2019 Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules 1-71, as amended by A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC)

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE 1997 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS,

pursuant to Section 5(5), Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution, the Supreme Court is vested with the power to promulgate rules concerning the pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged;

WHEREAS,

considering the policy of Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin to prioritize the reform of procedural laws in order to make the disposition of every action and proceeding more just, speedy and inexpensive, as well as to prevent delays and to decongest the courts, the Sub-Committee for the Revision of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure was created to review possible amendments to the Rules per Memorandum Order No. 04-2019 dated January 14, 2019;

WHEREAS,

the Sub-Committee for the Revision of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure is composed of the following members:

Chairperson:

Hon. Diosdado M. Peralta

Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Vice-Chairperson:

Hon. Alexander G. Gesmundo

Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Members:

Hon. Francis H. Jardeleza

Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Hon. Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa

Associate Justice, Supreme Court

Hon. Jose Midas P. Marquez

Court Administrator

Hon. Fernanda Lampas Peralta

Associate Justice, Court of Appeals

Hon. Maria Filomena D. Singh

Associate Justice, Court of Appeals

Hon. Magdangal M. De Leon

Associate Justice, Court of Appeals (Retired)

Hon. Jose Lorenzo R. Dela Rosa

Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 4

Hon. Niño Delvin E. Embuscado

Metropolitan Trial Court of Makati, Branch 66

Atty. Ramon S. Esguerra

Professor, University of the Philippines College of Law

Atty. Tranquil Gervacio S. Salvador III

Professor, Ateneo De Manila University School of Law

Atty. Regan G. Yuliong

Office of Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Secretariat:

Atty. Ralph Jerome D. Salvador

Office of Associate Justice Disodado M. Peralta

Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila

Office of Associate Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo

Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting

Office of the Court Administrator

WHEREAS,

the Sub-Committee members submitted and discussed the possible amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, taking into account the recent developments in procedural and substantive laws, jurisprudence and digital technology, as well as international conventions;

WHEREAS,

after several exhaustive meetings, the Sub-Committee submitted its proposals to the reorganized Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court (Mother Rule Committee),

1

which is composed of the following members, who thoroughly reviewed and made further amendments to the said proposals:

Chairperson:

Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Vice/Working Chairperson:

Justice Diosdado M. Peralta

Members:

Justice Francis H. Jardeleza

Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa

Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra

Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna (ret.)

Justice Romeo J. Callejo, Sr. (ret.)

Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez

Atty. Francis Ed Lim

Atty. Ramon S. Esguerra

Atty. Tranquil Gervacio S. Salvador III

Atty. Amador Z. Tolentino Jr.

Secretariat:

Atty. Ralph Jerome D. Salvador

Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting

Atty. Al-Azree J. Mohammadsali

WHEREAS, after several meetings, the reorganized Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court has finally finished amending and updating the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, in order to incorporate the technological advances and developments in law, jurisprudence and international conventions;

NOW, THEREFORE,

acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court, the Court resolves to APPROVE the "2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.'"

The 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure shall take effect on May 1, 2020, following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of national circulation

October 15, 2019, Manila, Philippines.

Bersamin (C.J.), Carpio, Peralta, Perlas-Bernabe, Leonen, Caguioa, A. Reyes, Jr., Gesmundo, J. Reyes, Jr., (on leave but left his vote), Hernando, Carandang, Lazaro-Javier, Inting, and Zalameda, JJ., concur.

Footnotes

1

Reorganized per Memorandum Order No. 03-2019 dated January 14, 2019.

A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC 2019

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE 1997 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

RULE 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.

Title of the Rules.

- These Rules shall be known and cited as the Rules of Court. (1)

Section 2.

In what courts applicable.

- These Rules shall apply in all the courts, except as otherwise provided by the Supreme Court. (2)

Section 3.

Cases governed.

- These Rules shall govern the procedure to be observed in actions, civil or criminal, and special proceedings.

(a) 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.

A civil action may either be ordinary or special. Both are governed by the rules for ordinary civil actions, subject to the specific rules prescribed for a special civil action.

(b) A criminal action is one by which the State prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishable by law.

(c) A special proceeding is a remedy by which a party seek s to establish a status, a right, or a particular fact. (3)

Section 4.

In what cases not applicable. - These Rules shall not apply to election cases, land registration, cadastral, naturalization and insolvency proceedings, and other cases not herein provided for, except by analogy or in a suppletory character and whenever practicable and convenient. (4)

Section 5.

Commencement of action.

- A civil action is commenced by the filing of the original complaint in court. If an additional defendant is impleaded in a later pleading, the action is commenced withregard to him on the date of the filing of such later pleading, irrespective of whether the motion for its admission, if necessary, is denied by the court. (6a)

Section 6.

Construction.

– These Rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote their objective of securing a just, speedy and inexpensive disposition of every action and proceeding. (2a)

RULE 2

CAUSE OF ACTION

Section 1.

Ordinary civil actions, basis of

- Every ordinary civil action must be based on a cause of action. (1)

Section 2.

Cause of action, defined.

- A cause of action is the act or omission by which a party violates a right of another. (2)

Section 3.

One suit for a single cause of action.

- A party may not institute more than one suit for a single cause of action. (3)

Section 4.

Splitting a single cause of action; effect of

- If two or more suits are instituted on the basis of the same cause of action, the filing of one or a judgment upon the merits in anyone is available as a ground for the dismissal of the others. (4)

Section 5.

Joinder of causes of action.

- A party may in one pleading assert, in the alternative or otherwise, as many causes of action as he may have against an opposing party, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The party joining the causes of action shall comply with the rules on joinder of parties;

(b) The joinder shall not include special civil actions or actions governed by special rules;

(c) Where the causes of action are between the same parties but pertain to different venues or jurisdictions, the joinder may be allowed in the Regional Trial Court provided one of the causes of action falls within the jurisdiction of said court and the venue lies therein; and

(d) Where the claims in all the causes of action are principally for recovery of money, the aggregate amount claimed shall be the test of jurisdiction. (5)

Section 6.

Misjoinder of causes of action.

- Misjoinder of causes of action is not a ground for dismissal of an action. A misjoined cause of action may, on motion of a party or on the initiative of the court, be severed and proceeded with separately. (6)

RULE 3

PARTIES TO CIVIL ACTIONS

Section 1.

Who may be parties; plaintiff and defendant.

- Only natural or juridical persons, or entities authorized by law may be parties in a civil action. The term "plaintiff" may refer to the claiming party, the counter-claimant, the cross-claimant, or the third (fourth, etc.)[-]party plaintiff. The term "defendant "may refer to the original defending party, the defendant in a counterclaim, the cross-defendant, or the third (fourth, etc.) - party defendant. (1)

Section 2.

Parties in interest.

- A real party in interest is the party who stands to be benefited or injured by the judgment in the suit, or the party entitled to the avails of the suit. Unless otherwise authorized by law or these Rules, every action must be prosecuted or defended in the name of the real party in interest. (2)

Section 3.

Representatives as parties.

- Where the action is allowed to be prosecuted or defended by a representative or someone acting in a fiduciary capacity, the beneficiary shall be included in the title of the case and shall be deemed to be the real party in interest. A representative may be a trustee of an express trust, a guardian, an executor or administrator, or a party authorized by law or these Rules. An agent acting in his own name and for the benefit of an undisclosed principal may sue or be sued without joining the principal except when the contract involves things belonging to the principal. (3)

Section 4.

Spouses as parties.

- Husband and wife shall sue or be sued jointly, except as provided by law. (4)

Section 5.

Minor or incompetent persons.

- A minor or a person alleged to be incompetent, may sue or be sued, with the assistance of his father, mother, guardian, or if he has none, a guardian

ad litem

. (5)

Section 6.

Permissive joinder of parties.

- All persons in whom or against whom any right to relief in respect to or arising out of the same transaction or series of transactions 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; but the court may make such orders as may be just to prevent any plaintiff or defendant from being embarrassed or put to expense in connection with any proceedings in which he may have no interest. (6)

Section 7.

Compulsory joinder of indispensable parties.

- Parties in interest without whom no final determination can be had of an action shall be joined either as plaintiffs or defendants. (7)

Section 8.

Necessary party.

- A necessary party is one 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. (8)

Section 9.

Non-joinder of necessary parties to be pleaded.

- Whenever in any pleading in which a claim is asserted a necessary party is not joined, the pleader shall set forth his name, if known, and shall state why he is omitted. Should the court find the reason for the omission unmeritorious, it may order the inclusion of the omitted necessary party if jurisdiction over his person may be obtained.

The failure to comply with the order for his inclusion, without justifiable cause, shall be deemed a waiver of the claim against such party.

The non-inclusion of a necessary party does not prevent the court from proceeding in the action, and the judgment rendered therein shall be without prejudice to the rights of such necessary party. (9)

Section 10.

Unwilling co-plaintiff.

- If the consent of any party who should be joined as plaintiff can not be obtained, he may be made a defendant and the reason therefor shall be stated in the complaint. (10)

Section 11.

Misjoinder and nonjoinder of parties. - Neither misjoinder nor non-joinder of parties is ground for dismissal of an action. 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 as are just. Any claim against a misjoined party may be severed and proceeded with separately. (11)

Section 12.

Class suit.

- When the subject matter of the controversy is one of common or general interest to many persons so numerous that it is impracticable to join all as parties, a number of them which the court finds to be sufficiently numerous and representative as to fully protect the interests of all concerned may sue or defend for the benefit of all. Any party in interest shall have the right to intervene to protect his individual interest. (12)

Section 13.

Alternative defendants.

- Where the plaintiff is uncertain against who of several persons he is entitled to relief, he may join any or all of them as defendants in the alternative, although a right to relief against one may be inconsistent with a right of relief against the other. (13)

Section 14.

Unknown identity or name of defendant.

- Whenever the identity or name of a defendant is unknown, he may be sued as the unknown owner, heir, devisee, or by such other designation as the case may require; when his identity or true name is discovered, the pleading must be amended accordingly. (14)

Section 15.

Entity without juridical personality as defendant.

- When two 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.

In the answer of such defendant, the names and addresses of the persons composing said entity must all be revealed. (15)

Section 16.

Death of party; duty of counsel.

- Whenever a party to a pending action dies, and the claim is not thereby extinguished, it shall be the duty of his counsel to inform the court within thirty (30) days after such death of the fact thereof, and to give the name and address of his legal representative or representatives. Failure of counsel to comply with this duty shall be a ground for disciplinary action.

The heirs of the deceased may be allowed to be substituted for the deceased, without requiring the appointment of an executor or administrator and the court may appoint a guardian

ad litem

for the minor heirs.

The court shall forthwith order said legal representative or representatives to appear and be substituted within a period of thirty (30) days from notice.

If no legal representative is named by the counsel for the deceased party, or if the one so named shall fail to appear within the specified period, the court may order the opposing party, within a specified time, to procure the appointment of an executor or administrator for the estate of the deceased and the latter shall immediately appear for and on behalf of the deceased. The court charges in procuring such appointment, if defrayed by the opposing party, may be recovered as costs. (16)

Section 17.

Death or separation of a party who is a public officer.

- When a public officer is a party in an action in his official capacity and during its pendency dies, resigns, or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action may be continued and maintained by or against his successor if, within thirty (30) days after the successor takes office or such time as may be granted by the court, it is satisfactorily shown to the court by any party that there is a substantial need for continuing or maintaining it and that the successor adopts or continues or threatens to adopt or continue the action of his predecessor. Before a substitution is made, the party or officer to be affected, unless expressly assenting thereto, shall be given reasonable notice of the application therefor and accorded an opportunity to be heard. (17)

Section 18.

Incompetency or incapacity.

- If a party becomes incompetent or incapacitated, the court, upon motion with notice, may allow the action to be continued by or against the incompetent or incapacitated person assisted by his legal guardian or guardian

ad litem

. (18)

Section 19.

