Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The rules of procedure promulgated by authority of law bear the force and
effect of law.1
3.
It is embraced in Rules 1 to 71 of the Rules of Court and after its revision, is now
commonly known as the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure. It is divided into the following
topics: General Provisions (Rule 1), Ordinary Civil Actions (Rules 2-5), Procedure in
Regional Trial Courts (Rules 6-39), Appeals (Rules 40-43), Procedure in the Court of
Appeals and Supreme Court (Rule 44- 56), Provisional Remedies (Rules 57-61), and
Special Civil Actions (Rules 62-71).
4.
Included within its scope are the 1991 Rules on Summary Procedure, Local
Government Code provisions on the Katarungang Pambarangay and related issuances
of the Supreme Court.
PRELIMINARIES
1.
Any discussion of procedural rules should always be preceded by a discussion of
jurisdiction as its presence is what gives rise to the application of the rules for the
purpose of resolving the action that is brought before a court. Simply defined it refers to
the power and authority of a court or tribunal to hear, try and decide a case. It has also
been defined as the authority by which courts and judicial officers take cognizance of
and decide cases.
1.1
Absent jurisdiction, the only thing a court can do as provided by the rules
is to dismiss the action.
1.2
If a court acts without jurisdiction, all its acts are null and void. Further, any
decision it may render is not a decision in contemplation of law and cannot
be executory.2
The validity of a judgment or order of a court or quasi-judicial tribunal
which has become final and executory may be attacked when the records
1.3
1
2
2.2
The court actually does not have jurisdiction, but the law for reasons of
equity, steps in to gag the negligent party and prevents him from raising its
voice about lack of jurisdiction. It does so not because the Court has
acquired jurisdiction but because of fault or negligence of a party now
estops him from raising the question of lack of jurisdiction. 5
2.3
Note likewise the rules covering actions for annulment of judgment based
on extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction. If based on the latter, it can only
be initiated before it is barred by laches or estoppel. 6
2.4
Dynamic Signmaker Outdoor Advertising Services, Inc. vs. Potongan, 461 SCRA 328
Heirs of the late Panfilo V. Pajarillo v. Court of Appeals, 537 SCRA 96
5
Tijam v. Sibonghanoy, 23 SCRA 29, Soliven v. FastForms, Phil. Inc., 440 SCRA 389
6
Sections, 2 and 3, Rule 49, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure
7
United Overseas Bank v. Ros, 529 SCRA 334
4
2.
It must also have jurisdiction over the subject matter in controversy. Jurisdiction
over the subject matter of the complaint is to be determined by the allegations in the
complaint and the law in force at the time of the commencement of the action. This is
the power of a court to hear and determine cases of a general class to which the
proceedings in question belong.8
2.1
2.2
2.3
In case of conflict between the allegations and the reliefs, the allegations
in the body shall prevail. The prayer is a conclusion of the pleader as
cause of action. The Court is not bound as it may grant a relief, lesser or
greater in amount, or totally different from that prayed for.10
2.4
Even if the plaintiff alleges an amount that puts the case within the
jurisdiction of the RTC, the courts jurisdiction is not affected if it later finds
that the plaintiff is entitled to an amount within the jurisdiction of an MTC. 11
Conversely, if a court has no jurisdiction, the defect will not be cured by a
finding during the trial that the amount actually due is within the jurisdiction
of the court.12
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.
Jurisdiction over the res assumes importance only in those actions where the
court cannot acquire jurisdiction over the person of the defendant because he is not a
resident and cannot be found here or served with summons.
3.1
1.
Generally, it is one where the basic issue is something other than the right
to recover money, where the money claim is incidental to or is a
consequence of the principal relief being sought.
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2.
DETERMINATION OF AMOUNTS OF THE
JURISDICTION AND PAYMENT OF DOCKET FEES.
23
TO
DETERMINE
2.1
Filing and docketing of the complaint are not separate but are
complementary. It is not simply the filing of the complaint or appropriate
initiatory pleading, but the payment of the prescribed docket fee that vests
a trial court with jurisdiction over the subject matter or nature of the
action.25
2.2
CLAIM
26
2.3
2.4
2.5
If the docket fees are incorrect - the trial court should allow the plaintiff to
pay within a reasonable period of time before the expiration of the
applicable prescriptive or reglamentary period otherwise the defendant
must move to dismiss the complaint on the ground of lack of jurisdiction, if
he does not, he may be considered to be in estoppel. 28
2.6
The court had jurisdiction over the amended complaint as it had acquired
jurisdiction over the case when the original complaint was filed and the
corresponding docket fee was paid thereon. While the payment of the
prescribed docket fee is a jurisdictional requirement, even its nonpayment
at the time of filing does not automatically cause the dismissal of the case,
as long as the fee is paid within the applicable prescriptive or
reglementary period.29
2.7
When the docket fees for the main action are paid but those for related
damages alleged but not specified are not paid, the court is not prevented
from proceeding with the complaint, the trial court may expunge the claims
or allow on motion, a reasonable time for amendment of the complaint or
accept payment of the requisite legal fees. 30
2.8
2.9
32
4.1
In this instance, the court which has first validly acquired jurisdiction takes
it to the exclusion of the others. This is also known as the Exclusionary
Principle. This is taken together with the Doctrine of Judicial Stability of
Non-Interference which holds that court of co-equal or coordinate
jurisdiction shall have no authority to pass upon or scrutinize the exercise
by another court of its jurisdiction.
4.2
Pascual v. Court of Appeals, 300 SCRAPascual v. Court of Appeals, 300 SCRA 214
Pearson v. IAC, 295 SCRA 27
34
Ouano vs. PGTT International Investment Corporation, 384 SCRA 587
33
5.
AS TO SITUS it is Territorial, meaning it is exercised within the limits of the
place where the court is located or Extra-Territorial meaning it is exercised beyond the
confines of the territory where the court is located.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN JURISDICTION IS ACQUIRED
Jurisdiction once acquired continues until the case is terminated. It is not affected by
subsequent legislation placing jurisdiction in another tribunal. 35 The exceptions are:
when the law expressly provides for retroactivity,36 when the change in jurisdiction is
curative in nature, or when there is a perfected appeal. This is also known as the
Doctrine of Adherence to Jurisdiction.
DOCTRINE OF PRIMARY JURISDICTION
1.
That which vests in an administrative tribunal the jurisdiction to determine a
controversy requiring the exercise of sound administrative discretion stated otherwise
if jurisdiction is vested upon an administrative body, no resort to courts can be made
until the administrative body shall have acted on the matter.
2.
In exercising its primary jurisdiction, a court has the inherent jurisdiction to
determine issues incidental to its exercise. This is known as the Doctrine of Ancillary
Jurisdiction.
LEVELS OF SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION
1.
The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in civil cases of which it cannot be deprived
and which cannot be diminished by Congress is to review, revise, reverse, modify, or
affirm on appeal or certiorari as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final
judgments and orders of lower courts in:
a) all cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or
executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order,
instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in question;
b) all cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any
penalty imposed in relation thereto;
c) all cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue; and
d) all cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.
The foregoing Constitutional definition is of appellate jurisdiction. Congress,
however, is not prohibited from increasing or adding to this Constitutionally-defined
35
36
jurisdiction. And so Congress has given the Supreme Court original jurisdiction over
cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls and petitions for the
issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus against the Court of Appeals.
Congress has also vested the Supreme Court with jurisdiction, concurrent with the
RTCs, over petitions for the issuance of the writs of certiorari, prohibition, habeas
corpus, and in actions brought to prevent and restrain violations of law concerning
monopolies and combinations in restraint of trade.
The appellate jurisdiction in civil cases of the Supreme Court as defined in the
Constitution had been revised and expanded a little bit more by law to include all cases
involving petitions for naturalization or denaturalization, all decisions of the Auditor
General, if the appellant is a private person or entity, and final judgments or orders of
the Commission on Elections.
2.
The Court of Appeals has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Its original
jurisdiction, which is exclusive, is over actions for annulment of RTC judgments. Its
original jurisdiction, which is concurrent with the Supreme Court and the RTCs, is to
issue writs of mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas corpus and quo warranto, and
auxiliary writs or processes, whether or not in aid of its appellate jurisdiction.
The appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals, which is exclusive, is over final
judgments or resolutions of RTCs and quasi-judicial agencies, such as the Securities
and Exchange Commission, Sandiganbayan and the National Labor Relations
Commission.
3.
The RTCs are our second-level trial courts. As the Supreme Court and the Court
of Appeals, RTCs have both original and appellate jurisdiction in civil cases.
Their original jurisdiction is concurrent with the Supreme Court and the Court of
Appeals in the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto,
habeas corpus and injunctions but, as issued by RTCs, these writs may be enforced
only within their respective regions, and over actions affecting ambassadors and other
public ministers and consuls.
The original jurisdiction of RTCs, which is exclusive, is broad and covers the
following cases:
a)
b)
All civil actions which involve the title to, or possession of, real property, or
any interest therein, where the assessed value of the property involved
d)
All matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of
the estate exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or, in
probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the estate
exceeds Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or, in probate
matters in Metro Manila, where such gross value exceeds Four hundred
thousand pesos (P400,000.00);
e)
f)
All cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person
or body exercising jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or body
exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions;
g)
All civil actions and special proceedings falling within the exclusive
jurisdiction of a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and of the Court of
Agrarian Relations as then provided by law; and
h)
The appellate jurisdiction of the RTCs is over all cases decided by Metropolitan
Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in their respective
territorial jurisdiction.
The term damages of whatever kind has been specially defined by the
Supreme Court for purposes of determining the jurisdictional amount in respect to the
jurisdiction of the RTC. This term is understood to apply only to cases when the
damages are merely incidental to or a consequence of the main cause of action, and
that therefore where the claim for damages is the main cause of action or one of the
causes of action, the amount of the claim shall be considered in determining the
jurisdiction of the court.
The Supreme Court has however designated certain branches of the RTCs to
handle exclusively certain cases as corporate and intellectual property cases.
4.
JURISDICTION OF METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
The MTCs are the first-level trial courts in this country. They have therefore no
appellate jurisdiction and all their jurisdiction is exclusive and encompasses the
following cases:
a) all civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and intestate, including the
grant of provisional remedies in proper cases, where the value of the personal
property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or, in Metro Manila where such personal property,
estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Four hundred thousand pesos
(P400,000.00), exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind, attorneys fees,
litigation expenses, and costs, the amount of which must be specifically alleged:
Provided, That where there are several claims or causes of actions between the
same or different parties, embodied in the same complaint, the amount of the
demand shall be the totality of the claims in all the causes of action irrespective
of whether the causes of action arose out of the same or different transactions;
b) cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer: Provided, That when, in such
cases, the defendant raises the question of ownership in his pleadings and the
question of possession cannot be resolved without deciding the issue of
ownership, the issue of ownership shall be resolved only to determine the issue
of possession; and
c) all civil actions which involve title to, or possession of, real property or any
interest therein where the assessed value of the property or interest therein does
not exceed Two hundred thousand pesos (P200, 000.00) or, in civil actions in
Metro Manila, where such assessed value does not exceed Four hundred
thousand pesos (P400, 000.00) exclusive of interest, damages of whatever kind,
attorneys fees, litigation expenses and costs.
The MTCs may however be assigned by the Supreme Court to hear and determine
certain cadastral cases and petitions for habeas corpus.
RULE I
1.
37
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.
They apply in all courts, except as otherwise provided by the Supreme Court 38 in
civil, criminal and special proceedings.39
2.1
For purposes of the subject matter, only Rules 1 to 71 or the 1997 Rules
of Civil Procedure shall be discussed herein.
2.2
A Civil Action is one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or
protection of a right or the prevention or redress of a wrong. Examples: To
enforce payment of a loan or to eject an intruder on ones property.
2.3
2.4
38
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
4.
43
Real Actions are those which affect title to, or possession of real property
or any interest therein.44 All others are personal actions.45
3.2
In a real action, it is founded upon the privity of real estate. That means
that realty or any interest therein is the subject matter of the action. What
is essential is that as far as the real property is concerned, the issues are
title to, ownership, possession, partition, foreclosure of mortgage or
condemnation. Hence, an action for damages suffered by real property is
a personal action as it does not involve any of the listed issues.
3.3
3.4
The distinction between a real action and a personal action is important for
the purpose of determining the venue of the action.
3.5
4.1
Criminal Action is one by which the state prosecutes a person for an act or
omission punishable by law.
4.2
5.
They do not apply to election cases, land registration, cadastral, naturalization
and insolvency, and other cases not herein provided, except by analogy or in suppletory
character and whenever practicable and convenient. 48
6.
The rules have retroactive application in the sense that they shall be held to
apply to actions pending or undetermined at the time of their effectuality. 49
6.1
2.
If an additional defendant is impleaded in a later pleading, it is commenced as
far as the additional defendant on the date of the filing of the later pleading, irrespective
of whether the motion for its admission, if necessary is denied by the court. 51
3.
Note that the commencement of the action interrupts the period of prescription as
to the parties to the action.52
HOW SHOULD THE RULES BE CONSTRUED
48
Supra,,Section 4, Rule 1
Nypes v. Court of Appeals, 478 SCRA 115
50
Magaspi v. Ramolete, 115 SCRA 193
51
Supra, Section 5, Rule 1
52
Cabrera v Tiano,8 SCRA 542
49
1.
The rules shall be construed liberally in order to promote their objective of
securing a just speedy and inexpensive disposition of every action or proceeding. 53
2.
1.1
1.2
1.3
3.
A party litigant should be given the fullest opportunity to establish the merits of
his complaint or his defense. He ought not to lose life, liberty or honor or property on
technicalities.
3.1
4.
Note that in doing so, substantial justice and equity considerations must not be
sacrificed.
53
Supra,Section 6, Rule 1
De La Cruz v. Court of Appeals, GR No. 139442, December 6, 2006
55
Canton v City of Cebu, GR No. 152898, February 12, 2007
56
Vda De Toledo v Toleda, 417 SCRA 260
57
Seapower Shipping Enterprises, Inc. v CA, 360 SCRA 173, Tan v CA, 295 SCRA 755
58
Alberto v Court of Appeals, 334 SCRA 756
59
Fulgencio v NLRC, 411 SCRA 69
54
4.1
4.2
Neither can liberality of the rules be invoked if it will result in the wanton
disregard of the rules or cause needless delay in the administration of
justice.60
5.
Concommitant to a liberal application of the rules of procedure should be an
effort on the part of the party invoking liberality to adequately explain his failure to abide
by the rules.61
6.
The rules and procedure laid down for the trial court and the adjudication of
cases are matters of public policy.
6.1
6.2
They are required to be followed except only for the most persuasive of
reasons as when transcendental matters of life, liberty or state security is
involved. Litigation is not a game of technicalities. It is equally true,
however, that every case must be presented in accordance with the
prescribed procedure to ensure an orderly and speedy administration of
justice.63
7.
The Supreme Court has the power to suspend or set aside its rules in the higher
interest of justice.64 Specifically, the reasons that will warrant the suspension are: (a) the
existence of special or compelling reasons (b) the merits of the case (c) a cause not
entirely attributable to the fault or negligence of the party favored by the suspension (d)
a lack of showing that the review is frivolous or dilatory, and (e) the other party will not
be prejudiced thereby.65
RULE 2
CAUSE OF ACTION
60
2.
A cause of action is the act or omission by which a party violates a right of
another.67
THE REQUISITES OF A CAUSE OF ACTION
1.
The requisites for a cause of action are: (a) a right in favor of the plaintiff by
whatever means and under whatever law it arises or is created (b) an obligation on the
part of the defendant to respect and not to violate such right (c) an act or omission on
the part of the defendant constituting a violation of the plaintiffs right. 68
DISTINGUISHING IT FROM AN ACTION AND A RIGHT OF ACTION
1.
An action is the suit filed in court for the enforcement or protection of a right, or
the prevention or redress of a wrong, while a cause of action is the basis for the filing of
the action.
2.
The right of action is the right to commence and maintain an action, it is a
remedial right that depends on substantive law, while a cause of action is a formal
statement of the operative facts that give rise to such remedial right which is a matter
of statement and is governed by procedural law. The right of action which is procedural
in character is the consequence of the violation of the right of the plaintiff. Hence, there
is no right of action where there is no cause of action.
2.1
The distinction is best used to explain the principle that the existence of a
cause of action may only be ascertained from the allegations of the
complaint.69
A party may not institute more than one suit for a single cause of action. 71
2.
The practice of splitting a cause of action is discouraged because it breeds
multiplicity of actions, clogs the dockets of the courts and operates to cause
unnecessary expense to the parties.
3.
If a party institutes more than one suit, the filing of one or a judgment upon the
merits in anyone is available as a ground for the dismissal of the others. 72 This is also
known as Splitting a Cause of Action.
67
Supra, Section 2, Rule 2, PNOC v. Court of Appeals, GR No. 165433, February 6, 2007
Navao v CA, 251 SCRA 545
69
Equitable Bank v CA, 425 SCRA 544
70
Clark Development Corporation v Mondragon Leisure Resorts, 517 SCRA 203
71
Supra, Section 3, Rule 2
72
Supra, Section 4, Rule 2
68
3.1
3.2
Note though that the rule does not confine itself to a dismissal of the
second action. As to which action is to be dismissed would depend on
judicial discretion and attendant circumstances.
4.
The rule on splitting a cause of action applies not only to complaints but also to
counter-claims and cross-claims.73
5.
5.2
(b)
73
Party joining the causes of action shall comply with the rule on joinder of
parties, which provides that : All persons in whom or against whom any
right to relief is respect to or arising out of the same transaction is alleged
to exist, whether jointly, severally or in the alternative, may except as
otherwise provided in these rules, join as plaintiffs or be joined as
defendants in one complaint, where any question of law or fact common to
all such plaintiffs or to all such defendants may arise in the action. 79 Note
that the common question of law or fact is relevant only when there are
multiple plaintiffs or defendants.
3.2
Joinder does not allow the inclusion of special civil actions or actions
governed by special rules. Example: An action for a sum of money cannot
be joined with an action for iIlegal detainer
3.3
Where causes of action are between same parties but pertain to different
venues or jurisdictions, joinder may be allowed in the RTC provided one of
the causes of action falls within its jurisdiction and venue lies therein.
3.4
When the claims in all causes of action are principally for recovery of
money, the aggregate amount shall be the test of jurisdiction.
EFFECT OF MISJOINDER
76
1.
Upon motion of a party or on the initiative of the court, a misjoined cause of
action may be severed and proceeded with separately.80
2.
RULE 3
2.
80
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.
Entities authorized by law are (a) recognized labor organizations (b) estate of a
deceased person87 (c) Roman Catholic Church88
4.
Entities without legal personality referring to 2 or more persons not organized as
an entity with juridical personality enter into a transaction, they may be sued under the
name by which they are generally or commonly known but in their answer to the
complaint, their names and addresses must be revealed. 89
4.1
5.
A sole proprietorship may not be a party as it is neither a natural, juridical or
entity allowed or authorized by law. If one sues as such, the action may be dismissed on
the ground of lack of capacity to sue. It does not possess a juridical personality separate
and distinct from the personality of the owner of the enterprise. 92 It cannot sue or file or
defend an action in court.93
WHEN PARTIES IMPLEADED ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO BE PARTIES
1.
Where the plaintiff is not a natural or juridical person, or an entity authorized by
law, a motion to dismiss may be filed on the ground that the plaintiff has no legal
capacity to sue. Do not confuse it with one who has capacity to sue but he is not the
85
real party in interest as the ground for dismissal then is failure to state a cause of
action.94
2.
Where it is the defendant who is not any of the above, the complaint may be
dismissed on the ground that the pleading asserting the claim states no cause of
action or failure to state a cause of action, because there cannot be a cause of action
against one who cannot be a party to a civil action.
PARTIES IN INTEREST
1.
A real party in interest is the party who stands to be benefited or injured by the
judgment or party entitled to the avails of the suit. Unless otherwise authorized by law of
the rules, like in a class suit, all actions must be prosecuted or defended in the name of
the real party in interest.95
1.1
A real party in interest-plaintiff is one who has a legal right, while a real
party in interest-defendant is one who has a correlative obligation, whose
act or omission violates the legal rights of the former. 96 Hence, the
determination of who is a real party in interest goes back to the elements
of a cause of action. Evidently, the owner of the right violated stands to be
the real party in interest as plaintiff and the person responsible for the
violation is the real party in interest defendant. 97
1.2
1.3
2.
When a suit is not brought in the name of the real party in interest, it may be
dismissed on the ground that the complaint states no cause of action. 100 Note that the
94
dismissal is not due to lack of or no legal capacity to sue nor lack of legal personality, as
the latter is not ground for dismissal for under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.
2.1
2.2
Lack of Legal Capacity to Sue means that the plaintiff is not in exercise of
his civil rights, does not have the necessary qualification to appear or does
not have the character or representation he claims. Example: Trustee or
Minor, as distinguished from Lack of Legal Personality means that the
plaintiff is not the real party in interest. Dismissal is based on the fact that
the complaint states no cause of action
3.
Legal standing means a personal and substantial interest in the case such that
the party has sustained or will sustain direct injury as a result of the act being
challenged. The term interest is material interest, an interest in issue, and to be affected
by the decree, as distinguished from mere interest in the question involved, or a mere
incidental interest. Moreover, the interest must be personal and not one based on a
desire to vindicate the constitutional right of some third or unrelated party.
3.1
3.2
4.
Be that as it may, we have on several occasions relaxed the application of these
rules on legal standing:
101
In not a few cases, the Court has liberalized the locus standi requirement when a
petition raises an issue of transcendental significance or paramount importance to the
people. Recently, after holding that the IBP had no locus standi to bring the suit, the
Court in IBP v. Zamora nevertheless entertained the Petition therein. It noted that the
IBP has advanced constitutional issues which deserve the attention of this Court in view
of their seriousness, novelty and weight as precedents. 104
4.1
4.2
104
1.2
2.
Necessary Party is a party who is not indispensable but who ought to be joined
as a party if complete relief is to be accorded as to those already parties or for a
complete determination or settlement of the claim subject of the action. 112 A necessary
partys presence is necessary to adjudicate the whole controversy but whose interests
are so far separable that a final decree can be made in their absence without affecting
them.
2.1
Example: If the plaintiff only sues a one of his joint debtors, the joint debtor
who is not sued is merely a necessary party. As a consequence, the
plaintiff only recovers the share of the debt due from the joint debtor
defendant.
2.2
3.
Pro-Forma Party or nominal party is one who is joined as a plaintiff or defendant
not because such party has any real interest in the subject matter or because relief is
demanded, but merely because the technical rules of pleadings require the presence of
such party on the record.113
PERSONS WHO CAN SUE IN BEHALF OF A REAL PARTY IN INTEREST
The following may sue in behalf of a real party in interest
1.
Representatives - actions are allowed to be prosecuted / defended by a
representative or by one acting in a fiduciary capacity but the beneficiary shall be
included in the title and shall be deemed to be the real party in interest.114 Examples of
representatives are: (a) trustee of an express trust (b) a guardian, executor or
administrator, or (c) a party authorized by law or the Rules.
1.2
111
An agent acting in his own name and for the benefit of an unknown
principal may sue or be sued without joining the principal except when the
contract involves things belonging to the principal. This refers to an
agency with an undisclosed principal.115
2.
Husband and Wife - as a general rule shall sue or be sued jointly, except as
provided by law.116 Non joinder of partys husband is not fatal. It is a mere formal
defect.117
2.1
They are required to sue and be sued jointly as they are joint
administrators of the Absolute Community or the Conjugal Partnership. 118
2.2
2.3
Note that the legal provision against the disposition of conjugal property by
one spouse without the consent of the other has been established for the
benefit, not of third persons, but only for the spouse for whom the law
desires to save the conjugal partnership from damages that might be
caused. No other party can avail of the remedy other than the aggrieved
spouse.121
3.
Minors or Incompetents may sue or be sued with the assistance of father,
mother, guardian or, if he has none, a guardian ad litem. 122
3.1
3.2
JOINDER OF PARTIES
Joinder of Parties refers to the act of uniting several parties in a single suit either as
plaintiffs or defendants.
116
1.
The rule on joinder of parties states that: All persons in whom or against whom
any right to relief in respect to or arising out of the same transaction is alleged to exist,
whether jointly, severally or in the alternative, may except as otherwise provided in
these rules, join as plaintiffs or be joined as defendants in one complaint, where any
question of law or fact common to all such plaintiffs or to all such defendants may arise
in the action.127
2.
Joinder of Parties, as a rule, is permissive when there is a question of law or fact
common to all the plaintiffs or defendants. This means that the right to relief or to resist
the action arises out of the same transaction or event or series of transactions or
events. Example: action by passengers of a common carrier for injuries sustained in an
accident, there is no community of interest, the extent of the interest is limited to the
extent of damages being claimed by each.
3.
It becomes compulsory when the parties to be joined are indispensable parties. 128
4.
The exception to compulsory joinder of parties is when the subject of the action is
proper for a class suit. The subject matter of the controversy is proper for a class suit
when it is one of common or general interest to many persons so numerous that it is
impractical to join all as parties.129 All the parties who are interested in the action as
plaintiffs or defendants are all indispensable parties but not all need to be joined.
5.
127
5.2
5.3
The parties bringing or defending the class suit are found by the court to
be sufficiently numerous and representative as to fully protect the interest
of all.
5.4
To comply with the 2nd and 3rd requisite, the Complaint most allege: (1)
existence of a subject matter which is of common or general interest to
many persons, and (2) existence of a class and the number of persons
belonging to that class
6.
Improper for a class suit is when a claimant is interested only in collecting his
claims and has no concern in protecting the interests of the others 132 or each of the
plaintiffs has a separate claim or injuries not shared in common by the others. Hence,
each must prove his own damages.133
7.
It can be brought by the plaintiffs as a class or may be filed against the
defendants as a class
7.1
Any party in interest shall have the right to intervene to protect his
individual interest.
7.2
The general rule is that the party bringing the suit in his own name and
that of others similarly situated has the right to control the suit, but, it shall
not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court. 134
2.
If there is a failure to join a necessary party, the pleader in the pleading in which
a claim is asserted without joining a necessary party shall (a) set forth the name of the
necessary party, if known and (b) state the reason for omission.
2.1
132
If the court finds the reason for the omission is not meritorious, it may
order the inclusion of the omitted necessary party if jurisdiction over his
person is obtained.
