,Rule65cannotbeavailedofasaremedy.
Thegeneralruleisthatthedenialofamotiontodismisscannotbequestionedina
specialcivilactionforcertiorariwhichisaremedydesignedtocorrecterrorsof
jurisdictionandnoterrorsofjudgment.Neithercanadenialofamotiontodismiss
bethesubjectofanappealunlessanduntilafinaljudgmentororderisrendered.
anyof
.
a) Lackofjurisdictionoverthepersonofthe
defendingparty;
b) Lackofjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterofthe
claim;
c) Thevenueisimproperlylaid;
d) Theplaintiffhasnolegalcapacitytosue;
e) Thereisanotheractionpendingbetweenthe
samepartiesandforthesamecause(lispendens);
f) Thecauseofactionisbarredbyapriorjudgment(resjudicata)orbythestatute
oflimitations
(prescription);
g) Thepleadingassertingtheclaimstatesnocause
ofaction;
h) Theclaimordemandhasbeenpaid,waived,
abandoned,orotherwiseextinguished;
i) Theclaimonwhichtheactionisfoundedisunenforceableundertheprovisions
ofthestatute
offrauds;and
j) Aconditionprecedentforfilingtheactionhas
notbeencompliedwith.
Thelanguageoftherule,particularlyontherelationofthewordsabandoned and
otherwiseextinguished tothephraseclaimordemanddeemedsetforthinthe
plaintiffspleading isbroadenoughtoincludewithinitsambitthedefenseofbarby
laches.
However,whenapartymovesforthedismissalofthecomplaintbasedonlaches,thetrial
courtmustsetahearingonthemotionwherethepartiesshallsubmitnotonlytheir
argumentsonthequestionsoflawbutalsotheirevidenceonthequestionsoffact
involved.Thus,beingfactualinnature,theelementsoflachesmustbeprovedor
disprovedthroughthepresentationofevidencebytheparties.
RESOLUTIONOFMOTION
Afterthehearing,thecourtmaydismisstheactionorclaim,denythemotion,ororderthe
amendmentofthepleading.Thecourtshallnotdefertheresolutionofthemotionforthe
reasonthatthegroundrelieduponisnotindubitable.Ineverycase,theresolutionshall
stateclearlyanddistinctlythereasonstherefor(Sec.3).
Wherethedismissalisfinalbutiswithoutprejudice(interlocutory),theplaintiffmay
simplyrefiletheactionthefollowinggrounds:
REMEDIESOFTHEDEFENDANTWHENTHEMOTIONISDENIED
REMEDIESOFPLAINTIFFWHENTHECOMPLAINTISDISMISSED
Awritofcertiorariisnotintendedtocorrecteverycontroversialinterlocutoryruling.It
isresortedtoonlytocorrectagraveabuseofdiscretionorawhimsicalexerciseof
judgmentequivalenttolackofjurisdiction.Itsfunctionislimitedtokeepinganinferior
courtwithinitsjurisdictionandtorelievepersonsfromarbitraryacts,actswhichcourts
orjudgeshavenopowerorauthorityinlawtoperform.Itisnotdesignedtocorrect
erroneousfindingsandconclusionsmadebythecourts.
3)Fileanappeal
Thisremedyisappropriateintheinstanceswherethedefendantisbarredfromrefiling
thesameactionofclaimifthedismissalisbasedonthefollowinggrounds:
.
a) Thecauseofactionisbarredbyapriorjudgment
b) Thecauseofactionisbarredbythestatuteoflimitations
c) Theclaimordemandhasbeenpaid,waived,abandonedorotherwise
extinguished
d) Theclaimonwhichtheactionisfoundedisunenforceableundertheprovisions
ofthestatuteoffrauds.
4)Thedenialofamotiontodismissisinterlocutory,hence,theremedyistofilean
answer,proceedtotrial,andawaitjudgmentbeforeinterposinganappeal.
Thedenialshouldberaisedasanerrorofthetrialcourtonappeal.
Whenthecomplaintisdismissedonthegroundsof:
.
a) priorjudgment
b) bythestatuteoflimitations
c) payment,waiver,abandonmentorextinguishmentoftheclaim
d) unenforceabilityofthecauseofactionunderthestatuteoffrauds
thedismissalshallbartherefilingofthesameactionorclaim,butthisiswithout
prejudicetotherightoftheotherpartytoappealfromtheorderofdismissalbecausesuch
dismissalisafinalorder,notmerelyinterlocutory(Sec.5).
Ifnomotiontodismisshasbeenfiled,anyofthegroundsprovidedfordismissalmaybe
pleadedasanaffirmativedefenseintheanswerand,inthediscretionofthecourt,a
2011BarExaminations49BERT NOTESinREMEDIALLAW
preliminaryhearingmaybehadthereonasifamotiontodismisshasbeenfiled(Sec.6,
Rule16).
ImpliedunderSec.6,Rule16isthatthegroundsforamotiontodismissarenotwaived
evenifthedefendantfailstofileamotiontodismissbecausehemaystillavailofthe
defensesunderRule16asaffirmativedefensesinhisanswer.
Asarule,apreliminaryhearingisnotauthorizedwhenamotiontodismisshasbeen
filed.Anexceptionpreviouslycarvedoutasifthetrialcourthadnotcategorically
resolvedthemotiontodismiss.Anotherexceptionwouldbejustifiedundertheliberal
constructionruleaswhenitisevidentthattheactionisbarredbyresjudicata.Astrict
applicationofSec.6wouldaccordinglyleadtoabsurditywhenanobviouslybarred
complaintcontinuestobelitigated.Thedenialofamotiontodismissdoesnotpreclude
anyfuturerelianceonthegroundsreliedthereupon.
BARBYDISMISSAL
Resjudicataasagroundfordismissalisbasedontwogrounds,namely:
1)publicpolicyandnecessity,whichmakesittotheinterestoftheStatethatthereshould
beanendtolitigation(republicaeutsitlitium);and
2)thehardshipontheindividualofbeingvexedtwiceforthesamecause(nemodebetbis
vexarieteademcausa).
Accordingly,courtswillsimplyrefusetoreopenwhathasbeendecided.Theywillnot
allowthesamepartiesortheirpriviestolitigateanewaquestiononceithasbeen
consideredanddecidedwithfinality.Litigationsmustendandterminatesometimeand
somewhere.Theeffectiveandefficientadministrationofjusticerequiresthatoncea
judgmenthasbecomefinal,theprevailingpartyshouldnotbedeprivedofthefruitsofthe
verdictbysubsequentsuitsonthesameissuesfiledbythesameparties.
Resjudicatacomprehendstwodistinctconcepts:
.
a) barbyaformerjudgment
barstheprosecutionofasecondactionuponthesameclaim,demandorcause
ofaction.
b) conclusivenessofjudgment
afactorquestionwhichwasinissueinaformersuitandwastherejudicially
passeduponanddeterminedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,isconclusively
settledbythejudgmentthereinasfarasthepartiestothatactionandpersonsin
privitywiththemareconcernedandcannotbeagainlitigatedinanyfutureaction
betweensuchpartiesortheirprivies,inthesamecourtoranyothercourtof
concurrentjurisdictiononeitherthesameordifferent
EFFECTOFDISMISSALOFCOMPLAINTONCERTAINGROUNDS
WHENGROUNDSPLEADEDASAFFIRMATIVEDEFENSES
causeofaction,whilethejudgmentremainsunreversedbyproperauthority.
Demurrertoevidenceisamotiontodismissfiledbythedefendantaftertheplaintiffhad
restedhiscaseonthegroundofinsufficiencyofevidence.Itmaybefiledafterthe
plaintiffhascompletedthepresentationofhisevidence.Itisanaidorinstrumentforthe
expeditiousterminationofanactionsimilartoamotiontodismiss,whichthecourtor
tribunalmayeithergrantordeny.
Distinctions:
a)Amotiontodismissshouldbefiledwithinthetimeforbutpriortothefilingofthe
answerofthedefendingpartytothepleadingassertingtheclaimagainsthim;ademurrer
toevidencemaybefiledonlyaftertheplaintiffhascompletedthepresentationofhis
evidence.
b)Amotiontodismissisanchoredonpreliminaryobjections;ademurrerisanchoredon
onegroundinsufficiencyofevidence;and
c)Ifamotiontodismissisdenied,thedefendantmayfilehisresponsivepleading
(answer)orelsehemaydeclaredindefaultandifgranted,plaintiffmayappealorif
subsequentcaseisnotbarred,hemayrefilethecase.
d)Inademurrer,ifdenied,thedefendantmaypresenthisevidenceandifgranted,
plaintiffappealsandtheorderofdismissalisreversed,thedefendantloseshisrightto
presentevidence.
Rule17isbasedonallegations;whileRule33isbasedonevidence
1)DISMISSALUPONNOTICEBYPLAINTIFF
Atanytimebeforetheserviceofananswerortheserviceofamotionforsummary
judgment,acomplaintmaybedismissedbytheplaintiffbyfilinganoticeofdismissal.
Uponthefilingofthenoticeofdismissal,thecourtshallissueanorderconfirmingthe
dismissal(Sec.1,Rule17).Thisdismissalshallbewithoutprejudicetotherefilingof
thecomplaint,exceptwhen:
1)Thenoticeofdismissalprovidesthatthedismissaliswithprejudice;or
2)Theplaintiffhaspreviouslydismissedthesamecaseinacourtofcompetent
jurisdiction.
Itisnottheorderconfirmingthedismissalwhichoperatestodismissthecomplaint.As
thenameoftheorderimplies,saidordermerelyconfirmsadismissalalreadyeffectedby
thefilingofthenoticeofdismissal.Thecourtdoesnothavetoapprovethedismissal
becauseithasnodiscretiononthematter.Beforeanansweroramotionforsummary
judgmenthasbeenservedupontheplaintiff,thedismissalbytheplaintiffbythefilingof
thenoticeisamatterofright.Thedismissaloccursasofthedateofthenoticeisfiledby
theplaintiffandnotthedatethecourtissuestheorderconfirmingthedismissal.
Thedismissalasamatterofrightceaseswhenanansweroramotionforsummary
judgmentisservedontheplaintiffandnotwhentheanswerorthemotionisfiledwith
thecourt.Thus,ifanoticeofdismissalisfiledbytheplaintiffevenafterananswerhas
beenfiledincourtbutbeforetheresponsivepleadinghasbeenservedontheplaintiff,the
noticeofdismissalisstillamatterofright.
Thetwodismissalruleapplieswhentheplaintiffhas:
.
a) twicedismissedactions;
b) basedonorincludingthesameclaim;and
c) inacourtofcompetentjurisdiction.
Thesecondnoticeofdismissalwillbartherefilingoftheactionbecauseitwill
operateasanadjudicationoftheclaimuponthemerits.
2)DISMISSALUPONMOTIONBYPLAINTIFF
Onceeitherananswerormotionforsummaryjudgmenthasbeenservedonthe
plaintiff,thedismissalisnolongeramatterofrightandwillrequirethefilingofa
motiontodismiss,notamerenoticeofdismissal.
Themotiontodismisswillnowbesubjecttotheapprovalofthecourtwhichwill
decideonthemotionuponsuchtermsandconditionsasarejust(Sec.2,Rule17)
unlessotherwisespecifiedintheorder,thedismissalshallbewithoutprejudice..
ThedismissalunderSec.2isnolongeramatterofrightonthepartoftheplaintiff
butamatterofdiscretionuponthecourt.
Ifacounterclaimhasalreadybeenpleadedbythedefendantpriortotheservice
uponhimoftheplaintiffsmotiontodismiss,andthecourtgrantssaidmotionto
dismiss,thedismissalshallbelimitedtothecomplaint (Sec.2,Rule17).
DISTINGUISHEDFROMDEMURRERTOEVIDENCE(RULE33)
TWODISMISSALRULE
DISMISSALOFACTIONS(Rule17)
EFFECTOFDISMISSALUPONEXISTINGCOUNTERCLAIM
Thedismissalofthecomplaintdoesnotcarrywithitthedismissalofthecounterclaim,
whetheritisacompulsoryorapermissivecounterclaimbecausetherulemakesno
distinction.Thedefendant,ifhesodesiresmayprosecutehiscounterclaimeitherina
separateactionorinthesameaction.Shouldhechoosetohavehiscounterclaimresolved
inthesameaction,hemustnotifythecourtofhispreferencewithinfifteen(15)days
fromthenoticeoftheplaintiffsmotiontodismiss.Shouldheopttoprosecutehis
counterclaiminaseparateaction,thecourtshouldrenderthecorrespondingorder
grantingandreservinghisrighttoprosecutehisclaiminaseparatecomplaint.
DISMISSALDUETOTHEFAULTOFPLAINTIFF
Acomplaintmaybedismissedbythecourtmotupropriooruponamotionfiledbythe
defendant.Thedismissalisthiscasewillbethroughreasonsattributedtohisfault.
Sec.2,Rule17providesthefollowinggroundsfordismissal:
.
a) Failureoftheplaintiff,withoutjustifiablereasons,toappearonthedateonthe
dateofthepresentationofhisevidenceinchief;
b) Failureoftheplaintifftoprosecutehisactionforanunreasonablelengthof
time;
c) FailureoftheplaintifftocomplywiththeRulesofCourt;
d) Failureoftheplaintifftoobeyanyorderofthecourt;
e) Failuretoappearatthetrial;or
f) Lackofjurisdiction.
Thedismissalshallhavetheeffectofanadjudicationuponthemeritsandisthuswith
prejudicetotherefilingoftheaction,unlessthecourtdeclaresotherwise.
Theruleonthedismissalofacomplaintappliestothedismissalofanycounterclaim,
crossclaim,orthirdpartyclaim.
AvoluntarydismissalbytheclaimantalonebynoticepursuanttoSec.1,Rule17shallbe
madebeforearesponsivepleadingoramotionforsummaryjudgmentisservedor,if
thereisnone,beforetheintroductionofevidenceatthetrialorhearing(Sec.4).
CONCEPTOFPRETRIAL
Pretrialisamandatoryconferenceandpersonalconfrontationbeforethejudgebetween
thepartiesandtheirrespectivecounsel.
Itisconductedafterthelastpleadinghasbeenservedandfiled,itshallbethedutyofthe
plaintifftopromptlymoveexpartethatthecasebesetforpretrial(within5daysfrom
thelastpleadinghasbeenfiled).
NATUREANDPURPOSE
Theconductofapretrialismandatory.Pretrialisaproceduraldeviceintendedto
clarifyandlimitthebasicissuesbetweentheparties.Itthuspavesthewayforaless
clutteredtrialandresolutionofthecase.Itsmainobjectiveistosimplify,abbreviateand
expeditetrial,ortotallydispensewithit.
Itisabasicpreceptthatthepartiesareboundtohonorthestipulationsmadeduringthe
pretrial.
Thecourtshallconsiderthefollowingmatersinthepretrial:
Thepossibilityofanamicablesettlementorasubmissiontoalternativemodesofdispute
resolution;Simplificationofissues;Necessityordesirabilityofamendmentstothe
pleadings;Possibilityofobtainingstipulationsoradmissionsoffactsandofdocumentsto
avoidunnecessaryproof;Limitationofthenumberofwitnesses;Advisabilityofa
preliminaryreferenceofissuestoacommissioner;Proprietyofrenderingjudgmenton
thepleadings,orsummaryjudgment,orofdismissingtheactionshouldavalidground
thereforbefoundtoexist;Advisabilityornecessityofsuspendingtheproceedings;and
Othermattersasmayaidinthepromptdispositionoftheaction(Sec.2,Rule18).
NOTICEOFPRETRIAL
DISMISSALOFCOUNTERCLAIM,CROSSCLAIMORTHIRDPARTY
COMPLAINT
Thenoticeofpretrialshallbeservedonthecounselofthepartyifthelatteris
representedbycounsel.Otherwise,thenoticeshallbeservedonthepartyhimself.The
counselischargedwiththedutyofnotifyinghisclientofthedate,timeandplaceofthe
pretrial(Sec.3,Rule18).
Noticeofpretrialissoimportantthatitwouldbegraveabuseofdiscretionforthecourt
forexample,toallowtheplaintifftopresenthisevidenceexparteforfailureofthe
defendanttoappearbeforethepretrialwhodidnotreceivethroughhiscounselanotice
ofpretrial.
PRETRIAL(Rule18)
Inonecase,theSCsaidthatthereisnolegalbasisforacourttoconsiderapartynotified
ofthepretrialandtoconsiderthatthereisnolongeraneedtosendnoticeofpretrial
merelybecauseitwashiscounselwhosuggestedthedateofpretrial.
Iftheplaintifffailedtomoveforpretrial,theclerkofcourtshalldoso.
Itshallbethedutyofboththepartiesandtheircounselstoappearatthepretrial(Sec.4,
Rule18).
Thefailureoftheplaintifftoappearshallbecauseforthedismissaloftheaction.This
dismissalshallbewithprejudiceexceptwhenthecourtordersotherwise(Sec.5,Rule
18).Sincethedismissaloftheactionshallbewithprejudice,unlessotherwiseprovided,
thesameshallhavetheeffectofanadjudicationonthemeritsthus,final.Theremedyof
theplaintiffistoappealfromtheorderofdismissal.Anorderdismissinganactionwith
prejudiceisappealable.UndertheRules,itisonlywhentheorderofdismissaliswithout
prejudice,thatappealcannotbeavailedof(Sec.1[h],Rule41).Sinceappealisavailable,
certiorariisnottheremedybecausetheapplicationofapetitionforcertiorariunderRule
65isconditionedupontheabsenceofappealoranyplain,speedyandadequateremedy
(Sec.1,Rule65).
Thefailureofthedefendanttoappearshallbecausetoallowtheplaintifftopresenthis
evidenceexparteandforthecourttorenderjudgmentonthebasisoftheevidence
presentedbytheplaintiff(Sec.5,Rule18).Theorderofthecourtallowingtheplaintiffto
presenthisevidenceexpartedoesnotdisposeofthecasewithfinality.Theorderis
therefore,merelyinterlocutory;hence,notappealable.UnderSec.1(c)ofRule41,no
appealmaybetakenfromaninterlocutoryorder.Thedefendantwhofeelsaggrievedby
theordermaymoveforthereconsiderationoftheorderandifthedenialistaintedwith
graveabuseofdiscretion,hemayfileapetitionforcertiorari.
Thepartiesshallfilewiththecourttheirrespectivepretrialbriefswhichshallbe
receivedatleastthree(3)daysbeforethedateofthepretrial.Thispretrialbriefshallbe
servedontheadverseparty(Sec.6,Rule18).
Thepretrialbriefshallcontainthefollowingmatters:
1)Astatementoftheirwillingnesstoenterintoanamicablesettlementoralternative
modesofdisputeresolution,indicatingthedesiredterms
2)Asummaryofadmittedfactsandproposedstipulationoffacts;
3)Theissuestobetriedorresolved;
4)Thedocumentsorexhibitstobepresented,statingthepurposesthereof;
5)Amanifestationoftheirhavingavailedofortheirintentiontoavailofdiscovery
proceduresorreferraltocommissioners;and
6)Thenumberandnamesofthewitnesses,andthesubstanceoftheirrespective
testimonies(Sec.6,Rule18).
Failuretofilethepretrialbriefshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretoappearatthe
pretrial.
a.
Ifitistheplaintiffwhofailstofileapretrialbrief,suchfailureshallbecausefor
dismissaloftheaction.
b.
Ifitisthedefendantwhofailstodoso,suchfailureshallbecausetoallowthe
plaintifftopresenthisevidenceexparte.
Apretrialbriefisnotrequiredinacriminalcase.
Thepretrialinacivilcaseissetwhentheplaintiffmovesexpartetosetthecaseforpre
trial(Sec.1,Rule18).Thepretrialincriminalcaseisorderedbythecourtandnomotion
tosetthecaseforpretrialisrequiredfromeithertheprosecutionorthedefense(Sec.1,
Rule118).
Themotiontosetthecaseforpretrialinacivilcaseismadeafterthelastpleadinghas
beenservedand.Inacriminalcase,thepretrialisorderedbythecourtafterarraignment
andwithinthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecourtacquiresjurisdictionoverthepersonof
theaccused.
Thepretrialinacivilcaseconsidersthepossibilityofanamicablesettlementasan
importantobjective.Thepretrialinacriminalcasedoesnotincludetheconsideringof
thepossibilityofamicablesettlementofcriminalliabilityasoneofitspurposes.
Inacivilcase,theagreementsandadmissionsmadeinthepretrialarenotrequiredtobe
signedbythepartiesandtheircounsels.Theyaretobecontainedintherecordofpretrial
andthepretrialorder(Sec.7,Rule18).Inacriminalcase,allagreementsoradmissions
madeorenteredduringthepretrialconferenceshallbereducedinwritingandsignedby
theaccusedandcounsel;otherwise,theycannotbeusedagainsttheaccuse(Sec.2,Rule
118).
Thesanctionsfornonappearanceinapretrialareimposedupontheplaintifforthe
defendantinacivilcase.Thesanctionsinacriminalcaseareimposeduponthecounsel
fortheaccusedortheprosecutor.
APPEARANCEOFPARTIES;EFFECTOFFAILURETOAPPEAR
DISTINCTIONBETWEENPRETRIALINCIVILCASEANDPRETRIALINCRIMINAL
CASE
PRETRIALBRIEF;EFFECTOFFAILURETOFILE
CIVILPRETRIAL
CRIMINALPRETRIAL
ALTERNATIVEDISPUTERESOLUTION(ADR)
1)Ifthecasehasalreadyfiledacomplaintwiththetrialcourtwithoutpriorrecourseto
arbitration,theproperproceduretoenableanarbitrationpaneltoresolvetheparties
disputepursuanttothecontractisforthetrialcourttostaytheproceedings.Afterthe
arbitrationproceedinghasalreadybeenpursuedandcompleted,thenthetrialcourtmay
confirmtheawardmadebythearbitrationpanel.
ApartyhasseveraljudicialremediesavailableatitsdisposalaftertheArbitration
CommitteedenieditsMotionforReconsideration:
.
1) ItmaypetitiontheproperRTCtoissueanordervacatingtheawardonthe
groundsprovidedforunderSec.24oftheArbitrationLaw;
2) FileapetitionforreviewunderRule43withtheCourtofAppealsonquestions
offact,oflaw,ormixedquestionsoffactandlaw(Sec.41,ADR);
3) FileapetitionforcertiorariunderRule65onthegroundthattheArbitration
Committeeactedwithoutorinexcessofitsjurisdictionorwithgraveabuseof
discretionamountingtolackorexcessofjurisdiction.
Interventionisalegalproceedingbywhichapersonwhoisnotapartytotheactionis
permittedbythecourttobecomeapartybyinterveninginapendingactionaftermeeting
theconditionsandrequirementssetbytheRules.Thisthirdpersonwhointervenesisone
whoisnotoriginallyimpleadedintheaction.
Interventionismerelyacollateraloraccessoryorancillarytotheprincipalactionadnot
anindependentproceeding.Withthefinaldismissaloftheoriginalaction,thecomplaint
ininterventioncannolongerbeactedupon.
REQUISITESFORINTERVENTION
.
1) Theremustbeamotionforinterventionfiledbeforerenditionofjudgmentby
thetrialcourt.Amotionisnecessarybecauseleaveofcourtisrequiredbeforea
personmaybeallowedtointervene.
2) Themovantmustshowinhismotionthathehas:
.
a) Alegalinterestinthematterinlitigation,thesuccessofeitherofthe
partiesintheaction,oragainstbothparties;
b) Thatthemovantissosituatedastobeadversely
affectedbyadistributionorotherdispositionofpropertyinthecustodyof
thecourtorofanofficerthereof;and
c) Thattheinterventionmustnotonlyundulydelayorprejudicethe
adjudicationoftherightsoftheoriginalpartiesandthattheintervenors
rightsmaynotbefullyprotectedinaseparateproceeding.
d) Theintervenorsrightsmaynotbefullyprotectedinaseparate
proceeding.
TIMETOINTERVENE
Themotiontointervenemaybefiledatanytimebeforetherenditionofjudgmentbythe
trialcourt(Sec.2,Rule18).Interventionaftertrialanddecisioncannolongerbe
permitted.
1)Theappellatecourtmayexercisesoundjudicialdiscretion
2)Anindispensablepartycaninterveneevenaftertherenditionofjudgment
3)Theremedyoftheaggrievedpartyisappeal.Mandamuswillnotlieexceptincaseof
graveabuseofdiscretionandifthereisnootherplain,speedyandadequateremedy.
Courtcannotissuesubpoenaabsentanyaction
Subpoenaisaprocessdirectedtoapersonrequiringhimtoattendandtotestifyatthe
hearingorthetrialofanaction,oratanyinvestigationconductedunderthelawsofthe
Philippines,orfortakingofhisdeposition(Sec.1,Rule21).
REMEDYFORTHEDENIALOFMOTIONTOINTERVENTION
INTERVENTION(Rule19)
SUBPOENA(Rule21)
SUBPOENADUCESTECUMisaprocessdirectedtoapersonrequiringhimtobring
withhimatthehearingortrialofanactionanybooks,documents,orotherthingsunder
hiscontrol.
SUBPOENAADTESTIFICANDUM isaprocessdirectedtoapersonrequiringhimto
attendandtestifyatthehearingorthetrialoftheaction,oratanyinvestigation
conductedbythecompetentauthority,orforthetakingofhisdeposition.
SERVICEOFSUBPOENA
Itshallbemadeinthesamemanneraspersonalorsubstitutedserviceofsummons.
1) Theoriginalshallbeexhibitedandacopythereofdeliveredtothepersonon
whomitisserved.
2) Tenderingtohimthefeesforonedays
attendanceandthekilometrageallowedbytheRules,exceptthatwhenasubpoena
isissuedbyoronbehalfoftheRepublic,oranofficeroragencythereof,the
tenderneednotbemade.
3) Theservicemustbemadesoastoallowthewitnessareasonabletimefor
preparationandtraveltotheplaceofattendance.
4) Ifthesubpoenaisducestecum,thereasonablecostofproducingthebooks,
documentsorthingsdemandedshallalsobetendered.
Serviceofasubpoenashallbemadebythesheriff,byhisdeputy,orbyanyotherperson
speciallyauthorized,whoisnotapartyandisnotlessthaneighteen(18)yearsofage
(Sec.6,Rule21).
Incaseoffailureofawitnesstoattend,thecourtorjudgeissuingthesubpoena,upon
proofoftheservicethereofandofthefailureofthewitness,mayissueawarranttothe
sheriffoftheprovince,orhisdeputy,toarrestthewitnessandbringhimbeforethecourt
orofficerwherehisattendanceisrequired,andthecostofsuchwarrantandseizureof
suchwitnessshallbepaidbythewitnessifthecourtissuingitshalldeterminethathis
failuretoanswerthesubpoenawaswilfulandwithoutjustcause(Sec.8).
Failurebyanypersonwithoutadequatecausetoobeyasubpoenaserveduponhimshall
bedeemedacontemptofthecourtfromwhichthesubpoenaisissued.Ifthesubpoena
wasnotissuedbyacourt,thedisobediencetheretoshallbepunishedinaccordancewith
theapplicablelaworRule(Sec.9).
Exceptions:
a)Wherethewitnessresidesmorethanonehundred(100)kilometersfromhisresidence
totheplacewhereheistotestifybytheordinarycourseoftravel(ViatoryRight),or
b)Wherethepermissionofthecourtinwhichthedetainedprisonerscaseispendingwas
notobtained.
QUASHINGOFSUBPOENA
Thecourtmayquashasubpoenaducestecumuponmotionpromptlymadeand,inany
event,atorbeforethetimespecifiedtherein:
a)ifitisunreasonableandoppressive,or
b)therelevancyofthebooks,documentsorthingsdoesnotappear,or
c)ifthepersoniswhosebehalfthesubpoenaisissuedfailstoadvancethereasonable
costoftheproductionthereof.
SubpoenaadtestificandummaybequashedonthegroundthatthewitnessisNOT
BOUNDTHEREBY.Ineithercase,thesubpoenamaybequashedonthegroundthatthe
witnessfeesandkilometrage(within100kilometrageunlessthewitnessmaybecited
indirectcontempt)allowedbytheRuleswerenottenderedwhenthesubpoenawas
served.
Youcanusethisatanystageoftheproceeding;applicablealsoinspecial
proceedings
Writteninterrogatoriestopartiesisusedonlyforthepurposeofcallingthe
defendanttothewitnessstand
MODESOFDISCOVERY
.
1) Depositionspendingaction(Rule23);
2) Depositionsbeforeactionorpendingappeal
(Rule24);
3) Interrogatoriestoparties(Rule25)
4) Admissionbyadverseparty(Rule26);
5) Productionorinspectionofdocumentsand
things(Rule27);and
6) Physicalandmentalexaminationofpersons
(Rule28).
Theimportanceoftherulesofdiscoveryisthattheyshortentheperiodof
litigationandspeedupadjudication.Theevidentpurposeistoenabletheparties,
consistentwithrecognizedprinciples,toobtainthefullestpossibleknowledgeof
thefactsandissuesbeforeciviltrialsandthuspreventsaidtrialsfrombeing
carriedoninthedark.Therulesofdiscoveryserveas(a)devices,alongwiththe
pretrialhearingunderRule18,tonarrowandclarifythebasisissuesbetweenthe
parties;and(b)devicesforascertainingthefactsrelativetothoseissues.
MODESOFDISCOVERY(Rules2328)
COMPELLINGATTENDANCEOFWITNESSES;CONTEMPT
Thebasicpurposesoftherulesofdiscoveryare:
.
a) Toenableapartytoobtainknowledgeofmaterialfactswithintheknowledge
oftheadversepartyorofthirdpartiesthrough
depositions;
b) Toobtainknowledgeofmaterialfactsor
admissionsfromtheadversepartythrough
writteninterrogatories;
c) Toobtainadmissionsfromtheadverseparty
regardingthegenuinenessofrelevantdocumentsorrelevantmattersoffact
throughrequestsforadmissions;
d) Toinspectrelevantdocumentsorobjects,andlandsorotherpropertyinthe
possessionandcontroloftheadverseparty;and
e) Todeterminethephysicalormentalconditionofapartywhensuchisin
controversy.
MEANINGOFDEPOSITION
Adepositionisthetakingofthetestimonyofanyperson,whetherhebeapartyornot,
butattheinstanceofapartytotheaction.Thistestimonyistakenoutofcourt.Itmaybe
eitherbyoralexamination,orbyawritteninterrogatory(Sec.1,Rule23).
USESOFDEPOSITIONSPENDINGACTION
Atthetrialoruponthehearingofamotionoraninterlocutoryproceeding,anypartorall
ofadeposition,sofarasadmissibleundertherulesofevidence,maybeusedagainstany
partywhowaspresentorrepresentedatthetakingofthedepositionorwhohaddue
noticethereof.
Adepositionmaybesoughtforuseinafutureaction(Rule24),duringapendingaction
(Rule23),orforuseinapendingappeal(Rule24).
depositionbenneesse takenforuseduringapendingaction(Rule23).
depositioninperpetuamreimemoriam takentoperpetuateatestimonyfor
useinfutureproceedingsaswhenitissoughtbeforetheexistenceofanaction,or
forcasesonappeal.
Anyorallofthedeposition,sofarasadmissibleundertherulesofevidence,may
beused(a)againstanypartywhowaspresentorrepresentedatthetakingofthe
deposition,or(b)againstonewhohadduenoticeofthedeposition(Sec.4,Rule
23).
Thedepositionmaybeusedforthefollowingpurposes:1)Forcontradictingor
impeachingthetestimonyofthedeponentasawitness;
2)Thedepositionofapartyorofanyonewhoatthetimeoftakingthedepositionwasan
officer,director,ormanagingagentofapublicorprivatecorporation,partnership,or
associationwhichisapartymaybeusedbyanadversepartyforanypurpose;
3)Foranypurposebyanyparty,wherethedeponentisawitnessifthecourtfindsthat:
.
a) Thewitnessisdead;
b) Thewitnessresidesmorethan100
kilometersfromtheplaceoftrialorhearing,orisoutofthePhilippines,unlessit
appearsthathisabsencewasprocuredbythepartyofferingthedeposition;
c) Thatthewitnessisunabletoattendortestifybecauseofage,sickness,
infirmity,orimprisonment;or
d) Thatthepartyofferingthedepositionhasbeenunabletoprocurethe
attendanceofwitnessesbysubpoena;or
e) Whenexceptionalcircumstancesexist(Sec.4,Rule23).
SCOPEOFEXAMINATION
UnlessotherwiseorderedbythecourtasprovidedbySec.16or18,thedeponentmaybe
examinedregarding:
.
a) anymatternotprivileged
b) whichisrelevanttothependingaction,whether
relatingtotheclaimordefenseofanyotherparty,includingtheexistence,
description,nature,custody,condition,andlocationofanybooks,documents,or
othertangiblethingsandtheidentityandlocationofpersonshavingknowledgeof
relevantfacts
c) Notrestrictedbyaprotectiveorder.
Objectionmaybemadeatthetrialorhearingtoreceivinginevidenceanydepositionor
partthereofforanyreasonwhichwouldrequiretheexclusionoftheevidenceifthe
witnesswerethenpresentandtestifying(Sec.6).
Atanytimeduringthetakingofthedeposition,anypartyordeponentmayaskforthe
terminationorlimitingofthescopeofthedepositionuponshowing:
1) thattheexaminationisbeingconductedinbadfaith;or
2)thatitisconductedinsuchmannerasreasonablytoannoy,embarrass,oroppressthe
deponentorparty.
DEPOSITIONSPENDINGACTION(RULE23);DEPOSITIONSBEFOREACTION
ORPENDINGAPPEAL
WHENMAYOBJECTIONSTOADMISSIBILITYBEMADE
WHENMAYTAKINGOFDEPOSITIONBETERMINATEDORITSSCOPE
LIMITED
CONSEQUENCESOFREFUSALTOANSWER
Thepartywhofailstoservehisanswertowritteninterrogatoriesmaybethesubjectofa
judgmentbydefault
EFFECTOFFAILURETOSERVEWRITTENINTERROGATORIES
Apartynotservedwithwritteninterrogatoriesmaynotbecompelledbytheadverse
partytogivetestimonyinopencourt,ortogivedepositionpendingappeal,unless
allowedbythecourtortopreventafailureofjustice(Sec.6,Rule25).
Thisprovisionencouragestheuseofwritteninterrogatoriesalthoughapartyisnot
compelledtousethisdiscoveryprocedure,theruleimposessanctionsforhisfailureto
servewritteninterrogatoriesbydeprivinghimoftheprivilegetocalltheadversepartyas
awitnessortogiveadepositionpendingappeal.
Aparty,althoughnotcompelledbytheRules,isadvisedtofileandserveawritten
requestforadmissionontheadversepartyofthosematerialandrelevantfactsatissue
andactionabledocument(asaresult,youneednotauthenticateit)whichare,oroughtto
be,withinthepersonalknowledgeofsaidadverseparty.
Thepartywhofailstofileandservetherequestshallnotbepermittedtopresentevidence
onsuchfacts(Sec.5,Rule26).
IMPLIEDADMISSIONBYADVERSEPARTY
Eachofthemattersofwhichanadmissionisrequestedshallbedeemedadmittedunless,
withinaperioddesignatedintherequest,whichshallnotbelessthanfifteen(15)days
afterservicethereof,orwithinsuchfurthertimeasthecourtmayallowonmotion,the
partytowhomtherequestisdirectedfilesandservesuponthepartyrequestingthe
admissionaswornstatementeitherdenyingspecificallythemattersofwhichan
admissionisrequestedorsettingforthindetailthereasonswhyhecannottruthfully
eitheradmitordenythosematters.
Objectionstoanyrequestforadmissionshallbesubmittedtothecourtbytheparty
requestedwithintheperiodforandpriortothefilingofhisswornstatementas
contemplatedintheprecedingparagraphandhiscompliancetherewithshallbedeferred
untilsuchobjectionsareresolved,whichresolutionshallbemadeasearlyaspracticable.
Eachofthemattersofwhichanadmissionisrequested(factsordocuments)shallbe
deemedadmittedunlesswithinaperioddesignatedintherequestwhichshallnotbeless
than15daysafterservicethereof,orwithinsuchfurthertimeasthecourtmayallowon
motion,thepartytowhomtherequestisdirectedfilesandservesupontheparty
requestingtheadmissionaswornstatementeitherdenyingspecificallythematterof
whichanadmissionisrequestedorsettingforthindetailthereasonwhyhecannot
truthfullyeitheradmitordenythosematters.
EFFECTOFADMISSION
Anyadmissionmadebyapartypursuanttosuchrequestisforthepurposeofthepending
actiononlyandshallnotconstituteanadmissionbyhimforanyotherpurposenormay
thesamebeusedagainsthiminanyotherproceeding(Sec.3).
Apartywhofailstofileandservearequestforadmissionontheadversepartyof
materialandrelevantfactsatissuewhichare,oroughttobe,withinthepersonal
knowledgeofthelatter,shallnotbepermittedtopresentevidenceonsuchfacts(Sec.5).
Thisispreludetothepresentationofsecondaryevidence.
ThisRuleappliesonlytoapendingactionandthedocumentsorthingssubject
ofthemotionshouldnotbeprivilegedandmustbethosewithinthepossession,
controlorcustodyofaparty.Thepetitionmustbesufficientlydescribedand
identifiedaswellasmaterialtoanymatterinvolvedinthependingaction.
Thismodeofdiscoveryappliestoanactioninwhichthementalorphysical
conditionofapartyisincontroversy.
WRITTENINTERROGATORIESTOADVERSEPARTIES
CONSEQUENCESOFFAILURETOANSWERREQUESTFORADMISSION
EFFECTOFFAILURETOFILEANDSERVEREQUESTFORADMISSION
REQUESTFORADMISSION(RULE26)
PRODUCTIONORINSPECTIONOFDOCUMENTSORTHINGS(RULE27)
PHYSICALANDMENTALEXAMINATIONOFPERSONS(RULE28)
RequisitestoobtainOrderforExamination:
.
a) AMOTIONmustbefiledforthephysicalandmentalexamination;
b) ThemotionshowingGoodCausefortheexamination;
c) NOTICEtothepartytobeexaminedandtoalltheotherparties
d) ThemotionshallSPECIFYthetime,place,manner,conditionandscopeofthe
examinationandthepersonorpersonsbywhomitismade.
Waiverofprivilege.Wherethepersonexaminedrequestsandobtainsareportorthe
resultsoftheexamination,theconsequencesare:
1)Hehastofurnishtheotherpartyacopyofanypreviousorsubsequentexaminationof
thesamephysicalandmentalcondition;and
2)Hewaivesanyprivilegehemayhaveinthatactionoranyotherinvolvingthesame
controversyregardingthetestimonyofanyotherpersonwhohassoexaminedhimor
maythereafterexaminehim.
CONSEQUENCESOFREFUSALTOCOMPLYWITHMODESOFDISCOVERY
(RULE29)
REFUSALTOCOMPLYWITHMODESOFDISCOVERY
Refusaltoansweranyquestion
Thecourtmay,uponapplication,compelarefusingdeponentananswer.
Ifgrantedandrefusaltoansweriswithoutsubstantialjustification,thecourt
mayrequiretherefusingpartytopaytheproponenttheamountofthe
reasonableexpensesincurredinobtainingtheorder,includingattorney'sfees.
Ifdeniedandfiledwithoutsubstantialjustification,thecourtmayrequirethe
proponenttopaytotherefusingpartyordeponenttheamountofthereasonable
expensesincurredinopposingtheapplication,includingattorney'sfees.
Arefusaltoanswerafterbeingdirectedbythecourttodosomaybe
considered
acontemptofthatcourt.
RefusaltobeSworn
CitethedisobedientdeponentinContemptofcourt
Refusaltoanswerdesignatedquestionsorrefusaltoproducedocumentsortosubmit
tophysicalormentalexamination
Thecourtmaymakethefollowingorders:
.
1) Anorderthatthemattersregardingwhichthequestionswereasked,orthe
characterordescriptionofthethingorland,orthecontentsofthepaper,orthe
physicalormentalconditionoftheparty,oranyotherdesignatedfactsshallbe
takentobeestablishedforthepurposesoftheactioninaccordancewiththeclaim
ofthepartyobtainingtheorder;
2) Anorderrefusingtoallowthedisobedientpartytosupportoroppose
designatedclaimsordefensesorprohibitinghimfromintroducinginevidence
designateddocumentsorthingsoritemsoftestimony,orfromintroducing
evidenceofphysicalormentalcondition;
3) Anorderstrikingoutpleadingsorpartsthereof,orstayingfurtherproceedings
untiltheorderisobeyed,ordismissingtheactionorproceedingoranypart
thereof,orrenderingajudgmentbydefaultagainstthedisobedientparty;and
4) Inlieuofanyoftheforegoingordersorinadditionthereto,anorderdirecting
thearrestofanypartyoragentofapartyfordisobeyinganyofsuchordersexcept
anordertosubmittoaphysicalormentalexamination(Sec.3,Rule29).
Refusaltoadmitactionabledocument
Thecourtmay,uponapplication,issueanordertopaytheproponenttheamountofthe
reasonableexpensesincurredinobtainingtheorder,includingattorney'sfees.
Failureofpartytoattendorserveanswers
Thecourt,onmotionandnotice,may:
1) maystrikeoutalloranypartofanypleadingofthatparty;
2) dismisstheactionorproceedingoranypartthereof;
3) enterajudgmentbydefaultagainstdisobedientparty;
4) ordertopayreasonableexpensesincurredbytheother,includingattorney's
fees.
TRIAL(Rule30)Atrialisthejudicialprocessofinvestigatinganddeterminingthelegal
controversies,startingwiththeproductionofevidencebytheplaintiffandendingwith
hisclosingarguments.
ADJOURNMENTSANDPOSTPONEMENTS
Thegeneralruleisthatacourtmayadjournatrialfromdaytoday,andtoanystated
time,astheexpeditiousandconvenienttransactionofbusinessmayrequire(Sec.2).
However,thecourthasnopowertoadjournatrialforaperiodlongerthanonemonth
fromeachadjournment,normorethanthree(3)monthsinall,exceptwhenauthorizedin
writingbytheCourtAdministrator.
Amotionforpostponementshouldnotbefiledonthelasthourespeciallywhenthereis
noreasonwhyitcouldnothavebeenpresentedearlier.
Postponementisnotamatterofright.Itisaddressedtothesounddiscretionofthecourt.
.
1) Amotionforpostponementstatingthegroundrelieduponmustbefiled;
2) Themotionmustbesupportedbyanaffidavitorsworncertificationshowing:
a.
thematerialityorrelevancyoftheevidence;and
b.
thatduediligencehasbeenusedtoprocureit
(Sec.3).
3) Iftheadversepartyadmitsthefactsgiveninevidence,thetrialshallnotbe
postponedevenifhereservestherighttoobjecttotheadmissibilityofthe
evidence.
1) Amotionforpostponementstatingthegroundrelieduponmustbefiled;
2) Themotionmustbesupportedbyanaffidavitorsworncertificationshowing:
a.
thatthepresenceofthepartyorcounselatthetrialisindispensable;and
b.
thatthecharacterofhisillnessissuchastorenderhisnonattendance
excusable(Sec.4).
AGREEDSTATEMENTSOFFACTS
Thepartiestoanyactionmayagreeinwritinguponthefactsinvolvedinlitigationd
submitthecaseforjudgmentonthefactsagreedupon,withouttheintroductionof
evidence.Notrialshallthusbeheld.
Ifthepartiesagreetoonlysomefactsinissue,trialshallbeheldastothedisputedfacts
insuchorderasthecourtshallprescribe.
Theagreedstatementoffactsisconclusiveontheparties,aswellasonthecourt.Neither
ofthepartiesmaywithdrawfromtheagreement,normaythecourtignorethesame.
ORDEROFTRIAL
SubjecttotheprovisionsofSec.2,Rule31(Separatetrials),andunlessthecourtfor
specialreasonsotherwisedirects,thetrialshallbelimitedtotheissuesstatedinthepre
trialorderandshallproceedasfollows:
.
1) Theplaintiffshalladduceevidenceinsupportofhiscomplaint;
2) Thedefendantshallthenadduceevidenceinsupportofhisdefense,
counterclaim,crossclaimandthirdpartycomplaint;
3) Thethirdpartydefendant,ifany,shalladduceevidenceofhisdefense,
counterclaim,crossclaimandfourthpartycomplaint;
4) Thefourthparty,andsoforth,ifany,shalladduceevidenceofthematerial
factspleadedbythem;
5) Thepartiesagainstwhomanycounterclaimorcrossclaimhasbeenpleaded,
shalladduceevidenceinsupportoftheirdefense,intheordertobeprescribedby
thecourt;
6) Thepartiesmaythenrespectivelyadducerebuttingevidenceonly,unlessthe
court,forgoodreasonsandinthefurtheranceofjustice,permitsthemtoadduce
evidenceupontheiroriginalcase;and
7) Uponadmissionoftheevidence,thecaseshallbedeemedsubmittedfor
decision,unlessthecourtdirectsthepartiestoargueortosubmittheirrespective
memorandaoranyfurtherpleadings.
Ifseveraldefendantsorthirdpartydefendantsandsoforthhavingseparatedefenses
appearbydifferentcounsel,thecourtshalldeterminetherelativeorderofpresentationof
theirevidence(Sec.5).
REVERSALOFORDER
Whentheaccusedadmitstheactoromissionchargedinthecomplaintorinformationbut
interposesalawfuldefense,theorderoftrialmaybemodified(Sec.11,Rule119).
Sincethedefendantadmitstheplaintiffsclaimbutseekstoavoidliabilitybasedonhis
affirmativedefense,heshallproceedfirsttoprovehisexemption.
REQUISITESOFMOTIONTOPOSTPONETRIALFORABSENCEOFEVIDENCE
REQUISITESOFMOTIONTOPOSTPONETRIALFORILLNESSOFPARTYOR
COUNSEL
TRIALBYCOMMISSIONERS(RULE32)
CONSOLIDATIONORSEVERANCEOFHEARINGORTRIAL(RULE31)
ConsolidationWhenactionsinvolvingacommonquestionoflawORfactsarepending
beforethecourt,itmayorderajointhearingortrialofanyorallthemattersinissuein
theactions;itmayorderalltheactionsconsolidated;anditmaymakesuchorders
concerningproceedingsthereinasmaytendtoavoidunnecessarycostsordelay(Sec.1).
Modesofconsolidatingcases:
.
a) Byrecastingthecasesalreadyinstituted reshaping
ofthecasebyamendingthepleadinganddismissingsomecasesandretaining
onlyonecase.Theremustbejoinderofcausesofactionandofparties;
b) Byconsolidationproperorbyconsolidatingtheexistingcases itisajoint
trialwithajointdecision,thecasesretainingtheiroriginaldocketnumbers;and
c) Bytestcasemethod byhearingonlytheprincipalcaseandsuspendingthe
hearingontheothercasesuntiljudgementhasbeenrenderedintheprincipalcase.
Thecasesretaintheiroriginaldocketnumbers.
Severance(Separate)Trials.Thecourt,infurtheranceofconvenienceortoavoid
prejudice,mayorderaseparatetrialofanyclaim,crossclaim,counterclaim,orthird
partycomplaint,orofanyseparateissueorofanynumberofclaims,crossclaims,
counterclaim,thirdpartycomplaintsorissue(Sec.2).
Note:Consolidationisnotaremedyincaseofforumshopping!
DELEGATIONOFRECEPTIONOFEVIDENCE
Asageneralrule,thejudgeshallpersonallyreceivetheevidencetobeadducedbythe
parties.However,thereceptionofevidencemaybedelegatedunderthefollowing
conditions:
.
1) Thedelegationmaybemadeonlyindefaultorexpartehearings,andinany
casewherethepartiesagreeinwriting;
2) Thedelegationmaybemadeonlybytheclerkofcourtwhoisamemberofthe
bar;
3) Saidclerkofcourtshallhavenopowertoruleonofevidenceobjectionstoany
questionortotheadmissionofexhibits;and
4) Heshallsubmithisreportandthetranscriptsoftheproceedings,togetherwith
theobjectionstoberesolvedbythecourt,withinten(10)daysfromterminationof
thehearing.
Commissionerincludesareferee,anauditorandanexaminer(Sec.1)
Bywrittenconsentofbothparties,thecourtmayorderanyoralloftheissuesinacaseto
bereferredtoacommissionertobeagreeduponbythepartiesortobeappointedbythe
court.
Whenthepartiesdonotconsent,thecourtmay,upontheapplicationofeitheroronits
ownmotion,directareferencetoacommissionerinthefollowingcases:
1)WhenthetrialofanissueoffactrequirestheexaminationofaLONGACCOUNTon
eitherside,inwhichcasethecommissionermaybedirectedtohearandreportuponthe
wholeissueoranyspecificquestioninvolvedtherein;
2)Whenthetakingofanaccountisnecessaryfortheinformationofthecourtbefore
judgment,orforcarryingajudgmentororderintoeffect;
3)Whenaquestionoffact,otherthanuponthepleadings,arisesuponmotionor
otherwise,inanystageofacase,orforcarryingajudgmentororderintoeffect(Sec.2).
UndertheRules,thecourtsordermayspecifyorlimitthepowersofthecommissioner.
Hence,theordermaydirecthimto:
a)Reportonlyuponparticularissues;b)Doorperformparticularacts;orc)Receiveand
reportevidenceonly.
Theordermayalsofixthedateforbeginningandclosingofthehearingsandforthe
filingofhisreport.
Subjecttosuchlimitationsstatedintheorder,thecommissioner:
a)Shallexercisethepowertoregulatetheproceedingsineveryhearingbeforehim;
b)Shalldoallactsandtakeallmeasuresnecessaryorproperfortheefficient
performanceofhisdutiesundertheorder;
c)Mayissuesubpoenasandsubpoenasducestecum,andswearwitnesses;and
d)Ruleupontheadmissibilityofevidence,unlessotherwiseprovidedintheorderof
reference(Sec.3,Rule32).
REFERENCEBYCONSENT
REFERENCEORDEREDONMOTION
POWERSOFCOMMISSIONER
COMMISSIONERSREPORT;NOTICETOPARTIESANDHEARINGONTHE
REPORT
Thecommissionersreportisnotbindinguponthecourtwhichisfreetoadopt,modify,
orreject,inwholeorinpart,thereport.Thecourtmayreceivefurtherevidenceor
recommitthereportwithinstructions(Sec.11,Rule32)
Noticeofthefilingofthereportmustbesenttothepartiesforthepurposeofgivingthem
anopportunitytopresenttheirobjections.Thefailuretogranttheparties,indueform,
thisopportunitytoobject,may,insomeinstances,constituteaseriouserrorinviolation
oftheirsubstantialrights.
Therule,however,isnotabsolute.Inonecase,itwasruledthatalthoughthepartieswere
notnotifiedofthefilingofthecommissionersreports,andthecourtfailedtosetsaid
reportforhearing,ifthepartieswhoappearedbeforethecommissionerwereduly
representedbycounselandgivenanopportunitytobeheard,therequirementofdue
processhasbeensatisfied,andadecisiononthebasisofsuchreport,withtheother
evidenceofthecaseisadecisionwhichmeetstherequirementsoffairandopenhearing.
Inthehearingtobeconductedonthecommissionersreport,thecourtwillreviewonlyso
muchasmaybedrawninquestionbyproperobjections.Itisnotexpectedtorehearthe
caseupontheentirerecord.
Demurrertoevidenceisamotiontodismissfiledbythedefendantaftertheplaintiffhad
restedhiscaseonthegroundofINSUFFICIENCYOFEVIDENCE.
TheprovisionoftheRulesgoverningdemurrertoevidencedoesnotapplytoanelection
case.
GROUND
Afterplaintiffhasfinishedpresentinghisevidence,thedefendantmaymoveforthe
dismissalofthecomplaintonthegroundthatuponthefactsandthelaw,theplaintiffhas
shownnorighttorelief.
Ifthemotionisgrantedandtheorderofdismissalisreversedonappeal,themovants
loseshisrighttopresenttheevidenceonhisbehalf.Theappellatecourtincaseitreverses
thegrantofthemotion,shouldrenderthejudgmentthereinbasedontheevidence
submittedbytheplaintiff.
Itisnotcorrectfortheappellatecourtreversingtheordergrantingthedemurrerto
remandthecasetothetrialcourtforfurtherproceedings.Theappellatecourtshould,
insteadofremandingthecase,renderjudgmentonthebasisoftheevidencesubmittedby
theplaintiff.
WAIVEROFRIGHTTOPRESENTEVIDENCE
Ifthedemurrerisgrantedbutonappealtheorderofdismissalisreversed,thedefendant
isdeemedtohavewaivedhisrighttopresentevidence.
Inacivilcase,leaveofcourtisnotrequiredbeforefilingademurrer.Inacriminalcase,
leaveofcourtisfiledwithorwithoutleaveofcourt(Sec.23,Rule119).
Inacivilcase,ifthedemurrerisgranted,theorderofdismissalisappealablesincethe
motionisinterlocutory.Inacriminalcase,theorderofdismissalisnotappealable
becauseoftheconstitutionalpolicyagainstdoublejeopardydenialistantamountto
acquittal,finalandexecutory.
Incivilcase,ifthedemurrerisdenied,thedefendantmayproceedtopresenthis
evidence.Inacriminalcase,theaccusedmayadducehisevidenceonlyifthedemurreris
filedwithleaveofcourt.Hecannotpresenthisevidenceifhefiledthedemurrerwithout
leaveofcourt(Sec.23,Rule119).
Incivilcase,theplaintifffilesamotiontodenymotiontodemurrertoevidence.In
criminalcase,thecourtmaymotupropriodenythemotion.
DEMURRERTOEVIDENCEINACIVILCASEVERSUSDEMURRERTO
EVIDENCEINACRIMINALCASE
DEMURRERTOEVIDENCE(Rule33)
JUDGMENTSANDFINALORDERS(Rules34 36)
EFFECTOFDENIAL;EFFECTOFGRANTJUDGMENTWITHOUTTRIAL
Intheeventhismotionisdenied,thedefendantdoesnotwaivehisrighttooffer
evidence.Thedefendantshllhavetherighttopresenthisevidence.Anorderdenyinga
demurrertoevidenceisinterlocutoryandistherefore,notappealable.Itcanhoweverbe
thesubjectofapetitionforcertiorariincaseofgraveabuseofdiscretionoranoppressive
exerciseofjudicialauthority.
Thetheoryofsummaryjudgmentisthatalthoughananswermayonitsfaceappearto
tenderissuesrequiringtrialyetifitisdemonstratedbyaffidavits,depositions,or
admissionsthatthoseissuesarenotgenuine,butshamorfictitious,theCourtisjustified
indispensingwiththetrialandrenderingsummaryjudgmentforplaintiff.
Thecourtisexpectedtoactchieflyonthebasisoftheaffidavits,depositions,admissions
submittedbythemovants,andthoseoftheotherpartyinoppositionthereto.
Thehearingcontemplated(with10daynotice)isforthepurposeofdeterminingwhether
theissuesaregenuineornot,nottoreceiveevidenceontheissuessetupinthepleadings.
Ahearingisnotthusderiguer.Themattermayberesolved,andusuallyis,onthebasis
ofaffidavits,depositions,admissions.
Inonecase,thesummaryjudgmentherewasjustified,consideringtheabsenceof
opposingaffidavitstocontradicttheaffidavits.
CONTENTSOFAJUDGMENT
Judgmenthastwoparts:
1)thebodyofthejudgmentortheratiodecidendi,and
2)thedispositiveportionofthejudgmentorfallo.
Thebodyofthedecision(ratiodecidendi)isnotthepartofthejudgmentthatis
subjecttoexecutionbutthefallobecauseitisthelatterwhichisthejudgmentofthe
court.
Theimportanceoffalloordispositiveportionofadecisionshouldstatewhetherthe
complaintorpetitionisgrantedordenied,thespecificreliefgranted,andthecosts.
Itisthedispositivepartofthejudgmentthatactuallysettlesanddeclarestherights
andobligationsoftheparties,finally,definitively,andauthoritatively.
Thegeneralruleisthatwherethereisaconflictbetweenthefalloandtheratiodecidendi,
thefallocontrols.Thisrulerestsonthetheorythatthefalloisthefinalorderwhilethe
opinioninthebodyismerelyastatementorderingnothing.Wheretheinevitable
conclusionfromthebodyofthedecisionissoclearthattherewasameremistakeinthe
dispositiveportion,thebodyofthedecisionprevails.
Ajudgmentmusthavethesignatureofthejudge.
Whereananswerfailstotenderanissue,orotherwiseadmitsthematerialallegationsof
theadversepartyspleading,thecourtmay,onmotionofthatparty,directjudgmenton
suchpleading.
ThefollowingactionsCANNOTbethesubjectofajudgmentonthepleadings:
2)annulmentofmarriage3)legalseparation
Incasesofunliquidateddamages,oradmissionofthetruthofallegationofadverseparty,
thematerialfactsallegedinthecomplaintshallalwaysbeproved.
Asummaryjudgmentoracceleratedjudgmentisaproceduraltechniquetopromptly
disposeofcaseswherethefactsappearundisputedandcertainfromthepleadings,
depositions,admissionsandaffidavitsonrecord,offorweedingoutshamclaimsor
defensesatanearlystageofthelitigationtoavoidtheexpenseandlossoftimeinvolved
inatrial.
Moreover,saidsummaryjudgmentmustbepremisedontheabsenceofanyothertriable
genuineissuesoffact.Otherwise,themovantscannotbeallowedtoobtainimmediate
relief.Agenuineissueissuchissueoffactwhichrequirespresentationofevidenceas
distinguishedfromasham,fictitious,contrivedorfalseclaim.
Therequisitesare:
.
1) theremustbenogenuineissueastoanymaterialfact,exceptfortheamountof
damages;and
2) thepartypresentingthemotionforsummaryjudgmentmustbeentitledtoa
judgmentasamatteroflaw.
Apartyseekingtorecoveruponaclaim,counterclaim,orcrossclaimortoobtaina
declaratoryreliefmay,atanytimeafterthepleadinginanswertheretohasbeenserved,
movewithsupportingaffidavits,depositionsoradmissionsforasummaryjudgmentin
hisfavoruponalloranypartthereof(Sec.1).
Apartyagainstwhomaclaim,counterclaim,orcrossclaimisassertedoradeclaratory
reliefissoughtmay,atanytime,movewithsupportingaffidavits,depositionsor
admissionsforasummaryjudgmentinhisfavorastoalloranypartthereof(Sec.2).
Ifjudgmentisnotrendereduponthewholecase,thecourtshallascertainwhatmaterial
factsexistwithoutsubstantialcontroversyandthosethatarecontroverted.Thecourtshall
thenrenderapartialjudgementwithtrialtoproceedonthemattersthatremain
controverted.
SUMMARYJUDGMENTS(RULE35)
FORTHECLAIMANT
FORTHEDEFENDANT
JUDGMENTONTHEPLEADINGS(RULE34)
WHENTHECASENOTFULLYADJUDICATED
1)declarationofnullityofmarriage
AFFIDAVITSANDATTACHMENTS
Supportingandopposingaffidavitsshallbemadeonpersonalknowledge,shallsetforth
suchfactsaswouldbeadmissibleinevidence,andshallshowaffirmativelythatthe
affiantiscompetenttotestifytothemattersstatedtherein.Certifiedtruecopiesofall
papersorpartsthereofreferredtointheaffidavitshallbeattachedtheretoorserved
therewith(Sec.5).
Shoulditappeartoitssatisfactionatanytimethatanyoftheaffidavitspresented
pursuanttotheRulesarepresentedinbadfaith,orsolelyforthepurposeofdelay,the
courtshallforthwithordertheoffendingpartyorcounseltopaytotheotherpartythe
amountofthereasonableexpenseswhichthefilingoftheaffidavitscausedhimtoincur,
includingattorneysfees.Itmay,afterhearing,furtheradjudgetheoffendingpartyor
counselguiltyofcontempt(Sec.6).
.
a) Inthejudgmentonthepleadings,theanswerdoesnottenderanissue;in
summaryjudgment,thereisanissuetenderedintheanswer,butitisnotgenuine
orrealissueasmaybeshownbyaffidavitsanddepositionsthatthereisnoreal
issueandthatthepartyisentitledtojudgmentasamatterofright;
b) Injudgmentonthepleadings,themovantsmustgivea3daynoticeofhearing;
whileinsummaryjudgment,theopposingpartyisgiven10daysnotice;
c) Injudgmentonthepleadings,theentirecasemaybeterminated;whilein
summaryjudgment,itmayonlybepartial;
d) Injudgmentonthepleadings,onlytheplaintifforthedefendantsasfarasthe
counterclaim,crossclaimorthirdpartycomplaintisconcernedcanfilethesame;
whileinsummaryjudgment,eithertheplaintifforthedefendantmayfileit.
Renditionofjudgmentisthefilingofthesamewiththeclerkofcourt.ItisNOTthe
pronouncementofthejudgmentinopencourtthatconstitutestherendition.Evenifthe
judgmenthasalreadybeenputinwritingandsigned,itisstillsubjecttoamendmentifit
hasnotyetbeenfiledwiththeclerkofcourtandbeforeitsfilingdoesnotyetconstitute
therealjudgmentofthecourt.ItisNOTthewritingofthejudgmentoritssigningwhich
constitutesrenditionofthejudgment.
Ajudgmentorfinalorderdeterminingthemeritsofthecaseshallbeinwriting
personallyanddirectlypreparedbythejudge,statingclearlyanddistinctlythefactsand
thelawonwhichitisbased,signedbyhim,andfiledwiththeclerkofthecourt(Sec.1,
Rule36).
Ifnoappealormotionfornewtrialorreconsiderationisfiledwithinthetimeprovidedin
theRules,thejudgmentorfinalordershallforthwithbeenteredbytheclerkinthebook
ofentriesofjudgments.
Therecordshallcontainthedispositivepartofthejudgmentorfinalorderandshallbe
signedbytheclerk,withacertificatethatsuchjudgmentorfinalorderhasbecomefinal
andexecutory(Sec.2).
Theentryofjudgmentreferstothephysicalactperformedbytheclerkofcourtin
enteringthedispositiveportionofthejudgmentinthebookofentriesofjudgmentand
afterthesamehasbecomefinalandexecutory.
Thedateoffinalityofthejudgmentorfinalordershallbedeemedthedateofitsentry.
Thus,whiletherehasbeennophysicalentryofjudgmentinthebookofentries,itis
deemedtohavebeenconstructivelymadeatthetimeofthefinalityofthejudgmentor
finalorder.
Therearesomeproceedingsthefilingofwhichisreckonedfromthedateoftheentryof
judgment:
1) theexecutionofajudgmentbymotioniswithinfive(5)yearsfromtheentryof
thejudgment(Sec.6,Rule39);
2) thefilingofapetitionforreliefhas,asoneofitsperiods,notmorethansix(6)
monthsfromtheentryofthejudgmentorfinalorder(Sec.3,Rule38).
Remediesbeforeajudgmentbecomesfinalandexecutory
.
a) Motionforreconsideration(prohibitedinacasethatfallsundersummary
procedure)(Rules37,52);
b) Motionfornewtrial(Rules37,53);and
c) Appeal(Rules40,41,42,43,45)
Remediesafterjudgmentbecomesfinalandexecutory
.
a) Petitionforrelieffromjudgment;
b) Actiontoannulajudgment;
c) Certiorari;and
d) Collateralattackofajudgment.
ENTRYOFJUDGMENTANDFINALORDER
JUDGMENTSONTHEPLEADINGSVERSUSSUMMARYJUDGMENTS
POSTJUDGMENTREMEDIES(Rules37,38,4047,52,53)
RENDITIONOFJUDGMENTSANDFINALORDERS
MOTIONFORNEWTRIALORRECONSIDERATION(RULE37)
GROUNDSFORAMOTIONFORNEWTRIAL
.
1) Fraud(extrinsic),accident,mistake(offactandnotoflaw)orexcusable
negligence(FAMEN)whichordinaryprudencecouldnothaveguardedagainst
andbyreasonofwhichsuchaggrievedpartyhasprobablybeenimpairedinhis
rights;
2) Newlydiscoveredevidence(BerryRule),whichhecouldnot,withreasonable
diligence,havediscoveredandproducedatthetrial,andwhichifpresentedwould
probablyaltertheresult;and
3) Awardofexcessivedamages,orinsufficiencyoftheevidencetojustifythe
decision,orthatthedecisionisagainstthelaw(Sec.1,Rule37).
1) Thedamagesawardedareexcessive;
2) Theevidenceisinsufficienttojustifythedecisionor
finalorder;
3) Thedecisionorfinalorderiscontrarytolaw.
2ndMRisnotallowedexceptinSC
WHENTOFILE
Amotionfornewtrialshouldbefiledwithintheperiodfortakinganappeal.
Hence,itmustbefiledbeforethefinalityofthejudgment.
Nomotionforextensionoftimetofileamotionforreconsiderationshallbe
allowed.
Theperiodforappealiswithin15daysafternoticetotheappellantofthe
judgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom.
Wherearecordonappealisrequired,theappellantshallfileanoticeofappeal
andarecordonappealwithin30daysfromnoticeofthejudgmentorfinalorder.
Arecordonappealshallberequiredonlyinspecialproceedingsandothercasesof
multipleorseparateappeals(Sec.3,Rule40).
DENIALOFTHEMOTION;EFFECT
Ifthemotionisdenied,themovantshasafreshperiod"offifteendaysfrom
receiptornoticeoftheorderdenyingordismissingthemotionforreconsideration
withinwhichtofileanoticeofappealofthejudgmentorfinalorder.
Meaning,thedefendantisgivenafreshperiod of15dayscountedfromthe
receiptoftheorderdismissingthemotionfornewtrialorreconsideration.
Whenthemotionfornewtrialisdeniedonthegroundoffraud,accident,
mistakeoffactorlaw,orexcusablenegligence,theaggrievedpartycannolonger
availoftheremedyofpetitionforrelieffromjudgment
GRANTOFTHEMOTION;EFFECT
Ifanewtrialbegranted,theoriginaljudgmentshallbevacatedorsetaside,andthe
actionshallstandfortrialdenovo;buttherecordedevidencetakenupontheformertrial
sofarasthesameismaterialandcompetenttoestablishtheissues,shallbeusedatthe
newtrialwithoutretakingthesame(Sec.6).
Thefilingofthemotionfornewtrialorreconsiderationinterruptstheperiodtoappeal
(Sec.2,Rule40;Sec.3,Rule41).
Ifthecourtgrantsthemotion(e.g.,itfindsthatexcessivedamageshavebeen
awardedorthatthejudgmentorfinalorderiscontrarytotheevidenceorlaw),it
mayamendsuchjudgmentorfinalorderaccordingly(Sec.3).Theamended
judgmentisinthenatureofanewjudgmentwhichsupersedestheoriginal
judgment.Itisnotameresupplementaldecisionwhichdoesnotsupplantthe
originalbutonlyservestoaddsomethingtoit.
Ifthecourtfindsthatamotionaffectstheissuesofthecaseastoonlyapart,orless
thanallofthemattersincontroversy,oronlyone,orlessthatallofthepartiesto
it,theordermaygrantareconsiderationastosuchissuesifseverablewithout
interferingwiththejudgmentorfinalorderupontherest(Sec.7).
REMEDYWHENMOTIONISDENIED
Thepartyaggrievedshouldappealthejudgment.Thisissobecauseasecond
motionforreconsiderationisexpresslyprohibited.
Anorderdenyingamotionforreconsiderationornewtrialisnotappealable,
theremedybeinganappealfromthejudgmentorfinalorderunderRule38.The
remedyfromanorderdenyingamotionfornewtrialisnottoappealfromthe
orderofdenial.Again,theorderisnotappealable.Theremedyistoappealfrom
thejudgmentorfinalorderitselfsubjectofthemotionfornewtrial(Sec.9,rule
37).
FRESH15DAYPERIODRULE
Ifthemotionisdenied,themovantshasafreshperiodof15daysfromreceipt
ornoticeoftheorderdenyingordismissingthemotionforreconsiderationwithin
whichtofileanoticetoappeal.
Thisnewperiodbecomessignificantifeitheramotionforreconsiderationora
motionfornewtrialhasbeenfiledbutwasdeniedordismissed.
ThisfreshperiodruleappliesonlytoRule41governingappealsfromthe
RTCbutalsotoRule40governingappealsfromMTCtoRTC,Rule42on
petitionsforreviewfromtheRTCtotheCA,Rule43onappealfromquasi
GROUNDSFORAMOTIONFORRECONSIDERATION
judicialagenciestotheCA,andRule45governingappealsbycertioraritotheSC.
Accordingly,thisrulewasadoptedtostandardizetheappealperiodsprovided
intheRulestoaffordfairopportunitytoreviewthecaseand,intheprocess,
minimizeerrorsofjudgment.
Obviously,thenew15dayperiodmaybeavailedofonlyifeithermotionis
filed;otherwise,thedecisionbecomesfinalandexecutoryafterthelapseofthe
originalappealperiodprovidedinRule41(Neypesvs.CA.,Sept.14,2005).
TheNeypesrulingshallnotbeappliedwherenomotionfornewtrialor
motionforreconsiderationhasbeenfiledinwhichcasethe15dayperiodshallrun
fromnoticeofthejudgment.
Thefreshperiodruledoesnotrefertotheperiodwithinwhichtoappealfrom
theorderdenyingthemotionfornewtrialbecausetheorderisnotappealable
underSec.9,Rule37.Thenonappealabilityoftheorderofdenialisalso
confirmedbySec.1(a),Rule41,whichprovidesthatnoappealmaybetakenfrom
anorderdenyingamotionfornewtrialoramotionforreconsideration.
TheSCruledinonecasethatthisfreshperiodofappeal isalsoapplicablein
criminalcases(JudithYuvs.JudgeSamson,Feb.9,2011)
APPEALSINGENERAL
Therighttoappealisnotpartofdueprocessbutamerestatutoryprivilegethathas
tobeexercisedonlyinthemannerandinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoflaw
Thegeneralruleisthattheremedytoobtainreversalormodificationofjudgment
onthemeritsisappeal.Thisistrueeveniftheerror,oroneoftheerrors,ascribed
tothecourtrenderingthejudgmentisitslackofjurisdictionoverthesubject
matter,ortheexerciseofpowerinexcessthereof,orgraveabuseofdiscretionin
thefindingsoffactsoroflawsetoutinthedecision.
Certainrulesonappeal:
.
a) Notrialdenovoanymore.Theappellatecourts
mustdecidethecaseonthebasisoftherecord,exceptwhenthe
proceedingswerenotdulyrecordedaswhentherewasabsenceofa
qualifiedstenographer.
b) Therecanbenonewparties.
c) Therecanbenochangeoftheory(Navalvs.CA,
483SCRA102).
d) Therecanbenonewmatters.
e) Therecanbeamendmentsofpleadingsto
conformtotheevidencesubmittedbeforethe
trialcourt.
f) Theliabilityofsolidaritydefendantwhodidnot
appealisnotaffectedbyappealofsolidarity
debtor.
g) Appealbyguarantordoesnotinuretothe
h)Inejectmentcases,theRTCcannotawardtotheappellantonhiscounterclaimmore
thantheamountofdamagesbeyondthejurisdictionoftheMTC.
i)Theappellatecourtcannotdismisstheappealedcaseforfailuretoprosecutebecause
thecasemustbedecidedonthebasisoftherecord.
Anappealmaybetakenonlyfromjudgmentsorfinalordersthatcompletelydisposeof
thecase(Sec.1,Rule41).Aninterlocutoryorderisnotappealableuntilafterthe
renditionofthejudgmentonthemerits.
MATTERSNOTAPPEALABLE
Noappealmaybetakenfrom:
1)Anorderdenyingamotionfornewtrialoramotionforreconsideration;
2)Anorderdenyingapetitionforrelieforanysimilarmotionseekingrelieffrom
judgment;
3)Aninterlocutoryorder;
4)Anorderdisallowingordismissinganappeal;
5)Anorderdenyingamotiontosetasideajudgmentbyconsent,confessionor
compromiseonthegroundoffraud,mistakeorduress,oranyothergroundvitiating
consent;
6)Anorderofexecution;
7)Ajudgmentorfinalorderfororagainstoneor
moreofseveralpartiesorinseparateclaims,counterclaims,crossclaims,andthirdparty
complaints,whilethemaincaseispending,unlessthecourtallowsanappealtherefrom;
and
8)Anorderdismissingandactionwithoutprejudice(Sec.1,Rule41).
Aquestionthatwasneverraisedinthecourtsbelowcannotbeallowedtoberaisedfor
thefirsttimeonappealwithoutoffendingbasicrulesoffairplay,justiceanddueprocess.
Foranappellatecourttoconsideralegalquestion,itshouldhavebeenraisedinthecourt
below.Itwouldbeunfairtotheadversepartywhowouldhavenoopportunitytopresent
evidenceincontratothenewtheory,whichitcouldhavedonehaditbeenawareofitat
thetimeofthehearingbeforethetrialcourt.Itistruethatthisruleadmitsofexceptions
asincasesoflackofjurisdiction,wherethelowercourtcommittedplainerror,where
therearejurisprudentialdevelopmentsaffectingtheissues,orwhentheissuesraised
presentamatterofpublicpolicy.
Thecourtmayconsideranerrornotraisedonappealprovidedthesamefallswithinany
ofthefollowingcategories:
1)Itisanerrorthataffectsthejurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter;
2) Itisanerrorthataffectsthevalidityofthejudgmentappealedfrom;
3) Itisanerrorwhichaffectstheproceedings;
4) Itisanerrorcloselyrelatedtoordependentonanassignederrorandproperlyargued
inthebrief;or
5) Itisaplainandclericalerror.
Whetherornottheappellanthasfiledamotionfornewtrialinthecourtbelow,hemay
includeinhisassignmentorerrorsanyquestionoflaworfactthathasbeenraised
inthecourtbelowandwhichiswithintheissuesframedbytheparties(Sec.15,
Rule44).
1)InanOrdinaryAppeal,theappealraisesthequestionsoffactormixedquestionsof
factandlaw.
2)InPetitionforReview,theappealraisesquestionsoffact,oflawormixedquestionsof
factandlaw.
3)InaPetitionforReviewonCertiorari,theappealraisespurelyquestionsoflaw.
PERIODOFAPPEAL
PERIODOFORDINARYAPPEALUNDERRULE40
Anappealmaybetaken(fromMTCtoRTC)within15daysafternoticetothe
appellantofthejudgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom.Wherearecordonappealis
required,theappellantshallfileanoticeofappealandarecordonappealwithin30days
afternoticeofthejudgmentorfinalorder.
Theperiodofappealshallbeinterruptedbyatimelymotionfornewtrialor
reconsideration.
Nomotionforextensionoftimetofileamotionfornewtrialorreconsiderationshall
beallowed(Sec.2).
PERIODOFORDINARYAPPEALUNDERRULE41
REMEDYAGAINSTJUDGMENTSANDORDERSWHICHARENOT
APPEALABLE
Inisnotappealable,theaggrievedpartymayfiletheappropriatespecialcivilaction
underRule65.
thoseinstanceswherethejudgmentorfinalorder
Rule65referstothespecialcivilactionsofcertiorari,prohibitionandmandamus
(CPM).
Practically,itwouldbethespecialcivilactionofcertiorarithatwouldbeavailedof
undermostcircumstances.Themostpotentremedyagainstthosejudgmentsandorders
fromwhichappealcannotbetakenistoallegeandprovethatthesamewereissued
withoutjurisdiction,withgraveabuseofdiscretionorinexcessofjurisdiction,all
amountingtolackofjurisdiction.
(a)ORDINARYAPPEAL
TheappealtotheCAincasesdecidedbytheRTCintheexerciseofitsoriginal
jurisdictionshallbetakenbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththecourtwhichrenderedthe
judgmentorfinalorderappealedfromandservingacopythereofupontheadverseparty.
Norecordonappealshallberequiredexceptinspecialproceedingsandothercasesof
multipleorseparateappealswherethelawortheRulessorequire.Insuchcases,the
recordonappealshallbefiledandservedinlikemanner.
(b)PETITIONFORREVIEW
TheappealtotheCAincasesdecidedbythe
RTCintheexerciseofitsappellatejurisdictionshallbebypetitionforreviewin
accordancewithRule42.
(c)PETITIONFORREVIEWONCERTIORARI
Inallcaseswhereonlyquestionsoflawareraisedorinvolved,theappealshallbeto
theSCbypetitionforreviewoncertiorariinaccordancewithRule45.
ISSUESTOBERAISEDONAPPEAL
Theappealshallbetakenwithin15daysfromnoticeofthejudgmentorfinal
orderappealedfrom.Wherearecordonappealisrequired,theappellantsshallfile
anoticeofappealandarecordonappealwithin30daysfromnoticeofthe
judgmentorfinalorder.
However,onappealinhabeascorpuscasesshallbetakenwithin48hours
fromnoticeofthejudgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom(AMNo.01103SC,
June19,2001).
Theperiodofappealshallbeinterruptedbyatimelymotionfornewtrialor
reconsideration.
Nomotionforextensionoftimetofileamotionfornewtrialor
reconsiderationshallbeallowed(Sec.3).
IftherecordonappealisnottransmittedtotheCAwithin30daysafterthe
perfectionofappeal,eitherpartymayfileamotionwiththetrialcourt,withnotice
totheother,forthetransmittalofsuchrecordorrecordonappeal(Sec.3,Rule
44).
MODESOFAPPEAL(SEC.2,RULE41)
PERIODOFPETITIONFORREVIEWUNDERRULE42
Thepetitionshallbefiledandservedwithin15daysfromnoticeofthedecision
soughttobereviewedorofthedenialofpetitionersmotionfornewtrialor
reconsiderationfiledinduetimeafterjudgment.
Thecourtmaygrantandadditionalperiodof15daysonlyprovidedtheextensionis
sought
a)uponpropermotion,and
b)thereispaymentofthefullamountofthedocketandotherlawfulfeesandthedeposit
forcostsbeforetheexpirationofthereglementaryperiod.
Nofurtherextensionshallbegrantedexceptforthemostcompellingreasonandinno
casetoexceed15days.
PERIODOFAPPEALBYPETITIONFORREVIEWUNDERRULE43
Theappealshallbetakenwithin15daysfromnoticeoftheaward,judgment,
finalorderorresolution,orfromthedateofitslastpublication,ifpublicationis
requiredbylawforitseffectivity,orofthedenialofpetitionersmotionfornew
trialorreconsiderationdulyfiledinaccordancewiththegoverninglawofthe
courtoragencyaquo.
Onlyone(1)motionforreconsiderationshallbeallowed.Uponpropermotion
andthepaymentofthefullamountofthedocketfeebeforetheexpirationofthe
reglementaryperiod,theCAmaygrantanadditionalperiodof15daysonlywithin
whichtofilethepetitionforreview.
Nofurtherextensionshallbegrantedexceptforthemostcompellingreasonandin
nocasetoexceed15days(Sec.4).
PERIODOFAPPEALBYPETITIONFORREVIEW
ONCERTIORARIUNDERRULE45
Theappealwhichshallbeintheformofaverifiedpetitionshallbefiledwithin15
daysfromnoticeofthejudgment,finalorderorresolutionappealedfrom,orwithin15
daysfromnoticeofthedenialofthepetitionersmotionfornewtrailormotionfor
reconsiderationfiledinduetime.
TheSupremeCourtmay,forjustifiablereasons,grantanextensionof30daysonly
withinwhichtofilethepetitionprovided:
a)thereisamotionforextensionoftimedulyfiledandserved;
b)thereisfullpaymentofthedocketandotherlawfulfeesandthedepositforcosts;and
c)themotionisfiledandservedandthepaymentismadebeforetheexpirationofthe
reglementaryperiod.
MODEOFAPPEAL
PERIODOFAPPEAL
PeriodofappealifpartyfilesMFRorNewTrial(NeypesDoctrine)
OrdinaryAppeal(Rules40,41)
a)NoticeofAppeal
(Rule40)
Within15daysfromreceiptofjudgmentorfinalorder
Within15daysfromreceiptoforderdenyingmotionforreconsiderationornewtrial
b)RecordonAppeal
(Rule41)
The30daytofilethenoticeofappealandrecordonappealshouldreckonedfromthe
receiptoftheorderdenyingthemotionfornewtrialormotionforreconsideration
(Zaycovs.Himlo,April16,2008)
PetitionforReview(Rule42)
Within15daysfromreceiptofjudgment
Within15daysfromreceiptoftheorderdenyingmotionforreconsiderationornewtrial
PetitionforReview(Rule43)
Within15daysfromreceiptofjudgmentorfinalorderoroflastpublication
AppealbyCertiorari(Rule45)
PERFECTIONOFAPPEALS
ForOrdinaryAppealsfromMTCtotheRTC(Rule40)andfromtheRTCtotheCA
(Rule41).
Apartysappealbynoticeofappealisdeemedperfectedastohimuponthefilingof
thenoticeofappealinduetime.Uponsuchperfectionortheexpirationofthesameto
appealbytheotherparties,thecourtlosesjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterthereof
Apartysappealbyrecordonappealisdeemedperfectedastohimwithrespecttothe
subjectmatterthereofupontheapprovaloftherecordonappealfiledinduetime.The
courthasjurisdictiononlyoverthesubjectmatterthereofuponsuchapprovalforthe
expirationofthetimetoappealoftheotherparties.
Ineithercase,priortothetransmittaloftheoriginalrecordortherecordonappeal,
thecourtmayissueordersfortheprotectionandpreservationoftherightsoftheparties
whichdonotinvolveanymatterlitigatedbytheappeal,approvecompromises,permit
appealsofindigentlitigants,orderexecutionpendingappealinaccordancewithSec.2,
Rule39,andallowwithdrawaloftheappeal(Sec.9,Rule41).
PerfectionofAppealbyPetitionforReviewunderRule42.(Sec.8)
Uponthetimelyfilingofapetitionforreviewandthepaymentofthe
correspondingdocketandotherlawfulfees,theappealisdeemedperfectedasto
thepetitioner.
TheRTClosesjurisdictionoverthecaseupontheperfectionoftheappealsfiledin
duetimeandtheexpirationofthetimetoappealoftheotherparties.
However,beforetheCAgiveduecoursetothepetition,theRTCmayissueorders
fortheprotectionandpreservationoftherightsofthepartieswhichdonotinvolve
anymatterlitigatedbytheappeal,approvecompromises,permitappealsof
indigentlitigants,orderexecutionpendingappealinaccordancewithSec.2,Rule
39,andallowwithdrawaloftheappeal.
ExceptincivilcasesdecidedunderRulesonSummaryProcedure,theappeal
shallstaythejudgmentorfinalorderunlesstheCA,thelaw,ortheRulesprovide
otherwise.
AnappealfromajudgmentorfinalorderofaMTCmaybetakentotheRTC
exercisingjurisdictionovertheareaoverwhichtheMTCsits.Thetitleofthecase
shallremainasitwasinthecourtoforigin,butthepartyappealingthecaseshall
befurtherreferredtoastheappellantandtheadversepartyastheappellee(Sec.1,
Rule40).
WheretheMTCdismissesacaseforlackofjurisdictionofsuchdismissalismade
totheRTC,shouldthelatteraffirmthedismissalandifithasjurisdictionoverthe
subjectmatter,theRTCisobligedtotrythecaseasifitwereoriginallyfiledwith
it.
Theappealistakenbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththecourtthatrenderedthe
judgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom.Thenoticeofappealshallindicatethe
partiestotheappeal,thejudgmentorfinalorderorpartthereofappealedfrom,and
statethematerialdatesshowingthetimelinessoftheappeal.Arecordonappeal
shallberequiredonlyinspecialproceedingsandinothercasesofmultipleor
separateappeals.
TherearethreemodesofappealingajudgmentorfinalorderoftheRTC:
1) OrdinaryAppeal(Rule41)fromthejudgmentorfinalorderoftheRTCinthe
exerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction
2) PetitionforReview(Rule42)fromthejudgmentorfinalorderoftheRTCtotheCA
incasesdecidedbytheRTCintheexerciseofitsappellatejurisdiction
3) PetitionforReviewonCertiorari(Rule45)
a) AppealfromthejudgmentsorfinalordersoftheCAconcerningpurelyquestionsof
lawwhichmustbedistinctlysetforthmaybeelevatedtotheSCbywayofRule
45:PetitionsforReviewonCertiorari.
b) ThegeneralruleisthattheSCshallnotentertainquestionsoffact,exceptinthe
followingcases:
.
a) TheconclusionoftheCAisgroundedentirelyonspeculations,surmises
andconjectures;
b) Theinferencemadeismanifestlymistaken,absurdorimpossible;
c) Thereisgraveabuseofdiscretion;
d) Thejudgmentisbasedonmisapprehension
offacts;
e) Thefindingsoffactsareconflicting;
f) TheCAinmakingitsfindingswentbeyondtheissuesofthecaseand
thesameiscontrarytotheadmissionsofbothappellantandappellee;
g) Thefindingsarecontrarytothoseofthetrialcourt;
h) Thefactssetforthinthepetitionaswellasinthepetitionersmainand
replybriefsarenotdisputedbytherespondents;
i) ThefindingsoffactoftheCAarepremisedonthesupposedabsenceof
evidenceandcontradictedbytheevidenceonrecord;or
j) ThosefiledunderWritsofamparo,habeasdata,orkalikasan.
UnderSec.11ofRA9282,nocivilproceedinginvolvingmattersarisingundertheNIRC,
theTCCortheLocalGovernmentCodeshallbemaintained,exceptashereinprovided,
untilandunlessanappealhasbeenpreviouslyfiledwiththeCTAanddisposedofin
accordancewiththeprovisionsoftheAct.
ApartyadverselyaffectedbyaresolutionofaDivisionofCTAonamotionfor
reconsiderationornewtrial,mayfileapetitionforreviewwiththeCTAenbanc.
APPEALFROMJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSOFTHECA
APPEALFROMJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSOFTHEMTC
APPEALFROMJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSOFTHECTA
APPEALFROMJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSOFTHERTC
Sec.11ofRA9282furtherprovidesthatapartyadverselyaffectedbyadecisionorrulingofthe
CTAenbancmayfilewiththeSCaverifiedpetitionforreviewoncertioraripursuanttoRule
45.
Ajudgment,resolutionorfinalorderoftheCOMELECmaybebroughtbytheaggrieved
partytotheSConcertiorariunderRule65inrelationtoRule64,byfilingthepetition
within30daysfromnotice.
REVIEWOFFINALORDERSOFTHECSC
Ajudgment,finalorderorresolutionoftheCivilServiceCommissionmaybetakento
theCAunderRule43.Notethedifferencebetweenthemodeofappealfromajudgment
oftheCSCandthemodeofappealfromthejudgmentsofotherconstitutional
commissions.
REVIEWOFFINALORDERSOFTHECOA
Ajudgment,resolutionorfinalorderoftheCommissiononAuditmaybebroughtbythe
aggrievedpartytotheSConcertiorariunderRule65inrelationtoRule64,byfilingthe
petitionwithin30daysfromnotice.
AppealsfromdecisionsoftheOmbudsmaninadministrativedisciplinaryactionsshould
bebroughttotheCAunderRule43.
TheCAhasjurisdictionoverorders,directivesanddecisionsoftheOfficeofthe
OmbudsmaninadministrativecasesonlyunderRule43.
ButincasesinwhichitisallegedthattheOmbudsmanhasactedwithgraveabuseof
discretionamountingtolackorexcessofjurisdictionamountingtolackorexcessof
jurisdiction,aspecialcivilactionofcertiorariunderRule65maybefiledwiththeSCto
setasidetheOmbudsmansorderorresolution.
Incriminalornonadministrativecase,therulingoftheOmbudsmanshallbeelevatedto
theSCbywayofRule65.
TheSCspowertoreviewoverresolutionsandordersoftheOfficeoftheOmbudsmanis
restrictedontodeterminingwhethergraveabuseofdiscretionhasbeencommittedbyit.
TheCourtisnotauthorizedtocorrecteveryerrorormistakeoftheOfficeofthe
Ombudsmanotherthangraveabuseofdiscretion.Theremedyisnotapetitionforreview
oncertiorariunderRule45.
REVIEWOFFINALORDERSOFTHENLRC
TheremedyofapartyaggrievedbythedecisionoftheNationalLaborRelations
Commission(NLRC)istopromptlymoveforthereconsiderationofthedecisionandif
deniedtotimelyfileaspecialcivilactionofcertiorariunderRule65within60daysfrom
noticeofthedecision.
Inobservanceofthedoctrineofhierarchyofcourts,thepetitionforcertiorarishouldbe
filedintheCA(St.MartinFuneralHomesvs.NLRC,Sept.16,1998).Shouldthesame
befiledwiththeSC,thelattershalldismissthesameinsteadofreferringtheactiontothe
CA.
Appealsfromjudgmentsandfinalordersofquasijudicialbodies/agenciesare
nowrequiredtobebroughttotheCA.
Thisrulewasadoptedpreciselytoprovideauniformruleofappellate
procedurefromquasijudicialbodies.
TheappealunderRule43maybetakentotheCAwhethertheappealinvolves
aquestionoffact,aquestionoflaw,ormixedquestionsoffactandlawbyfilinga
verifiedpetitionforreviewwiththeCA.
TheappealshallNOTstaytheaward,judgment,finalorderorresolution
soughttobereviewedUNLESStheCAshalldirectotherwiseuponsuchtermsas
itmaydeemjust.
Apetitionforrelieffromjudgmentisanequitableremedythatisallowedonlyin
exceptionalcaseswhenthereisnootheravailableoradequateremedy.
Aremedywhereapartyseektosetasideajudgmentrenderedagainsthimbya
courtwheneverhewasunjustlydeprivedofahearingorwaspreventedfrom
takinganappealbecauseoffraud,accident,mistakeorexcusablenegligence.
UnderSec.5,Rule38,thecourtmaygrantpreliminaryinjunctiontopreservethe
rightsofthepartiesuponthefilingofabondinfavoroftheadverseparty.The
bondisconditioneduponthepaymenttotheadversepartyofalldamagesand
coststhatmaybeawardedtosuchadversepartybyreasonoftheissuanceofthe
injunction(Sec.5).
REVIEWOFFINALJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSOFTHECOMELEC
REVIEWOFFINALORDERSOFTHEQUASIJUDICIALAGENCIES
REVIEWOFFINALORDERSOFTHEOMBUDSMAN
RELIEFSFROMJUDGMENTS(orpetitionforrelieffromdenialofappeal)ORDERS
ANDOTHERPROCEEDINGS(RULE38)
GROUNDSFORAVAILINGOFTHEREMEDY(PETITIONFORRELIEF)
Whenajudgmentorfinalorderisentered,oranyotherproceedingisthereaftertaken
againstapartyinanycourtthrough(a)fraud,(b)accident,(c)mistake,or(c)excusable
negligence(FAMEN),hemayfileapetitioninsuchcourtandinthesamecasepraying
thatthejudgment,orderorproceedingbesetaside(Sec.1,Rule38).
Whenthepetitionerhasbeenpreventedfromtakinganappealbyfraud,mistake,or
excusablenegligence(Sec.2).
TIMETOFILEPETITION
Apetitionforrelieffromjudgment,orderorotherproceedingsmustbeverified,filed:
.
1) within60daysafterthepetitionerlearnsofthejudgment,finalorder,orother
proceedingtobesetaside,and
2) notmorethansix(6)monthsaftersuchjudgmentorfinalorderwasentered,or
suchproceedingwastaken.
Thesetwoperiodsmustconcur.Both
periodsarenotextendibleandareneverinterrupted.
CONTENTSOFPETITION
Thepetitionmustbeverifiedandmustbeaccompaniedwithaffidavitsshowingfraud,
accident,mistakeorexcusablenegligencerelieduponanditmusthaveanaffidavitof
meritshowingthefactsconstitutingthepetitionersgoodandsubstantialcauseofaction
ordefense,asthecasemaybe.
Theannulmentofjudgmentifaremedyindependentofthecasewherethejudgment
soughttobeannulledwasrenderedandmaybeavailedofthoughthejudgmentmayhave
beenexecuted.
Itspurposeistohavethejudgmentsetasidesothattherewillbearenewaloflitigation
wheretheordinaryremediesofnewtrial,appeal,relieffromjudgmentarenolonger
availablewithoutthepetitionersfault.
1)ExtrinsicFraud existswhenthereisafraudulentactcommittedbytheprevailing
partyoutsidethetrialofthecase,wherebythedefeatedpartywaspreventedfrom
presentingfullyhissideofthecasebydeceptionpracticedonhimbytheprevailing
party.
2)LackofJurisdiction referstoeitherlackofjurisdictionoverthepersonofthe
defendantoroverthesubjectmatteroftheclaim.
PERIODTOFILEACTION
IfbasedonExtrinsicFraud
actionmustbefiledwithinfour(4)yearsfromits
discovery
IfbasedonLackofJurisdiction
1)
beforeitisbarredbylachesorestoppels
EFFECTSOFJUDGMENTOFANNULMENT
OnExtrinsicFraud
.
a) Thecourt,uponmotionmayorderthetrialcourt
totrythecaseasifamotionfornewtrialhad
beengranted.
b) Theprescriptiveperiodshallnotbesuspendedif
theextrinsicfraudisattributabletotheplaintiff
intheoriginalaction.
2)OnthegroundofLackofJurisdiction
.
a) Thequestionedjudgment,orderorresolutionshallbesetasideandrendered
nullandvoid.Thenullityshallbewithoutprejudicetotherefilingoftheoriginal
actioninthepropercourt.
b) Theprescriptiveperiodtorefileshallbedeemedsuspendedfromthefilingof
suchoriginalactionuntilthefinalityofthejudgmentofannulment.
COLLATERALATTACKOFJUDGMENTS
Acollateralattackismadewhen,inanotheractiontoobtainadifferentrelief,anattack
onthejudgmentismadeasanincidentinsaidaction.
Thisisproperonlywhenthejudgment,onitsface,isnullandvoid,aswhereitispatent
thatthecourtwhichrenderedsaidjudgmenthasnojurisdiction.
Examples:
ApetitionforcertiorariunderRule65isadirect
attack.Itisfiledprimarilytohaveanorder
annulled.
Anactionforannulmentofajudgmentis
likewiseadirectattackonajudgment.
Amotiontodismissacomplaintforcollectionofasumofmoneyfiledbya
corporationagainstthedefendantonthegroundthattheplaintiffhasnolegalcapacityto
useisacollateralattackonthecorporation.Amotiontodismissisincidentaltothemain
actionforsumofmoney.Itisnotfiledasanactionintendedtoattackthe
legalexistenceoftheplaintiff.
ANNULMENTOFJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERSANDRESOLUTIONS(RULE
47)
GROUNDSFORANNULMENT
(youshouldbeapartytothecase)
EXECUTION,SATISFACTIONANDEFFECTOFJUDGMENTS(Rule39)

