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AMNo.0968SC

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RepublicofthePhilippines
SUPREMECOURT
Manila
A.M.No.0968SC
RULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES
RESOLUTION
Acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Subcommittee on the Rules of Procedure for
EnvironmentalCasessubmittingforthisCourtsconsiderationandapprovaltheproposedRulesofProcedurefor
EnvironmentalCases,theCourtResolvedtoAPPROVEthesame.
These Rules shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following its publication once in a newspaper of general
circulation.
April13,2010.
REYNATOS.PUNO
ChiefJustice
ANTONIOT.CARPIO
AssociateJustice

RENATOC.CORONA
AssociateJustice

(onleave)
CONCHITACARPIOMORALES
AssociateJustice

PRESBITEROJ.VELASCO,JR.
AssociateJustice

ANTONIOEDUARDOB.NACHURA
AssociateJustice

TERESITAJ.LEONARDODECASTRO
AssociateJustice

ARTUROD.BRION
AssociateJustice

DIOSDADOM.PERALTA
AssociateJustice

LUCASP.BERSAMIN
AssociateJustice

MARIANOC.DELCASTILLO
AssociateJustice

ROBERTOA.ABAD
AssociateJustice

MARTINS.VILLARAMA,JR.
AssociateJustice

JOSEP.PEREZ
AssociateJustice

JOSEC.MENDOZA
AssociateJustice

TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

RULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES
PARTI
RULE1
GENERALPROVISIONS
Section1.Title.TheseRulesshallbeknownas"TheRulesofProcedureforEnvironmentalCases."
Section2.Scope.TheseRulesshallgoverntheprocedureincivil,criminalandspecialcivilactionsbeforethe
Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts involving enforcement or violations of environmental and other related laws, rules
andregulationssuchasbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:
(a)ActNo.3572,ProhibitionAgainstCuttingofTindalo,Akli,andMolaveTrees
(b)P.D.No.705,RevisedForestryCode
(c)P.D.No.856,SanitationCode
(d)P.D.No.979,MarinePollutionDecree
(e)P.D.No.1067,WaterCode
(f)P.D.No.1151,PhilippineEnvironmentalPolicyof1977
(g)P.D.No.1433,PlantQuarantineLawof1978
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(h)P.D.No.1586,EstablishinganEnvironmentalImpactStatementSystemIncludingOtherEnvironmental
ManagementRelatedMeasuresandforOtherPurposes
(i) R.A. No. 3571, Prohibition Against the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees,
Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School
PremisesorinanyOtherPublicGround
(j)R.A.No.4850,LagunaLakeDevelopmentAuthorityAct
(k)R.A.No.6969,ToxicSubstancesandHazardousWasteAct
(l)R.A.No.7076,PeoplesSmallScaleMiningAct
(m) R.A. No. 7586, National Integrated Protected Areas System Act including all laws, decrees, orders,
proclamationsandissuancesestablishingprotectedareas
(n)R.A.No.7611,StrategicEnvironmentalPlanforPalawanAct
(o)R.A.No.7942,PhilippineMiningAct
(p)R.A.No.8371,IndigenousPeoplesRightsAct
(q)R.A.No.8550,PhilippineFisheriesCode
(r)R.A.No.8749,CleanAirAct
(s)R.A.No.9003,EcologicalSolidWasteManagementAct
(t)R.A.No.9072,NationalCavesandCaveResourceManagementAct
(u)R.A.No.9147,WildlifeConservationandProtectionAct
(v)R.A.No.9175,ChainsawAct
(w)R.A.No.9275,CleanWaterAct
(x)R.A.No.9483,OilSpillCompensationActof2007and
(y)ProvisionsinC.A.No.141,ThePublicLandActR.A.No.6657,ComprehensiveAgrarianReformLaw
of 1988 R.A. No. 7160, Local Government Code of 1991 R.A. No. 7161, Tax Laws Incorporated in the
RevisedForestryCodeandOtherEnvironmentalLaws(AmendingtheNIRC)R.A.No.7308,SeedIndustry
DevelopmentActof1992R.A.No.7900,HighValueCropsDevelopment
Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases Act R.A. No. 8048, Coconut Preservation Act R.A. No. 8435,
AgricultureandFisheriesModernizationActof1997R.A.No.9522,ThePhilippineArchipelagicBaselinesLaw
R.A.No.9593,RenewableEnergyActof2008R.A.No.9637,PhilippineBiofuelsActandotherexistinglawsthat
relate to the conservation, development, preservation, protection and utilization of the environment and natural
resources.
Section3.Objectives.TheobjectivesoftheseRulesare:
(a)Toprotectandadvancetheconstitutionalrightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology
(b)Toprovideasimplified,speedyandinexpensiveprocedurefortheenforcementofenvironmentalrights
and duties recognized under the Constitution, existing laws, rules and regulations, and international
agreements
(c)Tointroduceandadoptinnovationsandbestpracticesensuringtheeffectiveenforcementofremedies
andredressforviolationofenvironmentallawsand
(d)Toenablethecourtstomonitorandexactcompliancewithordersandjudgmentsinenvironmental
cases.
Section4.DefinitionofTerms.
(a) Byproduct or derivatives means any part taken or substance extracted from wildlife, in raw or in
processedformincludingstuffedanimalsandherbariumspecimens.
1 a v v p h i1