2.2
If pleader fails to comply with order for inclusion without justifiable cause, it
shall be deemed a waiver of the claim against the party, but the noninclusion does not prevent the court from proceeding with the action, and
the judgment therein shall be without prejudice to rights of such necessary
party.136
3.
Misjoinder of parties is not a ground for dismissal. Parties may be dropped or
added by order of the court on motion of any party or on its own initiative at any stage of
the action and on such terms that are just. Any claim against a misjoined party may be
severed and proceeded against separately.137
3.1
3.2
Once notice is given, the court shall order the legal representative to
appear and be substituted within 30 days from notice.
1.2
Examples of actions that survive are those arising from delict, 143 tortuous
conduct,144recovery of real or personal property145 recovery of money
arising from a contract, express or implied
1.3
2.
The purpose of substitution is the protection of the right of every party to due
process.146The non compliance renders the proceedings infirmed because the court
acquires no jurisdiction over the person of the legal representative of the deceased. 147
2.1
2.2
3.
Note that heirs may be allowed to be substituted for the deceased without
requiring the appointment of an executor or administrator and the court can appoint a
guardian ad litem for minor heirs. When the defendant does not have any heirs, the
141
court shall require the opposing party to procure the appointment of an executor or
administrator. This can also occur when no legal representative is named or if one is
named, he fails to appear within the specified period. The expenses if any, can be
recovered as costs.
3.1
4.
There is no requirement for summons as it is the order of substitution and its
service that effects the substitution of the deceased by his representative.
5.
The effect of death is to terminate the attorney-client relationship. A deceased
client has no personality and cannot be represented by an attorney. 150Neither does he
become counsel for the heirs of the deceased unless his services are engaged by the
heirs.151
The failure to make the substitution is ground for the dismissal of the action.
dismissed but shall be allowed to continue until entry of judgment, a favorable judgment
obtained shall be enforced in the manner provided by the rules for prosecuting claims
against the estate of a deceased person.154
2.
Hence, in case of the death of the obligor the rules are: (a) If he dies before the
action is filed, a money claim must be filed in the testate or intestate proceedings (b) if
he dies during the pendency of an action, the action continues until entry of judgment,
and the judgment claim is then filed with the testate or intestate proceedings. It must be
noted that a money claim judgment need not be proven because it is conclusive. Note
further, that if property has been levied upon before death, it can disposed of in the
manner provided by the rules on execution of judgments because it has already been
segregated from the estate. If there is a deficiency, a money claim can be filed
subsequently.
2.
If the claim does not arise from a contract, like claims for recovery, enforcement
of a lien or torts, the rules are: (a) if he dies before the action is filed, it may be filed
against the executor or administrator (b) if already filed, it continues to final judgment
and may be executed on as against the executor or administrator.155
3.
In a case for ejectment where the defendant died before the case could be
decided and without being able to testify on his counterclaim for damages. The trial
court dismissed the ejectment suit and ordered the plaintiff to pay the wife of the
defendant moral damages and attorneys fees. The plaintiff contends on appeal that the
counterclaim should have been dismissed pursuant to Rule 3, Section 21 (old rule).
Held: The argument is misplaced, defendant was the plaintiff in his counterclaim, the
rule is not applicable as it pertains to a defendant who dies before final judgment. In this
case, it is the plaintiff who died and all that is required is a timely motion for substitution.
No recovery though can be allowed as no evidence was adduced. 156
4.
If a claim involves a conjugal debt that was not brought and one of the spouses
die before filing, the claim must be brought in the testate or intestate proceedings of the
deceased spouse.157
5.
If it is the plaintiff who dies, the rules are: (a) if action is purely personal to him,
the action is abated (b) if action is not purely personal, it continues but counsel must
give notice of death.
EFFECT ON INCOMPETENCY/INCAPACITY ON AN ACTION
1.
The court, upon motion with notice, may allow the action to be continued by or
against the incompetent or incapacitated person assisted by his guardian or guardian
ad litem.158
154
159
2.1
Attached to the motion is an affidavit attesting to the fact that he does not
earn a gross income of PHP 4,000.00 in Metro-Manila, or PHP 3,000.00
elsewhere and has no real property with a fair market value of PHP
50,000.00.
2.2
2.3
3.
The effect of being allowed to litigate as an indigent or pauper litigant are: (a)
exemption from the payment of docket fees and other lawful fees (b) exemption from
TSN fees which the Court may order to be furnished but, the amounts due shall be a
lien on a favorable judgment unless the Court orders otherwise.
4.
The allowance to litigate as an indigent or pauper litigant can be contested at any
time before judgment is rendered by any adverse party. If found to be meritorious, the
proper fees are assessed and are to be collected. If it is not paid, execution shall issue
on the payment thereof without prejudice to other sanctions.
5.
164
165
1.
If it is a Real Action or one that affects title to or possession of real property, or an
interest therein, it shall be commenced and tried in the proper court which has
jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property involved or a portion thereof is
situated. Forcible Entry and Detainer actions are to be commenced and tried in the
Municipal Trial Court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property
involved, or any portion thereof, is situated. 166
1.1
2.
If it is a Personal Action or one that is brought for the recovery of personal
property, for the enforcement of a contract or recovery of damages for its breach of for
the recovery of damages due to injury to person or property or such all other actions
shall be commenced or tried where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs reside or
any of the defendants reside, or if a non-resident defendant, where he may be found at
the election of the plaintiff168
166
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.2
3.3
A non-resident alien who cannot be found can sue and be sued as by filing
his complaint, he submits to the jurisdiction of the Court, even if he has
never been able to enter the Philippines. 172
1.2
The criminal or civil action for damages due to libel can only be instituted
either in Regional Trial Court of the place where he holds office or in the
place where the alleged libelous article was printed and first published;
and if the offended parties are private individuals, the venue shall be in the
Regional Trial Court of the place where the libelous article was printed and
first published or where any of the offended parties actually resides at the
time of the commission of the offense.174
170
1.3
2.
Where the parties have validly agreed in writing before the filing of the action as
to exclusive venue.176
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
175
2.
An example of a provision that applies only to a Municipal Trial Court is that
which refers to an appeal taken from an order of the lower court dismissing the case
without trial on the merits.181
Pleadings are necessary to secure the jurisdiction of the court so that the
subject matter can be presented for its consideration in the manner
sanctioned by the rules of procedure.
1.2
1.3
They are designed to present, define and narrow the issues, to limit proof
to be submitted in the trial, to advise the court and the adverse property of
the issues and what are relied upon as causes of action or defenses.
2.
The pleadings that are allowed are: (a) Claims of a party are asserted in the
complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, 3 rd party complaint (4th..), or complaint in
intervention (b) Defenses of a party are alleged in the answer to the pleading asserting
a claim against him (c) Reply to the answer 184
2.1
Under the Rules on Summary Procedure, the only pleadings allowed are
the complaint, compulsory counterclaim, cross claim pleaded in the
answer, and the answers thereto.
CONSTRUCTION OF PLEADINGS
1.
2.
While such is the rule, a party is strictly bound by the allegations, statements or
admissions made in his pleadings and cannot be permitted to take a contradictory
position.186
181
2.1
Answer- which is a pleading in which a defending party sets forth his defenses 188.
2.1
Its essential purpose is to secure joinder of the issues and not to lay down
evidentiary matter.189
2.2
The following are the kinds of defenses 190 that may be interposed in an
answer are:
2.3
187
(a)
(b)
succinctly intends to disprove at the trial, together with the matter which he
relied upon to support the denial.192
2.4
Note that the rule that a defending party who sets up an affirmative
defense hypothetically admits the allegations does not apply if the defense
set up is any of the grounds for extinguishment of the obligation. The
effect is that the defending party is deemed to have admitted the validity of
the obligation, and if the motion to dismiss is denied, what is left to be
proven is the fact of payment or non-payment.
2.5
3.
Counterclaim- which is any claim which a defending party may have against an
opposing party.194
192
3.1
3.2
195
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
counterclaim as they cannot rely on the rule that the defendant in the
counterclaim is deemed to have adopted the allegations of the complaint
in his answer.204
4.
A cross claim is a claim by one party against a co-party arising out of a
transaction/occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or the
counter-claim. It may include a claim that a party against whom it is asserted is or may
be liable to the cross claimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the
cross-claimant. 205
4.1
Note that counterclaims may be asserted against an original counterclaimant and that cross-claims may also be filed against an original crossclaimant.206
5.
A reply is a pleading, the office or function of which is to deny or allege facts in
denial or avoidance of new matters alleged by way of defense in the answer and
thereby join or make an issue as to such matters.
5.1
If a reply is not filed, all new matters are deemed controverted. If plaintiff
wishes to interpose any claims arising out of the new matters so alleged,
such claims shall be set forth in an amended/supplemental complaint.
5.2
6.
A 3rd Party Complaint is a claim that a defending party may, with leave of court,
file against a person, not a party, called 3 rd party defendant for contribution, indemnity,
subrogation or any other relief in respect of his opponents claim.207
204
6.1
6.2
Lafarge Cement Philippines, Inc. v Luzon Continental Land Corporation, 443 SCRA 522
Supra, Section 8, Rule 6
206
Supra, Section 9, Rule 6
207
Supra, Section 11, Rule 6
205
respect to his claim against the 3rd party plaintiff.208 An example is: a
reinsurer (3rd party defendant) may set up in his answer the defense
alleged by defendant insurer that loss is caused by plaintiff insured.
However the 3rd party defendant cannot file a counterclaim against the
original plaintiff as there is no privity of contract between them.
WHEN NEW PARTIES CAN BE BROUGHT
1.
If the presence of others besides the parties is required for the granting of full
relief in the determination of a counter-claim or cross- claim the court shall order them to
be brought in as defendants, if jurisdiction over them can be obtained 209.
RULE 7 PARTS OF A PLEADING
PARTS OF A PLEADING
1.
The parts of a pleading are Caption, Body, Signature, Address, Verification and
Certification against Forum Shopping.
SPECIFICS OF THE PARTS OF A PLEADING
1.
The Caption sets forth the (a) Name of the court (b) Title of the action, this
includes an indication of the name of the parties, who are required to be named in the
original complaint/petition. In subsequent pleadings, the name of the first party on each
side is sufficient with an appropriate indication when there are other parties. (c) Docket
Number , if one has already been assigned.210
1.1
1.2
In case of a variance between the caption and allegations, the latter will
prevail. The court may grant a relief warranted by the allegations and
proof even if no such relief is prayed for.212
2.
The Body sets forth its designation, the allegations or a partys claims / defenses,
the relief prayed for, and the date of the pleading.
2.1
208
2.2
Headings must be used when 2 or more causes of action are joined, the
statement of the first shall be prefaced by: First Cause of Action etc.
When: 2 or more paragraphs are addressed to one or several causes of
action in the complaint, they shall be prefaced by: Answer to the First
Cause of Action and so on. If it addresses several causes of action, the
paragraphs shall be prefaced accordingly.
2.3
Relief should be specified but it may add a general prayer for such further
or other relief as may be deemed just and equitable. The relief does not
constitute a part of the statement of the cause of action. It does not serve
to limit or narrow the issues presented. 213It is the material allegations, not
the legal conclusions that determine the relief that a party is entitled to. 214A
court may grant a relief not prayed for as long as warranted by the
allegations and the presented proof.
2.4
3.
Signature and Address - every pleading must be signed by the party or counsel
representing him, stating in either case his address which should not be a post office
box.
213
3.1
Note the word or because a party may litigate / defend Pro Se or for
himself without aid or counsel. This applies even if a party is already
represented by counsel.
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
violation of the Rule (c) Alleges scandalous or indecent matter (d) Fails to
promptly report to the court a change in his address
4.
A Verification is an affidavit that the affiant has read the pleading and that the
allegations therein are true and correct of his personal knowledge and/or is based on
authentic records..
217
4.1
4.2
4.3
The court may order the correction of the pleading or act on an unverified
pleading if the attending circumstances are such that strict compliance
would not fully serve substantial justice, which after all, is the basic aim of
the rules of procedure.218
4.4
4.5
232
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
It also occurs when a party attempts to have his action tried in a particular
court or jurisdiction where he feels he will receive the most favorable
judgment.
5.5
It has been said to exist also where the elements of litis pendentia are
present or where a final judgment in one case will amount to res judicata
in another. Hence, the following requisites concur: (a) identity of parties, or
at least such parties represent the same interests in both actions (b)
identity of rights asserted and relief prayed for, the relief being founded on
the same facts, and (c) identity of the two preceding particulars is such
that any judgment rendered in the other action will, regardless, of which
party is successful, amount to res judicata in the action under
consideration. 235
235
5.6
5.7
5.8
If there are several plaintiffs, the general rule is that all of them must sign
but it must be noted that there is jurisprudence to the effect that: (a) the
execution by one of the petitioners or plaintiffs in a case constitutes
substantial compliance where all the petitioners, being relatives and coowners of the properties in dispute, share a common interest in the
subject matter of the case.238 (b) the case is filed as a collective raising
only one cause of action or defense 239 (c) the signing by 1 spouse
substantially complies as they have a common interest in the property 240 or
is signed by husband alone is substantial compliance as subject of case is
recovery of conjugal property241 (d) 2 of the parties did not sign as they
were abroad. It was considered reasonable cause to exempt them from
compliance with the requirement that they personally execute the
certificate242
5.9
5.11
The Supreme Court has gone to the extent of invoking the power to
suspend the rules by disregarding the absence of the certification in the
interest of substantial justice.251
5.12
5.13
Problem: The rule in Section 1, Rule 17 is that the plaintiff may dismiss his
complaint by filing a notice of dismissal at any time before service of the
answer or of a motion for summary judgment. As a general rule, such
dismissal is without prejudice. Suppose P filed a complaint against D, and
before service of the answer or of motion for summary judgment, P
caused the dismissal of his complaint by filing a notice of dismissal.
Months later, P filed the same complaint against D. In the certification on
non-forum shopping appended to the second complaint, P failed to
mention about the prior filing and dismissal of the first case. Is Ps failure
to mention about the prior filing and dismissal of the first case fatal?
No. An omission in the certification on non-forum shopping about any
event or case which would not constitute res judicata or litis pendentia is
245
not fatal. In the problem presented, the dismissal of the first case would
not constitute res judicat253a precisely because such dismissal is without
prejudice to the refilling of the case.254
5.14
253
Ultimate facts are the essential facts constituting the plaintiffs cause of
action. A fact is essential if it cannot be stricken out without leaving the
statement of the cause of action insufficient.
1.2
1.3
2.
Mere evidentiary facts or those that are necessary for the determination of the
ultimate facts are to be omitted. Evidentiary facts are the premises upon which
conclusions of ultimate facts are based.
2.1
2.2
3.
3.
The object of the provision is to relieve a party from making a definite election in
cases where his claim or defense might fall within two different substantive classes.
256
3.2
Overruling of one does not bar other defenses. However, if not set up,
determination of one shall bar the determination of the other.
257
Note the cross reference to Sections 1 and 3, Rule 3 referring to who may
be parties and representative parties, and to Section 1(d), Rule 16
referring to a motion to dismiss on the ground of lack of legal capacity to
sue, meaning that a party is not in possession of his civil rights, does not
have the qualification to appear, or does not have the character or
representation claimed.
2.
A party desiring to raise the issue of lack of legal capacity shall do so by specific
denial, which shall include such supporting particulars as peculiarly within the pleaders
knowledge.
It must state the time, place and specific acts constituting the fraud.
2.
Condition of mind, such as malice, intent, knowledge may be averred
generally.261
2.1
261
2.1
2.2
The requirement does not apply if: (a) adverse party is not/does not
appear to be a party to the actionable document. Example: Heirs are sued
on a document executed by a person they will inherit from (b) when
compliance with an order for an inspection of the original document is
264
Defendant in the amount of P500, 000.00 on July 27, 2006 in Baguio City.
The defendant in his answer alleges: Defendant specifically denies that
Plaintiff extended a loan to Defendant in the amount of P500, 000.00 on
July 27, 2006. The answer is a mere repetition of the allegations made in
the complaint. The answer is vague as to what it really denies. Is it the
existence of a loan that is denied? Is it the amount? The date? The
place?
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Exceptions to the rule that matters are admitted by the failure to make a
specific denial are: (a) the amount of unliquidated damages 269 (b)
conclusions which are not required to be denied as only ultimate facts
must be alleged, and (c) non-material allegations as only those that are
material have to be denied.
1.6
1.1
2.
A compulsory counterclaim or a cross-claim not set up shall also be barred. 272
Note that this is in consonance with the requirement of the Rules that a compulsory
counterclaim or cross claim existing at the time of the filing of the answer must be
contained therein273 but if it arises after the filing of an answer, it may be set up in a
supplemental pleading before judgment 274 or if failure is due to oversight, inadvertence,
excusable neglect or when justice requires, it may be set up by amendment with leave
of court before judgment.275
WHAT RESULTS IF DEFENDANT / DEFENDING PARTY FAILS TO ANSWER WITHIN
THE TIME ALLOWED
1.
If there is failure to plead within the time allowed, the defendant may be declared
in default upon compliance with the following: (a) the plaintiff must file a motion to
declare the defendant in default (b) serve notice of his motion to defendant, which must
include a notice of hearing (c) at the hearing, show proof of failure on the part of the
defendant to file his answer within the reglementary period. 276
1.1
2.
Default is a procedural concept that occurs when the defending party fails to file
his answer within the reglementary period.
271
2.1
It does not occur from the failure of the defendant to attend the pre-trial,
where absence is a cause for the court to order presentation of evidence
ex-parte or at the trial, where absence will be construed as a waiver to
assail the evidence against him or is a waiver of the right to adduce
evidence.
2.2
Note the exceptions to the concept that default is triggered by the failure of
the defending party to file the required answer, as a default judgment has
been held to lie if (a) a party refuses to obey an order requiring him to
comply with the various modes of discovery 277, or (b) if a party or
managing agent of a party willfully fails to appear before the officer who is
to take his deposition.278
3.
It is an error to declare a defendant in default where an answer has already been
filed.279
4.
Note that the rule is different if covered by the Rules on Summary Procedure,
where a motion to declare defendant in default is prohibited. 280
4.1
Instead, the court can motu proprio or upon a motion render judgment as
may be warranted by the facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what
is prayed for.281
5.
A declaration in default is not an admission of the truth or the validity of the
plaintiffs claims.282
ONCE DECLARED IN DEFAULT
1.
The court has two options, it: (a) can proceed to render judgment granting the
claimant such relief as his pleading may warrant, unless, (b) the Court in its discretion
requires the claimant to submit the evidence. Such reception may be delegated to the
Clerk of Court, who must be a member of the Bar.
2.
The extent of the relief that may be awarded shall not exceed the amount or be
different in kind from that prayed for nor award unliquidated damages.283
2.1
Hence, even if there is proof to indicate a greater relief, the court will
refrain from awarding it.
3.
The defaulted defendant is nevertheless entitled to notice of subsequent
proceedings but he cannot take part in the trial. 284
4.
Effect of Partial Default, where a pleading asserting a claim states a common
cause of action against several defending parties, some of whom answer while others
do not, the court shall try the cause against all upon the answers thus filed and render
judgment upon the evidence presented.285
4.1
278
It is not within the authority of the court to divide a case by first hearing the
case ex parte as against the defaulted defendants and render a judgment
against them, then proceed to hear the case as against the non-defaulted
defendants.286
WHAT ARE THE REMEDIES OF A DEFAULTED DEFENDANT
1.
Motion to Set Aside Order of Default under oath, filed at any time after
notice of declaration in default and before judgment. Defendant must show
by an Affidavit of Merit stating that failure to file an answer was due to
FAME and that he has a meritorious defense
1.2
Motion for New Trial on the ground of FAME if the trial court has rendered
judgment but it has not yet become final
1.3
286
1.4
Petition for Relief from Judgment based on FAME, provided no appeal has
been taken within 60 days from notice and 6 months from entry of
judgment.288
1.5
1.6
Heirs of Mamerto Manguiat, et al. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 150768, August 20, 2008
Rural Bank of Sta. Catalina, Inc. vs. Land Bank of the Philippines, G.R. No. 148019, July 28, 2004
288
Supra, Rule 38
289
Supra, Rule 65
287
2.
If despite a declaration in default, the court subsequently acts on motions for
extension or a motion for a bill of particulars, the effect is that the order of default is
deemed lifted. The trial court is not considered to have acted with grave abuse of
discretion.290
CASES WHERE NO DEFAULT LIES
1.
In the following cases, default does not lie: (a) annulment of marriage (b)
declaration of nullity of marriage (c) legal separation (d) expropriation, and (e) forcible
entry, illegal detainer and the other actions covered by the Rules on Summary
Procedure.
1.1
Regarding items (a) to (c), the court shall order the prosecuting attorney to
investigate whether or not collusion exists, and if there is no collusion, to
intervene for the state in order to see that the evidence so presented is not
fabricated.291
2.
The purpose for allowing amendments is so that the actual merits of the
controversy may speedily be determined without regard to technicalities
and in the most expeditious and inexpensive manner. 292
2.2
290
Republic of the Philippines vs. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 148154, December 17, 2007
Supra, Section 3,(e), Rule 9
292
Supra, Section 1, Rule 10
293
Supra, Section 4, Rule 10
291
1.
Formal and Substantial amendments can be made once as a matter of right
before a responsive pleading is served, or in case of a Reply, at any time within 10 days
after it is served.294
1.1
Prior to the filing of an answer, the plaintiff has the absolute right to amend
the complaint whether a new cause of action or change in theory is
introduced.295
1.2
Note that the filing of a motion to dismiss does not bar an amendment as it
is not a responsive pleading and does not preclude the right to the plaintiff
to amend his complaint.296
1.3
In fact, even if the motion to dismiss has been granted, the plaintiff can still
amend his complaint before the dismissal becomes final as long as no
answer has of yet been served and the order dismissing the complaint has
not yet become final. 297
2.
After the filing of a responsive pleading, Substantial amendments require leave of
court, but leave may be refused if it appears to the court that the motion was on made
with intent to delay. Orders related to leave shall be made upon motion filed in court,
with notice to the adverse party and opportunity to be heard. 298
294
2.1
That the amendments should not substantially alter the cause of action or
defense is no longer the rule as the Rules now allow the pleading of
alternative causes of action/defenses 299 and that all such causes or
defenses must be pleaded in accordance with the rule on waiver.300
2.2
The Trial Court may refuse leave or amendments when: (a) A responsive
pleading has been filed and the motion for leave to amend is made with
intent to delay (b) The purpose is to confer jurisdiction as the court must
first acquire jurisdiction before it can act. 301 Note the instance when the
amendment is made as a matter of right (c) The purpose is to cure the
defect of a non-existent cause of action. Example: An amendment of the
complaint to correct its having been filed prematurely or when the
obligation was not yet due.
2.3
2.4
3.
Substantial amendments can also be made when it is necessary to conform to
the evidence. This occurs when issues are tried with the express or implied consent of
parties. If such, they are treated in all respects as if they have been raised in the
pleadings303, thus paving the way for an amendment of the pleadings to conform to the
evidence. This is made upon motion of any party, even after judgment though the failure
to amend does not affect the result of the trial. Example: Increased claim for the
payment of damages or made to authorize presentation of evidence. This occurs when
evidence is objected to at the trial on the ground that it is not within the issues made by
the pleadings, the court may allow the pleadings amended and shall do so with liberality
to authorize presentation of evidence.304
3.1
2.
Admissions in the superseded pleading may be received in evidence against the
pleader because it is not expunged from the records and admissions in the superseded
pleading are in the nature of judicial admissions made by a party in the course of the
proceedings which do not require proof and ordinarily cannot be contradicted except by
showing that it was made through palpable mistake or that no such admission was
made.305
3.
Claims or defenses alleged in the superseded pleading but not incorporated in
the amended pleading shall be deemed waived. 306
HOW IS AN AMENDED PLEADING FILED
1.
A new copy of the entire pleading incorporating the amendments which shall be
indicated by appropriate marks shall be filed.307
302
1.1
Note that the date of filing of amended pleadings does not retroact to the
date of the filing of the original pleading. Hence, the statute of limitations
runs until the filing of the amendment, but, an amendment that merely
supplements and amplifies facts originally alleged in the complaint relates
back to the date of the commencement of the action and is not barred by
the statute of limitations that expired after service of the original complaint.
Example: The statement of a cause of action is imperfect and is corrected
by an amended complaint, the plea of prescription relates to the time of
filing but the rule will not apply if a new defendant is impleaded in the
amended complaint and prior to its filing prescription has set in.
308
3.
If the complaint is amended: (a) as a matter of right, within 15 days from being
served with a copy (b) if with leave of court, within 10 days from notice of order
admitting the same. If no new answer is filed, a previously filed answer may serve as
the answer. The same period holds for answers to amended counter-claims, cross
claims, third party complaints and complaints in intervention.315
4.
If defendant is a foreign private juridical entity, within 15 days if service of
summons is made on the resident agent or within 30 days from receipt of summons by
the entity at its home office if received by the government office designated by law. 316
5.
If it is a complaint in - intervention, within 15 days from notice of the order
admitting the complaint in intervention
6.
If it is a supplemental complaint, within 10 days from notice of the order admitting
the supplemental complaint. The answer to the complaint shall serve as the answer to
the supplemental complaint if no new or supplemental answer is filed. 317
7.
If it involves a complaint served on a non-resident defendant who is not in the
Philippines through any of the modes of extra-territorial service, including by publication,
within a reasonable time which shall not be less than 60 days after notice as the court
may specify in its order granting leave to effect extra-territorial service of summons
312
8.
If it involves corporate election contests or inspection of corporate books and
records disputes, within 10 days from service of summons and the complaint. 318
ANSWER TO A CROSS CLAIM OR COUNTER CLAIM
1.
The answer to a cross claim or a counter-claim shall be filed within 10 days from
service.319
2.
Note that compulsory counterclaims need not be answered unless it raises
issues not covered by the complaint.
2.1
REPLY
1.
It must be filed within 10 days from service of the pleading responded to. 321
2.
Note though that the filing of a reply is optional as if one is not filed, all new
matters are deemed controverted.322
3.
318
4.
A lawyer shall not, after obtaining extensions of time to file pleadings,
memoranda, or briefs, let the period lapse without submitting the same or offering an
explanation for failure to do so.325
WHEN A COMPLAINT SHOULD BE FILED
1.