Issuanceofthewritisministerial Grantingofthewritisjudicial
Forpurposesofappeal,anorderisfinalifitdisposesoftheactionasopposedtoan
interlocutoryorderwhichleavessomethingtobedoneinthetrialcourtwithrespectto
themeritsofthecase.
Forpurposesofexecution,anorderisfinalorexecutoryafterthelapseofthe
reglementaryperiodtoappealandnosuchappealhasbeenperfected.
Executionisamatterofrightupontheexpirationoftheperiodtoappealandnoappeal
wasperfectedfromajudgmentororderthatdisposesoftheactionorproceeding.Oncea
judgmentbecomesfinalandexecutory,theprevailingpartycanhaveitexecutedasa
matterofright,andtheissuanceofawritofexecutionbecomestheministerialdutyof
thecourtcompellablebymandamusexceptincertaincases,aswhensubsequentevents
wouldrenderexecutionofjudgmentunjust.
Judgmentsandordersbecomefinalandexecutorbyoperationoflawandnotbyjudicial
declaration.Thetrialcourtneednotevenpronouncethefinalityoftheorderasthesame
becomesfinalbyoperationoflaw.Itsfinalitybecomesafactwhenthereglementary
periodforappeallapses,andnoappealisperfectedwithinsuchperiod.
Executionisamatterorright,exceptinthefollowingcases:
.
a) Wherejudgmentturnsouttobeincompleteorconditional;
b) Judgmentisnovatedbytheparties;
c) Equitablegrounds(i.e.,changeinthesituationof
thepartiessuperveningfactdoctrine)
d) Executionisenjoined(i.e.,petitionforrelieffromjudgmentorannulmentof
judgmentwith
TROorwritofpreliminaryinjunction);
e) Judgmenthasbecomedormant;or
f) Executionisunjustorimpossible.
Itconstitutesanexceptiontothegeneralrulethatajudgmentcannotbeexecutedbefore
thelapseoftheperiodforappealorduringthependencyofanappeal.
UnderSec.1,Rule39,executionshallissueonlyasamatterofrightuponajudgmentor
finalorderthatfinally
disposesoftheactionorproceedingupontheexecutionoftheperiodtoappealtherefrom
ifnoappealhasbeendulyperfected.
Adiscretionaryexecutioniscalleddiscretionary preciselybecauseitisnotamatterof
right.Theexecutionofajudgmentunderthisconceptisaddressedtothediscretionary
powerofthecourtandcannotbeinsisteduponbutsimplyprayedandhopedforbecause
adiscretionaryexecutionisnotamatterofright.
Requisitesfordiscretionaryexecution:
.
1) Theremustbeamotionfiledbytheprevailing
partywithnoticetotheadverseparty;
2) Theremustbeahearingofthemotionfor
discretionaryexecution;
3) Theremustbegoodreasonstojustifythe
discretionaryexecution;and
4) Thegoodreasonsmustbestatedinaspecial
order(Sec.2,Rule39).
HOWAJUDGMENTISEXECUTED(SEC.4)
Judgmentsinactionsforinjunction,receivership,accountingandsupport,andsuchother
judgmentsasarenowormayhereafterbedeclaredtobeimmediatelyexecutory,shallbe
enforceableaftertheirrenditionandshallnotbestayedbyanappealtakentherefrom,
unlessotherwiseorderedbythetrialcourt.
Onappeal,theappellatecourtinitsdiscretionmaymakeanordersuspending,
modifying,restoringorgrantingtheinjunction,receivership,accounting,orawardof
support.Thestayofexecutionshallbeuponsuchtermsastobondorotherwiseasmay
beconsideredproperforthesecurityorprotectionoftherightsoftheadverseparty.
Judgmentsthatmaybealteredormodifiedafterbecomingfinalandexecutory:
.
1) Factsandcircumstancestranspirewhichrenderitsexecutionimpossibleor
unjust;
2) Support;
3) Interlocutoryjudgment.
a)Oncerevived,thenyoucanfileamotionforexecution
b)ExecutionbyMOTIONmaybehadiftheenforcementofthejudgmentissought
within5yearsfromthedateofitsentry.
c)ExecutionbyINDEPENDENTACTIONiswhenthe5yearperiodhaslapsedfromthe
entryofjudgmentandbeforeitisbarredbythestatuteoflimitations.Thisactionto
revivethejudgmentmust
DIFFERENCEBETWEENFINALITYOFJUDGMENTFORPURPOSEOFAPPEAL;
FORPURPOSESOFEXECUTION
WHENEXECUTIONSHALLISSUE;EXECUTIONASAMATTEROFRIGHT
(SEC.1)
EXECUTIONBYMOTIONORBYINDEPENDENTACTION(SEC.6)
DISCRETIONARYEXECUTION(SEC.2) executionpendingappeal
befiledwithin10yearsfromthedatethejudgmentbecamefinal.
Thisisonlyuponmotionanditslifetimeis5years;asarule,itisissuedbythecourtof
originaljurisdiction
Thewritofexecutionshall:
.
1) issueinthenameoftheRepublicofthe
Philippinesfromthecourtwhichgrantedthe
motion;
2) statethenameofthecourt,thecasenumberand
title,thedispositivepartofthesubjectjudgment
ororder;and
3) requiretheSHERIFF(shouldmakeareportevery
30days)orotherproperofficertowhomitisdirectedtoenforcethewrit
accordingtoitsterm,
inthemannerhereinafterprovided:
.
a) Iftheexecutionbeagainstthepropertyof
thejudgmentobligor,tosatisfythejudgment,withinterest,outoftherealor
personalpropertyofsuchjudgmentobligor;
b) Ifitbeagainstrealorpersonalpropertyinthehandsofpersonal
representatives,heirs,devisees,legatees,tenants,ortrusteesofthejudgment
obligor,tosatisfythejudgment,withinterest,outofsuchproperty;
c) Ifitbeforthesaleofrealorpersonalproperty,tosellsuchproperty,describing
it,andapplytheproceedsinconformitywiththejudgment,thematerialpartsof
whichshallberecitedinthewritofexecution;
d) Ifitbeforthedeliveryofthepossessionofrealorpersonalproperty,todeliver
thepossessionofthesame,describingit,tothepartyentitledthereto,andto
satisfyanycosts,damages,rents,orprofitscoveredbythejudgmentoutofthe
personalpropertyofthepersonagainstwhomitwasrendered,andifsufficient
personalpropertycannotbefound,thenoutoftherealproperty;and
.
e) Inallcases,thewritofexecutionshallspecificallystatetheamountofthe
interest,costs,damages,rents,orprofitsdueasofthedateoftheissuanceofthe
writ,asidefromtheprincipalobligationunderthejudgment.Forthispurpose,the
motionforexecutionshallspecifytheamountsoftheforegoingreliefssoughtby
themovants.
a)Immediatepaymentondemand Theofficerenforcingthewritshalldemandfrom
thejudgmentobligortheimmediatepaymentofthefullamountstatedinthejudgment
includingthelawfulfeesincash,certified
checkpayabletothejudgmentobligeoranyotherformofpaymentacceptabletohim
(Sec.9).
thesheriffisrequiredtofirstmakeademandon
theobligorfortheimmediatepaymentofthefullamountstatedinthewritofexecution
b)Satisfactionbylevy Ifthejudgmentobligorcannotpayallorpartoftheobligation
incash,certifiedcheckorothermodeofpayment,theofficershalllevyuponthe
propertiesofthejudgmentobligor.
Thejudgmentobligorshallhavetheoptiontochoosewhichpropertyorpartthereof
maybeleviedupon.Shouldhefailtoexercisetheoption,theofficershallfirstlevyon
thepersonalproperties,ifany,andthenontherealpropertiesifthepersonalproperties
areinsufficienttoanswerforthepersonaljudgmentbutthesheriffshallsellonlysomuch
ofthepropertythatissufficienttosatisfythejudgmentandlawfulfees
c)Garnishmentofdebtsandcredits Theofficermaylevyonthedebtsduethe
judgmentobligorincludingbankdeposits,financialinterests,royalties,commissionsand
otherpersonalpropertynotcapableofmanualdeliveryinthepossessionorcontrolofthe
thirdpersons.
Ifthejudgmentrequiresapersontoperformaspecificact,saidactmustbeperformed
butifthepartyfailstocomplywithinthespecifiedtime,thecourtmaydirecttheacttobe
donebysomeoneatthecostofthedisobedientpartyandtheactwhensodoneshallhave
theeffectasifdonebytheparty
Ifthejudgmentdirectsaconveyanceofrealorpersonalproperty,andsaidpropertyisin
thePhilippines,thecourtinlieuofdirectingtheconveyancethereof,maybyanorder
divestthetitleofanypartyandvestitinothers,whichshallhavetheforceandeffectofa
conveyanceexecutedindueformoflaw.
EXECUTIONOFSPECIALJUDGMENTS(SEC.11)
Whenajudgmentrequirestheperformanceofanyactother,acertifiedcopyofthe
judgmentshallbeattachedtothewritofexecutionandshallbeservedbytheofficer
uponthepartyagainstwhomthesameisrendered,oruponanyotherpersonrequired
thereby,orbylaw,toobeythesame,andsuchpartyorpersonmaybepunishedfor
contemptifhedisobeyssuchjudgment.
EFFECTOFLEVYONTHIRDPERSONS
Thelevyonexecutionshallcreatealieninfavorofthejudgmentobligeeovertheright,
titleandinterestofthe
ISSUANCEANDCONTENTSOFAWRITOFEXECUTION(SEC.8)
EXECUTIONOFJUDGMENTFORSPECIFICACTS(SEC.10)
EXECUTIONOFJUDGMENTFORMONEY(SEC.9)
judgmentobligorinsuchpropertyatthetimeofthelevy,subjecttoliensand
encumbrancesthenexisting.
EXCEPTasotherwiseexpresslyprovidedbylaw,thefollowingproperty,andnoother,
shallbeexemptfromexecution:
.
1) Thejudgmentobligorsfamilyhomeasprovidedby
law,orthehomesteadinwhichheresides,andthe
landnecessarilyusedinconnectiontherewith;
2) Ordinarytoolsandimplementspersonallyusedby
himinhistrade,employment,orlivelihood;
3) Threehorses,orthreecows,orthreecarabaos,orotherbeastsofburden,such
asthejudgmentobligormayselectnecessarilyusedbyhiminhisordinary
occupation;
4) Hisnecessaryclothingandarticlesforordinary
personaluse,excludingjewelry;
5) Householdfurnitureandutensilsnecessaryfor
housekeeping,andusedforthatpurposebythejudgmentobligorandhisfamily,
suchasthejudgmentobligormayselect,ofavaluenotexceeding100,000pesos.
6) Provisionsforindividualorfamilyusesufficientforfourmonths;
7) Theprofessionallibrariesandequipmentofjudges,lawyers,physicians,
pharmacists,dentists,engineers,surveyors,clergymen,teachers,andother
professionals,notexceeding300,000pesos;
8) Onefishingboatandaccessoriesnotexceedingthetotalvalueof100,000
pesosownedbyafishermanandbythelawfuluseofwhichheearnshis
livelihood;
9) Somuchofthesalaries,wages,orearningsofthejudgmentobligorforhis
personalserviceswith4monthsprecedingthelevyasarenecessaryforthe
supportofhisfamily;
.
10) Letteredgravestones;
11) Monies,benefits,privileges,orannuitiesaccruingor
inanymannergrowingoutofanylifeinsurance;
12) Therighttoreceivelegalsupport,ormoneyorpropertyobtainedassuch
support,oranypensionor
gratuityfromthegovernment;and
13) Propertiesspeciallyexemptedbylaw(Sec.13,Rule
39).
Ifthepropertyisthesubjectofexecutionbecauseofajudgmentfortherecoveryofthe
priceoruponjudgmentofforeclosureofamortgageupontheproperty,thepropertyis
notexemptfromexecution.
Ifthepropertyleviedonisclaimedbyanypersonotherthanthejudgmentobligororhis
agent,theofficershallnotbeboundtokeeptheproperty,unlesssuchjudgment
obligee,ondemandoftheofficer,filesabondapprovedbythecourttoindemnifythe
thirdpartyclaimantinasumnotlessthanthevalueofthepropertyleviedon.
Theofficershallnotbeliablefordamagesforthetakingorkeepingoftheproperty,to
anythirdpartyclaimantifsuchbondisfiled.
Requisitesforaclaimbyathirdperson:
.
a) Thepropertyislevied;
b) Theclaimantisapersonotherthanthejudgment
obligororhisagent;
c) Makesanaffidavitofhistitletheretoorrightto
thepossessionthereofstatingthegroundsofsuch
rightortitle;and
d) Servesthesameupontheofficermakingthelevy
andthejudgmentobligee.
Remediesavailabletoathirdpersonnotpartytotheactionbutwhosepropertyisthe
subjectofexecution:
a)TERCERIA
Bymakinganaffidavitofhistitletheretoorhisrighttopossessionthereof,stating
thegroundsofsuchrightortitle.
Theaffidavitmustbeserveduponthesheriffandtheattachingparty(Sec.14,Rule
57).
Uponserviceoftheaffidavituponhim,thesheriffshallnotbeboundtokeepthe
propertyunderattachmentexceptiftheattachingpartyfilesabondapprovedbythe
court.
Thesheriffshallnotbeliablefordamagesforthetakingorkeepingoftheproperty,
ifsuchbondshallbefiled.
b)EXCLUSIONORRELEASEOFPROPERTY
Uponapplicationofthethirdpersonthroughamotiontosetasidethelevy
onattachment,thecourtshallorderasummaryhearingforthepurposeof
determiningwhetherthesheriffhasactedrightlyorwronglyintheperformanceof
hisdutiesintheexecutionofthewritof
attachment.
Thecourtmayorderthesherifftoreleasethe
propertyfromtheerroneouslevyandtoreturn
thesametothethirdperson.
Inresolvingtheapplication,thecourtcannot
passuponthequestionoftitletothepropertywithanycharacteroffinalitybut
onlyinsofarasmaybenecessarytodecideifthesheriffhasactedcorrectlyornot.
c)INTERVENTION
Thisispossiblebecausenojudgmenthasyet
beenrenderedandundertherules,amotionforinterventionmaybefiledanytime
beforethe
PROPERTIESEXEMPTFROMEXECUTION(SEC.13)
INRELATIONTOTHIRDPARTYCLAIMINATTACHMENTANDREPLEVIN
PROCEEDINGSWHEREPROPERTYISCLAIMEDBYTHIRDPERSONS(SEC.16)
renditionofthejudgmentbythetrialcourt(Sec.2,Rule19).
d)ACCIONREINVINDICATORIA
ThethirdpartyclaimantisnotprecludedbySec.
14,Rule57fromvindicatinghisclaimtothe
propertyinthesameorinaseparateaction.
Hemayfileaseparateactiontonullifythelevywithdamagesresultingfrom
theunlawfullevyandseizure.Thisactionmaybeatotallydistinct
actionfromtheformercase.
RULESONREDEMPTION
WHATMAYBEREDEEMED?
F Therightofredemptionisavailableonlytorealproperties.Whenpersonal
propertiesaresoldinexecutiontheirsaleisabsoluteandnorightofredemption
maybeexercised.
WHOMAYREDEEM?
.
a) Judgmentobligor,orhissuccessorininterestinthewholeoranypartofthe
property;
b) Redemptioner acreditorhavingalienbyvirtueofanattachment,judgment
ormortgageonthepropertysold,oronsomepartthereof,subsequenttothelien
underwhichthepropertywassold.
WHENTOREDEEM?
.
a) Bythejudgmentobligorwithin1yearfromthedateoftheregistrationofthe
certificateofsale.
b) Bytheredemptionerwithin1yearfromthedateoftheregistrationofthe
certificateofsaleifheisthefirstredemptioner,or
c) Within60daysafterthelastredemptionifheisasubsequentredemptioner,
providedthatthejudgmentdebtorhasnotexercisedhisrightofredemption.
Inallcasesthejudgmentobligorshallhavetheentireperiodofone(1)yearfromthe
dateoftheregistrationofthesaletoredeemtheproperty.Ifthejudgmentobligor
redeems,nofurtherredemptionisallowedandheisrestoredtohisestate.
REDEMPTIONPRICE
a)Bythejudgmentobligor
1.
Purchaseprice
2.
1%interestthereonuptothetimeof
redemption
3.
Anyamountofassessmentsortaxeswhich
thepurchasermayhavepaidthereonafterpurchase,andinterestonsuchlast
namedamountatthesamerate.
Ifthepurchaserbealsoacreditorhavingapriorlientothatoftheredemptioner,
otherthanthe
b)
judgmentunderwhichsuchpurchasewasmade,theamountofsuchotherlien,with
interest.
Bytheredemptioner
1.
Amountpaidonthelastredemption;
2.
2%interestthereon
3.
Anyamountofassessmentsortaxeswhich
thelastpreviousredemptionerpaidaftertheredemptionbyhimwithintereston
suchlastnamedamount;
4.
Amountofanyliensheldbythelastredemptionerpriortohisown,withinterest.
Generallyinjudicialforeclosuresale,thereisnorightofredemption,butonlyequityof
redemption.Insaleofestatepropertytopayoffdebtsoftheestate,thereisnoredemption
atall.Onlyinextrajudicialforeclosuresaleandsaleonexecutionistheretherightof
redemption.
Ifnoredemptionbemadewithinone(1)yearfromthedateoftheregistrationofthe
certificateofsale,thepurchaserisentitledtoaconveyanceandpossessionofthe
property;or,ifsoredeemedwheneversixty(60)dayshaveelapsedandnoother
redemptionhasbeenmade,andnoticethereofgiven,andthetimeforredemptionhas
expired,thelastredemptionerisentitledtotheconveyanceandpossession.
Upontheexpirationoftherightofredemption,thepurchaserorredemptionershallbe
substitutedtoandacquirealltherights,title,interestandclaimofthejudgmentobligorto
thepropertyasofthetimeofthelevy.
Thepossessionofthepropertyshallbegiventothepurchaserorlastredemptionerbythe
sameofficerunlessathirdpartyisactuallyholdingthepropertyadverselytothe
judgmentobligor.
Whenthereturnofawritofexecutionissuedagainstpropertyofajudgmentobligor,or
anyoneofseveralobligorsinthesamejudgment,showsthatthejudgmentremains
unsatisfied,inwholeorinpart,thejudgmentobligee,atanytimeaftersuchreturnis
made,shallbeentitledtoanorderfromthecourtwhichrenderedthesaidjudgment,
requiringsuchjudgmentobligortoappearandbeexaminedconcerninghispropertyand
incomebeforesuchcourtorbeforeacommissionerappointedbyit,ataspecifiedtime
andplace;andproceedingsmaythereuponbehadfortheapplicationofthepropertyand
incomeofthejudgmentobligortowardsthesatisfactionofthejudgment.
Butnojudgmentobligorshallbesorequiredtoappearbeforeacourtorcommissioner
outsidetheprovinceorcityinwhichsuchobligorresidesorisfound.
EXAMINATIONOFJUDGMENTSOBLIGORWHENJUDGMENTIS
UNSATISFIED(SEC.36)
EXAMINATIONOFOBLIGOROFJUDGMENTOBLIGOR(SEC.37)
Whenthereturnofawritofexecutionagainstthepropertyofajudgmentobligorshows
thatthejudgmentremainsunsatisfied,inwholeorinpart,anduponprooftothe
satisfactionofthecourtwhichissuedthewrit,thatperson,corporation,orotherjuridical
entityhaspropertyofsuchjudgmentobligororisindebtedtohim,thecourtmay,byan
order,requiresuchperson,corporation,orotherjuridicalentity,oranyofficerormember
thereof,toappearbeforethecourtoracommissionerappointedbyit,atatimeandplace
withintheprovinceorcitywheresuchdebtorresidesorisfound,andbeexamined
concerningthesame.
Theserviceoftheordershallbindallcreditsduethejudgmentobligorandallmoneyand
propertyofthejudgmentobligorinthepossessionorincontrolofsuchperson,
corporation,orjuridicalentityfromthetimeofservice;andthecourtmayalsorequire
noticeofsuchproceedingstobegiventoanypartytotheactioninsuchmannerasitmay
deemproper.
Incaseofajudgmentorfinalorderagainstaspecificthing,orinrespecttotheprobateof
awill,ortheadministrationoftheestateofadeceasedperson,orinrespecttothe
personal,political,orlegalconditionorstatusofaparticularpersonorhisrelationshipto
another,thejudgmentorfinalorderisconclusiveuponthetitletothething,thewillor
administration,orthecondition,statusorrelationshipoftheperson;however,theprobate
ofawillorgrantingoflettersofadministrationshallonlybeprimafacieevidenceofthe
truthofthetestatororintestate;
Inothercases,thejudgmentorfinalorderis,withrespecttothematterdirectlyadjudged
orastoanyothermatterthatcouldhavebeenraisedinrelationthereto,conclusive
betweenthepartiesandtheirsuccessorsininterestbytitlesubsequenttothe
commencementoftheactionorspecialproceeding,litigatingforthesamethingand
underthesametitleandinthesamecapacity;and
Inanyotherlitigationbetweenthesamepartiesortheirsuccessorsininterest,thatonlyis
deemedtohavebeenadjudgedinaformerjudgmentorfinalorderwhichappearsupon
itsfacetohavebeensoadjudged,orwhichwasactuallyandnecessarilyincludedtherein
ornecessarythereto.
1) Incaseofajudgmentorfinalorderuponaspecificthing,thejudgmentorfinal
orderisconclusiveuponthetitletothething;and
2) Incaseofajudgmentorfinalorderagainstaperson,thejudgmentorfinal
orderispresumptiveevidenceofarightasbetweenthepartiesandtheir
successorsininterestbyasubsequenttitle.Ineithercase,thejudgmentorfinal
ordermayberepelledbyevidenceofawantofjurisdiction,wantofnoticetothe
party,collusion,fraud,orclearmistakeoflaworfact.
Aforeignjudgmentonthemerestrengthofitspromulgationisnotyetconclusive,asit
canbeannulledonthegroundsofwantofjurisdiction,wantofnoticetotheparty,
collusion,fraud,orclearmistakeoflaworfact.
ItislikewiserecognizedinPhilippinejurisprudenceandinternationallawthataforeign
judgmentmaybebarredfromrecognitionifitrunscountertopublicpolicy.
NATUREOFPROVISIONALREMEDIES
Provisionalremediesaretemporary,auxiliary,andancillaryremediesavailabletoa
litigantfortheprotectionandpreservationofhisrightswhilethemainactionispending.
Theyarewritsandprocesseswhicharenotmainactionsandtheypresupposethe
existenceofaprincipalaction.
Provisionalremediesareresortedtobylitigantsforanyofthefollowingreasons:
1)Topreserveorprotecttheirrightsorinterestswhilethemainactionispending;
2)Tosecurethejudgment;
3)Topreservethestatusquo;or
4)Topreservethesubjectmatteroftheaction.
Provisionalremediesspecifiedundertherulesare:
1.Preliminaryattachment(Rule57);2.Preliminaryinjunction(Rule58);3.Receivership
(Rule59);
4.Replevin(Rule60);and
5.Supportpendentlite(Rule61).
JURISDICTIONOVERPROVISIONALREMEDIES
Thecourtwhichgrantsorissuesaprovisionalremedyisthecourtwhichhasjurisdiction
overthemainaction.Evenaninferiorcourtmaygrantaprovisionalremedyinanaction
pendingwithitandwithinitsjurisdiction.
PROVISIONALREMEDIES(Rules5761)
EFFECTOFJUDGMENTORFINALORDERS:RESJUDICATA(SEC.47)
ENFORCEMENTANDEFFECTOFFOREIGNJUDGMENTSORFINALORDERS
(SEC.48)
PRELIMINARYATTACHMENT(RULE57)
Preliminaryattachmentisaprovisionalremedyissueduponorderofthecourtwherean
actionispendingtobelevieduponthepropertyofthedefendantsothepropertymaybe
heldbythesheriffassecurityforthesatisfactionofwhateverjudgmentmayberendered
inthe.
Whenavailedofandisgrantedinanactionpurelyinpersonam,itconvertstheactionto
onethatisquasiinrem.Inanactioninremorquasiinrem,jurisdictionovertheresis
sufficient.Jurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendantisnotrequired.
Thereisnoseparateactioncalledpreliminaryattachment.Itisavailedofinrelationtoa
principalaction.
Preliminaryattachmentisdesignedto:
.
1) Seizethepropertyofthedebtorbeforefinal
judgmentandputthesameincustodialegisevenwhiletheactionispendingfor
thesatisfactionofalaterjudgment.
2) Toenablethecourttoacquirejurisdictionovertheresorthepropertysubject
oftheactionincaseswhereserviceinpersonoranyotherservicetoacquire
jurisdictionoverthedefendantcannotbeaffected.
ThreestagesinthegrantofthePreliminaryAttachment
.
1) Thecourtissuestheordergrantingthe
application
2) Thewritofattachmentissuespursuanttothe
ordergrantingthewrit
3) Thewritifimplemented
Forthe2initialstages,itisnotnecessarythatjurisdictionoverthepersonofthe
defendantbefirstobtained.However,oncetheimplementationofthewritcommences,
thecourtmusthaveacquiredjurisdictionoverthedefendantforwithoutsuchjurisdiction,
thecourthasnopowerorauthoritytoactinanymanneragainstthedefendant.
(a)PRELIMINARYATTACHMENT oneissuedatthecommencementoftheactionor
atanytimebeforeentryofjudgmentassecurityforthesatisfactionofanyjudgmentthat
mayberecovered.Herethecourttakescustodyofthepropertyofthepartyagainstwhom
attachmentisdirected.
(b)GARNISHMENT plaintiffseekstosubjecteitherthepropertyofdefendantinthe
handsofathirdperson(garnishee)tohisclaimorthemoneywhichsaidthird
personowesthedefendant.Garnishmentdoesnotinvolveactualseizureofproperty
whichremainsinthehandsofthegarnishee.Itsimplyimpoundsthepropertyinthe
garnisheespossessionandmaintainsthestatusquountilthemainactionisfinally
decided.Garnishmentproceedingsareusuallydirectedagainstpersonalproperty,
tangibleorintangibleandwhethercapableofmanualdeliveryornot.
(c)LEVYONEXECUTION writissuedbythecourtafterjudgmentbywhichthe
propertyofthejudgmentobligoristakenintocustodyofthecourtbeforethesaleofthe
propertyonexecutionforthesatisfactionofafinaljudgment.Itisthepreliminarystepto
thesaleonexecutionofthepropertyofthejudgmentdebtor.
Thegrantoftheremedyisaddressedtothediscretionofthecourtwhetherornotthe
applicationshallbegivenfullcreditisdiscretionaryuponthecourt.Indeterminingthe
proprietyofthegrant,thecourtalsoconsiderstheprincipalcaseuponwhichthe
provisionalremedydepends.
Atthecommencementoftheactionoratanytimebeforeentryofjudgment,aplaintiffor
anyproperpartymayhavethepropertyoftheadversepartyattachedassecurityforthe
satisfactionofanyjudgmentthatmayberecoveredinthefollowingcases:
.
1) Inanactionfortherecoveryofaspecifiedamountofmoneyordamages,other
thanmoralandexemplary,onacauseofactionarisingfromlaw,contract,quasi
contract,delictorquasidelictagainstapartywhoisabouttodepartfromthe
Philippineswithintenttodefraudhiscreditors;
2) Inanactionformoneyorpropertyembezzledorfraudulentlymisappliedor
convertedtohisownusebyapublicofficer,oranofficerofacorporation,oran
attorney,factor,broker,agentorclerk,inthecourseofhisemploymentassuch,or
byanyotherpersoninafiduciarycapacity,orforawillfulviolationofduty;
3) Inanactiontorecoverthepossessionofpropertyunjustlyorfraudulently
taken,detainedorconverted,whentheproperty,oranypartythereof,hasbeen
concealed,removed,ordisposedoftopreventitsbeingfoundortakenbythe
applicantoranauthorizedperson;
4) Inanactionagainstapartywhohasbeenguiltyofafraudincontractingthe
debtorincurringtheobligationuponwhichtheactiontheactionisbrought,orin
theperformancethereof;
.
5) Inanactionagainstapartywhohasremovedordisposedofhisproperty,oris
abouttodoso,withintenttodefraudhiscreditors;or
GROUNDSFORISSUANCEOFWRITOFATTACHMENT
PRELIMINARYATTACHMENTHASTHREETYPES
6)InanactionagainstapartywhodoesnotresideandisnotfoundinthePhilippines,or
onwhomsummonsmaybeservedbypublication(Sec.1).
REQUISITES
Theissuanceofanorder/writofexecutionrequiresthefollowing:
.
1) Thecasemustbeanyofthosewherepreliminaryattachmentisproper;
2) Theapplicantmustfileamotionwhetherexparteorwithnoticeandhearing;
3) Theapplicantmustshowbyaffidavit(underoath)thatthereisnosufficient
securityfortheclaimsoughttobeenforced;thattheamountclaimedintheaction
isasmuchasthesumofwhichtheorderisgrantedaboveallcounterclaims;and
4) Theapplicantmustpostabondexecutedtotheadverseparty.
ThisiscalledanATTACHMENTBOND,whichanswersforalldamagesincurred
bythepartyagainstwhomtheattachmentwasissuedandsustainedbyhimbyreasonof
theattachment.
Anorderofattachmentmaybeissuedeitherexparteoruponmotionwithnoticeand
hearingbythecourtinwhichtheactionispending,orbytheCAortheSC.
Itmayissueexparteandevenbeforethesummonsisserveduponthedefendant.
However,thewritmaynotbeenforcedandvalidlyimplementedunlessprecededor
simultaneouslyservedwiththesummons,acopyofthecomplaint,applicationfor
attachment,theorderofattachmentandtheattachmentbond.
AFFIDAVITANDBOND
Theorderofattachmentshallbegrantedonlywhenitappearsbytheaffidavitofthe
applicantthattherequisitesforagrantofattachmentarepresent.
Theapplicantmustthereaftergiveabondexecutedtotheadversepartyintheamount
fixedbythecourtinitsordergrantingtheissuanceofthewrit,conditionedthatthelatter
willpayallthecostswhichmaybeadjudgedtotheadversepartyandalldamageswhich
hemaysustainbyreasonoftheattachment,ifthecourtshallfinallyadjudgethatthe
applicantwasnotentitledthereto
F Enforcementofthewritorpreliminaryattachmentmustbeprecededby
contemporaneously
accompaniedbytheserviceofsummons,copyofthecomplaint,applicationandaffidavit
oftheattachmentandthebondinfavoroftheadverseparty.
F Thefailuretoacquirejurisdictionoverthepersonoftheadversepartyshallrender
theimplementationofthewritvoid.
Exceptionstotherequirement:
1) Wherethesummonscouldnotbeserved
personallyorbysubstitutedservicedespite
diligentefforts;
2) ThedefendantisaresidentofthePhilippines
whoistemporarilyoutofthecountry;
3) Thedefendantisanonresident;or
4) Theactionisoneinremorquasiinrem(Sec.5).
Thesheriffenforcingthewritshallwithoutdelayandwithallreasonablediligenceattach,
toawaitjudgmentandexecutionintheaction,onlysomuchofthepropertyinthe
Philippinesofthepartyagainstwhomthewritisissued,notexemptfromexecution,as
maybesufficienttosatisfytheapplicant'sdemand.
InattachingREALPROPERTY,orgrowingcropsthereonoranyinteresttherein,acopy
oftheordershallbefiledwiththeregistryofdeedsalongwithadescriptionofthe
propertyattachedandbyleavingacopyofsuchorderwiththeoccupantoftheproperty,
ifanyorsuchotherpersonorhisagentiffoundwithintheprovince.
InattachingPERSONALPROPERTYcapableofmanualdeliverybytakingandsafely
keepingitinhiscustodyafterissuingthecorrespondingreceipttherefor.
AstoSTOCKSORSHARES,oraninterestthereon,byleavingwiththepresidentor
managingagentofthecompany,acopyofthewrit,andanoticestatingthatthestockor
interestofthepartyagainstwhomtheattachmentisissuedisattachedinpursuanceof
suchwrit.
DEBTSANDCREDITS,includingbankdeposits,financialinterest,royalties,
commissionsandotherpersonalpropertynotcapableofmanualdeliveryshallbe
attachedbyleavingwiththepersonowingsuchdebts,orinpossessionorcontrolofsuch
creditsorotherpersonalproperty,orwithhisagent,acopyofthewrit,andnoticethat
suchpropertiesareattached.
AstointerestofthepartyagainstwhomattachmentisissuedinpropertyBELONGING
TOTHEESTATEOFTHEDECEDENTareattachedbygivingacopyofthewritand
noticetotheexecutororadministratorandtheofficeoftheclerkofcourtwhereisthe
estateisbeingsettled.
MANNEROFATTACHINGREALANDPERSONALPROPERTY
ISSUANCEANDCONTENTSOFORDEROFATTACHMENT
RULEONPRIORORCONTEMPORANEOUSSERVICEOFSUMMONS
IfthepropertytobeattachedisINCUSTODIALEGIS,acopyofthewritshallbefiled
withthepropercourtorquasijudicialagency,andnoticeoftheattachmentservedupon
thecustodianofsuchproperty.
Thethirdpartymayresorttoanyofthefollowingremedieswhicharecumulativeand
thuscouldberesortedindependentlyandseparatelyfromtheothers:
a) Hemayavailoftheremedyofterceriabymakinganaffidavitofhistitle
theretoorhisrighttopossessionthereof,statingthegroundsofsuchrightortitle.
Theaffidavitmustbeserveduponthesheriffandtheattachingparty.Thesheriff
shallnotbeboundtokeepthepropertyunderattachmentexceptiftheattaching
partyfilesabondapprovedbythecourt.
b) Thethirdpersonmayinvokethecourtsauthorityinthesamecaseandmove
forasummaryhearingonhisclaimtodecideifthesheriffhasactedcorrectlyor
not.
c) Thethirdpartymayfileaseparateactiontonullifythelevywithdamages
resultingfromtheunlawfullevyandseizure.Thisactionmaybetotallydistinct
fromthecaseinwhichtheattachmentwasissued.
HOWTOPREVENTTHEATTACHMENT
Thepartywhosepropertyissoughttobeattached,mypreventtheattachmentbydoing
eitheroftwothings:
.
1) Bydepositingwiththecourtanamountequaltothevalueofthepropertytobe
attached;or
2) Bygivingacounterbondexecutedtotheapplicant,inanamountequaltothe
bondpostedbythelattertosecuretheattachment.
Iftheattachmenthasalreadybeenenforced,thepartywhosepropertyhasbeenattached
mayfileaMOTIONtodischargetheattachment.Thismotionshallbewithnoticeand
hearing.Afterduenoticeandhearing,thecourtshalldischargetheattachmentifthe
movantsmakesaCASHDEPOSITorfilesaCOUNTERBONDexecutedtothe
attachingpartywiththeclerkofcourtwheretheapplicationismade.
Attachmentmaylikewisebedischargedwithouttheneedforfilingofacounterbond.
Thisispossiblewhenthepartywhosepropertyhasbeenattachedfilesamotiontoset
asideordischargetheattachmentandduringthehearingofthemotion,heprovesthat:
1)Theattachmentwasimproperlyorirregularlyissuedorenforced;or
2) Thebondoftheattachingcreditorisinsufficient;or
3) Theattachmentisexcessiveandmustbedischargedastotheexcess;or
4) Thepropertyisexemptfromexecution,andassuchisalsoexemptfrom
preliminaryattachment.
Improperly (e.g.writofattachmentwasnotbasedonthegroundsinSec.1)
Irregularly (e.g.writofattachmentwasexecutedwithoutpreviousor
contemporaneousserviceofsummons)
Ifjudgmentisrenderedinfavoroftheattachingpartyandexecutionissued,the
sheriffmaycausethejudgmenttobesatisfiedoutofthepropertyattached,ifitbe
sufficientforthatpurpose.
Canbeprovisionalremedyandcanalsoanaction
Apreliminaryinjunctionisanordergrantedatanystageofanactionor
proceedingpriortothejudgmentorfinalorder,requiringapartyoracourt,
agencyorapersontoeitherrefrain(prohibitory)fromortoperform(mandatory)a
particularactoractsduringthependencyoftheaction.
Temporaryrestrainingorder(TRO)isissuedisanordertomaintainthestatusquo
betweenandamongthepartiesuntilthedeterminationoftheprayerforawritof
preliminaryinjunction.Thestatusquoisthelast,actual,peaceableand
uncontestedsituationwhichprecedesacontroversy.
ThejudgemayissueaTROwithalimitedlifeof20daysfromdateofissue.If
beforetheexpirationofthe20dayperiod,theapplicationforpreliminary
injunctionisdenied,theTROwouldbedeemedautomaticallyvacated.Ifno
actionistakenbythejudgewithinthe20dayperiod,theTROwould
automaticallyexpireonthe20thdaybythesheerforceoflaw,nojudicial
declarationtothateffectbeingnecessary.
Awritofpreliminaryinjunctioncannotbegrantedwithoutnoticeandhearing.A
TROmaybegrantedexparteifitshallappearfromfactsshownbyaffidavitsor
bytheverifiedapplicationthatgreatorirreparableinjury
WHENPROPERTYATTACHEDISCLAIMEDBYTHIRDPERSON
SATISFACTIONOFJUDGMENTOUTOFPROPERTYATTACHED
PRELIMINARYINJUNCTION(RULE58)
DEFINITIONSANDDIFFERENCES:PRELIMINARYINJUNCTIONAND
TEMPORARYRESTRAININGORDER
DISCHARGEOFATTACHMENTANDTHECOUNTERBOND
wouldresulttotheapplicantbeforethemattercanbeheardonnotice,thecourtinwhich
theapplicationforpreliminaryinjunctionwasmademyissueaTROexparteforaperiod
notexceeding20daysfromservicetothepartysoughttobeenjoined.
REQUISITES
.
1) Theremustbeaverifiedpetition,
2) Theapplicationmustestablishthathehasarightof
relieforarighttobeprotectedandthattheactagainstwhichtheinjunctionis
soughtviolatessuchright,
3) Theapplicantmustestablishthatthereisaneedtorestrainthecommissionof
thecontinuanceoftheactscomplainedofandifnotenjoinedwouldworkinjustice
tohim,
4) Abondmustbeposted,unlessotherwiseexemptedbythecourt.
5) Thethreatenedinjurymustbeincapableofpecuniaryestimation.
KINDSOFINJUNCTION
PROHIBITORY itspurposeistopreventapersonfromtheperformanceofaparticular
actwhichhasnotyetbeenperformed.
.
1) Preliminary securedbeforethefinalityofjudgment.
2) Final issuedasajudgment,makingtheinjunctionpermanent.Itperpetually
restrainsapersonfromthecontinuanceorcommissionofanactandconfirmsthe
previouspreliminaryinjunction.Itisoneincludedinthejudgmentasthereliefor
partofthereliefgrantedasaresultoftheaction,hence,grantedonlyaftertrialand
nobondisrequired.
MANDATORY itspurposeistorequireapersontoperformaparticularpositiveact
whichhasalreadybeenperformedandhasviolatedtherightsofanother.
a) Preliminary
b) Final
Requisitesfortheissuanceofmandatory
preliminaryinjunction
(a) Theinvasionoftherightismaterialand
substantial;
(b) Therightofacomplainantisclearand
unmistakable;
(c) Thereisanurgentandpermanentnecessityfor
thewrittopreventseriousdamage.
WHENWRITMAYBEISSUED
Itmaybeissuedatanystagepriortothejudgmentorfinalorder.
GROUNDSFORISSUANCEOFPRELIMINARY
INJUNCTION
1)Theapplicantisentitledtothereliefdemanded,andthewholeorpartofsuchrelief
consistsinrestrainingthecommissionorcontinuanceoftheactoractscomplainedof,or
inrequiringtheperformanceofanactoractseitherforalimitedperiodorperpetually;or
2)Thecommission,continuanceornonperformanceoftheactoractscomplainedof
duringthelitigationwouldprobablyworkinjusticetotheapplicant;or
3)Aparty,court,agencyorapersonisdoing,threateningorisattemptingtodo,oris
procuringorsufferingtobedone,someactoractsprobablyinviolationoftherightsof
theapplicantrespectingthesubjectoftheactionorproceeding,andtendingtorenderthe
judgmentineffectual.
1)Uponshowingofinsufficiencyoftheapplication;
2)Othergroundsuponaffidavitofthepartyorperson
enjoined;
3)Appearsafterhearingthatirreparabledamagetothe
partyorpersonenjoinedwillbecausedwhiletheapplicantcanbefullycompensatedfor
suchdamagesashemaysuffer,andthepartyenjoinedfilesacounterbond;
4)Insufficiencyofthebond;
5)Insufficiencyofthesuretyorsureties.
DURATIONOFTRO
ThelifetimeofaTROis20days,whichisnonextendible
(AM020207SC).
Ifitisshownthattheapplicantwouldsuffergreatorirreparableinjurybeforethe
applicationforthewritofinjunctioncanbeheard,thecourtmayissueatemporary
restrainingorder(TRP)expartewhichshallbeeffectiveforaperiodnotexceeding
twenty(20)daysfromserviceonthepartysoughttobeenjoined.Withinthesaidtwenty
dayperiod,thecourtmustordersaidpartytoshowcausewhytheinjunctionshouldnot
begranted,determinewithinthesameperiodwhetherornotthepreliminaryinjunction
shallbegranted,andaccordinglyissuethecorrespondingorder.
Ifthematterisofextremeurgencyandtheapplicantwillsuffergraveinjusticeand
irreparableinjury,theexecutivejudgeofamultiplesalacourtorthepresidingjudgeofa
singlesalacourtmayissueexparteatemporaryrestrainingordereffectiveforonly
seventytwo(72)hours.Withinsuchperiod,thejudgeshallconductasummaryhearing
todeterminewhetherthetemporaryrestrainingordershallbeextendedto20days.The
72hoursshallbeincludedinthemaximum20dayperiod.
GROUNDSFOROBJECTIONTOORFORTHEDISSOLUTIONOFINJUNCTION
ORRESTRAININGORDER
IfaTROisbytheCourtofAppealsoramemberthereof,itshallbeeffectiveforsixty
(60)daysfromnoticetoservicepartytobeenjoined.
IfaTROisissuedbytheSupremeCourtoramemberthereof,itshallbeeffectiveuntil
furtherorders.
NocourtexcepttheSCshallissueanyorpreliminaryinjunctionorpreliminary
mandatoryinjunctionagainstthegovernmentoritsubdivisions,officialsoranypersonor
entitywhetherpublicorprivateactingunderthegovernmentdirection,torestrain,
prohibitorcompelthefollowingacts:
.
1) Acquisition,clearanceanddevelopmentoftherightofwayand/orsiteor
locationofanygovernmentproject,
2) Biddingorawardingofacontractorprojectofthenationalgovernment,
3) Commencement,prosecution,execution,implementation,operationofany
suchcontractorproject,
4) Terminationorrescissionofanysuchcontract/projectand
5) Theundertakingorauthorizationofanyotherlawfulactivitynecessaryfor
suchcontractorproject.
AnyTRO,preliminaryinjunctionandpreliminarymandatoryinjunction
issuedinviolationoftheaboveprohibitionshallbevoid.
Exceptionstotheprohibition:
.
a) Incasesofextremeurgency;
b) Ifitinvolvesconstitutionalissue;
c)Graveinjusticeandirreparableinjury
willariseunlessaTROisissued.
Inonecase,theSCsaidthatinjunctionisnotavailabletostopinfrastructure
projectsofthegovernmentincludingarrastreandstevedoringoperations.
WhenanapplicationforawritofpreliminaryinjunctionorTROismadeina
complaintorotherinitiatorypleading,thecase,iffiledinamultisalacourt,shall
beraffledonlyafternoticetoandinthepresenceoftheadverseparty.Inany
event,suchnoticeshallbeprecededorcontemporaneouslyaccompaniedbya
serviceofsummons,togetherwithacopyofthecomplaintorinitiatorypleading
andtheapplicantsaffidavitandbond,upontheadversepartyinthePhilippines.
Itisnotavailablewhere
a)thesummonscouldnotbeservedpersonallyor
bysubstitutedservicedespitediligenteffortsor
b)wheretheadversepartyisaresidentofthePhilippinestemporarilyabsenttherefromor
isa
nonresidentthereof.
SUMMARY/STAGESOFINJUNCTION
(1)SEVENTYTWO(72)HOURTEMPORARYRESTRAININGORDER
a)Ifthematterisofextremeurgencyandtheapplicantwillsuffergraveinjusticeand
irreparableinjury;
b)Issuedbyexecutivejudgeofamultisalacourtorthepresidingjudgeofasinglesala
court;
c)Thereaftermust
i.
Servesummonsandotherdocuments
ii.
ConductsummaryhearingtodeterminewhethertheTROshallbeextendedto20
daysuntiltheapplicationforpreliminaryinjunctioncanbeheard.
(2)TWENTY(20)DAYTRO
a)Ifitshallappearfromthefactsshownbyaffidavitsorbytheverifiedapplicationthat
greatorirreparableinjurywouldresulttotheapplicantbeforethemattercanbeheardon
notice;
b)Ifapplicationisincludedininitiatorypleading:
1.Noticeofraffleshallbepreceded,orcontemporaneouslyaccompanied,byserviceof
summons,togetherwithacopyofthecomplaintorinitiatorypleadingandtheapplicants
affidavitandbond,upontheadversepartyinthe
Philippines;
2.Raffledonlyafternoticetoandinthe
presenceoftheadversepartyorthe
persontobeenjoined.
c)Issuedwithsummaryhearing(todetermine
whethertheapplicantwillsuffergreatorirreparableinjury)within24hoursaftersheriffs
returnofserviceand/orrecordsarereceivedbythebranchselectedbyraffle;
d)Within20dayperiod,thecourtmustordersaidpersontoshowcausewhythe
injunctionshouldnotbegranted,anddeterminewhetherornotthepreliminaryinjunction
shallbegranted,andaccordinglyissuethecorrespondingorder;
e)Includingtheoriginal72hours,totaleffectivityofTROshall:
1.
Notexceed20days,ifissuedbyanRTCorMTC;
2.
Notexceed60days,ifissuedbytheCAoramemberthereof;
3.
Untilfurtherorders,ifissuedbytheSC.
BANOFTROORWRITOFINJUNCTIONINCASESINVOLVINGGOVERNMENT
INFRASTRUCTUREPROJECTS:RA8975
RULEONPRIORORCONTEMPORANEOUSSERVICEOFSUMMONSIN
RELATIONTOATTACHMENT
f) TROisautomaticallyvacateduponexpirationoftheperiodandwithout
grantingofpreliminaryinjunction;
g) Effectivityisnotextendiblewithoutneedofanyjudicialdeclarationtothat
effect;
h) Nocourtshallhaveauthoritytoextendorrenewthesameonthesameground
forwhichitwasissued.
(3)PRELIMINARYINJUNCTION
.
a) Hearingandpriornoticetothepartysoughttobeenjoined;
b) Ifapplicationisincludedininitiatorypleading:
1.
Noticeofraffleshallbepreceded,orcontemporaneouslyaccompanied,by
serviceofsummons,togetherwithacopyofthecomplaintorinitiatory
pleadingandtheapplicant'saffidavitandbond,upontheadversepartyin
the
Philippines.
2.
Raffledonlyafternoticetoandinthe
presenceoftheadversepartyorthe
persontobeenjoined
c) Applicantpostsabond
(4)FINALINJUNCTION
Notethatabondisrequiredonlyinpreliminaryinjunctions,butisnotrequiredin
TROs.Afterlapseofthe20dayTRO,thecourtcanstillgrantapreliminary
injunction.
NotethatirreparableinjuryisalwaysarequisiteinTROs.Butinthe72hourTRO,
graveinjusticemustalsobeshown.Inthe20dayTRO,thegroundisgreator
irreparableinjury.Withoutapreliminaryinjunction,aTROissuedbytheCA
expireswithoutnecessityofcourtaction.
OnlySCcaissueaStatusQuoOrder
Canbeappliedevenjudgmentisfinalandexecutory
Receivershipisaprovisionalremedywhereinthecourtappointsa
representativetopreserve,administer,disposeofandpreventthelossor
dissipationoftherealorpersonalpropertyduringthe
pendencyofanaction.
Itmaybetheprincipalactionitselforamere
provisionalremedy;itcanbeavailedofevenafterthejudgmenthasbecomefinal
andexecutoryasitmaybeappliedfortoaidexecutionorcarryjudgmentinto
effect.
CASESWHENRECEIVERMAYBEAPPOINTED
Uponaverifiedapplication,oneormorereceiversofthepropertysubjectoftheactionor
proceedingmaybeappointedbythecourtwheretheactionispendingorbytheCourtof
AppealsorbytheSupremeCourt,oramemberthereof,inthefollowingcases:
1.Thepartyapplyingfortheappointmentofareceiverhasaninterestinthepropertyor
fundwhichisthesubjectoftheactionorproceeding,andthatsuchpropertyorfundisin
dangerofbeinglost,ormateriallyinjuredunlessareceiverbeappointedtoadminister
andpreserveit;
2.Inanactionbythemortgageefortheforeclosureofamortgagethatthepropertyisin
dangerofbeingwastedordissipatedormateriallyinjured,andthatitsvalueisprobably
insufficienttodischargethemortgagedebt,orthatthepartieshavesostipulatedinthe
contractofmortgage;
3.Afterjudgment,topreservethepropertyduringthependencyofanappeal,orto
disposeofitaccordingtothejudgment,ortoaidexecutionwhentheexecutionhasbeen
returnedunsatisfiedorthejudgmentobligorrefusestoapplyhispropertyinsatisfaction
ofthejudgment,orotherwisetocarrythejudgmentintoeffect;
4.Wheneverinothercasesitappearsthattheappointmentofareceiveristhemost
convenientandfeasiblemeansofpreserving,administering,ordisposingoftheproperty
inlitigation.
REQUISITES
1)Verifiedapplication;
2)Appointedbythecourtwheretheactionispending,
orbytheCAorbytheSC,oramemberthereof;
Duringthependencyofanappeal,theappellatecourtmayallowanapplicationfor
theappointmentofareceivertobefiledinanddecidedbythecourtoforiginandthe
receiverappointedtobesubjecttothecontrolofsaid
court.
3)Applicantsbondconditionedonpayingtheadverse
partyalldamageshemaysustainbytheappointmentofthereceiverincasethe
appointmentiswithoutsufficientcause;
4)Receivertakeshisoathandfileshisbond.
1)Beforeissuingtheorderappointingareceiverthecourtshallrequiretheapplicantto
fileabondexecutedtothepartyagainstwhomtheapplicationispresented,inanamount
tobefixedbythecourt,totheeffectthattheapplicantwillpaysuchpartyalldamageshe
maysustainbyreasonoftheappointmentofsuchreceiverincasetheapplicantshallhave
procuredsuchappointmentwithoutsufficientcause;and
RECEIVERSHIP(RULE59)
REQUIREMENTSBEFOREISSUANCEOFANORDER
2)Thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,atanytimeaftertheappointment,requirean
additionalbondasfurthersecurityforsuchdamages.
GENERALPOWERSOFARECEIVER
.
1) Tobringanddefend,insuchcapacity,actionsinhisownname
2) Totakeandkeeppossessionofthepropertyincontroversy
3) Toreceiverents
4) Tocollectdebtsduetohimselfasreceiverortothe
fund,property,estate,person,orcorporationof
whichheisthereceiver
5) Tocompoundforandcompromisethesame
6) Tomaketransfer
7) Topayoutstandingdebts
8) Todividethemoneyandotherpropertythatshall
remainamongthepersonslegallyentitledtoreceive
thesame
9) Todosuchactsrespectingthepropertyasthecourt
mayauthorize.
10) However,fundsinthehandsofareceivermaybe
investedonlybyorderofthecourtuponthewrittenconsentofallthepartiestothe
action.Noactionmaybefiledbyoragainstareceiverwithoutleaveofthecourt
whichappointedhim.
TWO(2)KINDSOFBONDS
1) ApplicantsBond(forappointmentofreceiver) Topaythedamagesthe
adversepartymaysustainbyreasonofappointmentofreceiver;and
2) ReceiversBond(oftheappointedreceiver,asidefromoath) Toanswerfor
receiversfaithfuldischargeofhisduties.
3) CounterBond
TERMINATIONOFRECEIVERSHIP
Wheneverthecourt,motupropriooronmotionofeitherparty,shalldeterminethatthe
necessityforareceivernolongerexists,itshall,afterduenoticetoallinterestedparties
andhearing,settletheaccountsofthereceiver,directthedeliveryofthefundsandother
propertyinhispossessiontothepersonadjudgedtobeentitledtoreceivethem,andorder
thedischargeofthereceiverfromfurtherdutyassuch.
Thecourtshallallowthereceiversuchreasonablecompensationasthecircumstancesof
thecasewarrant,tobetaxedascostsagainstthedefeatedparty,orapportioned,asjustice
requires.
Receivershipshallalsobeterminatedwhen:
.
a) itscontinuanceisnotjustifiedbythefactsand
circumstancesofthecase;or
b) courtisconvincedthatthepowersareabused.
Itisaproceedingbywhichtheowneroronewhohasageneralorspecialpropertyinthe
thingtakenordetainedseekstorecoverpossessioninspecie,therecoveryofdamages
beingonlyincidental.
Replevinmaybeamainactionoraprovisionalremedy.Asaprincipalactionitsultimate
goalistorecoverpersonalpropertycapableofmanualdeliverywrongfullydetainedbya
person.Usedinthissense,itisasuitinitself.
Itisaprovisionalremedyinthenatureofpossessoryactionandtheapplicantwhoseeks
immediatepossessionofthepropertyinvolvedneednotbetheholderofthelegaltitle
thereto.Itissufficientthatheisentitledtopossessionthereof.
WHENMAYWRITBEISSUED
.
a) Theprovisionalremedyofreplevincanonlybeappliedforbeforeanswer.
b) Apartyprayingfortherecoveryofpossessionofpersonalpropertymay,atthe
commencementoftheactionoratanytimebeforeanswer,applyforanorderfor
thedeliveryofsuchpropertytohim.
REQUISITES
Theapplicantmustshowbyhisownaffidavitorthatofsomeotherpersonwho
personallyknowsthefacts:
.
1) Apartyprayingfortheprovisionalremedymustfileanapplicationforawrit
ofreplevin.Hisapplicationmustbefiledatthecommencementoftheactionorat
anytimebeforethedefendantanswers,andmustcontainanaffidavitparticularly
describingthepropertytowhichheentitledofpossession.
2) Theaffidavitmuststatethatthepropertyiswrongfullydetainedbytheadverse
party,allegingthereinthecauseofthedetention.Itmustalsostatethatthe
propertyhasnotbeendestrainedortakenfortaxassessmentorafinepursuantto
law,orseizedunderawritofexecutionorpreliminaryattachment,orotherwise
placedincustodialegis.Ifithasbeenseized,thentheaffidavitmuststatethatitis
exemptfromsuchseizureorcustody.
3) Theaffidavitmuststatetheactualmarketvalueoftheproperty;and
4) Theapplicantmustgiveabond,executedtotheadversepartyanddoublethe
valueoftheproperty.
AFFIDAVITANDBOND;REDELIVERYBOND
REPLEVIN(RULE60)
Affidavit,alleging:
.
a) Thattheapplicantistheownerofproperty
claimed,describingitorentitledtoitspossession;
b) Thatthepropertyiswrongfullydetainedbythe
adverseparty,allegingcauseofitsdetention;
c) Thatthepropertyhasnotbeendistrainedortakenfortaxassessmentorfineor
underwritofexecution/attachmentorplacedundercustodialegisorifseized,that
itisexemptorshouldbe
released;and
d) Theactualmarketvalueoftheproperty.
Bond,whichmustbedoublethevalueofproperty,toanswerforthereturnofpropertyif
adjudgedandpayforsuchsumashemayrecoverfromtheapplicant.
Itisrequiredthattheredeliverybondbefiledwithintheperiodof5daysafterthetaking
oftheproperty.TheruleisMANDATORY.
Uponreceivingsuchorder,thesheriffmustserveacopyontheadverseparty,together
withacopyoftheapplication,affidavitandbond,andmusttakethepropertyandretainit
inhiscustody.
Ifthepropertybeconcealedinabuildingorenclosure,thesheriffmustdemandits
delivery,andifitbenotdelivered,hemustcausethebuildingorenclosuretobebroken
openandtakethepropertyintohispossession.
Ifwithinfive(5)daysafterthetakingofthepropertybythesheriff,theadverseparty
doesnotobjecttothesufficiencyofthebondoriftheadversepartysoobjectsandthe
courtaffirmsitsapprovaloftheapplicant'sbondorapprovesanewbond,orifthe
adversepartyrequiresthereturnofthepropertybuthisbondisobjectedtoandfound
insufficientandhedoesnotfileanapprovedbond,thepropertyshallbedeliveredtothe
applicant.
Ifforanyreasonthepropertyisnotdeliveredtotheapplicant,thesheriffmustreturnitto
theadverseparty.
A3rdpartyclaimantmayvindicatehisclaimtotheproperty,andtheapplicantmay
claimdamagesagainstsuch3rdparty,inthesameorseparateaction.
Aclaimontheindemnitybondshouldbefiledwithin120daysfrompostingofsuch
bond.
Ifthepropertytakenisclaimedbyathirdpersonandmakeanaffidavitofhistitleorright
tothepossessionthereofandservessuchaffidavituponthesheriffwhilethelatterhas
possessionofthepropertyandacopythereofupontheapplicant,thesheriffshallnotbe
boundtokeepthepropertyunderreplevinordeliverittothe
applicantUNLESStheapplicantondemandofsaidsheriff,shallfileabondapprovedby
thecourttoindemnifythethirdpartyclaimantinthesumnotlessthanthevalueofthe
property.
Thesheriffshallnotbeliablefordamages,forthetakingorkeepingofsuchproperty,to
anysuchthirdpartyclaimantifsuchbondshallbefiled.
NATUREOFSPECIALCIVILACTIONS
Specialcivilactionsarebasicallyordinarycivilproceedings;whatmakesthemspecial
arethedistinctpeculiaritiesinherentintheirverynaturenotfoundinordinarycivil
actions.
Theyareactionsinthemselves,butpossessingspecialmattersthatrequiredspecial
procedures.Forthisreason,theseproceedingsareclassifiedasspecialcivilactions.
Sec.1,Rule62providesthatrulesprovidedforordinarycivilactionsareapplicablein
specialcivilproceedings,whicharenotinconsistentwithormayservetosupplementthe
provisionsoftherulesrelatingtosuchspecialcivilactions.
Althoughbothtypesofactionsaregovernedbytherulesforordinarycivilactions,there
arecertainrulesthatareapplicableonlytospecificspecialcivilactions.Thefactthatan
actionissubjecttospecialrulesotherthanthoseapplicabletoordinarycivilactionsis
whatmakesacivilactionspecial.
AnordinarycivilactionmustbebasedonaCAUSEOFACTION.Thismeansthatthe
defendantmusthaveperformedanactoromittedtodoanactinviolationoftherightsof
another.Thesedefinitionsdonotfittherequirementsofacauseofactionincertain
specialcivilactions.
Thecauseofactionasdefinedandrequiredofanordinarycivilactionfindsno
applicationtothespecialcivilactionofdeclaratoryrelief.Itfindsnoapplicationalsoina
complaintforinterpleader.Inthisaction,theplaintiffmayfileacomplaintevenifhehas
sustainednoactualtransgressionofhisrights.Infact,heactuallyhasnointerestinthe
subjectmatteroftheaction.Thisisnotsoinanordinarycivilaction.
SHERIFFSDUTYINTHEIMPLEMENTATIONOFTHEWRIT;WHENPROPERTY
ISCLAIMEDBYTHIRDPARTY
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS(Rules62 71)
ORDINARYCIVILACTIONSVERSUSSPECIALCIVILACTIONS
OrdinarycivilactionsmaybefiledinitiallyineithertheMTCortheRTCdepending
upontheJURISDICTIONALAMOUNTORTHENATUREoftheactioninvolved.On
theotherhand,therearespecialcivilactionswhichcanonlybefiledinanMTClikethe
actionsforforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer.Therearealsospecialcivilactionswhich
cannotbecommencedintheMTC,foremostofwhicharethepetitionsforcertiorari,
prohibition,andmandamus.
TheVENUEinordinarycivilactionsisdeterminedbyeithertheresidenceoftheparties
wheretheactionispersonalorbythelocationofthepropertywheretheactionisreal.
Thisdoesnotalwaysapplytoaspecialcivilaction.
Whileordinarycivilactionswhenfiledaredenominatedascomplaints,somespecial
civilactionsarenotdenominatedassuchbutpetitions.
(a)SpecialcivilactionsinitiatedbyfilingofaPetition:
.
1) Declaratoryreliefotherthansimilarremedies;
2) ReviewofadjudicationoftheCOMELECand
COA;
3) Certiorari,prohibitionandmandamus;
4) Quowarranto;and
5) Contempt
(b)SpecialcivilactionsinitiatedbyfilingofaComplaint:
1)Interpleader;
.
2) Expropriation;
3) Foreclosureofrealestatemortgage;
4) Partition;and
5) Forcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer.
JURISDICTIONANDVENUE
Thesubjectmatterofapetitionfordeclaratoryreliefraisesissueswhicharenotcapable
ofpecuniaryestimationandmustbefiledwiththeRegionalTrialCourt.Itwouldbeerror
tofilethepetitionwiththeSupremeCourtwhichhasnooriginaljurisdictiontoentertain
apetitionfordeclaratoryrelief.
Itisaspecialcivilactionfiledbyaperson,whohaspropertyinhispossessionoran
obligationtorender,whollyorpartially,againstwhomtwoconflictingclaimsaremade
uponthesamesubjectmatterandoverwhichheclaimsnointerest,tocompelthe
claimantstointerpleadandtolitigatetheirconflictingclaimsamongthemselves.
1)Theremustbetwoormoreclaimantswithadverseorconflictingintereststoaproperty
inthecustodyorpossessionoftheplaintiff;
2)Theplaintiffinanactionforinterpleaderhasnoclaimuponthesubjectmatterofthe
adverseclaimsorifhehasaninterestatall,suchinterestisnotdisputedbytheclaimants;
3)Thesubjectmatteroftheadverseclaimsmustbeoneandthesame;and
4)Thepartiesimpleadedmustmakeeffectiveclaims.
WHENTOFILE
Wheneverconflictingclaimsuponthesamesubjectmatterareormaybemadeagainsta
personwhoclaimsnointerestwhateverinthesubjectmatter,oraninterestwhichin
wholeorinpartisnotdisputedbytheclaimants,hemaybringanactionagainstthe
conflictingclaimantstocompelthemtointerpleadandlitigatetheirseveralclaimsamong
themselves.
Anactionfordeclaratoryreliefisbroughttosecureanauthoritativestatementofthe
rightsandobligationsofthepartiesunderacontractorastatutefortheirguidanceinthe
enforcementorcompliancewiththesame.Thus,thepurposeistoseekforajudicial
interpretationofaninstrumentorforajudicialdeclarationofapersonsrightsundera
statuteandnottoaskforaffirmativereliefslikeinjunction,damagesoranyotherrelief
beyondthepurposeofthepetitionasdeclaredundertheRules.
Thesubjectmatterinapetitionfordeclaratoryreliefisanyofthefollowing:
a)Deed;
b)Will;
c)Contractorotherwritteninstrument;d)Statute;
e)Executiveorderorregulation;
f)Ordinance;or
g)Anyothergovernmentalregulation.
Thepetitionfordeclaratoryreliefisfiledbeforetheoccurrenceofanybreachorviolation
ofthedeed,contract,statute,ordinanceorexecutiveorderorregulation.Itwillnot
prosperwhenbroughtafteracontractorastatutehasalreadybeenbreachedorviolated.
Iftherehasalreadybeenabreach,theappropriateordinarycivilactionandnot
declaratoryreliefshouldbefiled.
WHOMAYFILETHEACTION
DECLARATORYRELIEFSANDSIMILARREMEDIES(RULE63)
INTERPLEADER(RULE62)
REQUISITESFORINTERPLEADER
1) Anypersoninterestedunderadeed,will,contractorotherwritteninstrument
orwhoserightsareaffectedbyastatute,executiveorderorregulation,ordinance
orothergovernmentalregulationmaybeforebreachorviolationthereof,bringan
actionintheRTCtodetermineanyquestionofconstructionorvalidityarisingand
foradeclarationofhisrightsorduties,thereunder.
2) Thosewhomaysueunderthecontractshouldbethosewithinterestunderthe
contractliketheparties,theassigneesandtheheirsasrequiredbysubstantivelaw.
3) Ifitbeastatute,executiveorder,regulationorordinance,thepetitionerisone
whoserightsareaffectedbythesame.Theotherpartiesareallpersonswhohave
orclaimanyinterestwhichwouldbeaffectedbythedeclaration.Therightsof
personnotmadepartiestotheactiondonotstandtobeprejudicedbythe
declaration.
1) Thesubjectmattermustbeadeed,will,contractorotherwritteninstrument,
statute,executiveorderorregulationorordinance;
2) Thetermsofsaiddocumentorthevaliditythereofaredoubtfulandrequire
judicialconstruction;
3) Theremusthavebeennobreachofsaiddocument;
4) Theremustbeactualjusticiablecontroversyortheripeningseedsofone(there
isthreatenedlitigation
theimmediatefuture);
5) theremustbeallegationofanythreatened,imminent
andinevitableviolationofpetitionersrightsoughtto
bepreventedbythedeclaratoryreliefsought;
6) Thecontroversyisbetweenpersonswhoseinterests
areadverse;
7) Theissuemustberipeforjudicialdeterminatione.g.
administrativeremediesalreadyexhausted;
8) Thepartyseekingthereliefhaslegalinterestinthe
controversy;and
9) Adequatereliefisnotavailablethruothermeans.
Groundsforthecourttorefusetoexercisedeclaratoryrelief;
.
a) Adecisionwouldnotterminatetheuncertaintyorcontroversywhichgaverise
totheaction;or
b) Thedeclarationorconstructionisnotnecessaryandproperunderthe
circumstancesaswhentheinstrumentorthestatutehasalreadybeenbreached.
Indeclaratoryrelief,thecourtisgiventhediscretiontoactornottoactonthepetition.It
maythereforechoosenottoconstruetheinstrumentsoughttobeconstruedor
couldrefrainfromdeclaringtherightsofthepetitionerunderthedeedorthelaw.
Arefusalofthecourttodeclarerightsorconstrueaninstrumentisactuallythe
functionalequivalentofthedismissalofthepetition.
Ontheotherhand,thecourtdoesnothavethediscretiontorefusetoactwithrespectto
actionsdescribedassimilarremedies.Thus,inanactionforreformationofaninstrument,
toquietortoconsolidateownership,thecourtcannotrefusetorenderajudgment.
CONVERSIONTOORDINARYACTION
Ifbeforefinalterminationofthecase,abreachshouldtakeplace,theactionmaybe
convertedintoordinaryactiontoavoidmultiplicityofsuits.
Ordinarycivilaction plaintiffallegesthathisrighthasbeenviolatedbythedefendant;
judgmentrenderediscoerciveincharacter;awritofexecutionmaybeexecutedagainst
thedefeatedparty.
Specialcivilactionofdeclaratoryrelief animpendingviolationissufficienttofilea
declaratoryrelief;noexecutionmaybeissued;thecourtmerelymakesadeclaration.
Similarremediesare:
(a)Actionforreformationofaninstrument;
(b)Actionforquietingoftitle;and
(c)Actiontoconsolidateownership(Art.1607,CivilCode).
Itisnotanactionbroughttoreformacontractbuttoreformtheinstrumentevidencing
thecontract.Itpresupposesthatthereisnothingwrongwiththecontractitselfbecause
thereisameetingofmindsbetweentheparties.
Thecontractistobereformedbecausedespitethemeetingofmindsofthepartiesasto
theobjectandcauseofthecontract,theinstrumentwhichissupposedtoembodythe
agreementofthepartiesdoesnotreflecttheirtrueagreementbyreasonofmistake,
inequitableconductoraccident.Theactionisbroughtsothetrueintentionoftheparties
maybeexpressedintheinstrument(Art.1359,CC).
Theinstrumentmaybereformedifitdoesnotexpressthetrueintentionoftheparties
becauseoflackofskillofthepersondraftingtheinstrument(Art.1363,CC).
REQUISITESOFACTIONFORDECLARATORYRELIEF
PROCEEDINGSCONSIDEREDASSIMILARREMEDIES
A.REFORMATIONOFANINSTRUMENT
WHENCOURTMAYREFUSETOMAKEJUDICIALDECLARATION
Ifthepartiesagreeuponthemortgageorpledgeofproperty,buttheinstrumentstatesthat
thepropertyissoldabsolutelyorwitharightofrepurchase,reformationoftheinstrument
isproper(Art.1365,CC).
Wheretheconsentofapartytoacontracthasbeenprocuredbyfraud,inequitable
conductoraccident,andaninstrumentwasexecutedbythepartiesinaccordancewith
thecontract,whatisdefectiveisthecontractitselfbecauseofvitiationofconsent.
Theremedyisnottobringanactionforreformationoftheinstrumentbuttofilean
actionforannulmentofthecontract(Art.1359,CC).
Reformationoftheinstrumentcannotbebroughttoreformanyofthefollowing:
.
1) Simpledonationintervivoswhereinnoconditionisimposed;
2) Wills;or
3) Whentheagreementisvoid(Art.1666,CC).
TheconceptofconsolidationofownershipunderArt.1607,CivilCode,hasitsoriginin
thesubstantiveprovisionsofthelawonsales.Underthelaw,acontractofsalemaybe
extinguishedeitherbylegalredemption(Art.1619)orconventionalredemption(Art.
1601).
Legalredemption(retractolegal)isastatutorymandatedredemptionofaproperty
previouslysold.Forinstance,acoownerofapropertymayexercisetherightof
redemptionincasethesharesofalltheothercoownersoranyofthemaresoldtoathird
person(Art.1620).Theownersofadjoininglandsshallhavetherightofredemption
whenapieceofrurallandwithasizeofonehectareorlessisalienated(Art.1621).
Conventionalredemption(pactoderetro)saleisonethatisnotmandatedbythestatute
butonewhichtakesplacebecauseofthestipulationofthepartiestothesale.Theperiod
ofredemptionmaybefixedbythepartiesinwhichcasetheperiodcannotexceedten
(10)yearsfromthedateofthecontract.Intheabsenceofanyagreement,theredemption
periodshallbefour(4)yearsfromthedateofthecontract(Art.1606).
Whentheredemptionisnotmadewithintheperiodagreedupon,incasethesubject
matterofthesaleisarealproperty,Art.1607providesthattheconsolidationof
ownershipinthevendeeshallnotberecordedintheRegistryofPropertywithouta
judicialorder,afterthevendorhasbeendulyheard.
Theactionbroughttoconsolidateownershipisnotforthepurposeofconsolidatingthe
ownershipofthepropertyinthepersonofthevendeeorbuyerbutforthe
registrationoftheproperty.Thelapseoftheredemptionperiodwithouttheselleraretro
exercisinghisrightofredemptionconsolidatesownershiportitleuponthepersonofthe
vendeebyoperationoflaw.Art.1607requiresthefilingofthepetitiontoconsolidate
ownershipbecausethelawprecludestheregistrationoftheconsolidatedtitlewithout
judicialorder.
Thisactionisbroughttoremoveacloudontitletorealpropertyoranyinteresttherein.
Theactioncontemplatesasituationwheretheinstrumentorarecordisapparentlyvalid
oreffectivebutisintruthandinfactinvalid,ineffective,voidableorunenforceable,and
maybeprejudicialtosaidtitletorealproperty.
Itmayalsobebroughtasapreventiveremedytopreventacloudfrombeingcastupon
titletorealpropertyoranyinteresttherein(Art.476).
Theplaintiffneednotbeinpossessionoftherealpropertybeforehemaybringtheaction
aslongashecanshowthathehasalegaloranequitabletitletothepropertywhichisthe
subjectmatteroftheaction(Art.477).
AjudgmentorfinalorderorresolutionoftheCommissiononElectionsandthe
CommissiononAuditmaybebroughtbytheaggrievedpartytotheSupremeCourton
certiorari.Thefilingofapetitionforcertiorarishallnotstaytheexecutionofthe
judgmentorfinalorderorresolutionsoughttobereviewed,unlesstheSCdirects
otherwiseuponsuchtermsasitmaydeemjust.Topreventtheexecutionofthejudgment,
thepetitionershouldobtainatemporaryrestrainingorderorawritofpreliminary
injunctionbecausethemerefilingofapetitiondoesnotinterruptthecourseofthe
principalcase.
DecisionsoftheCivilServiceCommissionshallbeappealedtotheCourtofAppeals
whichhasexclusiveappellatejurisdictionoveralljudgmentsorfinalordersofsuch
commission(RA7902).
Thepetitionshallbefiledwithinthirty(30)daysfromnoticeofthejudgmentorfinal
orderorresolutionsoughttobereviewed.Thefilingofamotionfornewtrialor
reconsiderationofsaidjudgmentorfinalorderorresolution,ifallowedunderthe
proceduralrulesoftheCommissionconcerned,shallinterrupttheperiodhereinfixed.If
themotionisdenied,theaggrievedpartymayfilethepetitionwithintheremaining
period,butwhichshall
C.QUIETINGOFTITLETOREALPROPERTY
B.CONSOLIDATIONOFOWNERSHIP
REVIEWOFJUDGMENTSANDFINALORDERSORRESOLUTIONOFTHE
COMELECANDCOA(RULE64)
motionfornewtrialifallowedinterruptstheperiodforthefilingofthepetitionfor
certiorari.Ifthemotionisdenied,theaggrievedpartymayfilethepetitionwithinthe
remainingperiod,butwhichshallnotbelessthan5daysreckonedfromthenoticeof
denial.
motionforreconsiderationornewtrialisdeniedis60daysfromnoticeofthedenialof
themotion.
notbelessthanfive(5)daysinanyevent,reckonedfromnoticeofdenial.
NotethatpetitionforreviewfromdecisionsofquasijudicialagenciestotheCAshould
bewithin15daysanddoesnotstaythedecisionappealed.
PetitionforreviewfromdecisionsoftheRTCdecidedinitsappellatejurisdictionfiledto
theCAshouldbefiledwithin15daysandstaysexecution,unlessthecaseisunderthe
rulesofSummaryProcedure.Specialcivilactionsofcertiorari,prohibition,and
mandamus,fromComelecandCOAshouldbefiledwithin30days,anddoesnotstaythe
decisionappealed.
Bottomline:Decisionsofquasijudicialbodiesarenotstayedbyappealalone.Decisions
ofregularcourtsarestayedonappeal.Althoughinpetitionforreviewoncertioraritothe
SCviaRule45,thereisnoexpressprovisiononeffectofappealonexecution.
Thenotlessthan5days provisionforfilingapleadingappliesonlyto:
.
a) filingananswerafteradenialofaMtD;
b) filingananswerafterdenialorserviceofabillof
particulars;
c) filinganspecialcivilactionforcertiorarifroma
decisionoftheComelecorCoAafterdenialofaMfRorMNT.Itdoesnotapply
tofilingappealfromdecisionsofotherentitiesafterdenialofaMfRorMNT.In
suchcases,eitherthepartieshaveafresh15days,orthebalance.
APPLICATIONOFRULE65UNDERRULE64
Sec.7,Art.IXAoftheConstitutionreads,unlessotherwiseprovidedbythe
Constitutionorbylaw,anydecision,orderorrulingofeachcommissionmaybebrought
totheSupremeCourtoncertioraribytheaggrievedpartywithin30daysfromreceiptof
acopythereof. TheprovisionwasinterpretedbytheSupremeCourttorefertocertiorari
underRule65andnotappealbycertiorariunderRule45.Toimplementtheabove
constitutionalprovision,theSCpromulgatedRule64.
DISTINCTIONINTHEAPPLICATIONOFRULE65TOJUDGMENTSOFTHE
COMELECANDCOAANDTHEAPPLICATIONOFRULE65TOOTHER
TRIBUNALS,PERSONSANDOFFICERS
5dayRuledoesnotapplyinfilingofnoticeofappeal
Certiorariisaremedyforthecorrectionoferrorsofjurisdiction,noterrorsofjudgment.
Itisanoriginalandindependentactionthatwasnotpartofthetrialthathadresultedin
therenditionofthejudgmentorordercomplainedof.Sincetheissueisjurisdiction,an
originalactionforcertiorarimaybedirectedagainstaninterlocutoryorderofthelower
courtpriortoanappealfromthejudgment.
Wheretheerrorisnotoneofjurisdiction,butoflaworfactwhichisamistakeof
judgment,theproperremedyshouldbeappeal.Hence,iftherewasnoquestionof
jurisdictioninvolvedinthedecisionandwhatwasbeingquestionedwasmerelythe
findingsinthedecisionofwhetherornotthepracticeoftheotherpartyconstitutesa
violationoftheagreement,thematterisapropersubjectofappeal,notcertiorari.
Filingofpetitionforcertioraridoesnotinterruptthecourseoftheprincipalactionnor
therunningofthereglementaryperiodsinvolvedintheproceeding,unlessan
applicationforarestrainingorderorawritofpreliminaryinjunctiontotheappellate
courtisgranted.Neitherdoesitinterruptthereglementaryperiodforthefilingofan
answernorthecourseofthecasewherethereisnowritofinjunction.
Inasummaryproceeding,petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionormandamusagainstan
interlocutoryorderofthecourtarenotallowed.
Certiorariisnotandcannotbemadeasubstituteforanappealwherethelatterremedyis
availablebutwaslostthroughfaultornegligence.Theremedytoobtainareversalof
judgmentonthemeritsisappeal.Thisholdstrueeveniftheerrorascribedtothelower
courtisitslackofjurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter,ortheexerciseofpowerinexcess
thereof,orgraveabuseofdiscretion.Theexistenceandavailabilityoftherighttoappeal
prohibits
CERTIORARI,PROHIBITIONANDMANDAMUS(RULE65)
Rule64
Rule65
Directedonlytothejudgments,finalordersorresolutionsoftheCOMELECandCOA;
Directedtoanytribunal,boardorofficersexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions;
Filedwithin30daysfromnoticeofthejudgment;
Filedwithin60daysfromnoticeofthejudgment;
Thefilingofamotionforreconsiderationora
Theperiodwithinwhichtofilethepetitionifthe
theresorttocertioraribecauseoneoftherequirementsforcertiorariisthatthereisno
appeal.
Exceptionstotherulethatcertiorariisnotavailablewhentheperiodforappealhas
lapsedandcertiorarimaystillbeinvokedwhenappealislostarethefollowing:
.
1) Appealwaslostwithouttheappellantsnegligence;
2) Whenpublicwelfareandtheadvancementofpublicpolicydictates;
3) Whenthebroaderinterestofjusticesorequires;
4) Whenthewritsissuedarenullandvoid;and
5) Whenthequestionedorderamountstoan
oppressiveexerciseofjudicialauthority.
CERTIORARI
PROHIBITION
MANDAMUS
CertiorariisanextraordinarywritANNULLINGORMODIFYINGtheproceedingsofa
tribunal,boardorofficerexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctionswhensuch
tribunal,boardorofficerhasactedwithoutorinexcessofitsorhisjurisdiction,orwith
graveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackorexcessofjurisdiction,therebeingno
appealoranyotherplain,speedyandadequateremedyintheordinarycourseoflaw
(Sec.1,Rule65).
ProhibitionisanextraordinarywritCOMMANDINGatribunal,corporation,boardor
person,whetherexercisingjudicial,quasijudicialorministerialfunctions,TODESIST
fromfurtherproceedingswhensaidproceedingsarewithoutorinexcessofits
jurisdiction,orwithabuseofitsdiscretion,therebeingnoappealoranyotherplain,
speedyandadequateremedyintheordinarycourseoflaw(Sec.2,Rule65).
Mandamusisanextraordinarywritcommandingatribunal,corporation,boardorperson,
todoanactREQUIREDtobedone:
.
a) Whenheunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceofanactwhichthelaw
specificallyenjoinsasaduty,andthereisnootherplain,speedyandadequate
remedyintheordinarycourseoflaw;or
b) Whenoneunlawfullyexcludesanotherfromtheuseandenjoymentofaright
orofficetowhichtheotherisentitled(Sec.3,Rule65).
Directedagainstapersonexercisingtojudicialorquasijudicialfunctions
Directedagainstapersonexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions,orministerial
functions
Directedagainstapersonexercisingministerialduties
Thetribunal,boardorofficerhasactedwithout,orinexcessofjurisdictionorwithabuse
ofdiscretionamountingtolackorexcessorjurisdiction
Thetribunal,corporation,boardorpersonmusthaveactedwithoutorinexcessof
jurisdictionorwithgraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackofjurisdiction;
Itmustbethedutyofthedefendanttoperformtheact,whichisministerialandnot
discretionary,becausethesameismandatedbylaw.
Thereisnoappealoranyplain,speedyandadequateremedyintheordinarycourseof
law.
Thereisnoappealoranyplain,speedyandadequateremedyintheordinarycourseof
law.
Thedefendantunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceofthedutyenjoinedbylaw;
Objectistocorrect
Objectistoprevent
Objectistocompel
Purposeistoannulormodifytheproceedings
Purposeistostoptheproceedings
Purposeistocompelperformanceoftheactrequiredandtocollectdamages
Personorentitymusthaveactedwithoutorinexcessofjurisdiction,orwithgraveabuse
ofdiscretion
Personorentitymusthaveactedwithoutorinexcessofjurisdiction,orwithgraveabuse
ofdiscretion
Personmusthaveneglectedaministerialdutyorexcludedanotherfromarightoroffice
Apersonaggrievedtherebymayfileaverifiedpetitioninthepropercourt,allegingthe
factswithcertaintyandprayingthatjudgmentberenderedannullingormodifyingthe
proceedingsofsuchtribunal,boardorofficer,andgrantingsuchincidental
Apersonaggrievedtherebymayfileaverifiedpetitioninthepropercourt,allegingthe
factswithcertaintyandprayingthatjudgmentberenderedcommandingtherespondentto
desistfromfurtherproceedingsintheactionormatterspecifiedtherein,or
Thepersonaggrievedtherebymayfileaverifiedpetitioninthepropercourt,allegingthe
factswithcertaintyandprayingthatjudgmentberenderedcommandingtherespondent,
immediatelyoratsomeothertimetobespecifiedbythecourt,todotheact
Mandamuscanbeissuedtoperformanactbutnottoapproveacertainrequest
INJUNCTIVERELIEFbeenissuedagainstthepublicrespondentfromfurther
proceedinginthecase.
Thecourtinwhichthepetitionisfiledmayissueorders
expeditingtheproceedings,anditmayalsograntaThepublicrespondentshallproceed
withtheprincipal
TemporaryRestrainingOrder(TRO)oraWritofPreliminaryInjunction,oruponits
expiration.Failureofthepublicrespondenttoproceedwiththeprincipalcasemaybea
groundforanadministrativecharge(AM07712SC,Dec.12,2007).
reliefsaslawandjusticemayrequire.Thepetitionshallbeaccompaniedbyacertified
truecopyofthejudgment,orderorresolutionsubjectthereof,copiesofallpleadingsand
documentsrelevantandpertinentthereto,andasworncertificationofnonforum
shopping.
otherwisegrantingsuchincidentalreliefsaslawandjusticemayrequire.Thepetition
shalllikewisebeaccompaniedbyacertifiedtruecopyofthejudgment,orderor
resolutionsubjectthereof,copiesofallpleadingsanddocumentsrelevantandpertinent
thereto,andasworncertificationofnonforumshopping.
requiredtobedonetoprotecttherightsofthepetitioner,andtopaythedamages
sustainedbythepetitionerbyreasonofthewrongfulactsoftherespondent.Thepetition
shallalsocontainasworncertificationofnonforumshopping.
PROHIBITION
INJUNCTION
Alwaysthemainaction
Maybethemainactionorjustaprovisionalremedy
Directedagainstacourt,atribunalexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions
Directedagainstaparty
Groundmustbethecourtactedwithoutorinexcessofjurisdiction
Doesnotinvolveaquestionofjurisdiction
PROHIBITION
MANDAMUS
Topreventanactbyarespondent
Tocompelanactdesired
Maybedirectedagainstentitiesexercisingjudicialorquasijudicial,orministerial
functions
Maybedirectedagainstjudicialandnonjudicialentities
Extendstodiscretionaryfunctions
Extendsonlytoministerialfunctions
MANDAMUS
QUOWARRANTO
Clarifieslegalduties,notlegaltitles
Clarifieswhohaslegaltitletotheoffice,orfranchise
Respondent,withoutclaiminganyrighttotheoffice,excludesthepetitioner
Respondentusurpstheoffice
temporaryrestrainingorderorawritofpreliminary
injunctionforthepreservationoftherightsofthepartiescertiorariwithahighercourtor
tribunal,absenta
pendingsuchproceedings.Thepetitionshallnotinterruptthecourseoftheprincipalcase
unlessatemporaryrestrainingorderorawritofpreliminaryinjunctionhas
casewithinten(10)daysfromthefilingofapetitionfor
CERTIORARIASAMODEOFAPPEAL(RULE45)
CERTIORARIASASPECIALCIVILACTION(RULE65)
Calledpetitionforreviewoncertiorari,isamodeofappeal,whichisbutacontinuation
oftheappellateprocessovertheoriginalcase;
Aspecialcivilactionthatisanoriginalactionandnotamodeofappeal,andnotapartof
theappellateprocessbutanindependentaction.
Seekstoreviewfinaljudgmentsorfinalorders;
Maybedirectedagainstaninterlocutoryorderofthecourtorwherenotappealorplainor
speedyremedyavailableintheordinarycourseoflaw
Raisesonlyquestionsoflaw;
Raisesquestionsofjurisdictionbecauseatribunal,boardorofficerexercisingjudicialor
quasijudicialfunctionshasactedwithoutjurisdictionorinexcessofjurisdictionorwith
graveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolackofjurisdiction;
Filedwithin15daysfromnoticeofjudgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom,orofthe
denialofpetitionersmotionforreconsiderationornewtrial;
Filednotlaterthan60daysfromnoticeofjudgment,orderorresolutionsoughttobe
assailedandincaseamotionforreconsiderationornewtrialistimelyfiled,whethersuch
motionisrequiredornot,the60dayperiodiscountedfromnoticeofdenialofsaid
motion;
Extensionof30daysmaybegrantedforjustifiablereasons
Extensionnolongerallowed;
Doesnotrequireapriormotionforreconsideration;
MotionforReconsiderationisaconditionprecedent,subjecttoexceptions
Staysthejudgmentappealedfrom;
Doesnotstaythejudgmentorordersubjectofthepetitionunlessenjoinedorrestrained;
Partiesaretheoriginalpartieswiththeappealingpartyasthepetitionerandtheadverse
partyastherespondentwithoutimpleadingthelowercourtoritsjudge;
Thetribunal,board,officerexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctionsisimpleadedas
respondent
FiledwithonlytheSupremeCourt
MaybefiledwiththeSupremeCourt,CourtofAppeals,Sandiganbayan,orRegional
TrialCourt
SCmaydenythedecisionmotupropioonthegroundthattheappealiswithoutmerit,or
isprosecutedmanifestlyfordelay,orthatthequestionsraisedthereinaretoo
unsubstantialtorequireconsideration.
Theremediesofappealandcertiorariaremutuallyexclusiveandnotalternativeor
successive.Theantitheticcharacterofappealandcertiorarihasbeengenerally
recognizedandobservedsaveonlyonthoserareinstanceswhen
appealissatisfactorilyshowntobeaninadequateremedy.Thus,apetitionermustshowvalid
reasonswhytheissuesraisedinhispetitionforcertioraricouldnothavebeenraisedon
appeal.
PROHIBITION
MANDAMUS
INJUNCTION
Prohibitionisanextraordinarywritcommandingatribunal,corporation,boardorperson,
whetherexercisingjudicial,quasijudicialorministerialfunctions,todesistfromfurther
proceedingswhensaidproceedingsarewithoutorinexcessofitsjurisdiction,orwith
abuseofitsdiscretion,therebeingnoappealoranyotherplain,speedyandadequate
remedyintheordinarycourseoflaw
(Sec.2,Rule65).
Mandamusisanextraordinarywritcommandingatribunal,corporation,boardorperson,
todoanactrequiredtobedone:(a)Whenheunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceofan
actwhichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasaduty,andthereisnootherplain,speedyand
adequateremedyintheordinarycourseoflaw;or(b)Whenoneunlawfullyexcludes
anotherfromtheuseandenjoymentofarightorofficetowhichtheotherisentitled(Sec.
3,Rule65).
Mainactionforinjunctionseekstoenjointhedefendantfromthecommissionor
continuanceofaspecificact,ortocompelaparticularactinviolationoftherightsofthe
applicant.Preliminaryinjunctionisaprovisionalremedytopreservethestatusquoand
preventfuturewrongsinordertopreserveandprotectcertaininterestsorrightsduring
thependencyofanaction.
Specialcivilaction
Specialcivilaction
Ordinarycivilaction
Topreventanencroachment,excess,usurpationorassumptionofjurisdiction;
Tocompeltheperformanceofaministerialandlegalduty;
Forthedefendanteithertorefrainfromanactortoperformnotnecessarilyalegaland
ministerialduty;
Maybedirectedagainstentitiesexercisingjudicialorquasijudicial,orministerial
functions
Maybedirectedagainstjudicialandnonjudicialentities
Directedagainstaparty
Extendstodiscretionaryfunctions
Extendsonlytoministerialfunctions
Doesnotnecessarilyextendtoministerial,discretionaryorlegal
functions;
Alwaysthemainaction
Alwaysthemainaction
Maybethemainactionorjustaprovisionalremedy
MaybebroughtintheSupremeCourt,CourtofAppeals,Sandiganbayan,orinthe
RegionalTrialCourtwhichhasjurisdictionovertheterritorialareawhererespondent
resides.
MaybebroughtintheSupremeCourt,CourtofAppeals,Sandiganbayan,orinthe
RegionalTrialCourtwhichhasjurisdictionovertheterritorialareawhererespondent
resides.
MaybebroughtintheRegionalTrialCourtwhichhasjurisdictionovertheterritorial
areawhererespondentresides.
EXCEPTIONSTOFILINGOFMOTIONFORRECONSIDERATIONBEFORE
FILINGPETITION
1) Whentheissueisonepurelyoflaw;
2) Whenthereisurgencytodecideuponthequestion
andanyfurtherdelaywouldprejudicetheinterestsof
thegovernmentorofthepetitioner;
3) Wherethesubjectmatteroftheactionisperishable;
4) Whenorderisapatentnullity,aswherethecourta
quohasnojurisdictionortherewasnodueprocess;
5) Whenquestionshavebeendulyraisedandpassed
uponbythelowercourt;
6) Whenisurgentnecessityfortheresolutionofthe
question;
7) WhenMotionforReconsiderationwouldbeuseless,
e.g.thecourtalreadyindicateditwoulddenyany
MotionforReconsideration;
8) Inacriminalcase,whererelieffromorderofarrestis
urgentandthegrantingofsuchreliefbythetrial
courtisimprobable;
9) Wheretheproceedingswasexparteorinwhichthe
petitionerhadnoopportunitytoobject;
10) Whenpetitionerisdeprivedofdueprocessandthere
isextremeurgencyforurgentrelief;and
11) Whenissueraisedisonepurelyoflaworpublic
interestisinvolved.
RELIEFSPETITIONERISENTITLEDTO
Theprimaryreliefwillbeannulmentormodificationofthejudgment,orderorresolution
orproceedingsubjectofthepetition.Itmayalsoincludesuchotherincidentalreliefsas
lawandjusticemayrequire.Thecourt,initsjudgmentmayalsoawarddamagesandthe
executionoftheawardfordamagesorcosts.
UnderRule65,theproperpartywhocanfileapetitionforcertiorari,prohibitionor
mandamusisthepersonaggrievedbytheactionofatrialcourtortribunalinacriminal
casependingbeforeit.
Ordinarily,thepetitionisfiledinthenameofthePeopleofthePhilippinesbythe
SolicitorGeneral.However,therearecaseswhensuchpetitionmaybefiledbyother
partieswhohavebeenaggrievedbytheorderorrulingof
thetrialcourts.Intheprosecutionofelectioncases,theaggrievedpartyistheComelec,
whomayfilethepetitioninitsnamethroughitslegalofficerorthroughtheSolicitor
GeneralifheagreeswiththeactionoftheComelec.
WHERETOFILEPETITION
SupremeCourt
Subjecttothedoctrineofhierarchyofcourtsandonlywhencompellingreasonsexistfor
notfilingthesamewiththelowercourts
RegionalTrialCourt
IfthepetitionrelatestoanactoranomissionofanMTC,corporation,board,officeror
person
CourtofAppealsonly
Ifthepetitioninvolvesanactoranomissionofaquasijudicialagency,unlessotherwise
providedbylaworrules
CourtofAppealsortheSandiganbayan
Whetherornotinaidofappellatejurisdiction
CommissiononElections
InelectioncasesinvolvinganactoranomissionofanMTCorRTC
AsamendedbyAMNo.07712SC,Dec.12,2007
Apetitionforcertiorarimustbebasedonjurisdictionalgroundsbecauseaslongasthe
respondentactedwithjurisdiction,anyerrorcommittedbyhimoritintheexercise
thereofwillamounttonothingmorethananerrorofjudgmentwhichmaybereviewedor
correctedbyappeal.
TheCourtmayimposemotuproprio,basedonresipsaloquitur,otherdisciplinary
sanctionsormeasuresonerringlawyersforpatentlydilatoryanunmeritoriouspetition
forcertiorari.
ACTIONS/OMISSIONSOFMTC/RTCINELECTIONCASES
EFFECTSOFFILINGOFANUNMERITORIOUSPETITION
theoffice;
Thecourthastodeclarewhothepersonentitledtotheofficeisifheisthepetitioner.
Whenthetribunaldeclaresthecandidateelectasineligible,hewillbeunseatedbutthe
personoccupyingthesecondplacewillnotbedeclaredastheonedulyelectedbecause
thelawshallconsideronlythepersonwho,havingdulyfiledhiscertificateofcandidacy,
receivedapluralityofvotes.
Thecourtmaydismissthepetitionifitfindsthesamepatentlywithoutmeritor
prosecutedmanifestlyfordelay,orifthequestionsraisedthereinaretoounsubstantialto
requireconsideration.
Insuchevent,thecourtmayawardinfavoroftherespondenttreblecostssolidarily
againstthepetitionerandcounsel,inadditiontosubjectingcounseltoadministrative
sanctions.
Quowarrantoisademandmadebythestateuponsomeindividualorcorporationto
showbywhatrighttheyexercisesomefranchiseorprivilegeappertainingtothestate
which,accordingtotheConstitutionandlawstheycannotlegallyexercisebyvirtueofa
grantandauthorityfromtheState.
Itisaspecialcivilactioncommencedbyaverifiedpetitionagainst:
.
a) apersonwhousurpsapublicoffice,positionorfranchise;
b) apublicofficerwhoperformsanactconstitutingforfeitureofapublicoffice;
or
c) anassociationwhichactsasacorporationwithin
thePhilippineswithoutbeinglegallyincorporatedorwithoutlawfulauthoritytodoso.
HREThasjurisdictioninvolvingmemberofCongress
Quowarrantoiscommencedbyaverifiedpetitionbroughtinthenameofthe
GovernmentoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesbytheSolicitorGeneral,orinsome
instances,byapublicprosecutor.WhentheactioniscommencedbytheSolicitor
General,thepetitionmaybebroughtintheRegionalTrialCourtoftheCityofManila,
theCourtofAppealsortheSupremeCourt.
Anactionfortheusurpationofapublicoffice,positionorfranchisemaybecommenced
byaverifiedpetitionbroughtinthenameoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesthruthe
SolicitorGeneralagainst:
1)Apersonwhousurps,intrudesinto,orunlawfullyholdsorexercisesapublicoffice,
positionorfranchise;
2)Apublicofficerwhodoesorsuffersanactwhich,bytheprovisionoflaw,constitutes
agroundfortheforfeitureofhisoffice;
3)AnassociationwhichactsacorporationwithinthePhilippineswithoutbeinglegally
incorporatedorwithoutlawfulauthoritysotoact.
Thepetitionmaybecommencedbyaprivatepersoninhisownnamewherehe
claimstobeentitledtothepublicofficeorpositionallegedtohavebeenusurped
orunlawfullyheldorexercisedbyanother.
Accordingly,theprivatepersonmaymaintaintheactionwithouttheintervention
oftheSolicitorGeneralandwithoutneedforanyleaveofcourt.
Inbringingapetitionforquowarranto,hemustshowthathehasaclearrightto
theofficeallegedlybeingheldbyanother.Itisnotenoughthathemerelyasserts
therighttobeappointedtotheoffice.
QUOWARRANTO(RULE66)
WHENGOVERNMENTCOMMENCEANACTIONAGAINSTINDIVIDUALS
QUOWARRANTO(RULE66)
QUOWARRANTO(ELECTIONCODE)
Subjectofthepetitionisinrelationtoanappointiveoffice;
Subjectofthepetitionisinrelationtoanelectiveoffice;
Theissueisthelegalityoftheoccupancyoftheofficebyvirtueofalegalappointment;
Groundsrelieduponare:(a)ineligibilitytotheposition;or(b)disloyaltytotheRepublic.
PetitionisbroughteithertotheSupremeCourt,theCourtofAppealsortheRegional
TrialCourt;
MaybeinstitutedwiththeCOMELECbyanyvotercontestingtheelectionofany
memberofCongress,regional,provincialorcityofficer;ortotheMeTC,MTCorMCTC
ifagainstanybarangayofficial;
Filedwithinone(1)yearfromthetimethecauseofouster,ortherightofthepetitionerto
holdtheofficeorpositionarose;
Filedwithinten(10)daysaftertheproclamationoftheresultsoftheelection;
Petitioneristhepersonentitledtotheoffice;
Petitionermaybeanyvoterevenifheisnotentitledto
WHENINDIVIDUALMAYCOMMENCEANACTION
JUDGMENTINQUOWARRANTOACTION
Ofoffice,positionorfranchise,judgmentshallberenderedthatsuchrespondentbe
oustedandaltogetherexcludedtherefrom,andthatthepetitionerrecoverhiscosts.Such
furtherjudgmentmayberendereddeterminingtherespectiverightsinandtothepublic
office,positionorfranchiseofthepartiestotheactionasjusticerequires.
Ifthepetitionerisadjudgedtobeentitledtotheoffice,hemaysuefordamagesagainst
theallegedusurperwithinone(1)yearfromtheentryofjudgmentestablishinghisright
totheofficeinquestion.
.
1) TobefiledwiththeRTC;thisisactionincapableofpecuniaryestimation
2) ExpropriationisanexerciseoftheStatespowerofeminentdomainwherein
thegovernmenttakesaprivatepropertyforpublicpurposeuponpaymentofjust
compensation.
Anexpropriationproceedingiscommencedbythefilingofaverifiedcomplaintwhich
shall:
a) Statewithcertaintytherightoftheplaintifftoexpropriationandthepurpose
thereof;
b) Describetherealorpersonalpropertysoughttobeexpropriated;and
c) Joinasdefendantsallpersonsowningorclaimingtoown,oroccupying,any
partofthepropertyorinterestthereinshowingasfaraspracticabletheinterestof
eachdefendant.Iftheplaintiffcannotwithaccuracyidentifytherealowners,
avermenttothateffectmustbemadeinthecomplaint.
1) Determinationoftheauthorityoftheplaintifftoexpropriate(appealable
alreadyatthisstage) thisincludesaninquiryintotheproprietyofthe
expropriation,itsnecessityandthepublicpurpose.Thisstagewillendinthe
issuanceofanorderofexpropriationifthecourtfindsfortheplaintifforinthe
dismissalofthecomplaintifitfindsotherwise.
2) Determinationofjustcompensationthroughthecourtappointed
commissioners.
WHENPLAINTIFFCANIMMEDIATELYENTER
Exceptfortheacquisitionofrightofway,siteorlocationforanynationalgovernment
infrastructureprojectthroughexpropriation,theexpropriatorshallhavetherighttotake
orenteruponthepossessionoftherealpropertyinvolvedifhedepositswiththe
authorizedgovernmentdepositaryanamountequivalenttotheassessedvalueofthe
propertyforpurposesoftaxationtobeheldbysuchbanksubjecttotheordersofthe
court.suchdepositshallbeinmoney,unlessinlieuthereofthecourtauthorizesthe
depositofacertificateofdepositofagovernmentbankofthePhilippinespayableon
demandtotheauthorizedgovernmentdepositary.
Fortheacquisitionofrightofway,siteorlocationforanynationalgovernment
infrastructureprojectthroughexpropriation,uponthefilingofthefilingofthecomplaint,
andafterduenoticetothedefendant,theimplementingagencyshallimmediatelypaythe
ownerofthepropertytheamountequivalenttothesumof:
1) 100PERCENTofthevalueofthepropertybasedonthecurrentrelevantzonal
valuationoftheBIR;and
2) Thevalueoftheimprovementsand/orstructuresasdeterminedunderSec.7of
RA8974(Sec.4,RA8974).
LGU 15%marketvalue
DEFENSESANDOBJECTIONS
OmnibusMotionRule amotionattackingapleading,order,judgmentorproceeding
shallincludeallobjectionsthenavailable,andallobjectionsnotsoincludedshallbe
deemedwaived.
Ifadefendanthasnoobjectionordefensetotheactionorthetakingofhisproperty,he
mayfileandserveanoticeofappearanceandamanifestationtothateffect,specifically
designatingoridentifyingthepropertyinwhichheclaimstobeinterested,withinthe
timestatedinthesummons.Thereafter,heshallbeentitledtonoticeofallproceedings
affectingthesame.
Ifadefendanthasanyobjectiontothefilingofortheallegationsinthecomplaint,orany
objectionordefensetothetakingofhisproperty,heshallservehisanswerwithinthe
timestatedinthesummons.Theanswershallspecificallydesignateoridentifythe
propertyinwhichheclaimstohaveaninterest,statethenatureandextentoftheinterest
claimed,andadduceallhisobjectionsanddefensestothetakingofhisproperty.No
counterclaim,crossclaimorthirdpartycomplaintshallbeallegedorallowedinthe
answeroranysubsequentpleading.
INTOPOSSESSIONOFTHEREALPROPERTYINRELATIONTORA8974
RIGHTSOFAPERSONADJUDGEDENTITLEDTOPUBLICOFFICE
EXPROPRIATION(RULE67)
NEWSYSTEMOFIMMEDIATEPAYMENTOFINITIALJUSTCOMPENSATION
MATTERSTOALLEGEINCOMPLAINTFOREXPROPRIATION
TWOSTAGESINEVERYACTIONFOREXPROPRIATION
Adefendantwaivesalldefensesandobjectionsnotsoallegedbutthecourt,inthe
interestofjustice,maypermitamendmentstotheanswertobemadenotlaterthanten
(10)daysfromthefilingthereof.
However,atthetrialoftheissueofjustcompensation,whetherornotadefendanthas
previouslyappearedoranswered,hemaypresentevidenceastotheamountofthe
compensationtobepaidforhisproperty,andhemayshareinthedistributionofthe
award.
ORDEROFEXPROPRIATION
Iftheobjectionstoandthedefensesagainsttherightoftheplaintifftoexpropriatethe
propertyareoverruled,orwhennopartyappearstodefendasrequiredbythisRule,the
courtmayissueanorderofexpropriationdeclaringthattheplaintiffhasalawfulrightto
takethepropertysoughttobeexpropriated,forthepublicuseorpurposedescribedinthe
complaint,uponthepaymentofjustcompensationtobedeterminedasofthedateofthe
takingofthepropertyorthefilingofthecomplaint,whichevercamefirst.
Afinalordersustainingtherighttoexpropriatethepropertymaybeappealedbyany
partyaggrievedthereby.Suchappeal,however,shallnotpreventthecourtfrom
determiningthejustcompensationtobepaid.
Aftertherenditionofsuchanorder,theplaintiffshallnotbepermittedtodismissor
discontinuetheproceedingexceptonsuchtermsasthecourtdeemsjustandequitable.
AppealablewiththeCA
ASCERTAINMENTOFJUSTCOMPENSATION
Theorderofexpropriationmerelydeclaresthattheplaintiffhasthelawfultoexpropriate
thepropertybutcontainsnoascertainmentofthecompensationtobepaidtotheownerof
theproperty.
Soupontherenditionoftheorderofexpropriation,thecourtshallappointnotmorethan
three(3)commissionerstoascertainthejustcompensationfortheproperty.Objectionsto
theappointmentmaybemadewithin10daysfromserviceoftheorderofappointment.
Thecommissionersareentitledtofeesandtheirfeesshallbetaxedaspartofthecostsof
theproceedings,andallcostsshallbepaidbytheplaintiffexceptthosecostsofrival
claimantslitigatingtheirclaims.
Wheretheprincipalissueisthedeterminationofjustcompensation,ahearingbeforethe
commissionersisindispensabletoallowthepartiestopresentevidenceontheissueof
justcompensation.Althoughthefindingsofthecommissionersmaybedisregardedand
thetrialcourt
maysubstituteitsownestimateofthevalue,thelattermaydosoonlyforvalidreasons,
thatiswherethecommissionershaveappliedillegalprinciplestotheevidencesubmitted
tothem,wheretheyhavedisregardedaclearpreponderanceofevidence,orwherethe
amountallowediseithergrosslyinadequateorexcessive.
Appointment.Upontherenditionoftheorderofexpropriation,thecourtshallappointnot
morethanthree(3)competentanddisinterestedpersonsascommissionerstoascertain
andreporttothecourtthejustcompensationforthepropertysoughttobetaken.The
orderofappointmentshalldesignatethetimeandplaceofthefirstsessionofthehearing
tobeheldbythecommissionersandspecifythetimewithinwhichtheirreportshallbe
submittedtothecourt.Copiesoftheordershallbeservedontheparties.Objectionsto
theappointmentofanyofthecommissionersshallbefiledwiththecourtwithinten(10)
daysfromservice,andshallberesolvedwithinthirty(30)daysafterallthe
commissionersshallhavereceivedcopiesoftheobjections.
Report.Thecourtmayorderthecommissionerstoreportwhenanyparticularportionof
therealestateshallhavebeenpasseduponbythem,andmayrenderjudgmentuponsuch
partialreport,anddirectthecommissionerstoproceedwiththeirworkastosubsequent
portionsofthepropertysoughttobeexpropriated,andmayfromtimetotimesodeal
withsuchproperty.Thecommissionersshallmakeafullandaccuratereporttothecourt
ofalltheirproceedings,andsuchproceedingsshallnotbeeffectualuntilthecourtshall
haveacceptedtheirreportandrenderedjudgmentinaccordancewiththeir
recommendations.Exceptasotherwiseexpresslyorderedbythecourt,suchreportshall
befiledwithinsixty(60)daysfromthedatethecommissionerswerenotifiedoftheir
appointment,whichtimemaybeextendedinthediscretionofthecourt.Uponthefiling
ofsuchreport,theclerkofthecourtshallservecopiesthereofonallinterestedparties,
withnoticethattheyareallowedten(10)dayswithinwhichtofileobjectionstothe
findingsofthereport,iftheysodesire.
Actionuponthereport.Upontheexpirationoftheperiodoften(10)daysreferredtoin
theprecedingsection,orevenbeforetheexpirationofsuchperiodbutafterallthe
interestedpartieshavefiledtheirobjectionstothereportortheirstatementofagreement
therewith,thecourtmay,afterhearing,acceptthereportandrenderjudgmentin
accordancetherewith;or,forcauseshown,itmayrecommitthesametothe
commissionersforfurtherreportoffacts;oritmaysetasidethereportandappointnew
commissioners;oritmayacceptthereportinpartandrejectitinpart;anditmaymake
suchorderorrendersuchjudgmentasshallsecuretotheplaintifftheproperty
APPOINTMENTOFCOMMISSIONERS;COMMISSIONERSREPORT;COURT
ACTIONUPONCOMMISSIONERSREPORT
essentialtotheexerciseofhisrightofexpropriation,andtothedefendantjust
compensationforthepropertysotaken.
Afterpaymentofthejustcompensationasdeterminedinthejudgment,theplaintiffshall
havetherighttoenteruponthepropertyexpropriatedandtoappropriatethesameforthe
publicuseorpurposedefinedinthejudgmentortoretainpossessionalreadypreviously
made.
Titletothepropertyexpropriatedpassesfromtheownertotheexpropriatoruponfull
paymentofjustcompensation.
EFFECTOFRECORDINGOFJUDGMENT
Thejudgmententeredinexpropriationproceedingsshallstatedefinitely,byanadequate
description,theparticularpropertyorinterestthereinexpropriated,andthenatureofthe
publicuseorpurposeforwhichitisexpropriated.
Whenrealestateisexpropriated,acertifiedcopyofsuchjudgmentshallberecordedin
theregistryofdeedsoftheplaceinwhichthepropertyissituated,anditseffectshall
Ifafterthetrial,thecourtfindsthatthematterssetforthinthecomplaintaretrue,itshall
renderajudgmentcontainingthefollowingmatters:
.
a) Anascertainmentoftheamountduetotheplaintiffuponthemortgagedebtor
obligation,includinginterestandotherchargesasapprovedbythecourt,aswell
ascosts;
b) Ajudgmentofthesumfounddue;
c) Anorderthattheamountfoundduebepaidto
thecourtortothejudgmentobligeewithintheperiodofnotlessthan90daysnor
morethan120daysfromtheentryofjudgment;and
d) Anadmonitionthatindefaultofsuchpaymentthepropertyshallbesoldat
publicauctiontosatisfythejudgment.
Thejudgmentofthecourtontheabovemattersisconsideredafinaladjudicationofthe
caseandhence,issubjecttochallengebytheaggrievedpartybyappealorbyotherpost
judgmentremedies.
Theperiodgrantedtothemortgagorforthepaymentoftheamountfoundduebythe
courtisnotjustaproceduralrequirementbutssubstantiverightgivenbylawtothe
mortgageeashisfirstchancetosavehispropertyfromfinaldispositionattheforeclosure
sale.
betovestintheplaintiffthetitletotherealestatesodescribedforsuchpublicuseor
purpose.
Arealestatemortgageisanaccessorycontractexecutedbyadebtorinfavor
ofacreditorassecurityfortheprincipalobligation.
ThisprincipalobligationisasimpleloanormutuumdescribedinArt.1953,
CivilCode.Tobearealestatemortgage,thecontractmustbeconstitutedoneither
immovables(realproperty)orinalienablerealrights.Ifconstitutedonmovables,
thecontractisachattelmortgage(Art.2124,CC).
Amortgagecontractmayhaveaprovisioninwhichthemortgageisasecurityforpast,
presentandfutureindebtedness.ThisclauseknownasaDRAGNETCLAUSEOR
BLANKETmortgageclausehasitsoriginsinAmericanjurisprudence.
TheSupremeCourtruledthatmortgagesgiventosecurefutureadvancementsarevalid
andlegalcontracts(PrudentialBankvs.Alviar,464SCRA353).
SALEOFMORTGAGEDPROPERTY;EFFECT
Theconfirmationofthesaleshalldivesttherightsinthepropertyofallpartiestothe
actionandshallvesttheirrightsinthepurchaser,subjecttosuchrightsofredemptionas
maybeallowedbylaw.Thetitlevestsinthepurchaseruponavalidconfirmationofthe
saleandretroactstothedateofsale.
TheimportofSec.3includesonevitaleffect:Theequityofredemptionofthemortgagor
orredemptioneriscutoffandtherewillbenofurtherredemption,unlessallowedbylaw
(asinthecaseofbanksasmortgagees).
Theequityofredemptionstartsfromtheninetydayperiodsetinthejudgmentofthe
courtuptothetimebeforethesaleisconfirmedbyanorderofthecourt.Once
confirmed,noequityofredemptionmayfurtherbeexercised.
Theorderofconfirmationisappealableandifnotappealedwithintheperiodforappeal
becomesfinal.Uponthefinalityoftheorderofconfirmationorupontheexpirationofthe
periodofredemptionwhenallowedbylaw,thepurchaserattheauctionsaleorlast
redemptioner,ifany,shallbeentitledtothepossessionofthepropertyandhemaysecure
awritofpossession,upon,motion,fromthecourtwhichorderedtheforeclosureunlessa
thirdpartyisactuallyholdingthesameadverselytothejudgmentobligor.
FORECLOSUREOFREALESTATEMORTGAGE(RULE68)
RIGHTSOFPLAINTIFFUPONJUDGMENTANDPAYMENT
JUDGMENTONFORECLOSUREFORPAYMENTORSALE
Nocomplaintisfiled;
Complaintisfiledwiththecourts;
Thereisarightofredemption.Mortgagorhasarightofredemptionfor1yearfrom
registrationofthesale;
Norightofredemptionexceptwhenmortgageeisabankinginstitution;equityof
redemptiononly(90to120days,andanytimebeforeconfirmationofforeclosuresale);
Mortgageehastofileaseparateactiontorecoveranydeficiency;
Mortagageecanmovefordeficiencyjudgmentinthesameaction
Buyeratpublicauctionbecomesabsoluteowneronlyafterfinalityofanactionfor
consolidationofownership;
Buyeratpublicauctionbecomesabsoluteowneronlyafterconfirmationofthesale;
Mortgageeisgivenaspecialpowerofattorneyinthemortgagecontracttoforeclosethe
mortgagedpropertyincaseofdefault.
Mortgageeneednotbegivenaspecialpowerofattorney.
DISPOSITIONOFPROCEEDSOFSALE
Theproceedsofthesaleofthemortgagedpropertyshall,afterdeductingthecostsofthe
sale,bepaidtothepersonforeclosingthemortgage,andwhenthereshallbeanybalance
orresidueafterpayingoffthemortgagedebtdue,thesameshallbepaidtojunior
encumbrancersintheorderoftheirpriority.Iftherebeanyfurtherbalanceafterpaying
themoriftherebenojuniorencumbrancers,thesameshallbepaidtothemortgagoror
anypersonentitledthereto.
DEFICIENCYJUDGMENT
Iftherebeabalanceduetotheplaintiffafterapplyingtheproceedsofthesale,thecourt,
uponmotion,shallrenderjudgmentagainstthedefendantforanysuchbalance.
Executionmayissueimmediatelyifthebalanceisallduetheplaintiffshallbeentitledto
executionatsuchtimeastheremainingbalanceshallbecomedueandsuchduedateshall
bestatedinthejudgment.Notethatthedeficiencyjudgmentisinitselfajudgmenthence,
alsoappealable.
Noindependentactionneedbefiledtorecoverthedeficiencyfromthemortgagor.The
deficiencyjudgmentshallberendereduponmotionofthemortgagee.Themotionmust
bemadeonlyafterthesaleandafteritisknownthatadeficiencyexists.Beforethat,any
courtordertorecoverthedeficiencyisvoid.Ithasbeenheldthatthemortgagorwhois
notthedebtorandwhomerelyexecutedthemortgagetosecuretheprincipaldebtors
obligationisnotliableforthedeficiencyunlessheassumedliabilityforthesameinthe
contract.
Sinceadeficiencyjudgmentcannotbeobtainedagainstthemortgagorwhoisnotthe
debtorintheprincipalobligation,mortgageemayhavetofileaseparatesuitagainstthe
principaldebtor.
Wherethedebtormortgagorisanonresidentandwhoatthetimeofthefilingofthe
actionforforeclosureandduringthependencyoftheproceedingswasoutsidethe
Philippines,itisbelievedthatadeficiencyjudgmentwouldnotbeprocedurallyfeasible.
Adeficiencyjudgmentisbynatureinpersonamandjurisdictionoverthepersonis
mandatory.Havingbeenoutsidethecountry,jurisdictionoverhispersoncouldnothave
beenacquired.
EQUITYOFREDEMPTION
RIGHTOFREDEMPTION
Therightofdefendantmortgagortoextinguishthemortgageandretainownershipofthe
propertybypayingthedebtwithin90to120daysaftertheentryofjudgmentoreven
aftertheforeclosuresalebutpriortoconfirmation.
Arightgrantedtoadebtormortgagor,hissuccessorininterestoranyjudicialcreditoror
judgmentcreditororanypersonhavingalienonthepropertysubsequenttothemortgage
ordeedoftrustunderwhichthepropertyissoldtorepurchasethepropertywithinone
yearevenaftertheconfirmationofthesaleandevenaftertheregistrationofthe
certificateofforeclosuresale.
Maybeexercisedevenaftertheforeclosuresaleprovideditismadebeforethesaleis
confirmedbyorderofthecourt.
ThereisnorightofredemptioninajudicialforeclosureofmortgageunderRule68.This
rightofredemptionexistsonlyinextrajudicialforeclosureswherethereisalwaysaright
ofredemptionwithinoneyearfromthedateofsale(Sec.3,Act3135),butinterpretedby
theCourttomeanoneyearfromtheregistrationofthesale.
Mayalsoexistinfavororotherencumbrances.
Generalrule:Injudicialforeclosuresthereisonly
INSTANCESWHENCOURTCANNOTRENDERDEFICIENCYJUDGMENT
EXTRAJUDICIALFORECLOSURE(ACT3135)
JUDICIALFORECLOSURE(RULE68)
Ifsubsequentlienholdersarenotimpleadedaspartiesintheforeclosuresuit,the
judgmentinfavoroftheforeclosingmortgageedoesnotbindtheotherlienholders.In
thiscase,theirequityof
redemptionunforeclosed.
separate
proceedinghastobebroughtagainstthemtorequirethemtoredeemfromthefirst
mortgageeorfromthepartyacquiringthetitletothemortgagedproperty.
remainsAforeclosure
anequityofredemptionwhichcanbeexercisedpriortotheconfirmationofthe
foreclosuresale.Thismeansthataftertheforeclosuresalebutbeforeitsconfirmation,the
mortgagormayexercisehisrightofpaytheproceedsofthesaleandpreventthe
confirmationofthesale.
Ifnotbybanks,themortgagorsmerelyhaveanequityofredemption,whichissimply
theirright,asmortgagor,toextinguishthemortgageandretainownershipoftheproperty
bypayingthesecureddebtpriortotheconfirmationoftheforeclosuresale.
Exception:thereisarightofredemptioniftheforeclosureisinfavorofbanksas
mortgagees,whethertheforeclosurebejudicialorextrajudicial.Thisrightofredemption
isexplicitlyprovidedinSec.47oftheGeneralBankingLawof2000.Whilethelaw
mentionstheredemptionperiodtobeoneyearcountedfromthedateofregistrationof
thecertificateintheRegistryofProperty
Partitionistheseparation,divisionandassignmentofathingheldincommonamong
thosetowhomitmaybelong.
Itpresupposestheexistenceofacoownershipoverapropertybetweentwoormore
persons.Theruleallowingpartitionoriginatesfromawellknownprincipleembodiedin
theCivilCode,thatnocoownershallbeobligedtoremainthecoownership.Becauseof
thisrule,hemaydemandatanytimethepartitionofthepropertyownedincommon.
Instanceswhenacoownermaynotdemandpartitionatanytime:
1)Thereisanagreementamongthecoownerstokeepthepropertyundividedfora
certainperiodoftimebutnotexceedingtenyears(Art.494);
2) Whenpartitionisprohibitedbythedonorortestatorforaperiodnotexceeding
20years(Art.494);
3) Whenpartitionisprohibitedbylaw(Art.494);
4) Whenthepropertyisnotsubjecttoaphysicaldivisionandtodosowould
renderitunserviceablefortheuseforwhichitisintended
(Art.495);
5) Whentheconditionimposeduponvoluntaryheirsbeforetheycandemand
partitionhasnotyetbeenfulfilled(Art.1084).
Theactionshallbebroughtbythepersonwhohasarighttocompelthepartitionofreal
estateorofanestatecomposedofpersonalproperty,orbothrealandpersonalproperty.
Theplaintiffisapersonwhoissupposedtobeacoownerofthepropertyorestate
soughttobepartitioned.Thedefendantsareallthecoowners.Allthecoownersmustbe
joined.
Accordingly,anactionwillnotliewithoutthejoinderofallcoownersandotherpersons
havinginterestintheproperty.Allthecoowners,therefore,areindispensableparties.
Theplaintiffshallstateinhiscomplaint,thenatureandextentofhistitle,anadequate
descriptionoftherealestateofwhichpartitionisdemanded,andshalljoinasdefendants
allotherpersonsinterestedintheproperty.Hemustalsoincludeademandforthe
accountingoftherents,profitsandotherincomefromthepropertywhichhemaybe
entitledto.Thesecannotbedemandedinanotheractionbecausetheyarepartsofthe
causeofactionforpartition.Theywillbebarredifnotsetupinthesameactionpursuant
totheruleagainstsplittingasinglecauseofaction.
STAGESINEVERYACTIONFORPARTITION
AreadingoftheRuleswillrevealthatthereareactuallythree(3)stagesintheaction,
eachofwhichcouldbethesubjectofappeal:
.
1) theorderofpartitionwherethepropertyofthepartitionisdetermined;
2) thejudgmentastotheaccountingofthefruitsandincomeoftheproperty;and
3) thejudgmentofpartition.
Duringthetrial,thecourtshalldeterminewhetherornottheplaintiffistrulyacoowner
oftheproperty,thatthere
WHOMAYFILECOMPLAINT;WHOSHOULDBEMADEDEFENDANTS
MATTERSTOALLEGEINTHECOMPLAINTFORPARTITION
PARTITION(RULE69)
ORDEROFPARTITIONANDPARTITIONBYAGREEMENT
isindeedacoownershipamongtheparties,andthatapartitionisnotlegallyproscribed
thusmaybeallowed.Ifthecourtsofindsthatthefactsaresuchthatapartitionwouldbe
inorder,andthattheplaintiffhasarighttodemandpartition,thecourtwillissueanorder
ofpartition.
Thecourtshallorderthepartitionofthepropertyamongallthepartiesininterest,ifafter
trialitfindsthattheplaintiffhastherighttopartition.Itwasheldthatthisorderof
partitionincludinganorderdirectinganaccountingisfinalandnotinterlocutoryand
hence,appealable;thus,revokingpreviouscontraryrulingsonthematter.Afinalorder
decreeingpartitionandaccountingmaybeappealedbyanypartyaggrievedthereby.
Partitionbyagreement.Theorderofpartitionisonethatdirectsthepartiesorcoowners
topartitionthepropertyandthepartiesmaymakethepartitionamongthemselvesby
properinstrumentsofconveyance,iftheyagreeamongthemselves.Iftheydoagree,the
courtshallthenconfirmthepartitionsoagreeduponbyalloftheparties,andsuch
partition,togetherwiththeorderofthecourtconfirmingthesame,shallberecordedin
theregistryofdeedsoftheplaceinwhichthepropertyissituated.Therealwaysexists
thepossibilitythatthecoownersareunabletoagreeonthepartition.Iftheycannot
partitionthepropertyamongthemselves,thenextstageintheactionwillfollowthe
appointmentofcommissioners.
Ifthepartiesareunabletoagreeuponthepartition,thecourtshallappointnotmorethan
three(3)competentanddisinterestedpersonsascommissionerstomakethepartition,
commandingthemtosetofftotheplaintiffandtoeachpartyininterestsuchpartand
proportionofthepropertyasthecourtshalldirect.
Whenitismadetoappeartothecommissionersthattherealestate,oraportionthereof,
cannotbedividedwithoutprejudicetotheinterestsoftheparties,thecourtmayorderit
assignedtooneofthepartieswillingtotakethesame,providedhepaystotheother
partiessuchamountsasthecommissionersdeemequitable,unlessoneoftheinterested
partiesasksthatthepropertybesoldinsteadofbeingsoassigned,inwhichcasethecourt
shallorderthecommissionerstoselltherealestateatpublicsaleundersuchconditions
andwithinsuchtimeasthecourtmaydetermine.
Thecommissionersshallmakeafullandaccuratereporttothecourtofalltheir
proceedingsastothepartition,ortheassignmentofrealestatetooneoftheparties,orthe
saleofthesame.Uponthefilingofsuchreport,theclerk
ofcourtshallservecopiesthereofonalltheinterestedpartieswithnoticethattheyare
allowedten(10)dayswithinwhichtofileobjectionstothefindingsofthereport,ifthey
sodesire.Noproceedinghadbeforeorconductedbythecommissionersshallpassthe
titletothepropertyorbindthepartiesuntilthecourtshallhaveacceptedthereportofthe
commissionersandrenderedjudgmentthereon.
Upontheexpirationoftheperiodoften(10)daysreferredtointheprecedingsection,or
evenbeforetheexpirationofsuchperiodbutaftertheinterestedpartieshavefiledtheir
objectionstothereportortheirstatementofagreementtherewith,thecourtmay,upon
hearing,acceptthereportandrenderjudgmentinaccordancetherewith;or,forcause
shown,recommitthesametothecommissionersforfurtherreportoffacts;orsetaside
thereportandappointnewcommissioners;oracceptthereportinpartandrejectitin
part;andmaymakesuchorderandrendersuchjudgmentasshalleffectuateafairand
justpartitionoftherealestate,orofitsvalue,ifassignedorsoldasaboveprovided,
betweentheseveralownersthereof.
JUDGMENTANDITSEFFECTS
Thejudgmentshallstatedefinitely,bymetesandboundsandadequatedescription,the
particularportionoftherealestateassignedtoeachparty,theeffectofthejudgmentshall
betovestineachpartytotheactioninseveraltytheportionoftherealestateassignedto
him.
Ifthewholepropertyisassignedtooneofthepartiesuponhispayingtotheothersthe
sumorsumsorderedbythecourt,thejudgmentshallstatethefactofsuchpaymentand
oftheassignmentoftherealestatetothepartymakingthepayment,andtheeffectofthe
judgmentshallbetovestinthepartymakingthepaymentthewholeoftherealestate
freefromanyinterestonthepartoftheotherpartiestotheaction.
Ifthepropertyissoldandthesaleconfirmedbythecourt,thejudgmentshallstatethe
nameofthepurchaserorpurchasersandadefinitedescriptionoftheparcelsofrealestate
soldtoeachpurchaser,andtheeffectofthejudgmentshallbetovesttherealestateinthe
purchaserorpurchasersmakingthepaymentorpayments,freefromtheclaimsofanyof
thepartiestotheaction.
Acertifiedcopyofthejudgmentshallineithercaseberecordedintheregistryofdeeds
oftheplaceinwhichtherealestateissituated,andtheexpensesofsuchrecordingshall
betaxedaspartofthecostsoftheaction.
PARTITIONOFPERSONALPROPERTY
TheprovisionsofthisRuleshallapplytopartitionsofestatescomposedofpersonal
property,orofbothrealand
PARTITIONBYCOMMISSIONERS;APPOINTMENTOFCOMMISSIONERS
COMMISSIONERSREPORT;COURTACTIONUPONCOMMISSIONERS
REPORT