(b)Consentdecreereferstoajudiciallyapprovedsettlementbetweenconcernedpartiesbasedonpublic
interestandpublicpolicytoprotectandpreservetheenvironment.
(c) Continuing mandamus is a writ issued by a court in an environmental case directing any agency or
instrumentality of the government or officer thereof to perform an act or series of acts decreed by final
judgmentwhichshallremaineffectiveuntiljudgmentisfullysatisfied.
(d)Environmentalprotectionorder(EPO)referstoanorderissuedbythecourtdirectingorenjoiningany
personorgovernmentagencytoperformordesistfromperforminganactinordertoprotect,preserveor
rehabilitatetheenvironment.
(e) Mineral refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, liquid, or any intermediate
state excluding energy materials such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials and
geothermalenergy.
(f)Precautionaryprinciplestatesthatwhenhumanactivitiesmayleadtothreatsofseriousandirreversible
damage to the environment that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or
diminishthatthreat.
(g) Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) refers to an action whether civil, criminal or
administrative,broughtagainstanyperson,institutionoranygovernmentagencyorlocalgovernmentunit
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or its officials and employees, with the intent to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal
recoursethatsuchperson,institutionorgovernmentagencyhastakenormaytakeintheenforcementof
environmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights.
(h)Wildlifemeanswildformsandvarietiesoffloraandfauna,inalldevelopmentalstagesincludingthose
whichareincaptivityorarebeingbredorpropagated.
PARTII
CIVILPROCEDURE
RULE2
PLEADINGSANDPARTIES
Section1.Pleadingsandmotionsallowed.Thepleadingsandmotionsthatmaybefiledarecomplaint,answer
which may include compulsory counterclaim and crossclaim, motion for intervention, motion for discovery and
motionforreconsiderationofthejudgment.
Motion for postponement, motion for new trial and petition for relief from judgment shall be allowed in highly
meritoriouscasesortopreventamanifestmiscarriageofjustice.
Section2.Prohibitedpleadingsormotions.Thefollowingpleadingsormotionsshallnotbeallowed:
(a)Motiontodismissthecomplaint
(b)Motionforabillofparticulars
(c)Motionforextensionoftimetofilepleadings,excepttofileanswer,theextensionnottoexceedfifteen
(15)days
(d)Motiontodeclarethedefendantindefault
(e)Replyandrejoinderand
(f)Thirdpartycomplaint.
Section3.Verifiedcomplaint.Theverifiedcomplaintshallcontainthenamesoftheparties,theiraddresses,
thecauseofactionandthereliefsprayedfor.
Theplaintiffshallattachtotheverifiedcomplaintallevidenceprovingorsupportingthecauseofactionconsisting
of the affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence and if possible, object evidence. The affidavits shall be in
questionandanswerformandshallcomplywiththerulesofadmissibilityofevidence.
Thecomplaintshallstatethatitisanenvironmentalcaseandthelawinvolved.Thecomplaintshallalsoincludea
certificationagainstforumshopping.Ifthecomplaintisnotanenvironmentalcomplaint,thepresidingjudgeshall
referittotheexecutivejudgeforreraffle.
Section4.Whomayfile.Anyrealpartyininterest,includingthegovernmentandjuridicalentitiesauthorized
bylaw,mayfileacivilactioninvolvingtheenforcementorviolationofanyenvironmentallaw.
Section 5. Citizen suit. Any Filipino citizen in representation of others, including minors or generations yet
unborn,mayfileanactiontoenforcerightsorobligationsunderenvironmentallaws.Uponthefilingofacitizen
suit, the court shall issue an order which shall contain a brief description of the cause of action and the reliefs
prayedfor,requiringallinterestedpartiestomanifesttheirinteresttointerveneinthecasewithinfifteen(15)days
from notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a newspaper of a general circulation in the
Philippinesorfurnishallaffectedbarangayscopiesofsaidorder.
CitizensuitsfiledunderR.A.No.8749andR.A.No.9003shallbegovernedbytheirrespectiveprovisions.
Section6.Service of the complaint on the government or its agencies. Upon the filing of the complaint, the
plaintiff is required to furnish the government or the appropriate agency, although not a party, a copy of the
complaint.Proofofserviceuponthegovernmentortheappropriateagencyshallbeattachedtothecomplaint.
Section7.Assignmentbyraffle.Ifthereisonlyone(1)designatedbranchinamultiplesalacourt,theexecutive
judge shall immediately refer the case to said branch. If there are two (2) or more designated branches, the
executivejudgeshallconductaspecialraffleonthedaythecomplaintisfiled.
Section 8. Issuance of Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO). If it appears from the verified
complaintwithaprayerfortheissuanceofanEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(EPO)thatthematterisofextreme
urgencyandtheapplicantwillsuffergraveinjusticeandirreparableinjury,theexecutivejudgeofthemultiplesala
courtbeforeraffleorthepresidingjudgeofasinglesalacourtasthecasemaybe,mayissueexparteaTEPO
effective for only seventytwo (72) hours from date of the receipt of the TEPO by the party or person enjoined.
Withinsaidperiod,thecourtwherethecaseisassigned,shallconductasummaryhearingtodeterminewhether
theTEPOmaybeextendeduntiltheterminationofthecase.
Thecourtwherethecaseisassigned,shallperiodicallymonitortheexistenceofactsthatarethesubjectmatter
of the TEPO even if issued by the executive judge, and may lift the same at any time as circumstances may
warrant.
TheapplicantshallbeexemptedfromthepostingofabondfortheissuanceofaTEPO.
Section 9. Action on motion for dissolution of TEPO. The grounds for motion to dissolve a TEPO shall be
supportedbyaffidavitsofthepartyorpersonenjoinedwhichtheapplicantmayoppose,alsobyaffidavits.
TheTEPOmaybedissolvedifitappearsafterhearingthatitsissuanceorcontinuancewouldcauseirreparable
damagetothepartyorpersonenjoinedwhiletheapplicantmaybefullycompensatedforsuchdamagesashe
maysufferandsubjecttothepostingofasufficientbondbythepartyorpersonenjoined.
Section 10. Prohibition against temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction. Except the
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SupremeCourt,nocourtcanissueaTROorwritofpreliminaryinjunctionagainstlawfulactionsofgovernment
agenciesthatenforceenvironmentallawsorpreventviolationsthereof.
Section11.ReportonTEPO,EPO,TROorpreliminaryinjunction.Thejudgeshallreportanyactiontakenona
TEPO, EPO, TRO or a preliminary injunction, including its modification and dissolution, to the Supreme Court,
throughtheOfficeoftheCourtAdministrator,withinten(10)daysfromtheactiontaken.
Section12.Paymentoffilingandotherlegalfees.Thepaymentoffilingandotherlegalfeesbytheplaintiffshall
bedeferreduntilafterjudgmentunlesstheplaintiffisallowedtolitigateasanindigent.Itshallconstituteafirstlien
onthejudgmentaward.
Foracitizensuit,thecourtshalldeferthepaymentoffilingandotherlegalfeesthatshallserveasfirstlienonthe
judgmentaward.
Section 13. Service of summons, orders and other court processes. The summons, orders and other court