A complaint is not a responsive pleading. It is to be filed upon accrual of the
cause of action or any time thereafter but before it is barred by prescription.
RULE 12 BILL OF PARTICULARS
BILL OF PARTICULARS DEFINED
1.
It is a definitive statement of any matter which is not covered with sufficient
definiteness or particularity to enable him to properly prepare his responsive pleading. 326
2.
The purpose of which is to make more particular or definite the ultimate facts in a
pleading and is not intended to supply evidentiary matters.
3.
It is to be resorted to when the complaint is deficient in details with respect to the
factual basis of each and every item claimed, but such deficiency is not such as to
amount to a failure to state a cause of action as the remedy then is to file a motion to
dismiss.327
WHEN SHOULD IT BE FILED
1.
2.
2.
The clerk of court must immediately bring it to the attention of the court, which
may deny or grant the motion outright or allow the parties an opportunity to be heard. 328
2.2
325
3.
In compliance, the bill of particulars may be filed either in a separate or in an
amended pleading, serving a copy on the adverse party.329
3.1
Once filed, it becomes part of the pleading for which it is intended. 330
Filing is the act of presenting the pleading or other paper to the clerk of court.
2.
Service is the act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading / paper.
2.1
329
2.2
Service may also be made on a party with counsel: (a) if counsel cannot
be located or changed his given address (b) when his deposition is to be
taken, or is required to answer a written interrogatory or when a request
for admission is made, and (c) if party is ordered to show cause why he
should be punished for contempt
MODES OF FILING
1.
The modes of filing are (a) Presenting the original copies of pleadings,
appearances, motions, notices, orders, judgments and all other papers to the clerk of
court, or (b) By registered mail.337
1.1
The clerk of court shall if filing be personal, endorse on the pleading, the
date and the hour of filing.
1.2
If it by mail, the date appearing on the post office stamp / registry receipt
shall be date of the filing / deposit of court. The envelope shall be attached
to the record. It bears stressing that it is the date of mailing, not the date of
receipt of the mail matter, which shall be considered as the date of filing. 338
This has been the practice since mail is considered an agent of the
Government.339This is also known as the Mailbox Rule.
2.
The papers that are to be filed or served upon affected parties are judgments,
resolutions, order, pleadings subsequent to the complaint, written motions, notices,
appearances, remand, offer of judgment or similar papers. 340
WHAT ARE THE MODES OF SERVICE
1.
The general rule is that pleadings, motions, notices, orders, judgments and other
papers shall be served personally or by mail.341
2.
If personally served, it may done: (a) by delivering personally a copy to party or
his counsel, or (b) leaving it in his office with a clerk or person having charge thereof, or
(3) if no person is found in the office or he has no office, by leaving a copy between the
hours of 8am to 6pm at partys / counsels residence, if known, with a person of
sufficient age and discretion residing therein.342
3.
If by mail, by depositing a copy in the post office in a sealed envelope, plainly
addressed to the party or counsel, if known, at his address / office, otherwise, at his
337
residence, if known, postage prepaid and with instructions to the postmaster to return
the mail to sender after 10 days if undelivered.
3.1
4.
If mailed by private carrier, the date of actual receipt by the court of such
pleading and not date of delivery to the carrier is deemed the date of filing of that
pleading.344
5.
It is required that judgments, final orders or resolutions shall be served personally
or by registered mail.
5.1
6.
If service cannot be made personally or by mail, substituted service may be
availed of as long as the office and place of residence of the party or his counsel is also
unknown, service may be made by delivering a copy to the clerk of court, with proof of
failure of both personal service and service by mail. The service is complete at the time
of such delivery.346
WHEN SERVICE IS COMPLETE
1.
Service will be deemed complete: (a) Upon actual delivery if undertaken
personally (b) Upon expiration of 10 days after mailing, unless the Court orders
otherwise if undertaken by ordinary mail (c) Upon actual receipt by addressee or after 5
days from the date he received the 1 st notice of the postmaster, whichever date is
earlier, if undertaken by registered mail347 (d) At the time of delivery to the clerk of court,
if undertaken by substituted service
WHAT IS THE RULE ON PRIORITY OF SERVICE
1.
Whenever practicable, service and filing of pleadings and other papers shall be
done personally except, with papers emanating from the court. A resort to other modes
must be accompanied by an explanation why service or filing was not done personally.
If not, it may be cause to consider the paper as not filed. 348
1.1
343
service impracticable, and a written explanation why service was not done
personally might have been superfluous. Liberal construction has been
allowed in cases where the injustice to the adverse party is not
commensurate with the degree of thoughtlessness in not complying with
the procedure prescribed.349
WHAT CONSTITUTES PROOF OF FILING
1.
Proof of filing is shown by: (a) existence of the pleading or other paper in the
records of the case (b) If not in the record, but is claimed to be: (1) filed personally by
the written / stamped acknowledgment of its filing by the Clerk of Court on a copy, and
(2) filed by registered mail by the registry receipt and the affidavit of the person who did
the mailing containing a full statement of: (a) Date and place of depositing in the post
office in a sealed envelope addressed to the Court, with postage prepaid, and (b)
Instructions are given to the postmaster to return the mail to sender after 10 days, if
undelivered.350
WHAT CONSTITUTES PROOF OF SERVICE
1.
Proof of service is shown by: (a) Written admission of the party served or official
return of the server, or affidavit of the party serving, containing a full statement of the
date, place, manner of service if served personally (b) An affidavit of the person mailing
of facts showing compliance with Section 7 of the Rule if served by ordinary mail (c) An
affidavit and registry receipt issued by the mailing office. The registry return card shall
be filed immediately upon its receipt by the sender, or in lieu thereof, the unclaimed
letter together of the sworn / certified copy of the notice given by the postmaster to the
addressee.351
2.
If service is by registered mail, proof of service consists of the affidavit of the
person mailing and the registry receipt, both of which must be appended to the motion.
Absent one or the other, or both, there is no proof of service. 352
3.
Late filing of the affidavit of service may be considered as substantial compliance
with the Rules.353
4.
Failure of a party to comply with the required proof of service may be excused
where the motion is not a contentious motion and therefore, no right of the adverse
party would be affected by the admission thereof.354
NOTICE OF LIS PENDENS
349
1.
Is an announcement to the world that a particular property (real) is in litigation,
serving as a warning that one who acquires the property or an interest therein does at
his own risk which is filed with the Office of the Register of Deeds of the place where the
property is located.
1.
It shall contain (a) the names of the parties (b) object of the action or defense (c)
description of the property.355
2.
It is only from the time of the filing of the notice for record shall a purchaser or
encumbrancer of the property affected thereby, be deemed to have constructive notice
of the pendency of the action and only of its pendency against parties designated by
their real names
3.
It is available only in an action affecting title or right of possession of real
property. Specifically in actions (a) to recover possession of real estate
(b)to quiet
title (c) to remove a cloud (d) for partition (e) other proceeding of any kind in court
directly affecting title to the land or the use or occupation thereof or buildings thereon. 356
4.
There is no such action called annotation of lis pendens A notice is ordinarily
recorded without the courts intervention. The annotation of a notice is not proper if the
action is in personam. For it to be proper, the action must be one affecting real
property.357
WHO MAY AVAIL OF IT
1.
The plaintiff or the defendant when affirmative relief is claimed in the answer
defendant answers, plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief
prayed for.
1.1
To be attached thereto is a copy of the complaint and the order for the
appointment of a guardian ad litem, if any.360
2.
It shall also contain a reminder to the defendant to observe restraint in filing a
motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. 361
WHO SERVES SUMMONS
1.
The sheriff, his deputy, or other proper Court Officer, or for justifiable reasons by
any suitable person authorized by the court issuing the summons. 362
2.
An Officer having management of a jail or institution, if a defendant is a prisoner
therein is deputized as a special sheriff for service of summons. 363
SIGNIFICANCE OF SUMMONS
1.
The significance of summons is that it is the primary means by which a Court is
able to acquire jurisdiction over the person of the defendant and to give notice that an
action has been commenced against him. It is the writ by which a defendant is notified
of the action brought against him.364
2.
Jurisdiction cannot be acquired over the person of the defendant even if he
knows of the case against him unless he is validly served with summons 365 or the
defendant voluntarily appears in the action.
3.
Voluntary appearance shall be equivalent to service of summons. The inclusion
in a motion to dismiss of other grounds aside from lack of jurisdiction over the person of
the defendant shall not be deemed a voluntary appearance. 366
3.1
360
The rule abandons previous rulings of the Supreme Court that a motion to
dismiss on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the person be based
solely on that ground, otherwise, it is a voluntary appearance. This is so
because of the omnibus motion rule367 that all objections then available
be included otherwise they are waived, as the only exceptions are (a) the
Court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter; (b) there is another
action pending between the same parties for the same cause; (c) or, the
368
2.1
2.2
But, it may only be resorted to, if for justifiable causes, the defendant
cannot be served personally within a reasonable time. The impossibility of
service in person must be indicated in the return; otherwise, substituted
service is void. 371
2.3
2.4
3.
Service by publication with leave of court, obtained by the filing of a motion in
writing, supported by an affidavit of the plaintiff or some person in his behalf, setting
forth the ground that allows resort to it.375
3.1
The grounds that allow service of summons by publication are: (a) Identity
of the defendant is unknown or whereabouts of the defendant is unknown
and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry 376 (b)
Defendant does not
reside and is not found in the Philippines but the suit can be maintained
against him because it is in rem or quasi in rem 377 (c) Defendant is a
Philippine resident but is temporarily out of the country. 378 Note the cross
reference with Section 15 and the fact that substituted service may also be
availed of.
4.
Extra-Territorial Service is allowed in suits against a non-resident defendant not
found in the Philippines can be made by:
4.1
4.2
4.3
375
any person whose connection with the entity has, upon due notice, been
severed before the action was brought 382 (b) A minor, insane or otherwise
incompetent it is to be served upon him personally and his guardian / or
guardian ad litem. In addition, in case of a minor, service may also be
made on his father or mother383 (c) Republic of the Philippines it is to be
served on the Solicitor General 384 (d) Province, City, Municipality or similar
public corporation it is to be served on the executive head, or on such
other officers as the law or court may direct 385 (e) Domestic Private
Juridical Entity is to be served on the president, managing partner,
general manager, corporate secretary, treasurer or in house counsel. 386
Note the abandonment of doctrine of substantial compliance. 387 Basic is
the rule that strict compliance with the mode of service is necessary to
confer jurisdiction of the court over a corporation. 388 (f) Foreign Private
Juridical Entity is to be served upon its resident agent. If there be no
resident agent, the Government official designated by law such as the
SEC, Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent of Banks. If none, any of
its officers or agents in the Philippines. Note the required sequence of
service. In addition, if a lawyer enters an appearance without proof of
having been engaged by the foreign corporation, no voluntary appearance
can be inferred.389
AFTER SERVICE IS COMPLETE, WHAT MUST SERVER DO
1.
Within 5 days after completion, a copy of the return must be served, personally or
by registered mail, to plaintiffs counsel, and he shall return the summons to the clerk of
court who issued it together with proof of service. 390
2.
Proof of service is the writing executed by the server setting forth (1) the manner,
place and date of service; (2) the paper/s which have been served with the process and
name of the person who received the same. It is required to be sworn to if made by a
person other than the sheriff or his deputy.391
2.1
382
392
4.1
4.2
The absence of the notice of hearing will not toll the running of the
reglementary period for appeal.399 It is considered a pro-forma motion.400
5.
It must be served, together with the notice of hearing on the adverse party at
least 3 days before the date of hearing unless the court for good reason sets the
hearing earlier.401
5.1
The purpose of the three day notice rule is to avoid surprise upon the
opposite party and to give him time to study and meet the arguments of
the motion.402
6.
There must be proof of service of every written motion set for hearing otherwise it
shall not be acted upon.403
6.1
6.2
A judge can act ex-parte on a motion where the rights of the adverse party
are not affected.405
401
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.
If motion is one for leave to file a pleading or a motion, it shall be accompanied
by the pleading or motion sought to be admitted. 412 Example: Motion for leave to admit
amended complaint.
3.
As to form, the Rules applicable to pleadings shall apply to written motions as far
as it concerns captions, designation, signature and other matters. 413
RULE 16 MOTION TO DISMISS
WHEN AND HOW IT CAN BE FILED
1.
By Motion, within the time for the filing of an answer but before the filing of an
answer.
1.1
The rule is not absolute as a motion to dismiss may still be filed after
answer on the ground of (a) lack of jurisdiction (b) litis pendentia (c) lack of
a cause of action, and (d) discovery during trial of evidence that would
constitute ground for dismissal.414
2.
As an affirmative defense in the answer, and in the discretion of the court, a
preliminary hearing may be had as if a motion to dismiss has been filed. If the action is
dismissed, it shall be without prejudice to the prosecution in the same / separate action
of a counter-claim pleaded in the answer.415
WHAT GROUNDS ARE AVAILABLE
A motion to dismiss may be made on any of the following grounds: 416
1. The court has no jurisdiction over the person of the defending party
2. The court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claims
3. Venue is improperly laid
411
3.1
This means that he is not in exercise of his civil rights, or does not have
the necessary qualification to appear or does not have the character /
representation he claims as opposed to the lack of personality to sue
which means that he is not the real party in interest, and the basis for
dismissal then is no cause of action or failure to state a cause of action.418
5. There is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause
417
5.1
5.2
The requisites for its application are: (a) Identity of the parties, or at least
such as representing the same interests in both actions (b) Identity of
rights asserted and reliefs prayed for, the relief being founded on the same
facts. Identity in both cases, is such that judgment in the pending case
would, regardless of which party is successful amount to res judicata in
the other.419
5.3
As between the first and second or latter actions, apply the priority in time
rule, but the rule must yield to the more appropriate action rule. Example:
An action for declaratory relief to interpret a lease contract was filed before
an ejectment case, where the Supreme Court held that the ejectment case
is the more appropriate action.420
5.4
5.5
5.6
6.
423
Where the litigant is engaged in forum shopping, the other party may ask
for the summary dismissal of the two cases. The well entrenched rule is
that a party cannot, by varying the form of the action or adopting a
different method of presenting his case, escape the operation of the
principle that one and the same cause of action shall not be twice
litigated.423
This is known as Res Judicata, whose requisites are: (a) The existence of
a former judgment that must be final (b) Rendered by a court having
jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties (c) It must be a
judgment or order on the merits (d) There must be between 1 st / 2nd action,
identity of parties / subject matter / causes of action.
6.2
6.3
Note that there can be no res judicata in support cases as future support
cannot be compromised.424
6.4
6.5
6.6
PCIB vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 114951, July 18, 2003
De Asis v Court of Appeals, 303 SCRA 176
425
Gardose vs. Tarroza, G.R. No. 130570, May 19, 1998
426
Maillon vs. Alcantara, G.R. No. 141528, October 31, 2006
424
7.
The Test of the Sufficiency of a Cause of Action is: Whether accepting the
veracity of the facts alleged in the complaint, the Court can render a valid
judgment upon the same in accordance with the prayer in complaint.
7.2
7.3
8.
Claim or demand set forth in plaintiffs pleading has been paid, waived,
abandoned, or otherwise extinguished
9.
Claim on which the action is founded is unenforceable under the provisions of the
statute of frauds.
9.1
10.
A condition precedent for filing the claim has not been complied with
10.1
not available at that time. Should the case eventually go to trial, the evidence during the
hearings shall automatically be part of the evidence of the party presenting the same.
2.
After the hearing, Court shall either dismiss the action, deny the motion or order
amendment of the pleading, stating clearly and distinctly the reasons for the action
taken.433
2.1
It is now mandated that the Court cannot defer resolution of the motion
based on the reason that the ground relied upon does not appear to be
indubitable or sure
3.
If the motion is denied, the movant shall file an answer within the balance of the
period prescribed by Rule 11, which he was entitled to at the time of serving the motion,
but not less than 5 days in any event, counted from notice of denial.
3.1
3.2
433
1.2
The action of the court is to confirm the dismissal. Hence, upon filing of
the notice, the complaint is considered as dismissed. 437
2.
Or, by filing a motion to dismiss if an answer or a motion for summary judgment
has been served but such will not result in dismissal without the approval of the court
and upon terms and conditions as the court deems proper.
2.1
2.2
2.3
Note also that a class suit shall not be dismissed or compromised without
the approval of the Court.438
1.2
2.
The remedies of a plaintiff are: (a) Appeal the dismissal as it is a final order, or (b)
If without prejudice, refile the action as an order dismissing without prejudice is not
subject to appeal.
3.
At the pre-trial, the court ordered the parties to submit a compromise agreement
within a ten day period. The parties were unable to submit the compromise agreement,
thus leading to a dismissal. There is nothing in the rules that imposes a sanction for
failure to submit a compromise agreement.440
APPLICABILITY OF THE RULE
1.
The Rule also applies to dismissal by the defendant of his counterclaims crossclaims or 3rd party claims.
438
1.1
RULE 18 PRE-TRIAL
WHAT IS PRE-TRIAL
1.
It is a procedural devise intended to clarify and limit the basic issues between the
parties. Its main objective is to simplify, abbreviate and expedite trial, or otherwise
dispense with it.442
2.
It is a conference or hearing at which the court, with the cooperation of the
parties, seeks to determine definitively what precisely the factual issues to be tried are
and how each party intends to establish his position on each disputed factual issue.
WHEN CONDUCTED
1.
After the last pleading has been served and filed. It shall be the duty of the
plaintiff to move ex-parte that the case be set for pre-trial. 443
1.1
1.2
1.3
The same circular also requires that the presiding judge direct the parties
to mediation, if possible. If it fails, it will schedule the pre-trial but it may
also schedule a preliminary conference before the branch clerk of court to
assist them in (a) reaching a settlement (b) pre-marking of documents and
exhibits (c) consider other matters that will aid in the prompt disposition of
the case.
1.4
2.
The last pleading is the answer to the original complaint, cross claim, or, third
party complaint and the reply.
NATURE AND PURPOSE
441
1.
Pre-trial is by nature mandatory and the purpose for its conduct is to take up the
following matters:444
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the action
2.
Notice is so important that it would be grave abuse of discretion for the court to
allow plaintiff to present his evidence ex parte for failure of the defendant to appear
before the pre-trial who did not receive through counsel a notice of pre-trial.
2.1
444
Accordingly, there is no legal basis to consider a party notified of the pretrial and to consider that there is no longer any need to send a notice
because it was counsel who suggested the date of pre-trial. 447
2.
If defendant fails to appear despite due notice, plaintiff is allowed to present his
evidence ex-parte and the court may render judgment on the basis thereof. 449
3.
What is penalized is the failure to appear of either the plaintiff or the defendant,
and not their respective counsel.450
4.
As a rule, there can be no second pre-trial unless both parties consent. 451
448
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
Note that the failure to file a brief shall have the same effect as failure to appear.
3.
Neither can the court conduct a pre-trial without the parties filing their pre-trial
454
briefs.
PRE-TRIAL ORDER
1.
Proceedings shall be recorded. Upon termination, court shall issue an order
which shall recite in detail: (a) matters taken up (b) action taken thereon (c)
amendments allowed to the pleadings (d) agreements / admissions made by the parties
as to any of the matters taken which shall be binding and conclusive upon the parties 455
(e) explicitly defining and limiting the issues to be tried.
2.
Pre-trial is primarily intended to make certain that all issues necessary to the
disposition of a case are properly raised. Thus, to obviate the element of surprise,
parties are expected to disclose at a pre-trial conference all issues of law and fact which
they intend to raise at the trial, except such as may involve privileged or impeaching
matters. The determination of issues at a pretrial conference bars the consideration of
other questions on appeal.456
2.1
2.2.
RULE 19 INTERVENTION
453
Examples are (a)an action for payment of money, where personal property
of the defendant is attached, a 3 rd person claiming the attached property
can intervene (b) action by alleged owners of the land sought to be
foreclosed.
1.2
2.
The court may refuse leave when (a) It will unduly delay or prejudice the
adjudication of the rights of the original parties. Example: Delay or laches
in bringing intervention, or (b) Intervenors rights may be fully protected in
a separate proceeding. Example: Attachment of real property subject of a
mortgage
2.
The pleadings in intervention are (a) Complaint in Intervention, if he asserts a
claim against either or all of the original parties, or (b) Answer in Intervention, if he
unites with the defending party in resisting the claim of the plaintiff. 464
3.
If granted, a complaint in intervention is to be replied to within 15 days from
notice of the order admitting the same unless a different period is fixed by the court.
4.
No intervention is allowed in a land registration case as the remedy is to file an
opposition.
4.1
460
5.
Intervention is merely collateral or accessory or ancillary to the principal action
and not an independent proceeding. Hence, with the final dismissal of the original
action, the complaint in intervention can no longer be acted upon. 465
6.
RULE 21 SUBPOENA
WHAT IS A SUBPOENA
1.
A process directed to a person requiring him to attend and testify at the hearing
or trial of an action, or at any investigation conducted by competent authority, or the
taking of his deposition
KINDS OF SUBPOENA
1.
The kinds of subpoena are: (a) Subpoena Ad Testificandum if it directs and
requires a person to attend and testify, or (b) Duces Tecum if it requires him to bring
books/documents/or other things under his control. 470
465
BY WHOM ISSUED
1.
A subpoena is issued by (a) The court before whom the witness is required to
attend (b) The court where deposition is to be taken (c) Officer or body authorized by
law to do so in connection with investigations that it may conduct (d) Any justice of the
Supreme Court/Court of Appeals in any case or investigation pending within the
Philippines471
1.1
2.
In taking depositions, the clerk of court shall not issue a subpoena duces tecum
without a court order.473
3.
Absent any proceeding, suit or action, commenced or pending before a court, a
subpoena may not issue.474
WHEN IS A WITNESS NOT BOUND BY A SUBPOENA
1.
Witness resides more than 100 kilometers from his residence to the place where
he is to testify by the ordinary course of travel. 475 This is also called the viatory right of
the witness or the right not to be compelled to testify in a civil case if he lives more than
100 kilometers from his residence to the place where he is to testify by ordinary course
of travel.
1.1
2.
Witness is a detention prisoner, if no permission of the court in which his case is
pending is obtained or if the witness is a prisoner sentenced to death, reclusion
perpetua or life imprisonment and is confined in a penal institution, if authority of the
471
Supreme Court to bring out the prisoner has not been obtained. The court should
examine and study the application properly to determine if it is being made for a valid
purpose.477
FORM AND CONTENTS OF SUBPOENA
1.
A subpoena must contain the following: (a) Name of the court (b) Title of
action/investigation and is to be directed to the person whose attendance is required. If
duces tecum, in addition, it must contain a reasonable description of the books,
documents, things demanded which is must appear to the Court to be prima facie
relevant.478
WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS TO QUASH A SUBPOENA
1.
If duces tecum, it may be quashed on the following grounds: (a) It is
unreasonable and oppressive (b) Relevancy of the books, documents or things do not
appear (c) Person in whose behalf subpoena is issued fails to advance the reasonable
costs of the production thereof (d) The witness fees and kilometrage allowed by the
rules were not tendered when subpoena was served. Under A.M. No. 04-2-04-SC,
witness fees shall be PHP 200.00 a day inclusive of all expenses
2.
If ad testificandum, it may be quashed on the following grounds: (a) Witness is
not bound by the subpoena (b) Witness fees and kilometrage allowed by rules were not
tendered when the subpoena was served. 479
HOW IS A SUBPOENA SERVED
1.
In the same manner as personal or substituted service of summons, original is to
be exhibited and delivered to person on whom it is served tendering the fees for one
day attendance at the kilometrage allowed by Rules except if subpoena is issued by or
on behalf of the Republic of the Philippines or an officer or agency thereof. Tender must
be made so as to allow the witness a reasonable time for preparation or travel to the
place of attendance.480
1.
If duces tecum, the cost of production of books, papers or things must also be
tendered.
2.
Under A.M. No. 04-2-04-SC, the fee for service of summons is PHP 100.00 per
witness.
CAN A PERSON BE COMPELLED TO APPEAR AND TESTIFY WITHOUT A
SUBPOENA
477
1.
Yes, when he is present in court, in which event it is as if he were in attendance
upon subpoena issued by the Court. 481
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE TO A SUBPOENA
1.
The consequences of disobedience are: (a) He may be arrested and brought
before the Court where his attendance is required, the cost of warrant and seizure shall
be paid by the witness if the Court finds disobedience to be willful and without just
excuse. 482 (b) Citation in contempt by the court from which the subpoena is issued. It
not issued by a Court, then in accordance with the applicable rule / law.483
RULE 22 COMPUTATION OF TIME
HOW COMPUTED
1.
The day of the act / event from which the designated period of time begins to run
is excluded and date of performance included.
2.
If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the place where the
Court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day.484
2.1
Should a party desire to file any pleading, even a motion for extension of
time to file a pleading, and the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a
legal holiday, he may do so on the next working day. In case the motion for
extension is granted, the due date for the extended period shall be
counted from the original due date, not from the next working day on
which the motion for extension was filed.485
EFFECT OF INTERUPTIONS
1.
Allowable period after interruption shall start to run on the day after, notice of the
cessation of the cause thereof. The day of the act that caused cessation shall be
excluded in the computation of the period.
2.
Rule on computation of time dies not apply to prescription of offenses or causes
of action. Hence, if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it prescribes
on the said date.
RULES 23 TO 29 MODES OF DISCOVERY
WHAT IS DISCOVERY
481
1.
The methods used by the parties to a civil action to obtain information held by the
other party that is relevant to the action.
PURPOSES OF DISCOVERY
1.
The purposes of resort to discovery are: (a) It is a device to narrow down / clarify
the basic issues between the parties (b) It is a device to ascertain the facts relevant to
the issues.
1.1
WHAT IS A DEPOSITION
1.
A deposition is the taking of the testimony of any person, whether he be a party
or not, but at the instance of a party to the action.
1.1
Supra, Rule 23
Supra, Rule 24
488
Supra, Rule 25
489
Supra, Rule 26
490
Supra, Rule 27
491
Supra, Rule 28
492
Supra, Section 1, Rule 23
487
1.
Any person, whether a party or not, upon oral examination or written
interrogatory upon the initiative of any party.
SCOPE OF A DEPOSITION
1.