Transfer of interest.

- In case of any transfer of interest, the action may be continued by or against the original party, unless the court upon motion directs the person to whom the interest is transferred to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party. (19)

Section 20.

Action on contractual money claims.

- When the action is for recovery of money arising from contract, express or implied, and the defendant dies before entry of final judgment in the court in which the action was pending at the time of such death, it shall not be dismissed but shall instead be allowed to continue until entry of final judgment. A favorable judgment obtained by the plaintiff therein shall be enforced in the manner especially provided in these Rules for prosecuting claims against the estate of a deceased person. (20)

Section 21.

Indigent party.

- A party may be authorized to litigate his action, claim or defense as an indigent if the court, upon an

ex parte

application and hearing, is satisfied that the party is one who has no money or property sufficient and available for food, shelter and basic necessities for himself and his family.

Such authority shall include an exemption from payment of dock et and other lawful fees, and of transcripts of stenographic notes which the court may order to be furnished him. The amount of the dock et and other lawful fees which the indigent was exempted from paying shall be a lien on any judgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent, unless the court otherwise provides.

Any adverse party may contest the grant of such authority at any time before judgment is rendered by the trial court. If the court should determine after hearing that the party declared as an indigent is in fact a person with sufficient income or property, the proper dock et and other lawful fees shall be assessed and collected by the clerk of court. If payment is not made within the time fixed by the court, execution shall issue or the payment thereof, without prejudice to such other sanctions as the court may impose. (21)

Section 22.

Notice to the Solicitor General.

- In any action involving the validity of any treaty, law, ordinance, executive order, presidential decree, rules or regulations, the court, in its discretion, may require the appearance of the Solicitor General who may be heard in person or through a representative duly designated by him. (22)

RULE 4

VENUE OF ACTIONS

Section 1.

Venue of real actions.

- Actions affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein, 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 shall be commenced and tried in the municipal trial court of the municipality or city wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated. (1)

Section 2.

Venue of personal actions.

- All other actions may be commenced and tried where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs resides, or where the defendant or any of the principal defendants resides, or in the case of a nonresident defendant where he may be found, at the election of the plaintiff. (2)

Section 3.

Venue of actions against nonresidents.

- If any of the defendants does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff, or any property of said defendant located in the Philippines, the action may be commenced and tried in the court of the place where the plaintiff resides, or where the property or any portion thereof is situated or found. (3)

Section 4.

When Rule not applicable.

- This Rule shall not apply ­

(a) In those cases where a specific rule or law provides otherwise; or

(b) Where the parties have validly agreed in writing before the filing of the action on the exclusive venue thereof. (3a, 5a)

RULE 5

UNIFORM PROCEDURE IN TRIAL COURTS

Section 1.

Uniform procedure.

- The procedure in the Municipal Trial Courts shall be the same as in the Regional Trial Courts, except (a) where a particular provision expressly or impliedly applies only to either of said courts, or (b) in civil cases governed by the Rule on Summary Procedure. (1)

Section 2.

Meaning of terms.

- The term "Municipal Trial Courts" as used in these Rules shall include Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. (2)

RULE 6

KINDS OF PLEADINGS

Section 1.

Pleadings defined.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Pleadings allowed.

— The claims of a party are asserted in a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint, or complaint-in-intervention.

The defenses of a party are alleged in the answer to the pleading asserting a claim against him or her.

An answer may be responded to by a reply only if the defending party attaches an actionable document to the answer.

Section 3.

Complaint.

— The complaint is the pleading alleging the plaintiffs or claiming party's cause or causes of action. The names and residences of the plaintiff and defendant must be stated in the complaint.

Section 4.

Answer.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Defenses.

— Defenses may either be negative or affirmative.

(a) A negative defense is the specific denial of the material fact or facts alleged in the pleading of the claimant essential to his cause or causes of action.

(b) An affirmative defense is an allegation of, a new matter which, while hypothetically admitting the material allegations in the pleading of the claimant, would nevertheless prevent or bar recovery by him or her. The affirmative defenses include fraud, statute of limitations, release, payment, illegality, statute of frauds, estoppel, former recovery, discharge in bankruptcy, and any other matter by way of confession and avoidance.

Affirmative defenses may also include grounds for the dismissal of a complaint, specifically, that the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter, that there is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause, or that the action is barred by a prior judgment.

Section 6.

Counterclaim.

—

[No amendment]

Section 7.

Compulsory counterclaim.

— A compulsory counterclaim is one which, being cognizable by the regular courts of justice, arises out of or is connected with the transaction or occurrence constituting the subject matter of the opposing party's claim and does not require for its adjudication the presence of third parties of whom the court cannot acquire jurisdiction. Such a counterclaim must be within the jurisdiction of the court both as to the amount and the nature thereof, except that in an original action before the Regional Trial Court, the counterclaim may be considered compulsory regardless of the amount. A compulsory counterclaim not raised in the same action is barred, unless otherwise allowed by these Rules.

Section 8.

Cross-claim.

— A cross-claim is any claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein. Such cross-claim may cover all or part of the original claim.

Section 9.

Counter-counterclaims and counter-cross-claims.

—

[No amendment]

Section 10.

Reply.

— All new matters alleged in the answer are deemed controverted. If the plaintiff wishes to interpose any claims arising out of the new matters so alleged, such claims shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental complaint. However, the plaintiff may file a reply only if the defending party attaches an actionable document to his or her answer.

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 in, or relating to, said actionable document.

In the event of an actionable document attached to the reply, the defendant may file a rejoinder if the same is based solely on an actionable document.

Section 11.

Third, (fourth, etc.)-party complaint.

— A third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint is a claim that a defending party may, with leave of court, file against a person not a party to the action, called the third (fourth, etc.)-party defendant for contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any other relief, in respect of his opponent's claim.

The third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint shall be denied admission, and the court shall require the defendant to institute a separate action, where: (a) the third (fourth, etc.)-party defendant cannot be located within thirty (30) calendar days from the grant of such leave; (b) matters extraneous to the issue in the principal case are raised; or (c) the effect would be to introduce a new and separate controversy into the action.

Section 12.

Bringing new parties.

—

[No amendment]

Section 13.

Answer to third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 7

PARTS AND CONTENTS OF PLEADING

Section 1.

Caption.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

The body.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Signature and address.

— (a) Every pleading and other written submissions to the court must be signed by the party or counsel representing him or her.

(b) The signature of counsel constitutes a certificate by him or her that he or she has read the pleading and document; that to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances:

(1) It is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation;

(2) The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions are warranted by existing law or jurisprudence, or by a non-frivolous argument for extending, modifying, or reversing existing jurisprudence;

(3) The factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after availment of the modes of discovery under these rules; and

(4) The denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on belief or a lack of information.

(c) If the court determines, on motion or

motu proprio

and after notice and hearing, that this rule has been violated, it may impose an appropriate sanction or refer such violation to the proper office for disciplinary action, on any attorney, law firm, or party that violated the rule, or is responsible for the violation. Absent exceptional circumstances, a law firm shall be held jointly and severally liable for a violation committed by its partner, associate, or employee. The sanction may include, but not limited to, non-monetary directives or sanctions; an order to pay a penalty in court; or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of part or all of the reasonable attorney's fees and other expenses directly resulting from the violation, including attorney's fees for the filing of motion for sanction. The lawyer or law firm cannot pass on the monetary penalty to the client.

Section 4.

Verification.

— Except when otherwise specifically required by law or rule, pleadings need not be under oath or verified.

A pleading is verified by an affidavit of an affiant duly authorized to sign said verification. The authorization of the affiant to act on behalf of a party, whether in the form of a secretary's certificate or a special power of attorney, should be attached to the pleading, and shall allege the following attestations:

(a) The allegations in the pleading are true and correct based on his personal knowledge, or based on authentic documents;

(b) The pleading is not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and

(c) The factual allegations therein have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likewise have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery.

The signature of the affiant shall further serve as a certification of the truthfulness of the allegations in the pleading.

A pleading required to be verified that contains a verification based on "information and belief," or upon "knowledge, information and belief," or lacks a proper verification, shall be treated as an unsigned pleading.

Section 5.

Certification against forum shopping.

— The plaintiff or principal party shall certify under oath in the complaint or other initiatory pleading asserting a claim for relief, or in a sworn certification annexed thereto and simultaneously filed therewith: a) that he has not theretofore commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of his knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein; (b) if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of the present status thereof; and (c) if he should thereafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, he shall report that fact within five (5) calendar days therefrom to the court wherein his aforesaid complaint or initiatory pleading has been filed.

The authorization of the affiant to act on behalf of a party, whether in the form of a secretary's certificate or a special power of attorney, should be attached to the pleading.

Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements shall not be curable by mere amendment of the complaint or other initiatory pleading but shall be cause for the dismissal of the case without prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon motion and after hearing. The submission of a false certification or non-compliance with any of the undertakings therein shall constitute indirect contempt of court, without prejudice to the corresponding administrative and criminal actions. If the acts of the party or his counsel clearly constitute willful and deliberate forum shopping, the same shall be ground for summary dismissal with prejudice and shall constitute direct contempt, as well as a cause for administrative sanctions.

Section 6.

Contents.

— Every pleading stating a party's claims or defenses shall, in addition to those mandated by Section 2, Rule 7, state the following:

(a) Names of witnesses who will be presented to prove a party's claim or defense;

(b) Summary of the witnesses' intended testimonies, provided that the judicial affidavits of said witnesses shall be attached to the pleading and form an integral part thereof. Only witnesses whose judicial affidavits are attached to the pleading shall be presented by the parties during trial. Except if a party presents meritorious reasons as basis for the admission of additional witnesses, no other witness or affidavit shall be heard or admitted by the court; and

(c) Documentary and object evidence in support of the allegations contained in the pleading. (n)

RULE 8

MANNER OF MAKING ALLEGATIONS IN PLEADINGS

Section 1.

In general.

— Every pleading shall contain in a methodical and logical form, a plain, concise and direct statement of the ultimate facts, including the evidence on which the party pleading relies for his claim or defense, as the case may be.

If a cause of action or defense relied on is based on law, the pertinent provisions thereof and their applicability to him or her shall be clearly and concisely stated.

Section 2.

Alternative causes of action or defenses.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Conditions precedent.

—

[No amendment]

Section 4.

Capacity.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Fraud, mistake, condition of the mind.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Judgment.

— In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of a board or officer, it is sufficient to aver the judgment or decision without setting forth matter showing jurisdiction to render it. An authenticated copy of the judgment or decision shall be attached to the pleading.

Section 7.

Action or defense based on document.

— Whenever an action or defense is based upon a written instrument or document, the substance of such instrument or document shall be set forth in the pleading, and the original or a copy thereof shall be attached to the pleading as an exhibit, which shall be deemed to be a part of the pleading.

Section 8.

How to contest such documents.

—

[No amendment]

Section 9.

Official document or act.

—

[No amendment]

Section 10.

Specific denial.

—

[No amendment]

Section 11.

Allegations not specifically denied deemed admitted.

— Material averments in a pleading asserting a claim or claims, other than those as to the amount of unliquidated damages, shall be deemed admitted when not specifically denied.

Section 12.

Affirmative defenses.

— (a) A defendant shall raise his affirmative defenses in his answer, which shall be limited to the reasons set forth under Section 5(b), Rule 6, and the following grounds:

1. That the court has no jurisdiction over the person of the defending party;

2. That venue is improperly laid;

3. That the plaintiff has no legal capacity to sue;

4. That the pleading asserting the claim states no cause of action; and

5. That a condition precedent for filing the claim has not been complied with.

(b) Failure to raise the affirmative defenses at the earliest opportunity shall constitute a waiver thereof.

(c) The court shall

motu proprio

resolve the above affirmative defenses within thirty (30) calendar days from the filing of the answer.