processesmaybeservedbythesheriff,hisdeputyorotherpropercourtofficerorforjustifiablereasons,bythe
counselorrepresentativeoftheplaintifforanysuitablepersonauthorizedordeputizedbythecourtissuingthe
summons.
Any private person who is authorized or deputized by the court to serve summons, orders and other court
processesshallforthatpurposebeconsideredanofficerofthecourt.
Thesummonsshallbeservedonthedefendant,togetherwithacopyofanorderinformingallpartiesthatthey
havefifteen(15)daysfromthefilingofananswer,withinwhichtoavailofinterrogatoriestopartiesunderRule25
oftheRulesofCourtandrequestforadmissionbyadversepartyunderRule26,orattheirdiscretion,makeuse
ofdepositionsunderRule23orothermeasuresunderRules27and28.
Should personal and substituted service fail, summons by publication shall be allowed. In the case of juridical
entities, summons by publication shall be done by indicating the names of the officers or their duly authorized
representatives.
Section14.Verifiedanswer.Withinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofsummons,thedefendantshallfileaverified
answer to the complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. The defendant shall attach affidavits of
witnesses,reports,studiesofexpertsandallevidenceinsupportofthedefense.
Affirmativeandspecialdefensesnotpleadedshallbedeemedwaived,exceptlackofjurisdiction.
Crossclaims and compulsory counterclaims not asserted shall be considered barred. The answer to
counterclaimsorcrossclaimsshallbefiledandservedwithinten(10)daysfromserviceoftheanswerinwhich
theyarepleaded.
Section 15. Effect of failure to answer. Should the defendant fail to answer the complaint within the period
provided,thecourtshalldeclaredefendantindefaultanduponmotionoftheplaintiff,shallreceiveevidenceex
parteandrenderjudgmentbasedthereonandthereliefsprayedfor.
RULE3
PRETRIAL
Section1.Notice of pretrial. Within two (2) days from the filing of the answer to the counterclaim or cross
claim,ifany,thebranchclerkofcourtshallissueanoticeofthepretrialtobeheldnotlaterthanone(1)month
fromthefilingofthelastpleading.
Thecourtshallschedulethepretrialandsetasmanypretrialconferencesasmaybenecessarywithinaperiod
oftwo(2)monthscountedfromthedateofthefirstpretrialconference.
Section 2. Pretrial brief. At least three (3) days before the pretrial, the parties shall submit pretrial briefs
containingthefollowing:
(a)Astatementoftheirwillingnesstoenterintoanamicablesettlementindicatingthedesiredtermsthereof
ortosubmitthecasetoanyofthealternativemodesofdisputeresolution
(b)Asummaryofadmittedfactsandproposedstipulationoffacts
(c) The legal and factual issues to be tried or resolved. For each factual issue, the parties shall state all
evidencetosupporttheirpositionsthereon.Foreachlegalissue,partiesshallstatetheapplicablelawand
jurisprudencesupportingtheirrespectivepositionsthereon
(d) The documents or exhibits to be presented, including depositions, answers to interrogatories and
answerstowrittenrequestforadmissionbyadverseparty,statingthepurposethereof
(e)Amanifestationoftheirhavingavailedofdiscoveryproceduresortheirintentiontoavailthemselvesof
referraltoacommissionerorpanelofexperts
(f)Thenumberandnamesofthewitnessesandthesubstanceoftheiraffidavits
(g)Clarificatoryquestionsfromthepartiesand
(h) List of cases arising out of the same facts pending before other courts or administrative agencies.
Failuretocomplywiththerequiredcontentsofapretrialbriefmaybeagroundforcontempt.
Failuretofilethepretrialbriefshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretoappearatthepretrial.
Section3.Referraltomediation.Atthestartofthepretrialconference,thecourtshallinquirefromthepartiesif
they have settled the dispute otherwise, the court shall immediately refer the parties or their counsel, if
authorized by their clients, to the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) unit for purposes of mediation. If not
available,thecourtshallreferthecasetotheclerkofcourtorlegalresearcherformediation.
Mediationmustbeconductedwithinanonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromreceiptofnoticeofreferralto
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mediation.
Themediationreportmustbesubmittedwithinten(10)daysfromtheexpirationofthe30dayperiod.
Section 4. Preliminary conference. If mediation fails, the court will schedule the continuance of the pretrial.
Before the scheduled date of continuance, the court may refer the case to the branch clerk of court for a
preliminaryconferenceforthefollowingpurposes:
(a)Toassistthepartiesinreachingasettlement
(b)Tomarkthedocumentsorexhibitstobepresentedbythepartiesandcopiesthereoftobeattachedto
therecordsaftercomparisonwiththeoriginals
(c) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and due
executionofthedocumentsmarkedasexhibits
(d)TorequirethepartiestosubmitthedepositionstakenunderRule23oftheRulesofCourt,theanswers
to written interrogatories under Rule 25, and the answers to request for admissions by the adverse party
underRule26
(e)TorequiretheproductionofdocumentsorthingsrequestedbyapartyunderRule27andtheresultsof
thephysicalandmentalexaminationofpersonsunderRule28
(f)Toconsidersuchothermattersasmayaidinitspromptdisposition
(g)Torecordtheproceedingsinthe"MinutesofPreliminaryConference"tobesignedbybothpartiesor
theircounsels
(h)Tomarktheaffidavitsofwitnesseswhichshallbeinquestionandanswerformandshallconstitutethe
directexaminationofthewitnessesand
(i)Toattachtheminutestogetherwiththemarkedexhibitsbeforethepretrialproper.
Thepartiesortheircounselmustsubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addressesandcontactnumbers
oftheaffiants.
During the preliminary conference, the branch clerk of court shall also require the parties to submit the
depositionstakenunderRule23oftheRulesofCourt,theanswerstowritteninterrogatoriesunderRule25and
theanswerstorequestforadmissionsbytheadversepartyunderRule26.Thebranchclerkofcourtmayalso
requiretheproductionofdocumentsorthingsrequestedbyapartyunderRule27andtheresultsofthephysical
andmentalexaminationofpersonsunderRule28.
Section5.Pretrialconferenceconsentdecree.Thejudgeshallputthepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath,
andtheyshallremainunderoathinallpretrialconferences.
Thejudgeshallexertbesteffortstopersuadethepartiestoarriveatasettlementofthedispute.Thejudgemay
issue a consent decree approving the agreement between the parties in accordance with law, morals, public
orderandpublicpolicytoprotecttherightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology.
Evidencenotpresentedduringthepretrial,exceptnewlydiscoveredevidence,shallbedeemedwaived.
Section6.Failuretosettle.Ifthereisnofullsettlement,thejudgeshall:
(a) Adopt the minutes of the preliminary conference as part of the pretrial proceedings and confirm the
markingsofexhibitsorsubstitutedphotocopiesandadmissionsonthegenuinenessanddueexecutionof
documents
(b) Determine if there are cases arising out of the same facts pending before other courts and order its
consolidationifwarranted
(c)Determineifthepleadingsareinorderandifnot,ordertheamendmentsifnecessary