The deponent may be examined regarding any matter, not privileged , which is
relevant to the subject of the pending action whether it relates to a claim or a defense of
any other party.
1.1
2.
The taking and scope of a deposition after notice is served for its taking by oral
examination may be limited.
2.1
3.
During the taking of the deposition, it shall be taken subject to the additional
limitations:
493
494
3.1
3.2
make a notice for an order. In granting/refusing such order, the court may
impose upon either party or upon the witness the requirement to pay
costs/expenses as the Court may deem reasonable.495
BEFORE WHOM MAY DEPOSITIONS BE TAKEN
1.
Within the Philippines: a judge, notary public, or person authorized to administer
oaths, at any time or place if so stipulated in writing by the parties. 496
2.
In foreign countries: On notice before a secretary of the embassy or legation or
the diplomatic minister and his staff, consul general, consul, vice consul or consular
agent of the Republic of the Philippines, or before such person or officer as may be
appointed by commission or letters rogatory.497
2.1
2.2
On motion of a party upon whom notice is served, the court, for cause,
may enlarge or shorten the time.499
2.
Officer taking the deposition shall put the witness under oath and shall
personally, or by someone acting under his direction and his presence record the
testimony of the witness stenographically unless the parties agree otherwise.
3.
All objections as to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, the
manner of taking the evidence presented, conduct of the parties or any other objection
shall be noted. Any evidence objected to shall be taken subject to the objections.
4.
Parties served with notice, in lieu of participating in the taking of the deposition,
may submit written interrogatories, which the officer taking the deposition shall
propound to the witness and record the answers verbatim. 500
5.
After the taking of the deposition, and testimony is transcribed, it is submitted to
the witness for examination and shall be read to or by him, unless such is waived by the
witness and the parties. If there are changes, in form or substance which the witness
desires to make, it shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a statement
as to the reason given by the witness as why they are being made.
6.
The deposition is then signed by the witness, unless the parties by stipulation
waive the signing, or the witness is ill or cannot be found or refuses to sign.
7.
If not signed, the officer shall sign it and state on the record why it was not signed
together with reasons. If there is refusal to sign, the effect is that the deposition then
may be used fully as though signed, unless on a motion to suppress under Sec 29 (f) ,
pertaining to errors or irregularities in preparation, the Court holds that the reason for
refusal to sign require rejection of the deposition in whole or in part. 501
8.
Once signed, the officer shall certify on the deposition that the witness was duly
sworn to by him and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony of the witness.
He shall then securely seal the deposition in an envelope endorsed with the title of the
action and marked deposition of _______ to be promptly filed with the court where the
action is pending or sent by registered mail to the clerk thereof for filing. 502
9.
Notice of filing shall then promptly be given by the officer to all parties 503 and
upon payment of reasonable charges; he is to furnish copies of the deposition to any
party or the deponent. 504
TAKING OF A DEPOSITION UPON WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES
1.
Party desiring to take the deposition upon written interrogatories shall serve them
upon every other party with notice stating: (a) name and address of the person who will
500
answer them (b) descriptive title and address of the person who will take the deposition
(c) Within 10 days, party served may serve cross-interrogatories on the party proposing
to take the deposition (d) Within 5 days thereafter, the latter may serve re-direct
interrogatories upon the party serving crossinterrogatories (5) within 3 days after being
served of re-direct interrogatories, a party may serve re-cross interrogatories upon party
proposing to take deposition.505
2.
A copy of the notice and copies of all interrogatories shall be delivered by the
party taking the deposition to officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed
promptly in the manner provided by Sections 17, 19 and 20 to take the testimony of the
witness in response to the interrogatories and to prepare, certify, and file / mail the
deposition attaching copies of the notice and interrogatories. 506
3.
Officer must promptly give notice of filing / and may furnish copies to parties and
deponent upon payment of reasonable charges. 507
4.
Note that Sections 15, 16 and 18 are applicable and that by motion, it can be
asked that the deposition be upon oral examination.
EFFECT OF NON-APPEARANCE
1.
If party giving notice fails to appear and another attends in person or by counsel,
the Court may order the party giving notice to pay reasonable expenses incurred to
attend, including reasonable attorneys fees. 508
2.
If party giving notice does not serve subpoena and the witness does not appear,
court can order party giving notice to pay reasonable expenses for attendance plus
attorneys fees to a party who appears in person or by counsel 509
TAKING OF DEPOSITIONS BEFORE ACTION
DEPOSTIONS IN PERPETUAM REI MEMORIAM
OR
PENDING
APPEAL
OR
1.
A deposition before action is initiated by the filing of a verified petition by a
person desiring to perpetuate his testimony or that of any person in relation to any
matter cognizable in any court in the Philippines in the Court in the place of residence of
the expected adverse party. 510
505
1.1
The contents of the petition which shall be entitled in the name of the
petitioner and should show: (a) That petitioner expects to be a party to an
action in a Court in the Philippines but is presently unable to bring it or
cause it to be brought (b) The subject matter of the expected action and
his interest therein (c) The facts that he desires to establish by the
proposed testimony and his reasons for desiring to perpetuate it (d) The
names or description of the person he expects will be adverse parties and
their addresses so far as known (e) The names and addresses of the
persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he
expects to elicit from each and shall then ask for an order authorizing the
petitioner to take the depositions of the persons to be examined named in
the petition for the purpose of perpetuating their testimony.511
1.2
2.
After the petition is completed, the petitioner shall serve a notice upon each
person named in the petition as an expected adverse party, together with a copy of the
petition stating that: he will apply to the Court at a time and place stated therein, for the
order described in the petition.
2.1
At least 20 days before the date of the hearing, the Court shall cause
notice thereof to be served on the parties and prospective deponents in
the manner provided for service of summons. 512
3.
If the Court is satisfied that the perpetuation of testimony may prevent a failure of
justice or delay of justice, it shall make an order designating or describing the persons
whose depositions are to be taken, specifying the subject and whether it will be upon
oral execution or written interrogatories under Rule 23. 513
3.1
For purposes of applying Rule 23, references to the court in which the
action is pending shall be deemed to refer to the court in which petition for
such deposition is filed. 514
4.
A deposition taken under the Rule or although not so taken, it would be
admissible in evidence; it may be used in any action involving the same subject matter
contained in petition subsequently brought in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of Rule
23.515
5.
A deposition pending appeal can be had If appeal is taken from a judgment of a
Court including the CA in proper cases or before the taking of an appeal if the time
therefore has not yet expired.
511
5.1
5.2
5.3
USE OF DEPOSITION
1.
A deposition can be used at the trial, upon the hearing of a motion or an
interlocutory proceeding.
1.1
516
b.
c.
d.
2.
If the deponent is only a witness, his deposition can only be used to
impeach/contradict him if he testifies but if Paragraph (c ) of Section 4 applies, it can be
used for any purpose.
RESOLUTION OF OBJECTIONS WHEN DEPOSITIONS ARE PRESENTED
1.
Subject to the provisions of Section 29, objections may be made at the trial or
hearing to receive in evidence any deposition or part thereof for any reason which would
require the exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and testifying.
2.
519
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
successors in interest, all depositions lawfully taken and duly filed in the former action
may be used in the latter as if originally taken therefor.523
WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES
1.
The purpose of a written interrogatory is to enable any party desiring to elicit
material facts / relevant facts from any adverse party by the filing and service upon the
latter of a written interrogatory to be answered by the party served or if party is public /
private corporation or a partnership / association by any officer thereof competent to
testify in its behalf.524
2.
An interrogatory is allowed under the same conditions as specified in Section 1,
Rule 23 as to when it is to be had.
523
1.
Unless thereafter allowed by the court for good cause shown and to prevent
failure of justice, a party not served with written interrogatories may not be compelled by
the adverse party to give testimony in open court or give a deposition pending appeal. 529
DISTINGUISHING DEPOSITION
WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES
UPON
WRITTEN
INTERROGATORIES
AND
1.
Any person, party or not can be required to or compelled to give a deposition
upon written interrogatories, while only the adverse party may be compelled to answer a
written interrogatory.
2.
A deposition upon written interrogatory is taken before an officer, while an
adverse party without appearing before an officer shall answer them in writing and
under oath.
EFFECT OF ADMISSIONS
529
1.
It is for the purpose of the pending action only and shall not constitute an
admission by him for any purpose or used against him in any other proceeding 532
1.1
1.2
Or, permit entry upon designated land or other property in his possession /
control for the purpose of inspecting, measuring, surveying or taking
photographs of the property or any designated relevant object or operation
thereon.535
2.
This mode of discovery is resorted to determine the contents or status of
documents or things and/or the preservation of the same.
532
3.
The requisites that have to be complied with to compel the other party to produce
or allow the inspection of documents or things are: (a) the party must file a motion
showing good cause (b) notice of the filing of the motion must be served on all
parties (c) the motion must designate the papers or things that are to be produced
and inspected (d) such papers or things are not privileged (e) that they constitute
or contain evidence material to any matter involved in the litigation, and (f) that
they are in possession, control or custody of the other party.536
It can be ordered only upon motion for good cause shown, with notice to
the party to be examined and to all other parties, specifying the time,
place, manner, condition and scope of the examination and person/s by
whom it is to be made.538
2.
Once the examination is completed, the party examined may request that a
detailed written report of the examining physician setting forth his findings / conclusions.
536
2.1
2.2
If request is refused, the court on motion may order delivery by the party
examined on such terms as are just. If the physician fails / refuses to
make such report, his testimony may be excluded if his testimony is
offered at trial. 539
2.3
1.2
The proponent may then apply for an order to compel an answer in the
proper court where the deposition is being taken. This is also applicable to
interrogatories.
1.3
If granted, the court can order that answer be made and if it finds that
refusal is without substantial justification it may impose upon deponent /
counsel advising that no answer be given or both reasonable expenses
and attorneys fees in obtaining the order. If denied and the court finds
application was filed without substantial justification proponent / counsel
advising application or both may in the same manner be sanctioned. 541
2.
Other consequences that are applicable to Sec 1, Rule 29, Rule 27 and Rule 28,
the Court may issue an:
2.1
Order that the matters regarding which the questions are asked, character
/ description of thing or land / contents of a paper or physical / mental
condition of a party shall be taken to be established in accordance with the
claim of the party obtaining the order.
2.2
2.3
2.4
OTHER SANCTIONS
541
542
1.
Expenses on refusal to admit, if requested party serves a sworn denial and party
serving request proves genuineness / truth, he may apply for an order directing the
requested party to pay expenses incurred in making proof plus attorneys fees. Order is
issued except if court finds good reasons for denial or admissions were of no substantial
importance. 543
2.
Failure of a party to willfully appear before the officer taking the deposition, after
being served with a proper notice, or fails to serve answers to written interrogatories
properly served, court may on motion and notice: (a)Strike out all or any part of the
pleading of that party (b) Dismiss the action / proceeding / part thereof (c) Enter
judgment by default against that party, (d) and ,in its discretion, order payment of
reasonable expenses and attorneys fees544 but no expenses or fees are to be
assessed against the Republic of the Philippines. 545
RULE 30 TRIAL
NOTICE OF TRIAL
1.
Upon entry of a case in the trial calendar the clerk shall notify the parties of the
date of the trial in such manner as to ensure receipt of the notice at least 5 days before
such date.546
MAY TRIAL BE POSTPONED / ADJOURNED
1.
Courts may adjourn a trial from day to day, and to any stated time as the
expeditious and convenient transaction of business may require but it shall have no
power to adjourn for a longer period than one month for each adjournment, nor more
than three months in all, except when authorized in writing by the Court Administrator of
the Supreme Court.547
IF MOTION TO POSTPONE IS DUE TO ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE
1.
Can only be granted upon affidavit showing the materiality / relevancy of the
evidence and that due diligence has been used to procure it, BUT, if the adverse party
admits the facts to be given in evidence, or even if he objects or reserves the right to
object to their admissibility, the trial shall not be postponed. 548
IF DUE TO ILLNESS OF PARTY OR COUNSEL
543
1.
May be granted, if it appears upon affidavit or sworn certification that the
presence of party / counsel at the trial is indispensable and that character of illness is
such as to render non-appearance excusable.549
WHAT IS THE ORDER OF TRIAL
1.
Subject to Section 2, Rule 31 on separate trials and unless the court orders for
special reasons, it shall be limited to the issues stated in the pre-trial order and shall
proceed as follows:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Fourth party, and so forth, if any, shall adduce evidence of the material
facts pleaded by them.
1.5
1.6
The parties may then respectively adduce rebutting evidence, unless the
Court, for good reasons and in the furtherance of justice, permits them to
adduce evidence upon their original case.
1.7
Upon admission of the evidence, the case shall be deemed submitted for
decision, unless the court directs the parties to argue or submit
memoranda or any further pleadings.
TRIAL OF ISSUES
1.
The trial of issues shall be limited to the issues stated in the pre-trial order,
unless the court directs otherwise for special reasons.
2.
If several defendants or 3 rd party defendants and so forth, having separate
defenses appear by different counsel, the court shall determine the relative order of
presentation of their evidence.550
MAY THERE BE AN AGREEMENT UPON THE FACTS AND SUBMISSION OF THE
CASE FOR JUDGMENT WITHOUT INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE
549
550
1.
2.
If the parties agree only on some facts, trial shall be held as to the disputed
facts551
3.
There cannot be a judgment based on stipulation of facts in legal separation,
annulment of marriage and declaration of nullity.
3.1
Note that in the same cases neither is there judgment by default, judgment
on the pleadings, summary judgment, judgment upon confession,
judgment upon compromise, judgment based on stipulation of facts.
may order all actions consolidated. Then it may make such orders concerning
proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs / delay 556
2.
The rationale for consolidation is to have all cases, which are intimately related,
acted upon by one branch of the court to avoid the possibility of conflicting decisions
being rendered.557
MAY THERE BE CONSOLIDATION ALTHOUGH ACTIONS ARE PENDING IN
DIFFERENT COURTS
1.
Yes, involving the consolidation of civil action with criminal action, if filed before
criminal action and trial has not yet commenced. 558
PURPOSE OF ALLOWING CONSOLIDATION
1.
The purpose of allowing consolidation is to avoid multiplicity of suits, guard
against oppression or abuse, prevent delay, clearing of dockets, simplify the work of trial
court, save unnecessary expenses / costs.
2.
Note though that if actions involve a common question of law or fact because
they arise from a single cause of action between the same parties, the remedy is
dismissal on litis pendentia, not consolidation.
3.
A petition for the issuance of a writ of possession cannot be consolidated with an
action to annul the foreclosure notwithstanding the argument that the former case would
become groundless as the latter case is contesting the presumed ownership on which
the petition for a writ of possession is based. Strictly speaking the petition for the
issuance of a writ of possession is not a judicial process, it is a non-litigious process that
is summary in nature. In contract, the action for annulment of foreclosure is an ordinary
civil action and is adversarial in character. The right of the petitioner in the writ of
possession case will be prejudiced by the consolidation with the annulment of
foreclosure case.559
WHEN CAN SEPARATION TAKE PLACE AND WHAT DOES IT COVER
1.
Covers any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim or third party claim or any separate
issue or of any number of claims, cross-claims, counter claims, third party complaints,
or issues in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice. 560
RULE 32 TRIAL BY COMMISSIONER
WHEN RESORTED TO
556
1.
Trial by commissioners may be resorted to upon order of the court, which will
then refer any or all issues when:
2.
1.1
Parties agree in writing and the commissioner may either be agreed upon
or appointed by the Court
1.2
3.
A commissioner is designated or authorized by an order of reference which will
specify or limit his powers, direct him to report only on or upon particular issues or do or
perform particular acts, receive or report evidence only and fix date for beginning /
closing hearings and for the filing of the report.
3.1
He shall then have and exercise the power to: (a) Regulate the proceeding
before him (b) Do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for
the efficient performance of his duties upon the order (c)Issue subpoenas
(d) Swear witnesses (e) Unless otherwise provided, rule upon the
admissibility of evidence563
3.2
The trial shall then proceed before the commissioner/s in all respects as it
would be held in court.
PROCEDURE
1.
Commissioner takes oath and be sworn to a faithful and honest performance of
his duties564
2.
Upon receipt of the Order of Reference, and unless otherwise stipulated he shall
forthwith set a time and place for the first meeting of the parties and counsel within 10
days after the date of the order of reference, and shall notify parties / counsel 565
561
3.
If parties / counsel fail to appear, he may proceed ex-parte or in his discretion,
adjourn the proceedings, giving notice to the absent party or counsel of the
adjournment566
4.
He shall avoid delay as he is duty bound to proceed with all reasonable diligence.
Either party on notice to other parties and the commissioner may apply for a court order
to expedite proceedings / report567
5.
If witness refuses to obey a subpoena or give evidence. It shall constitute
contempt of the appointing court 568
6.
Upon completion of trial / hearing / proceeding he shall file with the court has
report in writing upon the matters submitted to him by the order of reference. When
powers are not specified or limited, he shall set forth his findings of fact and conclusions
of law in his report. He shall also attach all exhibits, affidavits, depositions, paper and
transcripts of the testimonial evidence given 569
7.
Notice is then given by the clerk to the parties of the filing of the report, they shall
then be allowed 10 days within which to signify objections to the findings in the report, is
so desired.
7.1
8.
Upon expiration of the period, the report shall be set for hearing, after which the
court shall issue an order adopting, modifying, or rejecting the report in whole or in
part or recommitting it with instructions or requiring the parties to present further
evidence to the commissioner571
9.
If the parties stipulate that the commissioners findings of facts shall be final, only
questions of law shall be thereafter considered. 572
9.1
Note that the findings of the commissioner are merely advisory and are
not absolutely binding upon the court.573
EXPENSES / COMPENSATION
566
1.
They shall be reasonable as warranted by the circumstances and are to be taxed
as costs against the defeated party or apportioned as justice requires 574
WHEN REFERENCE TO COMMISSIONERS IS REQUIRED BY THE RULES
1.
Reference to commissioners is required in the following cases: (a) Expropriation
under Rule 67 to determine just compensation (b) Partition under Rule 69, when parties
cannot agree as to the manner of partition.
2.
If denied, defendant may present his evidence as it does not constitute a waiver
of right to do so.
574
2.1
The court should set a date for reception of the evidence of the defendant.
It should not proceed to grant the plaintiff relief. 578
2.2
2.3
3.
It is an error on the part of the appellate court to order a remand, if dismissal is
elevated to it on appeal, it must decide on the evidence adduced by the plaintiff. 580
DISTINGUISHED FROM A MOTION TO DISMISS
1.
A motion to dismiss is usually filed before service and filing of an answer, while a
demurrer is made after the plaintiff rests his case.
2.
A motion to dismiss is based on several grounds, while a demurrer is based only
on the failure of the plaintiff to show a right to relief.
3.
A denial of the motion to dismiss will require the subsequent filing of an answer,
while the denial of a demurrer requires the subsequent presentation of evidence.
DISTINGUISHED FROM CRIMINAL CASES
1.
In both civil and criminal actions, the basis for both is the insufficiency of
evidence.
2.
In a civil action, dismissal by demurrer is by motion only, while in a criminal
action, dismissal by demurrer is upon the courts initiative or motion giving the
prosecution an opportunity to be heard.
3.
In a civil action, leave is not required prior to filing, while in a criminal action,
leave may / may not be obtained. If obtained, there is no waiver of right to present
evidence. If denied and if there is no leave, it is a waiver
4.
In a civil action, if granted, plaintiffs remedy is appeal, while in a criminal action,
if granted, there is no appeal as such will constitute double jeopardy.
RULE 34 JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
1.
Can be had if the answer fails to tender an issue or otherwise admits the material
allegations of the complaint 581
1.1
579
2.
An answer fails to tender an issue when it fails to comply with the requirements
of specific denial or is deemed to have admitted the allegations in the complaint .582
2.1
3.
Note that when an answer raises factual issues involving damages, it is not
proper to render judgment on the pleadings as presentation of evidence is required.
WHO MAY MOVE FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
1.
Only the plaintiff in original complaint, or of the counter-claim, or of the cross
claim, or of the third party complaint may so move for judgment on the pleadings.
2.
When a party moves for a judgment on the pleadings, and the same is granted
by the trial court, he hereby waives presentation of evidence. 583
WHEN NOT ALLOWED
1.
Judgment on the pleadings is not allowed in cases of: (a) Declaration of nullity of
marriage (b) Annulment of marriage (c) Legal separation.
1.1
1.2
582
2.
If plaintiff or a claimant in the original complaint / counterclaim / cross-claim, he
may file the motion at any time after the pleading in answer to his claim has been filed
on the ground that although there is an apparent issue, the same is sham or false.585 .
2.1
Example: Answer admits obligation but states that the amount is wrong or
less than that claimed. If plaintiff has proof that there is written
acknowledgment that as of a date or period prior to that of the filing, the
defendant was aware of the true amount, there can be summary
judgment.
3.
If movant is the defending party, he may file the motion at any time before or after
he files his answer on the ground that plaintiffs claim against him is sham or false 586
3.1
4.
In either case, the motion must be filed along with supporting affidavits,
depositions or admissions.
5.
The procedure for the filing and resolution of a motion for summary judgment is
as follows:
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.
If after hearing, it finds that the motion filed by plaintiff justified, thus there is no
genuine issue as to any material fact, it will render summary judgment for the plaintiff.
6.1
If not, it will deny, set the case for pre-trial, then trial.
6.2
1.1
Certified copies of all papers / parts thereof shall be attached and served
therewith.588
2.
If affidavits have been determined to the satisfaction of the court that they are
presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the Court may forthwith order
the offending party to pay reasonable expenses which may have been incurred by the
other party, including attorneys fees. It may also find / adjudge, after hearing, that
attending party / counsel are guilty of contempt.589
EFFECT OF THE RENDITION OF SUMMARY JUDGMENT
1.
The aggrieved party may appeal the summary judgment as such is final
judgment as defined by Section 1, Rule 41.
2.
588
c) A Judgment on the Pleadings can be filed only after an answer has been filed,
while in Summary Judgment, there may or may not be an answer
d) A Judgment on the Pleadings can only be had by the plaintiff, while in
Summary Judgment, either plaintiff or defendant may move for it
e) A motion for Judgment on the Pleadings is required to be served on adverse
party at least 3 days prior to the hearing, while a motion for Summary
Judgment requires service at least 10 days prior to the hearing
2.
Judgment on the Pleadings is a judgment on facts as pleaded, Summary
Judgment is a judgment as summarily proven by affidavits, depositions, admissions. If
an answer tenders an issue, there can be no Judgment on the Pleadings but there can
be Summary Judgment, if issue/s is later shown to be false, sham or fictitious.
RULE 36 JUDGMENTS, FINAL ORDERS, AND ENTRY THEREOF
WHAT IS A JUDGMENT
1.
A judgment is a final ruling by a court of competent jurisdiction regarding the
rights or other matters submitted to it in an action or proceeding. 591
2.
It is the courts official and final consideration and determination of the rights and
obligations of the parties.592
REQUISITES OF A JUDGMENT/FINAL ORDER
1.
The requisites of a judgment or final order are: (a) It must be in writing (b) It must
be personally and directly prepared by the judge (c) It must state clearly and distinctly
the facts and the law on which it is based (d) It must be signed by the judge (e) It
must be filed with the clerk of court.593
591
1.1
Note that a judge who has been reassigned can pen a decision as long he
is still an incumbent judge.594
1.2
1.3
It is not necessary that the judge who pens the decision is the one who
heard and tried the case.596
2.
A decision that does not state clearly and distinctly the facts and law on which it
is based leaves the parties in the dark as to how it was reached and is especially
prejudicial to the losing party who is unable to pinpoint errors for review upon an appeal.
A decision without anything to support it is a patent nullity.597A void judgment has no
legal and binding effect, force or efficacy for any purpose. 598
2.1
There is no need though for a statement of all the facts and evidence
presented. What is required is that the factual and legal basis be distinctly
and clearly set forth.599
2.2
2.3.
Resolutions of the Supreme Court denying petitions for review of the Court
of Appeals are not decisions within the purview of the Constitution 602,
neither are minute resolutions.603 When such is issued, it is understood
that the challenged decision or order, together with the findings of fact and
legal conclusions are deemed sustained. 604
3.
A Memorandum Decision is one which adopts by references findings of facts and
conclusions of law contained in the decision of an inferior tribunal. Note that this does
not violate the rule as to statement of the facts and law. This kind of a decision can only
be rendered by an appellate court.
4.
A Sin Perjuicio Judgment is one which is without a statement of facts and is to be
supplemented later by the final judgment. Such a judgment is void. It contains only the
dispositive portion and reserves the making of findings in a subsequent judgment. This
shall have no effect.605
5.
A conditional judgment is one the effectivity of which depends on the occurrence
or non-occurrence of an event. Such a judgment is void because of the absence of a
disposition and cannot be executed.606
596
Serna v Court of Appeals, 308 SCRA 527, Citibank NA v Sabeniano, GR 156132, October 12, 2006
Miguel v JCT Group Inc, 453 SCRA 529
598
Guevarra v Sandiganbayan, 454 SCRA 372
599
Chan v Court of Appeals, 457 SCRA 502
600
Section 14, Article VIII, Constitution
601
Barrazona v RTC of Baguio, GR No. 154282, April 7, 2006
602
Novino v Court of Appeals, 8 SCRA 279
603
Commercial Union Assurance,Ltd. V Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, 86 SCRA 79
604
Complaint of Rogelio Arrienda v Justices Puno, et al, 460 SCRA 1
605
Dizon v Lopez, AM-RTJ-96-1388, 278 SCRA 483
606
Pascua v Simeon, 161 SCRA 1, Cu Unjieng v Mabalacat Sugar Company, 70 Phil 384
597
5.1
Where the judgment is for a sum of money to be determined by another, it is an
incomplete judgment which cannot be executed. 607
PARTS OF A JUDGMENT
1.
A judgment has two parts: (a) body of the decision or the ratio decidendi, and (b)
the dispositive portion or the fallo. It is the latter that is subject to execution as it should
settle and declare the rights and obligations of the party, finally, definitively, and
authoritatively.608
1.1
In case of conflict, the fallo prevails, but if the inevitable conclusion from
the body is so clear that there is a mistake in the dispositive portion, the
body will prevail.609
1.2
The periods for a court to render judgment is within 24 months from date
of submission for decision for the Supreme Court, within 12 months for
lower collegiate courts, within 3 months for all other lower courts. 610
1.2
2.