(d) As to the other affirmative defenses under the first paragraph of Section 5(b), Rule 6, the court may conduct a summary hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days from the filing of the answer. Such affirmative defenses shall be resolved by the court within thirty (30) calendar days from the termination of the summary hearing.

(e) Affirmative defenses, if denied, shall not be the subject of a motion for reconsideration or petition for

certiorari

, prohibition or mandamus, but may be among the matters to be raised on appeal after a judgment on the merits. (n)

Section 13.

Striking out of pleading or matter contained therein.

— Upon motion made by a party before responding to a pleading or, if no responsive pleading is permitted by these Rules, upon motion made by a party within twenty (20) calendar days after the service of the pleading upon him or her, or upon the court's own initiative at any time, the court may order any pleading to be stricken out or that any sham or false, redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter be stricken out therefrom. (12)

RULE 9

EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PLEAD

Section 1.

Defenses and objections not pleaded.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Compulsory counterclaim, or cross-claim, not set up barred.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Default; Declaration of.

—

[No amendment]

(a) Effect of order of default. —

[No amendment]

(b) Relief from order of default. —

[No amendment]

(c) Effect of partial default. —

[No amendment]

(d) Extent of relief to be awarded. —

[No amendment]

(e) Where no defaults allowed. — If the defending party in an action for annulment or declaration of nullity of marriage or for legal separation fails to answer, the court shall order the Solicitor General or his or her deputized public prosecutor, to investigate whether or not a collusion between the parties exists, and if there is no collusion, to intervene for the State in order to see to it that the evidence submitted is not fabricated.

RULE 10

AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS

Section 1.

Amendments in general.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Amendments as a matter of right.

— A party may amend his pleading once as a matter of right at any time before a responsive pleading is served or, in the case of a reply, at any time within ten (10) calendar days after it is served.

Section 3.

Amendments by leave of court.

— Except as provided in the next preceding Section, substantial amendments may be made only upon leave of court. But such leave shall be refused if it appears to the court that the motion was made with intent to delay or confer jurisdiction on the court, or the pleading stated no cause of action from the beginning which could be amended. Orders of the court upon the matters provided in this Section shall be made upon motion filed in court, and after notice to the adverse party, and an opportunity to be heard.

Section 4.

Formal amendments.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

No amendment necessary to conform to or authorize presentation of evidence.

— When issues not raised by the pleadings are tried with the express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. No amendment of such pleadings deemed amended is necessary to cause them to conform to the evidence.

Section 6.

Supplemental pleadings.

— Upon motion of a party, the court may, upon reasonable notice and upon such terms as are just, permit him or her to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions, occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. The adverse party may plead thereto within ten (10) calendar days from notice of the order admitting the supplemental pleading.

Section 7.

Filing of amended pleadings.

—

[No amendment]

Section 8.

Effect of amended pleadings.

— An amended pleading supersedes the pleading that it amends. However, admissions in superseded pleadings may be offered in evidence against the pleader, and claims or defenses alleged therein not incorporated in the amended pleading shall be deemed waived.

RULE 11

WHEN TO FILE RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS

Section 1.

Answer to the complaint.

— The defendant shall file his answer to the complaint within thirty (30) calendar days after service of summons, unless a different period is fixed by the court.

Section 2.

Answer of a defendant foreign private juridical entity.

— Where the defendant is a foreign private juridical entity and service of summons is made on the government official designated by law to receive the same, the answer shall be filed within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of summons by such entity.

Section 3.

Answer to amended complaint.

— When the plaintiff files an amended complaint as a matter of right, the defendant shall answer the same within thirty (30) calendar days after being served with a copy thereof.

Where its filing is not a matter of right, the defendant shall answer the amended complaint within fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of the order admitting the same. An answer earlier filed may serve as the answer to the amended complaint if no new answer is filed.

This Rule shall apply to the answer to an amended counterclaim, amended cross-claim, amended third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint, and amended complaint-in-intervention.

Section 4.

Answer to counterclaim or cross-claim.

— A counterclaim or cross-claim must be answered within twenty (20) calendar days from service.

Section 5.

Answer to third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Reply.

— A reply, if allowed under Section 10, Rule 6 hereof, may be filed within fifteen (15) calendar days from service of the pleading responded to.

Section 7.

Answer to supplemental complaint.

— A supplemental complaint may be answered within twenty (20) calendar days from notice of the order admitting the same, unless a different period is fixed by the court. The answer to the complaint shall serve as the answer to the supplemental complaint if no new or supplemental answer is filed. (7)

Section 8.

Existing counterclaim or cross-claim.

—

[No amendment]

Section 9.

Counterclaim or cross-claim arising after answer.

—

[No amendment]

Section 10.

Omitted counterclaim or cross-claim.

—

[No amendment]

Section 11.

Extension of time to file an answer.

— A defendant may, for meritorious reasons, be granted an additional period of not more than thirty (30) calendar days to file an answer. A defendant is only allowed to file one (1) motion for extension of time to file an answer.

A motion for extension to file any pleading, other than an answer, is prohibited and considered a mere scrap of paper. The court, however, may allow any other pleading to be filed after the time fixed by these Rules.

RULE 12

BILL OF PARTICULARS

Section 1.

When applied for; purpose.

— Before responding to a pleading, a party may move for a definite statement or for a bill of particulars of any matter, which is not averred with sufficient definiteness or particularity, to enable him or her properly to prepare his or her responsive pleading. If the pleading is a reply, the motion must be filed within ten (10) calendar days from service thereof. Such motion shall point out the defects complained of, the paragraphs wherein they are contained, and the details desired.

Section 2.

Action by the court.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Compliance with order.

— If the motion is granted, either in whole or in part, the compliance therewith must be effected within ten (10) calendar days from notice of the order, unless a different period is fixed by the court. The bill of particulars or a more definite statement ordered by the court may be filed either in a separate or in an amended pleading, serving a copy thereof on the adverse party. (3)

Section 4.

Effect of non-compliance.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Stay of period to file responsive pleading.

— After service of the bill of particulars or of a more definite pleading, or after notice of denial of his motion, the moving party may file his responsive pleading within the period to which he was entitled at the time of filing his motion, which shall not be less than five (5) calendar days in any event. (5)

Section 6.

Bill apart of pleading.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 13

FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS, JUDGMENTS AND OTHER PAPERS

Section 1.

Coverage.

— This Rule shall govern the filing of all pleadings, motions, and other court submissions, as well as their service, except those for which a different mode of service is prescribed. (1)

Section 2.

Filing and Service, defined.

— Filing is the act of submitting the pleading or other paper to the court.

Service is the act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading or any other court submission. If a party has appeared by counsel, service upon such party shall be made upon his or her counsel or one of them, unless service upon the party and the party's counsel is ordered by the court. Where one counsel appears for several parties, such counsel shall only be entitled to one copy of any paper served by the opposite side.

Where several counsels appear for one party, such party shall be entitled to only one copy of any pleading or paper to be served upon the lead counsel if one is designated, or upon any one of them if there is no designation of a lead counsel.

Section 3.

Manner of filing.

— The filing of pleadings and other court submissions shall be made by:

(a) Submitting personally the original thereof, plainly indicated as such, to the court;

(b) Sending them by registered mail;

(c) Sending them by accredited courier; or

(d) Transmitting them by electronic mail or other electronic means as may be authorized by the Court in places where the court is electronically equipped.

In the first case, the clerk of court shall endorse on the pleading the date and hour of filing. In the second and third cases, the date of the mailing of motions, pleadings, and other court submissions, and payments or deposits, as shown by the post office stamp on the envelope or the registry receipt, shall be considered as the date of their filing, payment, or deposit in court. The envelope shall be attached to the record of the case. In the fourth case, the date of electronic transmission shall be considered as the date of filing.

Section 4.

Papers required to be filed and served.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Modes of Service.

—Pleadings, motions, notices, orders, judgments, and other court submissions shall be served personally or by registered mail, accredited courier, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, other electronic means as may be authorized by the Court, or as provided for in international conventions to which the Philippines is a party.

Section 6.

Personal Service.

— Court submissions may be served by personal delivery of a copy to the party or to the party's counsel, or to their authorized representative named in the appropriate pleading or motion, or by leaving it in his or her office with his or her clerk, or with a person having charge thereof. If no person is found in his or her office, or his or her office is not known, or he or she has no office, then by leaving the copy, between the hours of eight in the morning and six in the evening, at the party's or counsel's residence, if known, with a person of sufficient age and discretion residing therein.

Section 7.

Service by mail.

— Service by registered mail shall be made by depositing the copy in the post office, in a sealed envelope, plainly addressed to the party or to the party's counsel at his or her office, if known, otherwise at his or her residence, if known, with postage fully pre-paid, and with instructions to the postmaster to return the mail to the sender after ten (10) calendar days if undelivered. If no registry service is available in the locality of either the sender or the addressee, service may be done by ordinary mail.

Section 8.

Substituted service.

—

[No amendment]

Section 9.

Service by electronic means and facsimile.

— Service by electronic means and facsimile shall be made if the party concerned consents to such modes of service.

Service by electronic means shall be made by sending an e-mail to the party's or counsel's electronic mail address, or through other electronic means of transmission as the parties may agree on, or upon direction of the court.

Service by facsimile shall be made by sending a facsimile copy to the party's or counsel's given facsimile number. (n)

Section 10.

Presumptive service.

— There shall be presumptive notice to a party of a court setting if such notice appears on the records to have been mailed at least twenty (20) calendar days prior to the scheduled date of hearing and if the addressee is from within the judicial region, or at least thirty (30) calendar days if the addressee is from outside the judicial region. (n)

Section 11.

Change of electronic mail address or facsimile number.

— A party who changes his or her electronic mail address or facsimile number while the action is pending must promptly file, within five (5) calendar days from such change, a notice of change of e-mail address or facsimile number with the court and serve the notice on all other parties.

Service through the electronic mail address or facsimile number of a party shall be presumed valid unless such party notifies the court of any change, as aforementioned. (n)

Section 12.

Electronic mail and facsimile subject and title of pleadings and other documents.

— The subject of the electronic mail and facsimile must follow the prescribed format: case number, case title and the pleading, order or document title. The title of each electronically-filed or served pleading or other document, and each submission served by facsimile shall contain sufficient information to enable the court to ascertain from the title: (a) the party or parties filing or serving the paper, (b) nature of the paper, (c) the party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought, and (d) the nature of the relief sought. (n)

Section 13.

Service of Judgments, Final Orders or Resolutions.

— Judgments, final orders, or resolutions shall be served either personally or by registered mail. Upon

ex parte

motion of any party in the case, a copy of the judgment, final order, or resolution may be delivered by accredited courier at the expense of such party. When a party summoned by publication has failed to appear in the action, judgments, final orders or resolutions against him or her shall be served upon him or her also by means of publication at the expense of the prevailing party. (9)

Section 14.

Conventional service or filing of orders, pleadings and other documents.

— Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following orders, pleadings, and other documents must be served or filed personally or by registered mail when allowed, and shall not be served or filed electronically, unless express permission is granted by the Court:

(a) Initiatory pleadings and initial responsive pleadings, such as an answer;

(b) Subpoenae, protection orders, and writs;

(c) Appendices and exhibits to motions, or other documents that are not readily amenable to electronic scanning may, at the option of the party filing such, be filed and served conventionally; and

(d) Sealed and confidential documents or records. (n)

Section 15.

Completeness of service.

— Personal service is complete upon actual delivery. Service by ordinary mail is complete upon the expiration of ten (10) calendar days after mailing, unless the court otherwise provides. Service by registered mail is complete upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after five (5) calendar days from the date he or she received the first notice of the postmaster, whichever date is earlier. Service by accredited courier is complete upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after at least two (2) attempts to deliver by the courier service, or upon the expiration of five (5) calendar days after the first attempt to deliver, whichever is earlier.

