Rules of Court SC-Website

7/29/2019 Rules of Court SC-Website

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RULES OF COURT

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Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(5) of Article !!! of the Constitution" the Supre#e Courthere$% a&opts an& pro#ul'ates the folloin' rules concernin' the protection an& enforce#ent of

constitutional ri'hts" plea&in'" practice an& proce&ure in all courts" the aission to the practice

of la" the !nte'rate& ar" an& le'al assistance to the un&erprivile'e&*RULE +

,E-ERAL PRO!S!O-S

SECT!O- +. Title of the Rules./These Rules shall $e 0non an& cite& as the Rules of Court.(+)

SEC. 1. In what courts applicable./These rules shall appl% in all courts" e2cept as otherise

provi&e& $% the Supre#e Court. (n)

SEC. 3. Cases governed./These Rules shall 'overn the proce&ure to $e o$serve& in actions"

civil or cri#inal" an& special procee&in's.

(a)A civil action is one $% hich a part% sues another for the enforce#ent orprotection of a ri'ht" or the prevention or re&ress of a ron'. (+a" R1)

A civil action #a% either $e or&inar% or special. oth are 'overne& $% the rules for

or&inar% civil actions" su$4ect to the specific rules prescri$e& for a special civil action. (n)

($)A cri#inal action is one $% hich the State prosecutes a person for an act or

o#ission punisha$le $% la. (n)

(c) A special procee&in' is a re#e&% $% hich a part% see0s to esta$lish a

status" a ri'ht" or a particular fact. (1a" R1)

SEC. . In what cases not applicable./These Rules shall not appl% to election cases" lan&re'istration" ca&astral" naturali6ation an& insolvenc% procee&in's" an& other cases not herein

provi&e& for" e2cept $% analo'% or in a suppletor% character an& henever practica$le an&

convenient. (R+3a)

SEC. 5. Commencement of action./A civil action is co##ence& $% the filin' of the ori'inalco#plaint in court. !f an a&&itional &efen&ant is i#plea&e& in a later plea&in'" the action is

co##ence& ith re'ar& to hi# on the &ate of the filin' of such later plea&in'" irrespective of

hether the #otion for its aission" if necessar%" is &enie& $% the court. (7a)

SEC. 7. Construction./These Rules shall $e li$erall% construe& in or&er to pro#ote their

o$4ective of securin' a 4ust" spee&% an& ine2pensive &isposition of ever% action an& procee&in'.(1a)

PART !C!!L ACT!O-S

ORDINARY CIVIL ACTIONS

RULE 1CAUSE OF ACT!O-

SECT!O- +. Ordinary civil actions, basis of./Ever% or&inar% civil action #ust $e $ase& on acause of action. (n)

SEC. 1. Cause of action, defined./A cause of action is the act or o#ission $% hich a part%

violates a ri'ht of another. (n)

SEC. 3. One suit for a single cause of action./A part% #a% not institute #ore than one suit for

a sin'le cause of action. (3a)


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SEC. . Splitting a single cause of action; effect of./!f to or #ore suits are institute& on the

$asis of the sa#e cause of action" the filin' of one or a 4u&'#ent upon the #erits in an% one is

availa$le as a 'roun& for the &is#issal of the others. (a)

SEC. 5. oinder of causes of action./A part% #a% in one plea&in' assert" in the alternative orotherise" as #an% causes of action as he #a% have a'ainst an opposin' part%" su$4ect to the

folloin' con&itions*(a)The part% 4oinin' the causes of action shall co#pl% ith the rules on 4oin&er of

parties8

($)The 4oin&er shall not inclu&e special civil actions or actions 'overne& $% specialrules8

(c)9here the causes of action are $eteen the sa#e parties $ut pertain to &ifferent

venues or 4uris&ictions" the 4oin&er #a% $e alloe& in the Re'ional Trial Court provi&e& one

of the causes of action falls ithin the 4uris&iction of sai& court an& the venue lies therein8an&

(&)9here the clai#s in all the causes of action are principall% for recover% of #one%"the a''re'ate a#ount clai#e& shall $e the test of 4uris&iction. (5a)

SEC. 7. !is"oinder of causes of action./:is4oin&er of causes of action is not a 'roun& for&is#issal of an action. A #is4oine& cause of action #a%" on #otion of a part% or on the initiative

of the court" $e severe& an& procee&e& ith separatel%. (n)

RULE 3

PART!ES TO C!!L ACT!O-S

SECT!O- +. #ho may be parties; plaintiff and defendant./Onl% natural or 4uri&ical persons" orentities authori6e& $% la #a% $e parties in a civil action. The ter# ;plaintiff< #a% refer to the

clai#in' part%" the counter=clai#ant" the cross=clai#ant" or the thir& (fourth etc.)/part% plaintiff.