It is the filing of the judgment or final order with the clerk of court that constitutes
rendition of judgment, not the date of the writing of the decision or judgment, nor the
signing thereof or even promulgation thereof. 612
DUTY OF THE CLERK OF COURT WHEN JUDGMENT BECOMES FINAL
1.
If no appeal or motion for reconsideration or new trial is brought within the time
provided, the judgment / final order shall forthwith be entered by the clerk in the Book of
Entries of Judgment.
607
1.1
The date of finality shall be deemed the date of entry and shall contain the
dispositive portion and signed by the clerk which a certificate that such
judgment / final order has become final and executory.613
1.2
Note that date of entry retroacts to date of finality. Hence, both occur
simultaneously by operation of law.
2.
Judgments that are final and executory can be corrected if they pertain to: (a)
clerical errors (b) nunc pro tunc, meaning then for now, entries or those intended to
show what the judicial action was but was then omitted from the records 614 (c) whenever
circumstances transpire after finality rendering its execution unjust 615 and (d) in cases of
special and exceptional nature as when facts and circumstances transpire which render
execution impossible or unjust, when necessary to harmonize the disposition with
prevailing circumstances.616
3.
Correction or amendment is also allowed if the purpose is to clarify an ambiguity
caused by an omission or mistake, judgment / final order.
4.
A compromise after finality of a judgment is allowed. The basis of the allowance
is the principle of novation, which is a mode of extinguishing an obligation. 617
5.
Petition for extraordinary relief- GR 167651, San Pablo vs. marina May 10, 2005
620
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.
Newly Discovered Evidence, which the aggrieved party could not with reasonable
diligence, have discovered or produced at the trial and which would probably alter the
result.
2.1
3.
If based on newly discovered evidence it should be supported by affidavits of the
witnesses by whom such evidence is expected to be given or by duly authenticated
documents which are proposed to be introduced as evidence.
625
Agan v Heirs of Sps. Andres and Diosdada Nueva, 418 SCRA 421
Mckee v Intermediate Appellate Court, 211 SCRA 517
627
Marikina Valley Development Corporation v Court of Appeals, 294 SCRA 273
628
Yap v Tanada, 163 SCRA 464
626
4.
If it is a motion for reconsideration, it should point out specifically the finding /
conclusions which are not supported by the evidence / contrary to law, making express
reference to testimonial / documentary evidence or provisions alleged to be contrary to
such findings or conclusions.
4.1
If not, the motion is considered a pro-forma motion. It does not toll the
reglementary period of appeal.629
4.2
Note also that such a motion without notice of hearing and proof of service
has the same effect630
1.2
Note that a motion for new trial is an omnibus motion, thus it should
include all grounds then available as those not included are deemed
waived.
2.
IF granted, the effects are (a) original order / judgment is vacated (b) the action
shall stand trial de novo (c) recorded evidence, insofar as material or competent to
establish the issues, shall be used at the new trial without need to for it to retaken. 633
IF MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION IS FILED WHAT ENSUES
1.
Court may deny or amend its judgment / final order if it finds that excessive
damages are awarded, or that it is contrary to the evidence or the law 634
2.
If denied, no second motion for reconsideration is allowed of the judgment or final
order.
2.1
629
Marina Properties Corporation v Court of Appeals, 294 SCRA 273, Cledera v Sarmiento, 39 SCRA 552
Firme v Reyes, 92 SCRA 713
631
Supra, Section 3, Rule 37
632
Supra, Section 5, Rule 37
633
Supra, Section 6, Rule 37
634
Supra, Section 3, Rule 37
635
Hongria v Hongria-Juarde, 425 SCRA 504
630
3.
Note though that if the subject is not a judgment / final order or is an interlocutory
order which does not dispose of a case completely but leaves something more to be
done upon its merits, a 2nd motion for reconsideration may be allowed.
OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO SUBJECT MOTIONS
1.
The periods for resolving the motions are: (a) MTC / RTC within 30 days from the
time it is submitted for resolution 636 (b) Court of Appeals within 60 days after if declares it
submitted for resolution (c) Supreme Cour- no period is prescribed
2.
The denial of both motions is not appealable, it is the judgment or final order that
is appealable.637
3.
A motion for reconsideration is a pre-condition to an appeal in cases of (a)
habeas corpus in relation to custody of minors (b) annulment of marriage (c) declaration
of nullity of marriage, (d) legal separation.
RULE 38 RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT, ORDERS OR OTHER PROCEEDINGS
GROUNDS UPON WHICH IT IS TO BE BASED
1.
Judgment / final order is entered, or proceeding is thereafter taken against him
through fraud, accident, mistake or excusable negligence.
1.1
These grounds likewise support the petition when there is a failure to take
an appeal.
2.
The object to the petition is that the judgment, order, or proceeding be set aside
or that the appeal be given due course.
2.1
3.
The other ways by which a final and executory judgment may be set aside is by
Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 and by Annulment of Judgment under Rule 47. 639
4.
The petition is premised on equity. It should therefore be granted only in
exceptional cases.
4.1
636
5.
It cannot be availed of if there is another remedy in law 641and is available only
against a final and executory judgment. 642
6.
Note though that if the case is covered by the Rules on Summary Procedure, a
petition for relief is a prohibited pleading.643
WHEN AND WHERE FILED
1.
It is to be filed within 60 days after he learns of the judgment final order /
proceeding but not more than 6 month after such judgment / final order was entered or
such proceeding taken.644
1.1
A few days after expiration of the 60 day period is not entirely fatal as long
as it is still filed within the 6 months period.645
1.2
1.3
The 6 months period is reckoned from entry of judgment or final order, not
from its rendition.647 The phrase from learning means from notice of
judgment or final order648
2.
It is to be filed in the same case and in the same court where the judgment / final
order was entered or where proceeding is taken.
2.1
PROCEDURE
1.
Filing of verified petition accompanied by affidavits showing the ground and the
facts showing the petitioners good and substantial cause of action or defense, as the
case may be.
641
2.
Order issued requiring adverse party to answer within 15 days from receipt 650
2.1
2.2
3.
4.
Court hears and may grant relief if the allegations are true or deny if not true.
4.1
If granted, the assailed final order / judgment / proceeding is set aside and
proceedings taken as if a timely motion for new trial has been granted. 652
There are in effect two hearings: the first is as to the merits of the petition,
the second is as the merits of the principal case.
4.2
If denied, the order is not appealable 653 but may be subject of certiorari
under Rule 65.
5.
Court hears the case as if a timely motion for new trial or reconsideration has
granted.
5.1
6.
650
b) a motion for new trial applies to judgments / final orders, while a petition for relief
includes proceedings
c) the grounds for a motion for new trial includes newly discovered evidence, while
a petition for relief is limited to FAME
d) a motion for new trial is filed within the period for perfecting an appeal, while a
petition for relief is filed within 60 days from knowledge but within 6 months from
entry of judgment
e) a motion for new trial if denied allows an appeal, while a petition for relief from
judgment does not allow an appeal
f) a motion for new trial is a legal remedy, while a petition for relief is a remedy in
equity
g) a motion for new trial requires no verification, while a petition for relief needs to
be verified.
RULE 39 EXECUTION, SATISFACTION AND EFFECT OF JUDGMENTS
EXECUTION DEFINED
1.
It is the remedy afforded for the satisfaction of a judgment. 655It is the fruit and end
of a suit.656
TWO KINDS OF EXECUTION
1.
Compulsory Execution is one which issues as a matter of right, on motion, upon
a judgment or order that disposes of the action or proceeding upon expiration of the
period to appeal, if no appeal is taken or is perfected.
655
1.1
1.2
1.3.
It may also be applied for in the appellate court, on motion in the same
case, when the interest of justice so requires, direct the court of origin to
issue the writ of execution in the event of the refusal of the court of origin
to issue the writ. 657
1.4.
2.
Discretionary Execution is one that is issued, on motion, of the prevailing party
for good reasons. This is also known as execution pending appeal or exceptional
execution 658
658
2.1
It is filed in the trial court while it has jurisdiction over the case and is in
possession of either the original record or the record on appeal, as the
case may be, at the time of the filing of the motion. 659 The court, may, in its
discretion, order execution of judgment / final order even before the
expiration of the period to appeal.
2.2
If the trial court has lost jurisdiction, it is to be filed with the appellate court.
A court loses jurisdiction when there is perfected appeal and the period to
appeal has expired. When a record on appeal is required, it loses
jurisdiction over the subject of the appeal upon perfection of the appeal
and expiration of the period to appeal.
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.
There are judgments not stayed by appeal such as judgments in injunction, to
include a judgment dissolving it 666 receivership, accounting and support and such other
judgments as are now or hereafter be declared to be immediately executory, shall be
enforceable upon their rendition, they shall not be stayed by an appeal taken therefrom,
unless otherwise ordered by the trial court.
3.1
3.2
4.
Separate, Several or Partial Judgments may executed under the same terms and
conditions as execution of a judgment / final order pending appeal. 670
4.1
4.2
The phrase or otherwise applies to reversal after a petition for relief has
been granted under Rule 38 and upon a favorable judgment in a petition
for annulment of judgment under Rule 47
5.
The Court of Appeals has no authority to issue immediate execution pending
appeal of its own decision. Discretionary execution applies only to a judgment or final
order of the trial court.672
WHAT ARE / OR MAY BE THE SUBJECT OF EXECUTION
1.
Only judgments or final orders, or one which disposes of the whole subject
matter or terminates a particular proceeding or action, leaving nothing to be done but to
enforce by execution that which has been determined.
666
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Execution may however be denied when: (a) judgment has been complied
with voluntarily 676(b) When the judgment has been novated (c) When a
petition for relief has been filed and a writ of injunction is granted (d) When
execution is sought more than five years from entry of judgment (e) When
execution is sought against exempt property (f) when the judgment is
conditional
673
3.
Reconciling the actions upon a judgment under Article 1144 of the Civil Code,
which prescribes in 10 years, there is no conflict as the Rules of Court refer to the
manner of execution of the judgment.
3.1
Note that this is not applicable in land registration cases or other special
proceedings but only in civil actions.
4.
There are however instances when judgment / final order can still be enforced by
motion even after lapse of 5 years when the delay is caused or occasioned by the
actions of the judgment obligee or incurred for his benefit or advantage. 680
4.1
The liberal construction of the rule resulting in non inclusion of the period
of delay occasioned by the acts of the judgment obligee in the counting of
the period was resorted to as strict adherence to the letter of the law
would result in absurdity and manifest injustice. 681
1.1
2.
Satisfaction by Levy, if not paid in cash, the sheriff shall levy on the properties of
judgment obligor of any kind / nature which may be disposed of for value and not
otherwise exempt from execution.
2.1
2.2
Sheriff can only sell sufficient portion of the personal / real property levied
upon when there is more property then is sufficient to satisfy judgment, on
so much of it to satisfy judgment is to be sold. The conduct of the sale
shall be the same as that of execution for the sale of property.
2.3
The effect of a levy is that it shall create a lien in favor of the judgment
obligee over the right, title and interest of the judgment obligor in such
property at the time of levy, subject to liens / encumbrances then existing.
Hence, the effect then on 3rd persons will be dependent on when their
liens / encumbrances, if any, was annotated or interposed. 683
2.4
If a levy is made beyond the period of 5 years from entry of judgment. The
same is not valid as lifetime or a writ of execution is 5 years from date of
entry of judgment.684
3.
Garnishment of debts and credits. The officer may levy on debts due the
judgment obligor and other credits. Examples: bank deposits, financial interests,
royalties, commissions, and other personal property. These are not capable of normal
delivery and are in the possession and control of third parties.
683
684
3.1
Levy shall be made by serving notice on the person owing such debts or
having in his possession or control such credits to which the judgment
obligor is entitled.
3.2
The garnishee, shall then make a written report to the court from service
of notice stating whether or not the judgment obligor has sufficient funds
or credits to satisfy the judgment. The garnished amount shall then be
If there are 2 or more garnishees, the judgment obligor shall have the right
to indicate the garnishee/s who shall deliver, otherwise it shall be the
choice of the judgment obligee.685
4.
Writ is to be returned to the Court issuing it immediately after judgment has been
satisfied in part or in whole. If not / cannot be satisfied in full within 30 days from receipt
of the writ, the officer shall report to the court and state the reason therefor. Such writ
will continue to be in effect during the period within which judgment may be enforced by
motion, the officer shall then make a report to the Court every 30 days on the
proceedings taken thereon until the judgment is satisfied in full or its effectivity expires.
The returns / reports shall set forth the proceedings taken, filed with the court and
copies promptly furnished parties.686
EXECUTION FOR SPECIFIC ACTS687
1.
If conveyance, delivery of deeds or other specific acts are required, a party is
directed to comply if he fails to do so within the period specified, court may direct the act
to be done at the cost of the disobedient party, by some other person appointed by the
court and when so done it is as if done by the disobedient party. If it involves real /
personal property located in the Philippines, the court in lieu of directing a conveyance
thereof may by an order divest title and vest it in others, which shall have the force and
effect of a conveyance executed in due form of law.
IF EXECUTION IS FOR THE SALE OF REAL/PERSONAL PROPERTY
1.
The property is to be sold, describing it, and applying the proceeds in conformity
with the judgment.
2.
Notice must be given as follows: (a) Perishable property posting of written
notice(of time, place, sale in 3 public places preferably in conspicuous areas of the
municipal/city hall, post office, public market, for such a time as may be reasonable
depending on circumstances (b) Personal property posting of written notice in 3
public places for not less than 5 days (c) Real property posting of written notice in 3
public places for at least 20 days, describing the property, where it is to be sold, and if
assessed value is in excess of PHP 50,000.00, publishing the notice in a newspaper of
general circulation once a week for 2 consecutive weeks. In all cases written notice is
also given to judgment obligor at least 3 days before the sale except in (a) notice is
given at any time in the same manner as personal service of pleadings. 688
685
2.1
The contents of the notice are the place, date exact time not earlier than
9:00 am or later than 2:00 pm. The place may be agreed upon. If not
agreed upon: (a) Real/Personal property not capable of manual delivery
shall be sold at the Office of the Clerk of Court of Regional or Municipal
Trial Court issuing the writ (b) If capable of manual delivery, where
personal property is located.
2.2
If there is a sale without notice, the officer is liable for punitive damages in
the amount of PHP 5,000.00 in addition to actual damages sustained by
injured person. If the notice is defaced or removed before the sale /
satisfaction of the judgment, the person so defacing or removing shall be
liable to pay PHP 5,000.00 plus actual damages. These are recoverable
upon motion.689
3.
The manner of sale shall be by public auction. This applies also when property is
levied upon.
689
3.1
Sale is made to the highest bidder, to start at the exact time stated in the
notice.
3.2.
If sufficient property has been sold, no more shall be sold and any excess
property / proceeds shall be delivered to the judgment obligor or his
representative, unless otherwise directed by the court. Like when other
debts due to be paid
3.3
3.4
3.5
The judgment obligor, if present may direct the order in which the property
is to be sold when such property consists of several parcels / known lots
which can be sold to advantage separately.
3.6
3.7
4.
3.8
When a purchaser refuses to pay , the officer may again sell the property
to the highest bidder and shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned
thereby, like when it is resold for less. But, the court may order the
refusing purchaser to pay unto the Court such loss, and punish him with
contempt if he disobeys. Payment shall inure to the benefit of party
entitled to execution, unless he has been satisfied, in which case to the
judgment obligor. In addition, officer may thereafter reject all bids of such
purchaser.692
3.9
The judgment obligee can be a purchaser, and if no 3rd party claim has
been filed, he need not pay the amount if it does not exceed the amount of
his judgment. If it does he shall only pay the excess. 693
3.10
If the judgment obligor pays the judgment before sale, the sale is
prevented by the payment required by execution and cost incurred
therein694
3.11
A third party claimant is one who claims title to, or right of possession of
the property levied upon by the sheriff. Note that there may be a 3 rd party
claimant in execution, preliminary attachment and replevin.
3.12
A third party claimant can file a 3rd party claim or a terceria by executing
an affidavit showing his title thereto, or right of possession over the
property being levied upon, stating therein the grounds of such title or
right, serving a copy thereof to the sheriff and judgment obligee. If filed,
sheriff is not obliged to proceed unless the judgment obligee files an
indemnity bond in an amount not less than value of the property. No action
on the bond may enforced by the third party claimant unless filed within
120 days from date of the filing of the bond. If bond is filed, a 3 rd party
claimant may vindicate his claim within the period or he may institute a
separate action to vindicate his claim but nothing also prevents the
judgment obligee from claiming damages in the same or separate action
against a 3rd party claimant who files a frivolous / spurious claim. Note that
if writ is issued in the name of the Republic of the Philippines, no bond is
required. Officer is to be represented by the Solicitor General, and if
damages are assessed, it is to be paid out of the National Treasury. 695
692
696
4.2
4.3
The judgment obligor / redemptioner may redeem the property from the
purchaser at any time within 1 year from registration by paying the amount
of purchase, plus 1% interest per month at the time of redemption,
together with the amounts of assessments / taxes paid at the purchase
and interest on the same at the same rate, and, if the purchaser be also a
creditor having a prior lien to that of the redemptioner, other than the
judgment, the amount of the lien plus interest.
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
If the Judgment Obligor redeems, -He must make all the payments
required to effect a redemption by a redemptioner. Thereupon, no further
redemption is allowed and he is restored to his estate. The person upon
whom redemption payment is made shall execute a Certificate of
Redemption after payment. Certificate is then filed with the Office of the
Registry of Deeds.700
701
4.8
Pending redemption, use of the real property shall remain with the person
in possession at the time of sale or entitled to possession afterwards may
continue to use it in the same manner as it was previously used, or to use
in the ordinary course of husbandry or to make necessary repairs to
buildings thereon while he occupies the property, but the court in proper
cases, may restrain the commission of waste on the property by injunction
on the application of the purchaser / judgment obligee with or without
notice. 701
4.9
Rents, earnings and income shall belong to the judgment obligor until the
expiration of his period for redemption. Neither shall the purchaser or
judgment obligee be entitled to the same when such property is in the
possession of a tenant.702
4.10
4.11
Officer shall execute the deed / or his successor in interest with the same
effect. Once done, the purchaser / redemptioner shall be substituted to
and acquire all the rights title and interest and claim of the judgment
obligor to the property as of the time of the levy. Possession shall then be
given unless property is held by a 3 rd party adverse to the judgment
obligor.703 Manner of effecting transfer of possession is by writ of
possession.704
4.12
revived shall have the same force and effect as an original judgment
would have as of the date of revived and no more. 705
4.13
4.14
Any costs, damages, rents, profits shall be satisfied in the same manner
as a judgment for money.
705
1.1
If such party / person disobey, they may be punished for contempt. 709
2.
Examples of special judgments are judgments in cases for Injunction or Quo
warranto
WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES EXEMPT FROM EXECUTION
1.
Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the following property, and no
other, shall be exempt from execution:
a. The judgment obligors family home as provided by law, or the homestead
in which he resides, and land necessarily used in connection therewith;
b. Ordinary tools and implements personally used by him in his trade,
employment, or livelihood;
c. Three horses, or three cows, or three carabaos, or other beasts of burden,
such as the judgment obligor may select necessarily used by him in his
ordinary occupation;
d. His necessary clothing and articles for ordinary personal use, excluding
jewelry;
e. Household furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping, and used
for that purpose by the judgment obligor and his family, such as the
judgment obligor may select, of a value not exceeding one hundred
thousand pesos;
f. Provisions for individual libraries and equipment of judges, lawyers,
physicians, pharmacists, dentists, engineers, surveyors, clergymen,
teachers, and other professionals, not exceeding three hundred thousand
pesos in value;
g. One fishing boat and accessories not exceeding the total value of one
hundred thousand pesos owned by a fisherman and by the lawful use of
which he earns his livelihood;
h. So much of the salaries, wages, or earnings of the judgment obligor for his
personal services within the four months preceding the levy as are
necessary for the support of his family;
i. Lettered gravestones;
j. Monies, benefits, privileges, or annuities accruing or in any manner
growing out of any life insurance;
709
1.2
1.3
Death of judgment obligor after execution is actually levied upon any of his
property, the same may be sold for the satisfaction of the judgment
obligation and the officer must account to the executor or administrator for
any surplus, if any. 712
710
1.
Examination of the judgment obligor concerning his property and income before
the court or a commissioner and proceedings may thereafter may be had for the
application of his property or income towards satisfaction of judgment but no obligor can
be required to appear before a court or commissioner outside the province or city where
he resides.714
2.
Examination of the obligor of the judgment obligor upon proof shown to the
satisfaction of the court that a person, corporation or other juridical entity has property of
the judgment obligor or is indebted to him, the Court may by order require the person,
corporation or juridical entity to appear before the Court / commissioner and be
examined concerning the same.
2.1
The service of the order shall bind all credits due the judgment obligor and
all money / property of the judgment obligor in the possession / control of
the person, corporation or juridical entity.
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.
Order for application of property and income to satisfaction of judgment. it may
include his property or money due the judgment obligor, not exempt from execution, in
his hands or other person, corporation or juridical entity may be applied to satisfaction of
judgment subject to any prior rights over such property.
3.1
714
4.
Appointment of a receiver for the property of the judgment obligor, it may also
forbid a transfer or other disposition of or interference with the property of the judgment
obligor not exempt from execution.719
4.1
5.
In relation to the foregoing, if it appears that a person or corporation, alleged to
have property of the judgment obligor denies or claims an interest in the property
adverse to him, the court may: (a) order judgment obligee to institute an action against
such person or corporation for the recovery of such interest or debt (b) forbid a transfer /
disposition of such interest / debt within 120 days from notice of the order (c) punish
disobedience of such order as for contempt. The order may be modified or vacated at
any time by the court that issued it, or by the court in which the action is brought, upon
terms as may be just.721
WHAT IS TO BE DONE AFTER JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED
1.
Entry of satisfaction of judgment by the Clerk of Court in Court Docket and
Execution Book upon a return of the writ indicating satisfaction or admission of
satisfaction by the judgment oblige or counsel.722
2.
It can also be entered upon demand of judgment obligor when judgment is
satisfied in fact or upon notice / motion, the court may order entry without admission 723
EFFECT OF JUDGMENTS OR FINAL ORDERS
1.
The effect of a judgment / final order rendered by a court in the Philippines,
having jurisdiction to pronounce the same.
a. In case of a judgment / final order against a specific thing, or in respect to
probate of a will or administration of the estate of a deceased person, or in
respect to personal, political or legal condition / status of a particular
person or his relationship to another, the judgment or final order is
conclusive upon the title to the thing, the will, administration status or
relationship of the person. However, probate or granting of letters of
719
724
1.1
Paragraphs (a) and (b) are illustrative of the concept of res judicata that is
also known as bar by prior judgment. This exists when between the first
case where judgment is rendered, and the second case where such judgment
is invoked, there is identity of parties, subject matter, and cause of action.
When all three are present, the judgment on the merits rendered in the first
constitutes an absolute bar to the subsequent action.
1.2
1.3
1.4
The doctrine of The law of the case states that whatever has once been
irrevocably established as the controlling legal rule of decision between the
730
5.
4.1
A basic appellate rule is that the court shall not consider no error unless
stated in the assignment of errors.738
4.2
The exceptions to the rule are: (a) it is an error that affects jurisdiction over
the subject matter (b) it is an error that affects the validity of the judgment
appealed from (c) it is an error that affects proceedings (d) it is an error
closely related to or dependent on an assigned error and properly argued
in the brief, or (e) it is a plain and clerical error.
4.3
Without payment, the court does not acquire jurisdiction over the subject
matter of the action and the decision sought to be appealed becomes final
and executory.740
5.2
However, the rule is qualified: (a) the failure to pay appellate docket fees
within the reglementary period only allows discretionary dismissal, not
automatic dismissal of the appeal, (b) such power should be used in the
exercise of the courts sound discretion in accordance with the tenets of
fair play and with great deal of circumspection considering all attendant
circumstances.
738
1.
15 days after notice to the appellant. If record on appeal is required 30 days after
notice but the period can be interrupted by a motion for reconsideration or for new trial,
although no motion to extend time for its filing is allowed. 742
2.
Note the fresh period rule that is now applicable to an appeal under Rule 40,
Rule 41, Rule 43 and Rule 45, which allows a party intending to appeal another 15 days
from receipt of an order denying a motion for reconsideration or new trial to file an
appeal 743
HOW IS APPEAL TAKEN
1.
By notice of appeal indicating parties, judgment or final order appealed from
statement of the material dates showing timeliness of the appeal.
2.
By record on appeal, in special proceedings or cases allowing for multiple
appeals, like probate or partition. The record on appeal shall contain the following:
a. Full name of the parties stated in the caption including the judgment / final
order from which appeal is taken
b. In chronological order, copies of all pleadings, petitions, motions, and all
interlocutory orders as are related to the appealed judgment / final order
for proper understanding of the issue.
c. Data to show that appeal was filed on time
d. If issue of fact is to be raised, it should include reference the documentary
evidence by exhibit taken on the issue specifying the documentary
evidence by exhibit nos. or letters and testimonial evidence by the names
of the witnesses. If the whole of it is included, a statement to such effect is
sufficient.
e. If more than 20 pages include a subject index
744
3.
Note that the requirement for a Approval of record on appeal 745 the trial court
may approve it, if no objection is filed by the appellee or upon its motion / appellee
direct its amendment by the inclusion of omitted matters which are deemed essential to
the determination of the issue of law or facts involved in the appeal. If amendment is
ordered, which the appellant must comply with within the period stated, any extension or
if none, within 10 days, submitting the redrafted record for the approval of the Court.
Where both parties are appellants, they may file a joint record on appeal. 746
742
4.
Regardless of the mode of appeal, the adverse party is to be furnished with a
copy.
WHEN PERFECTED
1.
1.2
2.
In either case, prior to transmittal of the records, the court may issue orders: (a)
protection and preservation of the rights of the parties not involving any matter litigated
by the appeal (b) approve compromises (c) permit appeals of indigent litigants (d) order
execution pending appeal (e) allow withdrawal of appeal. 747
2.1
3.
In both cases, docket fees and other fees are also to be paid to the clerk of court
of the court that rendered judgment. Proof payment of the same shall be transmitted to
the appellant court together with the records / record on appeal. 748
3.1
3.2
Where delay in the payment of docket fee was not due to a desire to delay
or defeat the ends of justice, late payment thereof which causes no
prejudice to anyone should not result in the dismissal of the appeal. 750
4.