possessionofthepremisesuntilhewasdeprivedbythedefendant;and
Theoneyearperiodisgenerallycountedfromthedateofactualentryontheproperty.
Theoneyearperiodiscountedfromthedateoflastdemand.
personalproperty,insofarasthesamemaybeapplicable.
PRESCRIPTIONOFACTION
Prescriptionofactiondoesnotruninfavorofacoownerorcoheiragainst
hiscoownerorcoheirsaslongasthereisarecognitionofthecoownership
expresslyorimpliedly.
Theactionforpartitioncannotbebarredbyprescriptionaslongastheco
ownershipexists.
Butwhiletheactiontodemandpartitionofacoownedpropertydoesnot
prescribe,acoownermayacquireownershipthereofbyprescriptionwherethere
existsaclearrepudiationofthecoownershipandthecoownersareapprisedof
theclaimofadverseandexclusiveownership.
Theactionsforforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainerbelongtotheclassofactions
knownbythegenericnameaccioninterdictal(ejectment)wheretheissueisthe
rightofphysicalormaterialpossessionofthesubjectrealpropertyindependentof
anyclaimofownershipbythepartiesinvolved.
AccionInterdictalcomprisestwodistinctcausesofaction: FORCIBLE
ENTRY(DETENTACION),whereoneisdeprivedofphysicalpossessionofreal
propertybymeansofforce,intimidation,
strategy,threatsorstealth(FISTS);
UNLAWFULDETAINER(DESAHUICO),
whereoneillegallywithholdspossessionaftertheexpirationorterminationofhis
righttoholdpossessionunderanycontract,expressorimplied.
ACCIONPUBLICIANA
ACCIONREINVINDICATORIA
Aplenaryordinarycivilactionfortherecoveryofthebetterrightofpossession(juridical
possession),mustbefiledaftertheexpirationofoneyearfromtheaccrualofthecauseof
actionorfromtheunlawfulwithholdingofpossessionoftherealty.Inotherwords,ifat
thetimeofthefilingofthecomplaintmorethanoneyearhadelapsedsincedefendant
hadturnedplaintiffoutofpossessionordefendantspossessionhadbecomeillegal,the
actionwillbenotoneofforcibleentryorunlawfuldetainerbutanaccion
Anactionfortherecoveryoftheexerciseofownership,particularlyrecoveryof
possessionasanattributeorincidentofownership;
Thebasisoftherecoveryofpossessionistheplaintiffsrealrightofpossessionorjus
possessionis,whichistherighttothepossessionoftherealpropertyindependentof
ownership.
Thebasisfortherecoveryofpossessionisownershipitself.
Jurisdictionisbasedonthevalueoftheofthepropertyapplying20Kand50Krule
FORCIBLEENTRYANDUNLAWFULDETAINER(RULE70)
FORCIBLEENTRY
UNLAWFULDETAINER
Thepossessionofthedefendantisunlawfulfromthebeginning;issueiswhichpartyhas
priordefactopossession;
Thepossessionofthedefendantislawfulfromthebeginningbecomesillegalbyreason
oftheexpirationorterminationofhisrighttothepossessionoftheproperty;
Thelawdoesnotrequirepreviousdemandforthedefendanttovacate;
Plaintiffmustfirstmakesuchdemandwhichisjurisdictionalinnature;
Theplaintiffmustprovethathewasinpriorphysical
Theplaintiffneednothavebeeninpriorphysicalpossession;
HOWTODETERMINEJURISDICTIONINACCIONPUBLICIANAANDACCION
REINVINDICATORIA
Theactionsofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainerarewithintheexclusiveandoriginal
jurisdictionoftheMTC,MeTCandMCTCandshallbegovernedbytheruleson
summaryprocedureirrespectiveoftheamountofdamagesorrentalsoughttobe
recovered.
Inactionsforforcibleentry,twoallegationsaremandatoryfortheMTCtoacquire
jurisdiction:
.
1) plaintiffmustallegehispriorphysicalpossessionoftheproperty;and
2) hemustalsoallegethathewasdeprivedofhispossessionbyforce,
intimidation,strategy,threatorstealth.
Iftheallegeddispossessiondidnotoccurbyanyofthesemeans,theproperrecourseisto
filenotanactionforforcibleentrybutaplenaryactiontorecoverpossession.
Bothactionsmustbebroughtwithinoneyearfromthedateofactualentryontheland,in
caseofforcibleentry,andfromthedateoflastdemand,incaseofunlawfuldetainer.
Jurisdictionisdeterminedbytheallegationsofthecomplaint.Themereraisingofthe
issueoftenancydoesnotautomaticallydivestthecourtofjurisdictionbecausethe
jurisdictionofthecourtisdeterminedbytheallegationsofthecomplaintandisnot
dependentuponthedefensessetupbythedefendant.
Apersondeprivedofthepossessionofanylandorbuildingbyforce,intimidation,threat,
strategy,orstealth,oralessor,vendor,vendee,orotherpersonagainstwhomthe
possessionofanylandorbuildingisunlawfullywithheldaftertheexpirationor
terminationoftherighttoholdpossession,byvirtueofanycontract,expressorimplied,
orthelegalrepresentativesorassignsofanysuchlessor,vendor,vendee,orotherperson,
may,atanytimewithinone(1)yearaftersuchunlawfuldeprivationorwithholdingof
possession,bringanactionintheproperMunicipalTrialCourtagainstthepersonor
personsunlawfullywithholdingordeprivingofpossession,oranypersonorpersons
claimingunderthem,fortherestitutionofsuchpossession,togetherwithdamagesand
costs.
Unlessotherwisestipulated,suchactionbythelessorshallbecommencedonlyafter
demandtopayorcomplywiththeconditionsoftheleaseandtovacateismadeuponthe
lessee,orbyservingwrittennoticeofsuchdemanduponthepersonfoundonthe
premises,orbypostingsuchnoticeonthepremisesifnopersonbefoundthereon,and
thelesseefailstocomplytherewithafterfifteen(15)daysinthecaseoflandorfive(5)
daysinthecaseofbuildings.
PLEADINGSALLOWED
Theonlypleadingsallowedtobefiledarethecomplaint,compulsorycounterclaimand
crossclaimpleadedinthe
answer,andtheanswersthereto.Allpleadingsshallbeverified.
ACTIONONTHECOMPLAINT
Thecourtmay,fromanexaminationoftheallegationsinthecomplaintandsuch
evidenceasmaybeattachedthereto,dismissthecaseoutrightonanyofthegroundsfor
thedismissalofacivilactionwhichareapparenttherein.Ifnogroundfordismissalis
found,itshallforthwithissuesummons.
WHENDEMANDISNECESSARY
Unlessthereexistsastipulationtothecontrary,anunlawfuldetainercaseshallbe
commencedonlyafterthedemandtopayorcomplywiththeconditionsoftheleaseand
tovacateismadeuponthelessee.
Therequirementforademandimpliesthatthemerefailureoftheoccupanttopayrentals
orhisfailuretocomplywiththeconditionsoftheleasedoesnotipsofactorenderhis
possessionofthepremisesunlawful.Itisthefailuretocomplywiththedemandthat
vestsuponthelessoracauseofaction.
Thedemandmaybeintheformofawrittennoticeserveduponthepersonfoundinthe
premises.Thedemandmayalsobemadebypostingawrittennoticeonthepremisesif
nopersoncanbefoundthereon.Ithasbeenruled,however,thatthedemandupona
tenantmaybeoral.Sufficientevidencemustbeadducedtoshowthattherewasindeeda
demandliketestimoniesfromdisinterestedandunbiasedwitnesses.
Thecourtmaygrantpreliminaryinjunction,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRule58,
topreventthedefendantfromcommittingfurtheractsofdispossessionagainstthe
plaintiff.
Apossessordeprivedofhispossessionthroughforcibleentryorunlawfuldetainermay,
withinfive(5)daysfromthefilingofthecomplaint,presentamotionintheactionfor
forcibleentryorunlawfuldetainerfortheissuanceofawritofpreliminarymandatory
injunctiontorestorehiminhispossession.Thecourtshalldecidethemotionwithinthirty
(30)daysfromthefilingthereof.
RESOLVINGDEFENSEOFOWNERSHIP
Theassertionbythedefendantofownershipoverthedisputedpropertydoesnotserveto
divesttheinferiorcourtofitsjurisdiction.Thedefendantcannotdeprivethecourtof
jurisdictionbymerelyclaimingownershipofthepropertyinvolved.
WHOMAYINSTITUTETHEACTIONANDWHEN;AGAINSTWHOMTHE
ACTIONMAYBEMAINTAINED
PRELIMINARYINJUNCTIONANDPRELIMINARYMANDATORYINJUNCTION
Whenthedefendantraisestheissueofownership,thecourtmayresolvetheissueof
ownershiponlyunderthefollowingconditions:
.
1) Whentheissueofpossessioncannotberesolvedwithoutresolvingtheissueof
ownership;and
2) Theissueofownershipshallberesolvedonlyto
determinetheissueofpossession.
Suchjudgmentwouldnotbaranactionbetweenthesamepartiesrespectingtitletothe
landorbuilding.TheresolutionoftheMeTContheownershipofthepropertyismerely
provisionalorinterlocutory.Anyquestioninvolvingtheissueofownershipshouldbe
raisedandresolvedinaseparateactionbroughtspecificallytosettlethequestionwith
finality.
Defendantmusttakethefollowingstepstostaytheexecutionofthejudgment:
.
1) Perfectanappeal;
2) Fileasupersedeasbondtopayfortherents,
damagesandcostsaccruingdowntothetimeof
thejudgmentappealedfrom;and
3) DepositperiodicallywiththeRTC,duringthe
pendencyoftheappeal,theadjudgedamountofrentdueunderthecontractorif
therebenocontract,thereasonablevalueoftheuseandoccupationofthe
premises.
Exceptionstotherule:
.
1) Wheredelayinthedepositisduetofraud,
accident,mistake,orexcusablenegligence;
2) Wheresuperveningeventsoccursubsequenttothejudgmentbringingabouta
materialchangeinthesituationofthepartieswhichmakes
executioninequitable;and
3) Wherethereisnocompellingurgencyforthe
executionbecauseitisnotjustifiedbythecircumstances.
Forcibleentryandunlawfuldetaineractionsaresummaryinnaturedesignedtoprovide
foranexpeditiousmeansofprotectingactualpossessionortherighttopossessionofthe
propertyinvolved.TheseactionsshallbothfallunderthecoverageoftheRulesof
SummaryProcedureirrespectiveoftheamountofdamagesorunpaidrentalsoughttobe
recovered.
Prohibitedpleadingsandmotions:
.
a) Motiontodismissthecomplaintexceptonthe
groundoflackofjurisdictionoverthesubject
matter,orfailuretocomplywithsection12;
b) Motionforabillofparticulars;
c)Motionfornewtrial,orforreconsiderationofajudgment,orforreopeningoftrial;
d)Petitionforrelieffromjudgment;
e)Motionforextensionoftimetofilepleadings,
affidavitsoranyotherpaper;
f)Memoranda;
g)Petitionforcertiorari,mandamus,orprohibition
againstanyinterlocutoryorderissuedbythe
court;
h)Motiontodeclarethedefendantindefault;i)Dilatorymotionsforpostponement;
j)Reply;
k)Thirdpartycomplaints;
l)Interventions
Contemptisadisregardof,ordisobediencetotherulesorordersofajudicialbody,oran
interruptionofitsproceedingsbydisorderlybehaviororinsolentlanguage,initspresence
orsoneartheretoastodisturbtheproceedingsortoimpairtherespectduetosuchbody.
Contemptofcourtisdisobediencetothecourtbyactinginoppositiontoitsauthority,
justiceanddignity.Itsignifiesnotonlyawillfuldisregardordisobedienceofthecourts
ordersbutalsoconducttendingtobringtheauthorityofthecourtandtheadministration
oflawintodisreputeor,insomemannertoimpedethedueadministrationofjustice.
Thereasonforthepowertopunishforcontemptisthatrespectofthecourtsguarantees
thestabilityoftheirinstitution.Withoutsuchguarantee,saidinstitutionwouldberesting
onshakyfoundation.
Itisinherentinallcourts;itsexistenceisessentialtothepreservationoforderinjudicial
proceedingsandtotheenforcementofjudgments,ordersandmandatesofthecourts,and
consequently,tothedueadministrationofjustice.
Contemptproceedingshasdualfunction:
.
1) Vindicationofpublicinterestbypunishmentofcontemptuousconduct;and
2) Coerciontocompelthecontemnortodowhatthelawrequireshimtouphold
thepoweroftheCourt,andalsotosecuretherightsofthepartiestoasuitawarded
bytheCourt.
1)CivilorCriminal,dependingonthenatureandeffectofthecontemptuousact.
HOWTOSTAYTHEIMMEDIATEEXECUTIONOFJUDGMENT
CONTEMPT(RULE71)
SUMMARYPROCEDURE,PROHIBITEDPLEADINGS
KINDSOFCONTEMPT;PURPOSEANDNATUREOFEACH
2)Directorindirect,accordingtothemannerofcommission.
affidavitordepositionwhenlawfullyrequiredtodoso;
f)Actsofapartyoracounselwhichconstitutewillfulanddeliberateforumshopping;
g)Unfoundedaccusationsorallegationsorwordsinapleadingtendingtoembarrassthe
courtortobringitintodisrepute.
ofapersonwho,afterbeingdispossessedorejectedfromanyrealpropertybythe
judgmentorprocessofanycourtofcompetentjurisdiction,entersorattemptsorinduces
anothertoenterintooruponsuchrealproperty,forthepurposeofexecutingactsof
ownershiporpossession,orinanymannerdisturbsthepossessiongiventotheperson
adjudgedtobeentitledthereto;
3)Anyabuseoforanyunlawfulinterferencewiththeprocessesorproceedingsofacourt
notconstitutingdirectcontemptundersection1ofthisRule;
.
4) Anyimproperconducttending,directlyorindirectly,toimpede,obstruct,or
degradetheadministrationofjustice;
5) Assumingtobeanattorneyoranofficerofacourt,andactingassuchwithout
authority;
6) Failuretoobeyasubpoenadulyserved;
7) Therescue,orattemptedrescue,ofapersonorpropertyinthecustodyofan
officerbyvirtueofanorderorprocessofacourtheldbyhim.
Failurebycounseltoinformthecourtofthedeathofhisclientconstitutesindirect
contemptwithinthepurviewofSec.3,Rule71,sinceitconstitutesanimproperconduct
tendingtoimpedetheadministrationofjustice.
CIVILCONTEMPT
CRIMINALCONTEMPT
Itisthefailuretodosomethingorderedtobedonebyacourtorajudgeforthebenefitof
theopposingpartythereinandisthereforeandoffenseagainstthepartyinwhosebehalf
theviolatedorderwasmade;
Itisaconductdirectedagainsttheauthorityanddignityofthecourtorajudgeacting
judicially;itisanobstructingtheadministrationofjusticewhichtendstobringthecourt
intodisreputeordisrespect;
Thepurposeistocompensateforthebenefitofaparty;
Thepurposeistopunish,tovindicatetheauthorityofthecourtandprotectitsoutraged
dignity;
Therulesofproceduregoverningcontemptproceedingsorcriminalprosecutions
ordinarilyareinapplicabletocivilcontemptproceedings.
Shouldbeconductedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesandrulesapplicabletocriminal
cases,insofarassuchprocedureisconsistentwiththesummarynatureofcontempt
proceedings.
DIRECTCONTEMPT
INDIRECTCONTEMPT
Ingeneraliscommittedinthepresenceoforsonearthecourtorjudgewhileperforming
thejudicialfunctionastoobstructorinterrupttheproceedingsbeforeit;
Itisnotcommittedinthepresenceofthecourt,butdoneatadistancewhichtendsto
belittle,degrade,obstructorembarrassthecourtandjustice;
Actsconstitutingdirectcontemptare:
a)Misbehaviorin
thepresenceoforsonearthecourtastoobstructorinterrupttheproceedingsbeforeit;
.
b) Disrespecttowardthecourt;
c) Offensivepersonalities
towardsothers;
d) Refusaltobeswornasawitnessortoanswerasa
witness;e)Refusal
subscribe
toan
Actsconstitutingindirectcontemptare:
Afterachargeinwritinghasbeenfiled,andanopportunitygiventotherespondentto
commentthereonwithinsuchperiodasmaybefixedbythecourtandtobeheardby
himselforcounsel,apersonguiltyofanyofthefollowingactsmaybepunishedfor
indirectcontempt:
.
1) Misbehavioranofficerofacourtintheperformanceofhisofficialdutiesorin
hisofficialtransactions;
2) Disobedienceoforresistancetoalawfulwrit,process,order,orjudgmentofa
court,includingtheact
REMEDYAGAINSTINDIRECTCONTEMPT;PENALTY
Thepunishmentforindirectcontemptdependsuponthelevelofthecourtagainstwhich
theactwascommitted;
a)WheretheactwascommittedagainstanRTCoracourtofequivalentorhigherrank,
hemaybepunishedbyafinenotexceeding30,000pesosorimprisonmentnotexceeding
6months,orboth;
b) Wheretheactwascommittedagainstalowercourt,hemaybepunishedbya
finenotexceeding5,000pesosorimprisonmentnotexceedingonemonth,orboth.
Asidefromtheapplicablepenalties,ifthecontemptconsistsintheviolationofa
writofinjunction,TROorstatusquoorder,hemayalsobeorderedtomake
completerestitutiontothepartyinjuredbysuchviolationofthepropertyinvolved
orsuchamountasmaybeallegedandproved;
c) Wheretheactwascommittedagainstapersonorentityexercisingquasi
judicialfunctions,thepenaltyimposedshalldependupontheprovisionsofthelaw
whichauthorizesapenaltyforcontemptagainstsuchpersonsorentities.
Thepersonadjudgedinindirectcontemptmayappealfromthejudgmentorfinalorderof
thecourtinthesamemannerasincriminalcases.Theappealwillnothoweverhavethe
effectofsuspendingthejudgmentifthepersonadjudgedincontemptdoesnotfileabond
inanamountfixedbythecourtfromwhichtheappealistaken.Thisbondisconditioned
uponhisperformanceofthejudgmentorfinalorderiftheappealisdecidedagainst.
Proceedingsforindirectcontemptmaybeinitiatedmotupropriobythecourtagainst
whichthecontemptwascommittedbyanorderoranyotherformalchargerequiringthe
respondenttoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbepunishedforcontempt.
Inallothercases,chargesforindirectcontemptshallbecommencedbyaverified
petitionwithsupportingparticularsandcertifiedtruecopiesofdocumentsorpapers
involvedtherein,anduponfullcompliancewiththerequirementsforfilinginitiatory
pleadingsforcivilactionsinthecourtconcerned.Ifthecontemptchargesaroseoutofor
arerelatedtoaprincipalactionpendinginthecourt,thepetitionforcontemptshallallege
thatfactbutsaidpetitionshallbedocketed,heardanddecidedseparately,unlessthe
courtinitsdiscretionordersthe
.
1) ChangeofName
2) Adoption
3) Trustees
4) ConstitutionofFamilyHome
5) HospitalizationofInsanePersons
6) AbsenceandDeath,Declarationof
consolidationofthecontemptchargeandtheprincipalactionforjointhearingand
decision.
WHENIMPRISONMENTSHALLBEIMPOSED
Whenthecontemptconsistsintherefusaloromissiontodoanactwhichis
yetinthepoweroftherespondenttoperform,hemaybeimprisonedbyorderof
thecourtconcerneduntilheperformsit.
Indefiniteincarcerationmayberesortedtowheretheattendant
circumstancesaresuchthatthenoncompliancewiththecourtorderisanutter
disregardoftheauthorityofthecourtwhichhasthennootherrecoursebuttouse
itscoercivepower.
Whenapersonorpartyislegallyandvalidlyrequiredbyacourttoappearbefore
itforacertainpurpose,andwhenthatrequirementisdisobeyed,theonlyremedy
leftforthecourtistouseforcetobringthepersonorpartybeforeit.
Thepunishmentisimposedforthebenefitofacomplainantorapartytoasuit
whohasbeeninjuredasidefromtheneedtocompelperformanceoftheordersor
decreesofthecourt,whichthecontemnorrefusestoobeyalthoughabletodoso.
Ineffect,itiswithinthepowerofthepersonadjudgedguiltyofcontempttoset
himselffree.
CONTEMPTAGAINSTQUASIJUDICIALBODIES
Therulesoncontemptapplytocontemptcommittedagainstpersonsor
entitiesexercisingquasijudicialfunctionsorincasetherearerulesfor
contemptadoptedforsuchbodiesorentitiespursuanttolaw,Rule71shall
applysuppletorily.
Quasijudicialbodiesthathavethepowertocitepersonsforindirect
contemptcanonlydosobyinitiatingthemintheproperRTC.Itisnot
withintheirjurisdictionandcompetencetodecidetheindirectcontempt
cases.TheRTCoftheplacewherecontempthasbeencommittedshall
havejurisdictionoverthechargesforindirectcontemptthatmaybefiled.
HOWCONTEMPTPROCEEDINGSARECOMMENCED
PECIALPROCEEDINGS(Rules72 109)
SubjectMattersofSpecialProceedings:CATCHAGEDSHARC
7)GuardianshipandCustodyofChildren8)Escheat
9)(Voluntary)DissolutionofCorporation10)SettlementofEstateofDeceasedPersons
11)HabeasCorpus