Electronic service is complete at the time of the electronic transmission of the document, or when available, at the time that the electronic notification of service of the document is sent. Electronic service is not effective or complete if the party serving the document learns that it did not reach the addressee or person to be served.

Service by facsimile transmission is complete upon receipt by the other party, as indicated in the facsimile transmission printout. (10)

Section 16.

Proof of filing.

— The filing of a pleading or any other court submission shall be proved by its existence in the record of the case.

(a) If the pleading or any other court submission is not in the record, but is claimed to have been filed personally, the filing shall be proven by the written or stamped acknowledgment of its filing by the clerk of court on a copy of the pleading or court submission;

(b) If the pleading or any other court submission was filed by registered mail, the filing shall be proven by the registry receipt and by the affidavit of the person who mailed it, containing a full statement of the date and place of deposit of the mail in the post office in a sealed envelope addressed to the court, with postage fully prepaid, and with instructions to the postmaster to return the mail to the sender after ten (10) calendar days if not delivered.

(c) If the pleading or any other court submission was filed through an accredited courier service, the filing shall be proven by an affidavit of service of the person who brought the pleading or other document to the service provider, together with the courier's official receipt and document tracking number.

(d) If the pleading or any other court submission was filed by electronic mail, the same shall be proven by an affidavit of electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by a paper copy of the pleading or other document transmitted or a written or stamped acknowledgment of its filing by the clerk of court. If the paper copy sent by electronic mail was filed by registered mail, paragraph (b) of this Section applies.

(e) If the pleading or any other court submission was filed through other authorized electronic means, the same shall be proven by an affidavit of electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by a copy of the electronic acknowledgment of its filing by the court. (12)

Section 17.

Proof of service.

— Proof of personal service shall consist of a written admission of the party served, or the official return of the server, or the affidavit of the party serving, containing a statement of the date, place, and manner of service. If the service is made by:

(a) Ordinary mail. - Proof shall consist of an affidavit of the person mailing stating the facts showing compliance with Section 7 of this Rule.

(b) Registered mail. - Proof shall be made by the affidavit mentioned above and the 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 with the certified or sworn copy of the notice given by the postmaster to the addressee.

(c) Accredited courier service. - Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the person who brought the pleading or paper to the service provider, together with the courier's official receipt or document tracking number.

(d) Electronic mail, facsimile, or other authorized electronic means of transmission. - Proof shall be made by an affidavit of service executed by the person who sent the e-mail, facsimile, or other electronic transmission, together with a printed proof of transmittal.(13)

Section 18.

Court-issued orders and other documents.

— The court may electronically serve orders and other documents to all the parties in the case which shall have the same effect and validity as provided herein. A paper copy of the order or other document electronically served shall be retained and attached to the record of the case. (n)

Section 19.

Notice of lis pendens.

— In an action affecting the title or the right of possession of real property, the plaintiff and the defendant, when affirmative relief is claimed in his answer, may record in the office of the registry of deeds of the province in which the property is situated a notice of the pendency of the action. Said notice shall contain the names of the parties and the object of the action or defense, and a description of the property in that province affected thereby. Only from the time of filing such 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 the parties designated by their real names.

The notice of lis pendens hereinabove mentioned may be cancelled only upon order of the court, after proper showing that the notice is for the purpose of molesting the adverse party, or that it is not necessary to protect the rights of the party who caused it to be recorded. (14)

RULE 14

SUMMONS

Section 1.

Clerk to issue summons.

— Unless the complaint is on its face dismissible under Section 1, Rule 9, the court shall, within five (5) calendar days from receipt of the initiatory pleading and proof of payment of the requisite legal fees, direct the clerk of court to issue the corresponding summons to the defendants.

Section 2.

Contents.

— The summons shall be directed to the defendant, signed by the clerk of court under seal, and contain:

(a) The name of the court and the names of the parties to the action;

(b) When authorized by the court upon

ex parte

motion, an authorization for the plaintiff to serve summons to the defendant;

(c) A direction that the defendant answer within the time fixed by these Rules; and

(d) A notice that unless the defendant so answers, plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for.

A copy of the complaint and order for appointment of guardian

ad litem

, if any, shall be attached to the original and each copy of the summons.

Section 3.

By whom served.

— The summons may be served by the sheriff, his deputy, or other proper court officer, and in case of failure of service of summons by them, the court may authorize the plaintiff - to serve the summons - together with the sheriff.

In cases where summons is to be served outside the judicial region of the court where the case is pending, the plaintiff shall be authorized to cause the service of summons.

If the plaintiff is a juridical entity, it shall notify the court, in writing, and name its authorized representative therein, attaching a board resolution or secretary's certificate thereto, as the case may be, stating that such representative is duly authorized to serve the summons on behalf of the plaintiff.

If the plaintiff misrepresents that the defendant was served summons, and it is later proved that no summons was served, the case shall be dismissed with prejudice, the proceedings shall be nullified, and the plaintiff shall be meted appropriate sanctions.

If summons is returned without being served on any or all the defendants, the court shall order the plaintiff to cause the service of summons by other means available under the Rules.

Failure to comply with the order shall cause the dismissal of the initiatory pleading without prejudice.

Section 4.

Validity of summons and issuance of alias summons — Summons shall remain valid until duly served, unless it is recalled by the court. In case of loss or destruction of summons, the court may, upon motion, issue an alias summons.

There is failure of service after unsuccessful attempts to personally serve the summons on the defendant in his address indicated in the complaint. Substituted service should be in the manner provided under Section 6 of this Rule. (5)

Section 5.

Service in person on defendant. — Whenever practicable, the summons shall be served by handing a copy thereof to the defendant in person and informing the defendant that he or she is being served, or, if he or she refuses to receive and sign for it, by leaving the summons within the view and in the presence of the defendant.(6)

Section 6.

Substituted service. — If, for justifiable causes, the defendant cannot be served personally after at least three (3) attempts on two (2) separate dates, service may be effected:

(a) By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's residence to a person at least eighteen (18) years of age and of sufficient discretion residing therein;

(b) By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's office or regular place of business with some competent person in charge thereof. A competent person includes, but not limited to, one who customarily receives correspondences for the defendant;

(c) By leaving copies of the summons, if refused entry upon making his or her authority and purpose known, with any of the officers of the homeowners' association or condominium corporation, or its chief security officer in charge of the community or the building where the defendant may be found; and

(d) By sending an electronic mail to the defendant's electronic mail address, if allowed by the court.

Section 7.

Service upon entity without juridical personality.

— When persons associated in an entity without juridical personality are sued under the name by which they are generally or commonly known, service may be effected upon all the defendants by serving upon any one of them, or upon the person in charge of the office or place of business maintained in such name. But such service shall not bind individually any person whose connection with the entity has, upon due notice, been severed before the action was filed. (8)

Section 8.

Service upon prisoners.

— When the defendant is a prisoner confined in a jail or institution, service shall be effected upon him or her by the officer having the management of such jail or institution who is deemed as a special sheriff for said purpose. The jail warden shall file a return within five (5) calendar days from service of summons to the defendant. (9)

Section 9.

Service consistent with international conventions.

— Service may be made through methods which are consistent with established international conventions to which the Philippines is a party. (n)

Section 10.

Service upon minors and incompetents.

— When the defendant is a minor, insane or otherwise an incompetent person, service of summons shall be made upon him or her personally and on his or her legal guardian if he or she has one, or if none, upon his or her guardian

ad litem

whose appointment shall be applied for by the plaintiff. In the case of a minor, service shall be made on his or her parent or guardian.

Section 11.

Service upon spouses.

- When spouses are sued jointly, service of summons should be made to each spouse individually. (n)

Section 12.

Service upon domestic private juridical entity.

— When the defendant is a corporation, partnership or association organized under the laws of the Philippines with a juridical personality, service may be made on the president, managing partner, general manager, corporate secretary, treasurer, or in-house counsel of the corporation wherever they may be found, or in their absence or unavailability, on their secretaries.

If such service cannot be made upon any of the foregoing persons, it shall be made upon the person who customarily receives the correspondence for the defendant at its principal office.

In case the domestic juridical entity is under receivership or liquidation, service of summons shall be made on the receiver or liquidator, as the case may be.

Should there be a refusal on the part of the persons above-mentioned to receive summons despite at least three (3) attempts on two (2) separate dates, service may be made electronically, if allowed by the court, as provided under Section 6 of this rule. (11)

Section 13.

Duty of counsel of record.

— Where the summons is improperly served and a lawyer makes a special appearance on behalf of the defendant to, among others, question the validity of service of summons, the counsel shall be deputized by the court to serve summons on his client. (n)

Section 14.

Service upon foreign private juridical entities.

— When the defendant is a foreign private juridical entity which has transacted or is doing business in the Philippines, as defined by law, service may be made on its resident agent designated in accordance with the law for that purpose, or, if there be no such agent, on the government official designated by law to that effect, or on any of its officers, agents, directors or trustees within the Philippines.

If the foreign private juridical entity is not registered in the Philippines, or has no resident agent but has transacted or is doing business in it, as defined by law, such service may, with leave of court, be effected outside of the Philippines through any of the following means:

(a) By personal service coursed through the appropriate court in the foreign country with the assistance of the department of foreign affairs;

(b) By publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the country where the defendant may be found and by serving a copy of the summons and the court order by registered mail at the last known address of the defendant;

(c) By facsimile;

(d) By electronic means with the prescribed proof of service; or

(e) By such other means as the court, in its discretion, may direct. (12)

Section 15.

Service upon public corporations.

— When the defendant is the Republic of the Philippines, service may be effected on the Solicitor General; in case of a province, city or municipality, or like public corporations, service may be effected on its executive head, or on such other officer or officers as the law or the court may direct. (13)

Section 16.

Service upon defendant whose identity or whereabouts are unknown.

— In any action where the defendant is designated as an unknown owner, or the like, or whenever his or her whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, within ninety (90) calendar days from the commencement of the action, service may, by leave of court, be effected upon him or her by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and in such places and for such time as the court may order.

Any order granting such leave shall specify a reasonable time, which shall not be less than sixty (60) calendar days after notice, within which the defendant must answer. (14)

Section 17.

Extraterritorial service.

— When the defendant does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff or relates to, or the subject of which is, property within the Philippines, in which the defendant has or claims a lien or interest, actual or contingent, or in which the relief demanded consists, wholly or in part, in excluding the defendant from any interest therein, or the property of the defendant has been attached within the Philippines, service may, by leave of court, be effected out of the Philippines by personal service as under Section 6; or as provided for in international conventions to which the Philippines is a party; or by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in such places and for such time as the court may order, in which case a copy of the summons and order of the court shall be sent by registered mail to the last known address of the defendant, or in any other manner the court may deem sufficient. Any order granting such leave shall specify a reasonable time, which shall not be less than sixty (60) calendar days after notice, within which the defendant must answer. (15)

Section 18.

Residents temporarily out of the Philippines.

— When any action is commenced against a defendant who ordinarily resides within the Philippines, but who is temporarily out of it, service may, by leave of court, be also effected out of the Philippines, as under the preceding Section. (16)

Section 19.

Leave of court.

— Any application to the court under this Rule for leave to effect service in any manner for which leave of court is necessary shall be made by motion in writing, supported by affidavit of the plaintiff or some person on his behalf, setting forth the grounds for the application. (17)

Section 20.

Return.

— Within thirty (30) calendar days from issuance of summons by the clerk of court and receipt thereof, the sheriff or process server, or person authorized by the court, shall complete its service. Within five (5) calendar days from service of summons, the server shall file with the court and serve a copy of the return to the plaintiff's counsel, personally, by registered mail, or by electronic means authorized by the Rules.