The record or record on appeal is transmitted by the clerk of court within 15 days
from perfection, together with transcripts / exhibits, which he will certify as complete.
747
4.1
2.2
If it was tried on the merits, without jurisdiction, the Regional Trial Court on
appeal shall not dismiss the case if it has original jurisdiction, but shall decide the
case in accordance with Section 7, without prejudice to the admission of
amended pleadings and additional evidence in the interest of justice. 753
(d)
Order disallowing or dismissing an appeal. Mandamus or petition for relief from
judgment is the remedy
(e)
Order denying a motion to set aside judgment by consent confession,
compromise on the ground of fraud, mistake, duress or any ground vitiating consent. A
petition for relief or a petition to annul judgment under Rule 47 or Certiorari under Rule
65 is the remedy
(f)
(g)
Judgment / final order in separate claims, counterclaims, cross claims 3 rd party
claims, while main case is pending, unless the court allows an appeal therefrom. The
object is facilitate the trial of all issues.
(h)
Order dismissing an action without prejudice. The remedy is to refile or certiorari
under Rule 65.755
2.
That declaration of presumptive death is not appealable by the state or the other
party.
2.1
755
1.1
1.2
Appellate court docket fees / lawful fees shall be paid within the period for
taking an appeal to the clerk of court of the court that rendered judgment
but failure to pay is a ground for dismissal of the complaint 759
760
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
It is likewise required that the transcripts be transcribed 764 and that the
transmittal to include proof of payment of docket fees.
1.7
Prior to transmittal of record / record on appeal, the court may motu propio
or on motion to dismiss the appeal for having been take out of time or for
non payment of docket and other lawful fees within the reglementary
period.765 If transmitted already, the Court of Appeals may dismiss.
1.8
1.9
The title of the case shall remain, party appealing shall be referred to as
appellant / adverse party-appellee. 766 Counsel / guardians ad litem of
parties shall likewise be considered as such in Court of Appeals, when
others appear or are appointed, notice shall be filed and furnished adverse
parties.767
768
1.10
If the records are not transmitted to the Court of Appeals within 30 days
after perfection of the appeal, either party may file a motion with the
Regional Trial Court, with notice to the other, for transmittal. 768
1.11
Upon receipt by the Court of Appeals, the clerk shall docket the case and
notify the parties. If appeal is by record on appeal, within 10 days from
receipt of notice, appellant must file with the clerk of court 7 clearly legible
copies of approved record on appeal and proof of service thereof to
adverse party of 2 copies. Any unauthorized, alteration, omission or
addition shall be ground for dismissal of the appeal. 769
1.12
The Clerk of the Court of Appeals should also ascertain the completeness
of the records. If incomplete, he shall inform the court and recommend
measures to complete the record within the shortest possible time but if it
cannot be completed due to insuperable or extremely difficult
circumstances. The court, on its own or upon motion, may declare the
record sufficient to decide issues and explain reason for such
declaration.770
1.13
Once done, Briefs are to be filed: (a) The Appellants Brief must be filed
within 45 days from notice that all evidence, documentary / testimonial are
attached to the record, 7 copies of the brief are to be filed attaching proof
of service of 2 copies to adverse party.771 Where there are several parties,
each counsel representing one or more but not all may be served with 1
copy. If several counsels represent one party, service may be made on
any one of them.772 The contents of the appellants brief are: (a) subject
index (b) assignment of errors (c) statement of the case (d) statement of
facts (e) statement of issues (f) arguments (g) relief (f) if not by record on
appeal, an appendix, copy of judgment / final order appealed. 773
1.14
1.15
A Reply Brief may be filed by appellant within 20 days from receipt of the
Appellees Brief.775 No extension of time to file briefs is allowed except for
good and sufficient cause, and only if filed before expiration of the time
1.17
In Criminal Cases, note the possibility of the filing of two notices of appeal
when the penalty imposed by the Regional Trial Court is life imprisonment
or reclusion perpetua, appeal is by notice to the Court of Appeals, and by
notice again to the Supreme Court. If the penalty is death,it is
automatically reviewed by the Supreme Court, but such shall be made by
the Court of Appeals, which shall render judgment, then certify it to the
Supreme Court, who will then enter the same.780
2.
Petition for Review is an appeal to the Court of Appeals of judgment / final order
of the Regional Trial Court in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction under Rule 42
776
2.1
It is initiated by the filing of a Verified Petition for Review with the Court of
Appeals, paying at the same time to the Clerk of Court of Appeals the
corresponding docket fees and lawful fees, depositing 500 for costs,
furnishing the Regional Trial Court and adverse party with a copy of the
Petition.
2.2
782
2.3
2.4
The appeal is deemed PERFECTED upon timely filing of the petition and
payment of docket fees. The RTC loses jurisdiction upon perfection of the
appeal and lapse of time to appeal by the other parties. The Regional Trial
Court continues to have RESIDUAL JURISDICTION until the same has
been given DUE COURSE.783
2.5
2.6
ONCE FILED, the Court of Appeals may: (a) Require the respondent to file
a comment, not a motion to dismiss, within 10 days from notice (b)Dismiss
the petition if found to be patently without merit, prosecuted manifestly for
delay, or questions raised therein are too unsubstantial to require
consideration.784
2.7
2.8
A petition is given DUE COURSE when upon the filing of the comment or
expiration of the period to file; the Court of Appeals finds PRIMA FACIE
that the lower court has committed an error of fact / law that will warrant a
reversal / dismissal. CONSEQUENTLY, the Court of Appeals, if it deems
necessary, will order the elevation by the clerk of the Regional Trial Court
of the entire record within 15 days from notice.786
2.9
3.
Appeal by Certiorari or Petition for Review on Certiorari which should involve a
pure question of law direct to the Supreme Court under Rule 45
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
The TIME FOR FILING is 15 days from notice of the judgment, final /
order, or resolution or of denial of petitioners motion for new trial /
reconsideration. On motion and with full payment of docket fees and
deposit of costs, the Supreme Court on justifiable reason may grant an
extension of 30 days within which to file the petition.
Docket fees and proof of service of the petition on the lower court and
adverse party must accompany the filing of the petition. 790
787
3.5
3.6
792
(a)
(b)
3.7.
If given DUE COURSE, the Supreme Court can: (a) Require elevation of
the records / or specified portions thereof within 15 days from notice 793 (b)
Require filing of pleadings, briefs, memoranda or documents as it may
deem necessary within periods / conditions it may consider appropriate
and impose sanctions for non-filing / non-compliance or unauthorized
filing. This ALSO applies to a determination as to whether it should be
dismissed or denied.794 The RULE APPLIES TO BOTH CIVIL / CRIMINAL
ACTIONS, except in cases where penalty is death, reclusion perpetua /
life imprisonment.795
3.8
The exceptions to the general rule that only questions of law may be
raised in a petition for review are:(a) when the conclusion is a finding
grounded entirely on speculation, surmises, or conjectures; (b) when the
inference made is manifestly mistaken, absurd, or impossible; (c) where
there is a grave abuse of discretion; (d) when the judgment is based on a
misapprehension of facts; (e) when the findings of fact are conflicting; (f)
when the Court of Appeals, in making its findings, went beyond the issue
of the case and the same is contrary to the admissions of both appellant
and appellee; (g) when the findings of the Court of Appeals are contrary to
those of the trial courts; (h) when the findings of facts are conclusions
without citation of specific evidence on which they are based; (i) when the
facts set forth in the petition as well as in the petitioners main and reply
briefs are not disputed by the respondents; (j) when the finding of fact of
the Court of Appeals is premised on the supposed absence of evidence
but is contradicted by the evidence on record; and (k) when the Court of
Appeals manifestly overlooked certain relevant facts not disputed by the
796
4.1
Applies primarily to appeals from the Court of Tax Appeals and other
quasi-judicial agencies to the Court of Appeals, but is not applicable to
judgments / final orders under the Labor Code. 798
4.2
The appeal can include questions of fact, law or mixed questions of law
and fact.799
4.3
The appeal shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from notice if the award,
judgment, and final order of resolution, or from the date of its last
publication, if publication is required by law for its effectivity, or of the
denial of the petitioners motion for new trial or reconsideration duly filed in
accordance with the governing law of the court or agency a quo. Only one
(1) motion for reconsideration shall be allowed. Upon proper motion and
the payment of the payment of the full amount of the docket fee before the
expiration of the reglementary period, the Court of Appeals may grant an
additional period of fifteen (15) days only within which to file the petition for
review. No further extension shall be granted except for the most
compelling reason and in no case to exceed fifteen (15) days. 800
4.4
All other procedural matters and requirements are similar to a Petition for
Review under Rule 42 EXCEPT that an appeal under this Rule shall not
stay the award, judgment, final order or resolution unless the Court of
Appeals deems otherwise.801
4.6
2.
A certified true copy is one the certification of which is made by the proper clerk
of court or his duly authorized representative. 806
HOW DOES THE COURT ACQUIRE JURISIDICTION
1.
Jurisdiction over the person or the respondent is acquired by service of order or
resolution indicating initial action on the petition or voluntary submission to
jurisdiction.807
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE COURT OF APPEALS
1.
The court may dismiss the petition outright with specific reasons OR require the
filing of a comment within 10 days from notice.
1.1
803
2.
If factual issues are to be resolved, the Court of Appeals can conduct hearings or
delegate reception of evidence on such issues to any of its members or to an
appropriate court / agency / office. 809
3.
If comment is not filed, it may be decided on the basis of the record without
prejudice to any disciplinary action against disobedient party.810
4.
809
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Motions are not set for hearing, and unless directed by the court, no
hearing or oral arguments shall be allowed in support thereof. The
adverse party may file objections within 5 days from notice. Upon
expiration of the period, it is submitted for resolution. 816
1.2
If he failed to avail of the other remedies through his own fault, he would
then benefit from his inaction or negligence.818
1.3
1.4
Note that the correctness of the judgment is not in issue in a petition for
annulment of judgment.820
2.
It is a remedy that may be availed of by those who are not even parties to the
judgment or to annul even judgments that have been fully executed. 821
3.
It is available only on grounds of: (a) Extrinsic Fraud but only when it was not
availed of or could have been availed of in a motion for new trial or petition for relief or
(b) Lack of Jurisdiction
3.1
There is extrinsic fraud when the unsuccessful party had been prevented
from exhibiting fully his case, by fraud or deception practice upon him by
his opponent, as keeping him away from the court, or where the defendant
never had knowledge of the suit, being kept in ignorance by the acts of the
plaintiff.822
4.
The period for its filing if based on extrinsic fraud is within 4 years from its
discovery, or if based on lack of jurisdiction before it is barred by laches or estoppel. 823
FILING / CONTENTS OF THE PETITION
1.
Filing is by verified petition alleging therein with particularity, the facts and the law
relied upon for annulment as well as supporting petitioners good and substantial cause
of action / defense, as the case may be. Containing (a) certified true copy of judgment /
817
final order / resolution shall be attached to the original copy intended for the court (b)
affidavits of witnesses (c) certification against forum shopping 824
WHAT THE COURT OF APPEALS WILL DO UPON FILING
1.
If no substantial merit, it will be dismissed outright with specific reasons for such
dismissal.
2.
If prima facie merit be found, it shall be given due course and summons shall be
served on the respondent. If so, procedure in ordinary civil cases shall be followed but
reception may be referred to a member of the Court or a Regional Trial Court judge. 825
EFFECT OF JUDGMENT IN A PETITION FOR ANNULMENT
1.
It shall set aside the questioned judgment / final order / resolution and render the
same null and void, without prejudice to the re-filing of the original action in the proper
court .
1.1
1.2
The prescriptive period for the re-filing of the original action shall be
deemed suspended from the filing of such original action until finality of
the judgment of annulment. However, the prescriptive period is or shall not
be suspended where extrinsic fraud is attributable to the plaintiff is original
action.827
SCOPE OF RELIEF
1.
It may include award of damages, attorneys fees and other relief. If already
executed, restitution or other relief as justice / equity may warrant. 828
2.
It also applies to a petition for annul the judgment of an MTC but is to be filed
with the RTC and treated as an ordinary civil action. 829
2.1
1.
In all cases that come before it, and besides on a finding that the case is without
merit, prosecuted for delay or issue is too unsubstantial to merit consideration, on
motion of the court or the appellee, it may dismiss the petition on the basis of:
1.1
Failure of record on appeal to show on its face that appeal was taken
within period fixed by the Rules.
1.2
Failure to file notice of appeal or record on appeal within period within the
period prescribed by the Rules.
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
The fact that order / judgment appealed from is not appealable. 830
1.
An appeal may be withdrawn as of right at any time before the filing of the
appellees brief.
1.1
RULE 51 - JUDGMENT
WHEN SUBMITTED FOR JUDGMENT
1.
2.
In Ordinary Appeals:
1.1
Where no hearing on merits is held, upon filing of the last pleading, brief,
memoranda or expiration of period to file.
1.2
2.2
2.3
832
Harmless Error Doctrine means that any error or defect which does not
affect substantial rights will be disregarded by the reviewing court or
tribunal. It is followed to deal with evidence improperly admitted during trial
wherein its damaging quality and impact to the substantial rights of the
litigant are examined. If deemed slight and insignificant, the error is
disregarded.838 It is not a ground for granting of a new trial or for setting
aside, modifying, or disturbing a judgment or final order unless the refusal
appears to the Court inconsistent with substantial justice.
3.
Judgments of the Court of Appeals in the exercise of appellate jurisdiction may
affirm, reverse, or modify the judgment or final order appealed from. It may also order or
direct a new trial to be held or that further proceedings be taken. 839 The decision must
state clearly and distinctly the findings of fact and conclusions of law on which it is
based, which may be contained in the resolution itself or adopted from those set forth in
the judgment, final order appealed from.840
PROCEDURE AFTER JUDGMENT
1.
After signing by the justices, it shall be delivered to the clerk of court, who shall
indicate thereon the date of promulgation and cause true copies thereof to be served
upon the parties or counsel.841
2.
If no appeal, or motion for new trial or reconsideration is filed within the period,
the judgment or final resolution shall be entered in the book of Entries of Judgment.
Judgment or final resolution shall be deemed executory as of the date of entry. The
record shall contain the dispositive portion, signed by the clerk with a statement that it is
final and executory.842
3.
Execution shall as a rule issue upon a motion in the proper court upon its entry.
In appealed cases, where the motion is filed with the Court of Appeals at the time that it
is in possession of the original records or record on appeal, the resolution granting the
motion shall be transmitted to the lower court from which the case originated, together
with certified copy of the judgment to be executed, with a directive to said court to issue
the proper writ for its enforcement. In original actions, the writ shall be accompanied by
a certified true copy of the entry of judgment and addressed to appropriate officer for
enforcement.843
837
3.
It is to be resolved within sixty (60) days from submission for resolution 846 and
while pending, shall stay the execution unless for good reason, court directs
otherwise.847
RULE 53- MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
1.
It can be filed at any time after appeal from the lower court has been perfected
and before the Court of Appeals loses jurisdiction, on the ground of newly discovered
evidence which could not have been discovered prior to the trial in the court below by
the exercise of due diligence and which is of such a character as would probably
change the result. The motion must be accompanied by affidavits showing the facts
constituting the grounds and the newly discovered evidence. 848
2.
The Court of Appeals shall then consider the evidence and that adduced at the
trial, to determine if it will grant or refuse a new trial, or make such order, with notice to
both parties, as to the taking of further testimony, either orally in court, by depositions,
or render such other judgment as ought to be rendered upon terms it may deem just. 849
If granted, the procedure shall be the same as that granted by a Regional Trial Court. 850
2.1
OTHER MATTERS
RULE 54 INTERNAL BUSINESS
1.
Allotment of cases shall be among the different divisions for hearing and
decision.
2.
The Court of Appeals En Banc shall make proper orders or rules to govern
allotment, the constitution of such divisions, the regular rotation of justices, filling of
844
vacancies, and other matters. Such will continue in force and repealed or altered by it or
the Supreme Court.852
3.
A majority of the court shall constitute a quorum for sessions en banc and a
majority of the members present shall be necessary to pass a resolution. Three
members of a division shall constitute a quorum for sessions of a division and the
affirmative vote of three members shall be necessary for pronouncement of
judgment/resolution, which shall be reached in consultation among them before the
writing of the opinion by any member of the division. 853
RULE 55 PUBLICATION OF JUDGMENT/FINAL ORDER/RESOLUTIONS
1.
Judgments and Final Resolutions shall be published in the Official Gazette and in
the Reports officially authorized by the Court, in the language originally written, together
with a syllabi. If not so published, a memoranda shall be made and published in the like
manner. 854
1.1
1.2
Those of the Supreme Court are called Philippine Reports, while those of
the Court of Appeals are called Court of Appeals Reports. 856
APPEALED CASES
852
1.
The only mode of appeal to the Supreme Court is by Petition for Review on
Certiorari, except in criminal cases where the penalty is death, reclusion perpetua, and
life imprisonment859
1.1
2.
If by certiorari from the Regional Trial Court to the Supreme Court, raising issues
of fact may be referred to the Court of Appeals for decision or appropriate action.
Determination of the Supreme Court as to whether or not there are issues of fact is
final.
3.
All appealed cases shall be governed by and disposed of in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Constitution, Rule 45 (Petition for Review on Certiorari)
Rule 48 (Preliminary Conference), Sections 1 (When submitted) 2 (Who renders
judgment) and 5 to 11 ( Form to Execution) Rule 51, Rule 52 (Motion for
Reconsideration) and Rule 56.861
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OF AN APPEAL
1.
1.
Provisional Remedies are temporary, auxiliary and ancillary remedies available to
a litigant for the protection and preservation of his rights pending the main action.
1.1
They are issued in the form of writs or processes and they presuppose the
existence of a principal action, although the remedies of Injunction,
Receivership and Replevin have been allowed to exist as principal actions
in proper cases.
1.2
These remedies are to be granted by the court where the principal action
is pending. Hence, an MTC has the power to grant a provisional remedy.
The exception being support pendente lite in an action for support as this
is incapable of pecuniary estimation and is thus only within the jurisdiction
of an RTC.
2.
The purpose for resort to provisional remedies are: (a) preserve and protect
rights or interests while the main action is pending (b) secure the judgment (c) preserve
the status quo (d) preserve the subject matter of the action.
3.
The enumeration of provisional remedies is not exclusive as there is
jurisprudence to allow the court to exercise its equity jurisdiction when the law is silent,
obscure or insufficient. Examples are the grant of visitation rights or temporary custody
of a child864or deposit of amount paid in an action for rescission to prevent its
dissipation.865
RULE 57 PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT
Rule 57 does not provide any lifetime for a writ of preliminary attachment unlike a writ of
execution (See: Roque vs. CA, 93 SCRA 540). What the law provides are enforcing the writ
without delay and making sheriffs return thereon without delay.
It is required that the movant be able to show that the defendant is about
to depart from the Philippines with intent to defraud creditors. 866
1.2
It cannot issue when the amount of money or damages is not specified. 867
2.
Action for money or property embezzled or fraudulently misapplied or converted
to his own use by a public officer, an officer of a corporation, or an attorney, factor,
broker, agent or clerk in the course of his employment as such, or by any person in a
fiduciary capacity, or for willful violation of such duty.
866
867
2.1
Examples are when an officer of a corporation who has control of its funds
will utilize the same for his personal use or when a person appropriates
the entire property knowing that a portion thereof does not belong to him.
3.
Action to recover possession of property unjustly or fraudulently taken, detained
or converted when the property, or any part thereof, has been concealed, removed or
disposed of to prevent its being found or taken by the applicant or authorized person.
3.1
3.2
4.
Action against a party guilty of fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the
obligation upon which the action is brought or in the performance thereof.
4.1
5.
Action against a party who has removed or disposed of his property, or is about
to do so, with intent to defraud creditors.
5.1
5.2
Where fraudulent disposal is put in issue, the parties should be given the
opportunity to prove their claims, or at the very least, the defendant should
be given the chance to show that he has not been disposing of his
property in fraud of creditors.870
6.
Action against a party who does not reside and is not found in the Philippines or
on whom summons may be served by publication.871
HOW APPLIED FOR
1.
Generally, by motion or is incorporated in the complaint, accompanied by an
affidavit, containing the following: (a) It is executed by the applicant / or some person
868
who is aware or personally knows the facts (b) A sufficient cause of action exists (c)
That a ground/s as stated in Section 1 exists (d) There is no other sufficient security for
the claim sought to be enforced by the action (e) The amount due the applicant or value
of the property that he is entitled to recover, is as much as the sum for which the Order
is granted, above all legal counterclaims872
1.1
2.
A bond must then be executed to the adverse party in the amount fixed by the
court, conditioned that the latter will pay all costs which may be adjudged and all
damages sustained by reason of the attachment, if the court shall finally adjudge that
the applicant was not entitled thereto.874
WHEN ISSUED / BY WHOM
1.
Either ex parte or on motion with notice and hearing, by the court in which
action is pending, by the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court and must require the
Sheriff to attach so much of the property in the Philippines of the party against whom it
is issued not exempt from execution as may be sufficient to satisfy the claim unless the
other party makes a deposit or gives a bond in an amount equal to that fixed in the
order, exclusive of costs.
1.1
Several writs may be issued at the same time to the sheriffs of the courts
of different judicial regions.875
2.
It is issued ex-parte when the ground is justified further by the fact that the
defendant might abscond or dispose of his property before the writ is issued. It can take
place even before he is summoned but note that it cannot be enforced unless it is
preceded or contemporaneously accompanied by service of summons, together with
complaint, application for attachment, affidavit, bond, order and the writ itself.
872
2.1
2.2
2.3
The prior or contemporaneous rule does not apply when: (a) Summons
could not be served personally or by substituted service despite diligent
efforts (b) Defendant is a resident but temporarily out of the PhiIippines (c)
Note that Rule 57 does not provide any lifetime for a writ of preliminary
attachment unlike a writ of execution. 877 What the law provides for are the
enforcement of the writ without delay and making sheriffs return thereon
without delay.
2.
He may attach only such property not exempt from execution, as may be
sufficient to satisfy the demand unless the defendant makes a deposit or gives a
counter bond in an amount equal to the bond fixed by the court or to the value of the
property attached. 878
2.1
3.
Note that the attachment shall proceed nevertheless until there have been
proceedings undertaken to discharge the attachment. If found to be
insufficient / or is not filed, a new order of attachment may be applied
for.879
(a)
If real property, it requires the filing with the Office of the Register of Deeds of a
copy of the order together with notice that property or interest therein is attached.
(b)
If personal property capable of manual delivery taking it and safely keeping it in
custody after issuance of proper receipt.
(c)
If stocks / shares / interest in companies, by leaving with the president or
managing agent a copy of the writ and notice.
(d)
If debts, credits, bank deposits and other like personal properties not capable of
manual delivery leaving with such persons owing debt, holding credits or in
possession a copy of the writ and notice.
(e)
If interest is in the estate of a decedent, by virtue of his being an heir, legatee, or
devisee, by serving the writ / notice on executor or administrator.
(f)
If in custodia legis copy of writ is filed if the proper court or quasi-judicial
agency and notice served on the custodian of the property. 880
877
3.1
3.2
Effect if on property belonging the estate of the decedent, it will not impair
the powers of the executor / administrator or representative BUT they
shall report the attachment to the court when any petition for distribution is
filed and in the order made upon such petition the property may be
awarded to the heir / legatee / devisee , but the property attached shall be
delivered to the sheriff, subject to the claim of the heir, legatee, devisee or
person claiming under him.882
3.3
4.
Sheriff shall also make a return without delay, containing a full statement of his
proceedings under the writ and a complete inventory of property attached, together with
a copy of a counter-bond if one has been filed, furnishing copies thereof on the
applicant.884
5.
881
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
5.2
(b)
(c)
(d)
1.
Discharge the attachment by making a cash deposit or counter bond. 890 Note
that bond may be subject to recovery by attaching party;
1.1
2.
Discharge or set aside the attachment on the ground that it was improperly
issued or irregularly enforced, or bond is insufficient or what has been attached is
excessive, the discharge is only for the excess. 891
3.
892
Upon filing, the sheriff not under obligation to keep the property, unless
attaching party files a bond.
1.2
No claim for damages for the taking or keeping of the property may be
filed / enforced against the bond unless the action is filed within 120 days
from date of the filing of the bond. 893
890
An example is that provided for by Article 26 of the Civil Code that allows
an injunction against one prying into the privacy of another residence,
meddling with or disturbing the private life or family relations of another or
the enforcement of an easement of light and view.
2.1
Note that within the 20 day effectivity period of the Temporary Restraining
Order, the court must order the party or person to show cause why the
injunction should not be granted, determine also whether or not the
preliminary injunction should be granted, and accordingly issue the order.
898
2.2
2.3
3.
A status quo order is not a temporary restraining order. It is more in the nature of
a cease and desist order, has no specified duration and does not specifically direct the
performance of an act. It lasts until revoked, may be the subject of an agreement, and
does not require the posting of a bond.
HOW OBTAINED
1.
A preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order is obtained upon (a) filing
of a verified application showing facts entitling the applicant to the relief demanded, (b)
unless exempted, filing of a bond in an amount fixed by the court, to the effect that
applicant will pay all damages that may be sustained if the court should finally decide
that applicant was not entitled thereto (c) if included in a complaint / initiatory pleading it
shall be raffled only after notice to and in the presence of the adverse party.
2.
In any event, notice shall be preceeded by or contemporaneously accompanied
by service of summons, together with affidavit and bond but such will not be applicable
if defendant / adverse party cannot be served personally / substituted service, is
temporarily absent or is a non-resident.
3.
The matter shall thereafter be acted upon only after all parties are heard in a
summary hearing, conducted within 24 hours after sheriffs return of service. 901
WHEN INJUNCTION WILL NOT ISSUE
1.
Under BP Blg. 227 amending the Labor Code, a court cannot grant injunctive
relief in cases growing out of a labor dispute as the said power is vested in the NLRC.
898
An exception is when the injunction is sought by a third person whose property is levied
upon to satisfy the liability of another.902
2.
Under RA 8735 and PD 1818, injunction does not lie against the execution or
implementation of government infrastructure programs, essential government projects,
including arrastre 903
3.