12)(Judicial)ApprovalofVoluntaryRecognitionofMinorNaturalChildren
13)RescissionandRevocationofAdoption
SpecialProceedingsisanapplicationorproceedingtoestablishthestatusorrightofa
party,oraparticularfact,generallycommencedbyapplication,petitionorspecialform
ofpleadingasmaybeprovidedforbytheparticularruleorlaw.
WHICHCOURTHASJURISDICTION
IfthedecedentisaninhabitantofthePhilippinesatthetimeofhisdeath,whethera
citizenoranalien,hiswillshallbeproved,orlettersofadministrationgranted,andhis
estatesettled,intheRTCintheprovinceinwhichheresidesatthetimeofhisdeath,and
ifheisaninhabitantofaforeigncountry,theRTCofanyprovinceinwhichhehadhis
estate.Thecourtfirsttakingcognizanceofthesettlementoftheestateofadecedent,shall
exercisejurisdictiontotheexclusionofallothercourts.
UnderRA7691,thelawexpandingthejurisdictionoftheinferiorcourts,MTC,MeTC
andMCTCshallexerciseexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoverprobateproceedings,testate
andintestate,wherethevalueoftheestatedoesnotexceedP300,000(outsideMetro
Manila)orwheresuchestatedoesnotexceedP400,000(inMetroManila).
ThejurisdictionoftheRTCislimitedtothesettlementandadjudicationofpropertiesof
thedeceasedandcannotextendtocollateralmatters.
VENUEINJUDICIALSETTLEMENTOFESTATE
Theresidenceofthedecedentatthetimeofhisdeathisdeterminativeofthevenueofthe
proceeding.
Ifhewasaresident(inhabitant,whethercitizenoralien)ofthePhilippines,venueislaid
exclusivelyintheprovinceofhisresidenceatthetimeofhisdeath.Residencemeanshis
personal,actual,orphysicalhabitation,hisactualresidenceorplaceofabode.
ItisonlywherethedecedentwasanonresidentofthePhilippinesatthetimeofhisdeath
thatvenueliesinanyprovinceinwhichhehadanestate,Thequestionofresidenceis
determinativeonlyofthevenueanddoesnotaffectthejurisdictionofthecourt.
14)CancellationorCorrectionofEntriesintheCivilRegistry
Venueiswaivable.Ifinstitutedintwocourts,thecourtinwhichtheproceedingwasfirst
filedhasexclusivejurisdictiontoresolvetheissue.
Themainfunctionofaprobatecourtistosettleandliquidatetheestatesofdeceased
personeithersummarilyorthroughtheprocessofadministration.
Theprobatecourtexerciseslimitedjurisdiction,thusithasnopowertotakecognizance
ofanddeterminetheissueoftitletopropertyclaimedbyathirdpersonadverselytothe
decedentunlesstheclaimantandallotherpartieshavelegalinterestintheproperty
consent,expresslyorimpliedly,tothesubmissionofthequestiontotheprobatecourt.In
thatcase,iftheprobatecourtallowstheintroductionofevidenceonownershipitisfor
thesolepurposeofdeterminingwhetherthesubjectpropertiesshouldbeincludedinthe
inventory,whichiswithintheprobatecourtscompetence.
Thedeterminationisonlyprovisionalsubjecttoaproperactioninaseparateactionto
resolvethetitle.
Thejurisdictionoftheprobatecourtmerelyrelatestomattershavingtodowiththe
settlementoftheestateandtheprobateofwills,theappointmentandremovalof
administrators,executors,guardiansandtrustees.Thequestionofownershipis,asarule,
anextraneousmatterwhichtheprobatecourtcannotresolvewithfinality.
POWERSANDDUTIESOFPROBATECOURT
Thepowersanddutiesofaprobatecourt:
.
1) Distributeshares;
2) Determinethelegalheirs;
3) Issuewarrantsandprocessestosecure
attendanceofwitnesses;
4) Determineandrileuponissuesrelatingtothe
settlementoftheestate,suchasadministration,
liquidation,anddistributionoftheestate;and
5) Determinethefollowing:
a)Heirsofthedecedent;
b)Recognitionofnaturalchild;
c)Validityofthedisinheritance
effectedbytestator;
d)Statusofawomanwhoclaimstobe
thelawfulwifeofthedecedent;
e)Validityofwaiverofhereditary
heirs;
f)Statusofeachheir;
g)Whateverpropertyininventoryis
conjugalorexclusivepropertyofdeceasedspouse;and
EXTENTOFJURISDICTIONOFPROBATECOURT
SETTLEMENTOFESTATEOFDECEASEDPERSONS(Rules73 91)
SETTLEMENTOFESTATEOFDECEASEDPERSONSVENUEANDPROCESS
(RULE73)
h)Mattersincidentalorcollateraltothesettlementanddistributionoftheestate.
Summarysettlementofestateisajudicialproceedingwherein,withouttheappointment
ofexecutororadministrator,andwithoutdelay,thecompetentcourtsummarilyproceeds
tovaluetheestateofthedecedent;ascertainhisdebtsandorderpaymentthereof;allow
hiswillifany;declarehisheirs,deviseeandlegatees;anddistributehisnetestateamong
hisknownheirs,devisees,andlegatees,whoshallthereuponbeentitledtoreceiveand
enterintothepossessionofthepartsoftheestatesoawardedtothem,respectively.
Ifthedecedentleftnowillandnodebtsandtheheirsareallofage,ortheminorsare
representedbytheirjudicialorlegalrepresentativesdulyauthorizedforthepurpose,the
partiesmay,withoutsecuringlettersofadministration,dividetheestateamong
themselvesastheyseefitbymeansofapublicinstrumentfiledintheofficeofthe
registerofdeeds,andshouldtheydisagree,theymaydosoinanordinaryactionof
partition.
Ifthereisonlyoneheir,hemayadjudicatetohimselftheentireestatebymeansofan
affidavitfiledintheofficeoftheregisterofdeeds.
Thepartiestoanextrajudicialsettlement,whetherbypublicinstrumentorbystipulation
inapendingactionforpartition,orthesoleheirwhoadjudicatestheentireestateto
himselfbymeansofanaffidavitshallfile,simultaneouslywithandasacondition
precedenttothefilingofthepublicinstrument,orstipulationintheactionforpartition,
oroftheaffidavitintheofficeoftheregisterofdeeds,abondwiththesaidregisterof
deeds,inanamountequivalenttothevalueofthepersonalpropertyinvolvedascertified
tounderoathbythepartiesconcernedandconditioneduponthepaymentofanyjust
claimthatmaybefiledundersection4ofthisrule.
Thefactoftheextrajudicialsettlementoradministrationshallbepublishedina
newspaperofgeneralcirculationinthemannerprovidedinthenextsucceedingsection;
butnoextrajudicialsettlementshallbebindinguponanypersonwhohasnotparticipated
thereinorhadnonoticethereof.
Extrajudicialpartitionoftheestateshallbevalidwhenthefollowingconditionsconcur:
1)Thedecedentleftnowill;
2)Thedecedentleftnodebts,orifthereweredebtsleft,allhadbeenpaid;
3)Theheirsareallofageoriftheyareminors,thelatterarerepresentedbytheirjudicial
guardianorlegalrepresentative;
4)Thepartitionwasmadebymeansofapublicinstrumentoraffidavitdulyfiledwiththe
RegisterofDeeds;and
5)Thefactoftheextrajudicialsettlementoradministrationshallbepublishedina
newspaperofgeneralcirculation.
TWOYEARPRESCRIPTIVEPERIOD
Itshallbepresumedthatthedecedentleftnodebtsifnocreditorfilesapetitionforletters
ofadministrationwithintwo(2)yearsafterthedeathofthedecedent.
Ifitshallappearatanytimewithintwo(2)yearsafterthesettlementanddistributionof
anestateinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofeitherofthefirsttwosectionsofthisrule,
thatanheirorotherpersonhasbeenundulydeprivedofhislawfulparticipationinthe
estate,suchheirorsuchotherpersonmaycompelthesettlementoftheestateinthe
courtsinthemannerhereinafterprovidedforthepurposeofsatisfyingsuchlawful
participation.
Andifwithinthesametimeoftwo(2)years,itshallappearthattherearedebts
outstandingagainsttheestatewhichhavenotbeenpaid,orthatanheirorotherperson
hasbeenundulydeprivedofhislawfulparticipationpayableinmoney,thecourthaving
jurisdictionoftheestatemay,byorderforthatpurpose,afterhearing,settletheamount
ofsuchdebtsorlawfulparticipationandorderhowmuchandinwhatmannereach
distributeeshallcontributeinthepaymentthereof,andmayissueexecution,if
circumstancesrequire,againstthebondprovidedintheprecedingsectionoragainstthe
realestatebelongingtothedeceased,orboth.Suchbondandsuchrealestateshallremain
chargedwithaliabilitytocreditors,heirs,orotherpersonsforthefullperiodoftwo(2)
yearsaftersuchdistribution,notwithstandinganytransfersofrealestatethatmayhave
beenmade.
Ifthereisonlyoneheir,hemayadjudicatetohimselftheentireestatebymeansofan
affidavitfiledintheofficeoftheregisterofdeeds.
Wheneverthegrossvalueoftheestateofadeceasedperson,whetherhediedtestateor
intestate,doesnotexceedtenthousandpesos,andthatfactismadetoappeartotheRTC
havingjurisdictionoftheestatebythepetitionofaninterestedpersonanduponhearing,
which
SUMMARYSETTLEMENTOFESTATES(RULE74)
EXTRAJUDICIALSETTLEMENTBYAGREEMENTBETWEENHEIRSWHEN
ALLOWED
AFFIDAVITOFSELFADJUDICATIONBYSOLEHEIR
SUMMARYSETTLEMENTOFESTATESOFSMALLVALUE;WHENALLOWED
shallbeheldnotlessthan(1)monthnormorethanthree(3)monthsfromthedateofthe
lastpublicationofanoticewhichshallbepublishedonceaweekforthree(3)
consecutiveweeksinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationintheprovince,andaftersuch
othernoticetointerestedpersonsasthecourtmaydirect,thecourtmayproceed
summarily,withouttheappointmentofanexecutororadministrator,andwithoutdelay,
togrant,ifproper,allowanceofthewill,ifanytherebe,todeterminewhoarethepersons
legallyentitledtoparticipateintheestate,andtoapportionanddivideitamongthem
afterthepaymentofsuchdebtsoftheestateasthecourtshallthenfindtobedue;and
suchpersons,intheirownright,iftheyareoflawfulageandlegalcapacity,orbytheir
guardiansortrusteeslegallyappointedandqualified,ifotherwise,shallthereuponbe
entitledtoreceiveandenterintothepossessionoftheportionsoftheestatesoawardedto
themrespectively.Thecourtshallmakesuchorderasmaybejustrespectingthecostsof
theproceedings,andallordersandjudgmentsmadeorrenderedinthecoursethereof
shallberecordedintheofficeoftheclerk,andtheorderofpartitionoraward,ifit
involvesrealestate,shallberecordedintheproperregister'soffice.
Thecourt,beforeallowingapartition,mayrequirethedistributees,ifpropertyotherthan
realistobedistributed,tofileabondinanamounttobefixedbycourt,conditionedfor
thepaymentofanyjustclaim.
.
1) Thecreditormayaskforadministrationofenoughpropertyoftheestate
sufficienttopaythedebt,buttheheirscannotpreventsuchadministrationby
payingtheobligation.
2) Wheretheestatehasbeensummarilysettled,theunpaidcreditormay,within
thetwoyearperiod,fileamotioninthecourtwhereinsuchsummarysettlement
wasforthepaymentofhiscredit.Afterthelapseofthetwoyearperiod,an
ordinaryactionmaybeinstitutedagainstthedistributeeswithinthestatuteof
limitations,butnotagainstthebond.
3) Theactiontoannuladeedofextrajudicialsettlementonthegroundoffraud
shouldbefiledwithinfouryearsfromthediscoveryofthefraud.
NATUREOFPROBATEPROCEEDING
Probateofawillisaproceedinginrem.Itcannotbedispensedwithandsubstituted
byanotherproceeding,judicialorextrajudicial,withoutoffendingpublicpolicy.
Itismandatoryasnowillshallpasseitherrealorpersonalpropertyunlessproved
andallowedinaccordancewiththeRules.
Itisimprescriptible,becauseitisrequiredbypublicpolicyandthestatecouldnot
haveintendedtodefeatthesamebyapplyingtheretothestatuteoflimitationofactions.
Anyexecutor,devisee,orlegateenamedinawill,oranyotherpersoninterestedinthe
estate,may,atanytimeafterthedeathofthetestator,petitionthecourthaving
jurisdictiontohavethewillallowed,whetherthesamebeinhispossessionornot,oris
lostordestroyed.
Thetestatorhimselfmay,duringhislifetime,petitionthecourtfortheallowanceof
hiswill.
Thecourtshallalsocausecopiesofthenoticeofthetimeandplacefixedforprovingthe
willtobeaddressedtothedesignatedorotherknownheirs,legatees,anddeviseesofthe
testatorresidentinthePhilippinesattheirplacesofresidence,anddepositedinthepost
officewiththepostagethereonprepaidatleasttwenty(20)daysbeforethehearing,if
suchplacesofresidencebeknown.
Acopyofthenoticemustinlikemannerbemailedtothepersonnamedasexecutor,ifhe
benotbepetitioner;also,toanypersonnamedascoexecutornotpetitioning,iftheir
placesofresidencebeknown.Personalserviceofcopiesofthenoticeatleastten(10)
daysbeforethedayofhearingshallbeequivalenttomailing.Ifthetestatorasksforthe
allowanceofhisownwill,noticeshallbesentonlytohiscompulsoryheirs.
Apetitionfortheallowanceofawillmustshow,sofarasknowntothepetitioner:
.
1) Thejurisdictionalfacts;
2) Thenames,ages,andresidencesoftheheirs,
legatees,anddeviseesofthetestatorordecedent;
3) Theprobablevalueandcharacteroftheproperty
oftheestate;
4) Thenameofthepersonforwhomlettersare
prayed;
5) Ifthewillhasnotbeendeliveredtothecourt,the
nameofthepersonhavingcustodyofit.
REMEDIESOFAGGRIEVEDPARTIESAFTEREXTRAJUDICIALSETTLEMENT
OFESTATE
WHOMAYPETITIONFORPROBATE;PERSONSENTITLEDTONOTICE
ALLOWANCEORDISALLOWANCEOFWILL(RULE76)
CONTENTSOFPETITIONFORALLOWANCEOFWILL
PRODUCTIONANDPROBATEOFWILL(RULE75)
Butnodefectinthepetitionshallrendervoidtheallowanceofthewill,ortheissuanceof
letterstestamentaryorofadministrationwiththewillannexed.
GROUNDSFORDISALLOWINGAWILL
Thewillshallbedisallowedinanyofthefollowingcases;
.
1) Ifnotexecutedandattestedasrequiredbylaw;
2) Ifthetestatorwasinsane,orotherwisementally
incapabletomakeawill,atthetimeofits
execution;
3) Ifitwasexecutedunderduress,ortheinfluence
offear,orthreats;
4) Ifitwasprocuredbyundueandimproper
pressureandinfluence,onthepartofthebeneficiary,orofsomeotherpersonfor
hisbenefit;
5) Ifthesignatureofthetestatorwasprocuredbyfraudortrick
6) Ifthetestatoractedbymistakeordidnotintendthattheinstrumenthesigned
shouldbehiswillatthetimeofaffixinghissignaturethereto.
WillprovedoutsidePhilippinesmaybeallowedhere.Willsprovedandallowedina
foreigncountry,accordingtothelawsofsuchcountry,maybeallowed,filed,and
recordedbytheproperCourtofFirstInstanceinthePhilippines.
IfitappearsatthehearingthatthewillshouldbeallowedinthePhilippines,thecourt
shallsoallowit,andacertificateofitsallowance,signedbythejudge,andattestedby
thesealofthecourt,towhichshallbeattachedacopyofthewill,shallbefiledand
recordedbytheclerk,andthewillshallhavethesameeffectasiforiginallyprovedand
allowedinsuchcourt.
Whenawillisthusallowed,thecourtshallgrantletterstestamentaryorlettersof
administrationwiththewillannexed,andsuchletterstestamentaryorofadministration,
shallextendtoalltheestateofthetestatorinthePhilippines.Suchestate,afterthe
paymentofjustdebtsandexpensesofadministration,shallbedisposedofaccordingto
suchwill,sofarassuchwillmayoperateuponit;andtheresidue,ifany,shallbe
disposedofasisprovidedbylawincasesofestatesinthePhilippinesbelongingto
personswhoareinhabitantsofanotherstateorcountry.
Ifthecourtissatisfied,uponprooftakenandfiled,thatthewillwasdulyexecuted,and
thatthetestatoratthetimeofitsexecutionwasofsoundanddisposingmind,andnot
actingunderduress,menace,andundueinfluence,orfraud,acertificateofitsallowance,
signedbythejudge,andattestedbythesealofthecourtshallbe
attachedtothewillandthewillandcertificatefiledandrecordedbytheclerk.Attested
copiesofthewilldevisingrealestateandofcertificateofallowancethereof,shallbe
recordedintheregisterofdeedsoftheprovinceinwhichthelandslie.
Thegeneralruleuniversallyrecognizedisthatadministrationextendsonlytotheassets
ofthedecedentfoundwithinthestateorcountrywhereitwasgranted,sothatan
administratorappointedinonestateorcountryhasnopoweroverthepropertyinanother
stateorcountry.
Whenapersondiesintestateowningpropertyinthecountryofhisdomicileaswellasin
foreigncountry,administrationshallbehadinbothcountries.Thatwhichisgrantedin
thejurisdictionofthedecedentsdomicileistermedtheprincipaladministration,while
anyotheradministrationistermedancillaryadministration.Theancillaryadministration
isproperwheneverapersondiesleavinginacountryotherthanthatofhisdomicile,
propertytobeadministeredinthenatureofassetsofthedecedent,liableforhis
individualdebtsortobedistributedamonghisheirs.
Letterstestamentaryistheappointmentissuedbyaprobatecourt,afterthewillhasbeen
admittedtoprobate,totheexecutornamedinthewilltoadministertheestateofthe
deceasedtestator,providedtheexecutornamedinthewilliscompetent,acceptsthetrust
andgivesabond.
Nopersoniscompetenttoserveasexecutororadministratorwho:
a) Isaminor;
b) IsnotaresidentofthePhilippines;and
c) Isintheopinionofthecourtunfittoexecutethe
dutiesofthetrustbyreasonofdrunkenness,improvidence,orwantof
understandingorintegrity,orbyreasonofconvictionofanoffenseinvolving
moralturpitude.
Theexecutorofanexecutorshallnot,assuch,administertheestateofthefirsttestator.
Amarriedwomanmayserveasexecutrixoradministratrix,andthemarriageofasingle
womanshallnotaffectherauthoritysotoserveunderapreviousappointment.
Whenawillhasbeenprovedandallowed,thecourtshallissueletterstestamentary
thereontothepersonnamedas
REPROBATE;REQUISITESBEFOREWILLPROVEDOUTSIDEALLOWEDIN
THEPHILIPPINES;EFFECTSOFPROBATE

LETTERSTESTAMENTARYANDOFADMINISTRATION(RULE78)
WHENANDTOWHOMLETTERSOFADMINISTRATIONGRANTED
executortherein,ifheiscompetent,acceptsthetrust,andgivesbondasrequiredbythese
rules.
Whenalloftheexecutorsnamedinawillcannotactbecauseofincompetency,refusalto
acceptthetrust,orfailuretogivebond,onthepartofoneormoreofthem,letters
testamentarymayissuetosuchofthemasarecompetent,acceptandgivebond,andthey
mayperformthedutiesanddischargethetrustrequiredbythewill.
Ifnoexecutorisnamedinthewill,ortheexecutororexecutorsareincompetent,refuse
thetrust,orfailtogivebond,orapersondiesintestate,administrationshallbegranted:
.
a) Tothesurvivinghusbandorwife,asthecasemaybe,ornextofkin,orboth,in
thediscretionofthecourt,ortosuchpersonassuchsurvivinghusbandorwife,or
nextofkin,requeststohaveappointed,ifcompetentandwillingtoserve;
b) Ifsuchsurvivinghusbandorwife,asthecasemaybe,ornextofkin,orthe
personselectedbythem,beincompetentorunwilling,orifthehusbandorwidow,
ornextofkin,neglectsforthirty(30)daysafterthedeathofthepersontoapply
foradministrationortorequestthatadministrationbegrantedtosomeother
person,itmaybegrantedtooneormoreoftheprincipalcreditors,ifcompetent
andwillingtoserve;
c) Ifthereisnosuchcreditorcompetentandwillingtoserve,itmaybegrantedto
suchotherpersonasthecourtmayselect.
1) Survivingspouse,ornextofkin,orboth,orpersonassuchsurvivingspouse,
ornextofkin,requests;
2) Oneormoreoftheprincipalcreditors ifsuchsurvivingspouse,ornextof
kin,orthepersonselected,beincompetentorunwilling,oriftheyneglectfor30
daysafterthedeathofthedecedenttoapplyforadministrationortorequestthat
administrationbegrantedtosomeotherperson,itmaybegrantedto,ifcompetent
andwillingtoserve;
3) Suchotherpersonasthecourtmayselect.
Anypersoninterestedinawillmaystateinwritingthegroundswhyletterstestamentary
shouldnotissuetothepersonsnamedthereinexecutors,oranyofthem,andthecourt,
afterhearinguponnotice,shallpassuponthesufficiencyofsuchgrounds.Apetition
may,atthesametime,befiledforlettersofadministrationwiththewillannexed.
AnEXECUTORisthepersonnominatedbyatestatortocarryoutthedirectionsand
requestsinhiswillandtodisposeofhispropertyaccordingtohistestamentary
provisionsafterhisdeath.
AnADMINISTRATORispersonappointedbythecourt,inaccordancewiththe
governingstatute,toadministerandsettleintestateestateandsuchtestateestateasno
competentexecutorwasdesignatedbythetestator.
Theexecutororadministratoroftheestateofadeceasedpartnershallatalltimeshave
accessto,andmayexamineandtakecopiesof,booksandpapersrelatingtothe
partnershipbusiness,andmayexamineandmakeinvoicesofthepropertybelongingto
suchpartnership;andthesurvivingpartnerorpartners,onrequest,shallexhibittohimall
suchbooks,papers,andpropertyintheirhandsorcontrol.Onthewrittenapplicationof
suchexecutororadministrator,thecourthavingjurisdictionoftheestatemayorderany
suchsurvivingpartnerorpartnerstofreelypermittheexerciseoftherights,andto
exhibitthebooks,papers,andproperty,asinthissectionprovided,andmaypunishany
partnerfailingtodosoforcontempt.
Anexecutororadministratorshallmaintainintenantablerepairthehousesandother
structuresandfencesbelongingtotheestate,anddeliverthesameinsuchrepairtothe
heirsordeviseeswhendirectedsotodobythecourt.
Anexecutororadministratorshallhavetherighttothepossessionandmanagementof
therealaswellasthepersonalestateofthedeceasedsolongasitisnecessaryforthe
paymentofthedebtsandtheexpensesofadministration.
Anadministratorofanintestatecannotexercisetherightoflegalredemptionovera
portionofthepropertyownedincommonsoldbyoneoftheothercoownerssincethisis
notwithinthepowersofadministration.
Wheretheestateofadeceasedpersonisalreadythesubjectofatestateorintestate
proceeding,theadministratorcannotenterintoanytransactioninvolvingitwithoutany
priorapprovaloftheCourt.
Therightofanexecutororadministratortothepossessionandmanagementofthereal
andpersonalpropertiesofthedeceasedisnotabsoluteandcanonlybeexercisedsolong
asitisnecessaryforthepaymentofthedebtsandexpensesofadministration.
APPOINTMENTOFSPECIALADMINISTRATOR
ADMINISTRATORS;RESTRICTIONSONTHEPOWERS(RULE84)
ORDEROFPREFERENCE;PRIORITYINSELECTINGANADMINISTRATOR
OPPOSITIONTOISSUANCEOFLETTERSTESTAMENTARY;SIMULTANEOUS
FILINGOFPETITIONFORADMINISTRATION
POWERSANDDUTIESOFEXECUTORSAND
Whenthereisdelayingrantingletterstestamentaryorofadministrationbyanycause
includinganappealfromtheallowanceordisallowanceofawill,thecourtmayappointa
specialadministratortotakepossessionandchargeoftheestateofthedeceaseduntilthe
questionscausingthedelayaredecidedandexecutorsoradministratorsappointed.
GROUNDSFORREMOVALOFADMINISTRATOR
AdministrationrevokedifwilldiscoveredIfafterlettersofadministrationhavebeen
grantedontheestateofadecedentasifhehaddiedintestate,hiswillisprovedand
allowedbythecourt,thelettersofadministrationshallberevokedandallpowers
thereundercease,andtheadministratorshallforthwithsurrendertheletterstothecourt,
andrenderhisaccountwithinsuchtimeasthecourtdirects.Proceedingsfortheissuance
ofletterstestamentaryorofadministrationunderthewillshallbeashereinbefore
provided.
Ifanexecutororadministratorneglectstorenderhisaccountandsettletheestate
accordingtolaw,ortoperformanorderorjudgmentofthecourt,oradutyexpressly
providedbytheserules,orabsconds,orbecomesinsane,orotherwiseincapableor
unsuitabletodischargethetrust,thecourtmayremovehim,or,initsdiscretion,may
permithimtoresign.Whenanexecutororadministratordies,resigns,orisremovedthe
remainingexecutororadministratormayadministerthetrustalone,unlessthecourt
grantsletterstosomeonetoactwithhim.Ifthereisnoremainingexecutoror
administrator,administrationmaybegrantedtoanysuitableperson(Sec.2,Rule82).
Administrationisforthepurposeofliquidationoftheestateanddistributionofthe
residueamongtheheirsandlegatees.Liquidationmeansthedeterminationofallthe
assetsoftheestateandpaymentofalldebtsandexpenses.
Thepurposeofpresentationofclaimsagainstdecedentsoftheestateintheprobatecourt
istoprotecttheestateofdeceasedpersons.Thatway,theexecutororadministratorwill
beabletoexamineeachclaimanddeterminewhetheritisaproperonewhichshouldbe
allowed.
Further,theprimaryobjectoftheprovisionsrequiringpresentationistoapprisethe
administratorandtheprobatecourtoftheexistenceoftheclaimsothataproperand
timelyarrangementmaybemadeforitspaymentinfullorbyprorataportioninthedue
courseoftheadministration,inasmuchasuponthedeathofaperson,hisentireestateis
burdenedwiththepaymentofallhisdebtsandnocreditorshallenjoyanypreferenceor
priority;allofthemshallshareprorataintheliquidationoftheestateofthedeceased.
Thecourtshallstatethetimeforthefilingofclaimsagainsttheestate,whichshallnotbe
morethantwelve(12)norlessthansix(6)monthsafterthedateofthefirstpublicationof
thenotice.However,atanytimebeforeanorderofdistributionisentered,onapplication
ofacreditorwhohasfailedtofilehisclaimwithinthetimepreviouslylimited,thecourt
may,forcauseshownandonsuchtermsasareequitable,allowsuchclaimtobefiled
withinatimenotexceedingone(1)month.
STATUTEOFNONCLAIMS
Aclaimbyapersonagainsttheestateofdeceasedshouldbemadeinnotlessthan6
monthsnormorethan12monthssincethefirstpublicationofallowanceofthewill.If
thesaidclaimsarenotfiledwithinthetimelimitedinthenotice,theyareforeverbe
barred.
Iftheexecutororadministratorhasaclaimagainsttheestateherepresents,heshallgive
noticethereof,inwriting,tothecourt,andthecourtshallappointaspecialadministrator,
whoshall,intheadjustmentofsuchclaim,havethesamepowerandbesubjecttothe
sameliabilityasthegeneraladministratororexecutorinthesettlementofotherclaims.
Thecourtmayordertheexecutororadministratortopaytothespecialadministrator
necessaryfundstodefendsuchclaim.
TIMEWITHINWHICHCLAIMSSHALLBEFILED;EXCEPTIONS
CLAIMOFEXECUTORORADMINISTRATORAGAINSTTHEESTATE
CLAIMSAGAINSTTHEESTATE(RULE86)
Iftherethus:
1)2)
3)
4)5)
PAYMENTOFDEBTS(RULE88)
aresufficientproperties,thedebtsshallbepaid,
Alldebtsshallbepaidinfullwithinthetimelimitedforthepurpose(Sec.1);
Ifthetestatormakesprovisionbyhiswill,ordesignatestheestatetobeappropriatedfor
thepaymentofdebtstheyshallbepaidaccordingtotheprovisionsofthewill,which
mustberespected(Sec.2);
Iftheestatedesignatedinthewillisnotsufficient,suchpartoftheestateasisnot
disposedofbywillshallbeappropriatedforthepurpose(Sec.2);
Thepersonalestatenotdisposedofbywillshallbefirstchargeablewithpaymentof
debtsandexpenses(Sec.3);
Ifthepersonalestateisnotsufficient,oritssalewouldbedetrimentaltotheparticipants
ofthe
estate,therealestatenotdisposedofbywillshall
besoldorencumberedforthatpurpose(Sec.3);
.
6) Anydeficiencyshallbemetbycontributionsfromdevisees,legateesandheirs
whohaveenteredintopossessionofportionsoftheestatebeforedebtsand
expenseshavebeenpaid(Sec.
6);
7) Theexecutororadministratorshallretain
sufficientestatetopaycontingentclaimswhenthesamebecomesabsolute(Sec.
4).
Iftheestateisinsolvent,thedebtsshallbepaidinthefollowingmanner:
.
1) Theexecutororadministratorshallpaythedebtsinaccordancewiththe
preferenceofcreditsestablishedbytheCivilCode(Sec.7);
2) Nocreditorofanyoneclassshallreceiveanypaymentuntilthoseofthe
precedingclassarepaid(Sec.8);
3) Iftherearenoassetssufficienttopaythecreditsofanyoneclassofcreditors,
eachcreditorwithinsuchclassshallbepaidadividendinproportiontohisclaim
(Sec.8);
.
4) Wherethedeceasedwasanonresident,hisestateinthePhilippinesshallbe
disposedofinsuchawaythatcreditorsinthePhilippinesandelsewheremay
receiveanequalshareinproportiontotheirrespectivecredits(Sec.9);
5) Claimsdulyprovedagainsttheestateofaninsolventresidentofthe
Philippines,theexecutororadministrator,havinghadtheopportunitytocontest
suchclaims,shalleincludedinthecertifiedlistofclaimsprovedagainstthe
deceased.Theownerofsuchclaimsshallbeentitledtoajustdistributionofthe
estateinaccordancewiththeprecedingrulesifthepropertyofsuchdeceased
personinanothercountryislikewiseequallyapportionedtothecreditorsresiding
inthePhilippinesandothercreditors,accordingtotheirrespectiveclaims(Sec.
10);
6) Itmustbenotedthatthepaymentsofdebtsofthedecedentshallbemade
pursuanttotheorderoftheprobatecourt(Sec.11).
Ongrantingletterstestamentaryoradministrationthecourtshallallowtotheexecutoror
administratoratimefordisposingoftheestateandpayingthedebtsandlegaciesofthe
deceased,whichshallnot,inthefirstinstance,exceedone(1)year;butthecourtmay,on
applicationoftheexecutororadministratorandafterhearingonsuchnoticeofthetime
andplacethereforgiventoallpersonsinterestedasitshalldirect,extendthetimeasthe
circumstancesoftheestaterequirenotexceedingsix(6)monthsforasingleextension
norsothatthewholeperiodallowedtotheoriginalexecutororadministratorshallexceed
two(2)years(Sec.15).
Noactionuponaclaimfortherecoveryofmoneyordebtsorinterestthereonshallbe
commencedagainsttheexecutororadministrator.
Anactiontorecoverrealorpersonalproperty,oraninteresttherein,fromtheestate,orto
enforcealienthereon,andactionstorecoverdamagesforaninjurytopersonorproperty,
realorpersonal,maybecommencedagainsttheexecutororadministrator.
Wheneverapartytoapendingactiondies,andtheclaimisnottherebyextinguished,it
shallbethedutyofhiscounseltoinformthecourtwithinthirty(30)daysaftersuchdeath
ofthefactthereof,andtogivethenameandaddressofhislegalrepresentativeor
representatives.Failureofcounseltocomplywiththisdutyshallbeagroundfor
disciplinaryaction.Theheirsofthedeceasedmaybeallowedtobesubstitutedforthe
deceased,withoutrequiringtheappointmentofanexecutororadministratorandthecourt
mayappointaguardianadlitemfortheminorheirs.
Thecourtshallforthwithordersaidlegalrepresentativeorrepresentativestoappearand
besubstitutedwithinaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromnotice.Ifnolegalrepresentativeis
namedbythecounselforthedeceasedparty,oriftheonesonamedshallfailtoappear
withinthespecifiedperiod,thecourtmayordertheopposingparty,withinaspecified
time,toprocuretheappointmentofanexecutororadministratorfortheestateofthe
deceasedandthelattershallimmediatelyappearforandonbehalfofthedeceased.The
courtchargesinprocuringsuchappointment,ifdefrayedbytheopposingparty,maybe
recoveredascosts.
Whentheactionisforrecoveryofmoneyarisingfromcontract,expressorimplied,and
thedefendantdiesbeforeentryoffinaljudgmentinthecourtinwhichtheactionwas
pendingatthetimeofsuchdeath,itshallnotbedismissedbutshallinsteadbeallowedto
continueuntilentryoffinaljudgment.Afavorablejudgmentobtainedbytheplaintiff
thereinshallbeenforcedinthemannerespeciallyprovidedintheseRulesforprosecuting
claimsagainsttheestateofadeceasedperson.
ACTIONSBYANDAGAINSTEXECUTORSANDADMINISTRATORS(RULE87)
ACTIONSTHATMAYBEBROUGHTAGAINSTEXECUTORSAND
ADMINISTRATORS
REQUISITESBEFORECREDITORMAYBRINGANACTIONFORRECOVERY
OFPROPERTYFRAUDULENTLYCONVEYEDBYTHEDECEASED
1) Thereisadeficiencyofassetsinthehandsofanexecutororadministratorfor
thepaymentofdebtsandexpensesofadministration;
2) Thedeceasedinhislifetimehadmadeorattemptedtomakeafraudulent
conveyanceofhisrealorpersonalproperty,orarightorinteresttherein,oradebt
orcredit,withintenttodefraudhiscreditorsortoavoidanyright,debtorduty;or
hadsoconveyedsuchproperty,right,debt,orcreditthatbylawtheconveyance
wouldbevoidasagainsthiscreditors;
3) Thesubjectoftheattemptedconveyancewouldbeliabletoattachmentbyany
oftheminhislifetime;
4) Theexecutororadministratorhasshowntohaveno
desiretofiletheactionorfailedtoinstitutethesame
withinareasonabletime;
5) Leaveisgrantedbythecourttothecreditortofilethe
action;
6) Abondisfiledbythecreditorasprescribedinthe
Rules;
7) Theactionbythecreditorisinthenameofthe
executororadministrator.
Beforetherecouldbeadistributionoftheestate,thefollowingtwostagesmustbe
followed:
.
1) Paymentofobligations(liquidationofestate) undertheRules,the
distributionofadecedentsassetsmayonlybeorderedunderanyofthefollowing
threecircumstances:
a.
whentheinheritancetax,amongotherispaid;
b.
whenasufficientbondisgiventomeetthepaymentoftheinheritancetax
andallotherobligations;and
c.
whenthepaymentofthesaidtaxandallotherobligationshasbeen
providedfor;and
2) Declarationofheirs theremustfirstbedeclarationofheirstodetermineto
whomtheresidueoftheestateshouldedistributed.Aseparateactionforthe
declarationofheirsisnotproper.
Andlikewiseafter,notbeforethedeclarationofheirsismademaytheresiduebe
distributedanddeliveredtotheheirs.Thesettlementofadecedentsestateisa
proceedinginremwhichisbindingagainstthewholeworld.Allpersonshavinginterest
inthesubjectmatterinvolved,whethertheywerenotifiedornot,areequallybound.
LIQUIDATION
Whenorderfordistributionofresiduemade.Whenthedebts,funeralcharges,and
expensesofadministration,
theallowancetothewidow,andinheritancetax,ifany,chargeabletotheestatein
accordancewithlaw,havebeenpaid,thecourt,ontheapplicationoftheexecutoror
administrator,orofapersoninterestedintheestate,andafterhearinguponnotice,shall
assigntheresidueoftheestatetothepersonsentitledtothesame,namingthemandthe
proportions,orparts,towhicheachisentitled,andsuchpersonmaydemandandrecover
theirrespectivesharesfromtheexecutororadministrator,oranyotherpersonhavingthe
sameinhispossession.Ifthereisacontroversybeforethecourtastowhoarethelawful
heirsofthedeceasedpersonorastothedistributivesharestowhicheachpersonis
entitledunderthelaw,thecontroversyshallbeheardanddecidedasinordinarycases.
Nodistributionshallbealloweduntilthepaymentoftheobligationsabovementioned
hasbeenmadeorprovidedfor,unlessthedistributees,oranyofthem,giveabond,ina
sumtobefixedbythecourt,conditionedforthepaymentofsaidobligationswithinsuch
timeasthecourtdirects.
Questionsastoadvancementtobedetermined.
Questionsastoadvancementmade,orallegedtohavebeenmade,bythedeceasedtoany
heirmaybeheardanddeterminedbythecourthavingjurisdictionoftheestate
proceedings;andthefinalorderofthecourtthereonshallbebindingontheperson
raisingthequestionsandontheheir.
Bywhomexpensesofpartitionpaid.Ifatthetimeofthedistributiontheexecutoror
administratorhasretainedsufficienteffectsinhishandswhichmaylawfullybeapplied
fortheexpensesofpartitionofthepropertiesdistributed,suchexpensesofpartitionmay
bepaidbysuchexecutororadministratorwhenitappearsequitabletothecourtandnot
inconsistentwiththeintentionofthetestator;otherwise,theyshallbepaidbytheparties
inproportiontotheirrespectivesharesorinterestinthepremises,andtheapportionment
shallbesettledandallowedbythecourt,and,ifanypersoninterestedinthepartition
doesnotpayhisproportionorshare,thecourtmayissueanexecutioninthenameofthe
executororadministratoragainstthepartynotpayingforthesumassessed.
PROJECTOFPARTITION
Projectofpartitionisadocumentpreparedbytheexecutororadministrator
settingforththemannerinwhichtheestateofthedeceasedistobedistributed
amongtheheirs.
Iftheestateisatestateestate,theprojectofpartitionmustconformtothe
termsofthewill;ifintestate,theprojectofpartitionmustbeinaccordancewith
theprovisionsoftheCivilCode.
REMEDYOFANHEIRENTITLEDTORESIDUE
DISTRIBUTIONANDPARTITION(RULE90)
wishes,inwhichcase,thesamevestabsolutelyinthebeneficiary.
theestatewherethedecedentdiedintestate,orwherethewillwasvoidandnotallowed
toprobate,orwherenoexecutorwasnamedinthewill,ortheexecutornamedthereinin
incompetentorrefusestoserveassuch.
Anassociationorcorporationauthorizedtoconductthebusinessofatrustcompanyin
thePhilippinesmayappointedastrusteeofanestateinthesamemannerasanindividual
(Art.1060,CC).
Anassociationorcorporationauthorizedtoconductthebusinessofatrustcompanyin
thePhilippinesmayappointedasexecutororadministratorofanestateinthesame
mannerasanindividual(Art.1060,CC).
Dutiesareusuallygovernedbytheintentionofthetrustororthepartiesifestablishedby
acontract.
Dutiesmaycoverawiderrange.
Dutiesarefixedand/orlimitedbylaw(Rule84).
Groundsforremovaloftrustee:
a)Insanity;
b)Incapabilitydischarging
oftrustorunsuitabletherefor(Sec.8,Rule
evidently
98);
c)Neglectinthe
performanceofhis
duties;
.
d) Breachoftrust
displayingawantoffidelity,notmereerrorintheadministrationofthetrust;
e) Abuseandabandonmentofthetrust;
f) Refusaltorecognizeoradministerthetrust;
g) Failureorneglector
improprietyininvestmentofthetrustestateastogiverisetowasteoftrust
property;
h) Failuretofileaccounts,andfailureofonecotrusteetokeephimselfinformed
oftheconductoftheotherintheadministrationofthetrust.
Groundsforremoval:
a)Neglecttorenderanaccountandsettletheestateaccordingtolaw;
b)Neglecttoperformanorderorjudgmentofthecourt;
c)Neglecttoperformadutyexpresslyprovidedbytheserules;
.
d) Absconds,orbecomesinsane,or
e) otherwiseincapableorunsuitabletodischargetrust;
f) (e)Fraudormisrepresentation
BUTNOTGIVENHISSHARE
.
1) Ifthereisacontroversybeforethecourtastowhoarethelawfulheirsofthe
deceasedpersonorastothedistributivesharestowhicheachpersonisentitled
underthelaw,thecontroversyshallbeheardanddecidedasinordinarycases.
2) Thebetterpracticefortheheirwhohasnotreceivedhisshareistodemandhis
sharethroughapropermotioninthesameprobateoradministrationproceedings,
orforreopeningoftheprobateoradministrativeproceedingsifithadalreadybeen
closed,andnotthroughanindependentaction,whichwouldbetriedbyanother
courtorjudge.
3) Ithasbeenheldthatanorderwhichdeterminesthedistributiveshareofthe
heirsofadeceasedpersonisappealable.Ifnotappealedwithinthereglementary
period,itbecomesfinal.
4) TheCourtallowedthecontinuationofaseparateactiontoannultheprojectof
partitionbyapreteritedheir,sincetheestateproceedingshavebeenclosedand
terminatedforoverthreeyears,andonthegroundoflesion,preteritionandfraud.
a) Tosatisfythecontributivesharesofdevisees,legateesandheirsinpossession
ofthedecedentsassets;
b) Toenforcepaymentofexpensesofpartition;and
c) Tosatisfythecostswhenapersoniscitedfor
examinationinprobateproceedings.
Requisitesforexistenceofavalidtrust:
1) Existenceofapersoncompetenttocreate;
2) Sufficientwordstocreateit;
3) Apersoncapableofholdingastrusteeaspecified
orascertainableobject;
4) Adefinitetrustres;and
5) Adeclarationofthetermsofthetrust
INSTANCESWHENPROBATECOURTMAYISSUEWRITOFEXECUTION
GENERALGUARDIANSANDGUARDIANSHIP
TRUSTEES(RULE98)
TRUSTEE
EXECUTOR/ADMINISTRATOR
Aninstrumentoragentofthecestuiquetrust,whoacquiresnobeneficialinterestinthe
estate;hemerelytookthelegalestateonlyastheproperexecutionofthetrustrequired;
and,hisestateceasesuponthefulfilmentofthetestators
Anexecutoristhepersonnamedinthewilltoadministerthedecedentsestateandcarry
outtheprovisionsthereof.
Anadministratoristhepersonappointedbythecourttoadminister
CONDITIONSOFTHEBOND
Atrusteeappointedbythecourtisrequiredtofurnishabondandthetermsofthetrustor
astatutemayprovidethatatrusteeappointedbyacourtshallberequiredtofurnisha
bondinordertoqualifyhimtoadministerthetrust.
However,thecourtmayuntilfurtherorderexemptatrusteeunderawillfromgivinga
bondwhenthetestatorhasdirectedorrequestedsuchexemptionorwhenallpersons
beneficiallyinterestedinthetrust,beingoffullage,requesttheexemption.Such
exemptionmaybecancelledbythecourtatanytime,andthetrusteerequiredto
forthwithfileabond.Ifthetrusteefailstofurnishabondasrequiredbythecourt,hefails
toqualifyassuch.Nonethelessthetrustisnotdefeatedbysuchafailuretogivebond.
Thefollowingconditionsshallbedeemedtobeapartofthebondwhetherwrittentherein
ornot:
a)Thatthetrusteewillmakeandreturntothecourt,atsuchtimeasitmayorder,atrue
inventoryofalltherealandpersonalestate
AtrusteemayberemoveduponpetitiontotheproperRTCofthepartiesbeneficially
interested,afterduenoticetothetrusteeandhearing,ifitappearsessentialintheinterests
ofthepetitioners.Thecourtmayalso,afterduenoticetoallpersonsinterested,removea
trusteewhoisinsaneorotherwiseincapableofdischarginghistrustorevidently
unsuitabletherefor.Atrustee,whetherappointedbythecourtorunderawritten
instrument,mayresignhistrustifitappearstothecourtpropertoallowsuchresignation.
Atrusteewhoseactsoromissionsaresuchastoshowawantofreasonablefidelitywill
beremovedbythecourtandwheretrustfundsaretobeinvestedbythetrustee,neglectto
investconstitutesofitselfabreachoftrust,andisagroundforremoval.
TheproperRegionalTrialCourtmay,uponpetitionofthepartiesbeneficiallyinterested
andafterduenoticetothetrusteeandhearing;removeatrusteeifsuchremovalappears
essentialintheinterestsofthepetitioners.Thecourtmayalso,afterduenoticetoall
personsinterested,removeatrusteewhoisinsaneorotherwiseincapableofdischarging
histrustorevidentlyunsuitabletherefor.Atrustee,whetherappointedbythecourtor
underawritteninstrument,mayresignhistrustifitappearstothecourtpropertoallow
suchresignation.
belongingtohimastrustee,whichatthetimeofthemakingofsuchinventoryshallhave
cometohispossessionorknowledge;
.
b) Thathewillmanageanddisposeofallsuchestate,andfaithfullydischargehis
trustinrelationthereto,accordingtolawandthewillofthetestatororthe
provisionsoftheinstrumentororderunderwhichheisappointed;
c) Thathewillrenderuponoathatleastonceayearuntilhistrustisfulfilled,
unlessheisexcusedtherefrominanyyearbythecourt,atrueaccountofthe
propertyinhishandsandofthemanagementanddispositionthereof,andwill
rendersuchotheraccountsasthecourtmayorder.
Thatattheexpirationofhistrusthewillsettlehisaccountsincourtandpayoverand
deliveralltheestateremaininginhishands,orduefromhimonsuchsettlement,tothe
personorpersonsentitledthereto.Butwhenthetrusteeisappointedasasuccessortoa
priortrustee,thecourtmaydispensewiththemakingandreturnofaninventory,ifone
hasalreadybeenfiled,andinsuchcasetheconditionofthebondshallbedeemedtobe
alteredaccordingly.Atrusteewhoseactsoromissionsaresuchastoshowawantof
reasonablefidelitywillberemovedbythecourtandwheretrustfundsaretobeinvested
bythetrustee,neglecttoinvestconstitutesofitselfabreachoftrust,andisagroundfor
removal.
EXTENTOFAUTHORITYOFTRUSTEE
AtrusteeappointedbytheRTCshallhavethesamerights,powers,anddutiesasifhe
hadbeenappointedbythetestator.Nopersonsucceedingtoatrustasexecutoror
administratorofaformertrusteeshallberequiredtoacceptsuchtrust.
Suchnewtrusteeshallhaveandexercisethesamepowers,rights,anddutiesasifhehad
beenoriginallyappointed,andthetrustestateshallvestinhiminlikemannerasithad
vestedorwouldhavevested,inthetrusteeinwhoseplaceheissubstituted;andthecourt
mayordersuchconveyancetobemadebytheformertrusteeorhisrepresentatives,orby
theotherremainingtrustees,asmaybenecessaryorpropertovestthetrustestateinthe
newtrustee,eitheraloneorjointlywiththeothers.
Escheatisaproceedingwherebytherealandpersonalpropertyofadeceasedpersonin
thePhilippines,becomethepropertyofthestateuponhisdeath,withoutleavinganywill
orlegalheirs.
REQUISITESFORTHEREMOVALANDRESIGNATIONOFATRUSTEE
GROUNDSFORREMOVALANDRESIGNATIONOFATRUSTEE
ESCHEAT(RULE91)
WHENTOFILE
Whenapersondiesintestate,seizedofrealorpersonalpropertyinthePhilippines,
leavingnoheirorpersonbylawentitledtothesame,theSolicitorGeneralorhis
representativeinbehalfoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,mayfileapetitionintheCourt
ofFirstInstanceoftheprovincewherethedeceasedlastresidedorinwhichhehad
estate,ifheresidedoutofthePhilippines,settingforththefacts,andprayingthatthe
estateofthedeceasedbedeclaredescheated.
REQUISITESFORFILINGOFPETITION
.
a) Thatapersondiedintestate;
b) Thatheleftnoheirsorpersonbylawentitledtothe
same;and
c) Thatthedeceasedleftproperties.
Ifadevisee,legatee,heir,widow,widowerorotherpersonentitledtosuchestateappears
andfilesaclaimtheretowiththecourtwithin5yearsfromthedateofsuchjudgment,
suchpersonshallhavepossessionofandtitletothesame,orifsold,themunicipalityor
cityshallbeaccountabletohimfortheproceeds,afterdeductingreasonablechargesfor
thecareoftheestate;hence,claimnotmadewithinsuchtimelimitshallforeverbe
barred.
Guardianshipisthepowerofprotectiveauthoritygivenbylawandimposedonan
individualwhoisfreeandintheenjoymentofhisrights,overonewhoseweaknesson
accountofhisageorotherinfirmityrendershimunabletoprotecthimself.Guardianship
mayalsodescribetherelationsubsistingbetweentheguardianandtheward.Itinvolves
thetakingofpossessionofanmanagementof,theestateofanotherunabletoactfor
himself.
Aguardianisapersonlawfullyinvestedwithpowerandchargedwiththedutyoftaking
careofapersonwhoforsomepeculiarityorstatusordefectofage,understandingor
selfcontrolisconsideredincapableofadministeringhisownaffairs.
Kindsofguardians:
1)Accordingtoscopeorextent
.
a) Guardianoftheperson onewhohasbeen
lawfullyinvestedwiththecareofthepersonofminorwhosefatherisdead.His
authorityisderivedoutofthatoftheparent;
b) Guardianoftheproperty thatappointedbythecourttohavethemanagement
oftheestateofaminororincompetentperson;
2)
c)Generalguardians thoseappointedbythecourttohavethecareandcustodyofthe
personandofallthepropertyoftheward.
Accordingtoconstitution
.
a) Legal thosedeemedasguardianswithoutneed
ofacourtappointment(Art.225,FamilyCourt);
b) Guardianadlitem thoseappointedbycourtsofjusticetoprosecuteordefend
aminor,insaneorpersondeclaredtobeincompetent,inanaction
incourt;and
c) Judicial thosewhoareappointedbythecourt
inpursuancetolaw,asguardianforinsanepersons,prodigals,minorheirsor
deceasedwasveteransandotherincompetentpersons.
Tohavecareandcustodyoverthepersonofhisward,and/orthemanagementofhis
estate(Sec.1);Topaythejustdebtsofhiswardoutofthelattersestate(Sec.2);
Tobringordefendsuitsinbehalfoftheward,and,withtheapprovalofthecourt,
compoundfordebtsduethewardandgivedischargestothedebtor(Sec.3);
Tomanagetheestatefrugallyandwithoutwaste,andapplytheincomeandprofitstothe
comfortableandsuitablemaintenanceofthewardandhisfamily(Sec.4);
Tosellorencumbertherealestateofthewarduponbeingauthorizedtodoso(Sec.4);
Tojoininanassenttoapartitionofrealorpersonalestateheldbythewardjointlyorin
commonwithothers(Sec.5).
Tofilewiththecourtcompleteinventoryoftheestateofthewardwithin3months;
Tofaithfullyexecutethedutiesofhistrusttomanageanddisposeoftheestateaccording
totheRulesforthebestinterestsoftheward,andtoprovidefortheproperuse,custody,
andeducationoftheward;
Torenderatrueaccountofalltheestate,andofthemanagementanddispositionofthe
same;
Tosettlehisaccountswiththecourtanddeliveroveralltheestateremaininginhishands
tothepersonentitledthereto;
Toperformallordersofthecourtbyhimtobeperformed(Sec.1;Sec.14,AM030205
SC).
REMEDYOFRESPONDENTAGAINSTPETITION;PERIODFORFILINGA
CLAIM
a)b)c)
d)
e)f)
a)b)
c)d)
e)
GENERALPOWERSANDDUTIESOFGUARDIANS(RULE96)
GUARDIANSHIP(RULES92 97)
CONDITIONSOFTHEBONDOFTHEGUARDIAN
RULEONGUARDIANSHIPOVERMINORS(AM030205SC)
Thefatherandmothershalljointlyexerciselegalguardianshipoverthepersonand
propertyoftheirunemancipatedcommonchildwithoutthenecessityofacourt
appointment.TheRuleshallbesuppletorytotheprovisionsoftheFamilyCodeon
guardianship.
Ongroundsauthorizedbylaw,anyrelativeorotherpersononbehalfofaminor,orthe
minorhimselfif14yearsofageorover,maypetitiontheFamilyCourtforthe
appointmentofageneralguardianoverthepersonorproperty,orboth,ofsuchminor.
ThepetitionmayalsobefiledbytheSecretaryofDSWDandoftheDOHinthecaseof
aninsaneminorwhoneedstobehospitalized.
Groundsofpetition:
.
a) Death,continuedabsence,orincapacityofhisparents;
b) Suspension,deprivationorterminationofparentalauthority;
c) Remarriageofhissurvivingparent,ifthelatterisfoundunsuitabletoexercise
parentalauthority;or
d) Whenthebestinterestoftheminorsorequire.
Qualificationsofguardians:
.
a) Moralcharacter;
b) Physical,mentalandpsychologicalcondition;
c) Financialstatus;
d) Relationshipoftrustwiththeminor;
e) Availabilitytoexercisethepowersanddutiesof
aguardianforthefullperiodoftheguardianship;
f) Lackofconflictofinterestwiththeminor;and
g) Abilitytomanagethepropertyoftheminor.
Orderofpreferenceintheappointmentofguardianorthepersonand/orpropertyof
minor:
.
a) TheSURVIVINGGRANDPARENTandincaseseveralgrandparentssurvive,
thecourtshallselectanyofthemtakingintoaccountallrelevantconsiderations;
b) TheOLDESTBROTHERORSISTERoftheminorover21yearsofage,
unlessunfitordisqualified;
c) TheACTUALCUSTODIANoftheminorover21yearsofage,unlessunfitor
disqualified;and
d) AnyOTHERPERSON,whointhesounddiscretionofthecourt,wouldserve
thebestinterestsoftheminor.
Factorstoconsiderindeterminingcustody:
a)Anyextrajudicialagreementwhichtheparties
mayhaveboundthemselvestocomplywithrespectingtherightsoftheminortomaintain
directcontactwiththenoncustodialparentonaregularbasis,exceptwhenthereisan
existingthreatordangerofphysical,mental,sexualoremotionalviolencewhich
endangersthesafetyandbestinterestsoftheminor;
b)Thedesireandabilityofoneparenttofosteranopenandlovingrelationshipbetween
theminorandtheotherparent;
c)Thehealth,safetyandwelfareoftheminor;
d)Anyhistoryofchildorspousalabusebythepersonseekingcustodyorwhohashad
anyfilialrelationshipwiththeminor,includinganyone
courtingtheparent;
e)Thenatureandfrequencyofcontactwithboth
parents;
f)Habitualuseofalcohol,dangerousdrugsor
regulatedsubstances;
g)Maritalmisconduct;
h)Themostsuitablephysical,emotional,spiritual,
psychologicalandeducationalenvironmentfortheholisticdevelopmentandgrowthof
theminor;and
i)Thepreferenceoftheminorover7yearsofageandofsufficientdiscernment,unless
theparentchosenisunfit(Sec.14,AMNo.030404SC).
Thecourtshallorderasocialworkertoconductacasestudyoftheminorandallthe
prospectiveguardiansandsubmithisreportandrecommendationtothecourtforits
guidancebeforethescheduledhearing.
Adoptionisajuridicalactwhichcreatesbetweentwopersonsarelationshipsimilar
tothatwhichresultsfromlegitimatepaternity.
Adoptionisajuridicalact,aproceedinginrem,whichcreatesbetweenthetwo
personsarelationshipsimilartothatwhichresultsfromlegitimatepaternityandfiliation.
Adoptionisnotanadversarialproceeding.Anadversarialproceedingisonehaving
opposingparties,contested,asdistinguishedfromanexparteapplication,oneofwhich
thepartyseekingreliefhasgivenlegalwarningtotheotherpartyandaffordedthelatter
anopportunitytocontestitexcludesanadoptionproceeding.Inadoption,thereisno
particulardefendanttospeakofsincetheproceedinginvolvesthestatusofapersonit
beinganactioninrem.
ADOPTION(RULES99
100,SUPERSEDEDBYAM02602SC)
DOMESTICADOPTION
INTERCOUNTRYADOPTION
GovernedbyRA8552,theDomesticAdoptionActof1998;proceduregovernedbyAM
No.020602SC,Aug.22,2002.
GovernedbyRA8043,theInterCountryAdoptionActof1995;proceduregovernedby
theAmendedImplementingRulesandRegulationsonICAA.
AppliestodomesticadoptionofFilipinochildren,wheretheentireadoptionprocess
beginningfromthefilingofthepetitionuptotheissuanceoftheadoptiondecreetakes
placeinthePhilippines.
AppliestoadoptionofaFilipinochildinaforeigncountry,wherethepetitionfor
adoptionisfiled,thesupervisedtrialcustodyisundertakenandthedecreeofadoptionis
issuedoutsideofthePhilippines.
Whomaybeadopted
Whomaybeadopted
Achildlegallyavailableforadoption.Requisites:
.
a) Below18yearsofage;and
b) Judiciallydeclaredavailableforadoption.
c) Exceptions:
d) Legitimateson/daughterofonespouseby
theotherspouse;
e) Illegitimateson/daughterbyaqualified
adopter;
f) Personoflegalageif,priortotheadoption
saidpersonhasbeenconsistentlyconsideredandtreatedbytheadopter/sashis/herown
childsinceminority.
Onlyalegallyfreechildmaybeadopted.Requisites:
.
a) Below15yearsofage;and
b) Hasbeenvoluntarilyorinvoluntarilycommittedtothe
DSWDinaccordancewithPD603.
Whomayadopt
Whomayadopt
A.FILIPINOCITIZENS
.
1) Oflegalage;
2) Inpossessionoffullcivilcapacityandlegal
rights;
3) Ofgoodmoralcharacter;
4) Hasnotbeenconvictedofanycrime
involvingmoralturpitude;
5) Emotionallyandpsychologicallycapable
ofcaringforchildren;
6) Inapositiontosupportandcarefor
his/herchildreninkeepingwiththemeans
ofthefamily;
7) Atleast16yearsolderthantheadoptee
butthislatterrequirementmaybewaivedif(a)theadopteristhebiologicalparent
oftheadoptee;or(b)theadopteristhespouseoftheadopteesparent;and
8) PermanentresidentofthePhilippines.
B.ALIENS
.
1) Samequalificationsasabove,andinaddition:
2) His/hercountryhasdiplomaticrelationswiththeRepublicofthePhilippines;
3) His/hergovernmentallowstheadopteetoenterhis/hercountryashis/her
adoptedson/daughter;
4) HasbeenlivinginthePhilippinesforatleast3continuousyearspriortothe
filingoftheapplicationforadoptionandmaintainssuchresidenceuntilthe
adoptiondecreeisentered;and
5) Hasbeencertifiedbyhis/herdiplomaticorconsularofficeoranyappropriate
governmentagencythathe/shehasthelegalcapacitytoadoptinhis/hercountry.
Thisrequirementmaybewaivedif(a)aformerFilipinocitizensseekstoadopta
A.FILIPINOCITIZENS
.
1) Permanentresidentofaforeigncountry;
2) Hasthecapacitytoactandassumeallrightsandresponsibilitiesofparental
authorityunderPhilippine
laws;
3) Hasundergonetheappropriatecounselingfroman
accreditedcounselorincountryofdomicile;
4) Hasnotbeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoral
turpitude;
5) EligibletoadoptunderPhilippinelaws;
6) Inapositiontoprovidethepropercareandsupport
andtogivethenecessarymoralvaluesandexampleto
allhischildren,includingthechildtobeadopted;
7) AgreestoupholdthebasicrightsofthechildasembodiedunderPhilippine
laws,theUNConventiononRightsoftheChild,andtoabidebytherulesand
regulationsissuedtoimplementtheprovisionsofthe
ICAA;
8) ResidinginacountrywithwhomthePhilippineshas
diplomaticrelationsandwhosegovernmentmaintainsasimilarlyauthorizedand
accreditedagencyandthatadoptionisallowedinthatcountry;
.
9) Possessesallthequalificationsandnoneofthedisqualificationsprovidedin
theICAAandinotherapplicablePhilippinelaws;
10) Atleast27yearsofageatthetimeoftheapplication;and
11) Atleast16yearsolderthanthechildtobeadoptedatthetimeofapplication,
unless(a)adoptedistheparentbynatureofthechildtobeadopted;or(b)adopter
isthespouseoftheparentbynatureofthechildtobeadopted.
B.ALIENS
.
1) Atleast27yearsofageatthetimeoftheapplication;
2) Atleast16yearsolderthanthechildtobeadoptedatthetimeofapplication
unlesstheadopteristheparentbynatureofthechildtobeadoptedorthespouse
of
relativewithinthe4thdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity;(b)oneseekstoadoptthe
legitimateson/daughterofhis/herFilipinospouse;(c)onewhoismarriedtoaFilipino
citizenandseekstoadoptarelativewithinthe4thdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinityof
theFilipinospouse.
suchparent;
.
3) Hasthecapacitytoactandassumeallrightsand
responsibilitiesofparentalauthorityunderhisnational
laws;
4) Hasundergonetheappropriatecounselingfroman
accreditedcounselorinhis/hercountry;
5) Hasnotbeenconvictedofacrimeinvolvingmoral
turpitude;
6) Eligibletoadoptunderhis/hernationallaw;
7) Inapositiontoprovidethepropercareandsupport
andtogivethenecessarymoralvaluesandexampleto
allhischildren,includingthechildtobeadopted;
8) AgreestoupholdthebasicrightsofthechildasembodiedunderPhilippine
laws,theUNConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andtoabidebytherulesand
regulationsissuedtoimplementtheprovisionsof
theICAA;
9) ComesfromacountrywithwhomthePhilippineshas
diplomaticrelationsandwhosegovernmentmaintainsasimilarlyauthorizedand
accreditedagencyandthatadoptionisallowedunderhis/hernationallaws;and
10) Possessesallthequalificationsandnoneofthedisqualificationsprovidedin
theICAAandinotherapplicablePhilippinelaws.
RequirementofJointAdoptionbySpouses
RequirementofJointAdoptionbySpouses
Generalrule:husbandandwifeshalljointlyadopt;otherwise,theadoptionshallnotbe
allowed.Exceptions:
.
1) Ifonespouseseekstoadoptthelegitimateson/daughteroftheother;
2) Ifonespouseseekstoadopthis/herownillegitimateson/daughterbuttheother
spousemustgivehis/herconsent;
3) Ifthespousesarelegallyseparatedfromeachother.
Rule:iftheadopterismarried,his/herspousemustjointlyfilefortheadoption.
Procedure
Procedure
Wheretofileapplication:IntheFamilyCourtoftheprovinceorcitywherethe
prospectiveparentsreside.
Afterfiling:Thepetitionshallnotbesetforhearingwithoutacasestudyreportbya
licensedsocialworker.
SupervisedTrialCustody:
.
a) Temporaryparentalauthorityisvestedin
prospectiveadopter;
b) Periodisatleast6months,butmaybe
reducedbythecourtmotupropioorupon
motion;
c) Ifadopterisalien,thelawmandatorily
requirescompletionofthe6monthtrialcustodyandmaynotbereduced,except
if:
.
1) aformerFilipinocitizenseeksto
adoptarelativewithin4thdegreeof
consanguinityoraffinity;
2) oneseekstoadoptthelegitimate
son/daughterofhis/herFilipino
Wheretofileapplication:Eitherin(a)FamilyCourthavingjurisdictionovertheplace
wherethechildresidesormaybefound,or(b)InterCountryAdoptionBoard(ICAB)
throughanintermediateagency,whethergovernmentaloranauthorizedandaccredited
agency,inthecountryoftheprospectiveadoptiveparents.
Afterfiling:
.
a) iffiledintheFC,courtdeterminessufficiencyof
petitioninrespecttoformandsubstance,afterwhich,
petitionistransmittedtoICAB;
b) ifpetitionisalreadywithICAB,itconductsmatching
oftheapplicantwithanadoptivechild;
c) aftermatchmaking,thechildispersonallyfetchedby
theapplicantforthetrialcustodywhichtakesplaceoutsideofthePhilippines.
SupervisedTrialCustody:
.
a) Thisprocesstakesplaceoutsideofthecountryand
underthesupervisionoftheforeignadoptionagency;
b) Foraperiodof6months;
c) Ifunsuccessful,ICABshalllookforanother
spouse;
3)onewhoismarriedtoaFilipino
citizenandseekstoadoptjointlywithhis/herspousearelativewithinthe4thdegreeof
consanguinityoraffinityoftheFilipinospouse.
DecreeofAdoption:IssuedbyPhilippineFamilyCourt.
ConsentRequired:Writtenconsentofthefollowingtotheadoptionisrequired,inthe
formofaffidavit:
.
1) adoptee,if10yearsofageorover;
2) biologicalparent/softhechild,ifknown,or
thelegalguardian,orthepropergovernmentinstrumentalitywhichhaslegal
custodyofthechild;
3) legitimateandadoptedsonsordaughters,10yearsofageorover,ofthe
adopter/sandadoptee,ifany;
4) illegitimatesons/daughters,10yearsofageofover,oftheadopterifliving
withsaidadopterandthelattersspouse,ifany;
5) spouse,ifany,ofthepersonadoptingortobeadopted.
prospectiveapplicant.Repatriationofthechildistobe
resortedonlyasalastresort;
d)Ifsuccessful,ICABtransmitsawrittenconsentforthe
adoptiontobeexecutedbytheDSWD,andtheapplicantthenfilesapetitionforadoption
inhis/hercountry.
DecreeofAdoption:Issuedbyaforeigncourt.ConsentRequired:
.
1) Writtenconsentofbiologicaloradoptedchildrenabove10yearsofage,inthe
formofswornstatementisrequiredtobeattachedtotheapplicationtobefiled
withtheFCorICAB;
.
2) Ifasatisfactorypreadoptiverelationshipisformedbetweentheapplicantand
thechild,thewrittenconsenttotheadoptionexecutedbytheDSWDisrequired.
DOMESTICADOPTIONACT(RA8552;AM020602SC)
EFFECTSOFADOPTION
Transferofparentalauthority exceptincaseswherethebiologicalparentisthespouse
oftheadopter,theparentalauthorityofthebiologicalparentsshallterminateandthe
sameshallbevestedintheadopters.
Legitimacy theadopteeshallbeconsideredthelegitimateson/daughterofthe
adopter(s)forallintentsandpurposesandassuchisentitledtoalltherightsand
obligationsprovidedbylawtolegitimatesons/daughtersborntothemwithout
discriminationofanykind.
Successionalrights
.
a) Inlegalandintestatesuccession,theadopter(s)andtheadopteeshallhave
reciprocalrightsofsuccessionwithoutdistinctionfromlegitimatefiliation;
b) However,iftheadopteeandhis/herbiologicalparent(s)hadleftawill,thelaw
ontestamentarysuccessionshallgovern;
c) Theadopteeremainsanintestateheirofhis/herbiologicalparent.
Issuanceofnewcertificateandfirstnameandsurnameofadoptee
a) Theadoptiondecreeshallstatethenamebywhichthechildistobeknown.An
amendedcertificateofbirthshallbeissuedbytheCivilRegistryattestingtothe
factthattheadopteeisthechildoftheadopter(s)bybeingregisteredwithhis/her
surname;
b) Theoriginalcertificateofbirthshallbestampedcancelled withthe
annotationoftheissuanceofanamendedbirthcertificateinitsplaceandshallbe
sealedinthecivilregistryrecords.Thenewbirthcertificatetobeissuedtothe
adopteeshallnotbearanynotationthatitisanamendedissue;
c) Allrecords,books,andpapersrelatingtotheadoptioncasesinthefilesofthe
court,theDSWD,oranyotheragencyorinstitutionparticipatingintheadoption
proceedingsshallbekeptstrictlyconfidentialandthecourtmayorderitsrelease
underthefollowingconditionsonly:(1)thedisclosureoftheinformationtoathird
personisnecessaryforpurposesconnectedwithorarisingoutoftheadoption;(2)
thedisclosurewillbeforthebestinterestoftheadoptee;and(3)thecourtmay
restrictthepurposesforwhichitmaybeused.
Groundsforrescission:
INSTANCESWHENADOPTIONMAYBERESCINDED
a)Repeatedphysicalandverbalmaltreatmentby
BESTINTERESTOFTHEMINOR STANDARD
Incaseofcustodycasesofminorchildren,thecourtafterhearingandbearinginmindthe
bestinterestoftheminor,shallawardthecustodyaswillbefortheminorsbestinterests.
Bestinterestsofthechild meansthetotalityofthecircumstancesandconditionsasare
mostcongenialtothesurvival,protection,andfeelingsofsecurityofthechildandmost
encouragingtohisphysical,psychological,andemotionaldevelopment.Italsomeansthe
leastdetrimentalavailablealternativeforsafeguardingthegrowthanddevelopmentof
thechild.
Writofhabeascorpusisawritwhichhasbeenesteemedtothebestandonlysufficient
defenseofpersonalfreedomhavingforitsobjectthespeedyreleasebyjudicialdecreeof
personswhoareillegallyrestrainedoftheirliberty,orillegallydetainedfromthecontrol
ofthosewhoareentitledtotheircustody.
Thewritofhabeascorpusshallextendtoallcasesofillegalconfinementordetentionby
whichanypersonisdeprivedofhisliberty,orbywhichtherightfulcustodyofany
personiswithheldfromthepersonentitledthereto.Thefunctionofthespecial
proceedingofhabeascorpusistoinquireintothelegalityofonesdetention.
Inallpetitionsforhabeascorpus,thecourtmustinquireintoeveryphaseandaspectof
thepetitionersdetentionfromthemomentpetitionerwastakenintocustodyuptothe
momentthecourtpassesuponthemeritsofthepetitionandonlyaftersuchscrutinycan
thecourtsatisfyitselfthatthedueprocessclauseoftheConstitutionhasbeensatisfied.
However,oncethepersondetainedisdulychargedincourt,hemaynolongerquestion
hisdetentionbyapetitionfortheissuanceofawritofhabeascorpus.Hisremedythenis
thequashaloftheinformationand/orthewarrantofarrestdulyissued.Thereasonforthe
issuanceofthewritevenbecomesmoreunavailingwhenthepersondetainedfilesabond
forhistemporaryrelease.
Habeascorpusmaynotbeusedasameansofobtainingevidenceonthewhereaboutsofa
person,orasameansoffindingoutwhohasspecificallyabductedorcausedthe
disappearanceofacertainperson.
Thewritsofhabeascorpusandcertiorarimaybeancillarytoeachotherwherenecessary
togiveeffecttothesupervisorypowersofthehighercourts.Awritofhabeascorpus
reachesthebodyandthejurisdictional
theadopter(s)despitehaving
undergone
counselling;
b) Attemptonthelifeoftheadoptee;
c) Sexualassaultorviolence;or
d) Abandonmentandfailuretocomplywith
parentalobligations.
Prescriptiveperiod:
.
a) Ifincapacitated withinfive(5)yearsafterhereachestheageofmajority;
b) Ifincompetentatthetimeoftheadoption withinfive(5)yearsafterrecovery
fromsuchincompetency.
EFFECTSOFRESCISSIONOFADOPTION
.
1) Parentalauthorityoftheadopteesbiologicalparent(s),ifknown,orthelegal
custodyoftheDSWDshallberestorediftheadopteeisstillaminoror
incapacitated;
2) Reciprocalrightsandobligationsoftheadopter(s)andtheadopteetoeach
othershallbeextinguished;
3) Cancellationoftheamendedcertificateofbirthoftheadopteeandrestoration
ofhis/heroriginalbirthcertificate;and
4) Successionrightsshallreverttoitsstatuspriortoadoption,butonlyasofthe
dateofjudgmentofjudicialrescission.Vestedrightsacquiredpriortojudicial
rescissionshallberespected.
INTERCOUNTRYADOPTION(RA8043)
InterCountryAdoptionreferstothesociolegalprocessofadoptingaFilipinochildbya
foreigneroraFilipinocitizenpermanentlyresidingabroadwherethepetitionisfiled,the
supervisedtrialcustodyisundertaken,andthedecreeofadoptionisissuedinthe
Philippines.
Intercountryadoptionsareallowedwhenthesameshallprovebeneficialto
thechildsbestinterests,andshallserveandprotecthis/herfundamentalrights.
ItisallowedwhenalltherequirementsandstandardssetforthunderRA
8043arecompliedwith.
AnapplicationtoadoptaFilipinochildshallbefiledeitherwiththePhilippineRegional
TrialCourthavingjurisdictionoverthechild,orwiththeBoard,throughanintermediate
agency,whethergovernmentaloranauthorizedandaccreditedagency,inthecountryof
theprospectiveadoptiveparents,whichapplicationshallbeinaccordancewiththe
requirementsassetforthintheimplementingrulesandregulations.
WRITOFHABEASCORPUS(RULE102)
WHENALLOWED
FUNCTIONSOFTHERTC
matters,butnottherecord.Awritofcertiorarireachestherecordbutnotthebody.
Hence,awritofhabeascorpusmaybeusedwiththewritofcertiorariforthepurposeof
review.
Thegeneralruleisthattherelease,whetherpermanentortemporary,ofadetainedperson
rendersthepetitionforhabeascorpusmootandacademic,unlesstherearerestraints
attachedtohisreleasewhichprecludesfreedomofaction,inwhichcasetheCourtcan
stillinquireintothenatureofhisinvoluntaryrestraint.Petitionerstemporaryreleasedoes
notrenderthepetitionforwritmootandacademic.
Someinstanceswhenthewritmayissue:
.
1) Toinquireintothelegalityofanorderof
confinementbyacourtmartial.
2) Totestthelegalityofanaliensconfinementand
proposedexpulsionfromthePhilippines.
3) Toenableparentstoregaincustodyofaminorchild,evenifthelatterbeinthe
custodyofa
thirdpersonofherownfreewill.
4) Toobtainfreedomforanaccusedconfinedfor
failuretopostbailwheretheprosecutingofficerunreasonablydelaystrialby
continuedpostponement.
5) Togiveretroactiveeffecttoapenalprovisionfavorabletotheaccusedwhen
thetrialjudgehaslostjurisdictionbyvirtueofthefinalityofthejudgmentof
conviction.
6) Todeterminetheconstitutionalityofastatute.
7) TopermitanalientolandinthePhilippines.
8) Toputanendtoanimmoralsituation,aswhen
aminorgirl,althoughpreferringtostaywithher
employer,maintainsillicitrelationshipwithhim.
9) Whenabondgivenbyanaccusedentitledtheretoisnotadmittedorexcessive
bailis
requiredofhim.
.
10) Todeterminethelegalityofanextradition.
11) Todeterminethelegalityoftheactionofa
legislativebodyinpunishingacitizenfor
contempt.
12) Toobtainfreedomafterservingminimum
sentencewhenthepenaltyunderanoldlawhasbeenreducedbyanamendatory
law.
(Note:forCONTENTSOFTHEPETITIONandCONTENTSOFTHERETURNof
HabeasCorpus,pleaseseethetablebelow)
WHENNOTPROPER/APPLICABLE
Instanceswhenthewritofhabeascorpusisnotproperare:
.
a) Forassertingorvindicatingdenialofrighttobail;
b) Forcorrectingerrorsinappreciationoffactsorappreciationoflaw wherethe
trialcourthadnojurisdictionoverthecause,overthepersonoftheaccused,and
toimposethepenaltyprovidedforbylaw,themistakecommittedbythetrial
court,intheappreciationofthefactsand/orintheappreciationofthelawcannot
becorrectedbyhabeascorpus;
c) Onceapersondetainedisdulychargedincourt,hemaynolongerfilea
petitionforhabeascorpus.Hisremedywouldbetoquashtheinformationor
warrant.
WHENWRITDISALLOWED/DISCHARGED
Ifitappearsthatthepersonallegedtoberestrainedofhislibertyisinthecustodyofan
officerunderprocessissuedbyacourtorjudgeorbyvirtueofajudgmentororderofa
courtofrecord,andthatthecourtorjudgehadjurisdictiontoissuetheprocess,renderthe
judgment,ormaketheorder,thewritshallnotbeallowed;orifthejurisdictionappears
afterthewritisallowed,thepersonshallnotbedischargedbyreasonofanyinformality
ordefectintheprocess,judgment,ororder.Norshallanythinginthisrulebeheldto
authorizethedischargeofapersonchargedwithorconvictedofanoffenseinthe
Philippines,orofapersonsufferingimprisonmentunderlawfuljudgment.
PEREMPTORYWRIT
PRELIMINARYCITATION
Unconditionallycommandstherespondenttohavethebodyofthedetainedpersonbefore
thecourtatatimeandplacethereinspecified;
Requirestherespondenttoappearandshowcausewhytheperemptorywritshouldnotbe
granted
WRITOFHABEASCORPUS
WRITOFAMPARO
WRITOFHABEASDATA
Aremedyavailabletoanyperson,itcoverscasesofillegalconfinementordetentionby
whichanypersonisdeprivedofhisliberty,orbywhichtherightfulcustodyofany
personiswithheldfromthepersonentitledthereto.
Aremedyavailabletoanypersonwhoserighttolife,libertyandsecurityisviolatedor
threatenedwithviolationbyanunlawfulactoromissionofapublicofficialoremployee,
orofaprivateindividualorentity.Thewritcovers
Aremedyavailabletoanypersonwhose
righttoprivacyinlife,libertyorsecurityisviolatedorthreatenedbyanunlawfulactor
omissionofapublicofficialoremployee,orofaprivateindividualorentityengagedin
thegathering,collectingorstoringofdataorinformationregarding
extrajudicialkillingsandenforceddisappearancesorthreatsthereof.
Itisaformofconstitutionalrelief.
theperson,family,homeandcorrespondenceoftheaggrievedparty.
Whomayfilepetition:
Bythepartyforwhosereliefitisintended,orbysomepersononhisbehalf.
Whomayfile(inorder):
.
a) Anymemberoftheimmediatefamily:spouse,childrenandparentsofthe
aggrievedparty;
b) Anyascendant,descendantorcollateralrelativeofaggrievedpartywithinthe
4thcivildegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity;
c) Anyconcernedcitizen,organization,associationorinstitution,ifnoknown
memberofimmediatefamily.
Filingbytheaggrievedpartysuspendstherightofallotherauthorizedpersontofile
suchpetition.
Whomayfile(inorder):
.
a) Anymemberoftheimmediatefamily:spouse,childrenandparentsofthe
aggrievedparty;
b) Anyascendant,descendantorcollateralrelativeofaggrievedpartywithinthe
4thcivildegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity.
Wheretofile:
RTC,enforceablewithinitsareaofjurisdiction.CAorSC,enforceableanywhereinthe
Philippines.
Wheretofile:
RTC,Sandiganbayan,CA,SC;WritisenforceableanywhereinthePhilippines.
Wheretofile:
RTC,SC,CA,Sandiganbayan;WritisalsoenforceableanywhereinthePhilippines.
Whereisthevenue:
IffiledintheRTC:
.
a) intheplacewherethepetitioner
resides;
b) intheplacewheretherespondents
reside;
c) intheplacewherethedataor
informationisgathered,collectedor
stored.
Attheoptionofthepetitioner
Petitionerisexemptedtopaydocketandotherlawfulfees.
Indigentpetitionerisexemptedtopaydocketandotherlawfulfees.
Whenissued:
Forthwithwhenapetitionthereforispresentedanditappearsthatthewritoughttoissue,
Whenissued:
Immediatelyifonitsfaceitoughttobeissued;Servedimmediately;Summaryhearing
setnotlaterthanseven(7)daysfromdateofissuance.
Whenissued:
Immediatelyifonitsfaceitoughttobeissued;Servedwithin3daysfromissuance;
Summaryhearingsetnotlaterthanten(10)workdaysfromdateofissuance.
Contentsofverifiedpetition:
a)Thatthepersoninwhosebehalftheapplicationismadeisimprisonedorrestrainedof
hisliberty;
.
b) Theofficerornameofthepersonbywhomheissoimprisonedorrestrained;
or,ifbothareunknownoruncertain,suchofficerorpersonmaybedescribedby
anassumedappellation,andthepersonwhoisservedwiththewritshallbe
deemedthepersonintended;
c) Theplacewhereheissoimprisonedorrestrained,if
.
a) Personalcircumstancesofpetitionerandofrespondentresponsibleforthe
threat,actoromission;
b) Violatedorthreatenedrighttolife,libertyandsecurityofaggrievedparty,and
howcommittedwithattendancecircumstancesdetailedinsupportingaffidavits;
c) Investigationconducted,specifyingnames,personalcircumstancesand
addressesofinvestigatingauthorityorindividuals,aswellasmannerandconduct
ofinvestigation
a)Personalcircumstancesofpetitionerandrespondent;
.
b) Themannertherighttoprivacyisviolatedorthreatenedandhowitaffectsthe
righttolife,libertyorsecurityofaggrievedparty;
c) Actionsandrecoursestakenbypetitionertosecurethedataorinformation;
d) Locationoffiles,registersordatabases,governmentoffice,andthepersonin
charge,inpossessionorincontrolofthedataorinformation,ifknown;
e) Reliefsprayedfor,whichmayincludetheupdating,rectification,suppression
known;
d)Acopyofthecommitmentor
causeofdetentionofsuchperson,ifitcanbeprocuredwithoutimpairingtheefficiency
oftheremedy;or,iftheimprisonmentorrestraintiswithoutanylegalauthority,suchfact
shallappear
togetherwithanyreport;
.
d) Actionsandrecoursestakenbypetitionertodeterminethefateorwhereabouts
ofaggrievedpartyandidentityofpersonresponsibleforthethreat,actor
omission;and
e) Thereliefprayedfor.
f) Mayincludegeneralprayerfor
otherjustandequitablereliefs.
ordestructionofthedatabaseorinformationorfileskeptbyrespondent;
.
f) Incaseofthreats,reliefmayincludeaprayerforanorderenjoiningtheact
complainedof;and
g) Suchotherreliefsasarejustandequitable.
Contentsofreturn:
.
a) Whetherhehasorhasnotthepartyinhiscustodyorpower,orunderrestraint;
b) Ifhehasthepartyinhiscustodyorpower,orunderrestraint,theauthorityand
thetrueandwholecausethereof,setforthatlarge,withacopyofthewrit,order,
execution,orotherprocess,ifany,uponwhichthepartyisheld;
c) Ifthepartyisinhiscustodyorpowerorisrestrainedbyhim,
andisnotproduced,particularlythenatureandgravityofthesicknessorinfirmityof
suchpartybyreasonofwhichhecannot,withoutdanger,bebroughtbeforethecourtor
judge;
d)Ifhehashadthepartyinhiscustodyorpower,orunderrestraint,andhastransferred
suchcustodyorrestrainttoanother,particularlytowhom,atwhattime,forwhatcause,
andbywhatauthoritysuchtransferwasmade.
Contentsofreturn:
Within72hoursafterserviceofthewrit,respondentshallfileaverifiedwrittenreturn
togetherwiththesupportingaffidavits,whichshallcontain:
a) Lawfuldefenses;
b) Stepsoractionstakento
determinewhereaboutsof
aggrievedparty;
c) Allrelevantinformation
pertainingtothreat,actoromissionagainstaggrievedparty;
d) Ifrespondentisapublicofficial
oremployee,furtherstate:
.
1) verifytheidentityof
aggrieved;
2) recoverandpreserve
evidencerelatedtodeathordisappearanceofpersonidentifiedinpetition;
3) identifywitnessesandtheirstatements;
4) determinecause,manner,locationandtimeofdeathordisappearanceaswell
aspatternorpractice;
5) identifyandapprehendperson/sinvolvedinthedeath/disappearance;
6) bringsuspectedoffendersbeforeacompetentcourt.
Contentsofreturn:
a)Lawfuldefensessuchasnationalsecurity,statesecrets,privilegedcommunications,
confidentialityofsourceofinformation;
b) Disclosureofdata/infoaboutpetitioner,natureofdata/info,purposeof
collection;
c) Stepsoractionstakenbyrespondenttoensuresecurityandconfidentialityof
dataorinformation;
d) Currencyandaccuracyofdataorinformation;
e) Otherallegationsrelevanttoresolutionoftheproceedings.
*Ageneraldenialoftheallegationsinthepetitionisnotallowed.
Effectsoffailuretofilereturn:
Thecourt,justiceorjudgeshallproceedtohearthepetitionexparte.
Effectsoffailuretofilereturn:
Thecourt,justiceorjudgeshallproceedtohearthepetitionexparte,grantingthe
petitionersuchreliefasthepetitionmaywarrantunlessthecourtinitsdiscretionrequires
petitionertosubmitevidence.
Procedureforhearing:
Thehearingonthepetitionshallbesummary.Howeverthecourt,justiceorjudgemay
callforapreliminaryconferencetosimplifytheissuesanddeterminethepossibilityof
obtainingstipulationsandadmissionsfromtheparties.Thehearingshallbefromdayto
dayuntilcompletedandgiventhesame
Procedureforhearing:
Thehearingonthepetitionshallbesummary.Howeverthecourt,justiceorjudgemay
callforapreliminaryconferencetosimplifytheissuesanddeterminethepossibilityof
obtainingstipulationsandadmissionsfromtheparties.
priorityaspetitionsforhabeascorpus.
Interimreliefsavailablebeforefinaljudgment:
.
a) )TemporaryProtectionOrder
protectedinagovernmentagencyofbyanaccreditedpersonorprivateinstitution
capableofkeepingandsecuringtheirsafety;
b) InspectionOrder withalifetimeof5dayswhichmaybeextended,maybe
opposedonthegroundofnationalsecurityorprivilegedinformation,allowsentry
intoandinspect,measure,surveyorphotographtheproperty;
c) ProductionOrder torequirerespondentstoproduceandpermitinspection,
copyingorphotographingofdocuments,papers,books,accounts,letters,
photographs,objectsortangiblethingsthatcontainevidence.
d) WitnessProtectionOrder thecourtmayreferthewitnessedtotheDOJ
(Notapplicable)
Effectoffilingcriminalaction:
Acriminalactionfirstfiledexcludesthefilingofthewrit;reliefshallbebymotioninthe
criminalcase.Acriminalcasefiledsubsequentlyshallbeconsolidatedwiththepetition
forthewritofamparo.
Effectoffilingcriminalaction:
Acriminalactionfirstfiledexcludesthefilingofthewrit;reliefshallbebymotioninthe
criminalcase;Acriminalcasefiledsubsequentlyshallbeconsolidatedwiththepetition
forthewritofhabeasdata.
Appeal:
TotheSCunderRule45,within48hoursfromnoticeofjudgment.Awritofhabeas
corpusdoesnotliewherepetitionerhastheremedyofappealorcertioraribecauseitwill
notbepermittedtoperformthefunctionsofawritoferrororappealforthepurposeof
reviewingmereerrorsorirregularitiesintheproceedingsofacourthavingjurisdiction
overthepersonandthesubjectmatter.
Appeal:
TotheSCunderRule45,within5daysfromnoticeofadversejudgment,tobegiventhe
samepriorityashabeascorpuscases.
Appeal:
Anypartymayappealthedecisionwithin5workingdaysfromthefinaljudgmentor
ordertotheSCbywayofPetitionforReviewonCertiorariunderRule45onpure
questionsoflawandfactsorboth,tobegiventhesamepriorityashabeascorpusand
amparocases.
Quantumofproof:
Bysubstantialevidence.Privaterespondenttoproveordinarydiligencewasobservedin
theperformanceofduty.Publicofficial/employeerespondenttoproveextraordinary
diligencewasobserved,andcannotinvokethepresumptionthatofficialdutyhasbeen
regularlyperformedtoevaderesponsibilityorliability.
Quantumofproof:
Thecourtshallrenderjudgmentwithin10daysfromthetimethepetitionissubmittedfor
decision.Iftheallegationsareprovenbysubstantialevidence,thecourtshallenjointhe
actcomplainedof,orthedeletion,destruction,orrectificationoftheerroneousdataor
informationandgrantotherreliefsasmaybejustandequitable;otherwisetheprivilege
shallbedenied.
RULESONCUSTODYOFMINORSANDWRITOFHABEASCORPUSIN
RELATIONTOCUSTODYOFMINORS(AMNO.030404SC)
WRITOFAMPARO
SEARCHWARRANT
IssuanceoftheWrit.
Uponthefilingofthepetition,thecourt,justiceorjudgeshallimmediatelyorderthe
issuanceofthewritifonitsfaceitoughttoissue.Theclerkofcourtshallissuethewrit
underthesealofthecourt;orincaseofurgentnecessity,thejusticeorthejudgemay
issuethewritinhisorherownhand,andmaydeputize
anyofficerorpersontoserveit.Thewritshallalsosetthedateandtimeforsummary
hearingofthepetitionwhichshallnotbelaterthanseven(7)daysfromthedateofits
issuance.
Requisitesforissuingsearchwarrant
Asearchwarrantshallnotissueexceptuponprobablecauseinconnectionwithone
specificoffensetobedeterminedpersonallybythejudgeafterexaminationunderoathor
affirmationofthecomplainantandthewitnesshemayproduce,andparticularly
describingtheplacetobesearchedandthethingstobeseizedwhichmaybeanywherein
thePhilippines.
TheFamilyCourthasexclusiveoriginaljurisdictiontohearpetitionsforcustodyof
minorsandtheissuanceofthewritofhabeascorpusinrelationtocustodyofminors.The
Courtistaskedwiththedutyofpromulgatingspecialrulesorprocedureforthe
dispositionoffamilycaseswiththebestinterestsoftheminorasprimaryconsideration,
takingintoaccounttheUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Itshould
beclarifiedthatthewritisissuedbytheFamilyCourtonlyinrelationtocustodyof
minors.AnordinarypetitionforhabeascorpusshouldbefiledintheregularCourt.The
issueofchildcustodymaybetackledbytheFamilyCourtwithoutneedofaseparate
petitionforcustodybeingfiled.
TheCommitteechosethephraseanypersonclaimingcustody asitisbroadenoughto
coverthefollowing:(a)theunlawfuldeprivationofthecustodyofaminor;or(b)which
parentshallhavethecareandcustodyofaminor,whensuchparentisinthemidstof
nullity,annulmentorlegalseparationproceedings.
Thehearingsoncustodyofminorsmay,atthediscretionofthecourt,beclosedtothe
publicandtherecordsofthecaseshallnotbereleasedtononpartieswithoutits
approval.
Amotiontodismissthepetitionisnotallowedexceptonthegroundoflackof
jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterorovertheparties.Anyothergroundthatmight
warrantthedismissalofthepetitionshallberaisedasanaffirmativedefenseinthe
answer.
Uponthefilingoftheverifiedansweroftheexpirationoftheperiodtofileit,thecourt
mayorderasocialworkertomakeacasestudyoftheminorandthepartiesandtosubmit
areportandrecommendationtothecourtatleastthreedaysbeforethescheduledpre
trial.
HoldDepartureOrder Theminorchildsubjectofthepetitionshallnotbebroughtout
ofthecountrywithoutpriororderfromthecourtwhilethepetitionispending.Thecourt
motupropiooruponapplicationunderoathmayissueexparteaholddepartureorder
addressedtotheBIDoftheDOJacopyoftheholddepartureorderwithin24hoursfrom
itsissuanceandthroughthefastestavailablemeansoftransmittal.
OMNIBUSWAIVERRULE
DefensesNotPleadedDeemedWaived Alldefensesshallberaisedinthereturn,
otherwise,theyshallbedeemedwaived.
Scopeofwrit;Availabilityofwrit;DistinguishfromHabeasCorpusandAmparo;Who
mayfile;Contentsofthepetition;Consolidation;Effectoffilingofacriminalaction;
Institutionofseparateaction(Seetableabove)
Ahearinginchambersmaybeconductedwheretherespondentinvokesthedefensethat
thereleaseofthedataorinformationinquestionshallcompromisenationalsecurityor
statesecrets,orwhenthedataorinformationcannotbedivulgedtothepublicduetoits
natureorprivilegedcharacter.
WRITOFHABEASDATA(AMNO.08116SC)