Should substituted service have been effected, the return shall state:

(1) The impossibility of prompt personal service within a period of thirty (30) calendar days from issue and receipt of summons;

(2) The date and time of the three (3) attempts on at least (2) two separate dates to cause personal service and the details of the inquiries made to locate the defendant residing thereat; and

(3) The name of the person at least eighteen (18) years of age and of sufficient discretion residing thereat; name of competent person in charge of the defendant's office or regular place of business, or name of the officer of the homeowners' association or condominium corporation or its chief security officer in charge of the community or building where the defendant may be found. (4)

Section 21.

Proof of service.

— The proof of service of a summons shall be made in writing by the server and shall set forth the manner, place, and date of service; shall specify any papers which have been served with the process and the name of the person who received the same; and shall be sworn to when made by a person other than a sheriff or his or her deputy.

If summons was served by electronic mail, a printout of said e-mail, with a copy of the summons as served, and the affidavit of the person mailing, shall constitute as proof of service. (18)

Section 22.

Proof of service by publication.

— If the service has been made by publication, service may be proved by the affidavit of the publisher, editor, business or advertising manager, to which affidavit a copy of the publication shall be attached and by an affidavit showing the deposit of a copy of the summons and order for publication in the post office, postage prepaid, directed to the defendant by registered mail to his or her last known address. (19)

Section 23.

Voluntary appearance.

— The defendant's voluntary appearance in the action 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 be deemed a voluntary appearance. (20)

RULE 15

MOTIONS

Section 1.

Motion defined.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Motions must be in writing.

— All motions shall be in writing except those made in open court or in the course of a hearing or trial.

A motion made in open court or in the course of a hearing or trial should immediately be resolved in open court, after the adverse party is given the opportunity to argue his or her opposition thereto.

When a motion is based on facts not appearing on record, the court may hear the matter on affidavits or depositions presented by the respective parties, but the court may direct that the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions.

Section 3.

Contents.

—

[No amendment]

[Section 4. Hearing of motion. — Deleted]

Section 4.

Non-litigious motions.

— Motions which the court may act upon without prejudicing the rights of adverse parties are non-litigious motions. These motions include:

a) Motion for the issuance of an alias summons;

b) Motion for extension to file answer;

c) Motion for postponement;

d) Motion for the issuance of a writ of execution;

e) Motion for the issuance of an alias writ of execution;

f) Motion for the issuance of a writ of possession;

g) Motion for the issuance of an order directing the sheriff to execute the final certificate of sale; and

h) Other similar motions.

These motions shall not be set for hearing and shall be resolved by the court within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof. (n)

Section 5.

Litigious motions.

— (a) Litigious motions include:

1. Motion for bill of particulars;

2. Motion to dismiss;

3. Motion for new trial;

4. Motion for reconsideration;

5. Motion for execution pending appeal;

6. Motion to amend after a responsive pleading has been filed;

7. Motion to cancel statutory lien;

8. Motion for an order to break in or for a writ of demolition;

9. Motion for intervention;

10. Motion for judgment on the pleadings;

11. Motion for summary judgment;

12. Demurrer to evidence;

13. Motion to declare defendant in default; and

14. Other similar motions.

(b) All motions shall be served by personal service, accredited private courier or registered mail, or electronic means so as to ensure their receipt by the other party.

(c) The opposing party shall file his or her opposition to a litigious motion within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof. No other submissions shall be considered by the court in the resolution of the motion.

The motion shall be resolved by the court within fifteen (15) calendar days from its receipt of the opposition thereto, or upon expiration of the period to file such opposition. (n)

Section 6.

Notice of hearing on litigious motions; discretionary.

— The court may, in the exercise of its discretion, and if deemed necessary for its resolution, call a hearing on the motion. The notice of hearing shall be addressed to all parties concerned, and shall specify the time and date of the hearing. (5)

Section 7.

Proof of service necessary.

— No written motion shall be acted upon by the court without proof of service thereof, pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof. (6)

Section 8.

Motion day.

— Except for motions requiring immediate action, where the court decides to conduct hearing on a litigious motion, the same shall be set on a Friday. (7)

Section 9.

Omnibus motion.

— Subject to the provisions of Section 1 of Rule 9, a motion attacking a pleading, order, judgment, or proceeding shall include all objections then available, and all objections not so included shall be deemed waived. (8)

Section 10.

Motion for leave.

— A motion for leave to file a pleading or motion shall be accompanied by the pleading or motion sought to be admitted.

(9)

Section 11.

Form.

— The Rules applicable to pleadings shall apply to written motions so far as concerns caption, designation, signature, and other matters of form. (10)

Section 12.

Prohibited motions.

— The following motions shall not be allowed:

(a) Motion to dismiss except on the following grounds:

1) That the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claim;

2) That there is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause; and

3) That the cause of action is barred by a prior judgment or by the statute of limitations;

(b) Motion to hear affirmative defenses;

(c) Motion for reconsideration of the court's action on the affirmative defenses;

(d) Motion to suspend proceedings without a temporary restraining order or injunction issued by a higher court;

(e) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other papers, except a motion for extension to file an answer as provided by Section 11, Rule 11; and

(f) Motion for postponement intended for delay, except if it is based on acts of God, force majeure or physical inability of the witness to appear and testify. If the motion is granted based on such exceptions, the moving party shall be warned that the presentation of its evidence must still be terminated on the dates previously agreed upon.

A motion for postponement, whether written or oral, shall, at all times, be accompanied by the original official receipt from the office of the clerk of court evidencing payment of the postponement fee under Section 21(b), Rule 141, to be submitted either at the time of the filing of said motion or not later than the next hearing date. The clerk of court shall not accept the motion unless accompanied by the original receipt. (n)

Section 13.

Dismissal with prejudice.

— Subject to the right of appeal, an order granting a motion to dismiss or an affirmative defense that the cause of action is barred by a prior judgment or by the statute of limitations; that the claim or demand set forth in the plaintiffs pleading has been paid, waived, abandoned or otherwise extinguished; or that the claim on which the action is founded is unenforceable under the provisions of the statute of frauds, shall bar the refiling of the same action or claim. (5, R16)

RULE 16

MOTION TO DISMISS

[Provisions either deleted or transposed]

RULE 17

DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS

Section 1.

Dismissal upon notice by plaintiff.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Dismissal upon motion of plaintiff.

— Except as provided in the preceding section, a complaint shall not be dismissed at the plaintiffs instance save upon approval of the court and upon such terms and conditions as the court deems proper. If a counterclaim has been pleaded by a defendant prior to the service upon him or her of the plaintiff's motion for dismissal, the dismissal shall be limited to the complaint. The dismissal shall be without prejudice to the right of the defendant to prosecute his or her counterclaim in a separate action unless within fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of the motion he or she manifests his or her preference to have his or her counterclaim resolved in the same action. Unless otherwise specified in the order, a dismissal under this paragraph shall be without prejudice. A class suit shall not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court.

Section 3.

Dismissal due to fault of plaintiff. — If, for no justifiable cause, the plaintiff fails to appear on the date of the presentation of his or her evidence in chief on the complaint, or to prosecute his or her action for an unreasonable length of time, or to comply with these Rules or any order of the court, the complaint may be dismissed upon motion of the defendant or upon the court's own motion, without prejudice to the right of the defendant to prosecute his or her counterclaim in the same or in a separate action. This dismissal shall have the effect of an adjudication upon the merits, unless otherwise declared by the court.

Section 4.

Dismissal of counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint. —

[No amendment]

RULE 18

PRE-TRIAL

Section 1.

When conducted.

— After the last responsive pleading has been served and filed, the branch clerk of court shall issue, within five (5) calendar days from filing, a notice of pre-trial which shall be set not later than sixty (60) calendar days from the filing of the last responsive pleading.

Section 2.

Nature and Purpose.

— The pre-trial is mandatory and should be terminated promptly. The court shall consider:

(a) The possibility of an amicable settlement or of a submission to alternative modes of dispute resolution;

(b) The simplification of the issues;

(c) The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions of facts arid of documents to avoid unnecessary proof;

(d) The limitation of the number and identification of witnesses and the setting of trial dates;

(e) The advisability of a preliminary reference of issues to a commissioner;

(f) The propriety of rendering judgment on the pleadings, or summary judgment, or of dismissing the action should a valid ground therefor be found to exist;

(g) The requirement for the parties to:

1) Mark their respective evidence if not vet marked in the judicial affidavits of their witnesses;

2) Examine and make comparisons of the adverse parties' evidence

vis-a-vis

the copies to be marked;

3) Manifest for the record stipulations regarding the faithfulness of the reproductions and the genuineness and due execution of the adverse parties' evidence;

4) Reserve evidence not available at the pre-trial, but only in the following manner:

1) For testimonial evidence, by giving the name or position and the nature of the testimony of the proposed witness;

2) For documentary evidence and other object evidence, by giving a particular description of the evidence.

No reservation shall be allowed if not made in the manner described above. (h)

(h) Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the action.

The failure without just cause of a party and counsel to appear during pre-trial, despite notice, shall result in a waiver of any objections to the faithfulness of the reproductions marked, or their genuineness and due execution.

The failure without just cause of a party and/or counsel to bring the evidence required shall be deemed a waiver of the presentation of such evidence.

The branch clerk of court shall prepare the minutes of the pre-trial, which shall have the following format: (See prescribed form)

Section 3.

Notice of Pre-trial.

— The notice of pre-trial shall include the dates respectively set for:

(a) Pre-Trial;

(b) Court-Annexed Mediation; and

(c) Judicial Dispute Resolution, if necessary.

The notice of pre-trial shall be served on counsel, or on the party who has no counsel. The counsel served with such notice is charged with the duty of notifying the party represented by him or her.

Non-appearance at any of the foregoing settings shall be deemed non-compliance at the Pre-Trial and shall merit the same sanctions under Section 5 hereof.

Section 4.

Appearance of Parties.

— It shall be the duty of the parties and their counsel to appear at the pre-trial, court-annexed mediation, and judicial dispute resolution, if necessary. The non-appearance of a party and counsel may be excused only for acts of God, force majeure, or duly substantiated physical inability.

A representative may appear on behalf of a party, but shall be fully authorized in writing to enter into an amicable settlement to submit to alternative modes of dispute resolution, and to enter into stipulations or admissions of facts and documents.

Section 5.

Effect of failure to appear.

— When duly notified, the failure of the plaintiff and counsel to appear without valid cause when so required, pursuant to the next preceding Section, shall cause the dismissal of the action. The dismissal shall be with prejudice, unless otherwise ordered by the court. A similar failure on the part of the defendant and counsel shall be cause to allow he plaintiff to present his or her evidence ex-parte within ten (10) calendar days from termination of pre-trial, and the court to render judgment on the basis of the evidence offered.

Section 6.

Pre-trial brief.

— The parties shall file with the court and serve on the adverse party, in such manner as shall ensure their receipt thereof at least three (3) calendar days before the date of the pre-trial, their respective pre-trial briefs which shall contain, among others:

(a) A concise statement of the case and the reliefs prayed for;

(b) A summary of admitted facts and proposed stipulation of facts;

(c) The main factual and legal issues to be tried or resolved;

(d) The propriety of referral of factual issues to commissioners;

(e) The documents or other object evidence to be marked, stating the purpose thereof;

(f) The names of the witnesses, and the summary of their respective testimonies; and

(g) Brief statement of points of law and citation of authorities.

Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as failure to appear at the pre-trial. (8)

Section 7.

Pre-Trial Order.

— Upon termination of pre-trial, the court shall issue an order within ten (10) calendar days which shall recite in detail the matters taken up. The order shall include:

(a) An enumeration of the admitted facts;

(b) The minutes of the pre-trial conference;

(c) The legal and factual issue/s to be tried;

(d) The applicable law, rules, and jurisprudence;

(e) The evidence marked;

(f) The specific trial dates for continuous trial, which shall be within the period provided by the Rules;

(g) The case flowchart to be determined by the court, which shall contain the different stages of the proceedings up to the promulgation of the decision and the use of time frames for each stage in setting the trial dates;

(h) A statement that the one-day examination of witness rule and most important witness rule under A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC (Guidelines for Pre-Trial) shall be strictly followed; and

(i) A statement that the court shall render judgment on the pleadings or summary judgment, as the case may be.