(d)Determineifinterlocutoryissuesareinvolvedandresolvethesame
(e)Considertheaddingordroppingofparties
(f)Scrutinizeeverysingleallegationofthecomplaint,answerandotherpleadingsandattachmentsthereto,
and the contents of documents and all other evidence identified and premarked during pretrial in
determiningfurtheradmissions
(g) Obtain admissions based on the affidavits of witnesses and evidence attached to the pleadings or
submittedduringpretrial
(h) Define and simplify the factual and legal issues arising from the pleadings and evidence.
Uncontrovertedissuesandfrivolousclaimsordefensesshouldbeeliminated
(i)Discusstheproprietyofrenderingasummaryjudgmentorajudgmentbasedonthepleadings,evidence
andadmissionsmadeduringpretrial
(j)ObservetheMostImportantWitnessRuleinlimitingthenumberofwitnesses,determiningthefactsto
beprovedbyeachwitnessandfixingtheapproximatenumberofhoursperwitness
(k)EncouragereferralofthecasetoatrialbycommissionerunderRule32oftheRulesofCourtortoa
mediator or arbitrator under any of the alternative modes of dispute resolution governed by the Special
RulesofCourtonAlternativeDisputeResolution
(l)Determinethenecessityofengagingtheservicesofaqualifiedexpertasafriendofthecourt(amicus
curiae)and
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(m)Askpartiestoagreeonthespecifictrialdatesforcontinuoustrial,complywiththeonedayexamination
of witness rule, adhere to the case flow chart determined by the court which shall contain the different
stagesoftheproceedingsuptothepromulgationofthedecisionandusethetimeframeforeachstagein
settingthetrialdates.
Section 7. Effect of failure to appear at pretrial. The court shall not dismiss the complaint, except upon
repeatedandunjustifiedfailureoftheplaintifftoappear.Thedismissalshallbewithoutprejudice,andthecourt
mayproceedwiththecounterclaim.
Ifthedefendantfailstoappearatthepretrial,thecourtshallreceiveevidenceexparte.
Section8.Minutesofpretrial.Theminutesofeachpretrialconferenceshallcontainmatterstakenuptherein,
moreparticularlyadmissionsoffactsandexhibits,andshallbesignedbythepartiesandtheircounsel.
Section9.Pretrialorder.Withinten(10)daysaftertheterminationofthepretrial,thecourtshallissueapre
trial order setting forth the actions taken during the pretrial conference, the facts stipulated, the admissions
made,theevidencemarked,thenumberofwitnessestobepresentedandthescheduleoftrial.Saidordershall
bindtheparties,limitthetrialtomattersnotdisposedofandcontrolthecourseofactionduringthetrial.
Section10.Efforts to settle. The court shall endeavor to make the parties agree to compromise or settle in
accordancewithlawatanystageoftheproceedingsbeforerenditionofjudgment.
RULE4
TRIAL
Section1.Continuoustrial.Thejudgeshallconductcontinuoustrialwhichshallnotexceedtwo(2)monthsfrom
thedateoftheissuanceofthepretrialorder.
Beforetheexpirationofthetwomonthperiod,thejudgemayasktheSupremeCourtfortheextensionofthetrial
periodforjustifiablecause.
Section2.Affidavitsinlieuofdirectexamination.Inlieuofdirectexamination,affidavitsmarkedduringthepre
trialshallbepresentedasdirectexaminationofaffiantssubjecttocross
examinationbytheadverseparty.
Section3.Onedayexaminationofwitnessrule.Thecourtshallstrictlyadheretotherulethatawitnesshasto
be fully examined in one (1) day, subject to the courts discretion of extending the examination for justifiable
reason.Afterthepresentationofthelastwitness,onlyoralofferofevidenceshallbeallowed,andtheopposing
party shall immediately interpose his objections. The judge shall forthwith rule on the offer of evidence in open
court.
Section4.Submission of case for decision filing of memoranda. After the last party has rested its case, the
courtshallissueanordersubmittingthecasefordecision.
The court may require the parties to submit their respective memoranda, if possible in electronic form, within a
nonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecaseissubmittedfordecision.
The court shall have a period of sixty (60) days to decide the case from the date the case is submitted for
decision.
Section5.Periodtotryanddecide.Thecourtshallhaveaperiodofone(1)yearfromthefilingofthecomplaint
totryanddecidethecase.Beforetheexpirationoftheoneyearperiod,thecourtmaypetitiontheSupremeCourt
fortheextensionoftheperiodforjustifiablecause.
Thecourtshallprioritizetheadjudicationofenvironmentalcases.
RULE5
JUDGMENTANDEXECUTION
Section1.Reliefs in a citizen suit. If warranted, the court may grant to the plaintiff proper reliefs which shall
includetheprotection,preservationorrehabilitationoftheenvironmentandthepaymentofattorneysfees,costs
of suit and other litigation expenses. It may also require the violator to submit a program of rehabilitation or
restorationoftheenvironment,thecostsofwhichshallbebornebytheviolator,ortocontributetoaspecialtrust
fundforthatpurposesubjecttothecontrolofthecourt.
Section2.Judgmentnotstayedbyappeal.Anyjudgmentdirectingtheperformanceofactsfortheprotection,
preservation or rehabilitation of the environment shall be executory pending appeal unless restrained by the
appellatecourt.
Section3.PermanentEPOwritofcontinuingmandamus.Inthejudgment,thecourtmayconverttheTEPOto
a permanent EPO or issue a writ of continuing mandamus directing the performance of acts which shall be
effectiveuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfied.
The court may, by itself or through the appropriate government agency, monitor the execution of the judgment
andrequirethepartyconcernedtosubmitwrittenreportsonaquarterlybasisorsoonerasmaybenecessary,
detailingtheprogressoftheexecutionandsatisfactionofthejudgment.Theotherpartymay,atitsoption,submit
itscommentsorobservationsontheexecutionofthejudgment.
Section4.Monitoringofcompliancewithjudgmentandordersofthecourtbyacommissioner.Thecourtmay
motu proprio, or upon motion of the prevailing party, order that the enforcement of the judgment or order be
referred to a commissioner to be appointed by the court. The commissioner shall file with the court written
progressreportsonaquarterlybasisormorefrequentlywhennecessary.
Section5.Returnofwritofexecution.Theprocessofexecutionshallterminateuponasufficientshowingthat
thedecisionororderhasbeenimplementedtothesatisfactionofthecourtinaccordancewithSection14,Rule
39oftheRulesofCourt.
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RULE6
STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATION
Section1.Strategiclawsuitagainstpublicparticipation(SLAPP).Alegalactionfiledtoharass,vex,exertundue
pressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethatanyperson,institutionorthegovernmenthastakenormaytakeinthe
enforcement of environmental laws, protection of the environment or assertion of environmental rights shall be
treatedasaSLAPPandshallbegovernedbytheseRules.
Section2.SLAPPasadefensehowalleged.InaSLAPPfiledagainstapersoninvolvedintheenforcementof
environmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironment,orassertionofenvironmentalrights,thedefendantmayfilean
answer interposing as a defense that the case is a SLAPP and shall be supported by documents, affidavits,