INSTANCESWHENPETITIONBEHEARDINCHAMBERS
WRITOFAMPARO(AMNO.07912SC)(Seetableabove)
CHANGEOFNAME(RULE103)
Achangeofnameisaspecialproceedingtoestablishthestatusofaperson
involvinghisrelationwithothers,thatis,hislegalpositionin,orwithregardto,therest
ofthecommunity.Itisproceedinginremandassuch,strictcompliancewith
jurisdictionalrequirements,particularlyonpublication,isessentialinordertovestthe
courtwithjurisdictiontherefor.Forthispurpose,theonlynamethatmaybechangedis
thetrueorofficialnameasrecordedinthecivilregister.
Amerechangeofnamewouldnotcauseinonesexistingfamilyrelations,norcreate
newfamilyrightsanddutieswherenoneexistsbefore.Neitherwoulditaffectapersons
legalcapacity,civilstatusorcitizenship.
Achangeofnamegrantedbythecourtaffectsonlythepetitioner.Aseparate
petitionforchangeofnamemustbefiledbyhiswifeandchildren.
RULE103(ChangeofName)
RA9048(ClericalErrorAct)
RULE108(Cancellationor
correctionofentriesinthecivilregistry)
PetitionshouldbefiledintheRTCwherethepetitionerresides
Petitionsfiledwiththecityormunicipalcivilregistrar,orwithconsulgeneralforcitizens
livingabroad
VerifiedpetitionfiledintheRTCwherethecorrespondingCivilRegistryislocated
CivilRegistrarisnotaparty.SolicitorGeneraltobenotifiedbyserviceofacopyof
petition.
CivilRegistrarisanindispensableparty.Ifnotmadeaparty,proceedingsarenulland
void.Reason:heisinterestedpartyinprotectingtheintegrityofpublicdocuments.
SolicitorGeneralmustalsobenotifiedbyserviceofacopyofthepetition.
Petitionisfiledbythepersondesiringtochangehisname
Involveschangeofnameonly
Verifiedpetitionintheformofaffidavitisfiledbyanypersonhavingdirectandpersonal
interestinthecorrection
Byapersoninterestedinanyacts,event,orderordecree
Involvesfirstnameandnickname
Allcancellationorcorrectionofentriesof:(seebelowgroundsorinstances)
Involvessubstantialchanges
Involvesclericalortypographicalerrors
Substantialandadversaryifchangeaffectsthecivilstatus,citizenshipornationalityofa
party;Summaryifinvolvesmereclericalerrors.
Grounds:
a)Nameisridiculous,dishonorableorextremelydifficulttowriteorpronounce;
b) Changeisalegalconsequenceoflegitimationoradoption;
c) Changewillavoidconfusion;
d) OnehascontinuouslyusedandbeenknownsincechildhoodbyaFilipino
nameandwasunawareofalien
parentage;
e) Changeisbasedonasinceredesireto
adoptaFilipinonametoerasesignsofformeralienage,allingoodfaithand
withoutprejudicetoanybody;and
f) Surnamecausesembarrassmentandthereisnoshowingthatthedesiredchange
ofnamewasforafraudulentpurpose,orthatthechangeofnamewouldprejudice
publicinterest.
Grounds:
a)Firstnameornicknameisfoundtoberidiculous,taintedwithdishonororextremely
difficulttowriteorpronounce;
b)Thefirstnameornicknamehasbeenhabituallyandcontinuoususedbypetitioner
publiclyknownbythatfirstnameornicknameinthecommunity;
c)Changewillavoidconfusion.
Grounds:
Cancellationorcorrectionofentriesof:(a)births;(b)marriages;(c)deaths;(d)legal
separation;(e)judgmentsorannulmentsofmarriage;(f)judgmentsdeclaringmarriages
voidfromthebeginning;(g)legitimations;(h)adoptions;(i)acknowledgmentsofnatural
children;(j)naturalizations;(k)election,lossorrecoveryofcitizenship;(l)civil
interdiction;(m)judicialdeterminationoffiliation;(n)voluntaryemancipationofa
minor;and(o)changesofname.
Orderforhearingtobepublishedonceaweekforthreeconsecutiveweeksina
newspaperofgeneralcirculationintheprovince.
Petitionshallbepublishedatleastonceaweekfortwoconsecutiveweeksinanewspaper
ofgeneralcirculation.Alsotobepostedinaconspicuousplacefortenconsecutivedays.
Ordershallalsobepublishedonceaweekforthreeconsecutiveweeksinanewspaperof
generalcirculationintheprovince,andcourtshallcausereasonablenoticetopersons
namedinthepetition.
Entryiscorrectbutpetitionerdesirestochangetheentry
Entryisincorrect.
Cancellationorcorrectionofcorrectorincorrectentries
Anappropriateadversaryproceeding
Anappropriateadministrativeproceeding.
Anappropriatesummaryoradversaryproceedingdependingoneffects
Requiresjudicialorder
Doesnotrequirejudicialorder.
Directedorchangedbythecityormunicipalcivilregistrarorconsulgeneralwithout
judicialorder
Serviceofjudgmentshallbeuponthecivilregisterconcerned
Transmittalofdecisiontocivilregistrargeneral
Serviceofjudgmentshallbeuponthecivilregisterconcerned
Appealmaybeavailedofifjudgmentorfinalorderrenderedaffectssubstantialrightsof
personappealing.
Incasedeniedbythecityormunicipalcivilregistrarortheconsulgeneral,petitioner
mayeitherappealthedecisiontothecivilregistergeneralorfileappropriatepetitionwith
propercourtbypetitionforreviewunderRule43.
Appealmaybeavailedofifjudgmentorfinalorderrenderedaffectssubstantialrightsof
personappealing,totheRTCortotheCA.
GROUNDSFORCHANGEOFNAME
(pleaseseetableabove)
ABSENTEES(RULE107)
Stagesofabsence:
.
1) provisionalabsence
2) declarationofabsence
3) presumptionofdeath
PURPOSEOFTHERULE
ThepurposeoftheRuleistoallowthecourttoappointanadministratororrepresentative
totakecareofthepropertyofthepersonwhoissoughttobejudiciallydeclaredabsent.It
alsoaimstohavethecourtappointthepresentspouseasadministratororadministratrix
oftheabsentspousesproperties,orfortheseparationofpropertiesofthespouses.
WHOMAYFILE;WHENTOFILE
Thefollowingmayfileanapplicationforthedeclarationofabsenceofaperson:
.
a) Spousepresent;
b) Heirsinstitutedinawill,whomaypresentan
authenticcopyofthesame;
c) Relativeswhowouldsucceedbythelawof
intestacy;and
d) Thosewhohaveoverthepropertyoftheabsenteesomerightsubordinatedto
theconditionofhisdeath.
e) Thosewhohaveoverthepropertyoftheabsenteesomerightsubordinatedto
theconditionofhisdeath.
Afterthelapseoftwo(2)yearsfromhisdisappearanceandwithoutanynews
abouttheabsenteeorsincethereceiptofthelastnews,oroffive(5)yearsincase
theabsenteehasleftapersoninchargeoftheadministrationofhisproperty,the
declarationofhisabsenceandappointmentofatrusteeoradministratormaybe
appliedfor.
Whenapersondisappearsfromhisdomicile,hiswhereaboutsbeingunknown,and
withouthavingleftanagenttoadministerhisproperty,orthepowerconferred
upontheagenthasexpired,anyinterestedparty,relativeorfriend,maypetition
theCourtofFirstInstanceoftheplacewheretheabsenteeresidedbeforehis
disappearancefortheappointmentofapersontorepresenthimprovisionallyinall
thatmaybenecessary.
EntriessubjecttocancellationorcorrectionunderRule108,inrelationtoRA
9048
CANCELLATIONORCORRECTIONOFENTRIESINTHECIVILREGISTRY
(RULE108)
Upongoodandvalidgrounds,thefollowingentriesinthecivilregistermaybe
cancelledor
.
1) births;
2) marriages;
3) deaths;
4) legalseparations;
5) judgmentsofannulmentsofmarriage;
6) judgmentsdeclaringmarriagesvoidfromthe
beginning;
7) legitimations;
8) adoptions;
Correctionmaybeeffectedintwoways.Oneiswithoutjudicialauthorityorby
administrativeproceeding,whichisgovernedbyRA9048onmattersrelatingto
correctionofmereclericalortypographicalerrors.Theotheristhroughjudicialorcourt
proceedings,whichisgovernedbyRule108.
Thepetitionforchangeoffirstnamesornicknamesmaybeallowedwhensuchnamesor
nicknamesareridiculous,taintedwithdishonororextremelydifficulttowriteor
pronounce;orthenewnameornicknamehasbeenusedhabituallyandcontinuously
petitionerandhasbeenpubliclyknownbythatfirstnameornicknameinthecommunity;
orthechangewillavoidconfusion.
Aninterestedpersonmayappealinspecialproceedingsfromanorderorjudgment
renderedbyaCourtofFirstInstanceoraJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourt,where
suchorderorjudgment:
.
a) Allowsordisallowsawill;
b) Determineswhoarethelawfulheirsofa
deceasedperson,orthedistributiveshareofthe
estatetowhichsuchpersonisentitled;
c) Allowsordisallows,inwholeorinpart,anyclaimagainsttheestateofa
deceasedperson,oranyclaimpresentedonbehalfoftheestatein
offsettoaclaimagainstit;
d) Settlestheaccountofanexecutor,administrator,
trusteeorguardian;
e) Constitutes,inproceedingsrelatingtothe
settlementoftheestateofadeceasedperson,ortheadministrationofatrusteeor
guardian,afinaldeterminationinthelowercourtoftherightsoftheparty
appealing,exceptthatnoappealshallbeallowedfromtheappointmentofa
specialadministrator;and
f) Isthefinalorderorjudgmentrenderedinthecase,andaffectsthesubstantial
rightsofthepersonappealing,unlessitbeanordergranting
corrected:
9)acknowledgmentsofnaturalchildren;10)naturalization
11)election,lossorrecoveryofcitizenship12)civilinterdiction;
13)judicialdeterminationoffiliation;
14)voluntaryemancipationofaminor;and15)changesofname.
ordenyingamotionforanewtrialorforreconsideration.
WHENTOAPPEAL
Appealsinspecialproceedingsnecessitatearecordonappealastheoriginalrecord
shouldremainwiththetrialcourt;hencethereglementaryperiodofthirty(30)daysis
providedfortheperfectionofappealsinspecialproceedings.
MODESOFAPPEAL
WhileundertheconceptinordinarycivilactionssomeoftheordersstatedinSec.1may
beconsideredinterlocutory,thenatureofspecialproceedingsdeclaresthemasappealable
orders,asexceptionstotheprovisionsofSec.,Rule41.Thus:
APPEALSINSPECIALPROCEEDING(RULE109)
JUDGMENTSANDORDERSFORWHICHAPPEALMAYBETAKEN
1)Ordinaryappeal.TheappealtotheCAincasesdecidedbytheRTCintheexerciseof
itsoriginaljurisdictionshallbetakenbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththecourtwhich
renderedthejudgmentorfinalorderappealedfromandservingacopythereofuponthe
adverseparty.Norecordonappealshallberequiredexceptinspecialproceedingsand
othercasesofmultipleorseparateappealswherethelawortheRulessorequire.Insuch
cases,therecordonappealshallbefiledandservedinlikemanner.
.
2) Petitionforreview.TheappealtotheCAincasesdecidedbytheRTCinthe
exerciseofitsappellatejurisdictionshallbebypetitionforreviewinaccordance
withRule42.
3) Petitionforreviewoncertiorari.Inallcaseswhereonlyquestionsoflaware
raisedorinvolved,theappealshallbetotheSCbypetitionforreviewoncertiorari
inaccordancewithRule45.
RULEONADVANCEDISTRIBUTION
Notwithstandingapendingcontroversyorappealinproceedingstosettletheestateofa
decedent,thecourt
may,initsdiscretionanduponsuchtermsasitmaydeemproperandjust,permitthat
suchpartoftheestateasmaynotbeaffectedbythecontroversyorappealbe
GENERALMATTERS
distributedamongtheheirsorlegatees,uponcompliancewiththeconditionssetforthin
Rule90oftheserules.
GENERALRULE:Criminalprosecutionmaynotberestrainedorstayedbyinjunction.
EXCEPTIONS:
.
1) Toaffordadequateprotectiontothe
constitutionalrightsoftheaccused;
2) Thennecessaryfortheorderlyadministrationof
justiceortoavoidoppressionormultiplicityof
actions;
3) Whenthereisaprejudicialquestionwhichissub
judice;
4) Whentheactsoftheofficerarewithoutorinexcessofauthority;
5) Wheretheprosecutionisunderaninvalidlaw,ordinanceorregulation;
6) Whendoublejeopardyisclearlyapparent;
7) Wherethecourthasnojurisdictionoverthe
offense;
8) Whereitisacaseofpersecutionratherthan
prosecution;
9) Wherethechargesaremanifestlyfalseand
motivatedbythelustforvengeance;
10) Whenthereisclearlynoprimafaciecaseagainsttheaccusedandamotionto
quashonthat
groundhasbeendenied;and
11) Topreventthethreatenedunlawfularrestof
petitioners.
CRIMINALACTIONS;HOWINSTITUTED
.
1) Foroffenseswhereapreliminaryinvestigationisrequiredpursuanttosection1
ofRule112,byfilingthecomplaintwiththeproperofficerforthepurposeof
conductingtherequisitepreliminaryinvestigation.
2) Forallotheroffenses,byfilingthecomplaintorinformationdirectlywiththe
MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts,orthecomplaintwith
theofficeoftheprosecutor.
3) InManilaandothercharteredcities,thecomplaintshallbefiledwiththeoffice
oftheprosecutor,unlessotherwiseprovidedintheircharters.
Theinstitutionofthecriminalactionshallinterrupttheperiodofprescriptionofthe
offensechargedunlessotherwiseprovidedinspeciallaws.
RULESOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE(Rules110 127)
JURISDICTIONOVERSUBJECTMATTER
JURISDICTIONOVERPERSONOFTHEACCUSED
Derivedfromthelaw.Doesnotdependupontheconsentoromissionofthepartiestothe
actionoranyofthem;
Maybeconferredbyconsentexpresslyorimpliedlygiven,oritmay,byobjection,be
preventedfromattachingorbeingremovedafteritisattached.
Objectionthatthecourthasnojurisdictionoverthesubjectmattermaybemadeatany
stageoftheproceeding,andtherighttomakesuchobjectionisneverwaived.
Ifhefailstomakehisobjectionsintime,hewillbedeemedtohavewaivedit.
Jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterisdeterminedupontheallegationsmadeinthe
complaint,irrespectiveofwhethertheplaintiffisentitledornot,torecoveruponthe
claimassertedtherein,amatterresolvedonlyafterandasaresultofthetrial.
Jurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccusedbyvoluntaryappearanceorsurrenderofthe
accusedorbyhisarrest.
PROSECUTIONOFOFFENSESRULE110)
REQUISITESFOREXERCISEOFCRIMINALJURISDICTION
.
1) Theoffenseifonewhichthecourtisbylawauthorizedtotakecognizanceof;
2) Theoffensemusthavebeencommittedwithinitsterritorialjurisdiction;and
3) Thepersonchargedwiththeoffensemusthavebeenbroughtintoitsforumfor
trial,forciblyorbywarrantofarrestoruponhisvoluntarysubmissiontothecourt.
JURISDICTIONOFCRIMINALCOURTS(seejurisdictionofcourtsincivilpro)
WHENINJUNCTIONMAYBEISSUEDTORESTRAINCRIMINAL
PROSECUTION
Preliminaryinvestigationisrequiredforoffensespunishablebyatleast4years,2
months,and1day,unlesstheaccusedwaslawfullyarrestedwithoutawarrant,inwhich
case,aninquestmusthavebeenconducted.
WHOMAYFILETHECRIMINALACTION
1) Offendedparty
2) Anypeaceofficer;or
3)Otherpublicofficerchargedwiththe
enforcementofthelawviolated.
Allcriminalactionscommencedbycomplaintorinformationshallbeprosecutedunder
thedirectionandcontroloftheprosecutor.
IntheMunicipalTrialCourtsorMunicipalCircuitTrialCourtswhentheprosecutor
assignedtheretoortothecaseisnotavailable,theoffendedparty,anypeaceofficer,or
publicofficerchargedwiththeenforcementofthelawviolatedmayprosecutethecase.
Thisauthorityshallceaseuponactualinterventionoftheprosecutororuponelevationof
thecasetotheRegionalTrialCourt.
.
1) Adulteryandconcubinage tobeprosecuteduponacomplaintfiledbythe
offendedspouse,impleadingbothguiltyparties,ifbothalive,unlessheshallhave
consentedorpardonedtheoffenders;
2) Seduction,abduction,oractsorlasciviousness tobeprosecutedupona
complaintfiledbytheoffendedpartyorherparents,grandparents,orguardian,
unlessexpresslypardonedbytheabovenamedpersons(insuchstatedorder);
3) Defamationimputingapersonanyofthefollowingcrimesofconcubinage,
adultery,seduction,abductionorlasciviousness canbeprosecutedonlybythe
partydefamed.
Theoffendedparty,evenifaminor,hastherighttoinitiatetheprosecutionofthe
offensesofseduction,abductionandactsoflasciviousnessindependentlyofherparents,
grandparentsorguardian,unlesssheisincompetentorincapableofdoingso.Wherethe
offendedparty,whoisaminor,failstofilethecomplaint,herparents,grandparents,or
guardianmayfilethesame.Therighttofiletheactiongrantedtoparents,grandparentsor
guardianshallbeexclusiveofallotherpersonsandshallbeexercisedsuccessivelyinthe
orderhereinprovided,exceptasstatedintheprecedingparagraph.
CONTROLOFPROSECUTION
OnlytheSolicitorGeneralmayrepresentthePeopleofthePhilippinesonappeal.The
privateoffendedpartyorcomplainantmayquestionsuchacquittalordismissalorappeal
therefromonlyinsofarasthecivilaspectisconcerned,inthenameofthepetitioneror
appellantandnotinthenameofthePeopleofthePhilippines.TherulethattheSolicitor
GeneralisthelawyerofthePeopleinappellatecourtsadmitsanexception,inallcases
elevatedtotheSandiganbayanandfromtheSandiganbayantotheSupremeCourt,the
OfficeoftheOmbudsman,throughitsspecialprosecutor,shallrepresentthePeopleof
thePhilippines,exceptincasesfiledpursuanttoEO1,2,14and14A,issuedin1986.
Theprosecutiondeterminesthechargestobefiledandhowthelegalandfactualelements
inthecaseshallbeutilizedascomponentsoftheinformation.Wheneveracriminalcase
isprosecutedandtheStateistheoffendedparty,thecasemustalwaysbeprosecuted
undercontrolandguidanceoftheStatethroughthegovernmentprosecutors.
Theprosecutionmayhoweverbeallowedtoaprivateprosecutoruponcompliancewith
thefollowingconditions:
.
1) Thepublicprosecutorhasaheavyworkscheduleorthereisnopublic
prosecutorassignedinthecityorprovince;
2) TheprivateprosecutorisauthorizedinwritingbytheChiefoftheProsecutor
OfficeortheRegionalStateProsecutor
3) Theauthorityoftheprivateprosecutormustbeapprovedbythecourt;
4) Theprivateprosecutorshallcontinuetoprosecutethecaseuntiltheendofthe
trialunlesstheauthorityiswithdrawnorotherwiserevoked;
5) Incaseofthewithdrawalorrevocationoftheauthorityoftheprivate
prosecutor,thesamemustbeapprovedbycourt.
Acomplaintorinformationissufficientifitstates:
RIMESTHATCANNOTBEPROSECUTEDDEOFICIO
1)2)
3)
4)5)
6)
Thenameoftheaccused;
Thedesignationoftheoffensegivenbythestatute;
Theactsoromissionscomplainedofasconstitutingtheoffense;
Thenameoftheoffendedparty;
Theapproximatedateofthecommissionoftheoffense;and
Theplacewhereintheoffensewascommitted.
SUFFICIENCYOFCOMPLAINTORINFORMATION
When
allof
information.Iftheprosecutorrefusestoincludeoneaccused,theremedyismandamus.
anoffenseiscommittedbymorethanoneperson,themshallbeincludedinthe
complaintor
DESIGNATIONOFOFFENSE
Thecomplaintorinformationshallstatethedesignationoftheoffensegivenbythe
statute,avertheactsoromissionsconstitutingtheoffense,andspecifyitsqualifyingand
aggravatingcircumstances.
Ifthereisnodesignationoftheoffense,referenceshallbemadetothesectionor
subsectionofthestatutepunishingit.
CAUSEOFTHEACCUSATION
Theactsoromissionscomplainedofasconstitutingtheoffenseandthequalifyingand
aggravatingcircumstancesmustbestatedinordinaryandconciselanguageandnot
necessarilyinthelanguageusedinthestatutebutintermssufficienttoenableapersonof
commonunderstandingtoknowwhatoffenseisbeingchargedaswellasitsqualifying
andaggravatingcircumstancesandforthecourttopronouncejudgment.
DUPLICITYOFTHEOFFENSE;EXCEPTION
Acomplaintorinformationmustchargeonlyoneoffense,EXCEPTwhen
thelawprescribesasinglepunishmentforvariousoffenses(Sec.13).
Exception:Thelawprescribesasinglepunishmentforvariousoffenses,such
asincontinuingandcomplexcrimes.
Acomplaintorinformationmaybeamended,informorinsubstance,without
leaveofcourt,atanytimebeforetheaccusedentershisplea.
Afterthepleaandduringthetrial,aformalamendmentmayonlybemade
withleaveofcourtandwhenitcanbedonewithoutcausingprejudicetotherights
oftheaccused.
However,anyamendmentbeforeplea,whichdowngradesthenatureofthe
offensechargedinorexcludesanyaccusedfromthecomplaintorinformation,can
bemadeonlyuponmotionbytheprosecutor,withnoticetotheoffendedpartyand
withleaveofcourt.Thecourtshallstateitsreasonsinresolvingthemotionand
copiesofitsordershallbefurnishedallparties,especiallytheoffendedparty.
Ifitappearsatanytimebeforejudgmentthatamistakehasbeenmadeincharging
theproperoffense,thecourtshalldismisstheoriginalcomplaintorinformation
uponthefilingofanewonechargingtheproperoffenseinaccordancewith
Section19,Rule119,providedtheaccusedwouldnotbeplacedindouble
jeopardy.Thecourtmayrequirethewitnessestogivebailfortheirappearanceat
thetrial(Sec.14).
Exception:Whenafactsuperveneswhichchangesthenatureofthecrimechargedin
theinformationorupgradesittoahighercrime,asubstantialamendmentmaybemade
withaneedforarearraignmentoftheaccusedundertheamendedinformation.
AMENDMENTANDSUBSTITUTIONDISTINGUISHED:
1)Amendmentmayinvolveeitherformalorsubstantialchanges;substitutionnecessarily
involvesasubstantialchangefromtheoriginalcharge;
.
2) Amendmentbeforepleahasbeenenteredcanbeeffectedwithoutleaveof
court;substitutionofinformationmustbewithleaveofcourt,astheoriginal
informationhastobedismissed;
3) Wheretheamendmentisonlyastoform,thereisnoneedforanother
preliminaryinvestigationandtheretakingofthepleaoftheaccused;in
substitutionofinformation,anotherpreliminaryinvestigationisentailedandthe
accusedhastopleadanewtothenewinformation;and
4) Anamendedinformationreferstothesameoffensechargedintheoriginal
informationortoanoffensewhichnecessarilyincludesorisnecessarilyincluded
intheoriginalcharge;hencesubstantialamendmentstotheinformationafterthe
pleahasbeentakencannotbemadeovertheobjectionoftheaccused,forifthe
originalinformationwouldbewithdrawn,theaccusedcouldinvokedouble
jeopardy.Substitutionrequiresorpresupposesthatthenewinformationinvolves
differentoffensewhichdoesnotincludeorisnotnecessarilyincludedinthe
originalcharge;hencetheaccusedcannotclaimdoublejeopardy.
VENUEOFCRIMINALACTIONS
GENERALRULE:Thecriminalactionshallbeinstitutedandtriedinthecourtofthe
municipalityorterritorywheretheoffensewascommittedorwhereanyofitsessential
ingredientsoccurred.
EXCEPTIONS:
.
1) Whereanoffenseiscommittedinarailroadtrain,
aircraft,orotherpublicorprivatevehicleinthecourseofitstripthecriminal
actionshallbeinstitutedandtriedinthecourtofanymunicipalityorterritory
wheresaidtrain,aircraftorothervehiclepassedduringitstrip,includingtheplace
ofitsdepartureandarrival.
.
2) Whereanoffenseiscommittedonboardavesselinthecourseofitsvoyagethe
criminalactionshallbeinstitutedandtriedinthecourtofthefirstportofentryor
ofanymunicipalityorterritorywherethevesselpassedduringsuchvoyage,
subjectto
AMENDMENTORSUBSTITUTIONOFCOMPLAINTORINFORMATION
thegenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternational
law.
.
3) FeloniesunderArticle2oftheRevisedPenalCode
shallbecognizablebythecourtwherethe
criminalactionisfirstfiled.
4) Piracy thevenueofpiracy,unlikeallother
crimes,hasnoterritoriallimits.Itmaybetried
anywhere.
5) Libel theactionmaybeinstitutedatthe
electionoftheoffendedorsuingpartyintheprovinceorcity:
.
a) Wherethelibellousarticleisprintedandfirstpublished;
b) Ifoneoftheoffendedpartiesisaprivateindividual,wheresaid
individualactuallyresidesatthetimeofthecommissionoftheoffense;
c) Iftheoffendedpartyisapublicofficial,wherethelatterholdsofficeat
thetimeofthecommissionoftheoffense;
6) Inexceptionalcases toensureafairandimpartialinquiry.TheSCshall
havethepowertoorderachangeofvenueorplaceoftrialtoavoidthe
miscarriageofjustice.
7) IncasesfiledunderBP22 thecriminalactionshallbefiledintheplace
wherethecheckwasissuedandbounced.Incaseofcrossedcheck,intheplaceof
depository.
INTERVENTIONOFOFFENDEDPARTY
Wherethecivilactionforrecoveryofcivilliabilityisinstitutedinthecriminalaction
pursuanttoRule111,theoffendedpartymayintervenebycounselintheprosecutionof
theoffense.
TheGENERALRULEisthattheinstitutionorfilingofthecriminalactionincludesthe
institutionthereinofthecivilactionforrecoveryofcivilliabilityarisingfromtheoffense
charged,EXCEPTinthefollowingcases:
.
1) Theoffendedpartywaivesthecivilaction;
2) Hereserveshisrighttoinstitutethecivilaction
separately;or
3) Heinstitutesthecivilactionpriortothecriminal
action.
Theexceptiontothereservationrequirementisaclaimarisingoutofadishonoredcheck
underBP22,wherenoreservationtofilesuchcivilactionseparatelyshallbeallowed,
whichmeansthatthefilingofthecriminalactionforviolationofBP22shallbedeemed
toincludethecorrespondingcivilactionandthatunlessaseparate
civilactionhasbeenfiledbeforetheinstitutionofthecriminalaction,nosuchcivil
actioncanbeinstitutedafterthecriminalactionhasbeenfiledasthesamehasbeen
includedtherein.
Anotherinstancewherenoreservationshallbeallowedandwhereacivilactionfiled
priortothecriminalactionhastobetransferredtothesubsequentlyfiledcriminalaction
forjointhearingisaclaimarisingfromanoffensewhichiscognizablebythe
Sandiganbayan.
WHENSEPARATECIVILACTIONISSUSPENDED
a)Ifcriminalactionhasbeencommencedearlier separatecivilactioncannotbe
instituteduntilfinaljudgmenthasbeenenteredinthecriminalaction.
b)Ifthecriminalactionisfiledaftertheseparatecivilactionhasalreadybeeninstituted
a.
Civilactionsuspended,inwhateverstageitmaybefoundbeforejudgmentonthe
merits,untilfinaljudgmentisrenderedinthecriminalaction.
b.
Civilactionmay,uponmotionoftheoffendedparty,beconsolidatedwiththe
criminalactioninthecourttryingthecriminalaction
c.
Evidencealreadyadducedinthecivilactionshallbedeemedautomatically
reproducedinthecriminalaction
d.
Withoutprejudicetotherightoftheprosecutiontocrossexaminethewitnesses
presentedbytheoffendedpartyinthecriminalcaseandthepartiestopresent
additionalevidence.
c)Theconsolidatedcriminalandcivilactionsshallbetriedanddecidedjointly.
d)Duringthependencyofthecriminalaction,therunningofprescriptionofthecivil
actionwhichcannotbeinstitutedseparatelyorwhoseproceedinghasbeensuspended
shallbetolled.
Thebarontheinstitutionorsuspensionoftheseparatecivilactionshasthefollowing
exception:
InthecasesprovidedforinArticles32,33,34and2176oftheCivilCode,the
independentcivilactionmaybebroughtbytheoffendedparty.Itshallproceed
independentlyofthecriminalactionandshallrequireonlyapreponderanceofevidence.
Innocase,however,maytheoffendedpartyrecoverdamagestwiceforthesameactor
omissionchargedinthecriminalaction.
Thedeathoftheaccusedafterarraignmentandduringthependencyofthecriminal
actionshallextinguishthecivilliabilityarisingfromthedelict.However,the
independentcivilactioninstitutedundersection3ofthis
PROSECUTIONOFCIVILACTION(RULE111)
RULEONIMPLIEDINSTITUTIONOFCIVILACTIONWITHCRIMINALACTION
EFFECTOFTHEDEATHOFACCUSEDORCONVICTONCIVILACTION
Rule(Rule111)orwhichthereafterisinstitutedtoenforceliabilityarisingfromother
sourcesofobligationmaybecontinuedagainsttheestateorlegalrepresentativeofthe
accusedafterpropersubstitutionoragainstsaidestate,asthecasemaybe.Theheirsof
theaccusedmaybesubstitutedforthedeceasedwithoutrequiringtheappointmentofan
executororadministratorandthecourtmayappointaguardianadlitemfortheminor
heirs.
Thecourtshallforthwithordersaidlegalrepresentativeorrepresentativestoappearand
besubstitutedwithinaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromnotice.
Afinaljudgmententeredinfavoroftheoffendedpartyshallbeenforcedagainstthe
estateofthedeceased.
Iftheaccuseddiesbeforearraignment,thecaseshallbedismissedwithoutprejudiceto
anycivilactiontheoffendedpartymayfileagainsttheestateofthedeceased.
PREJUDICIALQUESTION
Apetitionforsuspensionofthecriminalactionbaseduponthependencyofaprejudicial
questioninacivilactionmaybefiledintheofficeoftheprosecutororthecourt
conductingthepreliminaryinvestigation.Whenthecriminalactionhasbeenfiledin
courtfortrial,thepetitiontosuspendshallbefiledinthesamecriminalactionatany
timebeforetheprosecutionrests.
GENERALRULE:Criminalactiontakesprecedenceofcivilactions.
EXCEPTIONS:
.
a) independentcivilactions
b) prejudicialquestion
Prejudicialquestionwhicharisesinacasetheresolutionofwhichisalogicalantecedent
oftheissuesinvolvedinsaidcases,andthecognizanceofwhichpertainstoanother
tribunal.
Theelementsofaprejudicialquestionare:
.
a) thepreviouslyinstitutedcivilactioninvolvesanissuesimilarorintimately
relatedtotheissueraisedinthesubsequentcriminalaction,and
b) theresolutionofsuchissuedetermineswhetherornotthecriminalactionmay
proceed.
TEST:Itmustappearnotonlythatthecivilcaseinvolvesthesamefactsuponwhichthe
criminalprosecutionisbased,butalsothattheresolutionoftheissuesinsaidcivilaction
wouldbenecessarilydeterminativeoftheguiltorinnocenceoftheaccused.
AprejudicialquestioncanbeinterposedattheOfficeoftheProsecutor,but;
1)Thequestioncanalsoberaisedincourt;
2)Ifraised,thecourtshouldmerelysuspendthe
criminalcase;
3)Thecourtmustwaitforamotion,otherwise,that
isawaiver;
4)Thecourtcannotmotupropiosuspendthe
criminalcase.
Whentheoffendedpartyseekstoenforcecivilliabilityagainsttheaccusedbywayof
moral,nominal,temperateorexemplarydamageswithoutspecifyingtheamountthereof
inthecomplaintorinformation,thefilingfeesthereforshallconstituteafirstlienonthe
judgmentawardingsuchdamages.
Wheretheamountofdamages,otherthanactual,isspecifiedinthecomplaintor
information,thecorrespondingfilingfeesshallbepaidbytheoffendedpartyuponfiling
thereofincourt.ExceptasotherwiseprovidedintheseRules,nofilingfeesshallbe
requiredforactualdamages.
WithrespecttocriminalactionsforviolationsofBP22,theoffendedpartyshallpayin
fullthefilingfeesbasedonthefacevalueofthechecksastheactualdamages.
Preliminaryinvestigationisaninquiryorproceedingforthepurposeofdetermining
whetherthereissufficientgroundtoengenderawellfoundedbeliefthatacrimehasbeen
committedandthattherespondentisprobablyguiltythereof,andshouldbeheldfortrial.
NATUREOFRIGHT
Therighttopreliminaryinvestigationisnotaconstitutionalgrant;itismerelystatutory
andmaybeinvokedonlywhenspecificallycreatedbystatute.Itisacomponentpartof
dueprocessincriminaljustice.
Preliminaryinvestigationisafunctionthatbelongstothepublicprosecutor.Itisan
executivefunction,althoughtheprosecutor,inthedischargeofsuchfunction,isaquasi
judicialauthoritytaskedtodeterminewhetherornotacriminalcasemustbefiledin
court.
Therighttopreliminaryinvestigationmaybewaivedbytheaccusedeitherexpresslyor
impliedly.Thepostingofabondbytheaccusedconstitutessuchawaiver,suchthateven
ifthewarrantwasirregularlyissued,anyinfirmity
RULEONFILINGFEESINCIVILACTIONDEEMEDINSTITUTEDWITHTHE
CRIMINALACTION
PRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION(RULE112)
attachedtoitiscuredwhentheaccusedsubmitshimselftothejurisdictionofthecourtby
applyingforbail.Itisalsocuredbysubmittinghimselftoarraignment
PURPOSESOFPRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION
Thebasicpurposeofpreliminaryinvestigationistodeterminewhetheracrimehasbeen
committedandwhetherthereisprobablecausetobelievethattheaccusedisguilty
thereof.
Generally,preliminaryinvestigationhasathreefoldpurpose:
.
1) Toinquireconcerningthecommissionofcrimeandtheconnectionofaccused
withit,inorderthathemaybeinformedofthenatureandcharacterofthecrime
chargedagainsthim,andifthereisprobablecauseforbelievinghimguilty,that
thestatemaytakethenecessarystepstobringhimtotrial;
2) Topreservetheevidenceandkeepthewitnesseswithinthecontrolofthestate;
and
3) Todeterminetheamountofbail,iftheoffenseisbailable.
Onthebasisoftheevidencebeforehim,theinvestigatingofficemustdecidewhetherto
dismissthecaseortofiletheinformationincourt.Thisinvolvesthedeterminationof
probablecause.
TheCourthasmaintainedthepolicyofnoninterferenceinthedeterminationofthe
existenceofprobablecause,providedthereisnograveabuseintheexerciseofsuch
discretion.Theruleisbasednotonlyuponrespectfortheinvestigatoryandprosecutorial
powersofprosecutorsbutuponpracticalityaswell.
.
1) Provincialorcityprosecutorsandtheirassistants;
2) NationalandRegionalStateProsecutors;and
3) Otherofficersasmaybeauthorizedbylaw
(COMELEC,PCGG,Ombudsman)
Theirauthoritytoconductpreliminaryinvestigationshallincludeallcrimescognizable
bythepropercourtintheirrespectiveterritorialjurisdictions.
Iftheinvestigatingprosecutorfindscausetoholdtherespondentfortrial,heshall
preparetheresolutionandinformation.Heshallcertifyunderoathintheinformationthat
he,orasshownbytherecord,an
authorizedofficer,haspersonallyexaminedthecomplainantandhiswitnesses;thatthere
isreasonablegroundtobelievethatacrimehasbeencommittedandthattheaccusedis
probablyguiltythereof;thattheaccusedwasinformedofthecomplaintandofthe
evidencesubmittedagainsthim;andthathewasgivenanopportunitytosubmit
controvertingevidence.Otherwise,heshallrecommendthedismissalofthecomplaint.
Withinfive(5)daysfromhisresolution,heshallforwardtherecordofthecasetothe
provincialorcityprosecutororchiefstateprosecutor,ortotheOmbudsmanorhisdeputy
incasesofoffensescognizablebytheSandiganbayanintheexerciseofitsoriginal
jurisdiction.Theyshallactontheresolutionwithinten(10)daysfromtheirreceipt
thereofandshallimmediatelyinformthepartiesofsuchaction.
Nocomplaintorinformationmaybefiledordismissedbyaninvestigatingprosecutor
withoutthepriorwrittenauthorityorapprovaloftheprovincialorcityprosecutororchief
stateprosecutorortheOmbudsmanorhisdeputy.Wheresuchtherecommendationof
dismissalwasdisapprovedonthegroundthataprobablecauseexists,thechief
prosecutormayfiletheinformationagainsttherespondent,ordirectanotherassistant
prosecutororstateprosecutortodosowithoutconductinganotherpreliminary
investigation.
REVIEW
Apreliminaryinvestigationfallsundertheauthorityofthestateprosecutorwhoisgiven
bylawthepowertodirectandcontrolcriminalactions.Heis,however,subjecttothe
control/appealtotheSecretaryofJustice,whichthelattermayexercisemotupropioor
uponpetitionoftheproperparty.
TheSecretaryofJusticeexercisesthepowerofdirectcontrolandsupervisionover
prosecutors,andmaythusaffirm,nullify,reverseormodifytheirrulings.Inreviewing
resolutionsofstateprosecutors,theSecretaryofJusticeisnotprecludedfromconsidering
errors,althoughunassigned,forthepurposeofdeterminingwhetherthereisprobable
causeforfilingcasesincourt.
AnaggrievedpartymayappealbyfilingaverifiedpetitionforreviewwiththeSecretary
andbyfurnishingcopiesthereoftotheadversepartyandprosecutionofficeissuingthe
appealedresolution.Theappealshallbetakenwithin15daysfromreceiptofthe
resolutionorofthedenialofthemotionforreconsideration/reinvestigationifonehas
beenfiledwithin15vdaysfromreceiptoftheassailedresolution.Onlyonemotionfor
reconsiderationshallbeallowed.UnlesstheSecretarydirectsotherwise,theappeal
SHALLNOTSTAYthefilingofthecorrespondinginformationincourtonthebasisof
thefindingofprobablecauseintheassaileddecision.IftheSecretaryofJusticereverses
ormodifiestheresolutionof
WHOMAYCONDUCTDETERMINATIONOFEXISTENCEOFPROBABLE
CAUSE
OFFICERSAUTHORIZEDTOCONDUCTPRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION
RESOLUTIONOFINVESTIGATIONPROSECUTOR
theprovincialorcityprosecutororchiefstateprosecutor,heshalldirecttheprosecutor
concernedeithertofilethecorrespondinginformationwithoutconductinganother
preliminaryinvestigation,ortodismissormovefordismissalofthecomplaintor
informationwithnoticetotheparties.
WHENWARRANTOFARRESTMAYISSUE
(a)BytheRegionalTrialCourt
Withinten(10)daysfromthefilingofthecomplaintorinformation,thejudgeshall
personallyevaluatetheresolutionoftheprosecutoranditssupportingevidence.
Hemayimmediatelydismissthecaseiftheevidenceonrecordclearlyfails
toestablishprobablecause.
Ifhefindsprobablecause,heshallissueawarrantofarrest,oracommitment
orderiftheaccusedhasalreadybeenarrestedpursuanttoawarrantissuedbythe
judgewhoconductedthepreliminaryinvestigationorwhenthecomplaintor
informationwasfiledpursuanttosection6ofthisRule.
Incaseofdoubtontheexistenceofprobablecause,thejudgemayorderthe
prosecutortopresentadditionalevidencewithinfive(5)daysfromnoticeandthe
issuemustberesolvedbythecourtwithinthirty(30)daysfromthefilingofthe
complaintorinformation.
(b)BytheMunicipalTrialCourt
Whenrequiredpursuanttothesecondparagraphofsection1ofthisRule,the
PIofcasesfallingundertheoriginaljurisdictionoftheMTCsshallbeconducted
bytheprosecutor.Theprocedurefortheissuanceofawarrantofarrestbythe
judgeshallbegovernedbyparagraph(a)ofthissection(Sec.5,Rule112).
(c)Whenwarrantofarrestnotnecessary
Awarrantofarrestshallnotissueiftheaccusedisalreadyunderdetention
pursuanttoawarrantissuedbytheMunicipalTrialCourtinaccordancewith
paragraph(b)ofthissection,orifthecomplaintorinformationwasfiledpursuant
tosection6ofthisRuleorisforanoffensepenalizedbyfineonly.Thecourtshall
thenproceedintheexerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction(Sec.5,asamendedbyAM
05826SC).
.
1) CasesinwhichtheimposablepenaltyDOESNOTEXCEEDfour(4)years,
two(2)monthsandone(1)day
2) Whentheaccusedhasundergoneinquestproceeding.
Refusetoenterapleauponarraignmentandobjecttofurtherproceedings
uponsuchgrounds
Toholdinabeyancetheproceedingsandorder/insisttheprosecutortohold
preliminaryinvestigation.
RaisedthelackofPIasanerrorinappeal
Ifthecasehasbeenconducted,theaccusedmaywithin5daysfromthetimehe
learnsofitsfilingaskforapreliminaryinvestigation.Thefivedayperiodtofile
themotionforpreliminaryinvestigationismandatory,andanaccusedisentitled
toaskforpreliminaryinvestigationbyfilingthemotionwithinthesaidperiod.
Thefailuretofilethemotionwithinthefivedayperiodamountstoawaiverofthe
righttoaskforpreliminaryinvestigation.Apartfromsuchwaiver,postingbail
withoutpreviouslyorsimultaneouslydemandingforapreliminaryinvestigation
justifiesdenialofthemotionforinvestigation.
INQUEST
Itisasummaryinvestigationconductedbyapublicprosecutorincriminalcases
involvingpersonsarrestedanddetainedwithoutthebenefitofawarrantofarrest
issuedbythecourtforthepurposeofdeterminingwhetherornotsaidpersons
shouldremainundercustodyandcorrespondinglybechargedincourt.Such
proceedingsmustterminatewithintheperiodprescribedunderArt.125ofthe
RevisedPenalCode.
Requiredwherethecrimeispunishablebyatleast4years,2monthsand1day.
Arrestisthetakingofapersonintocustodyinorderthathemaybeboundto
answerforthecommissionofanoffense.
HOWANARRESTMADE?
.
1) byanactualrestraintofapersontobearrested,OR
2) byhissubmissiontothecustodyoftheperson
makingthearrest.
Noviolenceorunnecessaryforceshallheusedin
makinganarrest.Thepersonarrestedshallnotbesubjecttoagreaterrestraint
thanisnecessaryforhisdetention.
ARRESTWITHOUTWARRANT,WHENLAWFUL
REMEDIESOFACCUSEDIFTHEREWASNOPRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION
ARREST(RULE113)
CASESNOTREQUIRINGAPRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION
1) When,inhispresence,thepersontobearrestedhascommitted,isactually
committing,orisattemptingtocommitanoffense;
2) Whenanoffensehasjustbeencommittedandhehasprobablecausetobelieve
basedonhispersonalknowledgeoffactsorcircumstancesthatthepersontobe
arrestedhascommittedthecrime;
3) Whenthepersontobearrestedisaprisonerwhohasescapedfromapenal
establishmentorplacewhereheisservingfinaljudgmentoristemporarily
confinedwhilehiscaseispending,orhasescapedwhilebeingtransferredfrom
oneconfinementtoanother.
4) Whereapersonwhohasbeenlawfullyarrestedescapeorisrescued;
5) Whenthebondsmenarrestsaprisoneroutonbailforthepurposeofbringing
himtocourt;
6) Wheretheaccusedattemptstoleavethecountrywithoutthepermissionofthe
court.
METHODOFARREST
Theofficershallinformthepersontobearrestedofthecauseofthearrestandthefact
thatawarranthasbeenissuedforhisarrest,exceptwhenhefleesorforciblyresists
beforetheofficerhasopportunitytosoinformhim,orwhenthegivingofsuch
informationwillimperilthearrest.
Theofficerneednothavethewarrantinhispossessionatthetimeofthearrestbutafter
thearrest,ifthepersonarrestedsorequires,thewarrantshallbeshowntohimassoonas
practicable.
Theofficershallinformthepersontobearrestedofhisauthorityandthecauseofthe
arrest,unlessthelatteriseitherengagedinthecommissionofanoffense,ispursued
immediatelyafteritscommission,hasescaped,fleesorforciblyresistsbeforetheofficer
hasopportunitytosoinformhim,orwhenthegivingofsuchinformationwillimperilthe
arrest.
Aprivatepersonshallinformthepersontobearrestedoftheintentiontoarresthimand
causeofthearrest,unlessthelatteriseitherengagedinthecommissionofanoffense,is
pursuedimmediatelyafteritscommission,orhasescaped,fleesorforciblyresistsbefore
thepersonmakingthearresthasopportunitytosoinformhim,orwhenthegivingofsuch
informationwillimperilthearrest.
REQUISITESOFAVALIDWARRANTOFARREST
RequisitesforarrestwarrantissuedbyaRTCjudge
underSec.5,Rule112:
1)Within10daysfromthefilingofthecomplaint
orinformation
2)Thejudgeshallpersonallyevaluatethe
resolutionoftheprosecutoranditssupporting
evidence.
3)Ifhefindsprobablecause,heshallissuea
warrantofarrest
4)Incaseofdoubtontheexistenceofprobable
cause
a.
Thejudgemayordertheprosecutorto
presentadditionalevidencewithin5
daysfromnotice;and
b.
Theissuemustberesolvedbythecourt
within30daysfromthefilingofthecomplaintofinformation.
RequisitesforissuingsearchwarrantunderSec.4,Rule
126:
1) Itmustbeissueduponprobablecauseinconnectionwithonespecificoffense;
2) Theprobablecausemustbedeterminedbythejudgehimselfandnotbythe
applicantoranyotherperson;
3) Inthedeterminationofprobablecause,thejudgemustexamineunderoathor
affirmation,thecomplainantandthewitnesshemayproduce;and
4) Thewarrantissuedmustparticularlydescribethepersontobearrestedin
connectionwithaspecificoffenseorcrime.
Methodofarrestbyofficerbyvirtueofwarrant
DETERMINATIONOFPROBABLECAUSEFORISSUANCEOFWARRANTOF
ARREST
Methodofarrestbyofficerwithoutwarrant
Itisthejudgealonewhodeterminestheprobablecausefortheissuanceofwarrantof
arrest.Itisnotfortheprovincialfiscalorprosecutortoascertain.
Thedeterminationbytheprosecutorofprobablecauseisforthepurposeofeitherfiling
aninformationincourtordismissingthechargesagainsttherespondent,whichisan
executivefunction.
Thedeterminationbythejudgeofprobablecausebeginsonlyaftertheprosecutorhas
filedtheinformationincourtandthelattersdeterminationofprobablecauseisforthe
purposeofissuinganarrestwarrantagainsttheaccused,whichisjudicialfunction..A
judgecannotbecompelledtoissueawarrantofarrestifheorshebelieveshonestlythat
thereisnoprobablecausefordoingso.
Probablecausetoholdapersonfortrialreferstothefindingoftheinvestigating
prosecutoraftertheconductofapreliminaryinvestigation,thatthereissufficientground
DISTINGUISHPROBABLECAUSEOFFISCALFROMTHATOFAJUDGE
Methodofarrestbyprivateperson
toholdawellfoundedbeliefthatacrimehasbeen
committedandthattherespondentisprobablyguilty
thereofandshouldbeheldfortrial.Basedonsuch
finding,theinvestigatingprosecutorfilestheWHENAMATTEROFRIGHT;
EXCEPTIONScorrespondingcomplaintorinformationinthecompetent
any,shallbereturnedtotheaccusedortowhoevermadethedeposit.
courtagainsttheaccused.
NATURE
Allpersons,exceptthosechargedwithoffensespunishablebyreclusionperpetuawhen
evidenceofguiltisstrong,shallbeforeconviction,bebailablebysufficientsureties,or
bereleasedonrecognizanceasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Therighttobailshallnotbe
impairedevenwhentheprivilegeofthewritofhabeascorpusissuspended.Excessive
bailshallnotberequired(Sec.13,Art.III,TheConstitution).
Bailisthesecurityrequiredbythecourtandgivenbytheaccusedtoensurethatthe
accusedappearbeforethepropercourtatthescheduledtimeandplacetoanswerthe
chargesbroughtagainsthim.Itisawardedtotheaccusedtohonorthepresumptionof
innocenceuntilhisguiltisprovenbeyondreasonabledoubt,andtoenablehimtoprepare
hisdefensewithoutbeingsubjecttopunishmentpriortoconviction.Itsmainpurposeis
torelieveanaccusedfromtherigorsofimprisonmentuntilhisconvictionandsecurehis
appearanceatthetrial.
Thepersonseekingprovisionalreleaseneednotwaitforaformalcomplaintor
informationtobefiledagainsthimasitisavailabletoallpersonswheretheoffenseis
bailable,solongastheapplicantisinthecustodyofthelaw.
Kindsofbail:
.
a) Corporatebond oneissuedbyacorporation
licensedtoprovidebailsubscribedjointlybytheaccusedandanofficerduly
authorizedbyitsboardofdirectors.
b) Propertybond anundertakingconstitutedasalienontherealproperty
givenassecurityfortheamountofthebond.
c) Recognizance anobligationofrecordenteredintousuallybythe
responsiblemembersofthecommunitybeforesomecourtormagistrateduly
authorizedtotakeit,withtheconditiontodosomeparticularact,themostusual
actbeingtoassuretheappearanceoftheaccusedfortrial.
d) Cashdeposit themoneydepositedbytheaccusedoranypersonactingon
hisbehalf,withthenearestcollectorofinternalrevenue,orprovincial,cityor
municipaltreasurer.Consideredasbail,itmaybeappliedtothepaymentofany
feesandcosts,andtheexcess,if
Allpersonsincustodyshallbeadmittedtobailasamatterofright,withsufficient
sureties,orreleasedonrecognizance:
.
a) beforeorafterconvictionbytheMTC,and
b) beforeconvictionbytheRTCofanoffenseNOTpunishablebydeath,
reclusionperpetua,orlife
imprisonmentandtheevidenceofguiltisstrong.
Ifbailcanbegrantedindeportationcasesandextraditioncases;bothareadministrative
proceedingswheretheinnocenceorguiltofthepersondetainedisnotinissue.
Bailisamatterofrightbeforefinalconviction,buttheruleisnotabsolute.Theexception
iswhenapersonischargedwithacapitaloffensewhentheevidenceofguiltisstrong,or
whentheoffenseforwhichonischargedispunishablebyreclusionperpetua.The
exceptiontothisrule,however,isevenifapersonischargedwithacapitaloffensewhere
theevidenceofguiltisstrong,iftheaccusedhasfailinghealth,hence,forhumanitarian
reasons,hemaybeadmittedtobail,butthatisdiscretionaryonthepartofthecourt.
WHENAMATTEROFDISCRETION
1)Beforeconviction,incaseofoffensespunishablebyreclusionperpetua,life
imprisonmentordeath;
IfitisdeterminedthatitisNOTstrong,thenbail
isamatterofright.Thereisnomorediscretionofthecourtindenyingthebail,the
momentthereisadeterminationthattheevidenceofguiltisnotstrong.
2)AfterconvictionbytheRTCofanoncapitaloffense.
Theapplicationforbailmaybefiledandacteduponbythetrialcourtdespitethefilingof
anoticeofappeal,providedithasnottransmittedtheoriginalrecordtotheappellate
court.However,ifthedecisionofthetrialcourtconvictingtheaccusedchangedthe
natureoftheoffensefromnonbailabletobailable,theapplicationforbailcanonlybe
filedwithandresolvedbytheappellatecourt.
Ifthepenaltyimposedbythetrialcourtisimprisonmentexceedingsix(6)years,the
accusedshallbedeniedbail,orhisbailshallbecancelleduponashowingbythe
prosecution,withnoticetotheaccused,ofthefollowingorothersimilarcircumstances:
a)Thatheisarecidivist,quasirecidivist,orhabitualdelinquent,orhascommittedthe
crimeaggravatedbythecircumstanceofreiteration;
b)Thathehaspreviouslyescapedfromlegalconfinement,evadedsentence,orviolated
theconditionsofhisbailwithoutvalidjustification;
BAIL(RULE114)
c)Thathecommittedtheoffensewhileunderprobation,parole,orunderconditional
pardon;
.
d) Thatthecircumstancesofhiscaseindicatetheprobabilityofflightifreleased
onbail;or
e) Thatthereisundueriskthathemaycommitanothercrimeduringthependency
oftheappeal.
Wherethegrantofbailisamatterofdiscretion,ortheaccusedseekstobereleasedon
recognizance,theapplicationmayonlybefiledinthecourtwherethecaseispending,
whetheronpreliminaryinvestigation,trial,oronappeal.
GUIDELINESINFIXINGAMOUNTOFBAIL
Abailapplicationincapitaloffensedoesnotonlyinvolvetherightoftheaccusedto
temporaryliberty,butlikewisetherightoftheStatetoprotectthepeopleandthepeaceof
thecommunityfromdangerouselements.The
.
a) Financialabilityoftheaccusedtogivebail;
b) Natureandcircumstancesoftheoffense;
c) Penaltyfortheoffensecharged;
d) Characterandreputationoftheaccused;
e) Ageandhealthoftheaccused;
f) Weightoftheevidenceagainsttheaccused;
g) Probabilityoftheaccusedappearingatthetrial;
Excessivebailshallnotberequired.
BAILWHENNOTREQUIRED
.
1) Whentheoffensechargedisaviolationofanordinance,lightfelonyora
criminaloffensetheimposablepenaltydoesnotexceed6monthsofimprisonment
and/orfineofP2,000.00underRA6036.
2) Wheretheaccusedhasappliedforprobationandbeforethesamehasbeen
resolvedbutnobailwasfiledortheaccusedisincapableoffilingone,inwhich
casehemaybereleasedonrecognizance.
3) Incaseofyouthfuloffenderheldforphysicalormentalexamination,trialor
appeal,ifunabletofurnishbailandunderthecircumstancesunderPD603,as
amended.
4) WhenthelawortheseRulessoprovide.
5) Whenapersonhasbeenincustodyforaperiodequaltoormorethanthe
possiblemaximumimprisonmentprescribedfortheoffensecharged,heshallbe
releasedimmediately,withoutprejudicetothecontinuationofthetrialorthe
proceedingson
appeal.
6) Apersonaccusedofanoffensewithamaximum
penaltyofdestierro,heshallbereleasedafter30daysofpreventiveimprisonment.
INCREASEORREDUCTIONOFBAIL
prosecutionmustbegivenampleopportunitytoshowthattheevidenceofguiltisstrong,
becauseitisonthebasisofsuchevidencethatjudicialdiscretionisexercisedin
determiningwhethertheevidenceofguiltisstrongisamatterofjudicialdiscretion.
Ahearingisabsolutelyindispensable.Inreceivingevidenceonbail,whileacourtisnot
requiredtotrythemeritsofthecase,hemustneverthelessconductasummaryhearingto
determinetheweightoftheevidenceforpurposesofthebail.
Ajudgeshouldnothearapetitionforbailincapitaloffensesonthesamedaythatthe
petitionwasfiled.Heshouldgivetheprosecutionareasonabletimewithinwhichto
opposethesame.Neitherishesupposedtograntbailsolelyonthebeliefthattheaccused
willnotfleeduringthependencyofthecasebyreasonofthefactthathehadeven
voluntarilysurrendered.Voluntarysurrenderismerelyamitigatingcircumstancein
decreasingthepenaltybutisnotagroundforgrantingbailtoanaccusedchargedwitha
capitaloffense.
h)Forfeitureofotherbail;
i)Thefactthattheaccusedwasafugitivefrom
justicewhenarrested;and
j)Pendencyofothercaseswheretheaccusedison
bail.
Aftertheaccusedisadmittedtobail,thecourtmay,upongoodcause,eitherincreaseor
reduceitsamount.
Whenincreased,theaccusedmaybecommittedtocustodyifhedoesnotgivebailinthe
increasedamountwithinareasonableperiod.
Anaccusedheldtoansweracriminalcharge,whoisreleasedwithoutbailuponfilingof
thecomplaintorinformation,may,atanysubsequentstageoftheproceedingswhenever
astrongshowingofguiltappearstothecourt,berequiredtogivebailintheamount
fixed,orinlieuthereof,committedtocustody.
FORFEITUREANDCANCELLATIONOFBAIL
Whenthepresenceoftheaccusedisrequired,hisbondsmenshallbenotifiedtoproduce
himonagivendateandtime.Iftheaccusedfailstoappear,hisbailshallbedeclared
forfeitedandthebondsmengiventhirty(30)dayswithinwhichtoproducetheirprincipal
andtoshowcausewhynojudgmentshouldberenderedagainstthemfortheamountof
theirbail.Withinthesaidperiod,thebondsmenmust:
a)producethebodyoftheirprincipalorgivethereasonforhisnonproduction;and
b)explainwhytheaccuseddidnotappearbeforethecourtwhenfirstrequiredtodoso.
HEARINGOFAPPLICATIONFORBAILINCAPITALOFFENSES
Failinginthesetworequisites,ajudgmentshallberenderedagainstthebondsmen,
jointlyandseverally,fortheamountofthebail.Thecourtshallnotreduceorotherwise
mitigatetheliabilityofthebondsmen,unlesstheaccusedhasbeensurrenderedoris
acquitted.
Uponapplicationofthebondsmen,withduenoticetotheprosecutor,thebailmaybe
cancelleduponsurrenderoftheaccusedorproofofhisdeath.
Thebailshallbedeemedautomaticallycancelleduponacquittaloftheaccused,dismissal
ofthecase,orexecutionofthejudgmentofconviction.Inallinstances,thecancellation
shallbewithoutprejudicetoanyliabilityonthebail.
Thepostingofthebaildoesnotconstituteawaiverofanyquestionontheirregularity
attendingthearrestofperson.Hecanstillquestionthesamebeforearraignment,
otherwise,therighttoquestionitisdeemedwaived.
Anapplicationfororadmissiontobailshallnotbartheaccusedfromchallengingthe
validityofhisarrestorthelegalityofthewarrantissuedtherefor,orfromassailingthe
regularityorquestioningtheabsenceofapreliminaryinvestigationofthechargeagainst
him,providedthatheraisesthembeforeenteringhisplea.
Thearraignmentofanaccusedisnotaprerequisitetotheconductofhearingsonhis
petitionforbail.Apersonisallowedtopetitionforbailassoonasheisdeprivedofhis
libertybyvirtueofhisarrestorvoluntarysurrender.Bailshouldbegrantedbefore
arraignment;otherwisetheaccusedmaybeprecludedfromfilingamotiontoquash.
SupremeCourtCir.No.3997datedJune19,1997limitstheauthoritytoissuehold
departureorderstotheRTCsincriminalcaseswithintheirexclusivejurisdiction.
Consequently,MTCjudgeshavenoauthoritytoissueholddepartureorders;neitherdoes
ithasauthoritytocancelonewhichheissued.
AcourthasthepowertoprohibitapersonadmittedtobailfromleavingthePhilippines.
Thisisnecessaryconsequenceofthenatureandfunctionofabailbond.Whereitappears
thattheaccusedhadthepropensitytoevadeordisobeylawfulorders,theissuanceofa
holddepartureorderiswarranted.
Thesecretaryofjusticemayissueawatchlistorderinthefollowingcircumstances:
1)2)3)
4)
5)6)7)
8)9)
1)
2)
1)Againsttheaccused,irrespectiveofnationality,incriminalcasespendingtrialbefore
theRTC;
2)Againsttherespondent,irrespectiveofnationality,incriminalcasespending
preliminaryinvestigation,petitionforreview,ormotionforreconsiderationbeforeDOJ
oranyofitsprovincialorcityoffices.
3)Againstanyperson,eithermotuproprio,oruponrequestofanygovernmentagency,
includingcommissions,taskforcesorsimilarentitiescreatedbytheofficeofthe
President,pursuanttoAnti
TraffickinginPersonsActsof2003,and/orinconnectionwithanyinvestigationbeing
conductedbyit,orintheinterestofnationalsecurity,publicsafetyofpublichealth.
RIGHTSOFACCUSEDATTHETRIAL
TobePRESUMEDINNOCENTuntilthecontraryisprovedbeyondreasonabledoubt.
TobeINFORMEDOFTHENATUREANDCAUSEOFTHEACCUSATIONagainst
him.
TobePRESENTANDDEFENDINPERSONANDBYCOUNSELATEVERY
STAGEOFTHEPROCEEDINGS,fromarraignmenttopromulgationofthejudgment.
ToTESTIFYASAWITNESSINHISOWNBEHALFbutsubjecttocrossexamination
onmatterscoveredbydirectexamination.Hissilenceshallnotinanymannerprejudice
him;
TobeEXEMPTFROMBEINGCOMPELLEDTOBEAWITNESSAGAINST
HIMSELF.
ToCONFRONTANDCROSSEXAMINETHEWITNESSESagainsthimatthetrial.
TohaveCOMPULSORYPROCESSissuedtosecuretheattendanceofwitnessesand
productionofotherevidenceinhisbehalf.
TohaveSPEEDY,IMPARTIALANDPUBLICTRIAL.
Toappealinallcasesallowedandinthemannerprescribedbylaw.
Tobeinformedofhisrightstoremainsilentandtohavecompetentandindependent
counselpreferablyofhisownchoice.Ifthepersoncannotaffordtheservicesofcounsel,
hemustbeprovidedwithone.Theserightscannotbewaivedexceptinwritingandinthe
presenceofcounsel;
Notorture,force,violence,intimidationoranyothermeanswhichvitiatethefreewill
shallbeusedagainsthim.Secretdetentionplaces,solitary,
APPLICATIONNOTABARTOOBJECTIONSINILLEGALARREST,LACKOF
ORIRREGULARPRELIMINARYINVESTIGATION
RIGHTSOFTHEACCUSED(RULE115)
HOLDDEPARTUREORDER&BUREAUOFIMMIGRATIONWATCHLIST
RIGHTSOFPERSONSUNDERCUSTODIALINVESTIGATION
incommunicado,orothersimilarformsofdetention
areprohibited;
.
3) AnyconfessionoradmissioninviolationofSelf
IncriminationClauseshallbeinadmissiblein
evidenceagainsthim;
4) Thelawshallprovideforpenalandcivilsanctionsas
wellascompensationtoaidrehabilitationofvictimsoftortureorsimilarpractice,
andtheirfamilies.
UNDERRA7834
Thefollowingaretherightsofpersonsarrested,detainedorundercustodial
investigation:
.
1) Tobeassistedbycounselatalltimes;
2) Shallbeinformed,inalanguageknowntoandunderstoodbyhim,ofhisright
toremainsilentandtohavecompetentandindependentcounsel,preferablyofhis
ownchoice,whoshallatall
timesbeallowedtoconferprivatelywithhim;
3) Thecustodialinvestigationreportshallbereadandadequatelyexplainedto
himbyhiscounselorbytheassistingcounselinthelanguageordialectknown
him;otherwise,suchinvestigation
reportshallbenullandvoid;
4) Anyextrajudicialconfessionmadebyhimshall
beinwritingandsignedinthepresenceofhiscounseloruponavalidwaiver,and
inthepresenceofhisanyimmediatefamilymembers,otherwise,such
extrajudicialconfessionshallbeinadmissibleinanyproceeding;
5) AnywaiverundertheprovisionsofArt.125oftheRPCorundercustodial
investigation,shallbeinwritingsignedbysuchpersoninthepresenceofhis
counsel;otherwisesuchwaivershallbenullandvoidandofnoeffect;
6) Shallbeallowedvisitsbyhisorconferenceswithanymemberofhis
immediatefamily,oranymedicaldoctororpriestorreligiousministerchosenby
himorbyhiscounsel,orbyanynationalNGOdulyaccreditedbytheOfficeof
thePresident.
a)Therighttoremainsilent
Undertherightagainstselfincriminationin
Sec.17,onlyanaccusedhastheabsoluterighttoremainsilent.Apersonwhoisnotan
accusedmayassumethestanceofsilenceonlywhenaskedanincriminatoryquestion.
UnderSec.12,however,apersonunderinvestigationhastherighttorefuseto
answeranyquestion.Hissilence,moreover,maynotbeusedagainsthim.
b)Therighttocounsel Exampleofthosewhoarenotimpartialcounselare:
c)
1) Specialcounsel,privateorpublicprosecutor,counselofthepolice,ora
municipalattorneywhoseinterestisadversetothatoftheaccused;
2) amayor,unlesstheaccusedapproacheshimascounselororadviser;
3) abarangaycaptain;
4) anyotherwhoseinterestmaybeadverseto
thatoftheaccused.
Therighttobeinformedofhisrights therightguaranteedhereismorethanwhatis
shownintelevisionshowswherethepoliceroutinelyreadsouttherightsfromanote
card;hemustalsoexplaintheireffectsinpracticalterms.
CUSTODIALINVESTIGATION
Therighttocustodialinvestigationbeginsonlywhentheinvestigationisnolongera
generalinquiryintoanunsolvedcrimebuthasbeguntofocusonaparticularsuspect,the
suspecthasbeentakenintopolicecustody,thepolicecarryoutaprocessof
interrogationsthatlendsitselftoelicitingincriminatingstatements.
Ithasextendedtosituationsinwhichanindividualhasnotbeenformallyarrestedbuthas
merelybeeninvited forquestioning.
Itisthemodeofimplementingtheconstitutionalrighttobeinformedofthenatureofthe
accusationagainsthim,andtofixtheidentityoftheaccused.
SOMERULESONARRAIGNMENT:
a)Trialinabsentiaisallowedonlyafterarraignment;
.
b) Judgmentisgenerallyvoidiftheaccusedhasnotbeenarraigned;
c) Therecanbenoarraignmentinabsentia;
d) Iftheaccusedwenttotrialwithoutarraignment,buthiscounselhadthe
opportunitytocrossexaminethewitnessesoftheprosecutionandafter
prosecution,hewasarraigned,thedefect
wascured.
ARRAIGNMENTANDPLEA,HOWMADE
a)Theaccusedmustbearraignedbeforethecourtwherethecomplaintorinformation
wasfiledorassignedfortrial.Thearraignmentshallbemadeinopencourtbythejudge
orclerkbyfurnishingtheaccusedwithacopyofthecomplaintorinformation,reading
thesameinthelanguageordialectknowntohim,andaskinghimwhetherhepleads
guiltyornotguilty.
ARRAIGNMENTANDPLEA(RULE116)
THREERIGHTSAREMADEAVAILABLEBYSEC.12(1):
b) Whentheaccusedisunderpreventivedetention,hiscaseshallberaffledand
itsrecordstransmittedtothejudgetowhomthecasewasraffledwithinthree(3)
daysfromthefilingoftheinformationorcomplaint.Theaccusedshallbe
arraignedwithinten(10)daysfromthedateoftheraffle.Thepretrialconference
ofhiscaseshallbeheldwithinten(10)daysafterarraignment.
c) Theprivateoffendedpartyshallberequiredtoappearatthearraignmentfor
purposesofpleabargaining,determinationofcivilliability,andothermatters
requiringhispresence.Incaseoffailureoftheoffendedpartytoappeardespite
duenotice,thecourtmayallowtheaccusedtoenterapleaofguiltytoalesser
offensewhichisnecessarilyincludedintheoffensechargedwiththeconformity
ofthetrialprosecutoralone.
d) Thearraignmentshallbeheldwithinthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecourt
acquiresjurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccused.Thetimeofthependencyofa
motiontoquashorforabillofparticularsorothercausesjustifyingsuspensionof
thearraignmentshallbeexcludedincomputingtheperiod.
.
a) Theaccusedsopleaded;
b) Whenherefusestoplead;
c) Whereinadmittingtheactcharged,hesetsup
mattersofdefenseorwithalawfuljustification;
d) Whenheentersaconditionalpleaofguilt;
e) Where,afterapleaofguilt,heintroduces
evidenceofselfdefenseorotherexculpatory
circumstances;and
f) Whenthepleaisindefiniteorambiguous.
ATARRAIGNMENT,theaccused,withtheconsentoftheoffendedpartyandthe
prosecutor,maybeallowedbythetrialcourttopleadguiltytoalesseroffensewhichis
necessarilyincludedintheoffensecharged.
AFTERARRAIGNMENTBUTBEFORETRIAL,theaccusedmaystillbeallowedto
pleadguiltytosaidlesseroffenseafterwithdrawinghispleaofnotguilty.Noamendment
ofthecomplaintorinformationisnecessary.
Ithasbeenheldthattheaccusedcanstillpleadguiltytoalesseroffenseafterthe
prosecutionhasrested.
Ifaccusedenteredapleatoalesseroffensewithouttheconsentoftheoffendedpartyand
theprosecutorandhewasconvicted,hissubsequentconvictioninthecrimecharged
wouldnotplacehimindoublejeopardy.
ACCUSEDPLEADGUILTYTOCAPITAL
OFFENSE,WHATTHECOURTSHOULDDO
Thecourtshouldaccomplishthree(3)things;
1)Itshouldconductsearchinginquiryintothevoluntarinessandfullcomprehensionof
the
consequencesoftheplea;
2)Itshouldrequiretheprosecutiontoprovethe
guiltoftheaccusedandtheprecisedegreeof
culpability;and
3)Itshouldinquirewhetherornottheaccused
wishestopresentevidenceonhisbehalfandallowhimifhesodesires.
SEARCHINGINQUIRY
Searchingquestionmeansmorethaninformingcursorilytheaccusedthathefacesajail
term.Italsoincludestheexactlengthyofimprisonmentunderthelawandthecertainty
thathewillserveatthenationalpenitentiaryorapenalcolony.
Itisintendedtounderminethedegreeofculpabilityoftheaccusedinorderthatthecourt
maybeguidedindeterminingtheproperpenalty.
IMPROVIDENTPLEA
Itisapleawithoutinformationastoallthecircumstancesaffectingit;basedupona
mistakenassumptionormisleadinginformationoradvise.
Convictionbasedonanimprovidentpleaofguiltymaysetasideonlywhensuch
pleaisthesolebasisofthejudgment.
Atanytimebeforethejudgmentofconvictionbecomesfinal,thecourtmaypermit
thewithdrawalofanimprovidentpleaofguilty,tobesubstitutedbyapleaofnotguilty,
evenafterjudgmenthasbeenpromulgatedbutbeforethesamebecomesfinal.
Apleaofnotguiltycanlikewisebewithdrawnsothattheaccusedmayinsteadplead
guiltytothesameoffense,butforobviousreasons,thismustbedonebefore
promulgationofjudgment.
Whentheaccusedpleadsguiltybutpresentsexculpatoryevidence,hispleashallbe
deemedwithdrawnandapleaofnotguiltyshallbeenteredforhim.
Uponmotionbytheproperparty,thearraignmentshallbesuspendedinthefollowing
cases:
1)Theaccusedappearstobesufferingfromanunsoundmentalconditionwhich
effectivelyrendershimunabletofullyunderstandthechargeagainsthimandtoplead
intelligentlythereto.Insuchcase,thecourtshallorderhismentalexaminationand,if
necessary,hisconfinementforsuchpurpose.
WHENSHOULDPLEAOFNOTGUILTYBEENTERED
WHENMAYANACCUSEDENTERAPLEAOFGUILTYTOALESSEROFFENSE
GROUNDSFORSUSPENSIONOFARRAIGNMENT
2) Thereexistsaprejudicialquestion;and
3) Apetitionforreviewoftheresolutionoftheprosecutorispendingateitherthe
DOJortheOfficeofthePresident;providedthattheperiodofsuspensionshallnot
exceedsixty(60)dayscountedfromthefilingofthepetitionwiththe
reviewingoffice.
Amotiontoquashisahypotheticaladmissionofthefactsallegedintheinformation,
hencethecourtinresolvingthemotioncannotconsiderfactscontrarytothoseallegedin
theinformationorwhichdonotappearonthefaceoftheinformation,exceptthose
admittedbytheprosecution.
Themotiontoquashmustbefiledbeforethearraignment.Thereafter,nomotiontoquash
canbeentertainedbythecourt,theonlyexceptionsbeingthoseinSec.9whichadopts
theomnibusmotionrule,subjecttosaidexceptions.Sec.3hasbeenamendedto
separatelyrefertolacktojurisdictionovertheoffense,notoverthepersonoftheaccused
since,byfilingamotiontoquashonothergrounds,theaccusedhassubmittedhimselfto
thejurisdictionofthecourt.
GROUNDS
.
1) Thatthefactschargeddonotconstituteanoffense;
2) Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionover
theoffensecharged;
3) Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionover
thepersonoftheaccused;
4)Thattheofficerwhofiledtheinformationhadnoauthoritytodoso;
5)Thatitdoesnotconformsubstantiallytotheprescribedform;
6)Thatmorethanoneoffenseischargedexceptwhenasinglepunishmentforvarious
offensesisprescribedbylaw;
7)Thatthecriminalactionorliabilityhasbeenextinguished
a.
Bythedeathoftheconvict,astothepersonalpenalties;astopecuniarypenalties,
liabilitythereforisextinguishedonlywhenthedeathoftheoffenderoccursbefore
finaljudgment.
b.
Byserviceofthesentence;
c.
Byamnesty,whichcompletelyextinguishes
thepenaltyandallitseffects;
d.
Byabsolutepardon;
e.
Byprescriptionofthecrime;
f.
Byprescriptionofthepenalty;
g.
Bythemarriageoftheoffendedwomanin
i.Seduction
ii.
abductionor
iii. actsoflasciviousness(Art.344RPC)
8)Thatitcontainsavermentswhich,iftrue,would
constitutealegalexcuseorjustification;and
9)Thattheaccusedhasbeenpreviouslyconvictedoracquittedoftheoffensecharged,or
thecaseagainsthimwasdismissedorotherwiseterminatedwithout
hisexpressconsent.
Groundsthatarenotwaivedevenifnotalleged:
.
a) Failuretochargeanoffense;
b) Lackofjurisdiction;
c) Extinctionofcriminalactionorliability;
d) Doublejeopardy.
MOTIONTOQUASH(RULE117)
MOTIONTOQUASH
DEMURERTOEVIDENCE
Rule117
Section23,Rule119
Whenfiled
Atanytimebeforeaccusedentersplea
Aftertheprosecutionrestsitscase
Grounds
a) Thatthefactschargeddonotconstituteanoffense;
b) Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionovertheoffensecharged;
c) Thatthecourttryingthecasehasnojurisdictionoverthepersonofthe
accused;
d) Thattheofficerwhofiledtheinformationhadnoauthoritytodoso;
e) Thatitdoesnotconformsubstantiallytotheprescribedform;
f) Thatmorethanoneoffenseischargedexceptwhenasinglepunishmentfor
variousoffensesisprescribedbylaw;
g) Thatthecriminalactionorliabilityhasbeenextinguished;
h) Thatitcontainsavermentswhich,iftrue,wouldconstitutealegalexcuseor
justification;and
i) Thattheaccusedhasbeenpreviouslyconvictedoracquittedoftheoffense
charged,orthecase
Insufficiencyofevidence
againsthimwasdismissedorotherwiseterminatedwithouthisexpressconsent.
Effectifgranted
Ifthemotiontoquashissustained,thecourtmayorderthatanothercomplaintor
informationbefiledexceptasprovidedinsection6ofthisrule.
Iftheorderismade,theaccused,ifin
custody,shallnotbedischargedunless
admittedtobail.
Ifnoorderismadeorifhavingbeenmade,no
newinformationisfiledwithinthetimespecifiedintheorderorwithin
suchfurthertimeasthecourtmayallowforgoodcause,theaccused,ifin
custody,shallbedischargedunlessheisalsoincustodyofanothercharge.
Theremedyofprosecutionistoamendtheinformationtocorrectthedefects
thereof,exceptonthegroundsof(g)and(j);oftheprosecutionmayappealthe
quashalofinformationorcomplaint
Ifleaveofcourtisgranted,theaccusedshallfilethedemurrertoevidencewithina
nonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysfromnotice.
Theprosecutionmayopposethedemurrertoevidencewithin10daysfromreceipt
ofthemotion.
Effectifdenied
Theusualcoursetotakeisfortheaccusedtoproceedwithtrial,andincaseof
conviction,toappealtherefromandassignaserrorthedenialofthemotiontoquash,
Anaccusedwhofilesademurrertoevidencewithleaveofcourtdoesnotlosethe
righttopresentevidenceintheeventhismotionisdenied.
Ontheotherhand,ifhefilesthedemurrerwithoutleaveofcourtandthesameis
denied,helosestherighttopresentevidence,inwhicheventthecasewillbe
deemedsubmittedfordecision.
Remediesifdenied
Theorderdenyingthemotiontoquashisinterlocutoryandthereforenotappealable,nor
canitbethesubjectofapetitionforcertiorari.
Theorderdenyingthemotionforleaveofcourttofiledemurrertoevidenceortodemur
itselfshallnotbereviewablebyappealorcertioraribeforejudgment.
Aspecialcivilactionmaylieagainstanorderofdenialofamotiontoquash,asan
exceptiontothegeneralrule,inanyofthefollowinginstances:
.
a) Wherethereisnecessitytoaffordprotectiontotheconstitutionalrightsofthe
accused;
b) Whennecessaryfortheorderly
administrationofjusticeortoavoid
oppressionormultiplicityofactions;
c) Wherethereisprejudicialquestionwhichis
subjudice;
d) Whentheactsoftheofficerarewithoutorinexcessofauthority;
e) Wheretheprosecutionisunderaninvalidlaw,ordinanceorregulation;
f) Whendoublejeopardyisclearlyapparent;
g) Wherethecourthasnojurisdictionoverthe
offense;
h) Whereitisacaseofpersecutionratherthan
prosecution;
i) Wherethechargesaremanifestlyfalseand
motivatedbythelustforvengeance;
j) Whenthereisclearlynoprimafaciecase
againsttheaccused;and
k) Toavoidmultiplicityofactions.
Ifthemotiontoquashissustained,thecourtmayorderthatanothercomplaintor
informationbefiledexceptasprovidedinsection6ofthisrule.
.
a) Iftheorderismade,theaccused,ifincustody,shallnotbedischargedunless
admittedtobail.
b) Ifnoorderismadeorifhavingbeenmade,nonewinformationisfiledwithin
thetimespecifiedintheorderorwithinsuchfurthertimeasthecourtmayallow
forgoodcause,theaccused,ifincustody,shallbedischargedunlessheisalsoin
custodyofanothercharge.
1)Anordersustainingthemotiontoquashisnotabartoanotherprosecutionforthe
sameoffenseunlessthemotionwasbasedonthegroundsspecifiedinSec.3(g)and(i)
thatthecriminalactionorliabilityhas
EFFECTSOFSUSTAININGTHEMOTIONTOQUASH
EXCEPTIONTOTHERULETHATSUSTAININGTHEMOTIONISNOTABAR
TOANOTHERPROSECUTION
beenextinguishedandthattheaccusedhasbeenpreviouslyconvictedorinjeopardyof
beingconvicted,oracquittedoftheoffensecharged.
2)Anorderdenyingamotiontoquashisinterlocutoryandnotappealableandgenerally,
suchdenialcannotbecontrolledbycertiorari;andthedenialofamotiontoquash
groundedondoublejeopardyisnotcontrollablebymandamus
1)Acaseshallnotbeprovisionallydismissedexceptwiththeexpressconsentofthe
accusedandwithnoticetotheoffendedparty.
2)Theprovisionaldismissalofoffensespunishablebyimprisonmentnotexceedingsix
(6)yearsorafineofanyamount,orboth,shallbecomepermanentone(1)yearafter
issuanceoftheorderwithoutthecasehavingbeenrevived.
3)WithrespecttooffensespunishablebyimprisonmentDOUBLEJEOPARDY
ofmorethansix(6)years,theirprovisionaldismissalshallbecome
permanenttwo(2)yearsafterissuance
Nopersonshallbetwiceputinjeopardyofpunishmentforthesameoffense.Ifanactis
punishedbyalawandanordinance,convictionoracquittalundereithershallconstitutea
bartoanotherprosecutionforthesameact(Sec.21,Art.III,Constitution).
Therequirementsofdoublejeopardyare:
.
a) Validindictment;
b) Competentcourt;
c) Validarraignment;
d) Validpleaentered;
e) Caseisdismissedorterminatedwithoutthe
expressconsentoftheaccused.
Whenanaccusedhasbeenconvictedoracquitted,orthecaseagainsthimdismissedor
otherwiseterminatedWITHOUTHISEXPRESSCONSENTbyacourtofcompetent
jurisdiction,uponavalidcomplaintorinformationorotherformalchargesufficientin
formandsubstancetosustainaconvictionandaftertheaccusedhadpleadedtothe
charge,theconvictionoracquittaloftheaccusedorthedismissalofthecaseshallbea
bartoanotherprosecutionfortheoffensecharged,orforanyattempttocommitthesame
orfrustrationthereof,orforanyoffensewhichnecessarilyincludesorisnecessarily
includedintheoffensechargedintheformercomplaintorinformation.
However,theconvictionoftheaccusedshallnotbeabartoanotherprosecutionforan
offensewhichnecessarilyincludestheoffensechargedintheformercomplaintor
informationunderanyofthefollowinginstances:
.
1) thegraveroffensedevelopedduetosuperveningfactsarisingfromthesame
actoromissionconstitutingtheformercharge;
2) thefactsconstitutingthegraverchargebecameknownorwerediscoveredonly
afterapleawasenteredintheformercomplaintorinformation;or
3) thepleaofguiltytothelesseroffensewasmadewithouttheconsentofthe
prosecutorandoftheoffendedpartyexceptasprovidedinsection1(f)ofRule
116.
PROVISIONALDISMISSAL
oftheorderwithoutthecasehavingbeenrevived.
4)Theraisondetrefortherequirementoftheexpressconsentoftheaccusedtoa
provisionaldismissalofacriminalcaseistobarhimfromsubsequentlyassertingthatthe
revivalofthecriminalcasewillplacehimindoublejeopardyforthesameoffenseor
foranoffensenecessarilyincludedtherein.
PRETRIAL(RULE118)
Thecourtshall,afterarraignmentandwithinthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecourt
acquiresjurisdictionoverthepersonoftheaccused,unlessashorterperiodis,ordera
pretrialconference.Itsmainobjectiveistoachieveanexpeditiousresolutionofthecase.
.
1) pleabargaining;
2) stipulationoffacts;
3) markingforidentificationofevidenceofthe
parties;
4) waiverofobjectionstoadmissibilityofevidence;
5) modificationoftheorderoftrialiftheaccused
admitsthechargebutinterposesalawful
defense;and
6) suchmattersaswillpromoteafairand
expeditioustrialofthecriminalandcivilaspectsofthe
Theagreementsshallbeapprovedbythecourt.Providedthattheagreementontheplea
oftheaccusedshouldbetoalesseroffensenecessarilyincludedintheoffensecharged.
PRETRIALAGREEMENT
Allagreementsoradmissionsmadeorenteredduringthepretrialconferenceshallbe
reducedinwritingandsignedbytheaccusedandcounsel;otherwise,theycannotbeused
againsttheaccused.
MATTERSTOBECONSIDEREDDURINGPRETRIAL
WHATTHECOURTSHOULDDOWHENPROSECUTIONANDOFFENDED
PARTYAGREETOTHEPLEAOFFEREDBYTHEACCUSED
NONAPPEARANCEDURINGPRETRIAL
Ifthecounselfortheaccusedortheprosecutordoesnotappearatthepretrialconference
anddoesnotofferanacceptableexcuseforhislackofcooperation,thecourtmayimpose
propersanctionsorpenalties.
PRETRIALORDER
Afterthepretrialconference,thecourtshallissueanorderrecitingtheactionstaken,the
factsstipulated,andevidencemarked.Suchordershallbindtheparties,limitthetrialto
mattersnotdisposedof,andcontrolthecourseoftheactionduringthetrial,unless
modifiedbythecourttopreventmanifestinjustice.
ThediversionofpendingcourtcasesbothtoCourtAnnexedMediation(CAM)andto
JudicialDisputeResolution(JDR)isplainlyintendedtoputanendtopendinglitigation
throughacompromiseagreementofthepartiesandtherebyhelpsolvetheeverpressing
problemofcourtdocketcongestion.
Casesthatmaybereferred:
.
1) Allcivilcasesandthecivilliabilityofcriminal
casescoveredbytheRuleonSummaryProcedure,includingthecivilliabilityfor
violationofB.P.22,exceptthosewhichbylawmaynotbecompromised;
2) Specialproceedingsforthesettlementofestates;
3) Allcivilandcriminalcasesfiledwithacertificatetofileactionissuedbythe
PunongBarangayorthePangkatngTagapagkasundounderthe
RevisedKatarungangPambarangayLaw;
4) ThecivilaspectofQuasiOffensesunderTitle14
oftheRevisedPenalCode;
5) Thecivilaspectoflessgravefeloniespunishable
bycorrectionalpenaltiesnotexceeding6yearsimprisonment,wheretheoffended
partyisaprivateperson;
6) Thecivilaspectofestafa,theftandlibel;
7) Allcivilcasesandprobateproceedings,testateandintestate,broughtonappeal
fromtheexclusiveandoriginaljurisdictiongrantedtothe
firstlevelcourts;
8) Allcasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainer
broughtonappealfromtheexclusiveandoriginaljurisdictiongrantedtothefirst
levelcourts;
9)Allcivilcasesinvolvingtitletoorpossessionofrealpropertyoraninteresttherein
broughtonappealfromtheexclusiveandoriginaljurisdictiongrantedtothefirstlevel
courts;and
10)Allhabeascorpuscasesdecidedbythefirstlevelcourtsintheabsenceofthe
RegionalTrialCourtjudge,thatarebroughtuponappealfromthespecialjurisdiction
grantedtothefirstlevelcourts.
ThefollowingCASESSHALLNOTBEREFERREDTOCAMANDJDR:
.
1) Civilcaseswhichbylawcannotbecompromised;
2) Othercriminalcasesnotcoveredunderparagraphs3to6above;
3) HabeasCorpuspetitions;
4) AllcasesunderRepublicActNo.9262(Violence
againstWomenandChildren);and
5) CaseswithpendingapplicationforRestraining
Orders/PreliminaryInjunctions.
However,incasescoveredunder1,4and5wherethepartiesinformthecourtthatthey
haveagreedtoundergomediationonsomeaspectsthereof,e.g.,custodyofminor
children,separationofproperty,orsupportpendentelite,thecourtshallreferthemto
mediation.
Judicialproceedingsshallbedividedintotwostages:
1)Fromthefilingofacomplainttotheconductof
CAMandJDRduringthepretrialstage,and
2)pretrialpropertotrialandjudgment.Thejudgetowhomthecasehasbeenoriginally
raffled,whoshallbecalledtheJDRJudge,shallpresideoverthefirststage.Thejudge,
whoshallbecalledthetrialjudge,shallpresideoverthe
secondstage.
Attheinitialstageofthepretrialconference,theJDRjudgebriefsthepartiesand
counselsoftheCAMandJDRprocesses.Thereafter,heissuesanOrderofReferralof
thecasetoCAManddirectsthepartiesandtheircounselstoproceedtothePMCU
bringingwiththemacopyoftheOrderofReferral.TheJDRjudgeshallincludeinsaid
Order,orinanotherOrder,thepresettingofthecaseforJDRnotearlierthanfortyfive
(45)daysfromthetimethepartiesfirstpersonallyappearatthePMCUsothatJDRwill
beconductedimmediatelyifthepartiesdonotsettleatCAM.
AllincidentsormotionsfiledduringthefirststageshallbedealtwithbytheJDRjudge.
IfJDRisnotconductedbecauseofthefailureofthepartiestoappear,theJDRjudgemay
imposetheappropriatesanctionsandshallcontinuewiththeproceedingsofthecase.
REFERRALOFSOMECASESFORCOURTANNEXEDANDMEDIATIONAND
JUDICIALDISPUTERESOLUTION(AM1116SCPHILJA)
CONCEPTOFCOURTDIVERSIONOFPENDINGCASES
PROCEDURE
IfthepartiesdonotsettletheirdisputeatCAM,thepartiesandtheircounselsshall
appearatthepresetdatebeforetheJDRjudge,whowillthenconducttheJDRprocessas
mediator,neutralevaluatorand/orconciliatorinordertoactivelyassistandfacilitate
negotiationsamongthepartiesforthemtosettletheirdispute.Asmediatorand
conciliator,thejudgefacilitatesthesettlementdiscussionsbetweenthepartiesandtriesto
reconciletheirdifferences.Asaneutralevaluator,thejudgeassessestherelative
strengthsandweaknessesofeachparty'scaseandmakesanonbindingandimpartial
evaluationofthechancesofeachparty'ssuccessinthecase.Onthebasisofsuchneutral
evaluation,thejudgepersuadesthepartiestoafairandmutuallyacceptablesettlementof
theirdispute.
TheJDRjudgeshallnotpresideoverthetrialofthecasewhenthepartiesdidnotsettle
theirdisputeatJDR.
Ifsettlementisreachedonthecivilaspectofthecriminalcase,theparties,assistedby
theirrespectivecounsels,shalldraftthecompromiseagreementwhichshallbesubmitted
tothecourtforappropriateaction.
ActiononthecriminalaspectofthecasewillbedeterminedbythePublicProsecutor,
subjecttotheappropriateactionofthecourt.
Ifsettlementisnotreachedbythepartiesonthecivilaspectofthecriminalcase,theJDR
judgeshallproceedtoconductthetrialonthemeritsofthecaseshouldthepartiesfilea
jointwrittenmotionforhimtodoso,despiteconfidentialinformationthatmayhavebeen
divulgedduringtheJDRproceedings.Otherwise,theJDRJudgeshallturnoverthecase
toanewjudgebyreraffleinmultiplesalacourtsortotheoriginatingcourtinsinglesala
courts,fortheconductofpretrialproperandtrial.
Wherenosettlementoronlyapartialsettlementwasreached,andtherebeingnojoint
writtenmotionsubmittedbytheparties,asstatedinthelastprecedingparagraphs,the
JDRjudgeshallturnoverthecasetothetrialjudge,determinedbyreraffleinmultiple
salacourtsortotheoriginatingcourtinsinglesalacourts,asthecasemaybe,toconduct
pretrialproper,asmandatedbyRules18and118oftheRulesofCourt.
Continuoustrialisonewherethecourtsarecalledupontoconductthetrialwithutmost
dispatch,withjudicialexerciseofthecourtspowertocontrolthetrialtoavoid
delayandforeachpartytocompletethepresentationofevidencewiththetrialdates
assignedtohim.
Theonlyinstanceswhenthepresenceoftheaccusedisrequiredbylawandwhenthelaw
mayforfeitthebondifhefailstoappearare:
1) Onarraignment;
2) Onpromulgationofjudgmentexceptforlight
offenses;
3) Foridentificationpurposes;
4) Whenthecourtwithduenoticerequiresso.
Towarrantpostponementduetoabsenceofawitness,itmustappear:
a) Thatthewitnessisreallymaterialandappearstothecourttobeso;
b) Thatthepartywhoappliesforpostponementhasnotbeenguiltyofneglect;
c) Thatthewitnesscanbehadatthetimetowhichthetrialhasbeendeferred;and
d) Thatnosimilarevidencecouldbeobtained.
Thenonappearanceoftheprosecutionatthetrial,despiteduenotice,justifiesa
provisionaldismissaloranabsolutedismissal,dependingonthecircumstances.
Anyperiodofdelayresultingfromtheabsenceorunavailabilityofanessentialwitness
shallbeexcludedincomputingthetimewithinwhichtrialmustcommence.
TRIALINABSENTIA
INSTANCESWHENPRESENCEOFACCUSEDISREQUIREDBYLAW
REQUISITEBEFORETRIALCANBESUSPENDEDONACCOUNTOFABSENCE
OFWITNESS
CRIMINALCASES
TheConstitutionpermitstrialinabsentiaofanaccusedafterhisarraignmentwho
unjustifiablyfailstoappearduringthetrialnotwithstandingduenotice.Thepurposeof
trialinabsentiaistospeedupthedispositionofcriminalcases.
TheREQUISITESOFTRIALINABSENTIAare:
a) Theaccusedhasbeenarraigned;
b) Hehasbeendulynotifiedofthetrial;and
c) Hisfailuretoappearisjustified.
Thewaiveroftheaccusedofappearanceortrialinabsentiadoesnotmeanthatthe
prosecutionistherebydeprivedofitsrighttorequirethepresenceoftheaccusedfor
purposesofidentificationbythewitnesseswhichisvitalforconvictionoftheaccused,
exceptwhereheunqualifiedlyadmitsinopencourtafterhisarraignmentthatheisthe
personnamedasdefendantinthecaseontrial.Suchwaiverdoesnotmeanareleaseof
theaccusedfromhisobligationunderthebondtoappearincourtwheneverrequired.
PRETRIALPROPER
TRIAL(RULE119)
Hecanstillbesubpoenaedtoappearforidentificationpurposes,withoutviolatinghis
rightagainstselfincriminationashewillnottakethestandtotestifybutmerelytobe
presentincourt,wheretheprosecutionwitnessmay,whileinthewitnessstand,pointto
himastheaccused.
Iftheaccusedisnotbroughttotrialwithinthetimelimit,theinformationmaybe
dismissedonmotionoftheaccusedonthegroundofdenialofhisrighttospeedytrial.
Thedismissalshallbesubjecttotherulesondoublejeopardy.
Failureoftheaccusedtomovefordismissalpriortotrialshallconstituteawaiverofthe
righttodismissunderthissection.
Whentwoormorepersonsarejointlychargedwiththecommissionofanyoffense,upon
motionoftheprosecutionbeforerestingitscase,thecourtmaydirectoneormoreofthe
accusedtobedischargedwiththeirconsentsothattheymaybewitnessesforthestate
when,afterrequiringtheprosecutiontopresentevidenceandtheswornstatementofeach
proposedstatewitnessatahearinginsupportofthedischarge,thecourtissatisfiedthat:
.
1) Thereisabsolutenecessityforthetestimonyoftheaccusedwhosedischargeis
requested;
2) Thereisnootherdirectevidenceavailablefortheproperprosecutionofthe
offensecommitted,exceptthetestimonyofsaidaccused;
3) Thetestimonyofsaidaccusedcanbesubstantiallycorroboratedinitsmaterial
points;
4) Saidaccuseddoesnotappeartobethemostguilty;and
5) Saidaccusedhasnotatanytimebeenconvictedofanyoffenseinvolving
moralturpitude.
Evidenceadducedinsupportofthedischargeshallautomaticallyformpartofthetrial.If
thecourtdeniesthemotionfordischargeoftheaccusedasstatewitness,hissworn
statementshallbeinadmissibleinevidence.
Theordershallamounttoanacquittalofthedischargedaccusedandshallbeabarto
futureprosecutionforthesameoffense,unless:
a)Theaccusedfailsorrefusestotestifyagainsthiscoaccusedinaccordancewithhis
swornstatementconstitutingthebasisforhisdischarge.
b)Ifhewasgrantedimmunityandfailstokeephispartoftheagreement,hisconfession
ofhisparticipationinthecommissionoftheoffenseisadmissibleinevidenceagainst
him.
Thecourtshallorderthedischargeandexclusionofthesaidaccusedfromthe
information.AdmissionintosuchProgramshallentitlesuchStateWitnesstoimmunity
fromcriminalprosecutionfortheoffenseoroffensesinwhichhistestimonywillbegiven
orused.
DEMURRERTOEVIDENCE
Aftertheprosecutionrestsitscase,thecourtmaydismisstheactiononthegroundof
insufficiencyofevidence(1)onitsowninitiativeaftergivingtheprosecutionthe
opportunitytobeheardor(2)upondemurrertoevidencefiledbytheaccusedwithor
withoutleaveofcourt.
Ifthecourtdeniesthedemurrertoevidencefiledwithleaveofcourt,theaccused
mayadduceevidenceinhisdefense.
Whenthedemurrertoevidenceisfiledwithoutleaveofcourt,theaccusedwaives
therighttopresentevidenceandsubmitsthecaseforjudgmentonthebasisofthe
evidencefortheprosecution.
Themotionforleaveofcourttofiledemurrertoevidenceshallspecificallystateits
groundsandshallbefiledwithinanonextendibleperiodoffive(5)daysafterthe
prosecutionrestsitscase.Theprosecutionmayopposethemotionwithinanon
extendibleperiodoffive(5)daysfromitsreceipt.
Ifleaveofcourtisgranted,theaccusedshallfilethedemurrertoevidencewithina
nonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysfromnotice.Theprosecutionmayopposethe
demurrertoevidencewithinasimilarperiodfromitsreceipt.
Theorderdenyingthemotionforleaveofcourttofiledemurrertoevidenceorthe
demurreritselfshallnotbereviewablebyappealorbycertioraribeforejudgment.
Judgmentmeanstheadjudicationbythecourtthattheaccusedisguiltyorisnotguiltyof
theoffensecharged,andtheimpositionoftheproperpenaltyandcivilliabilityprovided
forbylawontheaccused.
Memorandumdecisionisoneinwhichtheappellatecourtmayadoptbyreference,the
findingsoffactsandconclusionsoflawcontainedinthedecisionappealedfrom.
REQUISITESOFAJUDGMENT
REMEDYWHENACCUSEDISNOTBROUGHTTOTRIALWITHINTHE
PRESCRIBEDPERIOD
REQUISITESFORDISCHARGEOFACCUSEDTOBECOMEASTATEWITNESS
JUDGMENT(RULE120)
EFFECTSOFDISCHARGEOFACCUSEDASSTATEWITNESS
Itmustbewrittenintheofficiallanguage,personallyanddirectlypreparedbythejudge
andsignedbyhimandshallcontainclearlyanddistinctlyastatementofthefactsandthe
lawuponwhichitisbased.
CONTENTSOFJUDGMENT
Ifthejudgmentisofconviction,itshallstate:
.
1) thelegalqualificationoftheoffenseconstitutedbytheactscommittedbythe
accusedandtheaggravatingormitigatingcircumstanceswhich
attendeditscommission;
.
2) theparticipationoftheaccusedintheoffense,
whetherasprincipal,accomplice,oraccessory
afterthefact;
3) thepenaltyimposedupontheaccused;and
4) thecivilliabilityordamagescausedbyhis
wrongfulactoromissiontoberecoveredfromtheaccusedbytheoffendedparty,
ifthereisany,unlesstheenforcementofthecivilliabilitybyaseparatecivil
actionhasbeenreservedorwaived.
Incasethejudgmentisofacquittal,itshallstatewhethertheevidenceoftheprosecution
absolutelyfailedtoprovetheguiltoftheaccusedormerelyfailedtoprovehisguilt
beyondreasonabledoubt.Ineithercase,thejudgmentshalldetermineiftheactor
omissionfromwhichthecivilliabilitymightarisedidnotexist.
Thejudgmentispromulgatedbyreadingitinthepresenceoftheaccusedandanyjudge
ofthecourtinwhichitwasrendered.However,iftheconvictionisforalightoffense,the
judgmentmaybepronouncedinthepresenceofhiscounselorrepresentative.Whenthe
judgeisabsentoroutsidetheprovinceorcity,thejudgmentmaybepromulgatedbythe
clerkofcourt.
Iftheaccusedisconfinedordetainedinanotherprovinceorcity,thejudgmentmaybe
promulgatedbytheexecutivejudgeoftheRegionalTrialCourthavingjurisdictionover
theplaceofconfinementordetentionuponrequestofthecourtwhichrenderedthe
judgment.Thecourtpromulgatingthejudgmentshallhaveauthoritytoacceptthenotice
ofappealandtoapprovethebailbondpendingappeal;provided,thatifthedecisionof
thetrialcourtconvictingtheaccusedchangedthenatureoftheoffensefromnonbailable
tobailable,theapplicationforbailcanonlybefiledandresolvedbytheappellatecourt.
Theproperclerkofcourtshallgivenoticetotheaccusedpersonallyorthroughhis
bondsmanorwardenandcounsel,requiringhimtobepresentatthepromulgationofthe
decision.Iftheaccusedwastriedinabsentia
becausehejumpedbailorescapedfromprison,thenoticetohimshallbeservedathis
lastknownaddress.
Incasetheaccusedfailstoappearatthescheduleddateofpromulgationofjudgment
despitenotice,thepromulgationshallbemadebyrecordingthejudgmentinthecriminal
docketandservinghimacopythereofathislastknownaddressorthruhiscounsel.
Ifthejudgmentisforconvictionandthefailureoftheaccusedtoappearwaswithout
justifiablecause,heshalllosetheremediesavailableintheserulesagainstthejudgment
andthecourtshallorderhisarrest.Withinfifteen(15)daysfrompromulgationof
judgment,however,theaccusedmaysurrenderandfileamotionforleaveofcourtto
availoftheseremedies.Heshallstatethereasonsforhisabsenceatthescheduled
promulgation
andifcause,fifteen
a)b)c)d)
heprovesthathisabsencewasforajustifiableheshallbeallowedtoavailofsaid
remedieswithin(15)daysfromnotice.
Afterthelapseoftheperiodforperfectinganappeal;
Whenthesentencehasbeenpartiallyortotallysatisfiedorserved;
Whentheaccusedhaswaivedinwritinghisrighttoappeal;or
Hasappliedforprobation.
WHENDOESJUDGMENTBECOMEFINAL(FOURINSTANCES)
PROMULGATIONOFJUDGMENT;INSTANCESOFPROMULGATIONOF
JUDGMENTINABSENTIA
MNTORMRINCRIMINALCASES
MNTORMRINCIVILCASES
Eitheronmotionofaccused,orthecourtmotupropriowithconsentoftheaccused
Mustbeuponmotionofaparty,cantbemotuproprio
GroundsforMNT errorsoflaworirregularitiescommittedduringthetrial,ornewly
discoveredevidence
GroundsforMNT FAME,ornewlydiscoveredevidence
GroundforMR erroroflaworfact
GroundsforMR Excessivedamages,insufficientevidence,ordecisioniscontraryto
law
Filedanytimebeforejudgmentofconvictionbecomesfinal
Filedwithintheperiodfortakinganappeal
Shouldincludeallthegroundsthenavailableandthosenotsoincludedshallbedeemed
waived.
When
original
alwayssetasideor
granted,thejudgmentis
Theremaybepartialgrant
vacatedandanewjudgmentrendered
GROUNDSFORNEWTRIAL
.
a) Thaterrorsoflaworirregularitiesprejudicialtothesubstantialrightsofthe
accusedhavebeencommittedduringthetrial;
b) Thatnewandmaterialevidencehasbeendiscoveredwhichtheaccusedcould
notwithreasonablediligencehavediscoveredandproducedatthetrialandwhich
ifintroducedandadmittedwouldprobablychangethejudgment.
GROUNDSFORRECONSIDERATION
Thecourtshallgrantreconsiderationonthegroundoferrorsoflaworfactinthe
judgment,whichrequiresnofurtherproceedings.
.
a) Theevidencewasdiscoveredaftertrial;
b) Theevidencecouldnothavebeendiscoveredandproducedatthetrialeven
withexerciseofreasonable
diligence;
c) Theevidenceismaterial,notmerelycumulative,
corroborativeorimpeaching;
d) Itmustgotothemeritsasitwouldproducea
differentresultifadmitted.
a) Whenanewtrialisgrantedonthegroundoferrorsoflaworirregularities
committedduringthetrial,alltheproceedingsandevidenceaffectedtherebyshall
besetasideandtakenanew.Thecourtmay,intheinterestofjustice,allowthe
introductionofadditionalevidence.
.
b) Whenanewtrialisgrantedonthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence,the
evidencealreadyadducedshallstandandthenewlydiscoveredandsuchother
evidenceasthecourtmay,intheinterestofjustice,allowtobeintroducedshallbe
takenandconsideredtogetherwiththeevidencealreadyintherecord.
c) INALLCASES,whenthecourtgrantsnewtrialorreconsideration,the
originaljudgmentshallbesetasideorvacatedandanewjudgmentrendered
accordingly.
ThisrulewasadoptedTOSTANDARDIZETHEAPPEALPERIODSprovidedinthe
Rulestoaffordfairopportunitytoreviewthecaseand,intheprocess,minimizeerrorsof
judgment.Obviously,thenew15dayperiodmaybeavailedofonlyifeithermotionis
filedandwasdenied;otherwise,thedecisionbecomesfinalandexecutoryafterthelapse
oftheoriginalappealperiodprovidedinRule41
Ifthemotionisdenied,themovantshasafreshperiodof15daysfromreceiptornotice
oftheorderdenyingordismissingthemotionforreconsiderationwithinwhichtofilea
noticetoappeal.
ThisfreshperiodruleappliesonlytoRule41governingappealsfromtheRTCbutalso
toRule40governingappealsfromMTCtoRTC,Rule42onpetitionsforreviewfrom
theRTCtotheCA,Rule43onappealfromquasijudicialagenciestotheCA,andRule
45governingappealsbycertioraritotheSC.
Neypesrulingshallnotbeappliedwherenomotionfornewtrialormotionfor
reconsiderationhasbeenfiledinwhichcasethe15dayperiodshallrunfromnoticeof
thejudgment.
Thefreshperiodruledoesnotrefertotheperiodwithinwhichtoappealfromtheorder
denyingthemotionfornewtrialbecausetheorderisnotappealable.
InthecaseofJudithYuvs.JudgeSamson,Feb.9,2011,theSCheldthattheNeypes
doctrineisapplicableincriminalcases.
Anappealopensthewholecaseforreviewandthisincludesthereviewofthepenalty,
indemnityandthedamagesinvolved.
EFFECTOFANAPPEAL
Uponperfectionoftheappeal,theexecutionofthejudgmentororderappealedfromis
stayedastotheappealingparty.Thecivilappealoftheoffendedpartydoesnotaffectthe
criminalaspectofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom.
Thetrialcourtlosesjurisdictionoverthe,except:
1)Toissueordersfortheprotectionandpreservationoftherightsofthepartieswhichdo
notinvolveanymatterlitigatedbytheappeal;
2)Toapprovecompromisesofferedbythepartiespriortothetransmissionoftherecords
onappeal
totheappellatecourt.
REQUISITESBEFOREANEWTRIALMAYBEGRANTEDONGROUNDOF
NEWLYDISCOVEREDEVIDENCE
APPEAL(RULE122)
EFFECTSOFGRANTINGANEWTRIALORRECONSIDERATION
APPLICATIONOFNEYPESDOCTRINEINCRIMINALCASES
WHERETOAPPEAL
a) TotheRegionalTrialCourt,incasesdecidedbytheMTCs;
b) TotheCourtofAppealsortotheSupremeCourtinthepropercasesprovided
bylaw,incasesdecidedbytheRTC;and
c) TotheSupremeCourt,incasesdecidedbytheCourtofAppeals.
HOWAPPEALTAKEN
a) TheappealtotheRTC,ortotheCAincasesdecidedbytheRTCinthe
exerciseofitsoriginaljurisdiction,shallbetakenbyfilingaNOTICEOF
APPEALwiththecourtwhichrenderedthejudgmentorfinalorderappealedfrom
andbyservingacopythereofupontheadverseparty.
b) TheappealtotheCAincasesdecidedbytheRTCintheexerciseofits
appellatejurisdictionshallbebyPETITIONFORREVIEWunderRule42.
c) TheappealtotheSCincaseswherethepenaltyimposedbytheRTCis
reclusionperpetua,orlifeimprisonment,orwherealesserpenaltyisimposedbut
foroffensescommittedonthesameoccasionorwhicharoseoutofthesame
occurrencethatgaverisetothemoreseriousoffenseforwhichthepenaltyof
death,reclusionperpetua,orlifeimprisonmentisimposed,shallbebyfilinga
NOTICEOFAPPEAL.
d) Nonoticeofappealisnecessaryincaseswherethedeathpenaltyisimposed
bytheRTC.ThesameshallbeautomaticallyreviewedbytheSC.
F Exceptasprovidedinthelastparagraphofsection
13,Rule124,allotherappealstotheSupremeCourtshallbebyPETITIONFOR
REVIEWONCERTIORARIunderRule45.
a)Anappealtakenbyoneormoreofseveralaccusedshallnotaffectthosewhodidnot
appeal,exceptinsofarasthejudgmentoftheappellatecourtisfavorableandapplicable
tothelatter.
b)Theappealoftheoffendedpartyfromthecivilaspectshallnotaffectthecriminal
aspectofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom.
GROUNDSFORDISMISSALOFAPPEAL
a)Failureonthepartoftheappellanttofilebriefwithinthereglementaryperiod,except
whenheisrepsentedbycounseldeofficio;
b)Escapeftheappellantfromprisonorconfinement;
c)Whentheappellantjumpsbail;
d)Flightoftheappellantforaforeigncountryduring
thependencyoftheappeal;
e)Patentlywithoutmerit;
f)Prosecutedmanifestlyfordelay;or
g)Thequestionsraisedthereinaretoounsubstantialto
requireconsideration.
NATUREOFSEARCHWARRANT
Theconstitutionalrightagainstunreasonablesearchandseizurereferstotheimmunityof
onesperson,whetheracitizenoralien,frominterferencebygovernment,includedin
whishishisresidence,hispapersandotherpossession.
Theoverridingfunctionoftheconstitutionalguaranteeistoprotectpersonalprivacyand
humandignityagainstunwarrantedintrusionbytheState.
Therightofthepeopletobesecureintheirpersons,houses,papers,andeffectsagainst
unreasonablesearchesandseizuresofwhatevernatureandforanypurposeshallbe
inviolable,andnosearchwarrantorwarrantofarrestshallissueexceptuponprobable
causetobedeterminedpersonallybythejudgeafterexaminationunderoathor
affirmationofthecomplainantandthewitnesseshemayproduce,andparticularly
describingtheplacetobesearchedandthepersonsorthingstobeseized(Sec.2,Art.III,
Constitution).
SEARCHANDSEIZURE(RULE126)
EFFECTOFAPPEALBYANYOFSEVERALACCUSED
SEARCHWARRANT(RULE126)
WARRANTOFARREST(RULE113)
AsearchwarrantisanorderinwritingissuedinthenameofthePeopleofthe
Philippines,signedbyajudgeanddirectedtoapeaceofficer,commandinghimtosearch
forpersonalpropertydescribedthereinandbringitbeforethecourt(Sec.1,Rule126).
Arrestisthetakingofapersonintocustodyinorderthathemaybeboundtoanswerfor
thecommissionofanoffense(Sec.1,Rule113).
Requisites:
Asearchwarrantshallnotissueexceptuponprobablecauseinconnectionwithone
specificoffensetobedeterminedpersonallybythejudgeafterexaminationunderoathor
affirmationofthecomplainantandthewitnesshemayproduce,andparticularly
describingtheplacetobesearchedandthethingstobeseizedwhichmaybeanywherein
thePhilippines(Sec.4,Rule126).
RequisitesforarrestwarrantissuedbyRTCjudgeunderSec.5,Rule112:
.
a) Within10daysfromthefilingofthecomplaintor
information
b) Thejudgeshallpersonallyevaluatetheresolution
oftheprosecutoranditssupportingevidence.
c) Ifhefindsprobablecause,heshallissueawarrant
ofarrest
APPLICATIONFORSEARCHWARRANT,WHEREFILED
Anapplicationforsearchwarrantshallbefiledwiththefollowing:
.
a) Anycourtwithinwhoseterritorialjurisdictionacrimewascommitted.
b) Forcompellingreasonsstatedintheapplication,anycourtwithinthejudicial
regionwherethecrimewascommittediftheplaceofthecommissionofthecrime
isknown,oranycourtwithinthejudicialregionwherethewarrantshallbe
enforced.
However,ifthecriminalactionhasalreadybeenfiled,theapplicationshallonlybemade
inthecourtwherethecriminalactionispending.
PROBABLECAUSE
Probablecauseisdefinedassuchfactsandcircumstanceswhichcouldleadareasonably
discreetandprudentmantobelievethatanoffensehasbeencommittedandthatthe
objectssoughtinconnectionwiththeoffenseareintheplacesoughttobesearched.
Requisitesforissuingsearchwarrant Asearchwarrantshallnotissueexceptupon
probablecauseinconnectionwithonespecificoffensetobedeterminedpersonallyby
thejudgeafterexaminationunderoathoraffirmationofthecomplainantandthewitness
hemayproduce,andparticularlydescribingtheplacetobesearchedandthethingstobe
seizedwhichmaybeanywhereinthePhilippines.
Issuanceandformofsearchwarrant Ifthejudgeissatisfiedoftheexistenceoffacts
uponwhichtheapplicationisbasedorthatthereisprobablecausetobelievethatthey
exist,heshallissuethewarrant,which
mustbesubstantiallyintheformprescribedbytheseRules.
Thejudgemust,beforeissuingthewarrant,personallyexamineintheformofsearching
questionsandanswers,inwritingandunderoath,thecomplainantandthewitnesseshe
mayproduceonfactspersonallyknowntothemandattachtotherecordtheirsworn
statements,togetherwiththeaffidavitssubmitted.
Thewarrantmustparticularlydescribetheplacetobesearchedandthepersonsorthings
tobeseized.
Theruleisthatadescriptionoftheplacetobesearchedissufficientiftheofficerwiththe
warrantcan,withreasonableeffort,ascertainandidentifytheplaceintendedtobe
searched.Wherethereareseveralapartmentsintheplacetobesearched,adescriptionof
thespecificplacecanbedeterminedbyreferencetotheaffidavitssupportingthewarrant
thattheapartmenttobesearchedistheoneoccupiedbytheaccused.Thesearchingparty
cannotgofromoneapartmenttotheotherasthewarrantwillthenbecomeageneral
warrant.
PERSONALPROPERTYTOBESEIZED
Asearchwarrantmaybeissuedforthesearchandseizureofpersonalproperty:
a)Subjectoftheoffense;
b)Stolenorembezzledandotherproceeds,orfruits
oftheoffense;or
c)Usedorintendedtobeusedasthemeansof
d) Incaseofdoubtontheexistenceofprobablecause
e) Thejudgemayordertheprosecutortopresent
additionalevidencewithin5daysfromnotice;and
f) Theissuemustberesolvedbythecourtwithin30daysfromthefilingofthe
complaintofinformation
Searchorseizurewithoutwarrant,whenlawful:
.
1) Consentedsearch;
2) Asanincidenttoalawfularrest;
3) Searchesofvesselsandaircraftsforviolationof
immigration,customsanddruglaws;
4) Searchesofmovingvehicles;
5) Searchesofautomobilesatbordersorconstructive
borders;
6) Wheretheprohibitedarticlesareinplainview;
7) Searchesofbuildingsandpremisestoenforcefire,
sanitaryandbuildingregulations;
8) Stopandfrisk operations;
9) Exigentandemergencycircumstances(intimesofwar
andwithintheareaofmilitaryoperation)
Arrestwithoutwarrant,whenlawful:
.
a) When,inhispresence,thepersontobearrestedhascommitted,isactually
committing,orisattemptingtocommitanoffense;
b) Whenanoffensehasjustbeencommittedandhehasprobablecausetobelieve
basedonpersonalknowledgeoffactsorcircumstancesthatthepersontobe
arrestedhascommittedit;and
c) Whenthepersontobearrestedisaprisonerwhohasescapedfromapenal
establishmentorplacewhereheisservingfinaljudgmentoristemporarily
confinedwhilehiscaseispending,orhasescapedwhilebeingtransferredfrom
oneconfinementtoanother(Sec.5,Rule113).
PERSONALEXAMINATIONBYJUDGEOFTHEAPPLICANTANDWITNESSES
PARTICULARITYOFPLACETOBESEARCHEDANDTHINGSTOBESEIZED
committinganoffense.
Itisnotnecessarythatthepropertytobesearchedorseizedshouldbeownedbythe
personagainstwhomthesearchisissued;itissufficientthatthepropertyisunderhis
controlorpossession.
Apersonlawfullyarrestedmaybesearchedfordangerousweaponsoranythingwhich
mayhavebeenusedorconstituteproofinthecommissionofanoffensewithoutasearch
warrant.
Thelawrequiresthattherefirstbealawfularrestbeforeasearchcanbemade.The
processcannotbereversed.Thus,inabuybustoperationconductedtoentrapadrug
pusher,thelawenforcementagentsmayseizethemarkedmoneyfoundonthepersonof
thepusherimmediatelyafterthearrestevenwithoutarrestandsearchwarrants.
Thisisabsolutelylimitawarrantlesssearchofapersonwhoislawfullyarrestedtohisor
herpersonatthetimeofandincidenttohisorherarrestandtodangerousweaponsor
anythingwhichmaybeusedasproofofthecommissionoftheoffense.Suchwarrantless
searchobviouslycannotbemadeinanyotherthantheplaceofarrest.
Rightsmaybewaived,unlessthewaiveriscontrarytolaw,publicorder,morals,orgood
customs,orprejudicialtoathirdpersonwitharightrecognizedbylaw.
Toconstituteavalidwaiverofaconstitutionalright,itmustappear:
.
a) thattherightexists,
b) thepersoninvolvedhadknowledgeeitheractual
orconstructive,oftheexistenceofsuchright,
and
c) saidpersonhasanactualintentiontorelinquish
theright.
Astheconstitutionalguaranteeisnotdependentuponanyaffirmativeactofthecitizen,
thecourtsdonotplacethecitizeninthepositionofeithercontestinganofficersauthority
byforce,orwaivinghisconstitutionalrights,butinsteadtheyholdthatapeaceful
submissionandsilenceoftheaccusedinasearchorseizureisnotaconsentoran
invitationthereto,butismerelyademonstrationofregardtothesupremacyofthelaw.
Incarryingoutwarrantlesssearchesofmovingvehicles,peaceofficersarelimitedto
routinechecks,thatis,the
vehiclesareneitherreallysearchednortheiroccupantssubjectedtophysicalorbody
searches,theexaminationofthevehiclesbeinglimitedtovisualinspection.
Warrantlesssearchformovingvehicleisjustifiedonthegroundthatitisnotpracticable
tosecureawarrantbecausethevehiclecanbequicklymovedoutofthelocalityor
jurisdictioninwhichthewarrantmustbesought.
Awarrantlesssearchconductedatpoliceormilitarycheckpointshasbeenupheldforas
longasthevehicleisneithersearchednoritsoccupantssubjectedtobodysearch,andthe
inspectionofthevehicleismerelylimitedtovisualsearch.
Routineinspectionsarenotregardedasviolativeofanindividualsrightagainst
unreasonablesearch.
Thesearchislimitedtothefollowinginstances:
.
1) wheretheofficermerelydrawsasidethecurtainofavacantvehiclewhichis
parkedonthepublic
fairgrounds;
2) simplylooksintoavehicle;
3) flashesalightthereinwithoutopeningthecars
doors;
4) wheretheoccupantsarenotsubjectedtoa
physicalorbodysearch;
5) wheretheinspectionofthevehiclesislimitedto
avisualsearchorvisualinspection;and
6) wheretheroutinecheckisconductedinafixed
area.
Itrecognizesthatobjectsinadvertentlyfallinginplainviewofanofficerwhohasthe
righttobeinthepositiontohavethatview,aresubjecttoseizurewithoutwarrant.
Itisusuallyappliedwhereapoliceofficerisnotsearchingforevidenceagainstthe
accused,butnonethelessinadvertentlycomesacrossanincriminatingobject.
Itisalsobeensuggestedthatevenifanobjectisobservedinplainview,theseizureofthe
subjectwillnotbejustifiedwheretheincriminatingnatureoftheobjectisnotapparent;it
mustbeimmediatelyapparenttothepolicethattheitemsthattheyobservemaybe
evidenceofacrime,contrabandorotherwisesubjecttoseizure.
Theelementsofplainviewseizureare:
.
1) priorvalidintrusionbasedonthevalid
warrantlessarrestinwhichthepolicearelegally
presentinthepursuitoftheirofficialduties;
2) theevidencewasinadvertentlydiscoveredbythe
policewhohadtherighttobewheretheyare;
EXCEPTIONSTOSEARCHWARRANTREQUIREMENT
1.SEARCHINCIDENTALTOLAWFULARREST
4.CHECKPOINTS;BODYCHECKSINAIRPORT
2.CONSENTEDSEARCH
5.PLAINVIEWSITUATION
3.SEARCHOFMOVINGVEHICLE
3)theevidencemustbeimmediatelyapparent;and4)plainview justifiedmereseizure
ofevidence
withoutfurthersearch.
Apersonwhowascarryingabagandactingsuspiciouslycouldbesearchedbypolice
officersandtheunlicensedfirearmseizedinsidethebagisadmissibleinevidence,being
anincidentofalawfularrest.
Apersonroamingaroundinaplacewheredrugaddictsusuallyarefound,whoseeyes
wereredandwhowaswobblinglikeadrunk,couldbelegallysearchedofhispersonand
theillegaldrugseizedfromhimisadmissibleinevidenceagainsthim.
Astopandfriskservesatwofoldinterest:
.
a) thegeneralinterestofeffectivecriminal
protectionanddetectionwhichunderlietherecognitionthatapoliceofficermay,
underappropriatecircumstancesandinanappropriatemanner,approachaperson
forpurposesofinvestigatingpossiblecriminalbehaviorevenwithoutprobable
cause;and
b) themorepressinginterestofsafetyandselfpreservationwhichpermitthe
policeofficertotakestepstoassurehimselfthatthepersonwithwhomhedealsis
notarmedwithadeadlyweaponthatcouldunexpectedlyandfatallybeused
againsthim.
Theintentionistopreventsmugglingandtosecurethecollectionofthelegalduties,
taxesandothercharges.
UndertheTariffandCustomsCode,Customsofficersareauthorizedtomakearrest,
searchandseizureofanyvessel,aircraft,cargo,articles,animalsorothermovable
propertywhenthesameissubjecttoforfeitureorliableforanyfineunderthecustoms
andtarifflaws,rulesandregulationsandmayatanytimeenter,passthroughorsearch
anylandorinclosureoranywarehouse,storeorotherbuildingwithoutbeingadwelling
house.
Adwellinghousemaybeenteredorsearchedonlyuponwarrantsissuedbyjudgeupon
swornapplicationshowingprobablecauseandparticularlydescribingtheplacedtobe
searchedandpersonorthingstobesearched.
Amotiontoquashasearchwarrantand/ortosuppressevidenceobtainedtherebymaybe
filedinandactedupononlybythecourtwheretheactionhasbeeninstituted.Ifno
criminalactionhasbeeninstituted,themotionmaybefiledinandresolvedbythecourt
thatissuedsearchwarrant.However,ifsuchcourtfailedtoresolvethemotionanda
criminalcaseissubsequentlyfiledinanothercourt,themotionshallberesolvedbythe
lattercourt.
Alternativeremediesoftheaccusedadverselyaffectedbyasearchwarrantarethe
following:
1)Motiontoquashthesearchwarrantwiththeissuingcourt;or
2)Motionsuppressevidencewiththecourttryingthecriminalcase.
Theremediesarealternative,notcumulative.Ifthemotiontoquashisdenied,amotion
tosuppresscannotbeavailedofsubsequently.Replevinmayalsobeproperiftheobjects
arelegallypossessed.
NATURE
Theprovisionalremediesincivilactions,insofarastheyareapplicable,maybeavailed
ofinconnectionwiththecivilactiondeemedinstitutedwiththecriminalaction.
Anapplicationforrecoveryofdamagesonthebondpostedforpurposesofsaid
provisionalremediesshallbemadeinthesameactionand,generally,cannotbethe
subjectofaseparateaction.
Theprovisionalremediesareproperonlywherethecivilactionfortherecoveryofcivil
liabilityexdelictohasnotbeenexpresslywaivedortherighttoinstitutesuchcivilaction
separatelyisnotreserved,inthosecaseswheresuchreservationmaybemade.
KINDSOFPROVISIONALREMEDIES
10.EXIGENTANDEMERGENCYCIRCUMSTANCES
6.STOPANDFRISKSITUATION
11.INTERMSOFWARWITHINTHEAREAOFMILITARYOPERATION
REMEDIESFROMUNLAWFULSEARCHANDSEIZURE
7.ENFORCEMENTOFCUSTOMLAWS
PROVISIONALREMEDIES(RULE127)
8.SEARCHESOFAUTOMOBILESATBORDERSORCONSTRUCTIVEBORDERS
9.SEARCHESOFBUILDINGSANDPREMISESTOENFORCEFIRE,SANITARY
ANDBUILDINGREGULATIONS
ATTACHMENT
WhenthecivilactionisproperlyinstitutedinthecriminalactionasprovidedinRule111,
theoffendedpartymayhavethepropertyoftheaccusedattachedassecurityforthe
satisfactionofanyjudgmentthatmayberecoveredfromtheaccusedinthefollowing
cases:
.
1) WhentheaccusedisabouttoabscondfromthePhilippines;
2) Whenthecriminalactionisbasedonaclaimformoneyorpropertyembezzled
orfraudulentlymisappliedorconvertedtotheuseoftheaccusedwhoisapublic
officer,officerofacorporation,attorney,factor,broker,agentorclerk,inthe
courseofhisemploymentassuch,orbyanyotherpersoninafiduciarycapacity,
orforawillfulviolationofduty;
3) Whentheaccusedhasconcealed,removed,ordisposedofhisproperty,oris
abouttodoso;and
4) Whentheaccusedresidesoutsidethe
Philippines.
Rule57onpreliminaryattachmentappliesontheproceduretosecureanattachment
inthecasesauthorizedunderRule127.
Atthecommencementoftheactionoratanytimebeforeentryofjudgment,a
plaintifforanyproperpartymayhavethepropertyoftheadversepartyattachedas
securityforthesatisfactionofanyjudgmentthatmayberecoveredinthefollowing
cases:
1)Inanactionfortherecoveryofaspecifiedamountofmoneyordamages,otherthan
moralandexemplary,onacauseofactionarisingfromlaw,contract,quasicontract,
delictorquasidelictagainstapartywhoisabouttodepartfromthePhilippineswith
intenttodefraudhiscreditors;
CONCEPTOFEVIDENCE
Evidenceisthemeans,sanctionedbytheRulesofCourt,ofascertaininginajudicial
proceedingthetruthrespectingamatteroffact.Itisonlyameansofascertainingthe
truth.Thistruthshoulddependupontheevidencesubmittedinacourtinaccordancewith
therules.
Generally,themannerofprovingfactualallegationsisthroughwitnesseswhoareplaced
inthewitnessstandtotestifyonwhattheypersonallyknowortoidentifyrelevant
documents.Theyarepresentedvoluntarilyorthroughthecoerciveprocessofsubpoena
ducestecum.
2)Inanactionformoneyorpropertyembezzledorfraudulentlymisappliedorconverted
tohisownusebyapublicofficer,oranofficeroracorporation,oranattorney,factor,
broker,agent,orclerk,inthecourseofhisemploymentassuch,orbyanyotherpersonin
afiduciarycapacity,orforawillfulviolationofduty;
3)Inanactiontorecoverthepossessionofpropertyunjustlyorfraudulentlytaken,
detainedorconverted,whentheproperty,oranypartthereof,hasbeenconcealed,
removed,ordisposedoftopreventitsbeingfoundortakenbytheapplicantoran
authorizedperson;
4)Inanactionagainstapartywhohasbeenguiltyofafraudincontractingthedebtor
incurringtheobligationuponwhichtheactionisbrought,orintheperformancethereof;
5)Inanactionagainstapartywhohasremovedordisposedofhisproperty,orisaboutto
doso,withintenttodefraudhiscreditors;or
6)InanactionagainstapartywhodoesnotresideandisnotfoundinthePhilippines,or
onwhomsummonsmaybeservedbypublication.
EVIDENCE(Rules128 134)
Evidenceisalsosecuredbyresortingtomodesofdiscoveries,suchas:
.
a) Takingofdepositionsofanyperson,oralorwritten(Rule23);
b) Servingofinterrogatoriestoparties(Rule25);
c) Servingofrequestsforadmissionbytheadverse
party(Rule25);
d) Productionandinspectionofdocuments(Rule
27);and
e) Examinationofphysicalandmentalconditions
ofpersons(Rule28).
Amattermayalsobeprovedbymeansofaffidavit,suchasinmotionsbasedonfactsnot
appearingonrecord,incasescoveredbytheRulesonSummaryProcedure,andthose
filedinadministrativeorquasijudicialbodies.
SCOPEOFTHERULESOFEVIDENCE
Therulesofevidenceareguidedbytheprincipleofuniformity.Asageneralpolicy,the
rulesofevidenceshallbethesameinallcourtsandinalltrialsandhearings.
a)Thatitisrelevanttotheissue;and
b)Thatitiscompetent,thatis,thatitdoesnotbelongto
thatclassofevidencewhichisexcludedbythelawortherules.
Relevanceevidencemusthavesucharelationtothefactinissueastoinducebeliefin
itsexistenceornonexistence.
Collateralmattersevidenceoncollateralmattersshallnotbeallowed,exceptwhenit
tendsinanyreasonabledegreetoestablishtheprobabilityorimprobabilityofthefactin
issueortocorroborateorsupplementfactsestablishedpreviouslybydirectevidence.
.
a) Prospectantcollateralmatters thoseprecedingofthefactinissuebutpointing
forwardtoit,likemoralcharacter,motive,conspiracy;
b) Concomitantcollateralmatters thoseaccompanyingthefactinissueand
pointingtoit,likealibi,oropportunityandincompatibility;
c) Retrospectantcollateralmatters thosesucceedingthefactinissuebut
pointingbackwardtoit,likeflightandconcealment,behavioroftheaccusedupon
beingarrested,fingerprintsorfootprints,articlesleftatthesceneofthecrime
whichmayidentifytheculprit.
MULTIPLEADMISSIBILITY
Therearetimeswhenprofferedevidenceisadmissiblefortwoormorepurposes.
Sometimesitisadmissibleforonepurposebutinadmissibleforanotherorviceversa.It
mayalsobeadmissibleagainstonepartybutnotagainstanother.Thiskindofevidenceis
tobreceivedprovideditmeetstherelevancyandcompetencytestsforwhichitisoffered.
CONDITIONALADMISSIBILITY
Evidencewhichappearstobeimmaterialisadmittedbythecourtandtheproponentmay
askthattheevidencebeconditionallyadmittedinthemeantimesubjecttothecondition
thatheisgoingtoestablishitsrelevancyandcompetencyatalatertime.Ifapromise
thusmadeisnotfulfilled,thecourtmaystrikeouttheevidencethusconditionally
admitted,ifamotionismadebytheoppositeparty.
CURATIVEADMISSIBILITY
Itreferstoasituationwhereincompetentevidencewaserroneouslyreceivedbythecourt
despiteobjectionfromtheotherparty.Itwillnotapplywheretheevidencewasadmitted
withoutobjectionbecauseofawaiveroftheadmissibilityoftheevidence.So,wherethe
objectionwasincorrectlyoverruled,thecourtmustallowtheother
RELEVANCEOFEVIDENCEANDCOLLATERALMATTERS
EVIDENCEINCIVILCASES
EVIDENCEINCRIMINALCASES
Thepartyhavingtheburdenofproofmustprovehisclaimbyapreponderanceof
evidence.
Theguiltoftheaccusedhastobeprovenbeyondreasonabledoubt.
Anofferofcompromiseisnotanadmissionofanyliability,andisnotadmissiblein
evidenceagainsttheofferor.
Exceptincasesofcriminalnegligenceorthoseallowedbylawtobecompromised,an
offerofcompromisebytheaccusedmaybereceivedinevidenceasanimpliedadmission
ofguilt.
Generally,thereisnopresumptionfororagainstaparty,exceptinsomecivilcasessuch
asinacontractualsuitagainstthecarrier,thereexistsapresumptionagainstthe
defendant.
Theaccusedenjoysthepresumptionofinnocence.
EVIDENCE
PROOF
Mediumofproof/Meanstotheend
Effectandresultofevidence/Endresult.
FACTUMPROBANDUM
FACTUMPROBANS
Propositiontobeestablished
Materialevidencingtheproposition
ADMISSIBILITYOFEVIDENCE
Twoaxiomsofadmissibility:
.
a) Nonebutfactshavingrationalprobativevalue
areadmissible(relevance).
b) Allfactshavingrationalprobativevalueare
admissibleunlesssomespecificrulesforbid(competence).
REQUISITESFORADMISSIBILITYOFEVIDENCE
ADMISSIBILITYOFEVIDENCE
WEIGHTOFEVIDENCE
Pertainstotheabilityoftheevidencetobeallowedandacceptedsubjecttoitsrelevancy
andcompetence
Pertainstotheeffectofevidenceadmitted
BURDENOFPROOF
BURDENOF
EVIDENCE
Denotesthedutyofestablishingthetruthofagivenpropositionorissuebysuchquantum
ofevidenceasthelawdemandsinthecaseinwhichtheissuearises.
Meansthenecessityofgoingforwardwiththeevidencetomeettheprimafaciecase
createdagainsthim
Itremainswiththepartyallegingfactsandnevershiftstotheotherparty.Hewhoalleges
theaffirmativeoftheissuehastheburdenofproof,andthesameneverparts.
Itshiftsfromsidetosideasthetrialofthecaseprogresses
partytointroduceevidencetocontradicttheevidenceimproperlyadmitted.Thisis
reasonsoffairness.
DIRECTANDCIRCUMSTANTIALEVIDENCE
DIRECTEVIDENCEisthatwhichprovesthefactindisputewithouttheaidofany
inferenceorpresumption.Evidencewhichifbelievedprovestheexistenceofafactin
issuewithoutinterferenceorpresumption.
CIRCUMSTANTIALEVIDENCEistheproofoffactsfromwhich,takencollectively,
theexistenceoftheparticularfactindisputemaybeinferredasanecessaryorprobable
consequence.
Inacriminalcase,circumstantialevidenceissufficientforconvictionprovidedthe
followingrequisitesconcur:
.
1) Thereismorethanonecircumstances;
2) Thefactsfromwhichtheinferencesarederived
areproven;and
3) Thecombinationofallthecircumstancesissuch
astoproduceaconvictionbeyondreasonabledoubt.
POSITIVEANDNEGATIVEEVIDENCE
Testimonyispositivewhenthewitnessaffirmsthatafactdidordidnotexist
andisentitledtogreaterweight.
Itisnegativewhenhesaysthathedidnotseeorknowofthefactual
occurrence.Itisconsideredtobeaveryweakdefenseandcanneverovercomean
affirmativeorpositivetestimonyparticularlywhenitcomesfromthemouthofa
crediblewitness.
COMPETENTANDCREDIBLEEVIDENCE
Competentevidenceisonethatisnotexcludedbylawortherules.Ifthetestof
relevanceislogicandcommonsense,thetestofcompetenceisthelaworthe
rules.Competence,inrelationtoevidenceingeneral,referstoeligibilityofan
evidencetobereceivedassuch.
Awitnessmaybecompetent,andyetgiveincredibletestimony;hemaybe
incompetent,andyethisevidence,ifreceived,beperfectlycredible.
PRESUMPTIONS
Apresumptionisanassumptionoffactresultingfromaruleoflawwhichrequiressuch
facttobeassumedfromanotherfactorgroupoffactsfoundorotherwiseestablishedin
theaction.Itisnotevidenceinitselfbutitisanassumptionresultingfromtheevidence.
Theymerelyaffecttheburdenofofferingevidence.Inasense,itisaninferencewhichis
mandatoryunlessrebutted.
Itisconclusivewhenthepresumptionbecomesirrebuttableuponthepresentationofthe
evidencetendingtorebutthepresumptionisnotadmissible.Thispresumptionisin
realityaruleofsubstantivelaw.Examples:
Wheneverapartyhas,byhisowndeclaration,act,oromission,intentionallyand
deliberatelyledanothertobelieveaparticularthingtrue,andtoactuponsuchbelief,he
cannot,inanylitigationarisingoutofsuchdeclaration,actoromission,bepermittedto
falsifyit:
Thetenantisnotpermittedtodenythetitleofhislandlordatthetimeofthe
commencementoftherelationoflandlordandtenantbetweenthem.
Itisdisputableorrebuttableoritmaybecontradictedorovercomebyotherevidence.
Whenevidencethatrebutsthepresumptionisintroduced,theforceofthepresumption
disappears.
A.CONCLUSIVEPRESUMPTIONS
(JURISETDEJURE)
COMPETENTEVIDENCE
CREDIBLEEVIDENCE
Competencyisaquestionwhicharisesbeforeconsideringtheevidencegivenbythe
witness;
Credibilityconcernsthedegreeofcredittobegiventohistestimony;
Denotesthepersonalqualificationofthewitness
Denotestheveracityofthetestimony
B.DISPUTABLEPRESUMPTIONS
(JURISTANTUM)
a) Thatapersonisinnocentofcrimeorwrong;
b) Thatanunlawfulactwasdonewithanunlawful
intent;
c) Thatapersonintendstheordinaryconsequences
ofhisvoluntaryact;
d) Thatapersontakesordinarycareofhis
concerns;
e) Thatevidencewillfullysuppressedwouldbe
adverseifproduced(Rule131,Sec3).
Therulesofevidencemustbeliberallyconstrued.Rulesofprocedurearemeretools
intendedtofacilitateratherthantofrustratetheattainmentofjustice.Astrictandrigid
applicationoftherulesmustalwaysbeeschewedifitwouldsubverttheirprimary
objectiveofenhancingsubstantialjustice.Itmeansthatthewordsshouldreceiveafair
andreasonableinterpretation,soastosecureajust,speedyandinexpensivedisposition
ofeveryactionorproceeding.
requiredforconvictionofanaccusedincriminalcase
thelogicalandinevitableresultoftheevidenceonrecord,exclusiveofany
otherconsideration,ofthemoralcertaintyoftheguiltoftheaccusedorthatdegree
ofproofwhichproducesconvictioninanunprejudicedmind.Itdoesnotmean
suchdegreeofproofas,excludingpossibilityoferror,produces
absolutecertainty.Moralcertaintyonlyisrequired.
thatmeasureordegreeofproofwhichwillproduceinthemindofthetrierof
factsafirmbelieforconvictionastotheallegationssoughttobeestablished.
itismorethanpreponderancebutnottotheextentofsuchmoralcertaintyas
isrequiredbeyondreasonabledoubtasincriminalcases.Itisoftensaidthatto
overcomeadisputablepresumptionoflaw,clearandconvincingevidenceis
required(usetocontradictthepresumptionofvalidityandregularityinfavorofa
notarialorpublicdocument;thelawenforcershaveregularlyperformedtheir
dutiesrequiresthatproofofframeup;anaccusedwhoinvokesselfdefense).
Thisstandardshouldbelowerthanproofbeyondreasonabledoubtbuthigherthan
preponderanceofevidence.
requiredincivilcases
thatwhichisofgreaterweightormoreconvincing
thanthatwhichisofferedinoppositiontoit;synonymouswiththetermsgreater
weightofevidence orgreaterweightofcredibleevidence. Itmeansprobably
thetruth.Itisevidencewhichismoreconvincingtothecourtasworthyofbelief
thanthatwhichisofferedinoppositionthereto.
requiredinadministrativeproceedingsorquasijudicialbodies
suchrelevantevidenceasareasonablemindmightacceptasadequateto
supportaconclusion
morethanascintillabutmaybesomewhatlessthanpreponderance,evenif
otherreasonablemindsmightconceivablyopineotherwise.(SCsaidthatin
administrativecasesagainstjudges/sherrifsarehighlypenalinnatureand
requiresproofbeyondreasonabledoubt).
MATTERSOFJUDICIALNOTICE
Therearematterswhichmustbeadmittedwithoutneedforevidence.Allthese
matterswhichthecourtmaytakecognizanceofwithoutevidencearecalled
mattersofjudicialnotice.
Thefunctionofjudicialnoticeistoabbreviatelitigationbytheadmissionof
mattersthatneednoevidence.Ittakestheplaceofproofandisofequalforce.It
displacesevidenceandfulfilsthepurposeforwhichtheevidenceisdesignedto
fulfil.
a.MANDATORY whenthematterissubjecttoamandatoryjudicialnotice,no
motionofhearingisnecessaryforthecourttotakejudicialnoticeofafact.These
are:
.
a) theexistenceandterritorialextentofstates;
b) thepoliticalhistory,formsofgovernmentand
symbolsofnationalityofstates;
c) thelawofnations;
d) theadmiraltyandmaritimecourtsoftheworld
andtheirseals;
e) thepoliticalconstitutionandhistoryofthe
Philippines;
f) theofficialactsofthelegislative,executiveand
judicialdepartmentsofthePhilippines;
g) thelawsofnature;
h) themeasureoftime;and
i) thegeographicaldivisions.
C.PREPONDERANCEOFEVIDENCE
LIBERALCONSTRUCTIONOFTHERULESOFEVIDENCE
D.SUBSTANTIALEVIDENCE
QUANTUMOFEVIDENCE(WEIGHTANDSUFFICIENCYOFEVIDENCE[RULE
133])
JUDICIALNOTICEANDJUDICIALADMISSIONS
A.PROOFBEYONDREASONABLEDOUBT
B.CLEARANDCONVINCINGEVIDENCE
b.DISCRETIONARYAcourtmaytakejudicialnoticeofmatters:
.
a) whichareofpublicknowledge;or
b) capableofunquestionabledemonstration;or
c) oughttobeknowntojudgesbecauseoftheir
judicialfunctions.
Theprinciplesofdiscretionaryjudicialnoticewillapplyherethefollowingrequisitesare
met:
a)Themattermustbeofcommonknowledge;
b)Themattermustbesettledbeyondreasonabledoubt(ifthereisnayuncertaintyabout
the
matter,thenevidencemustbeadduced);and
c)Theknowledgemustexistwithinthejurisdiction
ofthecourt.
JUDICIALADMISSIONS
Judicialadmissionsareconclusiveuponthepartymakingthem,whileextrajudicial
admissionsorotheradmissionsare,asarule,andwheretheelementsofestoppelsarenot
present,disputableandneedstobeformallyofferedinevidence.
Declarationofapartyfavorabletohimselfarenotadmissibleasproofofthefacts
asserted.
Theymaybeexpressorimplied,impliedadmissionsbyadefendantofmaterialfacts
allegedinacomplaintinclude
.
1) keepingsilentonsuchmaterialfacts,
2) denyingsuchmaterialfactswithoutsettingforththemattersuponwhichhe
reliestosupporthis
denial,and
3) assertinglackofknowledgeorinformationofthe
truthofthematerialallegationswhenthesameisplainlyandnecessarilywithin
theknowledgeofdefendant.
EFFECTOFJUDICIALADMISSIONS
Anadmission,verbalorwritten,madebyapartyinthecourseoftheproceedingsinthe
samecase,doesnotrequireproof.UnderSec.4,Rule129,thefollowingaretheeffects
ofjudicialadmissions:
1)Theydonotrequireproof;and
2)Theycannotbecontradictedbecausetheyare
conclusiveuponthepartymakingit.
Judicialadmissionscanbecontradicted:
1)Thatitwasmadethroughpalpablemistake;or
2)Nosuchadmissionwasinfactmade.These
exceptionsmaynegatetheadmission.Butbeforethecourtmayallowapartytorelieve
himoftheeffectsofadmissionsortowithdrawtherefrom,hehastoshow,byproper
motion,justifiablereasonorpalpablemistake.
Foreignlawsmaynotbetakenjudicialnoticeofandhavetobeprovenlikeanyotherfact
byanofficialpublicationorbyadulyattestedandauthenticatedcopythereof.Itmustbe
allegedandproved.Theprovisionsoftheforeignlawmayalsobethesubjectofjudicial
admissionunderSec.4,Rule129.Absentanyoftheforegoingevidenceoradmission,the
foreignlawispresumedtothesameasthatinthePhilippines,underthesocalled
doctrineofprocessualpresumption.
However,thecourtmaytakejudicialnoticeofthetreatisecontainingtheforeignlaw.
LawofnationsissubjecttomandatoryjudicialnoticeunderSec.1,Rule129.Underthe
PhilippineConstitution,thePhilippinesadoptsthegenerallyacceptedprinciplesof
internationallawaspartofthelawoftheland.Theyarethereforetechnicallyinthe
natureoflocallawsandhence,aresubjecttoamandatoryjudicialnotice.
MTCsmusttakejudicialnoticeofmunicipalordinancesinforceinthemunicipalityin
whichtheysit.
RTCsshouldalsotakejudicialnoticeofmunicipalordinancesinforceinthe
municipalitieswithintheirjurisdictionbutonlywhensorequiredbylaw.(i.e.thecharter
ofCityofManilarequiresallcourtssittingthereintotakejudicialnoticeofall
ordinancespassedbythecitycouncil.)Suchcourtmusttakejudicialnoticealsoof
municipalordinancesonappealtoitfromtheinferiorcourtinwhichthelattertook
judicial.
TheCAmaytakejudicialnoticeofmunicipalordinancesbecausenothingintheRules
prohibitsitfromtakingcognizanceofanordinancewhichiscapableofunquestionable
demonstration.
Objectsasevidencearethoseaddressedtothesensesofthecourt.Whenan
objectisrelevanttothefactinissue,itmaybeexhibitedto,examinedorviewed
bythecourt.
Realevidenceisalsocalledautopticpreference,whichisinspectionbythe
courtofathingitselfanditsconditions,toenablethecourttoeffectivelyexercise
itsjudicialpowerofreceivingandweighingtheevidence.Itisknowledge
acquiredbythecourtfrominspectionorbydirectselfperceptionorautopsyofthe
evidence.
JUDICIALNOTICEOFFOREIGNLAWS,LAWOFNATIONSANDMUNICIPAL
ORDINANCE
RULESOFADMISSIBILITY(RULE130)
OBJECT(REAL)EVIDENCE;NATUREOFOBJECTEVIDENCE
HOWJUDICIALADMISSIONSMAYBECONTRADICTED
Physicalevidenceisevidenceofthehighestorder.Itspeaksmoreeloquentlythana
hundredwitnesses.
.
a) Theobjectmustberelevanttothefactinissue(toberelevant,theevidence
musthavearelationshiptothefactinissue);
b) Theobjectmustbecompetent(mustnotbeexcludedbytherules);
c) Theobjectmustbeauthenticatedbeforeitisadmitted(itmustbeshownthatit
istheverythingwhichisthesubjectmatterofthesuit);
d) Theauthenticationmustbemadebyacompetentwitness;and
e) Theobjectmustbeformallyofferedinevidence.
CATEGORIESOFOBJECTEVIDENCE
Forpurposesofauthenticationofanobjectorforlayingthefoundationfortheexhibit,
objectevidencemaybeclassifiedintothefollowing:
.
a) UniqueObjectsObjectthathavereadilyidentifiablemarks(likeserial
numberofacalibre45pistol);
b) ObjectsMadeUniqueObjectsthataremadereadilyidentifiable(likea
typicalknife,witnessmayidentifybyplacingmarksonit);and
c) NonUniqueObjectsObjectswithnoidentifyingmarksandcannotbemarked
(likedropofblood,oil,anddrugs,theproponentmustestablishachainof
custody).
DEMONSTRATIVEEVIDENCE
Demonstrativeevidenceistangibleevidencethatmerelyillustratesamatterof
importanceinthelitigation.Commontypesofdemonstrativeevidenceinclude
photographs,motionpicturesandrecordings,xraypictures,scientifictests,
demonstrationsandexperiments,maps,diagrams,models,summaries,andother
materialscreatedespeciallyforthelitigation.
Incontrasttodemonstrativeevidence,objectevidenceisatangibleobjectthatplayed
someactualroleinthematterthatgaverisetothelitigation.Forinstance,theknifeused
inthealtercationthatformsthebasisforthelawsuit.
Thefoundationfordemonstrativeevidencedoesnotinvolveshowingthattheobjectwas
theoneusedintheunderlyingevent.Rather,thefoundationgenerallyinvolvesshowing
thatthedemonstrativeobjectfairlyrepresentsorillustrateswhatitisallegedtoillustrate.
VIEWOFANOBJECTORSCENE
Theinspectionmaybemadeinsideoroutsidethecourtroom.Aninspectionorview
outsidethecourtroomshouldbemadeinthepresenceofthepartiesoratleastwith
previousnoticetothem.Itiserrorforthejudgeforexample,togoalonetothelandin
question,ortotheplacewherethecrimewascommittedandtakeaviewwithoutthe
previousknowledgeoftheparties.Suchinspectionorviewispartofthetrialsince
evidenceistherebybeingreceived.
Thepurposeofchainofcustodyistoguarantytheintegrityofthephysicalevidenceand
topreventtheintroductionofevidencewhichisnotauthentic.
ThePDEAshalltakechargeandhavecustodyofalldangerousdrugs,plantsourcesof
dangerousdrugs,controlledprecursorsandessentialchemicals,aswellas
instruments/paraphernaliaand/orlaboratoryequipmentsoconfiscated,seizedand/or
surrendered,forproperdispositioninthefollowingmanner:
.
1) Theapprehendingteamhavinginitialcustodyandcontrolofthedrugsshall,
immediatelyafterseizureandconfiscation,physicallyinventoryandphotograph
thesameinthepresenceoftheaccusedandanyelectedpublicofficialwhoshall
berequiredtosignthecopiesoftheinventoryandbegivenacopythereof;
2) Within24hoursuponconfiscation/seizure,thesameshallbesubmittedtothe
PDEAForensicLaboratoryforaqualitativeandquantitativeexamination;
3) Acertificationoftheforensiclaboratoryexaminationresults,whichshallbe
doneunderoathbytheforensiclaboratoryexaminer,shallbeissuedwithin24
hoursafterthereceiptofthesubjectitem/s;
.
4) Afterthefilingofthecriminalcase,theCourtshall,within72hours,conduct
anocularinspectionoftheconfiscated,seizedand/orsurrendereddangerous
drugs,plantsourcesofdangerousdrugs,andcontrolledprecursorsandessential
chemicals,includingtheinstruments/paraphernaliaand/orlaboratoryequipment,
andthroughthePDEAshallwithin24hoursthereafterproceedwiththe
destructionorburningofthesame,inthepresenceoftheaccusedortheperson/s
fromwhomsuchitemswereconfiscatedand/orseized,orhis/herrepresentativeor
counsel,arepresentativefromthemediaandtheDOJ,civilsocietygroupsandany
electedpublicofficial.
5) TheBoardshallthenissueasworncertificationastothefactofdestructionor
burningofthesubjectitem/swhich,togetherwiththerepresentativesample/sin
thecustodyofthe
REQUISITESFORADMISSIBILITYOF(REAL)EVIDENCE
CHAINOFCUSTODYINRELATIONTOSECTION21OFTHECOMPREHENSIVE
DANGEROUSDRUGSACTOF2002
PDEA,shallbesubmittedtothecourthaving
jurisdictionoverthecase;and
6) Theallegedoffenderorhis/herrepresentativeor
counselshallbeallowedtopersonallyobservealloftheaboveproceedingsand
his/herpresenceshallnotconstituteanadmissionofguilt.Incasethesaidoffender
oraccusedrefusesorfailstoappointarepresentativeafterduenoticeinwritingto
theaccusedorhis/hercounselwithin71hoursbeforetheactualburningor
destructionortheevidenceinquestion,theSOJshallappointamemberofthe
PAOtorepresenttheformer;
7) Afterthepromulgationandjudgmentinthecriminalcasewhereinthe
representativesample/swaspresentedasevidenceincourt,thetrialprosecutor
shallinformtheBoardofthefinalterminationofthecaseand,inturn,shall
requestthecourtforleavetoturnoverthesaidrepresentativesample/stothe
PDEAforproperdispositionanddestructionwithin24hoursfromreceiptofthe
same.
Notes:
DNAreportisadocumentaryevidence
DNAtestingorderisexecutory,unlessthereis
aninjunction
TheRuleonDNAEvidenceistheprimaryrule
tobeappliedwheneverDNAevidenceisoffered,usedorproposedtobeoffered
orusedasevidenceincriminalandcivilactionsandspecialproceedings.
DNAmeansdeoxyribonucleicacid,whichisthechainofmoleculesfoundin
everynucleatedcellofthebody.ThetotalityofanindividualsDNAisuniquefor
theindividual,exceptidenticaltwins.
DNAevidenceconstitutesthetotalityoftheDNAprofiles,resultsandother
geneticinformationdirectlygeneratedfromDNAtestingofbiologicalsamples.
DNAprofilemeansgeneticinformationderivedfromDNAtestingofabiological
sampleobtainedfromaperson,whichbiologicalsampleisclearlyidentifiableas
originatingfromthatperson;
DNAtestingmeansverifiedandcrediblescientificmethodswhichincludethe
extractionofDNAfrombiologicalsamples,thegenerationofDNAprofilesand
thecomparisonoftheinformationobtainedfromtheDNAtestingofbiological
samplesforthepurposeof
determining,withreasonablecertainty,whetherornottheDNAobtainedfromtwoor
moredistinctbiologicalsamplesoriginatesfromthesameperson(directidentification)of
ifthebiologicalsamplesoriginatefromrelatedpersons(kinshipanalysis).
Theappropriatecourtmay,atanytime,eithermotupropiooronapplicationofany
personwhohasalegalinterestinthematterinlitigation,orderaDNAtesting.Suchorder
shallissueafterduehearingandnoticetothepartiesuponashowingofthefollowing:
.
a) Abiologicalsampleexiststhatisrelevanttothecase;
b) Thebiologicalsample:
.
1) Wasnotpreviouslysubjectedtothetype
ofDNAtestingnowrequested;or
2) WaspreviouslysubjectedtoDNAtestingbuttheresultsmayrequire
confirmationforgoodreasons;
c) TheDNAtestingusesascientificallyvalid
technique;
d) TheDNAtestinghasthescientificpotentialto
producenewinformationthatisrelevanttothe
properresolutionofthecase;and
e) Theexistenceofotherfactors,ifany,whichthe
courtmayconsideraspotentiallyaffectingtheaccuracyofintegrityoftheDNA
testing.
ThisruleshallnotprecludeaDNAtesting,withoutneedofpriorcourtorder,atthe
behestofanyparty,includinglawenforcementagencies,beforeasuitorproceedingis
commenced.
PostconvictionDNAtestingmaybeavailable,withoutneedofpriorcourtorder,tothe
prosecutionoranypersonconvictedbyfinalandexecutoryjudgmentprovidedthat
.
a) abiologicalsampleexists,
b) suchsampleisrelevanttothecase,and
c) thetestingwouldprobablyresultinthe
reversalormodificationofthejudgmentofconviction.
RemedyTheconvictortheprosecutionmayfileforawritofhabeascorpusinthecourt
oforiginifheresultsofthepostconvictionDNAtestingarefavorabletotheconvict.In
casethecourt,afterduehearingfindsthepetitiontobemeritorious,itshallreverseor
modifythejudgmentofconvictionandorderthereleaseoftheconvict,unlesscontinued
detentionisjustifiedforalawfulcause.