The direct testimony of witnesses for the plaintiff shall be in the form of judicial affidavits. After the identification of such affidavits, cross-examination shall proceed immediately.

Postponement of presentation of the parties' witnesses at a scheduled date is prohibited, except if it is based on acts of God, force majeure or duly substantiated physical inability of the witness to appear and testify. The party who caused the postponement is warned that the presentation of its evidence must still be terminated within the remaining dates previously agreed upon.

Should the opposing party fail to appear without valid cause stated in the next preceding paragraph, the presentation of the scheduled witness will proceed with the absent party being deemed to have waived the right to interpose objection and conduct cross-examination.

The contents of the pre-trial order shall control the subsequent proceedings, unless modified before trial to prevent manifest injustice. (7)

Section 8.

Court-Annexed Mediation.

— After pre-trial and, after issues are joined, the court shall refer the parties for mandatory court-annexed mediation.

The period for court-annexed mediation shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days without further extension. (n)

Section 9.

Judicial Dispute Resolution.

— Only if the judge of the court to which the case was originally raffled is convinced that settlement is still possible, the case may be referred to another court for judicial dispute resolution. The judicial dispute resolution shall be conducted within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of failure of the court-annexed mediation.

If judicial dispute resolution fails, trial before the original court shall proceed on the dates agreed upon.

All proceedings during the court-annexed mediation and the judicial dispute resolution shall be confidential. (n)

Section 10.

Judgment after pre-trial.

— Should there be no more controverted facts, or no more genuine issue as to any material fact, or an absence of any issue, or should the answer fail to tender an issue, the court shall, without prejudice to a party moving for judgment on the pleadings under Rule 34 or summary judgment under Rule 35,

motu proprio

include in the pre-trial order that the case be submitted for summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings, without need of position papers or memoranda. In such cases, judgment shall be rendered within ninety (90) calendar days from termination of the pre-trial.

The order of the court to submit the case for judgment pursuant to this Rule shall not be the subject to appeal or

certiorari

. (n)

RULE 19

INTERVENTION

Section 1.

Who may intervene.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Time to intervene.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Pleadings-in-intervention.

— The intervenor shall file a complaint-in-intervention if he or she asserts a claim against either or all of the original parties, or an answer-in-intervention if he or she unites with the defending party in resisting a claim against the latter.

Section 4.

Answer to complaint-in-intervention.

— The answer to the complaint-in-intervention shall be filed within fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of the order admitting the same, unless a different period is fixed by the court.

RULE 20

CALENDAR OF CASES

[No amendment]

RULE 21

SUBPOENA

Section 1.

Subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.

— Subpoena is a process directed to a person requiring him or her to attend and to testify at the hearing or the trial of an action, or at any investigation conducted by competent authority, or for the taking of his or her deposition. It may also require him or her to bring with him or her any books, documents, or other things under his or her control, in which case it is called a subpoena duces tecum.

Section 2.

By whom issued.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Form and contents.

—

[No amendment]

Section 4.

Quashing a subpoena.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Subpoena for depositions.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Service.

— Service of a subpoena shall be made in the same manner as personal or substituted service of summons. The original shall be exhibited and a copy thereof delivered to the person on whom it is served. The service must be made so as to allow the witness a reasonable time for preparation and travel to the place of attendance.

Costs for court attendance and the production of documents and other materials subject of the subpoena shall be tendered or charged accordingly.

Section 7.

Personal appearance in court.

— A person present in court before a judicial officer may be required to testify as if he or she were in attendance upon a subpoena issued by such court or officer.

Section 8.

Compelling attendance.

— In case of failure of a witness to attend, the court or judge issuing the subpoena, upon proof of the service thereof and of the failure of the witness, may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the province, or his or her deputy, to arrest the witness and bring him or her before the court or officer where his or her attendance is required, and the cost of such warrant and seizure of such witness shall be paid by the witness if the court issuing it shall determine that his or her failure to answer the subpoena was willful and without just excuse.

Section 9.

Contempt.

— Failure by any person without adequate cause to obey a subpoena served upon him or her shall be deemed a contempt of the court from which the subpoena is issued. If the subpoena was not issued by a court, the disobedience thereto shall be punished in accordance with the applicable law or Rule.

Section 10.

Exceptions.

— The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Rule shall not apply to a witness who resides more than one hundred (100) kilometers from his or her residence to the place where he or she is to testify by the ordinary course of travel, or to a detention prisoner if no permission of the court in which his or her case is pending was obtained.

RULE 22

COMPUTATION OF TIME

[No amendment]

RULE 23

DEPOSITIONS PENDING ACTIONS

Section 1.

Depositions pending action, when may be taken.

— Upon

ex parte

motion of a party, the testimony of any person, whether a party or not, may be taken, at the instance of any party, by deposition upon oral examination or written interrogatories. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by the use of a subpoena as provided in Rule 21. Depositions shall be taken only in accordance with these Rules. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.

Section 2.

Scope of examination.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Examination and cross-examination.

—

[No amendment]

Section 4.

Use of depositions.

— At the trial or upon the hearing of a motion or an interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a deposition, so far as admissible under the rules of evidence, may be used against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had due notice thereof, in accordance with any one of the following provisions:

(a)

[No amendment]

(b)

[No amendment]

(c) The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any purpose if the court finds: (1) that the witness is dead; or (2) that the witness resides at a distance more than one hundred (100) kilometers from the place of trial or hearing, or is out of the Philippines, unless it appears that his or her absence was procured by the party offering the deposition; or (3) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment; or (4) that the party offering the deposition has been unable to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or (5) upon application and notice, that such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open court, to allow the deposition to be used; and

(d) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, the adverse party may require him or her to introduce all of it which is relevant to the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.

Section 5.

Effect of substitution of parties.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Objections to admissibility.

—

[No amendment]

Section 7.

Effect of taking depositions.

— A party shall not be deemed to make a person his or her own witness for any purpose by taking his or her deposition.

Section 8.

Effect of using depositions.

—

[No amendment]

Section 9.

Rebutting deposition.

— At the trial or hearing, any party may rebut any relevant evidence contained in a deposition whether introduced by him or her or by any other party.

Section 10.

Persons before whom depositions may be taken within the Philippines.

—

[No amendment]

Section 11.

Persons before whom depositions may be taken in foreign countries.

—

[No amendment]

Section 12.

Commission or letters rogatory.

—

[No amendment]

Section 13.

Disqualification by interest.

—

[No amendment]

Section 14.

Stipulations regarding taking of depositions.

—

[No amendment]

Section 15.

Deposition upon oral examination; notice; time and place.

— A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral examination shall give reasonable notice in writing to every other party to the action. The notice shall state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and address of each person to be examined, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or her or the particular class or group to which he belongs. On motion of any party upon whom the notice is served, the court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.

Section 16.

Orders for the protection of parties and deponents.

—

[No amendment]

Section 17.

Record of examination; oath; objections.

— The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall put the witness on oath and shall personally, or by some one acting under his or her direction and in his or her presence, record the testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken stenographically unless the parties agree otherwise. All objections made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, or to the manner of taking it, or to the evidence presented, or to the conduct of any party, and any other objection to the proceedings, shall be noted by the officer upon the deposition. Evidence objected to shall be taken subject to the objections. In lieu of participating in the oral examination, parties served with notice of taking a deposition may transmit written interrogatories to the officers, who shall propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim.

Section 18.

Motion to terminate or limit examination.

—

[No amendment]

Section 19.

Submission to witness; changes; signing.

— When the testimony is fully transcribed, the deposition shall be submitted to the witness for examination and shall be read to or by him or her, unless such examination and reading are waived by the witness and by the parties. Any changes in form or substance which the witness desires to make shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making them. The deposition shall Page 30 of 43 then be 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. If the deposition is not signed by the witness, the officer shall sign it and state on the record the fact of the waiver or of the illness or absence of the witness or the fact of the refusal to sign together with the reason given therefor, if any, and the deposition may then be used as fully as though signed, unless on a motion to suppress under Section 29(f) of this Rule, the court holds that the reasons given for the refusal to sign require rejection of the deposition in whole or in part.

Section 20.

Certification and filing by officer.

— The officer shall certify on the deposition that the witness was duly sworn to by him or her and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness. He or she shall then securely seal the deposition in an envelope indorsed with the title of the action and marked "Deposition of (here insert the name of witness)" and shall promptly file it with the court in which the action is pending or send it by registered mail to the clerk thereof for filing.

Section 21.

Notice of filing.

—

[No amendment]

Section 22.

Furnishing copies.

—

[No amendment]

Section 23.

Failure to attend of party giving notice.

— If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition fails to attend and proceed therewith and another attends in person or by counsel pursuant to the notice, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay such other party the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred by him or her and his or her counsel in so attending, including reasonable attorney's fees.

Section 24.

Failure of party giving notice to serve subpoena.

— If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition of a witness fails to serve a subpoena upon him or her and the witness because of such failure does not attend, and if another party attends in person or by counsel because he or she expects the deposition of that witness to be taken, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay such other party the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred by him or her and his or her counsel in so attending, including reasonable attorney's fees.

Section 25.

Deposition upon written interrogatories; service of notice and of interrogatories.

— A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon written interrogatories shall serve them upon every other party with a notice stating the name and address of the person who is to answer them and the name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. Within ten (10) calendar days thereafter, a party so served may serve cross-interrogatories upon the party proposing to take the deposition. Within five (5) calendar days thereafter the latter may serve re-direct interrogatories upon a party who has served cross-interrogatories. Within three (3) calendar days after being served with re-direct interrogatories, a party may serve recross-interrogatories upon the party proposing to take the deposition.

Section 26.

Officers to take responses and prepare record.

— A copy of the notice and copies of all interrogatories served shall be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by Sections 17, 19 and 20 of this Rule, to take the testimony of the witness in response to the interrogatories and to prepare, certify, and file or mail the deposition, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the interrogatories received by him or her.

Section 27.

Notice of filing and furnishing copies.

—

[No amendment]

Section 28.

Orders for the protection of parties and deponents.

—

[No amendment]

Section 29.

Effect of errors and irregularities in depositions.

—

(a) As to notice. —

[No amendment]

(b) As to disqualification of officer. —

[No amendment]

(c) As to competency or relevancy of evidence. —

[No amendment]

(d) As to oral examination and other particulars. —

[No amendment]

(e) As to form of written interrogatories. — Objections to the form of written interrogatories submitted under Sections 25 and 26 of this Rule are waived unless served in writing upon the party propounding them within the time allowed for serving succeeding cross or other interrogatories and within three (3) calendar days after service of the last interrogatories authorized.

(f) As to manner of preparation. —

[No amendment]

RULE 24

DEPOSITIONS BEFORE ACTION OR PENDING APPEAL

Section 1.

Depositions before action; petition.

— A person who desires to perpetuate his or her own testimony or that of another person regarding any matter that may be cognizable in any court of the Philippines, may file a verified petition in the court of the place of the residence of any expected adverse party.

Section 2.

Contents of petition.

— The petition shall be entitled in the name of the petitioner and shall show: (a) that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action in a court of 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 or her interest therein; (c) the facts which he or she desires to establish by the proposed testimony and his or her reasons for desiring to perpetuate it; (d) the names or a description of the persons he or she expects will be adverse parties and their addresses so far as known; and (e) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he or she expects to elicit from each, and shall 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.

Section 3.

Notice and service.

— 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 the petitioner will apply to the court, at a time and place named therein, for the order described in the petition. At least twenty (20) calendar 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.

Section 4.

Order and examination.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Reference to court.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Use of deposition.

—

[No amendment]

Section 7.

Depositions pending appeal.