papersandotherevidenceand,bywayofcounterclaim,prayfordamages,attorneysfeesandcostsofsuit.
ThecourtshalldirecttheplaintifforadversepartytofileanoppositionshowingthesuitisnotaSLAPP,attaching
evidenceinsupportthereof,withinanonextendibleperiodoffive(5)daysfromreceiptofnoticethatananswer
hasbeenfiled.
The defense of a SLAPP shall be set for hearing by the court after issuance of the order to file an opposition
withinfifteen(15)daysfromfilingofthecommentorthelapseoftheperiod.
Section3.Summaryhearing.ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.Theparties
mustsubmitallavailableevidenceinsupportoftheirrespectivepositions.Thepartyseekingthedismissalofthe
case must prove by substantial evidence that his act for the enforcement of environmental law is a legitimate
actionfortheprotection,preservationandrehabilitationoftheenvironment.Thepartyfilingtheactionassailedas
aSLAPPshallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPPandisavalidclaim.
Section4.ResolutionofthedefenseofaSLAPP.TheaffirmativedefenseofaSLAPPshallberesolvedwithin
thirty (30) days after the summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court may award damages,
attorneysfeesandcostsofsuitunderacounterclaimifsuchhasbeenfiled.Thedismissalshallbewithprejudice.
IfthecourtrejectsthedefenseofaSLAPP,theevidenceadducedduringthesummaryhearingshallbetreated
as evidence of the parties on the merits of the case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of
Court.
PARTIII
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS
RULE7
WRITOFKALIKASAN
Section1.Natureofthewrit.Thewritisaremedyavailabletoanaturalorjuridicalperson,entityauthorizedby
law, peoples organization, nongovernmental organization, or any public interest group accredited by or
registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and
healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or
employee,orprivateindividualorentity,involvingenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethe
life,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.
Section2.Contentsofthepetition.Theverifiedpetitionshallcontainthefollowing:
(a)Thepersonalcircumstancesofthepetitioner
(b) The name and personal circumstances of the respondent or if the name and personal circumstances
areunknownanduncertain,therespondentmaybedescribedbyanassumedappellation
(c) The environmental law, rule or regulation violated or threatened to be violated, the act or omission
complainedof,andtheenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorproperty
ofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.
(d) All relevant and material evidence consisting of the affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence,
scientificorotherexpertstudies,andifpossible,objectevidence
(e)Thecertificationofpetitionerunderoaththat:(1)petitionerhasnotcommencedanyactionorfiledany
claiminvolvingthesameissuesinanycourt,tribunalorquasijudicialagency,andnosuchotheractionor
claim is pending therein (2) if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of its
present status (3) if petitioner should learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is
pending,petitionershallreporttothecourtthatfactwithinfive(5)daystherefromand
(f)ThereliefsprayedforwhichmayincludeaprayerfortheissuanceofaTEPO.
Section3.Where to file. The petition shall be filed with the Supreme Court or with any of the stations of the
CourtofAppeals.
Section4.Nodocketfees.Thepetitionershallbeexemptfromthepaymentofdocket
fees.
Section 5. Issuance of the writ. Within three (3) days from the date of filing of the petition, if the petition is
sufficient in form and substance, the court shall give an order: (a) issuing the writ and (b) requiring the
respondenttofileaverifiedreturnasprovidedinSection8ofthisRule.Theclerkofcourtshallforthwithissuethe
writ under the seal of the court including the issuance of a cease and desist order and other temporary reliefs
effectiveuntilfurtherorder.
Section6.Howthewritisserved.Thewritshallbeservedupontherespondentbyacourtofficeroranyperson
deputizedbythecourt,whoshallretainacopyonwhichtomakeareturnofservice.Incasethewritcannotbe
servedpersonally,theruleonsubstitutedserviceshallapply.
Section7.Penaltyforrefusingtoissueorservethewrit.Aclerkofcourtwhoundulydelaysorrefusestoissue
thewritafteritsallowanceoracourtofficerordeputizedpersonwhoundulydelaysorrefusestoservethesame
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shallbepunishedbythecourtforcontemptwithoutprejudicetoothercivil,criminaloradministrativeactions.
Section8.Returnofrespondentcontents.Withinanonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysafterserviceofthe
writ, the respondent shall file a verified return which shall contain all defenses to show that respondent did not
violateorthreatentoviolate,orallowtheviolationofanyenvironmentallaw,ruleorregulationorcommitanyact
resultingtoenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsin
twoormorecitiesorprovinces.
Alldefensesnotraisedinthereturnshallbedeemedwaived.
The return shall include affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence, scientific or other expert studies, and if
possible,objectevidence,insupportofthedefenseoftherespondent.
Ageneraldenialofallegationsinthepetitionshallbeconsideredasanadmissionthereof.
Section9.Prohibitedpleadingsandmotions.Thefollowingpleadingsandmotionsareprohibited:
(a)Motiontodismiss
(b)Motionforextensionoftimetofilereturn
(c)Motionforpostponement
(d)Motionforabillofparticulars
(e)Counterclaimorcrossclaim
(f)Thirdpartycomplaint
(g)Replyand
(h)Motiontodeclarerespondentindefault.
Section10.Effectoffailuretofilereturn.Incasetherespondentfailstofileareturn,thecourtshallproceedto
hearthepetitionexparte.
Section11.Hearing.Uponreceiptofthereturnoftherespondent,thecourtmaycallapreliminaryconference
tosimplifytheissues,determinethepossibilityofobtainingstipulationsoradmissionsfromtheparties,andsetthe
petitionforhearing.
Thehearingincludingthepreliminaryconferenceshallnotextendbeyondsixty(60)daysandshallbegiventhe
samepriorityaspetitionsforthewritsofhabeascorpus,amparoandhabeasdata.
Section12.DiscoveryMeasures.Apartymayfileaverifiedmotionforthefollowingreliefs:
(a) Ocular Inspection order The motion must show that an ocular inspection order is necessary to
establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health or property of
inhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.Itshallstateindetailtheplaceorplacestobeinspected.It
shall be supported by affidavits of witnesses having personal knowledge of the violation or threatened
violationofenvironmentallaw.
After hearing, the court may order any person in possession or control of a designated land or other
propertytopermitentryforthepurposeofinspectingor
photographingthepropertyoranyrelevantobjectoroperationthereon.
Theordershallspecifythepersonorpersonsauthorizedtomaketheinspectionandthedate,time,place
andmannerofmakingtheinspectionandmayprescribeotherconditionstoprotecttheconstitutionalrights
ofallparties.