Under Section 55, RA 6657 of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law,
injunction cannot issue against the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council or any of the
implementing agencies.
4.
As against the Asset Privatization Trust as taken over by the Privatization and
Management Office of the Department of Finance. 904
5.
As against a court of co-equal rank or decrees of a court with concurrent or
coordinate jurisdiction.905
6.
As against quasi-judicial bodies of co-equal rank as an RTC such as the Social
Security System or the SEC
7.
By the RTC as against the Intellectual Property Office, Commission on Elections
or Workmens Compensation Commission
8.
As against the collection of a national internal revenue tax, fee or charge
imposed by the NIRC906 or the Commissioner of Customs over seizure or forfeiture
proceedings907
9.
10.
To transfer possession or control over property when legal title is still in dispute or
when it has not yet been clearly established or there is a lack of clear and unmistakable
right on the part of the applicant.909
11.
12.
When it disposes of the main case without trial as the grant of injunctive relief
assumes the proposition that petitioner must prove. 911
902
13.
To restrain a criminal prosecution912 except: (a) to afford adequate protection to
the constitutional rights of the accused; (b) when necessary for the orderly
administration of justice or to avoid oppression or multiplicity of actions; (c) when double
jeopardy is clearly apparent; (d) where the charges are manifestly false and motivated
by the lust for vengeance; or (e) where there is clearly no prima facie case against the
accused and a motion to quash on that ground has been denied. 913
14.
In applications for restraining order and injunction against the foreclosure of a
real estate mortgage on the ground that it has been paid or not delinquent, unless it be
verified and supported by evidence of payment.
14.1
If on the allegation that interest is unconscionable, the debtor must pay the
mortgagee at least 12% per annum on the principal obligation as stated in
the application for foreclosure, which shall be updated monthly while the
case is pending.
14.2
The bond shall be equal to the amount of the outstanding debt, and the
time for its effectivity shall apply as well to a status quo order.
2.
A Final Injunction is granted if it appears that the applicant is entitled to have the
act/s permanently enjoined or confirming the preliminary mandatory injunction. 916
3.
Judgments eventually rendered may include damages against a party and
sureties. 917
912
4.
No injunction can issue against the acts of a co-equal court, except in a 3 rd party
claim where claimant vindicates his right by a separate action.
RESOLUTION OF THE MAIN CASE OR PETITION
1.
The trial court, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, or the Court of Tax
Appeals that issued the writ of preliminary injunction against a lower court, board, officer
or quasi-judicial agency shall decide the main case or petition within a period of six (6)
months from the issuance of the writ.918
RULE 59 RECEIVERSHIP
WHEN IS A RECEIVER APPOINTED
1.
When it appears from a verified application, and as such other proof as the court
may require, that the party applying for the appointment of a receiver has an interest in
the property or fund which is the subject of the action or proceeding as such property /
fund is in danger of being lost, removed or materially injured unless a receiver be
appointed to administer and preserve it.
2.
When it appears in an action by the mortgagee for the foreclosure of mortgagee
that the property is in danger of being wasted, dissipated or materially injured and that
its value is probably insufficient to discharge the mortgage debt or that the parties have
so stipulated in the mortgage contract.
3.
When after judgment, to preserve the property during the pendency of an appeal,
or to dispose of it according to the judgment, or to aid in execution when the execution
is returned unsatisfied or the judgment obligor refuses to apply his property in
satisfaction of the judgment or otherwise carry the judgment into effect.
4.
Whenever in other cases, it appears that the appointment of a receiver is the
most convenient and feasible means of preserving, administering or disposing of
property in litigation.
WHO APPOINTS A RECEIVER
1.
The court where action is pending or the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court or
a member thereof.
1.1
918
919
During appeal, the appellate court may allow the application for the
appointment to be filed in the court of origin, which can also decide on the
same to be subject to the control of said court.919
A.M. 07-7-12-SC
Supra, Section 1, Rule 59
2.
A receiver of real or personal property, which is the subject of the action, may be
appointed by the court when it appears from the pleadings or such other proof as the
judge may require, that the party applying for such appointment has:
(a) an actual interest in it, and (b) that such property is in danger of being lost,
removed, or materially injured; or whenever it appears to be the most convenient and
feasible means of preserving or administering the property in litigation. 920
3.
A receiver is a person appointed by the court or by a quasi-judicial administrative
agency, in behalf of all the parties for the purpose of preserving and conserving the
property and preventing its possible destruction or dissipation, if it were left in the
possession of any of the parties. It is the duty of the receiver to administer the assets of
the receivership estate; and in the management and disposition of the property
committed to his possession, he acts in a fiduciary capacity and with impartiality toward
all interested persons.921
4.
4.2
He performs his duties subject to the control of the Court, and every
question involved in the receivership may be determined by the court
taking cognizance of the receivership proceedings.
4.3
920
Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. versus Court of Appeals, 274 SCRA 439
Arranza versus B.F. Homes, Inc., 333 SCRA 799
922
Pacific Mechandising Corp., versus Consolacion Insurance & Surety Co., Inc., 73 SCRA 564
923
Supra, Section 6, Rule 59
921
3.
Should there be refusal / neglect to deliver property to a receiver it is
punishable by contempt and shall be liable for the money or value of the property, plus
damages sustained as a consequence of the refusal / neglect. 924
HOW APPLIED FOR
1.
By verified application.
1.1
More than 1 receiver may be applied for and appointed by the court.
1.2
2.
If application is granted the receiver shall await the filing by the applicant of a
bond executed to the party against whom the application is presented in an amount
fixed by the Court to the effect that the applicant will pay such party all damages that he
may sustain by reason of the appointment in case the same has been procured without
sufficient cause and the court in its discretion may require an additional bond to be
filed as further security for damages.925
3.
The application may be denied or receiver discharged when the adverse party
files a bond executed to the applicant to the effect that such party will pay to the
applicant all damages he may suffer by reason of acts, omissions or other matters
specified as grounds in the application.
3.1
4.
Before entering upon his duties, the receiver shall be sworn to perform them
faithfully and shall file a bond executed to such person and in amount fixed by the court,
to the effect that he will faithfully discharge his duties and obey orders from the Court. 927
5.
Copies of bonds of the applicant and receiver or the adverse party shall be
served on each interested party who may except to its sufficiency or the surety. If
found to be insufficient or is not justified and a bond sufficient in amount and surety is
not filed, the application shall be denied and the receiver discharged. If adverse partys
bond is the one excepted to or found insufficient, the receiver shall be appointed or
reappointed as the case may be.928
WHEN TERMINATED
1.
When the court, motu propio or upon motion, shall determine that the necessity
for a receiver no longer exists, it shall alter due notice, settle all accounts, direct delivery
924
of the funds / property in his possession to the person adjudged to be entitled to receive
them and order the discharge of the receiver from further duty.
2.
He is to be allowed compensation as circumstances will warrant to be taxed
against defeated party or apportioned as justice may require. 929
3.
Any judgment may include the amount, if any, to be awarded any party upon any
bond.930
RULE 60 REPLEVIN
The lessor in a lease with option to purchase, in choosing through replevin, to deprive the lessee
of possession of the leased equipment, waived its right to recover unpaid rentals on the said
leased items. The remedy provided by Article 1484 are alternative, not cumulative.931
WHAT IS REPLEVIN
1.
It is also a mixed action partly in rem as far as the claim for recovery of
personal property and in persona as far as the claim of damages, the
object of which is recovery of possession of personal property applied for
at the commencement of the action or at any time before answer by the
party praying for recovery of personal property.932
3.1
3.2
3.
934
2.1
2.2
Note that no action on the bond may be enforced unless filed within 120
days from filing.
2.3
The sheriff shall not be liable for damages for the taking and keeping of
the property to any such 3rd party if the bond is filed. Nothing also prevents
the 3rd party claimant or the applicant from vindicating their rights or claims
in the same action or in a separate action.
2.4
If writ is issued in the name of RP, no bond is required and the sheriff is to
be represented by the Solicitor General and damages so adjudged are
paid out of the National Treasury. 936
The sheriff must make return within 10 days after taking of the property.937
4.
The judgment shall include a determination who has a better right of possession
to and value of the property and render judgment in the alternative for delivery thereof to
the party entitled or its value in case delivery cannot be made, and also for damages as
either party may prove, with costs.
4.1
5.
Any amount awarded a party upon any bond shall be claimed, ascertained
and granted as provided by Section 20 of Rule 57. 938
PROCEDURE
1.
Upon filing of verified application it shall be served on the adverse party, who
shall have 5 days to comment unless a different period is fixed by the court.
1.1
2.
Hearing shall then be conducted no more than 3 days after comment is filed or
the period expires.942
938
3.
Court shall determine provisionally the pertinent facts and render such orders as
justice and equity may require, having due regard to the probable outcome of the case
and such other circumstances.
3.1
3.2
HOW ENFORCED
1.
If adverse party fails to comply, the court shall, motu propio or on motion, issue
an order of execution without prejudice to his liability for contempt.
2.
If support be paid by a 3rd person, after due notice and hearing in the same case,
he may obtain a writ of execution to enforce his right of reimbursement against the
person ordered to provide support.944
RESTITUTION
1.
If upon judgment / final order The court finds that the person who has been
providing support is not liable therefor it shall order the recipient to return the amounts
paid plus interest from dates of actual payment without prejudice to the right of the
recipient to obtain reimbursement in a separate action from the person legally obliged to
give support.
1.1
Should the recipient fail to reimburse, the person who provided the same,
may, in a separate action, seek reimbursement thereof from the person
obliged to give support.945
943
against the conflicting claimants to interplead and litigate their several claims among
themselves.946
2.
Examples of when interpleader is proper: (a) where a warehouseman is in
custody of goods being claimed by two or more persons who do not have the same
interest, or (b) two or more lessors are trying to collect from a lessee.
PROCEDURE:
1.
Upon filing of the complaint, the court shall issue an order requiring the
conflicting claimants to interplead with one another.
1.1
If the interest of justice requires, it may order the subject matter be paid or
delivered to the court.947
2.
Summons shall then issued to claimants, together with a copy of the complaint
and order.948
3.
Within the time for the filing of an answer, motions to dismiss may be filed, if
denied the claimant must file an answer within the period remaining but in no case less
than 5 days.
3.1
If not, he may be declared in default and thereafter the court may render
judgment barring him from any claim in respect of the subject matter.
3.2
They may also file counter-claims, cross-claims, 3 rd party claims, and other
responsive pleadings.949
4.
After the pleadings of the conflicting claimants have been filed, pre-trial
conducted, the court shall proceed to determination and adjudication of their respective
claims. The docket and other lawful fees paid by a party who filed the complaint, as well
as costs / expenses of litigation shall constitute a lien or charge upon the subject matter,
unless the court orders otherwise.950
RULE 63 DECLARATORY RELIEF AND SIMILAR REMEDIES
WHAT IS DECLARATORY RELIEF
1.
It is a special civil action brought before the Regional Trial Court only by a person
interested in a deed, will, contract or other written instrument, or whose rights are
affected by a statute, executive order, regulation or ordinance or any other government
regulation, before breach thereof, asking the court to determine any question of
946
construction or validity arising therefrom, and for a declaration of his rights or duties
thereunder.951
1.1
1.2
Note that even if the subject is enumerated, the court will refuse to act if
the contract is clear and there is no doubt as to its meaning as there is no
need for construction or a declaration of rights.
2.
The similar remedies are the actions for reformation of instruments, to quiet title
or remove clouds therefrom, or to consolidate ownership under Article 1607 of the Civil
Code . They may be brought as civil actions for declaratory relief.
3.
Note that it can be brought only before a breach / violation of the statute or
instrument.
3.1
3.2
The parties may then file such pleading as may be necessary or proper.952
uncertainty that gave rise to the action, or in any case, where the declaration or
construction is not necessary or proper under the circumstances.955
RULE 64 REVIEW OR JUDGMENTS / FINAL ORDER OF THE COMELEC AND
COA
1.
A judgment / final order of COMELEC / COA is to be brought by the aggrieved
party to the Supreme Court under Rule 65 but the period for filing is 30 days from notice
of the judgment or final order sought to be reviewed.
1.1
1.2
The filing of a motion for new trial / recon if allowed under the procedural
rules of the COMELEC / COA will toll the period. If denied, the aggrieved
party only has the remaining period which is no case shall be less than 5
days in any event, reckoned from notice of denial. 956
1.3
2.
The bringing of a petition shall not stay the execution of the judgment, final order
or resolution unless directed otherwise by the Supreme Court. 957
RULE 65- CERTIORARI / PROHIBITION AND MANDAMUS
The exercise of judicial function is to determine what the law is, and what the legal
rights of paties are, with respect to a matter is controversy; and whenever an officer
is clothed with that authority, and undertakes to determine those questions, he acts
judicially. (The Mun.Council of Lemery, Batangas vs. The Prov. Board of Batangas,
56 PHIL. 260)
A quasi-judicial act or function is a judicial act or function performed by one who is
not a judge.
Without jurisdiction refers to lack of jurisdiction of the court, board, or officer from
the beginning.
955
The initial determination of what pleadings, documents or orders are relevant and pertinent to the
petition rests on the petitioner.958
WHAT IS CERTIORARI
1.
Special Civil Action against a tribunal board or officer exercising judicial or quasijudicial function which is alleged in a verified petition filed by an aggrieved party to have
acted without jurisdiction or in excess of its jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion
amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.
1.1
1.2
2.
Certiorari may prosper notwithstanding the presence of an appeal when: (a)
public welfare and the advancement of public policy dictate it (b) when the broader
interest of justice requires it (c) when the writs issued are null, (d) the questioned order
amounts to an oppressive exercise of judicial authority.960
DISTINGUISHED FROM PETITION FOR REVIEW ON CERTIORARI
958
1.
In the former, the issue is whether the lower court acted without, in
excess of or with grave abuse of discretion, while in the latter the
issue is based on questions of law
(b)
(c)
(d)
The former shall stay the judgment /final order or award, while the
latter does not stay the order or resolution unless a temporary
restraining order or preliminary injunction is issued
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
The former can only be filed in the Supreme court, while the latter
may be filed with Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or the Regional
Trial Court
1.2
961
962
2.
A quasi-judicial act or function is a judicial act or function performed by one who
is not a judge.
WHAT CONSTITUTES GRAVE ABUSE OF DISCRETION
1.
Capricious and whimsical exercise of judgment as may be equivalent to lack or
excess of jurisdiction.
WHAT IS MANDAMUS
1.
It is a special civil action against a tribunal, corporation, board, or officer alleged
in a verified petition filed by an aggrieved party to have unlawfully neglected the
performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins as a duty resulting from an
office, trust or station, or unlawfully excluded another from the use and enjoyment of a
right or office to which such other is entitled.
1.1
1.2
2 ASPECTS OF MANDAMUS
1.
The aspects of Mandamus are: (a) respondent unlawfully neglects the
performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins as a duty resulting from an
office, trust or station or (b) respondent unlawfully excludes another from the use and
enjoyment of a right or office to which such other is entitled.
2.
The legal right of the plaintiff (petitioner) to the thing demanded must be well
defined, clear and certain. The corresponding duty of the defendant (respondent) to
perform the required act must also be clear and specific. 963
3.
Mandamus lies only to compel performance of a ministerial duty but not to
compel performance of a discretionary duty.964
3.1
4.
An act is ministerial when officer or tribunal performs in a given state of facts, in
a prescribed manner in obedience to the mandate of a legal authority without regard to
963
964
the exercise of his own judgment. If given the authority to decide how and when, it is
discretionary.
5.
Not later than 60 days from notice of the assailed judgment, order or resolution.
1.1
1.2
1.1
2.
Unless otherwise directed by the court, the public respondents shall not appear
or file an answer or comment. If elevated to a higher court the public respondents shall
be nominal parties, and unless directed shall not appear or participate in the
proceedings therein.966
ORDER TO COMMENT
1.
If petition is sufficient in form or substance, a comment will be required, not a
motion to dismiss.967
1.1
Execution may issue for any damages / cost in accordance with Section
1, Rule 39.970
DEFINED
1.
Quo Warranto is a special civil action brought by verified petition in the name of
the Republic of the Philippines against: (a) person who usurps, intrudes into or
unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, positions or franchise (b) public officer who
performs an act that constitutes a ground for forfeiture of his office (c) an association
that acts as a corporation within the Philippines without legally being incorporated or
without lawful authority to act.971
2.
1.
When the action is against the person for usurping a public office, position or
franchise, the petition shall set forth the name of the person who claims to be entitled
thereto; if any with an averment of his right to the same and that the respondent is
unlawfully in possession thereof.
1.1
All persons who claim to be entitled may be made parties, and their
respective rights may be determined in the same action. 977
2.
A reduction of time for pleadings and other proceedings may be directed by the
Court to secure the most expeditious determination of the matters involved therein
consistent with the rights of the parties. It can also take precedence over other civil
matters pending before the Court.978
CONTENTS OF JUDGMENT
1.
A judgment where the respondent is found guilty of usurping, intruding into, or
unlawfully holding or exercising a public office, position or franchise shall state that he
be ousted and altogether excluded therefrom, and that the rights of the petitioner or
relator, meaning the real party in interest, be determined as justice requires. 979
1.1
1.2
The rights of a person entitled to public office include the right to demand
of the respondent all books and papers in his custody or control
appertaining to the office, otherwise he may be punished for contempt. 981
2.
Damages if recoverable must be in another action filed within 1 year from entry of
judgment.982
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN QUO WARRANTO AND ELECTION PROTEST
1.
In Quo Warranto the issue is the disqualification / ineligibility of the proclaimed
candidate, in a Protest the issue is an irregularity in the election.
2.
If in the former, if the respondent is ineligible, the petitioner does not occupy the
position, while in the latter, the protestant can occupy the position if he obtains a
plurality of the votes.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN QUO WARRANTO AS TO NATURE OF POSITION
977
1.
In quo warranto involving an elective post the issue is the eligibility of candidate
elected, while in that involving an appointive post the issue is the legality of
appointment.
2.
In the former, if the respondent is found ineligible, the 2 nd highest vote getter,
even if eligible cannot be declared elected, while in the latter, the resolution shall
determine who has been legally appointed and declare who is entitled to occupy the
office.
RULE 67 EXPROPRIATION
WHAT IS EXPROPRIATION
1.
The taking of private property for public purpose upon the payment of just
compensation. It is also known as exercise of the power of eminent domain.
2.
Public purpose which will justify expropriation of property generally means such
activity which will serve as convenience, safety, welfare, advantage, or benefit to the
entire community, and not to a particular individual, class or group of persons.
2.1
Public use is one which confers some benefit or advantage to the public.
It is not confined to actual use by the public. It includes the right of use by
the public, whether it is exercised by one or some or many members of
the public.
2.2
3.
The commencement of the action is necessary only when the owner refuses to
agree to sell his property or if he agrees to sell, he is not amenable to the price.
HOW EXERCISED
1.
Filing of a verified complaint which shall state with certainty the right and the
purpose of expropriation, describing the real / personal property sought to be
expropriated, joining as defendants all persons claiming / owning or occupying any part
thereof or interest therein.
1.1
983
2.
If a local government unit intends to exercise the power of expropriation Section
19 of RA 7610987, it must comply with the following requisites: (a) An ordinance, not a
resolution988 must be enacted authorizing local chief executive to exercise the power of
eminent domain (b) the purpose is for public use, purpose or welfare or for the benefit of
the poor and landless (c)there is payment of just compensation, and (d) a valid and
definite offer has previously been made to the owner but was not accepted.
WHERE FILED
1.
Regional Trial Court, regardless of value as it is an action which is incapable of
pecuniary estimation.989
UPON FILING AND SERVICE OF SUMMONS
1.
The defendant may file: (a)A Manifestation that he has no objection or defense to
the action, or (b) An Answer stating all objections and defenses to the taking of the
property.
1.1
1.2
The non filing of an answer does not result in the defendant being
declared in default nor does it bar him from presenting evidence as to the
amount of compensation due and to share in the distribution of the award.
2.
The plaintiff may upon making a deposit in or with an authorized government
depository of an amount equal to the assessed value of the property for purposes of
taxation may take possession of the real property.
987
2.1
2.2
Note that under Section 19 of the Local Government Code, the LGU can
take possession upon deposit with the court of fifteen (15%) percent of
the Fair Market Value based on the current tax declaration.
2.3
3.2
3.3
Since the order of expropriation has been entered, the plaintiff cannot
dismiss or discontinue the case except on terms that the court deems just
and equitable.994
4.
The right of plaintiff to enter into the property and appropriate shall not be
delayed by an appeal. However, if appellate court determines that no right of
expropriation exists, it shall order the RTC to enforce restoration and determine the
damages that the defendant sustained.995
5.
Just compensation is then determined by no more than 3 court appointed
commissioners. If the Court accepts their report, it will render judgment based thereon.
Such judgment is also appealable. 996 The receipt by the defendant of the compensation
does not strip him of the right to appeal as the rules provide that the plaintiff may
execute its judgment as soon as it is obtained.997
993
5.1
Just compensation is defined as the full and fair equivalent of the property
sought to be expropriated considering the cost of acquisition, current value
of like properties, actual or potential uses and in case of lands, their size,
shape and location.998
5.2
5.3
the Court for the benefit of the person adjudged in the same proceeding to
be entitled thereto but payment will be required to be given to the
defendant or the court before plaintiff can enter into or retain the
property.1000
5.4
The plaintiff shall have the right to enter into the property and expropriate
for public use or retain it if already entered. If defendant or counsel absent
themselves from the court or decline to receive the amount, it shall be
deposited in the court and shall have the effect of actual payment.1001
5.5
Title will pass only upon full payment of the just compensation. 1002
5.6
5.7
When private land is expropriated for a particular public use and that
public use is abandoned, the land expropriated: (a) shall not revert if the
acquisition is in fee simple unconditional, or (b) is re-acquired if
expropriated with a condition that if the public use is abandoned or ended,
title reverts to former owner.1004
6.
The judgment shall state definitely, by an adequate description, the particular
property or interest therein expropriated and the nature of the public use or purpose for
which it is expropriated, a certified copy of which judgment shall be recorded in the
registry of deeds and its effect shall to be shall to be vest in the plaintiff title to the real
estate for public use or purpose.1005
WHO PAYS FOR COSTS
1.
All costs, except that incurred by rival claimants, shall be paid by the plaintiff
unless an appeal is taken therefrom by the owner of the property and the judgment is
affirmed. Costs shall include the fees of the commissioners. 1006
RULE 68 FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1000
1.
It is an action affecting interest in real property and is hence, a real action. Thus
venue is where the real property or a portion thereof is located.
1.1
2.
2.
After trial, if the court shall find the facts to be true, it shall ascertain the amount
due the plaintiff and render judgment for the sum with an order for it to be paid by the
adverse party to the court or judgment oblige within a period of not less than ninety (90)
days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days from entry of judgment, and that in
case of default, the property will be sold at public auction. This period is known as the
Mortgagors Equity of Redemption. 1010
2.1
1007
(d)
3.
If not paid, upon motion, the court shall order the property sold in the manner
prescribed under Rule 39, such sale shall not affect the rights of persons holding prior
liens/encumbrances on the property or parts thereof.
3.1
Upon motion, sale shall be confirmed, and such shall operate to divest the
rights in the property of all the parties to the action and to vest their rights
in the purchaser, subject to such rights of redemption as may be allowed
by law.
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4.
Proceeds of the sale shall, after deducting the costs, be paid to the persons
foreclosing the mortgage. If there be a balance or residue, it shall be paid to the junior
1011
encumbrancers, in the order of priority ascertained by the Court, if none or there still be
a balance or residue after payment, to the mortgagor.1014
5.
If debt is not all due, as soon as a sufficient portion of the property has been sold
to pay the total amount, the sale shall terminate. Afterwards, no more shall be sold, but
if property cannot be sold in portions, the entire property is to be sold with rebate of
interest if proper when the full debt is paid.1015
6.
There can be a deficiency judgment if there is a balance. Upon motion, the court
shall render judgment against the defendant for the balance which may then be the
subject of execution.
6.1
7.
Note that the provisions of Section 31 as to use of premises by obligor, Section
32 as to rents still due the obligor, and Section 34 as to recovery of price if sale is not
effective under Rule 39 are applicable insofar as they are not inconsistent. 1017
RULE 69 PARTITION
A partition agreement which was executed pursuant to a will that was not probated can not be
given effect.1018
OBJECT OF PARTITION
1.
Separate, divide and assign a thing that is held in common among those to
whom it may belong. The remedy may be availed of regardless of whether it involves
real or personal property, or both
WHO CAN FILE AND HOW
1.
Any person, having the right to compel partition of real estate may file, setting
forth therein the nature and extent of his title, adequate description of the property,
joining as defendants all other persons interested in the property.1019
2.
Partition and Accounting under this rule is in the nature of a quasi in rem
action1020.
1014
PROCEDURE
1.
If after trial, it finds for the plaintiff, it will order partition. This is known as the
order of partition
1.1
2.
Thereupon, if the parties agree, the parties may undertake the partition among
themselves by proper instruments. The court shall thereupon confirm the partition so
agreed by the parties. Such partition and order of confirmation shall then be recorded in
the registry of deed of the place where the property is situated.
1021
2.1
If they fail to agree, the Court shall appoint not more than 3
commissioners, commanding them to set-off to the plaintiff and each party
in interest such part and proportion of the property as the court will
direct.1022
2.2
Before discharging their duties, the commissioners shall take an oath that
they will faithfully discharge their duties, and in so doing they shall view
and examine the real property, shall hear the preferences of the parties,
determine the comparative value of the property, and shall set apart the
same to the parties in lots or parcels as will be most advantageous and
equitable, having due regard to the improvements, situation and quality of
the different parts thereof.1023
2.3
2.4
2.5
party in the action in severalty the portion of real estate assigned to him. If
the whole property is assigned to one after payment to the others,
judgment has the effect of vesting in the party making payment the whole
of the real estate free from any interest of the other parties. If the property
is sold and proceeds divided, judgment has the effect of vesting the
property or portion sold in the purchaser free from any interest of the
parties to the action.1026Judgment may include recovery from the other of
just share of rents and profits received by the other from the real estate in
question1027 and costs equitably apportioned among the parties. 1028
2.6
This judgment is called the judgment of partition and may be the subject of
an appeal.
Such action must be brought within one year after withholding such
possession. It is also known as an accion interdictal which seeks to
recover possession de facto or physical, actual or material possession.