APPLICATIONFORDNATESTINGORDER
RULEONDNAEVIDENCE(A.M.NO.06115SC)
POSTCONVICTIONDNATESTING;REMEDY
MEANINGOFDNA
ASSESSMENTOFPROBATIVEVALUEOFDNAEVIDENCEAND
ADMISSIBILITY
ThefollowingaretheguidelinestobeusedinassessingtheprobativevalueoftheDNA
evidence:
.
a) Howthesampleswerecollected;
b) Howtheywerehandled;
c) Thepossibilityofcontaminationofthesamples;
d) Theprocedurefollowedinanalyzingthe
samples;
e) Whethertheproperstandardsandprocedures
werefollowedinconductingthetests;and
f) Thequalificationoftheanalystwhoconducted
thetest.
ThedeterminationoftheprobativevalueoftheDNAevidencerestsuponthesound
judicialassessmenttakingintoconsiderationsthefollowingmatters:
.
a) Thechairofcustody,includinghowthebiologicalsampleswerecollected,
howtheywerehandled,andthepossibilityofcontaminationofthesamples;
b) TheDNAtestingmethodology,includingtheprocedurefollowedinanalyzing
thesamples,theadvantagesanddisadvantagesoftheprocedure,andcompliance
withthescientificallyvalidstandardsinconductingthetests;
c) TheforensicDNAlaboratory,includingaccreditationbyanyreputable
standardssettinginstitutionandthequalificationoftheanalystwhoconductedthe
tests.Ifthelaboratoryisnotaccredited,therelevantexperienceofthelaboratory
inforensiccaseworkandcredibilityshallbeproperlyestablished;and
d) Thereliabilityofthetestingresult,ashereinafterprovided.
TheprovisionsoftheRulesofCourtconcerningtheappreciationofevidenceshallapply
suppletorily.
InevaluatingwhethertheDNAtestingmethodologyisreliable,thecourtshallconsider
thefollowing:
a)Thefalsifiabilityoftheprinciplesormethodsused,thatis,whetherthetheoryor
techniquecanbeandhasbeentested;
b)Thesubjectiontopeerreviewandpublicationoftheprinciplesormethods;
c)Thegeneralacceptanceoftheprinciplesormethodsbytherelevantscientific
community;
d)Theexistenceandmaintenanceofstandardsandcontrolstoensurethecorrectnessof
datagenerated;
e)Theexistenceofanappropriatereferencepopulationdatabase;and
f)Thegeneraldegreeofconfidenceattributedtomathematicalcalculationsusedin
comparingDNAprofilesandthesignificanceandlimitation
ofstatisticalcalculationsusedincomparingDNAprofiles.
DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCE
Documentaryevidenceisevidencesuppliedbywritteninstruments,orderivedfrom
conventionalsymbols,suchasletters,bywhichideasarerepresentedonmaterial
substances;documentsproducedfortheinspectionofthecourtorjudge.Itincludes
books,papersaccountsandthelike.
Documentsasevidenceconsistofwritingoranymaterial(notonlywriting)containing
letters,words,numbers,figures,symbolsorothermodesofwrittenexpressionsofferedas
proofoftheircontents.
REQUISITESFORADMISSIBILITY
.
a) Thedocumentmustberelevanttothefactinissue
b) Thedocumentmustbecompetent
c) Thedocumentmustbeauthenticatedbeforeitis
admitted
d) Theauthenticationmustbemadebya
competentwitness;and
e) Thedocumentmustbeformallyofferedin
evidence.
BESTEVIDENCERULE
Itrequiresthehighestgradeofevidenceobtainabletoproveadisputedfact.Itcannotbe
invokedunlessthecontentsofwritingisthesubjectofjudicialinquiry,inwhichcasethe
bestevidenceistheoriginalwritingitself.
Thebestevidencereferstothatwhichthelawortherulesconsiderasthebestevidence
toprovethefactindispute.Thebestevidenceistheevidencewhichthecaseinitsnature
issusceptibleandwhichiswithinthepowerofthepartytoproduce.Evidencecannotbe
receivedwhichindicatesonitsfacethatitissecondary,thatis,merelysubstitutionaryin
itsnature,andthattheoriginalsourceofinformationisinexistenceandaccessible.The
underlyingpurposeisthepreventionoffraud.
Whenthesubjectofinquiryisthecontentsofadocument,noevidenceshallbe
admissibleotherthantheoriginaldocumentitself,exceptinthefollowingcases:
a) Whentheoriginalhasbeenlostordestroyed,orcannotbeproducedincourt,
withoutbadfaithonthepartoftheofferor;
b) Whentheoriginalisinthecustodyorunderthecontrolofthepartyagainst
whomtheevidenceis
MEANINGOFTHERULE
RULESONEVALUATIONOFRELIABILITYOFTHEDNATESTING
METHODOLOGY
WHENAPPLICABLE
offered,andthelatterfailstoproduceitafter
reasonablenotice;
c)Whentheoriginalconsistsofnumerousaccounts
orotherdocumentswhichcannotbeexaminedincourtwithoutgreatlossoftimeandthe
factsoughttobeestablishedfromthemisonlythegeneralresultofthewhole;and
d)Whentheoriginalisapublicrecordinthecustodyofapublicofficerorisrecordedin
apublicoffice.
Itappliesonlytodocumentaryevidence.
Theoriginaldoesnotnecessarilymeantheonefirstwritten;itsmeaningisrelativeonly
totheparticularissue.Theoriginalisthedocumentwhosecontentsaretobeproved.
Sec.4,Rule130hasclarifiedwhatconstitutestheoriginalofadocument:
.
a) Theoriginalofadocumentisonethecontentsofwhicharethesubjectof
inquiry;
b) Whenadocumentisintwoormorecopiesexecutedatoraboutthesametime,
withidenticalcontents,allsuchcopiesareequallyregardedasoriginals;and
c) Whenanentryisrepeatedintheregularcourseofbusiness,onebeingcopied
fromanotheratornearthetimeofthetransaction,alltheentriesarelikewise
equallyregardedasoriginals.
Theofferormustsatisfyfirsttherequirementsforlayingthebasisforthepresentationof
secondaryevidence.Layingthebasisinvolvesexplainingtothesatisfactionofthecourt
thereasonfortheinabilitytooffertheoriginalofthedocument,inthefollowing:
.
1) Theexecutionorexistenceoftheoriginal;
2) Thelossanddestructionoftheoriginalorits
nonproductionincourt;
3) Unavailabilityoftheoriginalisnotduetobad
faithonthepartoftheofferor.
Iftheofferorhassuccessfullylaidthebasisforthepresentationofthesecondary
evidence,thentheoriginalneednotbepresented.However,onemustobservetheorder
inwhichthesecondaryevidenceistobeoffered.Thisisbecausenoteverysecondary
evidencecanbeoffered.Thefollowingordermusttherefore,beobserved:
a) Acopyoftheoriginal;
b) Ifthereisnocopy,thenarecitalofitscontentsin
someauthenticdocument;
c) Indefaultofhereof,bythetestimonyof
witnessesintheorderstated.
WhenoriginaldocumentisunavailableWhentheoriginaldocumenthasbeenlostor
destroyed,orcannotbeproducedincourt,theofferor,uponproofofitsexecutionor
existenceandthecauseofitsunavailabilitywithoutbadfaithonhispart,mayproveits
contentsbyacopy,orbyarecitalofitscontentsinsomeauthenticdocument,orbythe
testimonyofwitnessesintheorderstated.
Whenoriginaldocumentisinadverseparty'scustodyorcontrolIfthedocumentisin
thecustodyorunderthecontroloftheadverseparty,hemusthavereasonablenoticeto
produceit.Ifaftersuchnoticeandaftersatisfactoryproofofitsexistence,hefailsto
producethedocument,secondaryevidencemaybepresentedasinthecaseofitsloss.
EvidenceadmissiblewhenoriginaldocumentisapublicrecordWhentheoriginalofa
documentisinthecustodyofapublicofficerorisrecordedinapublicoffice,itscontents
maybeprovedbyacertifiedcopyissuedbythepublicofficerincustodythereof.
MEANINGOFORIGINAL
RULESONELECTRONICEVIDENCEA.M.NO.01701SC)
MEANINGOFELECTRONICEVIDENCE;ELECTRONICDATAMASSAGE
REQUISITESFORINTRODUCTIONOFSECONDARYEVIDENCE
Electronicevidenceisthatwhichuseofelectronicdatamessageasevidence.
Electronicdatamessagereferstoinformationgenerated,sent,receivedor
storedbyelectronic,opticalorsimilarmeans.
Electronicdocumentsasfunctionalequivalentofpaperbaseddocuments.
Wheneveraruleofevidencetothetermofwriting,document,record,instrument,
memorandumoranyotherformofwriting,suchtermshallbedeemedtoinclude
anelectronicdocument.
Electronicdocumentreferstoinformationortherepresentationofinformation,
data,figures,symbolsorothermodesofwrittenexpression,describedorhowever
represented,bywhicharightisestablishedoranobligationextinguished,orby
whichafactmaybeprovedandaffirmed,whichisreceived,recorded,transmitted,
stored,processed,retrievedorproducedelectronically.Itincludesdigitallysigned
documentsandanyprintoutoroutput,readablebysightorothermeans,which
accuratelyreflectstheelectronicdatamessageorelectronicdocument.
F Thetermelectronicdocument maybeusedinterchangeablywithelectronic
datamessage.
PROBATIVEVALUEOFELECTRONICDOCUMENTSOREVIDENTIARY
WEIGHT;METHODOFPROOF
Anelectronicdocumentisadmissibleinevidenceifitcomplieswiththeruleson
admissibilityprescribedbytheRulesandrelatedlawsandisauthenticatedinthemanner
prescribedbytheRulesonElectronicEvidence.
Inassessingtheevidentiaryweightofanelectronicdocument,thefollowingfactorsmay
beconsidered:
.
a) Thereliabilityofthemannerormethodinwhichitwasgenerated,storedor
communicated,includingbutnotlimitedtoinputandoutputprocedures,controls,
testsandchecksforaccuracyandreliabilityoftheelectronicdatamessageor
document,inthelightofallthecircumstancesaswellasanyrelevantagreement;
b) Thereliabilityofthemannerinwhichitsoriginatorwasidentified;
c) Theintegrityoftheinformationandcommunicationsysteminwhichitis
recordedorstored,includingbutnotlimitedtothehardwareandcomputer
programsorsoftwareusedaswellasprogrammingerrors;
d) Thefamiliarityofthewitnessorthepersonwhomadetheentrywiththe
communicationandinformationsystem;
e) Thenatureandqualityoftheinformationwhichwentintothecommunication
andinformationsystemuponwhichtheelectronicdatamessageorelectronic
documentwasbased;or
f) Otherfactorswhichthecourtmayconsiderasaffectingtheaccuracyor
integrityoftheelectronicdocumentorelectronicdatamessage.
METHODOFPROOF:affidavitofevidenceAllmattersrelatingtotheadmissibility
andevidentiaryweightofanelectronicdocumentmaybeestablishedbyanaffidavit
statingfactsofdirectpersonalknowledgeoftheaffiantorbasedonauthenticrecords.
Theaffidavitmustaffirmativelyshowthecompetenceoftheaffianttotestifyonthe
matterscontainedtherein.
METHODOFPROOF:crossexaminationofdeponentTheaffiantshallbemadeto
affirmthecontentsoftheaffidavitinopencourtandmaybecrossexaminedasamatter
ofrightbytheadverseparty.
Thepersonseekingtointroduceanelectronicdocumentinanylegalproceedinghasthe
burdenofprovingitsauthenticity.
Beforeanyprivateelectronicdocumentofferedasauthenticisreceivedinevidence,its
authenticitymustbeprovedbyanyofthefollowingmeans:
a) Byevidencethatithadbeendigitallysignedbythepersonpurportedtohave
signedthesame;
b) Byevidencethatotherappropriatesecurity
proceduresordevicesasmaybeauthorizedbytheSupremeCourtorbylawfor
authenticationofelectronicdocumentswereappliedtothedocument;or
c) Byotherevidenceshowingitsintegrityandreliabilitytothesatisfactionofthe
judge.
Adocumentelectronicallynotarizedinaccordancewiththerulespromulgatedbythe
SupremeCourtshallbeconsideredasapublicdocumentandprovedasanotarial
documentundertheRulesofCourt.
Anelectronicsignatureoradigitalsignatureauthenticatedinthemannerprescribed
hereunderisinadmissibleinevidenceasthefunctionalequivalentofthesignatureora
persononawrittendocument.
Anelectronicsignaturemaybeauthenticatedinanyofthefollowingmanners:
.
a) Byevidencethatamethodorprocesswasutilizedtoestablishadigital
signatureandverifythesame;
b) Byanyothermeansprovidedbylaw;or
c) Byanyothermeanssatisfactorytothejudgeasestablishingthegenuinenessof
theelectronic
signature.
Upontheauthenticationofanelectronicsignature,itshallbepresumedthat:
.
a) Theelectronicsignatureisthatofthepersontowhomitcorrelates;
b) Theelectronicsignaturewasaffixedbythatpersonwiththeintentionof
authenticatingorapprovingtheelectronicdocumenttowhichitisrelatedorto
indicatesuchpersonsconsenttothetransactionembodiedtherein;and
c) Themethodsorprocessesutilizedtoaffixorverifytheelectronicsignature
withouterrororfault.
Upontheauthenticationofadigitalsignature,itshallbepresumed,inadditiontothose
mentionedintheimmediatelyprecedingsection,that:
.
a) Theinformationcontainedinacertificateiscorrect;
b) Thedigitalsignaturewascreatedduringtheoperationalperiodofacertificate;
c) Themessageassociatedwithadigitalsignaturehasnotbeenalteredfromthe
timeitwassigned;and
d) Acertificatehadbeenissuedbythecertificationauthorityindicatedtherein.
AUTHENTICATIONOFELECTRONICDOCUMENTSANDELECTRONIC
SIGNATURES
ELECTRONICDOCUMENTSANDTHEHEARSAYRULE
Anelectronicdocumentshallberegardedastheequivalentofanoriginaldocument
undertheBestEvidenceRuleifitisaprintoutoroutputreadablebysightorother
means,showntoreflectthedataaccurately.
Whenadocumentisintwoormorecopiesexecutedatoraboutthesametimewith
identicalcontents,orisacounterpartproducedbythesameimpressionastheoriginal,or
fromthesamematrix,orbymechanicalorelectronicrerecording,orbychemical
reproduction,orbyotherequivalenttechniqueswhichaccuratelyreproducestheoriginal,
suchcopiesorduplicatesshallberegardedastheequivalentoftheoriginal.
Notwithstandingtheforegoing,copiesorduplicatesshallnotbeadmissibletothesame
extentastheoriginalif:
.
a) Agenuinequestionisraisedastotheauthenticityoftheoriginal;or
b) Inthecircumstancesitwouldbeunjustorinequitabletoadmitacopyinlieuof
theoriginal.
Amemorandum,report,recordordatacompilationofacts,events,conditions,opinions,
ordiagnoses,madebyelectronic,opticalorothersimilarmeansatornearthetimeofor
fromtransmissionorsupplyofregularcourseofconductofabusinessactivity,andsuch
wastheregularpracticetomakethememorandum,report,record,ordatacompilationby
electronic,opticalorsimilarmeans,allofwhichareshownbythetestimonyofthe
custodianorotherqualifiedwitnesses,isexceptedfromtheruleonhearsayevidence.
Thepresumptionmaybeovercomebyevidenceoftheuntrustworthinessofthesourceof
informationofthemethodorcircumstancesofthepreparation,transmissionorstorage
thereof.
Audio,photographicandvideoevidenceofevents,actsortransactionsshallbe
admissibleprovideditshallbeshown,presentedordisplayedtothecourtandshallbe
identified,explainedorauthenticatedbythepersonwhomadetherecordingorbysome
otherpersoncompetenttotestifyontheaccuracythereof.
Ephemeralelectroniccommunicationsshallbeprovenbythetestimonyofapersonwho
wasapartytothesameorhaspersonalknowledgethereof.Intheabsenceor
unavailabilityofsuchwitnesses,othercompetentevidencemaybeadmitted.
Iftheforegoingcommunicationsarerecordedorembodiedinanelectronicdocument,
thentheprovisionsofRule5(authenticationofelectronicdocuments)shallapply.
Ephemeralelectroniccommunicationreferstotelephoneconversations,textmessages,
chatroomsessions,streamingaudio,streamingvideo,andotherelectronicformsof
communicationtheevidenceofwhichisnotrecordedorretained.
APPLICATIONOFTHEPAROLEVIDENCERULE
Whenthetermsofanagreementhavebeenreducedtowriting,itisconsideredas
containingallthetermsagreedupon,andtherecanbebetweenthepartiesandtheir
successorsininterest,noevidenceofsuchtermsotherthanthecontentsofthewritten
agreement.
Itseekstopreservewhatthepartieshavereducedinwritingandprohibitsevidence
alliundeororaltestimonialevidencefrombeingpresentedtovarythetermsof,oradd
stipulationsto,thewrittenagreement.Inotherwords,anyoralevidenceofanagreement
shouldbeexcludedwhentheexistingagreementisalreadyinwriting.
Oraltestimonycannotprevailoverawrittenagreementoftheparties,thepurposebeing
togivestabilitytowrittenagreementsandtoremovethetemptationandpossibilityof
perjury,whichwouldbeaffordedifparolevidencewereadmissible.
Theruleisbasedonthepresumptionthatthepartieshavemadethewritteninstrument
theonlyrepositoryandmemorialofthetruthandwhateverisnotfoundintheinstrument
musthavebeenwaivedandabandonedbytheparties.Hence,parolevidencecannotserve
thepurposeofincorporationintothecontractadditionalcontemporaneousconditions
whicharenotmentionedatallinthewriting,unlessthecasefallsunderanyofthe
exceptionstotherule.
Introducingparolevidencemeansofferingextrinsicorextraneousevidencethatwould
modify,explainoraddtothetermsofthewrittenagreement.Parolevidencecanbe
introducedaslongasthepleaderputsinissueinthepleadinganyofthematterssetforth
intherulesuchas:
.
a) Anintrinsicambiguity,mistakeorimperfectioninthewrittenagreement;
b) Thefailureofthewrittenagreementtoexpressthetrueintentandagreementof
thepartiesthereto;
c) Thevalidityofthewrittenagreement;or
PAROLEVIDENCERULE(RULE130)
AUDIO,PHOTOGRAPHIC,VIDEOANDEPHEMERALEVIDENCE
WHENPAROLEEVIDENCECANBEINTRODUCED
d)Theexistenceofothertermsagreedtobythepartiesortheirsuccessorsininterestafter
theexecutionofthewrittenagreement.
Theterms"agreement"includeswills.
b)Documentsacknowledgebeforeanotarypublicexceptlastwillsandtestaments;and
c)Publicrecords,keptinthePhilippines,ofprivatedocumentsrequiredbylawtothe
enteredtherein.
Allotherwritingsareprivate.(20a)
Aprivatewritingisnotselfauthenticating.Itrequiresproofoftheirdueexecutionand
authenticationbeforetheycanbereceivedinevidence.Thedueexecutionand
authenticitymustbeprovedeither:
.
a) Byanyonewhosawthedocumentexecutedorwritten;or
b) Byevidenceofthegenuinenessofthesignatureorhandwritingofthemaker
Anyotherprivatedocumentneedonlybeidentifiedasthatwhichitisclaimedtobe.
.
1) Whenthegenuinenessanddueexecutionofthedocumentisadmittedbythe
adverseparty;
2) Whensuchgenuinenessanddueexecutionareimmaterialtotheissue;
3) Whenthedocumentisanancientdocument.
1) Morethanthirty(30)yearsold;
2) Foundinthepropercustody;
3) Unblemishedbyanyalterationorbyany
circumstanceofsuspicion;and
4) Itmustonitsfaceappeartobegenuine.
Thehandwritingofapersonmaybeprovedby:
a)anywitnesswhobelievesittobethehandwritingofsuchpersonbecausehehasseen
theperson
write,or
b)hasseenwritingpurportingtobehisuponwhich
thewitnesshasactedorbeencharged,andhasthusacquiredknowledgeofthe
handwritingofsuchperson.
Evidencerespectingthehandwritingmayalsobegivenbyacomparison,madebythe
witnessorthecourt,withwritingsadmittedortreatedasgenuinebythepartyagainst
whomtheevidenceisoffered,orprovedtobegenuinetothesatisfactionofthejudge.
BESTEVIDENCERULE
PAROLEVIDENCERULE
Theissueiscontentsofawriting.
Thereisnoissueastocontentsofawriting.
Secondaryevidenceisofferedtoprovethecontentsofawriting,whichisnotallowed
unlessthecasefallsunderanyoftheexceptions.
Thepurposefortheofferofparolevidenceistochange,vary,modify,qualify,or
contradictthetermsofacompletewrittenagreement,whichisnotallowedunlessthe
casefallsunderanyoftheexceptions.
Establishespreference
forthedocumentsecondarythereof.
originaloveraevidence
Notconcernedwiththeprimacyofevidencebutpresupposesthattheoriginalis
available.
Precludestheadmissionofsecondaryevidenceiftheoriginaldocumentisavailable.
Precludestheadmissionofotherevidencetoprovethetermsofadocumentotherthan
thecontentsofthedocumentitself.
Canbeinvokedbyanylitiganttoanactionwhetherornotsaidlitigantisapartytothe
documentinvolved.
Canbeinvokedonlybethepartiestothedocumentandtheirsuccessorsininterest.
Appliestoallformsofwriting.
Appliestowrittenagreements(contracts)andwills.
MEANINGOFAUTHENTICATIONAuthenticationistheprocessofevidencingthe
dueexecutionandgenuinenessofadocument.Evidencewhenpresentedincourtisnot
presumedauthentic.Thegeneralrulethereforeistoproveitsauthenticityunlessitisself
authenticating.
PUBLICVERSUSPRIVATEDOCUMENTS
Forthepurposeoftheirpresentationevidence,documentsareeitherpublicorprivate.
Publicdocumentsare:
a)Thewrittenofficialacts,orrecordsoftheofficialactsofthesovereignauthority,
officialbodiesandtribunals,andpublicofficers,whetherofthePhilippines,orofa
foreigncountry;
WHENAPRIVATEWRITINGREQUIRESAUTHENTICATION;PROOFOFA
PRIVATEWRITING
WHENEVIDENCEOFAUTHENTICITYOFAPRIVATEWRITINGISNOT
REQUIRED(ANCIENTDOCUMENTS)
REQUISITEOFANANCIENTDOCUMENT
AUTHENTICATIONANDPROOFOFDOCUMENTS(RULE132)
HOWTOPROVEGENUINENESSOFAHANDWRITING
Note:Theidentificationofhandwritingshouldnotrest,therefore,ontheapparent
similarityordissimilarityofonefeaturebutshouldbebasedontheexaminationofallthe
basiccharacteristicsofthehandwritingunderstudy.
PUBLICDOCUMENTSASEVIDENCE
Publicdocumentsare:
.
a) Thewrittenofficialacts,orrecordsoftheofficial
actsofthesovereignauthority,officialbodiesandtribunals,andpublicofficers,
whetherofthePhilippines,orofaforeigncountry;
b) Documentsacknowledgedbeforeanotarypublicexceptlastwillsand
testaments;and
c) Publicrecords,keptinthePhilippines,ofprivatedocumentsrequiredbylawto
beenteredtherein.
Publicdocumentsareoftwoclasses:
.
a) Thoseissuedbycompetentpublicofficialsby
reasonoftheiroffice,and
b) Thoseexecutedbyprivateindividualswhichare
authenticatedbynotariespublic.
Documentsconsistingofentriesinpublicrecordsmadeintheperformanceofadutybya
publicofficerareprimafacieevidenceofthefactsthereinstated.Allotherpublic
documentsareevidence,evenagainstathirdperson,ofthefactwhichgaverisetotheir
executionandofthedateofthelatter.
PROOFOFOFFICIALRECORD
Therecordofpublicdocuments(officialacts),whenadmissibleforanypurpose,maybe
evidenced
.
a) byanofficialpublicationthereofor
b) byacopyattestedbytheofficerhavingthelegal
custodyoftherecord,orbyhisdeputy,andaccompanied,iftherecordisnotkept
inthePhilippines,withacertificatethatsuchofficerhasthecustody.
Iftheofficeinwhichtherecordiskeptisinaforeigncountry,thecertificatemaybe
madebyasecretaryoftheembassyorlegation,consulgeneral,consul,viceconsul,or
consularagentorbyanyofficerintheforeignserviceofthePhilippinesstationedinthe
foreigncountryinwhichtherecordiskept,andauthenticatedbythesealofhisoffice.
ATTESTATIONOFACOPY
Wheneveracopyofadocumentorrecordisattestedforthepurposeofevidence,the
attestationmuststate,insubstance,thatthecopyisacorrectcopyoftheoriginal,ora
specificpartthereof,asthecasemaybe.Theattestationmustbeundertheofficialsealof
theattesting
officer,iftherebeany,orifhebetheclerkofacourthavingaseal,underthesealofsuch
court.
PUBLICRECORDOFAPRIVATEDOCUMENT
Anauthorizedpublicrecordofaprivatedocumentmaybeprovedbytheoriginalrecord,
orbyacopythereof,attestedbythelegalcustodianoftherecord,withanappropriate
certificatethatsuchofficerhasthecustody.
PROOFOFLACKOFRECORD
Awrittenstatementsignedbyanofficerhavingthecustodyofanofficialrecordorbyhis
deputythatafterdiligentsearchnorecordorentryofaspecifiedtenorisfoundtoexistin
therecordsofhisoffice,accompaniedbyacertificateasaboveprovided,isadmissibleas
evidencethattherecordsofhisofficecontainnosuchrecordorentry.
HOWAJUDICIALRECORDISIMPEACHED
Anyjudicialrecordmaybeimpeachedbyevidenceof:
a)wantofjurisdictioninthecourtorjudicial
officer,
.
b) collusionbetweentheparties,or
c) fraudinthepartyofferingtherecord,inrespect
totheproceedings
whichmustbeclear,convincingandmorethan
merelypreponderant,inordertoovercomethepresumptionofregularityinthe
performanceofofficialdutiesandthepresumptionofregularityofjudicialproceedings,
andtheburdenofproofliesonthepartofthepartywhochallengesthevalidityof
judicialrecords.
PROOFOFNOTARIALDOCUMENTS
Adocumentacknowledgedbeforeanotarypublicbecomesapublicinstrumentand
rendersitadmissibleincourtwithoutfurtherproofofitsauthenticity.
Thepartyproducingadocumentasgenuinewhichhasbeenalteredandappearstohave
beenalteredafteritsexecution,inapartmaterialtothequestionindispute,mustaccount
forthealteration.
Hemayshowthatthealterationwasmadebyanother,withouthisconcurrence,orwas
madewiththeconsentofthepartiesaffectedbyit,orwasotherwiseproperlyor
innocentlymade,orthatthealterationdidnotchangethemeaningorlanguageofthe
instrument.Ifhefailstodothatthedocumentshallnotbeadmissibleinevidence.
HOWTOEXPLAINALTERATIONSINADOCUMENT
DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCEINAN
UNOFFICIALLANGUAGE
Documentswritteninanunofficiallanguageshallnotbeadmittedasevidence,unless
accompaniedwithatranslationintoEnglishorFilipino.Toavoidinterruptionof
proceedings,partiesortheirattorneysaredirectedtohavesuchtranslationprepared
beforetrial.
QUALIFICATIONSOFAWITNESS
Aprospectivewitnessmustshowthathehasthefollowingabilities:
1) ToObserve thetestimonialqualityofperception
2) ToRemember thetestimonialqualityofmemory
3) ToRelate thetestimonialqualityofnarration
4) ToRecognizeadutytotellthetruth the
testimonialqualityofsincerity.
referstotheweightandthetrustworthinessorreliabilityofthetestimony.
DISQUALIFICATIONSOFWITNESSES
ABSOLUTEDISQUALIFICATION
a)Thosewhocannotperceive.
b)Thosewhocanperceivebutcannotmaketheir
perceptionknown.
c)Mentallyincapacity Thosewhosemental
condition,atthetimeoftheirproductionforexamination,issuchthattheyareincapable
ofintelligentlymakingknowntheirperceptiontoothers.
d)Mentallyimmaturity Childrenwhosementalmaturityissuchastorenderthem
incapableofperceivingthefactsrespectingwhichtheyareexaminedandofrelatingthem
truthfully.
e)Maritaldisqualification Duringtheirmarriage,neitherthehusbandnorthewifemay
testifyfororagainsttheotherwithouttheconsentoftheaffectedspouse,exceptinacivil
casebyoneagainsttheother,orinacriminalcaseforacrimecommittedbyoneagainst
theotherorthelatter'sdirectdescendantsorascendants.
f)ParentalandfilialprivilegeNopersonmaybecompelledtotestifyagainsthis
parents,otherdirectascendants,childrenorotherdirectdescendants.
RELATIVEDISQUALIFICATION
(a)DEADMANSSTATUTE Partiesorassignorsofpartiestoacase,orpersonsin
whosebehalfacaseisprosecuted,againstanexecutororadministratororother
representativeofadeceasedperson,oragainstapersonofunsoundmind,uponaclaimor
demandagainsttheestateofsuchdeceasedpersonoragainstsuchpersonofunsound
mind,cannottestifyastoanymatteroffactoccurringbeforethedeathofsuchdeceased
personorbeforesuchpersonbecameofunsoundmind.
(b)DISQUALIFICATIONBYREASONOFPRIVILEGEDCOMMUNICATION
1.Thehusbandorthewife,duringorafterthemarriage,cannotbeexaminedwithoutthe
consentoftheotherastoanycommunicationreceivedinconfidencebyonefromthe
otherduringthemarriageexceptinacivilcasebyoneagainsttheother,orinacriminal
caseforacrimecommittedbyoneagainsttheotherorthelatter'sdirectdescendantsor
ascendants;
TESTIMONIALEVIDENCE
All
makeknowntheirperceptiontoothers,maybewitnesses.Religiousorpolitical
belief,interestintheoutcomeofthecase,orconvictionofacrimeunless
otherwiseprovidedbylaw,shallnotbeagroundfordisqualification.
Lossoftheperceptivesenseaftertheoccurrenceofthefactdoesnotaffect
theadmissibilityofthetestimony.
Ablindmancantestifytowhathesawpriortohisblindnessoradeafman,
towhatheheardpriortohisdeafness.Butapersonincapableofperceptionispro
tantoincapableoftestifying.
Awitnessmayhavebeencapableofperceiving,yetincapableofnarration.
Hemayhavenopowersofspeech,andhavenomeansofexpressinghimselfby
signs.Hemayhavebecomeinsanesincetheoccurrenceheiscalledupontorelate.
Apersonincapableofnarrationisprotantoincapableoftestifying.
Competencyofawitnessreferstothebasicqualificationsofawitnessashis
capacitytoperceiveandtocommunicatethesametoothers.Italsoincludesthe
absenceofanyofthedisqualificationsimposeduponawitness.
Credibilityofthewitnessreferstothebelievabilityofthewitnessandhasnothing
todowiththelawortherules.It
personswhocanperceive,andperceiving,can
COMPETENCYVERSUSCREDIBILITYOFAWITNESS
2.
Anattorneycannot,withouttheconsentofhisclient,beexaminedastoany
communicationmadebytheclienttohim,orhisadvicegiventhereoninthe
courseof,orwithaviewto,professionalemployment,norcananattorney's
secretary,stenographer,orclerkbeexamined,withouttheconsentoftheclient
andhisemployer,concerninganyfacttheknowledgeofwhichhasbeenacquired
insuchcapacity;
3.
Apersonauthorizedtopracticemedicine,surgeryorobstetricscannotinacivil
case,withouttheconsentofthepatient,beexaminedastoanyadviceortreatment
givenbyhimoranyinformationwhichhemayhaveacquiredinattendingsuch
patientinaprofessionalcapacity,whichinformationwasnecessarytoenablehim
toactinthatcapacity,andwhichwouldblackenthereputationofthepatient;
4.
Aministerorpriestcannot,withouttheconsentofthepersonmakingthe
confession,beexaminedastoanyconfessionmadetooranyadvicegivenbyhim
inhisprofessionalcharacterinthecourseofdisciplineenjoinedbythechurchto
whichtheministerorpriestbelongs;
5.
Apublicofficercannotbeexaminedduringhistermofofficeorafterwards,asto
communicationsmadetohiminofficialconfidence,whenthecourtfindsthatthe
publicinterestwouldsufferbythedisclosure.
(c)NEWSMANSPRIVILEGEWithoutprejudicetohisliabilityundertheciviland
criminallaws,thepublisher,editor,columnistordulyaccreditedreporterofany
newspaper,magazineorperiodicalofgeneralcirculationcannotbecompelledtoreveal
thesourceofanynewsreportorinformationappearinginsaidpublicationwhichwas
relatedinconfidencetosuchpublisher,editororreporterunlessthecourtoraHouseor
committeeofCongressfindsthatsuchrevelationisdemandedbythesecurityoftheState
(RA1477);
(d)BANKDEPOSITSAlldepositsofwhatevernaturewithbanksorbanking
institutionsinthePhilippinesincludinginvestmentsinbondsissuedbytheGovernment
ofthePhilippines,itspoliticalsubdivisionsanditsinstrumentalities,arehereby
consideredasofanabsolutelyconfidentialnatureandmaynotbeexamined,inquiredor
lookedintobyanyperson,governmentofficial,bureauoroffice,except
uponwrittenpermissionofthedepositor,orincasesofimpeachment,oruponorderofa
competentcourtincasesofbriberyorderelictionofdutyofpublicofficials,orincases
wherethemoneydepositedorinvestedisthesubjectmatterofthelitigation(RA1405).
(e)SANCTITYOFTHEBALLOT votersmaynotbecompelledtodiscloseforwhom
theyvoted.
(f)TRADESECRETS
(g)INFORMATIONCONTAINEDINTAXRETURNS(RA2070,asamendedbyRA
2212).
Thefollowingpersonscannotbewitnesses:
.
a) Thosewhosementalcondition,atthetimeof
theirproductionforexamination,issuchthattheyareincapableofintelligently
makingknowntheirperceptiontoothers;
b) Childrenwhosementalmaturityissuchastorenderthemincapableof
perceivingthefactsrespectingwhichtheyareexaminedandofrelatingthem
truthfully.
Regardlessofthenatureorcauseofmentaldisability,thetestofcompetencytotestifyis
astowhethertheindividualhassufficientunderstandingtoappreciatethenatureand
obligationofanoathandsufficientcapacitytoobserveanddescribecorrectlythefactsin
regardtowhichheiscalledtotestify.
Basicrequirementsofachildscompetencyasawitness:
.
a) Capacityofobservation;
b) Capacityofrecollection;
c) Capacityofcommunication.
Inascertainingwhetherachildisofsufficientintelligenceaccordingtotheforegoing
requirements,itissettledrulethatthetrialcourtiscalledupontomakesuch
determination.
Asageneralrule,duringtheirmarriage,neitherthehusbandnorthewifemaytestifyfor
oragainsttheotherwithouttheconsentoftheaffectedspouse.Therequisitesofthisrule
arethefollowing:
.
1) Thatthespousefororagainstwhomthetestimonyisofferedisapartytothe
case;
2) Thatthespousesarelegallymarried(validuntilannulled);
3) Testimonyisofferedduringtheexistenceofmarriage;
DISQUALIFICATIONBYREASONOFMENTALCAPACITYORIMMATURITY
DISQUALIFICATIONBYREASONOFMARRIAGE(SPOUSALIMMUNITY)
4)Thecaseisnotoneoftheexceptionsprovidedintherule.
Theexceptionsarethefollowing:
.
1) Wherethetestimonywasmadeoutsidethe
marriage;
2) Inacivilcasebyonespouseagainsttheother;or
3) Inacriminalcaseforacrimecommittedbyone
spouseagainsttheotherorthelattersdirectdescendantorascendants.
DISQUALIFICATIONBYREASONOFDEATHORINSANITYOFADVERSE
PARTY(SURVIVORSHIPORDEADMANSSTATUTE)
Thisruleappliesonlytoacivilcaseoraspecialproceeding.Thefollowingarethe
elementsfortheapplicationoftherule:
.
a) Theplaintiffisthepersonwhohasaclaimagainsttheestateofthedecedentor
personofunsoundmind;
b) Thedefendantinthecaseistheexecutororadministratororarepresentativeof
thedeceasedorthepersonofunsoundmind;
c) Thesuitisuponaclaimbytheplaintiffagainsttheestateofsaiddeceasedor
personofunsoundmind;
d) Thewitnessistheplaintiff,oranassignorofthatparty,orapersoninwhose
behalfthecaseisprosecuted;and
e) Thesubjectofthetestimonyisastoanymatteroffactoccurringbeforethe
death(antelitemmotam)ofsuchdeceasedpersonorbeforesuchpersonbecame
ofunsoundmind.
DISQUALIFICATIONBYREASONOFPRIVILEGEDCOMMUNICATIONS
BETWEENHUSBANDANDWIFE
Theapplicationoftherulerequiresthepresenceofthefollowingelements:
.
1) Theremustbeavalidmarriagebetweenthehusbandandthewife;
2) Theprivilegeisinvokedwithrespecttoaconfidentialcommunicationbetween
thespousesduringsaidmarriage;and
3) Thespouseagainstwhomsuchevidenceisbeingofferedhasnotgivenhisor
herconsenttosuchtestimony.
Appliesonlyifthemarriageisexistingatthetimethetestimonyisoffered;
Ceasesuponthedeathoreitherspouse;
Constitutesatotalprohibitionagainstanytestimonyfororagainstthespouseofthe
witness;
Theprohibitionisatestimonyfororagainsttheother.
Canbeclaimedevenafterthemarriagehasbeendissolved;Continuesevenafterthe
terminationofthemarriage;
Appliesonlytoconfidentialcommunicationsbetweenthespouses.Theprohibitionisthe
examinationofaspouseastomattersrelatedinconfidencetotheotherspouse.
MARITALDISQUALIFICATION(SEC.22)
Canbeinvokedonlyifoneof
MARITALPRIVILEGE(SEC.24)
BETWEENATTORNEYANDCLIENT
Fortheruletoapply,itisrequiredthat:
.
1) Thereisanattorneyandclientrelation;
2) Theprivilegeisinvokedwithrespecttoa
confidentialcommunicationbetweentheminthecourseoforwithaviewto
professionalemployment;and
3) Theclienthasnotgivenhisconsenttotheattorneystestimonythereon;or
Iftheattorneyssecretary,stenographerorclerkissoughttobeexamined,that
boththeclientandtheattorneyhavenotgiventheirconsentthereto.
Theruleapplieswhentheattorneyhasbeenconsultedinhisprofessionalcapacity,even
ifnofeehasbeenpaidtherefor.Preliminarycommunicationsmadeforthepurposeof
creatingtheattorneyclientrelationshiparewithintheprivilege.However,ifthe
communicationswerenotmadeforthepurposeofcreatingthatrelationship,theywillnot
becoveredbytheprivilegeevenifthereafterthelawyerbecomesthecounseloftheparty
inacaseinvolvingsaidstatements.
BETWEENPHYSICIANANDPATIENT
Forthedisqualificationtoapply,itisnecessarythat:
.
a) Thephysicianisauthorizedtopracticemedicine,
surgeryorobstetrics;
b) Theinformationwasacquiredortheadviceor
treatmentwasgivenbyhiminhisprofessionalcapacityforthepurposeoftreating
andcuringthepatient;
c) Theinformation,adviceortreatment,ifrevealed,wouldblackenthereputation
ofthepatient;and
d) Theprivilegeisinvokedinacivilcase,whetherthepatientisapartytheretoor
not.
Theprivilegedoesnotapplywhere:
.
a) Thecommunicationwasnotgiveninconfidence;
b) Thecommunicationisirrelevanttothe
Canbeclaimedwhetherthespousesisapartytotheornotthespouseisa
action;partytotheaction;
professionalemployment;
F
F
c)Thecommunicationwasmadeforanunlawfulpurpose,aswhenitisintendedforthe
commissionorconcealmentofacrime;
.
d) Theinformationwasintendedtobemadepublic;or
e) Therewasawaiveroftheprivilegeeitherbytheprovisionsofcontractorlaw.
Theprivilegesurvivesthedeathofthepatient.BETWEENPRIESTAND
PENITENT
Aministerorpriestcannot,withouttheconsentofthepersonmakingtheconfession,be
examinedastoanyconfessionmadetooranyadvicegivenbyhiminhisprofessional
characterinthecourseofdisciplineenjoinedbythechurchtowhichtheministerorpriest
belongs.
Thecommunicationmustbemadepursuanttoconfessionsofsin.Wherethepenitent
discussedbusinessarrangementswiththepriest,theprivilegedoesnotapply.
ifsuchtestimonyisindispensableinprosecutingacrimeagainstthedescendantorbyone
parentagainsttheother.
EXAMINATIONOFAWITNESS(RULE132)
Theexaminationofwitnessespresentedinatrialorhearingshallbedoneinopencourt,
andunderoathoraffirmation.Unlessthewitnessisincapacitatedtospeak,orthe
questioncallsforadifferentmodeofanswer,theanswersofthewitnessshallbegiven
orally.
Theentireproceedingsshallberecordedbymeansofshorthandorstenotypeorbyother
meansofrecordingfoundsuitablebythecourt.Atranscriptoftherecordofthe
proceedingsmadebytheofficialstenographer,stenotypistorrecorderandcertifiedas
correctbyhimshallbedeemedprimafacieacorrectstatementofsuchproceedings.
RIGHTSANDOBLIGATIONSOFAWITNESS
Awitnessmustanswerquestions,althoughhisanswermaytendtoestablishaclaim
againsthim.However,itistherightofawitness:
.
1) Tobeprotectedfromirrelevant,improper,orinsultingquestions,andfrom
harshorinsultingdemeanor;
2) Nottobedetainedlongerthantheinterestsofjusticerequire;
3) Nottobeexaminedexceptonlyastomatterspertinenttotheissue;
4) Nottogiveananswerwhichwilltendtosubjecthimtoapenaltyforan
offenseunlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw;or
5) Nottogiveananswerwhichwilltendtodegradehisreputation,unlessitbeto
theveryfactatissueortoafactfromwhichthefactinissuewouldbepresumed.
Butawitnessmustanswertothefactofhispreviousfinalconvictionforan
offense.
ORDERINTHEEXAMINATIONOFANINDIVIDUALWITNESS
Theorderinwhichanindividualwitnessmaybeexaminedisasfollows:
.
1) Directexaminationbytheproponent;
2) Crossexaminationbytheopponent;
3) Redirectexaminationbytheproponent;
4) Recrossexaminationbytheopponent.
5) Recallingthewitness
INVOLVINGPUBLICOFFICERS
privileged
.
a) Itwasmadetothepublicofficerinofficialconfidence;and
b) Publicinterestwouldsufferbythedisclosureofsuchcommunications,asin
thecaseofStatesecrets.Wherenopublicinterestwouldbeprejudiced,thisrule
doesnotapply.
Exceptionstotherule:
.
a) Whatisaskedisusefulevidencetovindicatethe
innocenceofanaccusedperson;
b) Disclosurewouldlessentheriskoffalse
testimony;
c) Disclosureisessentialtotheproperdisposition
ofthecase;
d) Thebenefittobegainedbyacorrectdisposition
ofthelitigationwasgreaterthananyinjurywhichcouldinuretotherelationbya
disclosureoftheinformation.
PARENTALANDFILIALTESTIMONIALPRIVILEGERULE
Nopersonmaybecompelledtotestifyagainsthisparents,otherdirectascendants,
childrenorotherdirectdescendants.
UnderArt.215oftheFamilyCode,thedescendantmaybecompelledtotestifyagainst
hisparentsandgrandparents
The
communicationstopublicofficersrequiresthat:
disqualificationbecauseof
Crossexaminationofawitnessistheabsoluteright,notamereprivilege,oftheparty
againstwhomheiscalled;andwithregardtotheaccused,itisarightgrantedbythe
Constitution.Sec.14(2),Art.IIIthereofprovidesthattheaccusedshallenjoytherightto
meetthewitnessesfacetoface.
Aquestionwhichsuggeststothewitnesstheanswerwhichtheexaminingpartydesiresis
aleadingquestion.Itisnotallowed,except:
.
1) Oncrossexamination;
2) OnPreliminarymatters;
3) Whenthereisdifficultyingettingdirectand
intelligibleanswersfromawitnesswhoisignorant,orachildoftenderyears,oris
offeeblemind,oradeafmute;
4) Ofanunwillingorhostilewitness;or
5) Ofawitnesswhoisanadversepartyoranofficer,director,ormanagingagent
ofapublicor
privatecorporationorofapartnershipor
associationwhichisanadverseparty.
6)Inallstagesofexaminationofachildifthesamewillfurthertheinterestsofjustice
(Sec.20,AM
00407SC).
Amisleadingquestionisonewhichassumesastrueafactnotyettestifiedtobythe
witness,orcontrarytothatwhichhehaspreviouslystated.Itisnotallowed(Sec.10).
Theadversepartyshouldobjecttheretooraskthecourttoexpungetheanswerfromthe
records,ifhehasalreadygivenhisanswer.
Toimpeachmeanstocallintoquestiontheveracityofthewitnessstestimonybymeans
ofevidenceofferedforthatpurpose,orbyshowingthatthewitnessisunworthyofbelief.
Impeachmentisanallegation,supportedbyproof,thatawitnesswhohasbeenexamined
isunworthyofcredit.
DIRECTEXAMINATION
Directexaminationistheexaminationinchiefofawitnessbythepartypresentinghim
onthefactsrelevanttotheissue.
Purposeistobuildupthetheoryofthecasebyelicitingfactsabouttheclientscauseof
actionordefense.
CROSSEXAMINATION
Upontheterminationofthedirectexamination,thewitnessmaybecrossexaminedby
theadversepartyastoanymattersstatedinthedirectexamination,orconnected
therewith,withsufficientfullnessandfreedomtotesthisaccuracyandtruthfulnessand
freedomfrominterestorbias,orthereverse,andtoelicitallimportantfactsbearingupon
theissue.
Crossexaminationaimsto:
.
a) Testtheaccuracyandtruthfulnessofthe
witnessandhisfreedomfrominterestor
biasorthereverse;and
b) Elicitallimportantfactsbearinguponthe
issue,notonlyofthosecoveredinthedirectexaminationbutalsoonallother
mattersrelevanttotheissue/spleaded.
REDIRECTEXAMINATION
Afterthecrossexaminationofthewitnesshasbeenconcluded,hemaybereexamined
bythepartycallinghim,toexplainorsupplementhisanswersgivenduringthecross
examination.Onredirectexamination,questionsonmattersnotdealtwithduringthe
crossexamination,maybeallowedbythecourtinitsdiscretion.
Principalobjectsare:
a) topreventinjusticetothewitnessandthe
partywhohascalledhimbyaffordinganopportunitytothewitnesstoexplainthe
testimonygivenoncrossexamination,
b) toexplainanyapparentcontradictionorinconsistencyinhisstatements,and
c) completetheanswerofawitness,oraddanewmatterwhichhasbeenomitted,
orcorrectapossiblemisinterpretationoftestimony.
RECROSSEXAMINATION
Upontheconclusionoftheredirectexamination,theadversepartymayrecross
examinethewitnessonmattersstatedinhisredirectexamination,andalsoonsuchother
mattersasmaybeallowedbythecourtinitsdiscretion.
Awitnesscannotberecalledwithoutleaveofcourt,whichmaybegrantedonlyupon
showingofconcrete,substantialgrounds.
RECALLINGTHEWITNESS
Aftertheexaminationofawitnessbybothsideshasbeenconcluded,thewitnesscannot
berecalledwithoutleaveofthecourt.Thecourtwillgrantorwithholdleaveinits
discretion,astheinterestsofjusticemayrequire.
Aimstocorrectorexplainhispriortestimony;orlaytheproperfoundationforhis
impeachment,butthisispermittedonlywiththediscretionofthecourt.
LEADINGANDMISLEADINGQUESTIONS(SEC.10,RULE132)
METHODSOFIMPEACHMENTOFADVERSEPARTYSWITNESS
Awitnessbeimpeachedbythepartyagainstwhomhewascalled:
.
a) Bycontradictoryevidence;
b) Byevidencethathisgeneralreputationfortruth,
honesty,orintegrityisbad;or
c) Byevidencethathehasmadeatothertimes
statementsinconsistentwithhispresent
testimony;
d) Butnotbyevidenceofparticularwrongfulacts,
exceptthatitmaybeshownbytheexaminationofthewitness,ortherecordofthe
judgment,thathehasbeenconvictedofanoffense.
Othermodesofimpeachmentasidefromthoseprovided
Awitnesscannotbeimpeachedbyevidenceofcontradictoryorpriorinconsistent
statementsuntiltheproperfoundationorpredicatehasbeenlaidbythepartyagainst
whomsaidwitnesswascalled.
Layingthepredicatemeansthatitisthedutyofapartytryingtoimpugnthetestimonyof
awitnessbymeansofpriororsubsequentinconsistentstatements,whetheroralorin
writing,togivethewitnessachangetoreconcilehisconflictingdeclaration.
Wherenopredicateislaidduringthetrialproofofallegedinconsistentstatementsofthe
witness,whetherverbalorwritten,cannotbeadmittedonobjectionoftheadverseparty,
orbepointedoutonappealforthepurposeofdestroyingthecredibilityofthewitness.
Anexceptiontotherulerequiringthelayingoffoundationfortheadmissibilityof
evidenceofinconsistentstatementshasbeenallowedinthecaseofdyingdeclarations.
Evidenceofthegoodcharacterofawitnessisnotadmissibleuntilsuchcharacterhas
beenimpeached.Thelawpresumeseverypersontobereputedlytruthfuluntilevidence
shallhavebeenproducedtothecontrary.
Characterevidencenotgenerallyadmissible;exceptions.
.
a) InCriminalCases:
.
1) Theaccusedmayprovehisgoodmoral
characterwhichispertinenttothemoral
traitinvolvedintheoffensecharged.
2) Unlessinrebuttal,theprosecutionmaynotprovehisbadmoral
characterwhichispertinentittothemoraltraitinvolvedinthe
offensecharged.
Notethatincriminalcases,theprosecutiongoesfirst.Hence,it
cannotpresentevidenceonthebadmoralcharacteroftheaccusedonits
evidenceinchief.
Thegoodorbadmoralcharacteroftheoffendedpartymaybeproved
ifittendstoestablishinanyreasonabledegreetheprobabilityor
improbabilityoftheoffensecharged.
b) InCivilCases:
Evidenceofthemoralcharacterofapartyin
acivilcaseisadmissibleonlywhenpertinenttotheissueofcharacterinvolvedin
thecase.
bythea)
b)
c)d)
e)
f)g)
Rulesare:
Byproducingtherecordofhisconvictionofanoffense;
Byshowingimprobabilityorunreasonablenessoftestimony;
Byshowingbias,prejudiceorhostility;
Byprioractsorconductinconsistentwithhistestimony;
Byshowingsocialconnections,occupationandmannerofliving.
Byshowinginterest.
Byshowingintentandmotive.
Thepartyproducingawitnessisnotallowedtoimpeachhiscredibility.
Awitnessmaybeconsideredasunwillingorhostileonlyifsodeclaredbythecourtupon
adequateshowingofhisadverseinterest,unjustifiedreluctancetotestify,orhishaving
misledthepartyintocallinghimtothewitnessstand.Theunwillingorhostilewitnessso
declared,orthewitnesswhoisanadverseparty,maybeimpeachedbytheparty
presentinghiminallrespectsasifhehadbeencalledbytheadverseparty,exceptby
evidenceofhisbadcharacter.Hemayalsobeimpeachedandcrossexaminedbythe
adverseparty,butsuchcrossexaminationmustonlybeonthesubjectmatterofhis
examinationinchief.
Beforeawitnesscanbeimpeachedbyevidencethathehasmadeatothertimes
statementsinconsistentwithhispresenttestimony:
.
a) thestatementsmustberelatedtohim,withthecircumstancesofthetimesand
placesandthepersonspresent,and
b) hemustbeaskedwhetherhemadesuchstatements,andifso,allowedto
explainthem.Ifthestatementsbeinwritingtheymustbeshowntothewitness
beforeanyquestionisputtohimconcerningthem.
EVIDENCEOFTHEGOODCHARACTEROFAWITNESS
HOWTHEWITNESSISIMPEACHEDBYEVIDENCEOFINCONSISTENT
STATEMENTS(LAYINGTHEPREDICATE)
ADMISSION
CONFESSION
Anact,declarationor
Thedeclarationofan
omissionofapartyastoarelevantfact.
accusedacknowledginghisguiltoftheoffensecharged,orofanyoffensenecessarily
includedtherein.
Itisavoluntaryacknowledgmentmadebyapartyoftheexistenceofthetruthofcertain
factswhichareinconsistentwithhisclaimsinanaction.
Itisastatementbytheaccusedthatheengagedinconductwhichconstitutesacrime.
Broaderthanconfession.
Specifictypeofadmissionwhichrefersonlytoanacknowledgmentofguilt
Maybeimpliedlikeadmissionbysilence.
Cannotbeimplied,butshouldbeadirectandpositiveacknowledgmentofguilt.
Maybejudicialorextrajudicial.
Maybejudicialorextrajudicial.
Maybeadoptive,whichoccurswhenapersonmanifestshisassenttothestatementsof
anotherperson.
RESINTERALIOSACTARULE
Resinteraliosactaalterinoceredebtmeansthat"thingsdonetostrangersoughtnotto
injurethosewhoarenotpartiestothem Ithastwobranches,namely:
.
a) Therulethattherightsofapartycannotbeprejudicedbyanact,declaration,or
omissionofanother;and
b) Therulethatevidenceofpreviousconductorsimilaractsatonetimeisnot
admissibletoprovethatonedidordidnotdothesameactatanothertime.
Therulehasreferencetoextrajudicialdeclarations.Hence,statementsmadeinopencourt
byawitnessimplicatingpersonsasidefromhisownjudicialadmissionsareadmissibleas
declarationsfromonewhohaspersonalknowledgeofthefactstestifiedto.
Exceptionstothefirstbranchoftherule:
.
a) Admissionbyacopartneroragent(Sec.29,Rule
130);
b) Admissionbyacoconspirator(Sec.30,Rule130);
and
c) Admissionbyprivies(Sec.31,Rule130).
ADMISSIONBYAPARTY
Theact,declarationoromissionofapartyastoarelevantfactmaybegiveninevidence
againsthim.
Therightsofapartycannotbeprejudicedbyanact,declaration,oromissionofanother,
exceptashereinafterprovided.
ADMISSIONBYACOPARTNERORAGENT
Theactordeclarationofapartneroragentofthepartywithinthescopeofhisauthority
andduringtheexistenceofthepartnershiporagency,maybegiveninevidenceagainst
suchpartyafterthepartnershiporagencyisshownbyevidenceotherthansuchactor
declaration.Thesameruleappliestotheactordeclarationofajointowner,jointdebtor,
orotherpersonjointlyinterestedwiththeparty.
Fortheadmissionofacopartneroragenttobeadmissible,thefollowingrequisitesmust
concur:
.
a) Thedeclarationoractofthepartnerandagentmusthavebeenmadeordone
withinthescopeofhisauthority;
b) Thedeclarationoractofthepartnerandagentmusthavebeenmadeordone
duringtheexistenceofthepartnershiporagency,andthepersonmakingthe
declarationstillapartneroranagent;and
c) Theexistenceofthepartnershiporagencyisprovenbyevidenceotherthanthe
declarationoractofthepartnerandagent.
ADMISSIONBYACONSPIRATOR
Conspiracyexistswhentwoormorepersonscometoanagreementconcerningthe
commissionofafelonyanddecidetocommitit.Onceconspiracyisproven,theactof
oneistheactofall.Thestatementthereforeofonemaybeadmittedagainsttheotherco
conspiratorsasanexceptiontotheruleofresinteraliosacta.
Fortheexceptiontoapply,thefollowingrequisitesmustconcur:
.
1) Thedeclarationoractbemadeordoneduringtheexistenceoftheconspiracy;
2) Thedeclarationoractmustrelatetotheconspiracy;and
3) Theconspiracymustbeshownbyevidenceotherthanthedeclarationoract.
ADMISSIONBYPRIVIES
Privitymeansmutualsuccessionofrelationshiptothesamerightsofproperty.Priviesare
thosewhohavemutualorsuccessiverelationshiptothesamerightofpropertyorsubject
matter,suchaspersonalrepresentatives,heirs,devisees,legatees,assigns,voluntary
granteesorjudgmentcreditorsorpurchasersfromthemwithnoticeofthefacts.
Threeexceptionsarerecognizedtotherulethatdeclarationsofthetransferor,made
subsequenttothetransfer,areinadmissible:
ADMISSIONBYATHIRDPARTY
1) Wherethedeclarationsaremadeinthepresenceofthetransferee,andhe
acquiescesinthestatements,orassertsnorightswhereheoughttospeak;
2) Wheretherehasbeenaprimafaciecaseoffraudestablished,aswherethe
thingafterthesaleortransfer,remainswiththesellerortransferor;
3) Wheretheevidenceestablishesacontinuingconspiracytodefraud,which
conspiracyexistsbetweenthevendorandthevendee.
ADMISSIONBYSILENCE
Anactordeclarationmadeinthepresenceandwithinthehearingorobservationofa
partywhodoesorsaysnothingwhentheactordeclarationissuchasnaturallytocallfor
actionorcommentifnottrue,andwhenproperandpossibleforhimtodoso,maybe
giveninevidenceagainsthim.
Thecommonsenseofmankindisexpressedinthepopularphrase,silencegivesconsent
whichisbutanotherformofexpressingthemaximofthelaw,quitacetcosentire
videtur.
Beforethesilenceofapartycanbetakenasanadmissionofwhatissaid,thefollowing
requisitesmustconcur:
.
a) Hearingandunderstandingofthestatementbytheparty;
b) Opportunityandnecessityofdenyingthestatements;
c) Statementmustrefertoamatteraffectinghisright;
d) Factswerewithintheknowledgeoftheparty;and
e) Factsadmittedortheinferencetobedrawnfromhissilencewouldbematerial
totheissue.
CONFESSIONS
Thedeclarationofanaccusedacknowledginghisguiltoftheoffensecharged,orofany
offensenecessarilyincludedtherein,maybegiveninevidenceagainsthim.
AnyconfessionoradmissionobtainedinviolationofthisorSection17hereofshallbe
inadmissibleinevidenceagainsthim(Sec.12,Art.III,Constitution).
Confessionisanacknowledgmentinexpresswords,bytheaccusedinacriminalcase,of
thetruthoftheoffensecharged,orofsomeessentialpartsthereof.Tobevalid,
confessionsmustbevoluntarilyandfreelymade.
Exceptionstotherulethatconfessionsofanaccusedmaybegiveninevidenceagainst
himandincompetentagainsthiscoaccused:
a)Whenseveralaccusedaretriedtogether,confessionmadebyoneofthemduringthe
trialimplicatingtheothersisevidenceagainstthelatter.
b)Whenoneofthedefendantsisdischargedfromtheinformationandtestifiesasa
witnessfortheprosecution,theconfessionmadeinthecourseofhistestimonyis
admissibleagainsthiscodefendants,ifcorroboratedbyindisputableproof.
c)Ifadefendantafterhavingbeenapprisedoftheconfessionofhiscodefendantratifies
orconfirmssaidconfession,thesameisadmissibleagainsthim.
d)InterlockingconfessionsWhereseveralextrajudicialconfessionhadbeenmadeby
severalpersonschargedwithanoffenseandtherecouldhavebeennocollusionwith
referencetosaidseveralconfessions,thefactsthatthestatementsthereinareinall
materialrespectsidentical,isconfirmatoryoftheconfessionofthecodefendant,andis
admissibleagainsthisothercodefendants.
e)Astatementmadebyonedefendantafterhisarrest,inthepresenceofthisco
defendant,confessinghisguiltandimplicatinghiscodefendantwhofailedtocontradict
ordenyit,isadmissibleagainsthiscodefendant.
f)Whentheconfessionisofaconspiratorandmadeafterconspiracyinfurtheranceofits
object,thesameisadmissibleagainsthiscoconspirator;and
g)Theconfessionofoneconspiratormadeaftertheterminationofaconspiracyis
admissibleagainsthiscoconspiratorifmadeinhispresenceandassentedtobyhim,or
admitteditstruthorfailedtocontradictordenyit.
SIMILARACTSASEVIDENCE
Evidencethatonedidordidnotdoacertainthingatonetimeisnotadmissibletoprove
thathedidordidnotdothesameorasimilarthingatanothertime;butitmaybe
receivedtoproveaspecificintentorknowledge,identity,plan,system,scheme,habit,
customorusage,andthelike.Evidenceofcollateraloffensesmustnotbereceivedas
substantiveevidenceoftheoffensesontrial.
HEARSAYRULE
Awitnesscantestifyonlytothosefactswhichheknowsofhispersonalknowledge;that
is,whicharederivedfromhisownperception,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthese
rules.
Generally,hearsayevidenceisinadmissiblebecausethepersonwhotestifiesdoesso
basedonmattersnotofhispersonalknowledgebutbasedontheknowledgeofanother
whoisnotincourtandcannottherefore,bcrossexamined.Theoneincourtsisthe
personwhomerelyrepeatsmatterswitnessedpersonallybyanother.Thistypeoevidence
isinadmissiblebecauseofitsinherentunreliability.