— If an appeal has been taken from a judgment of a court, including the Court of Appeals in proper cases, or before the taking of an appeal if the time therefor has not expired, the court in which the judgment was rendered may allow the taking of depositions of witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for use in the event of further proceedings in the said court. In such case the party who desires to perpetuate the testimony may make a motion in the said court for leave to take the depositions, upon the same notice and service thereof as if the action was pending therein. The motion shall state (a) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he or she expects to elicit from each; and (b) the reason for perpetuating their testimony. If the court finds that the perpetuation of the testimony is proper to avoid a failure or delay of justice, it may make an order allowing the depositions to be taken, and thereupon the depositions may be taken and used in the same manner and under the same conditions as are prescribed in these Rules for depositions taken in pending actions.

RULE 25

INTERROGATORIES TO PARTIES

Section 1.

Interrogatories to parties; service thereof.

— Upon

ex parte

motion, any party desiring to elicit material and relevant facts from any adverse parties shall file and serve upon the latter written interrogatories to be answered by the party served or, if the party served is a public or private corporation or a partnership or association, by any officer thereof competent to testify in its behalf.

Section 2.

Answer to interrogatories.

— The interrogatories shall be answered fully in writing and shall be signed and sworn to by the person making them. The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall file and serve a copy of the answers on the party submitting the interrogatories within fifteen (15) calendar days after service thereof, unless the court, on motion and for good cause shown, extends or shortens the time.

Section 3.

Objections to interrogatories.

— Objections to any interrogatories may be presented to the court within ten (10) calendar days after service thereof, with notice as in case of a motion; and answers shall be deferred until the objections are resolved, which shall be at as early a time as is practicable.

Section 4.

Number of interrogatories.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Scope and use of interrogatories.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Effect of failure to serve written interrogatories.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 26

ADMISSION BY ADVERSE PARTY

Section 1.

Request for admission.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Implied admission.

— Each of the matters of which an admission is requested shall be deemed admitted unless, within a period designated in the request, which shall not be less than fifteen (15) calendar days after service thereof, or within such further time as the court may allow on motion, the party to whom the request is directed files and serves upon the party requesting the admission a sworn statement either denying specifically the matters of which an admission is requested or setting forth in detail the reasons why he or she cannot truthfully either admit or deny those matters.

Objections to any request for admission shall be submitted to the court by the party requested within the period for and prior to the filing of his or her sworn statement as contemplated in the preceding paragraph and his or her compliance therewith shall be deferred until such objections are resolved, which resolution shall be made as early as practicable.

Section 3.

Effect of admission.

— Any admission made by a party pursuant to such request is for the purpose of the pending action only and shall not constitute an admission by him or her for any other purpose nor may the same be used against him or her in any other proceeding.

Section 4.

Withdrawal.

—

[No amendment]

Section 5.

Effect of failure to file and serve request for admission.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 27

PRODUCTION OR INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS OR THINGS

Section 1.

Motion for production or inspection; order.

— Upon motion of any party showing good cause therefor, the court in which an action is pending may (a) order any party to produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing, by or on behalf of the moving party, of any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things, not privileged, which constitute or contain evidence material to any matter involved in the action and which are in his or her possession, custody or control; or (b) order any party to permit entry upon designated land or other property in his or her possession or control for the purpose of inspecting, measuring, surveying, or photographing the property or any designated relevant object or operation thereon. The order shall specify the time, place and manner of making the inspection and taking copies and photographs, and may prescribe such terms and conditions as are just.

RULE 28

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION OF PERSONS

Section 1.

When examination may be ordered.

— In an action in which the mental or physical condition of a party is in controversy, the court in which the action is pending may in its discretion order him or her to submit to a physical or mental examination by a physician.

Section 2.

Order for examination.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Report of findings.

— If requested by the party examined, the party causing the examination to be made shall deliver to him or her a copy of a detailed written report of the examining physician setting out his or her findings and conclusions. After such request and delivery, the party causing the examination to be made shall be entitled upon request to receive from the party examined a like report of any examination, previously or thereafter made, of the same mental or physical condition. If the party examined refuses to deliver such report, the court on motion and notice may make an order requiring delivery on such terms as are just, and if a physician fails or refuses to make such a report the court may exclude his or her testimony if offered at the trial.

Section 4.

Waiver of privilege.

— By requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so ordered or by taking the deposition of the examiner, the party examined waives any privilege he or she may have in that action or any other involving the same controversy, regarding the testimony of every other person who has examined or may thereafter examine him or her in respect of the same mental or physical examination.

RULE 29

REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH MODES OF DISCOVERY

Section 1.

Refusal to answer.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Contempt of court.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Other consequences.

— If any party or an officer or managing agent of a party refuses to obey an order made under Section 1 of this Rule requiring him or her to answer designated questions, or an order under Rule 27 to produce any document or other thing for inspection, copying, or photographing or to permit it to be done, or to permit entry upon land or other property, or an order made under Rule 28 requiring him or her to submit to a physical or mental examination, the court may make such orders in regard to the refusal as are just, and among others the following:

(a)

[No amendment]

;

(b) An order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses or prohibiting him or her from introducing in evidence designated documents or things or items of testimony, or from introducing evidence of physical or mental condition;

(c)

[No amendment]

;

(d)

[No amendment]

Section 4.

Expenses on refusal to admit.

— If a party after being served with a request under Rule 26 to admit the genuineness of any document or the truth of any matter of fact, serves a sworn denial thereof and if the party requesting the admissions thereafter proves the genuineness of such document or the truth of any such matter of fact, he or she may apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to pay him or her the reasonable expenses incurred in making such proof, including reasonable attorney's fees. Unless the court finds that there were good reasons for the denial or that admissions sought were of no substantial importance, such order shall be issued.

Section 5.

Failure of party to attend or serve answers.

— If a party or an officer or managing agent of a party wilfully fails to appear before the officer who is to take his or her deposition, after being served with a proper notice, or fails to serve answers to interrogatories submitted under Rule 25 after proper service of such interrogatories, the court on motion and notice, may strike out all or any part of any pleading of that party, or dismiss the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or enter a judgment by default against that party, and in its discretion, order him or her to pay reasonable expenses incurred by the other, including attorney's fees.

Section 6.

Expenses against the Republic of the Philippines.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 30

TRIAL

Section 1.

Schedule of trial.

— The parties shall strictly observe the scheduled hearings as agreed upon and set forth in the pre-trial order.

(a) The schedule of the trial dates, for both plaintiff and defendant, shall be continuous and within the following periods:

i. The initial presentation of plaintiff s evidence shall be set not later than thirty (30) calendar days after the termination of the pre-trial conference. Plaintiff shall be allowed to present its evidence within a period of three (3) months or ninety (90) calendar days which shall include the date of the judicial dispute resolution, if necessary;

ii. The initial presentation of defendant's evidence shall be set not later than thirty (30) calendar days after the court's ruling on plaintiffs formal offer of evidence. The defendant shall be allowed to present its evidence within a period of three (3) months or ninety (90) calendar days;

iii. The period for the presentation of evidence on the third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or cross-claim shall be determined by the court, the total of which shall in no case exceed ninety (90) calendar days; and

iv. If deemed necessary, the court shall set the presentation of the parties' respective rebuttal evidence, which shall be completed within a period of thirty (30) calendar days.

(b) The trial dates may be shortened depending on the number of witnesses to be presented, provided that the presentation of evidence of all parties shall be terminated within a period often (10) months or three hundred (300) calendar days. If there are no third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or cross-claim, the presentation of evidence shall be terminated within a period of six (6) months or one hundred eighty (180) calendar days.

(c) The court shall decide and serve copies of its decision to the parties within a period not exceeding ninety (90) calendar days from the submission of the case for resolution, with or without memoranda.

Section 2.

Adjournments and postponements.

— A court may adjourn a trial from day to day, and to any stated time, as the expeditious and convenient transaction of business may require, but shall have no power to adjourn a trial 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, Supreme Court.

The party who caused the postponement is warned that the presentation of its evidence must still be terminated on the remaining dates previously agreed upon.

[Section 3. Requisites of motion to postpone trial for absence of evidence. — Deleted]

Section 3.

Requisites of motion to postpone trial for illness of party or counsel.

— A motion to postpone a trial on the ground of illness of a party or counsel may be granted if it appears upon affidavit or sworn certification that the presence of such party or counsel at the trial is indispensable and that the character of his or her illness is such as to render his or her non-attendance excusable. (4)

Section 4.

Hearing days and calendar call.

— Trial shall be held from Monday to Thursday, and courts shall call the cases at exactly 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.. pursuant to Administrative Circular No. 3-99. Hearing on motions shall be held on Fridays, pursuant to Section 8, Rule 15.

All courts shall ensure the posting of their court calendars outside their courtrooms at least one (1) day before the scheduled hearings, pursuant to OCA Circular No. 250-2015. (n)

Section 5.

Order of trial.

— Subject to the provisions of Section 2 of Rule 31, and unless the court for special reasons otherwise directs, the trial shall be limited to the issues stated in the pre-trial order and shall proceed as follows:

(a) The plaintiff shall adduce evidence in support of his or her complaint;

(b) The defendant shall then adduce evidence in support of his or her defense, counterclaim, cross-claim and third-party complaint;

(c) The third-party defendant, if any, shall adduce evidence of his or her defense, counterclaim, cross-claim and fourth-party complaint;

(d) The fourth-party, and so forth, if any, shall adduce evidence of the material facts pleaded by them;

(e) The parties against whom any counterclaim or cross-claim has been pleaded, shall adduce evidence in support of their defense, in the order to be prescribed by the court;

(f) The parties may then respectively adduce rebutting evidence only, unless the court, for good reasons and in the furtherance of justice, permits them to adduce evidence upon their original case; and

(g) Upon admission of the evidence, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision, unless the court directs the parties to argue or to submit their respective memoranda or any further pleadings.

If several defendants or third-party defendants, and so forth, having separate defenses appear by different counsel, the court shall determine the relative order of presentation of their evidence.

Section 6.

Oral offer of exhibits.

— The offer of evidence, the comment or objection thereto, and the court ruling shall be made orally in accordance with Sections 35 to 40 of Rule 132. (n)

Section 7.

Agreed statement of facts.

— The parties to any action may agree, in writing, upon the facts involved in the litigation, and submit the case for judgment on the facts agreed upon, without the introduction of evidence.

If the parties agree only on some of the facts in issue, the trial shall be held as to the disputed facts in such order as the court shall prescribe. (6)

[Section 7. Statement of judge. — Deleted]

Section 8.

Suspension of actions.

— The suspension of actions shall be governed by the provisions of the Civil Code and other laws.

Section 9.

Judge to receive evidence; delegation to clerk of court.

— The judge of the court where the case is pending shall personally receive the evidence to be adduced by the parties. However, in default or

ex parte

hearings, and in any case where the parties agree in writing, the court may delegate the reception of evidence to its clerk of court who is a member of the bar. The clerk of court shall have no power to rule on objections to any question or to the admission of exhibits, which objections shall be resolved by the court upon submission of his or her report and the transcripts within ten (10) calendar days from termination of the hearing.

RULE 31

CONSOLIDATION OR SEVERANCE

[No amendment]

RULE 32

TRIAL BY COMMISSIONER

Section 1.

Reference by consent.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Reference ordered on motion.

—

[No amendment]

Section 3.

Order of reference; powers of the commissioner.

— When a reference is made, the clerk shall forthwith furnish the commissioner with a copy of the order of reference. The order may specify or limit the powers of the commissioner, and may direct him or her to report only upon particular issues, or to do or perform particular acts, or to receive and report evidence only, and may fix the date for beginning and closing the hearings and for the filing of his or her report. Subject to the specifications and limitations stated in the order, the commissioner has and shall exercise the power to regulate the proceedings in every hearing before him or her and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of his or her duties under the order. He or she may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, swear witnesses, and unless otherwise provided in the order of reference, he or she may rule upon the admissibility of evidence. The trial or hearing before him or her shall proceed in all respects as it would if held before the court.