3.
Note that it is the character or nature of the defendants possession which will
determine which of the two actions is appropriate.
4.
In addition to restitution of possession, damages and costs may also be
recovered.1029
UNLAWFUL DETAINER
DISTINGUISHED
1.
From Accion Publiciana- which is a plenary action to recover right of possession
that is brought after one year from accrual of the cause of action in a Regional Trial
Court
1026
2.
From Accion Reivindicatoria- which is an action to recover ownership, including
possession.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE ACTION TO BE FILED
1.
In Illegal Detainer ,unless otherwise stipulated, the lessor can proceed against
lessee only after demand to pay or comply with the conditions of the lease and to
vacate is made upon the lessee
2.
1.1
Or by serving written notice of such demand upon the person found within
the premises
1.2
1.3
1.4
If action is due to the termination of the lease due to the expiration of its
term, demand is not a prerequisite. 1033Neither is it required when there is a
stipulation dispensing with the need for demand.
1030
1.
The only allowable pleadings are the complaint, compulsory counterclaim and
cross-claim pleaded in the answers and answers thereto. All pleadings are to be
verified.1035
2.
Upon filing of the complaint, the court may, from an examination of the
allegations in the complaint and such evidence attached thereto, dismiss the complaint
on any of the grounds for a motion to dismiss which are apparent therein.
2.1
3.
If summons is issued, the defendant shall file his answer within 10 days from
receipt, serving a copy thereof to the plaintiff. It is an error on the part of the judge to
give the defendants 15 days to file an answer.1037
3.1
3.2
4.
Failure to answer the complaint within the period above provided, the court, motu
proprio, or on motion of the plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be prayed for therein:
Provided, however, That the court may in its discretion reduce the amount of damages
and attorneys fees claimed for being excessive or otherwise unconscionable. This is
without prejudice to the applicability of Section 3, Rule 9 of the Rules of Court, if there
are two or more defendants.1039
5.
A preliminary conference is then scheduled not later than 30 days after the last
answer is filed. The provision of Rule 18 on pre-trial shall be applicable to the
preliminary conference unless inconsistent with the provisions of this Rule.
1035
5.1
5.2
The defendant who appears in the absence of the plaintiff shall be entitled
to judgment on his counterclaim in accordance with Section 6 hereof. All
cross-claims shall be dismissed.
5.3
Supra, Section 4, Rule 70, Article II, Section 3 (a) and (b), Rules on Summary Procedure
Supra, Section 5, Rule 70, Article II, Section 4, Rules on Summary Procedure
1037
Santos vs. Tanciongco, 567 SCRA 134
1038
Supra, Section 6, Rule 70, Article II, Section 5, Rules on Summary Procedure
1039
Supra, Section 7, Rule 70, Article II, Section 6, Rules on Summary Procedure
1036
6.
Within 5 days after the termination of the preliminary conference, an order shall
be issued by the court stating the following matters: (a) Whether the parties have
arrived at an amicable settlement, and if so, the terms thereof (b)The stipulations or
admissions entered into by the parties (c) Whether, on the basis of the pleadings and
the stipulations and admissions made by the parties, judgment may be rendered without
the need of further proceedings, in which event the judgment shall be rendered within
thirty (30) days from issuance of the order (d) A clear specification of material facts
which remain controverted; and (e) Such other matters intended to expedite the
disposition of the case.1041
7.
Within 10 days from receipt of the order, the parties shall submit the affidavits of
their witnesses, evidences and position papers setting forth the law and the facts relied
upon.1042
7.1
The affidavits submitted shall only state the facts of direct personal
knowledge of the affiant which are admissible in evidence and must
indicate their competence to testify. A violation may subject the party or
counsel to disciplinary action and will be cause to expunge the
inadmissible affidavit or portion thereof from the record. 1043
8.
The following petitions, motions, or pleadings are prohibited and shall not be
allowed to be filed:
(a) Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction
over the subject matter, or failure to comply with the preceding section
pertaining to referral to the Lupon for conciliation. The case may then be
dismissed without prejudice and may be revived upon showing of
compliance.1044 The filing of a motion to dismiss after an answer is filed does
not violate the rules. What is proscribed is a motion to dismiss that stops the
running of the period for the filing of an answer and cause undue delay. 1045
(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;
1040
Supra, Section 8, Rule 70, Article II, Section 7, Rules on Summary Procedure
Supra, Section 9, Rule 70, Article II, Section 8, Rules on Summary Procedure
1042
Supra, Section 10, Rule 70, Article II, Section 9, Rules on Summary Procedure
1043
Supra, Section 14, Rule 70, Article II, Section 20, Rules on Summary Procedure
1044
Supra, Section 12, Rule 70, Article IV, Section 18, Rules on Summary Procedure
1045
Heirs of Olivas v Flor, 161 SCRA 393
1041
(c) Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment, or for reopening of
trial; A motion for reconsideration can be filed when the case is already
pending before the appellate court. 1046 And a motion for reconsideration of
rulings or pertaining to other incidents, not of the judgment is allowed 1047
(d) Petition for Relief from Judgment
(e) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other paper;
(f) Memoranda;
(g) Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any interlocutory
order issued by the court;
(h) Motion to declare the defendant in default;
(i) Dilatory motions for postponement;
(j) Reply;
(k) Third-party complaints; and
(l) Interventions.1048
9.
A preliminary mandatory injunction may be granted by the court upon motion
presented within 5 days from the filing of the complaint to restore him in possession,
which should be decided by the court within 30 days from filing thereof 1049 and upon
motion of the plaintiff, within 10 days from perfection of an appeal to the Regional Trial
Court to restore him in possession if the court is satisfied that the appeal of the
defendant is frivolous or dilatory or that the plaintiffs appeal is prima facie
meritorious.1050
10.
The court shall then render judgment within 30 days after receipt of the last
affidavits and position papers, or the expiration of the period for filing the same.
10.1
1046
However, should the court find it necessary to clarify certain material facts,
it may, during the said period, issue an order specifying the matters to be
clarified, and require the parties to submit affidavits or other evidence on
the said matters within ten (10) days from receipt of said order.
10.2
Judgment shall be rendered within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the
last clarificatory affidavits, or the expiration of the period for filing the
same.
10.3
The court shall not resort to the clarificatory procedure to gain time for the
rendition of the judgment.1051
11.
Should the defense of ownership be raised, the court shall only consider the
same if the issue of possession cannot be resolved without deciding the issue of
ownership. It shall thus be resolved only to determine possession and any judgment
shall be conclusive only on possession and shall not be a bar to another action between
the parties respecting the title to the land or building 1052
12.
The judgment to be rendered by the court in favor of the plaintiff shall include
restitution of the premises, the sum justly due as arrears of rent or as reasonable
compensation for the use of the premises, attorneys fees and costs. If the allegations
are not true, it shall render judgment for the defendant for recovery of cost. If a
counterclaim is established, the court shall render judgment for the sum found in arrears
from either party and award costs as justice requires.1053
1051
12.1
While the general rule in ejectment cases that the recoverable damages
are fair rental value or reasonable compensation for the use or occupation
of real property, liquidated damages may be recovered if so stipulated. 1054
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
The filing of a notice of appeal and payment of the necessary docket does
not stay the execution of the decision.
12.6
1058
1.3
2.
Indirect Contempt consists of (a) Misbehavior of an officer of a court in the
performance of his official duties or in his official transactions; (b) Disobedience of or
resistance to a lawful writ, process, order, or judgment of a court, including the act of a
person who, after being dispossessed or ejected from any real property by the judgment
or process of any court of competent jurisdiction, enters or attempts or induces another
to enter into or upon such real property for the purpose of executing acts of ownership
or possession, or in any manner disturbs the possession given to the person adjudged
to be entitled thereto; (c) Any abuse of or any unlawful interference with the processes
or proceedings of a court not constituting direct contempt under Section 1 of this Rule;
(d) Any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly to impede, obstruct, or degrade
the administration of justice; (e) Assuming to be an attorney or an officer of a court, and
acting as such without authority; (f) Failure to obey a subpoena duly served; (g) The
rescue, or attempted rescue, of a person or property in the custody of an officer by
virtue of an order or process of a court held by him. But nothing in this section shall be
so construed as to prevent the court from issuing process to bring the respondent into
court, or from holding him in custody pending such proceedings. 1065
1063
2.1
This kind of contempt may be initiated motu propio by the court against
which the contempt was committed by an order or any formal charge
requiring the respondent to show cause why he should not be punished
for contempt. In other cases, it shall be commenced by verified petition
with supporting particulars and certified true copies of documents or
papers involved therein, and upon full compliance with the requirements
for the filing of initiatory pleadings in the court concerned.
2.2
If the charges are related to the principal action pending before the court,
the petition shall so allege such fact but it shall be docketed, heard and
decided separately, unless the court in its discretion orders consolidation
of the charge and principal action for joint hearing and decision. 1066
2.3
The charge shall be filed in the Regional Trial Court if the contempt is
committed against it or a court of equal or higher rank or against an officer
appointed by it.
2.4
If against a lower court, it may be filed in the Regional Trial Court in the
place where the lower court sits or in such lower court, subject to appeal
to the Regional Trial Court.1067
2.5
2.6
2.7
OTHERS
1.
If no hearings are held forthwith and the respondent has been taken into custody,
he may be released upon payment of a bond, but if he fails to appear on the hearing of
the charge, he may be ordered arrested and the bond forfeited. 1072
2.
If already imprisoned, the court may discharge the respondent if public interest
will not be prejudiced by the release. 1073
APPLICABILITY OF THE RULE
The rules apply to persons, entities, bodies or agencies exercising quasi-judicial powers
or shall have suppletory effect to their rules. The RTC of the place where the contempt
is committed shall have jurisdiction.1074
1067
2.
The exceptions are the following: (a) where one party is the government or any
subdivision or instrumentality thereof (b) where one party is a public officer or employee,
and the dispute relates to the performance of his official functions (c) offenses
punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year or a fine exceeding PHP 5000.00 (d)
offenses where there is no private offended party (e) where the dispute is brought by or
against a corporation, partnership or juridical entity (f) where the dispute involves real
properties located in different cities or municipalities unless the parties agree to submit
their differences to amicable settlement by an appropriate lupon (g) where dispute
involves parties who actually reside in barangays of different cities or municipalities,
except when the barangays actually adjoin each other and the parties agree to submit
their differences to amicable settlement by an appropriate lupon (h) such other classes
of disputes which the President may determine in the interest of justice or upon
recommendation by the Secretary of Justice (Section 408, PD 1508). (i) disputes arising
from the implementation of the CARP (j) Employer-Employee disputes (k) action to
annul a judgment upon a compromise.
3.
Note however that while no petition, complaint, action or proceeding within the
authority of the lupon shall be filed directly with the court or any government office for
adjudication UNLESS there has been a confrontation before the lupon chairman or
pangkat, and that no conciliation or settlement has been reached as certified by the
lupon secretary or pangkat secretary, or unless the settlement has been repudiated
within 10 days from its date by a statement sworn before the punong barangay to the
effect that his consent is vitiated by fraud violence or intimidation ( Section 418, PD
1508), the following cases may be filed directly: (1) accused in under detention (2)
person has otherwise been deprived of personal liberty calling for habeas corpus
proceedings (3) when action is coupled with a provisional remedy (4) where action may
otherwise be barred by prescription (Section 412, PD 1508)
VENUE
1.
The proper venue for conciliation is as follows: (a) if between persons actually
residing in the same barangay-before the lupon of the said barangay (b) if between
1075
actual residents of different barangays within the same city of municipality- before the
lupon where the respondent resides, if there be several respondents- before the lupon
where anyone of them resides at the election of the complainant (c) if involving real
property or any interest therein- the barangay lupon where the property or larger portion
is located (d) if arising in the workplace where the contending parties are employed or at
the institution where such parties are enrolled for study- before the lupon of the
barangay where the workplace or institution is located.
2.
Any objection to venue shall be raised before the Punong Barangay, otherwise
they are waived. Legal questions may be submitted to the Secretary of Justice or his
duly designated representative whose ruling thereon shall be binding.
PROCEDURE FOR CONCILIATION OR SETTLEMENT
1.
(a)
(b)
Mediation by lupon chairman on the next working day from receipt of the
complaint, failing in which within 15 days from the first meeting, he shall forthwith set a
date for the constitution of the pangkat
(c)
The pangkat shall convene not later than 3 days from constitution to hear the
parties and explore the possibility of an amicable settlement within 15 days from the day
it convenes, which period is extendible for another 15 days, except in clearly meritorious
cases.
2.
Note however, that while prescription does not run upon filing of the complaint
and shall resume only upon receipt of the complaint or certificate of repudiation, or
certification to file action, the interruption shall not exceed 60 days from filing of the
complaint with the punong barangay. (Section 410, PD 1508)
3.
The form of the amicable settlement shall be in writing, in a language/dialect
known to the parties, signed by them and attested by the lupon/pangkat chairman
(Section 411, PD 1508).
3.1
This shall have the force and effect of a final judgment of a court upon
expiration of 10 days from date thereof unless repudiation has been made
or a petition to nullify the award has been filed before the proper court.
3.2
This does not apply to cases already pending but subsequently referred to
the lupon for amicable settlement under the last paragraph of Section
408,as the same is submitted back to the court to serve as basis for
rendition of judgment. (Section 416, PD 1508).
3.3
4.
Note however that if a settlement is not complied with, the injured party may
bring an action against the offending party to recover the original amount of his claim,
thereby rescinding the compromise under Article 2041 of the Civil Code which was held
to qualify Article 2037 of the Civil Code as to the effect of a compromise being
considered as constituting res judicata.1076
REVISED RULE ON
SUMMARY PROCEDURE
RESOLUTION OF THE COURT EN BANC DATED OCTOBER 15, 1991 PROVIDING
FOR THE REVISED RULE ON SUMMARY PROCEDURE FOR METROPOLITAN
TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS
AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS.
Pursuant to Section 36 of the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (B.P. Blg. 129) and
to achieve an expeditious and inexpensive determination of the cases referred to
herein, the Court Resolved to promulgate the following Revised Rule on Summary
Procedure:
I
APPLICABILITY
SECTION 1. Scope: - This rule shall govern the summary procedure in the Metropolitan
Trial Courts in Cities, the Municipal Trial Courts, and the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts in
the following cases falling within their jurisdiction:
A.
Civil Cases:
(1)
All cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer, irrespective of the amount of
damages or unpaid rentals sought to be recovered. Where attorneys fees are awarded,
the same shall not exceed twenty thousand pesos (P20,000).
(2)
All other cases, except probate proceedings, where the total amount of plaintiffs
claim does not exceed one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) or, two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000) in Metropolitan Manila, exclusive of interest and costs. (As
1076
amended by A.M. No. 02-11-09-SC, dated Nov. 12, 2002; this amended took effect on
November 25, 2002)
B. Criminal Cases:
(1)
Violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations;
(2)
Violations of the rental law;
(3)
Violations of municipal or city ordinances;
(4)
Violations of Batas Pambansa Blg 221077
(5)
All other criminal cases where the penalty prescribed by law for the offense
charged is imprisonment not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding one
thousand pesos (P1,000), or both, irrespective of other imposable penalties, accessory
or otherwise, or of the civil liability arising therefrom: Provided, however, That in
offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence, this Rule shall
govern where the imposable fine does not exceed ten thousand pesos (P10,000).
This rule shall not apply to a civil case where the plaintiffs cause of action is
pleaded in the same complaint with another cause of action subject to the ordinary
procedure; nor to a criminal case where the offense charged is necessarily related to
another criminal case subject to ordinary procedure.
SEC. 2. Determination of applicability. Upon the filing of a civil or criminal
action, the court shall issue an order declaring whether or not the case shall be
governed by this Rule.
A patently erroneous determination to avoid the application of the Rule of
Summary Procedure is a ground for disciplinary action.
II
CIVIL CASES
SEC. 3. Pleadings.
A.
Pleadings, allowed. The only pleadings allowed to be filed are the
complaints, compulsory counterclaims and cross-claims pleaded in the answer, and the
answers thereto.
B.
SEC. A. Duty of court. After the court determines that the case falls under
summary procedure, it may, from an examination of the allegations therein and such
evidence as may be attached thereto, dismiss the case outright on any of the grounds
apparent therefrom for the dismissal of a civil action.
1077
If no ground for dismissal is found, it shall forthwith issue summons which shall
state that the summary procedure under this Rule shall apply.
NOTE: That any of the grounds for dismissal under Rule 16 apply although no motion to
dismiss can be filed except on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and non-compliance
with the requirement on conciliation.
NOTE: That the prohibition as to the filing of a motion to dismiss exists prior to the filing
of an answer but a dismissal grounded on any of the causes stated in Rule 16 can only
be effected prior to the issuance of the court of summons and not after an answer has
been filed (Heirs of Ricardo Olivas vs. Flor, 161 SCRA 393)
SEC. 5. Answer. Within ten (10) days from service of summons, the defendant
shall file his answer to the complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. Affirmative
and negative defenses not pleaded therein shall be deemed waived, except for lack of
jurisdiction over the subject matter. Cross-claims and compulsory counterclaims not
asserted in the answer shall be considered barred. The answer to counterclaims or
cross-claims shall be filed and served within ten (10) days from service of the answer in
which they are pleaded.
SEC. 6. Effect of failure to answer. Should the defendant fail to answer the
complaint within the period above provided, the court, motu proprio, or on motion of the
plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be prayed for therein: Provided, however, That
the court may in its discretion reduce the amount of damages and attorneys fees
claimed for being excessive or otherwise unconscionable. This is without prejudice to
the applicability of Section 4, Rule 18 of the Rules of Court, if there are two or more
defendants.
NOTE: Rendition by the court of judgment on account of failure to file an answer or to
appear during the preliminary conference may not require a motion (Sordan vs. De
Guzman, A.M. No. MTJ-00-1296, October 5, 2000)
SEC. 7. Preliminary conference; appearance of parties. Not later than thirty
(30) days after the last answer is filed, a preliminary conference shall be held. The rules
on pre-trial in ordinary cases shall be applicable to the preliminary conference unless
inconsistent with the provisions of this Rule.
The failure of the plaintiff to appear in the preliminary conference shall be a
cause for the dismissal of his complaint. The defendant who appears in the absence of
the plaintiff shall be entitled to judgment on his counterclaim in accordance with Section
6 hereof. All cross-claims shall be dismissed.
If a sole defendant shall fail to appear, the plaintiff shall be entitled to judgment in
accordance with Section 6 hereof. This Rule shall not apply where one of two or more
defendants sued under a common cause of action who had pleaded a common defense
shall appear at the preliminary conference.
SEC. 8. Record of preliminary conference. Within five (5) days after the
termination of the preliminary conference, the court shall issue an order stating the
matters taken up therein, including but not limited to:
(a) Whether the parties have arrived at an amicable settlement, and if so, the
terms thereof;
(b) The stipulations or admissions entered into by the parties;
(c) Whether, on the basis of the pleadings and the stipulations and admissions
made by the parties, judgment may be rendered without the need of further
proceedings, in which event the judgment shall be rendered within thirty (30) days from
issuance of the order;
(d) A clear specification of material facts which remain controverted; and
(e) Such other matters intended to expedite the disposition of the case.
SEC. 9. Submission of affidavits and position papers. Within ten (10) days from
receipt of the order mentioned in the next preceding section, the parties shall submit the
affidavits of their witnesses and other evidence on the factual issues defined in the
order, together with their position papers setting forth the law and the facts relied upon
by them.
SEC. 10. Rendition of judgment. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the last
affidavits and position papers, or the expiration of the period for filing the same, the
court shall render judgment.
However, should the court find it necessary to clarify certain material facts, it may,
during the said period, issue an order specifying the matters to be clarified, and require
the parties to submit affidavits or other evidence on the said matters within ten (10) days
from receipt of said order. Judgment shall be rendered within fifteen (15) days after the
receipt of the last clarificatory affidavits, or the expiration of the period for filing the
same.
The court shall not resort to the clarificatory procedure to gain time for the
rendition of the judgment.
NOTE: That hearings are not necessary unless for the purpose of clarifying certain
material facts.
III
CRIMINAL CASES
Sec. 11. How commenced. The filing of criminal cases falling within the scope
of this Rule shall be either by complaint or by information; Provided, however, That in
Metropolitan Manila and in Chartered Cities, such cases shall be commenced only by
information, except when the offense cannot be prosecuted de officio.
The complaint or information shall be accompanied by the affidavits of the
complainant and of his witnesses in such number of copies as there are accused plus
two (2) copies of the courts files. If this requirement is not complied with within five (5)
days from date of filing, the case may be dismissed.
Sec. 12 Duty of court.
(a)
If commenced by complaint. On the basis of the complaint and the affidavits
and other evidence accompanying the same, the court may dismiss the case outright for
being patently without basis or merit and order the release of the accused if in custody.
(b)
If commenced by information. When the case is commenced by information, or
is not dismissed pursuant to the next preceding paragraph, the court shall issue an
order which, together with copies of the affidavits and other evidence submitted by the
prosecution, shall require the accused to submit his counter-affidavit and the affidavits
of his witnesses as well as any evidence in his behalf, serving copies thereof on the
complainant or prosecutor not later than ten (10) days from receipt of said order. The
prosecution may file reply affidavits within ten (10) days after receipt of the counteraffidavits of the defense.
Sec. 13 Arraignment and trial. Should the court, upon a consideration of the
complaint or information and the affidavits submitted by both parties, find no cause or
ground to hold the accused for trial, it shall order the dismissal of the case; otherwise,
the court shall set the case for arraignment and trial.
If the accused is in custody for the crime charged, he shall be immediately
arraigned and if he enters a plea of guilty, he shall forthwith be sentenced.
Sec. 14 Preliminary conference. Before conducting the trial, the court shall call
the parties to a preliminary conference during which a stipulation of facts may be
entered into, or the propriety of allowing the accused to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser
offense may be considered, or such other matters may be taken up to clarify the issues
and to ensure a speedy disposition of the case. However, no admission by the accused
shall be used against him unless reduced to writing and signed by the accused and his
counsel. A refusal or failure to stipulate shall not prejudice the accused.
Sec. 15 Procedure of trial. At the trial, the affidavits submitted by the parties
shall constitute the direct testimonies of the witnesses who executed the same.
Witnesses who testified may be subjected to cross-examination, redirect or re-cross-
examination. Should the affiant fail to testify, his affidavit shall not be considered as
competent evidence for the party presenting the affidavit, but the adverse party may
utilize the same for any admissible purpose.
Except on rebuttal or surrebuttal, no witness shall be allowed to testify unless his
affidavit was previously submitted to the court in accordance with Section 12 hereof.
However, should a party desire to present additional affidavits or counteraffidavits as part of his direct evidence, he shall so manifest during the preliminary
conference, stating the purpose thereof. If allowed by the court, the additional affidavits
of the prosecution or the counter-affidavits of the defense shall be submitted to the court
and served on the adverse party not later than three (3) days after the termination of the
preliminary conference. If the additional affidavits are presented by the prosecution, the
accused may file his counter-affidavits and serve the same on the prosecution within
three (3) days from such service.
Sec. 16. Arrest of accused. The court shall not order the arrest of the accused
except for failure to appear whenever required. Release of the person arrested shall
either be on bail or on recognizance by a responsible citizen acceptable to the court.
Sec. 17 Judgment. Where a trial has been conducted, the court shall
promulgate the judgment not later than thirty (30) days after the termination of trial.
COMMON PROVISIONS
SEC. 18 Referral to Lupon. Cases requiring referral to the Lupon for
conciliation under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1508 where there is no
showing of compliance with such requirement, shall be dismissed without prejudice, and
may be revived only after such requirement shall have been complied with. This
provision shall not apply to criminal cases where the accused was arrested without a
warrant.
SEC. 19. Prohibited pleadings and motions. The following pleadings, motions,
or petitions shall not be allowed in the cases covered by this Rule:
(a) Motion to dismiss the complaint or to quash the complaint or information
except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, or failure to comply
with the preceding section;
(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;
(c) Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment, or for reopening of
trial;
(d) Petition for Relief from Judgment
(e) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other paper;
(f) Memoranda;
(g) Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any interlocutory
order issued by the court;
(h) Motion to declare the defendant in default;
(i) Dilatory motions for postponement;
NOTE: If motion is well grounded, it may be allowed.
(j) Reply;
(k) Third-party complaints; and
(l) Interventions.
SEC. 20. Affidavits. The affidavits required to be submitted under this Rule
shall state only facts of direct personal knowledge of the affiants which are admissible in
evidence, and shall show their competence to testify to the matters stated therein.
A violation of this requirement may subject the party or the counsel who submits
the same to disciplinary action, and shall be cause to expunge the inadmissible affidavit
or portion thereof from the record.
SEC. 21. Appeal. The judgment or final order shall be appealable to the
appropriate regional trial court which shall decide the same in accordance with Section
22 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129. The decision of the regional trial court in civil cases
governed by this Rule, including forcible entry and unlawful detainer, shall be
immediately executory, without prejudice to a further appeal that may be taken
therefrom.
NOTE: That immediate execution requires proof that the losing party has been served
with notice of judgment (Dy vs. CA, 191 SCRA 585) and that notice of the motion for
execution to the adverse party is required ( Limpo vs. CA, 333 SCRA 575)
SEC. 22. Applicability of the regular rules. The regular procedure prescribed in
the Rules of Court shall apply to the special cases herein provided for in a suppletory
capacity insofar as they are not inconsistent herewith.
SEC. 23. Effectivity. This revised Rule on Summary Procedure shall be
effective on November 15, 1991.
In fact, it has been declared that the motion for extension of time within which a party
may plead is not a litigated motion where notice to the adverse party is necessary to
afford the latter an opportunity to resist the application, but an ex parte motion made to
the court in behalf of one or the other of the parties to the action, in the absence and
usually without the knowledge of the other party or parties. (Commercial Union
Assurance Company Limited, et. al. vs. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, et. al.,
L-43342. October 30, 1978, 86 SCRA 79, 95-96; Amante vs. Sunga, et. al., L-40491,
May 28, 1975, 64 SCRA 192, 195)
Therefore, as long as it is filed within the period sought to be extended, a request for
extension of time may be filed ex parte and granted without the usual formalities
applicable to motions in general. (Moya vs. Barton, 76 Phil. 831)