Hearsayevidencemaybeinwriting.Forinstance,anaffidavitishearsayunlessthe
affiantaffirmsthesameincourtandissubjecttocrossexamination.
Ahearsaytestimonyinvolvesanoutsidedeclarantandanincourtwitness.Itisthe
outsidedeclarantwhosayssomethingbasedonwhathehasperceived.Hisstatementis
heardbysomeonewhoistheonetestifiesincourtastowhatheheard.
Ifthewitnessoffersthestatementoftheoutsidedeclaranttoprovethetruthofsuch
statement(theonewhichheheard)thetestimonyofthewitnessishearsay.Ifitsoffered
merelytoprovethatheheardthestatementwithoutreferencetoitstruthorfalsity,his
testimonyisnothearsay.
Ifwhatheheardisrelevanttoanissueinthecase,itwillfallunderthecategoryof
independentrelevantstatementswhichmeansstatementswhicharerelevantastotheir
tenorortothefactthattheywereutteredandnotastowhethertheyaretrueorfalse.
MEANINGOFHEARSAY
.
1) Dyingdeclaration;
2) Entriesinthecourseofbusiness;
3) Verbalacts;
4) Familyreputationortraditionregarding
pedigree;
5) Learnedtreatises;
6) Entriesinofficialrecords;
7) Commonreputation;
8) Testimonyordepositionataformer
proceeding;
Thestatementsfromwhichthefactsinissuemaybeinferredmaybetestifiedtoby
witnesseswithoutviolatingthehearsayrule.Ofthiskindare:
Statementsofaperson:
.
a) showinghisstateofmind,thatishismental
condition,knowledge,belief,intention,illwill
andotheremotion;
.
b) showinghisphysicalcondition,asillnessandthe
like;
c) fromwhichaninferencemaybemadeastothe
stateofmindofanother,thatis,knowledge,belief,motive,goodorbadfaith,etc.
ofthelatter;
d) whichmayidentifythedate,place,andpersoninquestion;and
e) showingthelackofcredibilityofawitness.
Thedeclarationofadyingperson,madeundertheconsciousnessofanimpendingdeath,
maybereceivedin
Italsomeanstheevidencenotofwhatthewitnesshimselfknowsbutofwhathehas
heardfromothers.
Hearsayevidenceisinadmissibleaccordingtothegeneralrule.Therealbasisforthe
exclusionisthefactthathearsaytestimonyisnotsubjecttothetestswhichcanordinarily
beappliedfortheascertainmentofthetruthoftestimony,sincethedeclarantisnot
presentandavailableforcrossexamination.
Incriminalcasestheadmissionofhearsayevidencewouldbeaviolationofthe
constitutionalprovisionthattheaccusedshallenjoytherightofbeingconfrontedwiththe
witnessestestifyingagainsthimandtocrossexaminethem.Moreover,thecourtis
withouttheopportunitytotestthecredibilityofhearsaystatementsbyobservingthe
demeanorofthepersonwhomadethem.
EXCEPTIONSTOTHEHEARSAYRULE
(DEVFLECTDWICAP)
9)Declarationagainstinterest;
10)Waiver;
11)Independentlyrelevantevidence;
12)Commerciallistsandthelike;
13)Actordeclarationaboutpedigree;and14)Partofresgestae.
anycasewhereinhisdeathisthesubjectofinquiry,asevidenceofthecauseand
surroundingcircumstancesofsuchdeath.
REQUISITES:
1)Thatdeathisimminentandthedeclarantis
consciousofthatfact;
2)Thatthedeclarationreferstothecauseand
surroundingcircumstancesofsuchdeath;
3)Thatthedeclarationrelatestofactswhichthe
victimiscompetenttotestifyto;and
4)Thatthedeclarationisofferedinacasewherein
thedeclarantsdeathisthesubjectoftheinquiry.
Themostsignificantelementisthatthedeclarationmusthavebeenconsciousofhis
impendingdeath.Itisthisconsciousnesswhichisassumedtobethecompellingmotive
totellthetruth.Anystatementhemakesnotrelatedtothecircumstancesofhisdeathis
inadmissibleasadyingdeclaration.
ThedyingdeclarationisadmissibleinANYCASEprovidedthesubjectofinquiryinthat
caseisthedeathofthedeclarant.
REASONFOREXCLUSIONOFHEARSAYEVIDENCE
DYINGDECLARATION
Itisrequiredthatthedeclarantshoulddie.Ifhelives,hemaytestifypersonallybasedon
hispersonalknowledge.Ifheisunabletotestify,hisdeclarationcouldbeadmittedasa
statementmadebyapersonimmediatelysubsequenttoastartlingoccurrence(couldbe
consideredpartofresgestae).
Thedeclarationmadebyapersondeceased,orunabletotestify,againsttheinterestofthe
declarant,ifthefactassertedinthedeclarationwasatthetimeitwasmadesofar
contrarytodeclarant'sowninterest,thatareasonablemaninhispositionwouldnothave
madethedeclarationunlesshebelievedittobetrue,maybereceivedinevidenceagainst
himselforhissuccessorsininterestandagainstthirdpersons.
Requisitesfortheexceptiontoapply:
.
a) Thatthedeclarantisdeadorunabletotestify;
b) Thatitrelatestoafactagainsttheinterestofthe
declarant;
c) Thatatthetimehemadesaiddeclarationthe
declarantwasawarethatthesamewascontrary
tohisaforesaidinterest;and
d) Thatthedeclaranthadnomotivetofalsifyand
believedsuchdeclarationtobetrue.
Requisitesforapplicability:
a)Declarantisdeadorunabletotestify;
b)Necessitythatpedigreebeinissue;
c)Declarantmustbearelativeofthepersonwhose
pedigreeisinquestion;
d)Declarationmustbemadebeforethecontroversy
occurred;and
e)Therelationshipbetweenthedeclarantandthe
personwhosepedigreeisinquestionmustbeshownbyevidenceotherthansuchactor
declaration.
Entriesinfamilybiblesorotherfamilybooksorcharts,engravingsonrings,family
portraitsandthelike,maybereceivedasevidenceofpedigree.
Requisitesfortheexceptiontoapply:
.
a) Thereisacontroversyinrespecttothepedigreeofanymembersofafamily;
b) Thereputationortraditionofthepedigreeofthepersonconcernedexistedante
litemmotamorpervioustothecontroversy;and
c) Thewitnesstestifyingtothereputationortraditionregardingthepedigreeof
thepersonconcernedmustbeamemberofthefamilyofsaidperson,eitherby
consanguinityoraffinity.
Requisitesfortheadmissibilityoftheexception:
.
a) Thefactsmustbeofpublicorgeneralinterestandmorethanthirtyyearsold;
b) Thecommonreputationmusthavebeenancient(morethan30yearsoldorone
generationold);
c) Thereputationmusthavebeenoneformedamongtheclassofpersonswho
wereinapositiontohavesomesourcesofinformationandtocontribute
intelligentlytotheformationoftheopinion;and
Thecommonreputationmusthavebeenexistingprevioustothecontroversy.
Requisitesfortheadmissibilityofcommonreputationrespectingmarriage:
.
a) Thecommonreputationmusthavebeenformedprevioustothecontroversy;
and
b) Thecommonreputationmusthavebeenformedinthecommunityoramong
theclassofpersonswhoareinapositiontohavesourcesofinformationandto
contributeintelligentlytotheformationoftheopinion.
DECLARATIONAGAINSTINTEREST
FAMILYREPUTATIONORTRADITIONREGARDINGPEDIGREE
ADMISSIONBYPRIVIES
DECLARATIONAGAINSTINTEREST
Oneof3exceptionstoresinteraliosacta
Exceptiontohearsay
Evidenceagainstthesuccessorininterestoftheadmitter
Evidenceagainsteventhedeclarant,hissuccessorininterest,or3rdpersons
Admitterneednotbedeadorunabletotestify
Declarantisdeadorunabletotestify
Relatestotitletoproperty
Relatestoanyinterest
Admissionneednotbeagainsttheadmittersinterest
Declarationmustbeagainsttheinterestofthedeclarant
Theword"pedigree"includesrelationship,familygenealogy,birth,marriage,death,the
dateswhenandtheplaceswherethesefactsoccurred,andthenamesoftherelatives.It
embracesalsofactsoffamilyhistoryintimatelyconnectedwithpedigree.
Pedigreeisthehistoryoffamilydescentwhichistransmittedfromonegenerationto
anotherbybothoralandwrittendeclarationsandbytraditions.
COMMONREPUTATION
ACTORDECLARATIONABOUTPEDIGREE
Requisitesfortheadmissibilityofcommonreputationrespectingmoralcharacter:
.
a) Thatitisthereputationintheplacewherethepersoninquestionisbest
known;
b) Thatitwasformedantelitemmotam.
Characterreferstotheinherentqualitiesoftheperson,ratherthantoanyopinionthat
maybeformedorexpressedofhimbyothers.Reputationappliestotheopinionwhich
othersmayhaveformedandexpressedofhischaracter.
Monumentsandinscriptionsinpublicplacesmaybereceivedasevidenceofcommon
reputation.
Statementsmadebyapersonwhileastartlingoccurrenceistakingplaceorimmediately
priororsubsequenttheretowithrespecttothecircumstancesthereof,maybegivenin
evidenceaspartoftheresgestae.So,also,statementsaccompanyinganequivocalact
materialtotheissue,andgivingitalegalsignificance,maybereceivedaspartoftheres
gestae.
ResgestaeisfromtheLatinmeaningthingsdone.Asappliedtoacrime,resgestae
meansthecompletecriminaltransactionfromitsbeginningorstartingpointintheactof
theaccuseduntiltheendisreached.
Thegeneralclassesofdeclarationstowhichthetermresgestaeisusuallyappliedare(a)
spontaneousstatements,and(b)verbalacts.
Requisitesforadmissibility:
.
a) Entriesmusthavebeenmadeatornearthetimeofthetransactiontowhich
theyrefer;
b) Entrantmusthavebeeninapositiontoknowthefactsstatedintheentries;
c) Entriesmusthavebeenmadebyentrantinhisprofessionalcapacityorinthe
performanceofhisduty;
d) Entriesweremadeintheordinaryorregularcourseofbusinessofduties;
e) Entrantmustbedeceasedorunabletotestify.
Entriesinofficialrecordsmadeintheperformanceofhisdutybyapublicofficerofthe
Philippines,orbyapersonintheperformanceofadutyspeciallyenjoinedbylaw,are
primafacieevidenceofthefactsthereinstated.
Evidenceofstatementsofmattersofinterest,topersonsengagedinanoccupation
containedinalist,register,periodical,orotherpublishedcompilationisadmissibleas
tendingtoprovethetruthofanyrelevantmattersostatedifthatcompilationispublished
forusebypersons
PARTOFTHERESGESTAE
occurrence.
admissible.
Reasonforadmissibility:
Trustworthinessandnecessitybecausestatementsaremadeinstinctively,andbecause
saidnaturalandspontaneousutterancesaremoreconvincingthanthetestimonyofthe
samepersononthestand.
Reasonforadmissibility:
Themotive,characterandobjectofanactarefrequentlyindicatedbywhatwassaidby
thepersonengagedintheact.
.
a) Theremustbeastartlingoccurrence;
b) Thestatementmustrelatetothe
circumstancesofthe
startlingoccurrence;
c) Thestatementmust
bespontaneous.
.
a) Actoroccurrencecharacterizedmustbeequivocal;
b) Verbalactsmustcharacterizeor
explainthe
equivocalact;
c) Equivocalactmust
berelevanttothe
issue;
d) Verbalactsmustbe
contemporaneouswithequivocalact.
ENTRIESINTHECOURSEOFBUSINESS
SPONTANEOUSSTATEMENTS
VERBALACTS
Statementorexclamationmadeimmediatelyaftersomeexcitingoccasionbya
participantorspectatorandassertingthecircumstancesofthatoccasionasitisobserved
byhim.
Utteranceswhichaccompanysomeactorconducttowhichitisdesiredtogivealegal
effect.Whensuchacthasintrinsicallynodefinitelegalsignificance,oronlyan
ambiguousone,itslegalpurportortenormaybeascertainedbyconsideringthewords
accompanyingit,andtheseutterancesthusentermerelyasverbalpartoftheact.
Theresgestaeisthestartlingoccurrence
Theresgestaeistheequivocalact
Spontaneousexclamationmaybepriorto,simultaneouswith,orsubsequenttothe
startling
Verbalactmustbecontemporaneouswithormustaccompanytheequivocalacttobe
ENTRIESINOFFICIALRECORDS
COMMERCIALLISTSANDTHELIKE
engagedinthatoccupationandisgenerallyusedandrelieduponbythemtherein.
Apublishedtreatise,periodicalorpamphletonasubjectofhistory,law,scienceorartis
admissibleastendingtoprovethetruthofamatterstatedthereinifthecourttakes
judicialnotice,orawitnessexpertinthesubjecttestifiesthatthewriterofthestatement
inthetreatise,periodicalorpamphletisrecognizedinhisprofessionorcallingasexpert
inthesubject.
Thetestimonyordepositionofawitnessdeceasedorunabletotestify,giveninaformer
caseorproceeding,judicialoradministrative,involvingthesamepartiesandsubject
matter,maybegiveninevidenceagainsttheadversepartywhohadtheopportunityto
crossexaminehim.
Ifthewitnesshasbeensubjectedtocrossexaminationinaformertrial,theruleis
satisfied,andtheformertestimonymaynowbeused.
OPINIONRULE
GENERALRULE:theopinionofawitnessisnotadmissible.Thewitnessmusttestifyto
factswithintheirknowledgeandmaynotstatetheiropinion,evenontheircross
examination.
EXCEPTIONS:
1)OPINIONOFEXPERTWITNESSOna
matterrequiringspecialknowledge,skill,experienceortrainingwhichhepossesses,that
is,whenheisanexpertthereonmaybereceivedinevidence.Experttestimonyisnot
admissibleastoamatternotinissue.
2)OPINIONOFORDINARYWITNESSES:
.
a) Theidentityofapersonaboutwhomhe
hasadequateknowledge;
b) Ahandwritingofapersonwithwhich
hehassufficientfamiliarity;
c) Thementalsanityorapersonwith
whomheissufficientlyacquainted;and
d) Thewitness impressionoftheemotion,behavior,conditionorappearanceofa
person.
Reason:itisforthecourttoformanopinionconcerningthefactsinproofofwhich
evidenceisoffered.
OPINIONOFEXPERTWITNESS
Itissufficientthatthefollowingfactorsarepresent:
a)Trainingandeducation;
b)Particular,firsthandfamiliaritywiththefactsof
thecase;and
c)Presentationoftheauthoritiesorstandardsupon
whichhisopinionisbased.
Beforeonemaybeallowedtotestifyasanexpertwitness,hisqualificationmustfirstbe
establishedbythepartypresentinghim,i.e.,hemustbeshowntopossessthespecialskill
orknowledgerelevanttothequestiontowhichheistoexpressanopinion.Common
subjectsofexperttestimony:handwriting,typewrittendocuments,fingerprints,ballistics,
medicine,valueofpropertiesandservices.
CHARACTEREVIDENCE
Characterevidence,asageneralrule,isnotadmissibleinevidencebecausetheevidence
ofapersonscharacterdoesnotprovethatsuchpersonactedconformitywithsuch
characterortraitinaparticularoccasion.Exceptions:
a)Incriminalcases,theprosecutionmaynotattheoutsetprovethebadmoralcharacter
oftheaccusedwhichispertinenttothemoraltraitinvolvedintheoffensecharged.Ifthe
accused,however,inhisdefenseattemptstoprovehisgoodmoralcharacterthenthe
prosecutioncanintroduceevidenceofsuchbadmoralcharacterattherebuttalstage.
b)Alsoincriminalcase,thegoodorbadmoralcharacteroftheoffendedpartymay
alwaysbeprovedbyeitherpartyaslongassuchevidencetendstoestablishthe
probabilityorimprobabilityoftheoffensecharged.
c)Incivilcases,themoralcharacterofeitherpartytheretocannotbeprovedunlessitis
pertinenttotheissueofcharacterinvolvedinthecase.
d)Inbothcivilandcriminalcases,thebadmoralcharacterofawitnessmayalwaysbe
provedbyeitherpartybutnotevidenceofhisgoodcharacter,unlessithasbeen
impeached.
Withrespecttothenatureorsubstanceofthecharacterevidencewhichmaybe
admissible,therulesrequirethat:
.
a) Withrespecttotheaccused,suchcharacterevidencemustbepertinenttothe
moraltraitinvolvedintheoffensecharged;
b) Withrespecttotheoffendedperson,itissufficientthatsuchcharacterevidence
mayestablishinanyreasonabledegreetheprobabilityorimprobabilityofthe
offensecharged,asinprosecutionsforrapeorconsentedabductionwhereinthe
victimschastitymaybequestioned,andinprosecutionforhomicidewhereinthe
pugnacious,quarrelsomeortroubleseekingcharacterofthevictimisaproper
subjectofinquiry;and