Section 4.

Oath of commissioner.

— Before entering upon his or her duties the commissioner shall be sworn to a faithful and honest performance thereof.

Section 5.

Proceedings before commissioner.

— Upon receipt of the order of reference unless otherwise provided therein, the commissioner shall forthwith set a time and place for the first meeting of the parties or their counsel to be held within ten (10) calendar days after the date of the order of reference and shall notify the parties or their counsel.

Section 6.

Failure of parties to appear before commissioner.

— If a party fails to appear at the time and place appointed, the commissioner may proceed

ex parte

or, in his or her discretion, adjourn the proceedings to a future day, giving notice to the absent party or his or her counsel of the adjournment.

Section 7.

Refusal of witness.

— The refusal of a witness to obey a subpoena issued by the commissioner or to give evidence before him or her, shall be deemed a contempt of the court which appointed the commissioner.

Section 8.

Commissioner shall avoid delays.

— It is the duty of the commissioner to proceed with all reasonable diligence. Either party, on notice to the parties and commissioner, may apply to the court for an order requiring the commissioner to expedite the proceedings and to make his or her report.

Section 9.

Report of commissioner.

— Upon the completion of the trial or hearing or proceeding before the commissioner, he or she shall file with the court his or her report in writing upon the matters submitted to him or her by the order of reference. When his or her powers are not specified or limited, he or she shall set forth his or her findings of fact and conclusions of law in his or her report. He or she shall attach thereto all exhibits, affidavits, depositions, papers and the transcript, if any, of the testimonial evidence presented before him or her.

Section 10.

Notice to parties of the filing of report.

— Upon the filing of the report, the parties shall be notified by the clerk, and they shall be allowed ten (10) calendar days within which to signify grounds of objections to the findings of the report, if they so desire. Objections to the report based upon grounds which were available to the parties during the proceedings before the commissioner, other than objections to the findings and conclusions therein set forth, shall not be considered by the court unless they were made before the commissioner.

Section 11.

Hearing upon report.

— Upon the expiration of the period often (10) calendar days referred to in the preceding section, 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 before the commissioner or the court.

Section 12.

Stipulations as to findings.

—

[No amendment]

Section 13.

Compensation of commissioner.

—

[No amendment]

RULE 33

DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE

Section 1.

Demurrer to evidence.

— After the plaintiff has completed the presentation of his or her evidence, the defendant may move for dismissal on the ground that upon the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to relief. If his or her motion is denied, he or she shall have the right to present evidence. If the motion is granted but on appeal the order of dismissal is reversed, he or she shall be deemed to have waived the right to present evidence.

Section 2.

Action on demurrer to evidence.

— A demurrer to evidence shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 15.

The order denying the demurrer to evidence shall not be subject of an appeal or petition for

certiorari

, prohibition or mandamus before judgment. (n)

RULE 34

JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS

Section 1.

Judgment on the pleadings.

—

[No amendment]

Section 2.

Action on motion for judgment on the pleadings.

— The court may

motu proprio

or on motion render judgment on the pleadings if it is apparent that the answer fails to tender an issue, or otherwise admits the material allegations of the adverse party's pleadings. Otherwise, the motion shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 15 of these Rules.

Any action of the court on a motion for judgment on the pleadings shall not be subject of an appeal or petition for

certiorari

, prohibition or mandamus. (n)

RULE 35

SUMMARY JUDGMENTS

Section 1.

Summary judgment for claimant.

— A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory relief may, at any time after the pleading in answer thereto has been served, move with supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for a summary judgment in his or her favor upon all or any part thereof.

Section 2.

Summary judgment for defending party.

— A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is asserted or a declaratory relief is sought may, at any time, move with supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for a summary judgment in his or her favor as to all or any part thereof.

Section 3.

Motion and proceedings thereon.

— The motion shall cite the supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions, and the specific law relied upon. The adverse party may file a comment and serve opposing affidavits, depositions, or admissions within a non-extendible period of five (5) calendar days from receipt of the motion. Unless the court orders the conduct of a hearing, judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings, supporting affidavits, depositions and admissions on file, show that, except as to the amount of damages, there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

Any action of the court on a motion for summary judgment shall not be subject of an appeal or petition for

certiorari

, prohibition or mandamus.

Section 4.

Case not fully adjudicated on motion.

— If on motion under this Rule, judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the reliefs sought and a trial is necessary, the court may, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. The facts so ascertained shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted on the controverted facts accordingly.

Section 5.

Form of affidavits and supporting papers.

—

[No amendment]

Section 6.

Affidavits in bad faith.

— Should it appear to its satisfaction at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this Rule are presented in bad faith, or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the offending party or counsel to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused him or her to incur, including attorney's fees, it may, after hearing further adjudge the offending party or counsel guilty of contempt.

x x x           x x x          x x x

RULE 144

EFFECTIVENESS

These rules shall take effect on January 1, 1964. They shall govern all cases brought after they take effect, and also all further proceedings in cases then pending, except to the extent that in the opinion of the court, their application would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which even the former procedure shall apply.

The 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure shall govern all cases filed after their effectivity on May 1, 2020, and also all pending proceedings, except to the extent that in the opinion of the court, their application would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which case the procedure under which the cases were filed shall govern. (n)

The application and adherence to the said amendments shall be subject to periodic monitoring bv the Sub-Committee, through the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA). For this purpose, all courts covered by the said amendments shall accomplish and submit a periodic report of data in a form to be generated and distributed by the OCA. (n)

All rules, resolutions, regulations or circulars of the Supreme Court or parts thereof that are inconsistent with any provision of the said amendments are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly. (n)

PRESCRIBED FORM NO. 1

NOTICE OF PRE-TRIAL

The parties are hereby required to appear personally or through their duly authorized representative, and their counsel in the Pre-Trial on _____________ at ___________ o'clock A.M./P.M., and in the following proceedings:

1. COURT-ANNEXED MEDIATION: (To be scheduled at pre-trial)

2. JUDICIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION: (To be scheduled at pre-trial if deemed necessary by the court.)

The parties and their counsels are required to be present at the pre-trial and to file with the court and serve on the adverse party at least three (3) days before the date of the pre-trial their respective pre-trial briefs which shall contain, among others:

(a) A concise statement of the case and the reliefs prayed for;

(b) A summary of admitted facts and proposed stipulation of facts;

(c) The main factual and legal issues to be tried or resolved;

(d) The propriety of referral of factual issues to commissioners;

(e) The documents or other object evidence to be marked, stating the purpose thereof;

(f) The names of the witnesses, and the summary of their respective testimonies; and

(g) Brief statement of points of law and citation of authorities.

Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as failure to appear at the pre-trial.

Non-appearance at the Pre-Trial or any of the foregoing settings shall merit the sanction of dismissal of the action, for the plaintiffs and his or her counsel's non-appearance, and allowance of plaintiff's

ex parte

evidence presentation and

ex parte

judgment, for defendant's and his or her counsel's non-appearance. The non-appearance of a party and counsel may be excused only for acts of God, force majeure, or duly substantiated physical inability.

A representative, through a special power of attorney, may appear on behalf of a party, but shall be fully authorized in writing to enter into an amicable settlement, to submit to alternative modes of dispute resolution, and to enter into stipulations or admission of facts and documents.

The parties and their counsel, who are required to attend the Pre-Trial shall be ready.

No reservation of evidence not available during the Pre-Trial shall be allowed unless done in the following manner:

(a) For testimonial evidence, by giving the name or position and the nature of the testimony of the proposed witness;

(b) For documentary evidence and other object evidence, and electronic evidence, by giving a particular description of the evidence.

The failure without just cause of a party and counsel to appear at the Pre-Trial, despite notice, shall result in a waiver of any objections to the faithfulness of the reproductions marked, or their genuineness and due execution.

The failure without just cause of a party and counsel to bring the evidence required at the Pre-Trial shall be deemed a waiver of the presentation of such evidence.

WITNESS, the HON. ________________________ , Presiding Judge of this Court, this _______ day of ______, 20_____ at _______________.

_________________________________

Branch Clerk of Court

PRESCRIBED FORM NO. 2

PRE-TRIAL ORDER

I. PLAINTIFF'S EVIDENCE

A. Documentary and other Object Evidence:

Exhibit "A" - Description;

Exhibit "B" - Description;

Exhibit "C" - Description;

B. Testimonial Evidence:

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

C. Reserved Evidence:

Description;

II. DEFENDANT'S EVIDENCE

A. Documentary and other Object Evidence:

Exhibit "A" - Description;

Exhibit "B" - Description;

Exhibit "C" - Description;

B. Testimonial Evidence:

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

Judicial Affidavit of ____________________;

C. Reserved Evidence:

Description;

Evidence not pre-marked and listed herein shall not be allowed during trial.

III. ADMITTED FACTS AND STIPULATION OF FACTS

IV. ISSUES TO BE TRIED OR RESOLVED

In case there are no more controverted facts or genuine issues to be resolved, the court shall so declare in the pre-trial order and shall

motu proprio

consider the case submitted, without prejudice to a party moving, for judgment on the pleadings or summary judgment, without need of position papers or memoranda. In such cases, judgment shall be rendered within ninety (90) calendar days from termination of the pre-trial. However, if there are controverted facts or genuine issues to be resolved, the court shall first refer the case to the Philippine Mediation Center Unit for mediation purposes.

V. MANIFESTATION OF PARTIES HAVING AVAILED OR THEIR INTENTION TO AVAIL OF DISCOVERY PROCEDURES OR REFERRAL TO COMMISSIONERS

VI. NUMBER AND NAMES OF WITNESSES, THE SUBSTANCE OF THEIR TESTIMONIES, AND APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOURS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED BY THE PARTIES FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE WITNESSES

VII. SCHEDULE OF CONTINUOUS TRIAL DATES FOR BOTH PLAINTIFF AND DEFENDANT

Trial shall proceed on ___________, all at 8:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., for the plaintiff or claiming party to present and terminate its evidence; and on _________ , all at 8:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., for the defendant or defending party to present and terminate its evidence. *[This will depend on the number of witnesses listed. It is suggested that for every witness, at least two (2) trial dates should be allotted. The trial dates may likewise be one (1) day apart.]

The trial dates are final and intransferrable, and no motions for postponement that are dilatory in character shall be entertained by the court. If such motions are granted in exceptional cases, the postponement/s by either party shall be deducted from such party's allotted time to present evidence.

The parties are hereby ordered to immediately proceed and personally appear at the Philippine Mediation Center located at __________ (PMC Unit) today, (date today) with or without their counsel/s, for mediation proceedings. The assigned Mediator is ordered to submit a report to this court on the results of the mediation based on the factual and legal issues to be resolved within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the court's referral of this case to the PMC Unit.

Should mediation fail after the lapse of the said 30-day period, the parties are ordered to appear before the court so that the trial shall proceed on the trial dates indicated above. Only if the judge of the court to which the case was originally raffled is convinced that settlement is possible that the case may be referred to another court for judicial dispute resolution, which shall be conducted within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) calendar days from notice of the court-annexed mediation. If judicial dispute resolution fails, trial before the original court shall proceed on the dates agreed upon.

Failure of the party or his or her counsel to comply with the abovementioned schedule of hearings and deadlines shall be a ground for imposition of fines and other sanctions by the court.

The parties and their counsel are hereby notified hereof, and the court shall no longer issue a subpoena to the parties present today.

CONFORMITY

_________________________________

Plaintiff

_________________________________

Defendant

_________________________________

Plaintiff's Counsel

_________________________________

Defendant's Counsel

ATTESTED:

_________________________________

Branch Clerk of Court

NOTED BY:

_________________________________

Presiding Judge

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