The ter# ;&efen&ant< #a% refer to the ori'inal &efen&in' part%" the &efen&ant in a counterclai#"the cross=&efen&ant" or the thir& (fourth" etc.)/part% &efen&ant. (+a)

SEC. 1. $arties in interest./A real part% in interest is the part% ho stan&s to $e $enefite& orin4ure& $% the 4u&'#ent in the suit" or the part% entitle& to the avails of the suit. Unless

otherise authori6e& $% la or these Rules" ever% action #ust $e prosecute& or &efen&e& in the

na#e of the real part% in interest. (1a).

SEC. 3. Representatives as parties. /9here the action is alloe& to $e prosecute& or &efen&e&$% a representative or so#eone actin' in a fi&uciar% capacit%" the $eneficiar% shall $e inclu&e& in

the title of the case an& shall $e &ee#e& to $e the real part% in interest. A representative #a% $e a

trustee of an e2press trust" a 'uar&ian" an e2ecutor or ainistrator" or a part% authori6e& $% laor these Rules. An a'ent actin' in his on na#e an& for the $enefit of an un&isclose& principal

#a% sue or $e sue& ithout 4oinin' the principal e2cept hen the contract involves thin's

$elon'in' to the principal. (3a)

SEC. . Spouses as parties./>us$an& an& ife shall sue or $e sue& 4ointl%" e2cept as provi&e&$% la. (a)

SEC. 5. !inor or incompetent persons./A #inor or a person alle'e& to $e inco#petent" #a%

sue or $e sue&" ith the assistance of his father" #other" 'uar&ian" or if he has none" a 'uar&ian

ad litem. (5a)

SEC. 7. $ermissive "oinder of parties./All persons in ho# or a'ainst ho# an% ri'ht to relief

in respect to or arisin' out of the sa#e transaction or series of transactions is alle'e& to e2ist"hether 4ointl%" severall%" or in the alternative" #a% e2cept as otherise provi&e& in these Rules"


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4oin as plaintiffs or $e 4oine& as &efen&ants in one co#plaint" here an% ?uestion of la or fact

co##on to all such plaintiffs or to all such &efen&ants #a% arise in the action8 $ut the court #a%

#a0e such or&ers as #a% $e 4ust to prevent an% plaintiff or &efen&ant fro# $ein' e#$arrasse& orput to e2pense in connection ith an% procee&in's in hich he #a% have no interest. (7)

SEC. @. Compulsory "oinder of indispensable parties./Parties in interest ithout ho# no final

&eter#ination can $e ha& of an action shall $e 4oine& either s plaintiffs or &efen&ants. (@)SEC. .%ecessary party./A necessar% part% is one ho is not in&ispensa$le $ut ho ou'ht to

$e 4oine& as a part% if co#plete relief is to $e accor&e& as to those alrea&% parties" or for aco#plete &eter#ination or settle#ent of the clai# su$4ect of the action. (a)

SEC. B. %on&"oinder of necessary parties to be pleaded./9henever in an% plea&in' in hich a

clai# is asserte& a necessar% part% is not 4oine&" the plea&er shall set forth his na#e" if 0non"

an& shall state h% he is o#itte&. Shoul& the court fin& the reason for the o#issionun#eritorious" it #a% or&er the inclusion of the o#itte& necessar% part% if 4uris&iction over his

person #a% $e o$taine&.

The failure to co#pl% ith the or&er for his inclusion" ithout 4ustifia$le cause" shall $e &ee#e&

a aiver of the clai# a'ainst such part%.

The non=inclusion of a necessar% part% &oes not prevent the court fro# procee&in' in the action"an& the 4u&'#ent ren&ere& therein shall $e ithout pre4u&ice to the ri'hts of such necessar%part%. (a" Ba)

SEC. +. 'nwilling co&plaintiff./ !f the consent of an% part% ho shoul& $e 4oine& as plaintiff

can not $e o$taine& " he #a% $e #a&e a &efen&ant an& the reason therefor shall $e state& in the

co#plaint. (+)

SEC. ++. !is"oinder and non&"oinder of parties./-either #is4oin&er nor non=4oin&er of partiesis 'roun& for &is#issal of an action. Parties #a% $e &roppe& or a&&e& $% or&er of the court on