LEARNEDTREATIES

TESTIMONYORDEPOSITIONATAFORMERTRIAL
c)Withrespecttowitnesses,suchcharacterevidencemustrefertohisgeneralreputation
fortruth,honestyorintegrity,thatis,asaffectinghiscredibility.
Unlessotherwiseprovided,thisRuleshallgoverntheexaminationofchildwitnesseswho
arevictimsofcrime,accusedofacrime,andwitnessestocrime.Itshallapplyinall
criminalproceedingsandnoncriminalproceedingsinvolvingchildwitnesses.
Anypersonwhoatthetimeofgivingtestimonyisbelowtheageof18years.Inchild
abusecases,achildincludesoneover18yearsbutisfoundbythecourtasunabletofully
takecareofhimselforprotecthimselffromabuse,neglect,cruelty,exploitation,or
discriminationbecauseofaphysicalormentaldisabilityorcondition.
Everychildispresumedqualifiedtobeawitness.However,thecourtshallconducta
competencyexaminationofachild(onlybythejudge,orcourt),motupropiooron
motionofaparty,whenitfindsthatsubstantialdoubtexistsregardingthestabilityofthe
childtoperceive,remember,communicate,distinguishtruthfromfalsehood,or
appreciatethedutytotellthetruthincourt.Thecourthasthedutyofcontinuously
assessingthecompetenceofthechildthroughouthistestimony.
Theexaminationofachildwitnesspresentedinahearingoranyproceedingshallbe
doneinopencourt.Unlessthewitnessisincapacitatedtospeak,orthequestioncallsfor
adifferentmodeofanswer,theanswersofthewitnessshallbegivenorally.Theparty
whopresentsachildwitnessortheguardianadlitemofsuchchildwitnessmay,
however,movethecourttoallowhimtotestifyinthemannerprovidedinthisRule.
Theprosecutor,counselortheguardianadlitemmayapplyforanorderthatthe
testimonyofthechildbetakeninaroomoutsidethecourtroomandbetelevisedtothe
courtroombylivelinktelevision.
Thecourtmayorderthatthetestimonyofthechildbetakenbylivelinktelevisionif
thereisasubstantiallikelihoodthatthechildwouldsuffertraumafromtestifyinginthe
presenceoftheaccused,hiscounselortheprosecutorasthecasemaybe.Thetrauma
mustbeofakindwhichwouldimpairthecompletenessortruthfulnessofthetestimony
ofthechild.Thechildshallthereforetestifyinaroomseparatefromthecourtroom.
Theprosecutor,counsel,orguardianadlitemmayapplyforanorderthatadepositionbe
takenofthetestimonyofthechildandthatitberecordedandpreservedonvideotape.
Thejudgeshallpresideatthevideotapeddepositionofachild.Objectionstodeposition
testimonyorevidenceandthegroundsfortheobjectionshallbestatedandshallrule
uponatthetimeofthetakingofthedeposition.
Thevideotapeddepositionshallbepreservedandstenographicallyrecorded.The
videotapeandthestenographicnotesshallbetransmittedtotheclerkofthecourtwhere
thecaseispendingforsafekeepingandshallbemadeapartoftherecord.The
videotapeddepositionandstenographicnotesshallbesubjecttoaprotectiveorder.
If,atthetimeoftrial,thecourtfindsthatthechildisunabletotestify,thecourtmay
admitintoevidencethevideotapeddepositionofthechildinlieuofhistestimonyatthe
trial.
Aftertheoriginalvideotapingbutbeforeorduringtrial,anypartymayfileanymotion
foradditionalvideotapingonthegroundofnewlydiscoveredevidence.
Astatementmadebyachilddescribinganyactorattemptedactofchildabuse,not
otherwiseadmissibleunderthehearsayrule,maybeadmittedinevidenceinanycriminal
ornoncriminalproceedingsubjecttothefollowingrules:
a)Beforesuchhearsaystatementmaybeadmitted,itsproponentshallmakeknowntothe
adversepartytheintentiontooffersuchstatementanditsparticularstoprovidehimafair
opportunitytoobject.Ifthechildisavailable,thecourtshall,uponmotionoftheadverse
party,requirethechildtobepresentatthepresentationofthehearsaystatementfor
crossexaminationbytheadverseparty.Whenthechildisunavailable,thefactofsuch
circumstancemustbeprovedbytheproponent.
b)Inrulingontheadmissibilityofsuchhearsaystatement,thecourtshallconsiderthe
time,
RULEONEXAMINATIONOFACHILDWITNESS(A.M.NO.00407SC)
VIDEOTAPEDDEPOSITIONOFACHILDWITNESS
APPLICABILITYOFTHERULE
MEANINGOFCHILDWITNESS
COMPETENCYOFACHILDWITNESS
HEARSAYEXCEPTIONINCHILDABUSECASES
EXAMINATIONOFACHILDWITNESS
LIVELINKTVTESTIMONYOFACHILDWITNESS(SEC.25)
contentandcircumstancesthereofwhichprovidesufficientindiciaofreliability.
Thechildwitnessshallbeconsideredunavailableunderthefollowingsituations:
a) Isdeceased,suffersfromphysicalinfirmity,lackofmemory,mentalillness,or
willbeexposedtoseverpsychologicalinjury;or
b) Isabsentfromthehearingandtheproponentofhisstatementhasbeenunable
toprocurehisattendancebyprocessorotherreasonablemean.
Whenthechildwitnessisunavailable,hishearsaytestimonyshallbeadmittedonlyif
corroboratedbyotheradmissibleevidence.
.
a) ThefollowingevidenceisNOTADMISSIBLEinanycriminalproceeding
involvingallegedchildsexualabuse:
a.
Evidenceofferedtoprovethattheallegedvictimengagedinothersexual
behavior;and
b.
Evidenceofferedtoprovethesexualpre
dispositionoftheallegedvictim.
b) EXCEPTION:Evidenceofspecificinstancesofsexualbehaviorbythealleged
victimtoprovethatapersonotherthantheaccusedwasthesourceofsemen,
injury,orotherphysicalevidenceshallbe
admissible.
ProtectionofprivacyandsafetyAnyvideotapeoraudiotapeofachildthatispartofthe
courtrecordshallbeunderaprotectiveorder.Thecourtmay,motupropiooronmotion
ofanyparty,thechild,hisparents,legalguardian,ortheguardianadlitem,issue
additionalorderstoprotecttheprivacyofthechild.
Thecourtshallconsidernoevidencewhichhasnotbeenformallyoffered.Thepurpose
forwhichtheevidenceisofferedmustbespecified.
testimonyofawitnesstheoffermustbemadeatthetimethewitnessis
calledtotestify.
Documentaryandobjectevidenceshallbeofferedafterthepresentationofa
party'stestimonial
evidence.Suchoffershallbedoneorallyunlessallowedbythecourttobedonein
writing.
Objectiontoevidenceofferedorallymustbemadeimmediatelyafterthe
offerismade.
Objectiontoaquestionpropoundedinthecourseoftheoralexaminationof
awitnessshallbemadeassoonasthegroundsthereforshallbecomereasonably
apparent.
Anofferofevidenceinwritingshallbeobjectedtowithinthree(3)days
afternoticeoftheofferunlessadifferentperiodisallowedbythecourt.Inany
case,thegroundsfortheobjectionsmustbespecified.
Groundsforobjection:Hearsay;Argumentative;Leading;Misleading;
Incompetent;Irrelevant;Bestevidencerule;Paroleevidencerule;Questionhas
nobasis
Whenitbecomesreasonablyapparentinthecourseoftheexaminationofa
witnessthatthequestionsbeingpropoundedareofthesameclassasthoseto
whichobjectionhasbeenmade,whethersuchobjectionwassustainedor
overruled,itshallnotbenecessarytorepeattheobjection,itbeingsufficientfor
theadversepartytorecordhiscontinuingobjectiontosuchclassofquestions.
Therulingofthecourtmustbegivenimmediatelyaftertheobjectionismade,
unlessthecourtdesirestotakeareasonabletimetoinformitselfonthequestion
presented;buttherulingshallalwaysbemadeduringthetrialandatsuchtimeas
willgivethepartyagainstwhomitismadeanopportunitytomeetthesituation
presentedbytheruling.
Shouldawitnessanswerthequestionbeforetheadversepartyhadtheopportunity
tovoicefullyitsobjectiontothesame,andsuchobjectionisfoundtobe
meritorious,thecourtshallsustaintheobjectionandordertheanswergiventobe
strickenofftherecord.Onpropermotion,thecourtmayalsoorderthestrikingout
ofanswerswhichareincompetent,irrelevant,orotherwiseimproper.
TENDEROFEXCLUDEDEVIDENCE
Ifdocumentsorthingsofferedinevidenceareexcludedbythecourt,theofferormay
havethesameattachedtoormadepartoftherecord.
Iftheevidenceexcludedisoral,theofferormaystatefortherecordthenameand
otherpersonalcircumstancesofthewitnessandthesubstanceoftheproposedtestimony.
OBJECTION
SEXUALABUSESHIELDRULE

REPETITIONOFANOBJECTION
RULING
PROTECTIVEORDERS
STRIKINGOUTOFANANSWER
OFFERANDOBJECTION(RULE132)OFFEROFEVIDENCE
WHENTOMAKEANOFFER
Note:SupremeCourtRulingsasofDecember2010 included
(MeTC,MTCandMCTC)
CASESCOVEREDBYTHERULE
1)CIVILCASES
a.Allcasesofforcibleentryandunlawfuldetainerirrespectiveoftheamountofdamages
orunpaidrentalssoughttoberecovered.
b.Allothercases,exceptprobateproceedingswherethetotalamountoftheplaintiffs
claimdoesnotexceedP100,000outside,orP200,000inMetroManila,exclusiveof
interestandcosts.
2)CRIMINALCASES
a.
ViolationofBouncingChecksLaw(BP22);
b.
Violationoftrafficlaws,rulesand
regulations;
c.
Violationsofrentallaws;
d.
Allothercriminalcaseswherethepenalty
prescribedbylawfortheoffensechargedisimprisonmentnotexceeding6months
orafinenotexceedingP1,000orboth,irrespectiveofotherimposablepenalties,
accessoryorotherwise,orofthecivilliabilityarisingtherefrom;andinoffenses
involvingdamagestopropertythroughcriminalnegligence,wheretheimposable
finedoesnotexceedP1,000.
e.
Inoffensesinvolvingdamagetopropertythroughcriminalnegligence,wherethe
imposablefinedoesnotexceedP10,000.00
Note:TheRuleshallnotapplyinacivilcasewherethecauseofactionispleaded
withanothercauseofactionsubjecttotheordinaryprocedure,nortocriminalcasewhere
theoffensechargedisnecessaryrelatedtoanothercriminalcasesubjecttotheordinary
procedure.
EFFECTOFFAILURETOANSWER
Shouldthedefendantfailtoanswerthecomplaintwithin10daysfromserviceof
summons,thecourtshallMOTUPROPIOorONMOTIONoftheplaintiff,shallrender
judgmentasmaybewarrantedbythefactsallegedinthecomplaintandlimitedtowhatis
prayedfortherein.
ThisiswithoutprejudicetotheapplicabilityofSec.4,Rule18iftherearetwoor
moredefendants.
PRELIMINARYCONFERENCEANDAPPEARANCESOFPARTIES
apreliminaryconferenceshallbeheldnotlaterthan30daysafterthelastansweris
filed.Therulesonpretrialinordinarycasesshallbeapplicabletothepreliminary
conferenceunlessinconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheRule.
Thefailureoftheplaintifftoappearinthepreliminaryconferenceshallbecausefor
thedismissalofhiscomplaint.Thedefendantwhoappearsintheabsenceoftheplaintiff
shallbeentitledtojudgmentonhiscounterclaim.Allcrossclaimsshallbedismissed.
Ifasoledefendantshallfailtoappear,theplaintiffshallbeentitledtojudgmentas
warrantedbytheallegationsinthecomplaintandlimitedtothereliefsprayedfortherein.
TheRuleshallnotapplywhereoneoftwoormoredefendantssuedunderacommon
causeofactionwhohadpleadedacommondefensesshallappearatthepreliminary
conference.
REVISEDRULESONSUMMARYPROCEDURE
KATARUNGANGPAMBARANGAY(Secs.399422,LGC)
SUBJECTMATTERFORAMICABLESETTLEMENT
Theluponofeachbarangayshallhaveauthoritytobringtogetherthepartiesactually
residinginthesamemunicipalityorcityforamicablesettlementofalldisputes
EXCEPT:
1)Whereonepartyisthegovernmentorany
subdivisionorinstrumentalitythereof;
2)Whereonepartyisapublicofficeroremployee,andthedisputerelatestothe
performanceofhis
officialfunctions;
3)Offensespunishablebyimprisonmentexceeding
one(1)yearorafineexceedingP5,000;
4)Offenseswherethereisnoprivateoffended
party;
5)Wherethedisputeinvolvesrealproperties
locatedindifferentcitiesormunicipalitiesunlessthepartiestheretoagreetosubmittheir
differencestoamicablesettlementbyanappropriatelupon;
6)Disputesinvolvingpartieswhoactuallyresideinbarangaysofdifferentcitiesor
municipalities,exceptwheresuchbarangayunitsadjoineach
otherandthepartiestheretoagreetosubmittheirdifferencestoamicablesettlementby
anappropriatelupon;
.
7) SuchotherclassesofdisputeswhichthePresidentmaydetermineinthe
interestofjusticeorupontherecommendationoftheSecretaryofJustice;
8) Anycomplaintbyoragainstcorporations,partnerships,orjuridicalentities.
Thereasonisthatonlyindividualsshallbepartiestobarangayconciliation
proceedingseitherascomplainantsorrespondents;
9) Disputeswhereurgentlegalactionisnecessarytopreventinjusticefrombeing
committedorfurthercontinued,speciallythefollowing:
.
a) Acriminalcasewheretheaccusedisunderpolicecustodyordetention;
b) Apetitionforhabeascorpusbyapersonillegallydetainedordeprived
ofhislibertyoroneactinginhisbehalf;
c) Actionscoupledwithprovisionalremedies,suchaspreliminary
injunction,attachment,replevinandsupportpendentelitem;
d) Wheretheactionmaybebarredbythestatuteoflimitations;
1)Wheretheaccusedisunderdetention;
2)Whereapersonhasotherwisebeendeprivedorpersonallibertycallingforhabeas
corpus
proceedings;
3)Whereactionsarecoupledwithprovisional
remediessuchaspreliminaryinjunction,attachment,deliveryofpersonalproperty,and
supportpendentelite;and
4)Wheretheactionmayotherwisebebarredbythestatuteoflimitations.
Theamicablesettlementorarbitrationawardmaybeenforcedbyexecutionbythelupon
withinsix(6)monthsfromthedateofthesettlement.Afterthelapseofsuchtime,the
settlementmaybeenforcedbyactionintheappropriatecityormunicipalcourt.
Anypartytothedisputemay,withinten(10)daysfromthedateofthesettlement,
repudiatethesamebyfilingwiththeluponchairmanastatementtothateffectswornto
beforehim,wheretheconsentisvitiatedbyfraud,violence,orintimidation.Such
repudiationshallbesufficientbasisfortheissuanceofthecertificationforfilinga
complaintbeforethecourt.
SCOPEANDAPPLICABILITYOFTHERULE
ThisRuleshallgoverntheprocedureinactionsbeforethe:
.
a) MetropolitanTrialCourts;
b) MunicipalTrialCourtsinCities;
c) MunicipalTrialCourts;and
d) MunicipalCircuitTrialCourts
forpaymentofmoneywherethevalueoftheclaimDOESNOTEXCEED
P100,000.00exclusiveofinterestandcosts.
TheMTCsshallapplythisRuleinallactionswhichare:
.
a) purelycivilinnaturewheretheclaimorreliefprayedforbytheplaintiffis
solelyforpayment
orreimbursementofsumofmoney;and
b) thecivilaspectofcriminalactions,eitherfiledbeforetheinstitutionofthe
criminalaction,orreserveduponthefilingofthecriminalactionin
10)Labor
employeremployeerelationship.
disputesorcontroversiesarisingfrom
.
11) WherethedisputearisesfromtheComprehensiveAgrarianReformLaw;
12) Actionstoannuljudgmentuponacompromisewhichcanbefileddirectlyin
court.
Thecourtinwhichnoncriminalcasesnotfallingwithintheauthorityoftheluponunder
theCodearefiledmay,atanytimebeforetrial,motupropioreferthecasetothelupon
concernedforamicablesettlement.
VENUE
.
1) Disputesbetweenpersonsactuallyresidinginthesamebarangay;
2) Thoseinvolvingactualresidentsofdifferentbarangayswithinthesamecityor
municipality;
3) Alldisputesinvolvingrealpropertyoranyinterestthereinwherethereal
propertyorthelargerportionthereofissituated;
4) Thosearisingattheworkplacewherethecontendingpartiesareemployedorat
theinstitutionwheresuchpartiesareenrolledforstudy,wheresuchworkplaceor
institutionislocated.
Objectionstovenueshallberaisedinthemediationproceedingsbeforethepunong
barangay;otherwise,thesameshallbedeemedwaived.Anylegalquestionwhichmay
confrontthepunongbarangayinresolvingobjectionstovenuehereinreferredtomaybe
submittedtotheSecretaryofJustice,orhisdulydesignatedrepresentative,whoseruling
thereonshallbebinding.
WHENPARTIESMAYDIRECTLYGOTOCOURT
EXECUTION
REPUDIATION
RULEOFPROCEDUREFORSMALLCLAIMSCASES(AMNo.0887SC,as
amended)
court,pursuanttoRule111oftheRevisedRulesofCriminalProcedure.
Theseclaimsordemandsmaybe:
.
a) Formoneyowedunderanyofthefollowing:
1.
ContractofLease;
2.
ContractofLoan;
3.
ContractofServices;
4.
ContractofSale;or
5.
ContractofMortgage;
b) Fordamagesarisingfromanyofthefollowing:
1.Faultornegligence;2.Quasicontract;or3.Contract;
c) Theenforcementofabarangayamicablesettlementoranarbitrationaward
involvingamoneyclaimcoveredbythisRulepursuanttoSec.417ofRA7160.
COMMENCEMENTOFSMALLCLAIMSACTION
Asmallclaimsactioniscommencedbyfilingwiththecourtan:
.
1) accomplishedandverifiedStatementofClaiminduplicate;
2) aCertificationofNonforumShopping;
3) two(2)dulycertifiedphotocopiesofthe
actionabledocument/ssubjectoftheclaim;
4) theaffidavitsofwitnessesandotherevidenceto
supporttheclaim.
Noevidenceshallbeallowedduringthehearingwhichwasnotattachedtoor
submittedtogetherwiththeClaim,unless
.
a) Motiontodismissthecomplaint;
c) Motionfornewtrial,orforreconsiderationofajudgment,orforreopeningof
trial;
d) Petitionforrelieffromjudgment;
e) Motionforextensionoftimetofilepleadings,
affidavits,oranyotherpaper;
f) Memoranda;
APPEARANCES
ThepartiesshallappearatthedesignateddateofhearingPERSONALLY.Appearance
througharepresentativemustbeforavalidcause.Therepresentativeofanindividual
partymust:
.
1) notbealawyer;and
2) mustberelatedtoornextofkinofthe
individualparty.
Juridicalentitiesshallnotberepresentedbyalawyerinanycapacity.
TherepresentativemustbeauthorizedunderaSpecialPowerofAttorneytoenterintoan
amicablesettlementof
goodcauseisshownfortheadmissionofadditionalevidence.Noformalpleading,other
thantheStatementofClaimisnecessarytoinitiateasmallclaimsaction.
RESPONSE
Thedefendantshallfilewiththecourtandserveontheplaintiffadulyaccomplishedand
verifiedResponsewithinanonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysfromreceiptof
summons.Theresponseshallbeaccompaniedbycertifiedphotocopiesofdocuments,as
wellasaffidavitsofwitnessesandotherevidenceinsupportthereof.Noevidenceshall
beallowedduringthehearingwhichwasnotattachedtoorsubmittedtogetherwiththe
Response,unlessgoodcauseisshownfortheadmissionofadditionalevidence.The
groundsforthedismissaloftheclaim,underRule16oftheRulesofCourt,shouldbe
pleaded.
EFFECTOFFAILURETOFILERESPONSE
ShouldthedefendantfailtofilehisResponsewithintherequiredperiod,andlikewisefail
toappearatthedatesetforhearing,thecourtshallrenderjudgmentonthesameday,as
maybewarrantedbythefacts.
ShouldthedefendantfailtofilehisResponsewithintherequiredperiodbutappearsat
thedatesetforhearing,thecourtshallascertainwhatdefensehehastoofferandproceed
tohear,mediateoradjudicatethecaseonthesamedayasifaResponsehasbeenfiled.
PROHIBITEDPLEADINGSANDMOTIONS
g)Petitionforcertiorari,mandamus,orprohibitionagainstanyinterlocutoryorderissued
bythecourt;
h)Motiontodeclarethedefendantindefault;i)Dilatorymotionsforpostponement;
j)Reply;
k)Thirdpartycomplaints;and
l)Interventions.
thedisputeandtoenterintostipulationsoradmissionsoffactsandofdocumentary
exhibits.
EFFECTOFFAILURETOAPPEAR
Failureoftheplaintifftoappearshallbecauseforthedismissaloftheclaimwithout
prejudice.Thedefendantwhoappearsshallbeentitledtojudgmentonapermissive
counterclaim.
FailureofthedefendanttoappearshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretofileaResponse.
Thisruleshallnotapplywhereoneoftwoormoredefendantssuedonacommoncause
ofactionappear.
Failureofbothpartiestoappearshallcausethedismissalwithprejudiceofboththeclaim
andcounterclaim.
HEARING;DUTYOFTHEJUDGE
Atthebeginning,thejudgeshallreadaloudashortstatementexplainingthenature,
purposeandtheruleofprocedureofsmallclaimscasesandshallexerteffortstobringthe
partiestoanamicablesettlementoftheirdispute.
Anysettlementorresolutionofthedisputeshallbereducedintowriting,signedbythe
partiesandsubmittedtothecourtforapproval.
Settlementdiscussionsshallbestrictlyconfidentialandanyreferencetoanysettlement
madeinthecourseofsuchdiscussionsshallbepunishablebycontempt.
FINALITYOFJUDGMENT
Afterthehearing,thecourtshallrenderitsdecisiononthesamedayandthesameshall
befinalandunappealableandifitisinfavoroftheplaintiff,thejudgmentshallbe
executeduponhismotion.
SCOPEANDAPPLICABILITYOFTHERULE
TheseRulesshallgoverntheprocedureincivil,criminalandspecialcivilactionsbefore
theRTCsandMTCs
.
a) Motiontodismissthecomplaint;
c) Motionforextensionoftimetofilepleadings,
excepttofileanswer,theextensionnottoexceedfifteen(15)days;
Motionforpostponement,motionfornewtrialandpetitionforrelieffromjudgmentshall
onlybeallowedincertainconditionsofhighlymeritoriouscasesortopreventamanifest
miscarriageofjustice.Thesatisfactionoftheseconditionsisrequiredsincethesemotions
areproneabuseduringlitigation.
Motionforinterventionispermittedinordertoallowthepublictoparticipateinthefiling
andprosecutionofenvironmentalcases,whichareimbuedwithpublicinterest.
involvingenforcementorviolationsofenvironmentalandotherrelatedlaws,rulesand
regulations.
ExcepttheSupremeCourt,nocourtcanissueaTROorwritofpreliminaryinjunction
againstlawfulactionsofgovernmentagenciesthatenforceenvironmentallawsorprevent
violationsthereofexcepttheSupremeCourt.
Thejudgeshallputthepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath,andtheyshallremain
underoathinallpretrialconferences.
Thejudgeshallexertbesteffortstopersuadethepartiestoarriveatasettlementof
thedispute.Thejudgemayissueaconsentdecreeapprovingtheagreementbetweenthe
partiesinaccordancewithlaw,morals,publicorderandpublicpolicytoprotecttheright
ofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology.
Evidencenotpresentedduringthepretrial,exceptnewlydiscoveredevidence,shall
bedeemedwaived.
CONSENTDECREEreferstoajudiciallyapprovedsettlementbetweenconcerned
partiesbasedonpublicinterestaspectinenvironmentalcasesandencouragestheparties
toexpeditetheresolutionoflitigation.
.
d) Motiontodeclarethedefendantindefault;
e) Replyandrejoinder;and
f) Thirdpartycomplaint.
Petitionsforcertiorariarelikewisepermittedsincetheseraisefundamentallyquestionsof
jurisdiction.
TemporaryEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(TEPO)referstoanorderissuedbythe
courtdirectingorenjoininganypersonorgovernmentagencytoperformordesistfrom
performinganactinordertoprotect,preserveorrehabilitatetheenvironment.

CIVILPROCEDURE

PROHIBITIONAGAINSTTEMPORARYRESTRAININGORDERAND
PRELIMINARYINJUNCTION
PRETRIALCONFERENCE;CONSENTDECREE(SEC.5,RULE3)
RULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES(AMNo.0968SC)
PROHIBITEDPLEADINGSANDMOTIONS(SEC.2,RULE2)
TEMPORARYENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONORDER(TEPO)
TheTEPOshallbeissueditappearsfromtheverifiedcomplaintwithaprayerforthe
issuanceofanEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(EPO)thatthematterisofextreme
urgencyandtheapplicantwillsuffergraveinjusticeandirreparableinjury.Theapplicant
shallbeexemptedfromthepostingofabondfortheissuanceofaTEPO.
Theexecutivejudgeofthemultiplesalacourtbeforeraffleorthepresidingjudgeofa
singlesalacourtasthecasemaybe,mayissueexparteaTEPOeffectiveforonly
seventytwo(72)hoursfromdateofthereceiptoftheTEPObythepartyorperson
enjoined.Withinsaidperiod,thecourtwherethecaseisassigned,shallconducta
summaryhearingtodeterminewhethertheTEPOmaybeextendeduntilthetermination
ofthecase.
Thecourthandlingthecaseshallperiodicallymonitortheexistenceofactsthatarethe
subjectmatteroftheTEPOandmayliftthesameatanytimeascircumstancesmay
warrant.
Anapplicantisexemptfromthepostingofabond.WhiletheTEPOmaybeissuedex
parte,thisismoreoftheexception.Thegeneralruleontheconductofahearing
pursuanttodueprocessremains.
JUDGMENTANDEXECUTION(RULE5)
Anyjudgmentdirectingtheperformanceofactsfortheprotection,preservationor
rehabilitationoftheenvironmentshallbeexecutorypendingappealUNLESSrestrained
bytheappellatecourt.
Itmaynotbestayedbythepostingofabondandthesoleremedylieswiththeappellate
court.TheappellatecourtcanissueaTROtorestraintheexecutionofthejudgmentand
shouldtheappellatecourtactwithgraveabuseofdiscretioninrefusingtoactonthe
applicationforaTRO,apetitionforcertiorariunderRule65canbebroughtbeforethe
SupremeCourt.
RELIEFSINACITIZENSSUIT
AnyFilipinocitizeninrepresentationofothers,includingminorsorgenerationsyet
unborn,mayfileanactiontoenforcerightsorobligationsunderenvironmentallaws.
Ifwarranted,thecourtmaygranttotheplaintiffproperreliefswhichshallincludethe
protection,preservationorrehabilitationoftheenvironmentandthepaymentof
attorneysfees,costsofsuitandotherlitigationexpenses.Itmayalsorequiretheviolator
tosubmitaprogramofrehabilitationorrestorationoftheenvironment,thecostsofwhich
shallbebornebytheviolator,ortocontributetoaspecialtrustfundforthatpurpose
subjecttothecontrolofthecourt.
ORDER
ThecourtmayconverttheTEPOtoapermanentEPOorissueawritofcontinuing
mandamusdirectingtheperformanceofactswhichshallbeeffectiveuntilthejudgment
isfullysatisfied.
Thecourtmay,byitselforthroughtheappropriategovernmentagency,monitorthe
executionofthejudgmentandrequirethepartyconcernedtosubmitwrittenreportsona
quarterlybasisorsoonerasmaybenecessary,detailingtheprogressoftheexecutionand
satisfactionofthejudgment.Theotherpartymay,atitsoption,submititscommentsor
observationsontheexecutionofthejudgment.
CONTINUINGMANDAMUSisawritissuedbyacourtinanenvironmentalcase
directinganyagencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorofficerthereoftoperform
anactorseriesofactsdecreedbyfinaljudgmentwhichshallremaineffectiveuntil
judgmentisfullysatisfied.
TheconceptofcontinuingmandamuswasoriginallyenunciatedinthecaseofConcerned
ResidentsofManilaBayvs.MMDA,GR17194798,Dec.18,2008.TheRulesnow
codifytheWritofContinuingMandamusasoneoftheprincipalremedieswhichmaybe
availedofinenvironmentalcases.
STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATION(SLAPP)referstoan
actionwhethercivil,criminaloradministrative,broughtagainstanyperson,institutionor
anygovernmentagencyorlocalgovernmentunitoritsofficialsandemployees,withthe
intenttoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethatsuchperson,
institutionorgovernmentagencyhastakenormaytakeintheenforcementof
environmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights.
Alegalactionfiledtoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethat
anyperson,institutionorthegovernmenthastakenormaytakeintheenforcementof
environmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights
shallbetreatedasaSLAPP.
InacaseisaSLAPPthedefendantmayfileananswerinterposingasadefensethatthe
caseisaSLAPP.ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.
ThepartyfilingtheactionassailedasaSLAPP
WRITOFCONTINUINGMANDAMUS
STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATION
PERMANENTENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION
shallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPPandisavalid
claim.
ThedefenseofaSLAPPshallberesolvedwithinthirty(30)daysafterthesummary
hearing.Ifthecourtdismissestheaction,thecourtmayawarddamages,attorneysfees
andcostsofsuitunderacounterclaimifsuchhasbeenfiled.Thedismissalshallbewith
prejudice.IfthecourtrejectsthedefenseofaSLAPP,theevidenceadducedduringthe
summaryhearingshallbetreatedasevidenceofthepartiesonthemeritsofthecase.
Sinceamotiontodismissisaprohibitedpleading,SLAPPasanaffirmativedefense
shouldberaisedinanansweralongwithotherdefensesthatmayberaisedinthecase
allegedtobeaSLAPP.
WRITOFKALIKASAN(WOK)
.
a) Motiontodismiss;
b) Motionforextensionoftimetofilereturn;
c) Motionforpostponement;
d) Motionforabillofparticulars;
e) Counterclaimorcrossclaim;
DISCOVERYMEASURES
Apartymayfileaverifiedmotionforthefollowingreliefs:
.
a) OcularInspectionthecourtmayorderanypersoninpossessionorcontrolof
adesignatedlandorotherpropertytopermitentryforthepurposeofinspectingor
photographingthepropertyoranyrelevantobjectoroperationthereon.
b) Productionorinspectionofdocumentsorthingsthecourtmayorderany
personinpossession,custodyorcontrolofanydesignateddocuments,papers,
books,accounts,letters,photographs,objectsortangiblethings,orobjectsin
digitizedorelectronicform,whichconstituteorcontainevidencerelevanttothe
petitionorthereturn,toproduceandpermittheirinspection,copyingor
photographingbyoronbehalfofthemovant.
WRITOFCONTINUINGMANDAMUS
Awritissuedbyacourtinanenvironmentalcasedirectinganyagencyorinstrumentality
ofthegovernmentorofficerthereoftoperformanactorseriesofactsdecreedbyfinal
judgmentwhichshallremaineffectiveuntiljudgmentisfullysatisfied.Thepetitionshall
containasworncertificationofnonforumshopping.
Thewritisaextraordinaryremedyavailabletoanaturalorjuridicalperson,entity
authorizedbylaw,peoplesorganization,nongovernmentalorganization,oranypublic
interestgroupaccreditedbyorregisteredwithanygovernmentagency,onbehalfof
personswhoseconstitutionalrighttoabalancedandhealthfulecologyisviolated,or
threatenedwithviolationbyanunlawfulactoromissionofapublicofficialoremployee,
orprivateindividualorentity,involvingenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeasto
prejudicethelife,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.
Thosewhomayfileforthisremedymustrepresenttheinhabitantsprejudicedbythe
environmentaldamagesubjectofthewrittobefiledwiththeSCorCA.Theapplicantis
exemptedfrompaymentofdocketfees.
PROHIBITEDPLEADINGSANDMOTIONS
.
f) Thirdpartycomplaint;
g) Reply;and
h) Motiontodeclarerespondentindefault.
1)GROUNDSFORCONTINUINGMANDAMUS
a)Whenanyagencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorofficerthereofunlawfully
neglectstheperformanceofanactwhichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasadutyresulting
fromanoffice,trustorstationinconnectionwiththeenforcementorviolationofan
environmentallawruleorregulationorarighttherein;
b)Whenanyagencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorofficerthereofunlawfully
excludesanotherfromtheuseorenjoymentofsuchright.
2)REQUISITESCONTINUINGMANDAMUS
.
a) Theremustbeaclearlegalrightorduty;
b) Theacttobeperformedmustbepractical;
c) Respondentmustbeexercisingaministerial
duty;
d) Thedutyoracttobeperformedmustbein
connectionwiththeenforcementorviolationofanenvironmentallaw,ruleor
regulationoraright;and
e) Thereisnootherplain,speedy,andadequateremedyintheordinarycourseof
law.
ThepetitionshallbefiledwiththeRegionalTrialCourtexercisingjurisdictionoverthe
territorywheretheactionableneglectoromissionoccurredorwiththeCourt
SPECIALPROCEDURE/PROCEEDING
ofAppealsortheSupremeCourt.Thepetitionershallbeexemptfromthepaymentof
docketfees.
Ifwarranted,thecourtshallgranttheprivilegeofthewritofcontinuingmandamus
requiringrespondenttoperformanactorseriesofactsuntilthejudgmentisfully
satisfiedandtograntsuchotherreliefsasmaybewarrantedresultingfromthewrongful
orillegalactsoftherespondent.Uponfullsatisfactionofthejudgment,afinalreturnof
thewritshallbemadetothecourtbytherespondent.Ifthecourtfindsthatthejudgment
hasbeenfullyimplemented,thesatisfactionofjudgmentshallbeenteredinthecourt
docket.
TheissuanceofaTEPOismadeavailableasanauxillaryremedypriortotheissuanceof
thewrititself.Asaspecialcivilaction,theWoCMamaybeavailedoftocompelthe
performanceofanactspecificallyenjoinedbylaw.Itsavailabilityasaspecialcivil
actionlikewisecomplementsitsroleasafinalreliefinenvironmentalcivilcasesandin
theWOK,wherecontinuingmandamusmaylikewisebeissuedshouldthefactsmerit
suchrelief.
Subjectmatter.WoCMaisdirectedagainsttheunlawfulneglectintheperformanceofan
actwhichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasadutyresultingfromanoffice,trustorstationin
connectionwiththeenforcementorviolationofanenvironmentallawruleorregulation
orarighttherein;or(a)theunlawfulexclusionofanotherfromtheuseorenjoymentof
suchrightandinbothinstances,thereisnootherplain,speedyandadequateremedyin
theordinarycourseoflaw.Awritofkalikasanisavailableagainstunlawfulactor
omissionofapublicofficialoremployee,orprivateindividualorentity,involving
environmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorpropertyof
inhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.Inaddition,magnitudeofenvironmental
damageisaconditionsinequanoninapetitionfortheissuanceofawritofkalikasan
andmustbecontainedintheverifiedpetition.
Whomayfile.Awritofcontinuingmandamusisavailabletoabroadrangeofpersons
suchasnaturalorjuridicalperson,entityauthorizedbylaw,peoplesorganization,NGO,
oranypublicinterestgroupaccreditedbyorregisteredwithanygovernmentagency,on
behalfofpersonswhoserighttoabalancedandhealthfulecologyisviolatedor
threatenedtobeviolated.
Respondent.Therespondentinapetitionforcontinuingmandamusisonlythe
governmentoritsofficers,unlikeinapetitionforwritofkalikasan,wheretherespondent
maybeaprivateindividualorentity.
Exemptionfromdocketfees.Theapplicationforeitherpetitionisexemptedfromthe
paymentofdocketfees.
Venue.Apetitionfortheissuanceofawritofcontinuingmandamusmaybefiledinthe
following:(a)theRTCexercisingjurisdictionovertheterritorywheretheactionable
neglectoromissionoccurred;(b)theCA;or(c)theSC.Giventhemagnitudeofthe
damage,theapplicationfortheissuanceofawritofkalikasancanonlybefiledwiththe
SCoranystationoftheCA.
Discoverymeasures.TheRuleontheWCMdoesnotcontainanyprovisionfordiscovery
measures,unliketheRuleonWOKwhichincorporatestheproceduralenvironmental
rightofaccesstoinformationthroughtheuseofdiscoverymeasuressuchasocular
inspectionorderandproductionorder.
Damagesforpersonalinjury.TheWCMallowsdamagesforthemaliciousneglectof
theperformanceofthelegaldutyoftherespondent,identicalRule65.Incontrast,no
damagesmaybeawardedinapetitionfortheissuanceofaWOKconsistentwiththe
publicinterestcharacterofthepetition.Apartywhoavailsofthispetitionbutwhoalso
wishestobeindemnifiedforinjuriessufferedmayfileanothersuitfortherecoveryof
damagessincetheRuleonWOKallowsfortheinstitutionofseparateactions.
WHOMAYFILE
Anyoffendedparty,peaceofficeroranypublicofficerchargedwiththeenforcementof
anenvironmentallaw.
Whenacriminalactionisinstituted,thecivilactionfortherecoveryofcivilliability
arisingfromtheoffensecharged,shallbedeemedinstitutedwiththecriminalaction
UNLESSthecomplainant
.
a) waivesthecivilaction
b) reservestherighttoinstituteitseparately
c) institutesthecivilactionpriortothecriminal
action.
Unlessthecivilactionhasbeeninstitutedpriortothecriminalaction,thereservation
oftherighttoinstituteseparatelythecivilactionshallbemadeduringarraignment.
WRITOFCONTINUINGMANDAMUSVS.WRITOFKALIKASAN
CRIMINALPROCEDURE
INSTITUTIONOFCRIMINALANDCIVILACTION
ARRESTWITHOUTWARRANT;WHENVALID(SEC.1,RULE11)
Apeaceofficeroranindividualdeputizedbythepropergovernmentagencymay,
withoutawarrant,arrestaperson:
.
a) When,inhispresence,thepersontobearrestedhascommitted,isactually
committingorisattemptingtocommitanoffense;or
b) Whenanoffensehasjustbeencommitted,andhehasprobablecausetobelieve
basedonpersonalknowledgeoffactsorcircumstancesthatthepersontobe
arrestedhascommittedit.
c) Individualsdeputizedbythepropergovernmentagencywhoareenforcing
environmentallaws
shallenjoythePRESUMPTIONOFREGULARITYunderSection3(m),Rule131ofthe
RulesofCourtwheneffectingarrestsforviolationsofenvironmentallaws.
Custodyanddispositionofseizeditemsshallbeinaccordancewiththeapplicablelaws
orrulespromulgatedbytheconcernedgovernmentagency.
Intheabsenceofapplicablelawsorrulespromulgatedbytheconcernedgovernment
agency,thefollowingprocedureshallbeobserved:
.
a) Theapprehendingofficerhavinginitialcustodyandcontroloftheseizeditems,
equipment,paraphernalia,conveyancesandinstrumentsshallphysicallyinventory
andwheneverpracticable,photographthesameinthepresenceofthepersonfrom
whomsuchitemswereseized.
.
b) Thereafter,theapprehendingofficershallsubmittotheissuingcourtthereturn
ofthesearchwarrantwithinfive(5)daysfromdateofseizureorincaseof
warrantlessarrest,submitwithinfive(5)daysfromdateofseizure,theinventory
report,compliancereport,photographs,representativesamplesandotherpertinent
documentstothepublicprosecutorforappropriateaction.
c) Uponmotionbyanyinterestedparty,thecourtmaydirecttheauctionsaleof
seizeditems,equipment,paraphernalia,toolsorinstrumentsofthecrime.The
courtshall,afterhearing,fixtheminimumbidpricebasedontherecommendation
oftheconcernedgovernmentagency.Thesheriffshallconducttheauction.
d) Theauctionsaleshallbewithnoticetotheaccused,thepersonfromwhomthe
itemswereseized,ortheownerthereofandtheconcernedgovernmentagency.
e) Thenoticeofauctionshallbepostedinthreeconspicuousplacesinthecityor
municipalitywheretheitems,equipment,paraphernalia,toolsorinstrumentsof
thecrimewereseized.
f)Theproceedsshallbeheldintrustanddepositedwiththegovernmentdepositorybank
fordispositionaccordingtothejudgment.
BAIL
WHERETOFILE
Bailmaybefiledwiththecourtwherethecaseispending,orintheabsenceor
unavailabilityofthejudgethereof,withanyregionaltrialjudge,metropolitantrialjudge,
municipaltrialjudgeormunicipalcircuittrialjudgeintheprovince,cityormunicipality.
Iftheaccusedisarrestedinaprovince,cityormunicipalityotherthanwherethe
caseispending,bailmayalsobefiledwithanyRegionalTrialCourtofsaidplace,orif
nojudgethereofisavailable,withanymetropolitantrialjudge,municipaltrialjudgeor
municipalcircuittrialjudgetherein.
Ifthecourtgrantsbail,thecourtmayissueaholddepartureorderinappropriate
cases.
DUTIESOFTHECOURT
Beforegrantingtheapplicationforbail,thejudgemustreadtheinformationina
languageknowntoandunderstoodbytheaccusedandrequiretheaccusedtosigna
writtenundertaking,asfollows:
a)Toappearbeforethecourtthatissuedthewarrantofarrestforarraignmentpurposes
onthedatescheduled,andiftheaccusedfailstoappearwithoutjustificationonthedate
ofarraignment,accusedwaivesthereadingoftheinformationandauthorizesthecourtto
enterapleaofnotguiltyonbehalfoftheaccusedandtosetthecasefortrial;
b)Toappearwheneverrequiredbythecourtwherethecaseispending;and
c)Towaivetherightoftheaccusedtobepresentatthetrial,anduponfailureofthe
accusedtoappearwithoutjustificationanddespiteduenotice,thetrialmayproceedin
absentia.
ARRAIGNMENT
Thecourtshallsetthearraignmentoftheaccusedwithinfifteen(15)daysfromthetime
itacquiresjurisdictionovertheaccused,withnoticetothepublicprosecutorand
offendedpartyorconcernedgovernmentagencythatitwillentertainpleabargainingon
thedateofthearraignment.
PLEABARGAINING
Onthescheduleddateofarraignment,thecourtshallconsiderpleabargaining
arrangements.Wheretheprosecutionandoffendedpartyorconcernedgovernment
agencyagreetothepleaofferedbytheaccused,thecourtshall:
PROCEDUREINTHECUSTODYANDDISPOSITIONOFSEIZEDITEMS
1) Issueanorderwhichcontainsthepleabargainingarrivedat;
2) Proceedtoreceiveevidenceonthecivilaspectofthecase,ifany;and
3) Renderandpromulgatejudgmentofconviction,includingthecivilliabilityfor
damages.
Pleabargainingisconsideredatarraignmentinordertoavoidthesituationwhere
aninitialpleaischangedinthecourseofthetrialinviewofasuccessfulpleabargain.
PRETRIAL
Afterthearraignment,thecourtshallsetthePRETRIALCONFERENCEwithinthirty
(30)days.Itmayreferthecasetothebranchclerkofcourt,ifwarranted,fora
preliminaryconferencetobesetatleastthree(3)dayspriortothepretrial.
DUTYOFTHEJUDGE
.
1) Placethepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath;
2) Adopttheminutesofthepreliminaryconferenceaspartofthepretrial
proceedings,confirmmarkingsofexhibitsorsubstitutedphotocopiesand
admissionsonthegenuinenessanddueexecutionofdocuments,andlistobject
and
testimonialevidence;
3) Scrutinizetheinformationandthestatementsin
theaffidavitsandotherdocumentswhichformpartoftherecordofthe
preliminaryinvestigationtogetherwithotherdocumentsidentifiedandmarkedas
exhibitstodeterminefurtheradmissionsoffactsasto:
a.
Thecourtsterritorialjurisdictionrelativetotheoffense(s)charged;
b.
Qualificationofexpertwitnesses;and
c.
Amountofdamages;
4) Definefactualandlegalissues;
5) Askpartiestoagreeonthespecifictrialdatesand
adheretotheflowchartdeterminedbythecourtwhichshallcontainthetime
framesforthedifferentstagesoftheproceedinguptopromulgationofdecision;
6) Requirethepartiestosubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addresses
andcontactnumbersofwitnessesthatneedtobesummonedbysubpoena;and
7) Considermodificationoforderoftrialiftheaccusedadmitsthechargebut
interposesalawfuldefense.
AGREEMENTSORADMISSIONSAllagreementsoradmissionsmadeorentered
duringthepretrialconferenceshallbereducedinwritingandsignedbytheaccusedand
counsel;otherwise,theycannotbeusedagainsttheaccused.Theagreementscoveringthe
mattersreferredtoinSection1,Rule118oftheRulesofCourtshallbeapprovedbythe
court.
Recordofproceedings.Allproceedingsduringthepretrialshallberecorded,the
transcriptspreparedandtheminutessignedbythepartiesortheircounsels.
PRETRIALORDERThecourtshallissueapretrialorderwithinten(10)daysafter
theterminationofthepretrial,settingforththeactionstakenduringthepretrial
conference,thefactsstipulated,theadmissionsmade,evidencemarked,thenumberof
witnessestobepresentedandthescheduleoftrial.Theordershallbindthepartiesand
controlthecourseofactionduringthetrial.
SUBSIDIARYLIABILITY
Incaseofconvictionoftheaccusedandsubsidiaryliabilityisallowedbylaw,thecourt
may,bymotionofthepersonentitledtorecoverunderjudgment,enforcesuchsubsidiary
liabilityagainstapersonorcorporationsubsidiarilyliableunderArticle102andArticle
103oftheRevisedPenalCode.
SLAPPINCRIMINALCASES
Uponthefilingofaninformationincourtandbeforearraignment,theaccusedmayfilea
motiontodismissonthegroundthatthecriminalactionisaSLAPP.
ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.Thepartyseeking
thedismissalofthecasemustprovebysubstantialevidencethathisactsforthe
enforcementofenvironmentallawarealegitimateactionfortheprotection,preservation
andrehabilitationoftheenvironment.ThepartyfilingtheactionassailedasaSLAPP
shallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPP.
Thecourtshallgrantthemotioniftheaccusedestablishesinthesummaryhearingthat
thecriminalcasehasbeenfiledwithintenttoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifle
anylegalrecoursethatanyperson,institutionorthegovernmenthastakenormaytakein
theenforcementofenvironmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionof
environmentalrights.Ifthecourtdeniesthemotion,thecourtshallimmediatelyproceed
withthearraignmentoftheaccused.
EVIDENCE
Precautionaryprinciplestatesthatwhenhumanactivitiesmayleadtothreatsofserious
andirreversibledamagetotheenvironmentthatisscientificallyplausiblebutuncertain,
actionsshallbetakentoavoidordiminishthatthreat.
Whenthereisalackoffullscientificcertaintyinestablishingacasuallinkbetween
humanactivityand
PRECAUTIONARYPRINCIPLE
environmentaleffect,thecourtshallapplytheprecautionaryprincipleinresolvingthe
casebeforeit.Theconstitutionalrightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology
shallbegiventhebenefitofthedoubt.
Inapplyingtheprecautionaryprinciple,thefollowingfactors,amongothers,maybe
considered:
a) threatstohumanlifeorhealth;
b) inequitytopresentorfuturegenerations;or
c) prejudicetotheenvironmentwithoutlegal
considerationoftheenvironmentalrightsofthoseaffected.
DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCE
Photographic,videoandsimilarevidenceofevents,acts,transactionofwildlife,wildlife
byproductsorderivatives,forestproductsormineralresourcessubjectofacaseshallbe
admissiblewhenauthenticatedbythepersonwhotookthesame,bysomeotherperson
presentwhensaidevidencewastaken,orbyanyotherpersoncompetenttotestifyonthe
accuracythereof.
Entriesinofficialrecordsmadeintheperformanceofhisdutybyapublicofficerofthe
Philippines,orbyapersoninperformanceofadutyespeciallyenjoinedbylaw,are
primafacieevidenceofthefactsthereinstated.

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ENERALPRINCIPLES

COURT DISTINGUISHED FROM JUDGE

CLASSIFICATION OF PHILIPPINE COURTS

JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES

JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT

> ThisNeypesdoctrineonfreshperiodofappeal appliestoRule45andSec.3(e)of

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