(b)ProductionorinspectionofdocumentsorthingsorderThemotionmustshowthataproductionorder
is necessary to establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health or
propertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.
After hearing, the court may order any person in possession, custody or control of any designated
documents,papers,books,accounts,letters,photographs,objectsortangiblethings,orobjectsindigitized
orelectronicform,whichconstituteorcontainevidencerelevanttothepetitionorthereturn,toproduceand
permittheirinspection,copyingorphotographingbyoronbehalfofthemovant.
Theproductionordershallspecifythepersonorpersonsauthorizedtomaketheproductionandthedate,time,
place and manner of making the inspection or production and may prescribe other conditions to protect the
constitutionalrightsofallparties.
Section13.Contempt. The court may after hearing punish the respondent who refuses or unduly delays the
filingofareturn,orwhomakesafalsereturn,oranypersonwhodisobeysorresistsalawfulprocessororderof
thecourtforindirectcontemptunderRule71oftheRulesofCourt.
Section14.Submissionofcasefordecisionfilingofmemoranda.Afterhearing,thecourtshallissueanorder
submittingthecasefordecision.Thecourtmayrequirethefilingofmemorandaandifpossible,initselectronic
form,withinanonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedatethepetitionissubmittedfordecision.
Section15.Judgment.Withinsixty(60)daysfromthetimethepetitionissubmittedfordecision,thecourtshall
renderjudgmentgrantingordenyingtheprivilegeofthewritofkalikasan.
Thereliefsthatmaybegrantedunderthewritarethefollowing:
(a) Directing respondent to permanently cease and desist from committing acts or neglecting the
performanceofadutyinviolationofenvironmentallawsresultinginenvironmentaldestructionordamage
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(b) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity to protect,
preserve,rehabilitateorrestoretheenvironment
(c) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity to monitor strict
compliancewiththedecisionandordersofthecourt
(d)Directingtherespondentpublicofficial,governmentagency,orprivatepersonorentitytomakeperiodic
reportsontheexecutionofthefinaljudgmentand
(e)Suchotherreliefswhichrelatetotherightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecologyortothe
protection,preservation,rehabilitationorrestorationofthe
environment,excepttheawardofdamagestoindividualpetitioners.
Section16.Appeal.Withinfifteen(15)daysfromthedateofnoticeoftheadversejudgmentordenialofmotion
forreconsideration,anypartymayappealtotheSupremeCourtunderRule45oftheRulesofCourt.Theappeal
mayraisequestionsoffact.
Section17.Institutionofseparateactions.Thefilingofapetitionfortheissuanceofthewritofkalikasanshall
notprecludethefilingofseparatecivil,criminaloradministrativeactions.
RULE8
WRITOFCONTINUINGMANDAMUS
Section1.Petitionforcontinuingmandamus.Whenanyagencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorofficer
thereofunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceofanactwhichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasadutyresultingfroman
office,trustorstationinconnectionwiththeenforcementorviolationofanenvironmentallawruleorregulationor
arighttherein,orunlawfullyexcludesanotherfromtheuseorenjoymentofsuchrightandthereisnootherplain,
speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, the person aggrieved thereby may file a verified
petitioninthepropercourt,allegingthefactswithcertainty,attachingtheretosupportingevidence,specifyingthat
the petition concerns an environmental law, rule or regulation, and praying that judgment be rendered
commandingtherespondenttodoanactorseriesofactsuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfied,andtopaydamages
sustainedbythepetitionerbyreasonofthemaliciousneglecttoperformthedutiesoftherespondent,underthe
law,rulesorregulations.Thepetitionshallalsocontainasworncertificationofnonforumshopping.
Section 2. Where to file the petition. The petition shall be filed with the Regional Trial Court exercising
jurisdictionovertheterritorywheretheactionableneglectoromissionoccurredorwiththeCourtofAppealsorthe
SupremeCourt.
Section3.Nodocketfees.Thepetitionershallbeexemptfromthepaymentofdocketfees.
Section4.Ordertocomment.Ifthepetitionissufficientinformandsubstance,thecourtshallissuethewritand
requiretherespondenttocommentonthepetitionwithinten(10)daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.Suchorder
shallbeservedontherespondentsinsuchmannerasthecourtmaydirect,togetherwithacopyofthepetition
andanyannexesthereto.
Section 5. Expediting proceedings TEPO. The court in which the petition is filed may issue such orders to
expeditetheproceedings,anditmayalsograntaTEPOforthepreservationoftherightsofthepartiespending
suchproceedings.
Section6.Proceedingsaftercommentisfiled.Afterthecommentisfiledorthetimeforthefilingthereofhas
expired, the court may hear the case which shall be summary in nature or require the parties to submit
memoranda.Thepetitionshallberesolvedwithoutdelaywithinsixty(60)daysfromthedateofthesubmissionof
thepetitionforresolution.
Section 7. Judgment. If warranted, the court shall grant the privilege of the writ of continuing mandamus
requiringrespondenttoperformanactorseriesofactsuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfiedandtograntsuchother
reliefsasmaybewarrantedresultingfromthewrongfulorillegalactsoftherespondent.Thecourtshallrequire
the respondent to submit periodic reports detailing the progress and execution of the judgment, and the court
may, by itself or through a commissioner or the appropriate government agency, evaluate and monitor
compliance.Thepetitionermaysubmititscommentsorobservationsontheexecutionofthejudgment.
Section8.Return of the writ. The periodic reports submitted by the respondent detailing compliance with the
judgmentshallbecontainedinpartialreturnsofthewrit.
Uponfullsatisfactionofthejudgment,afinalreturnofthewritshallbemadetothecourtbytherespondent.Ifthe
court finds that the judgment has been fully implemented, the satisfaction of judgment shall be entered in the
courtdocket.
PARTIV
CRIMINALPROCEDURE
RULE9
PROSECUTIONOFOFFENSES
Section1.Whomayfile.Anyoffendedparty,peaceofficeroranypublicofficerchargedwiththeenforcementof
anenvironmentallawmayfileacomplaintbeforetheproperofficerinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt.
Section2.Filingoftheinformation.Aninformation,chargingapersonwithaviolationofanenvironmentallaw
andsubscribedbytheprosecutor,shallbefiledwiththecourt.
Section3.Special prosecutor. In criminal cases, where there is no private offended party, a counsel whose
servicesareofferedbyanypersonororganizationmaybeallowedbythecourtasspecialprosecutor,withthe
consentofandsubjecttothecontrolandsupervisionofthepublicprosecutor.
RULE10
PROSECUTIONOFCIVILACTIONS
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Section1.Institution of criminal and civil actions. When a criminal action is instituted, the civil action for the
recovery of civil liability arising from the offense charged, shall be deemed instituted with the criminal action
unless the complainant waives the civil action, reserves the right to institute it separately or institutes the civil
actionpriortothecriminalaction.
Unless the civil action has been instituted prior to the criminal action, the reservation of the right to institute
separatelythecivilactionshallbemadeduringarraignment.
Incasecivilliabilityisimposedordamagesareawarded,thefilingandotherlegalfeesshallbeimposedonsaid
awardinaccordancewithRule141oftheRulesofCourt,andthefeesshallconstituteafirstlienonthejudgment
award.Thedamagesawardedincaseswherethereisnoprivateoffendedparty,lessthefilingfees,shallaccrue
tothefundsoftheagencychargedwiththeimplementationoftheenvironmentallawviolated.Theawardshallbe
usedfortherestorationandrehabilitationoftheenvironmentadverselyaffected.
RULE11
ARREST
Section 1. Arrest without warrant when lawful. A peace officer or an individual deputized by the proper
governmentagencymay,withoutawarrant,arrestaperson:
(a)When,inhispresence,thepersontobearrestedhascommitted,isactuallycommittingorisattempting
tocommitanoffenseor
(b) When an offense has just been committed, and he has probable cause to believe based on personal
knowledgeoffactsorcircumstancesthatthepersontobearrestedhascommittedit.Individualsdeputized
by the proper government agency who are enforcing environmental laws shall enjoy the presumption of
regularity under Section 3(m), Rule 131 of the Rules of Court when effecting arrests for violations of
environmentallaws.
Section2.Warrantofarrest.Allwarrantsofarrestissuedbythecourtshallbeaccompaniedbyacertifiedtrue
copyoftheinformationfiledwiththeissuingcourt.
RULE12
CUSTODYANDDISPOSITIONOFSEIZEDITEMS,EQUIPMENT,
PARAPHERNALIA,CONVEYANCESANDINSTRUMENTS
Section 1. Custody and disposition of seized items. The custody and disposition of seized items shall be in
accordancewiththeapplicablelawsorrulespromulgatedbytheconcernedgovernmentagency.
Section2.Procedure. In the absence of applicable laws or rules promulgated by the concerned government
agency,thefollowingprocedureshallbeobserved:
(a) The apprehending officer having initial custody and control of the seized items, equipment,
paraphernalia, conveyances and instruments shall physically inventory and whenever practicable,
photographthesameinthepresenceofthepersonfromwhomsuchitemswereseized.
(b)Thereafter,theapprehendingofficershallsubmittotheissuingcourtthereturnofthesearchwarrant
within five (5) days from date of seizure or in case of warrantless arrest, submit within five (5) days from
date of seizure, the inventory report, compliance report, photographs, representative samples and other
pertinentdocumentstothepublicprosecutorforappropriateaction.
(c)Uponmotionbyanyinterestedparty,thecourtmaydirecttheauctionsaleofseizeditems,equipment,
paraphernalia, tools or instruments of the crime. The court shall, after hearing, fix the minimum bid price
basedontherecommendationoftheconcernedgovernmentagency.Thesheriffshallconducttheauction.
(d)Theauctionsaleshallbewithnoticetotheaccused,thepersonfromwhomtheitemswereseized,or
theownerthereofandtheconcernedgovernmentagency.
(e)Thenoticeofauctionshallbepostedinthreeconspicuousplacesinthecityormunicipalitywherethe
items,equipment,paraphernalia,toolsorinstrumentsofthecrimewereseized.
(f)Theproceedsshallbeheldintrustanddepositedwiththegovernmentdepositorybankfordisposition
accordingtothejudgment.
RULE13
PROVISIONALREMEDIES
Section1.Attachment in environmental cases. The provisional remedy of attachment under Rule 127 of the
RulesofCourtmaybeavailedofinenvironmentalcases.
Section2.EnvironmentalProtectionOrder(EPO)TemporaryEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(TEPO)incriminal
cases.TheprocedureforandissuanceofEPOandTEPOshallbegovernedbyRule2oftheseRules.
RULE14
BAIL
Section1.Bail,wherefiled.Bailintheamountfixedmaybefiledwiththecourtwherethecaseispending,orin
theabsenceorunavailabilityofthejudgethereof,withanyregionaltrialjudge,metropolitantrialjudge,municipal
trial judge or municipal circuit trial judge in the province, city or municipality. If the accused is arrested in a
province,cityormunicipalityotherthanwherethecaseispending,bailmayalsobefiledwithanyRegionalTrial
Court of said place, or if no judge thereof is available, with any metropolitan trial judge, municipal trial judge or
municipal circuit trial judge therein. If the court grants bail, the court may issue a holddeparture order in
appropriatecases.
Section2.Dutiesofthecourt.Beforegrantingtheapplicationforbail,thejudgemustreadtheinformationina
language known to and understood by the accused and require the accused to sign a written undertaking, as
follows:
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(a) To appear before the court that issued the warrant of arrest for arraignment purposes on the date
scheduled, and if the accused fails to appear without justification on the date of arraignment, accused
waivesthereadingoftheinformationandauthorizesthecourttoenterapleaofnotguiltyonbehalfofthe
accusedandtosetthecasefortrial
(b)Toappearwheneverrequiredbythecourtwherethecaseispendingand
(c)Towaivetherightoftheaccusedtobepresentatthetrial,anduponfailureoftheaccusedtoappear
withoutjustificationanddespiteduenotice,thetrialmayproceedinabsentia.
RULE15
ARRAIGNMENTANDPLEA
Section1.Arraignment. The court shall set the arraignment of the accused within fifteen (15) days from the
timeitacquiresjurisdictionovertheaccused,withnoticetothepublicprosecutorandoffendedpartyorconcerned
governmentagencythatitwillentertainpleabargainingonthedateofthearraignment.
Section 2. Pleabargaining. On the scheduled date of arraignment, the court shall consider pleabargaining
arrangements. Where the prosecution and offended party or concerned government agency agree to the plea
offeredbytheaccused,thecourtshall:
(a)Issueanorderwhichcontainsthepleabargainingarrivedat
(b)Proceedtoreceiveevidenceonthecivilaspectofthecase,ifanyand
(c)Renderandpromulgatejudgmentofconviction,includingthecivilliabilityfordamages.
RULE16
PRETRIAL
Section 1. Setting of pretrial conference. After the arraignment, the court shall set the pretrial conference
withinthirty(30)days.Itmayreferthecasetothebranchclerkofcourt,ifwarranted,forapreliminaryconference
tobesetatleastthree(3)dayspriortothepretrial.
Section2.Preliminaryconference.Thepreliminaryconferenceshallbeforthefollowingpurposes:
(a)Toassistthepartiesinreachingasettlementofthecivilaspectofthecase
(b)Tomarkthedocumentstobepresentedasexhibits
(c)Toattachcopiesthereoftotherecordsaftercomparisonwiththeoriginals
(d) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and due
executionofdocumentsmarkedasexhibits
(e)Toconsidersuchothermattersasmayaidinthepromptdispositionofthecase
(f)TorecordtheproceedingsduringthepreliminaryconferenceintheMinutesofPreliminaryConference
tobesignedbythepartiesandcounsel
(g)Tomarktheaffidavitsofwitnesseswhichshallbeinquestionandanswerformandshallconstitutethe
directexaminationofthewitnessesand
(h)ToattachtheMinutesandmarkedexhibitstothecaserecordbeforethepretrialproper.Thepartiesor
theircounselmustsubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addressesandcontactnumbersofthe
affiants.
Section3.Pretrialdutyofthejudge.Duringthepretrial,thecourtshall:
(a)Placethepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath
(b)Adopttheminutesofthepreliminaryconferenceaspartofthepretrialproceedings,confirmmarkings
of exhibits or substituted photocopies and admissions on the genuineness and due execution of
documents,andlistobjectandtestimonialevidence
(c)Scrutinizetheinformationandthestatementsintheaffidavitsandotherdocumentswhichformpartof
therecordofthepreliminaryinvestigationtogetherwithotherdocumentsidentifiedandmarkedasexhibits
todeterminefurtheradmissionsoffactsasto:
i.Thecourtsterritorialjurisdictionrelativetotheoffense(s)charged
ii.Qualificationofexpertwitnessesand
iii.Amountofdamages
(d)Definefactualandlegalissues
(e) Ask parties to agree on the specific trial dates and adhere to the flow chart determined by the court
which shall contain the time frames for the different stages of the proceeding up to promulgation of
decision
(f)Requirethepartiestosubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addressesandcontactnumbersof
witnessesthatneedtobesummonedbysubpoenaand
(g)Considermodificationoforderoftrialiftheaccusedadmitsthechargebutinterposesalawfuldefense.
Section4.Mannerofquestioning.Allquestionsorstatementsmustbedirectedtothecourt.
Section 5. Agreements or admissions. All agreements or admissions made or entered during the pretrial
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conferenceshallbereducedinwritingandsignedbytheaccusedandcounselotherwise,theycannotbeused
against the accused. The agreements covering the matters referred to in Section 1, Rule 118 of the Rules of
Courtshallbeapprovedbythecourt.
Section 6. Record of proceedings. All proceedings during the pretrial shall be recorded, the transcripts
preparedandtheminutessignedbythepartiesortheircounsels.
Section7.Pretrialorder.Thecourtshallissueapretrialorderwithinten(10)daysaftertheterminationofthe
pretrial,settingforththeactionstakenduringthepretrialconference,thefactsstipulated,theadmissionsmade,
evidence marked, the number of witnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial. The order shall bind the
partiesandcontrolthecourseofactionduringthetrial.
RULE17
TRIAL
Section1.Continuoustrial.Thecourtshallendeavortoconductcontinuoustrialwhichshallnotexceedthree
(3)monthsfromthedateoftheissuanceofthepretrialorder.
Section2.Affidavitinlieuofdirectexamination.Affidavitinlieuofdirectexaminationshallbeused,subjectto
crossexaminationandtherighttoobjecttoinadmissibleportionsoftheaffidavit.
Section3.Submissionofmemoranda.Thecourtmayrequirethepartiestosubmittheirrespectivememoranda
and if possible, in electronic form, within a nonextendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the case is
submittedfordecision.
Withorwithoutanymemorandafiled,thecourtshallhaveaperiodofsixty(60)daystodecidethecasecounted
fromthelastdayofthe30dayperiodtofilethememoranda.
Section4.Dispositionperiod.Thecourtshalldisposethecasewithinaperiodoften(10)monthsfromthedate
ofarraignment.
Section5.Probonolawyers.Iftheaccusedcannotaffordtheservicesofcounselorthereisnoavailablepublic
attorney,thecourtshallrequiretheIntegratedBarofthePhilippinestoprovideprobonolawyersfortheaccused.
RULE18
SUBSIDIARYLIABILITY
Section1.Subsidiaryliability.Incaseofconvictionoftheaccusedandsubsidiaryliabilityisallowedbylaw,the
courtmay,bymotionofthepersonentitledtorecoverunderjudgment,enforcesuchsubsidiaryliabilityagainsta
personorcorporationsubsidiaryliableunderArticle102andArticle103oftheRevisedPenalCode.
RULE19
STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATIONINCRIMINALCASES
Section1.Motion to dismiss. Upon the filing of an information in court and before arraignment, the accused
mayfileamotiontodismissonthegroundthatthecriminalactionisaSLAPP.
Section2.Summaryhearing.ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.Theparties
mustsubmitalltheavailableevidenceinsupportoftheirrespectivepositions.Thepartyseekingthedismissalof
thecasemustprovebysubstantialevidencethathisactsfortheenforcementofenvironmentallawisalegitimate
actionfortheprotection,preservationandrehabilitationoftheenvironment.Thepartyfilingtheactionassailedas
aSLAPPshallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPP.
Section3.Resolution.Thecourtshallgrantthemotioniftheaccusedestablishesinthesummaryhearingthat
thecriminalcasehasbeenfiledwithintenttoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethat
any person, institution or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws,
protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights.
Ifthecourtdeniesthemotion,thecourtshallimmediatelyproceedwiththearraignmentoftheaccused.
PARTV
EVIDENCE
RULE20
PRECAUTIONARYPRINCIPLE
Section 1. Applicability. When there is a lack of full scientific certainty in establishing a causal link between
human activity and environmental effect, the court shall apply the precautionary principle in resolving the case
beforeit.
Theconstitutionalrightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecologyshallbegiventhebenefitofthedoubt.
Section 2. Standards for application. In applying the precautionary principle, the following factors, among
others,maybeconsidered:(1)threatstohumanlifeorhealth(2)inequitytopresentorfuturegenerationsor(3)
prejudicetotheenvironmentwithoutlegalconsiderationoftheenvironmentalrightsofthoseaffected.
RULE21
DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCE
Section1.Photographic,videoandsimilarevidence.Photographs,videosandsimilarevidenceofevents,acts,
transactionsofwildlife,wildlifebyproductsorderivatives,forestproductsormineralresourcessubjectofacase
shallbeadmissiblewhenauthenticatedbythepersonwhotookthesame,bysomeotherpersonpresentwhen
saidevidencewastaken,orbyanyotherpersoncompetenttotestifyontheaccuracythereof.
Section2.Entriesinofficialrecords.Entriesinofficialrecordsmadeintheperformanceofhisdutybyapublic
officer of the Philippines, or by a person in performance of a duty specially enjoined by law, are prima facie
evidenceofthefactsthereinstated.
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RULE22
FINALPROVISIONS
Section 1. Effectivity. These Rules shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following publication once in a
newspaperofgeneralcirculation.
Section2.ApplicationoftheRulesofCourt.TheRulesofCourtshallapplyinasuppletorymanner,exceptas
otherwiseprovidedherein.
SUBCOMMITTEEON
THERULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES
Chairperson
CHIEFJUSTICEREYNATOS.PUNO
Members
JUSTICEPRESBITEROJ.VELASCO,JR.
JUSTICEDIOSDADOM.PERALTA
JUSTICELUCASP.BERSAMIN
JUSTICEMA.ALICIAAUSTRIAMARTINEZ(RET.)
COMMISSIONERMARYANNLUCILLEL.SERING
JUDGEMYRNALIMVERANO
ATTY.ASISG.PEREZ
Secretary
ATTY.ABEGAILT.SZE
Asst.Secretary
ATTY.FERMINNESTORA.GADRINAB
Secretariat
ATTY.MARIACAMILLEG.LANTION
JAMESCHRISTIANA.BITANGA,ESQ.
MS.LIDAA.PILAPIL
MS.CLARITAT.ESCARDA
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

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