#otion of an% part% or on its on initiative at an% sta'e of the action an& on such ter#s as are

4ust. An% clai# a'ainst a #is4oine& part% #a% $e severe& an& procee&e& ith separatel%. (++a)

SEC. +1. Class suit./9hen the su$4ect #atter of the controvers% is one of the co##on or

'eneral interest to #an% persons so nu#erous that it is i#practica$le to 4oin all as parties" anu#$er of the# hich the court fin&s to $e sufficientl% nu#erous an& representative as to full%

protect the interests of all concerne& #a% sue or &efen& for the $enefit of all. An% part% in

interest shall have the ri'ht to intervene to protect his in&ivi&ual interest. (+1a)

SEC. +3. (lternative defendants./9here the plaintiff is uncertain a'ainst ho of severalpersons he is entitle& to relief" he #a% 4oin an% or all of the# as &efen&ants in the alternative"

althou'h a ri'ht to relief a'ainst one #a% $e inconsistent ith a ri'ht of relief a'ainst the other.

(+3a)

SEC. +. 'n)nown identity or name of defendant./9henever the i&entit% or na#e of a&efen&ant is un0non" he #a% $e sue& as the un0non oner" heir" &evisee" or $% such other

&esi'nation as the case #a% re?uire8 hen his i&entit% or true na#e is &iscovere&" the plea&in'

#ust $e a#en&e& accor&in'l%. (+)

SEC. +5. *ntity without "uridical personality as defendant./9hen to or #ore persons not

or'ani6e& as an entit% ith 4uri&ical personalit% enter into a transaction" the% #a% $e sue& un&erthe na#e $% hich the% are 'enerall% or co##onl% 0non.

!n the anser of such &efen&ant the na#es an& a&&resses of the persons co#posin' sai& entit%

#ust all $e reveale&. (+5a)


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SEC. +7. +eath of party; duty of counsel./9henever a part% to a pen&in' action &ies" an& the

clai# is not there$% e2tin'uishe&" it shall $e the &ut% of his counsel to infor# the court ithin

thirt% (3) &a%s after such &eath of the fact thereof" an& to 'ive the na#e an& a&&ress of his le'alrepresentative or representatives. Failure of counsel to co#pl% ith this &ut% shall $e a 'roun&

for &isciplinar% action.

The heirs of the &ecease& #a% $e alloe& to $e su$stitute& for the &ecease&" ithout re?uirin'the appoint#ent of an e2ecutor or ainistrator an& the court #a% appoint a 'uar&ian ad litemfor the #inor heirs.

The court shall forthith or&er sai& le'al representative or representatives to appear an& $e

su$stitute& ithin a perio& of thirt% (3) &a%s fro# notice.

!f no le'al representative is na#e& $% the counsel for the &ecease& part% or if the one so na#e&

shall fail to appear ithin the specifie& perio&" the court #a% or&er the opposin' part%" ithin aspecifie& ti#e" to procure the appoint#ent of an e2ecutor or ainistrator for the estate of the

&ecease& an& the latter shall i##e&iatel% appear for an& on $ehalf of the &ecease&. The court

char'es in procurin' such appoint#ent" if &efra%e& $% the opposin' part%" #a% $e recovere& as

costs. (+7a" +@a)

SEC. +@. +eath or separation of a party who is a public officer./9hen a pu$lic officer is apart% in an action in his official capacit% an& &urin' its pen&enc% &ies" resi'ns" or other ise

ceases to hol& office" the action #a% $e continue& an& #aintaine& $% or a'ainst his successor if"

ithin thirt% (3) &a%s after the successor ta0es office or such ti#e as #a% $e 'rante& $% thecourt" it is satisfactoril% shon to the court $% an% part% that there is a su$stantial nee& for

continuin' or #aintainin' it an& that the successor a&opts or continues or threatens to a&opt or

continue the action of his pre&ecessor. efore a su$stitution is #a&e" the part% or officer to $eaffecte&" unless e2pressl% assentin' thereto" shall $e 'iven reasona$le notice of the application

therefor an& accor&e& an opportunit% to $e hear&. (+a)

SEC. +. Incompetency or incapacity./!f a part% $eco#es inco#petent or incapacitate&" the

court" upon #otion ith notice" #a% allo the action to $e continue& $% or a'ainst the

inco#petent or incapacitate& person assiste& $% his le'al 'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem. (+Ba)SEC. +B. Transfer of interest./!n case of an% transfer of interest" the action #a% $e continue&$% or a'ainst the ori'inal part%" unless the court upon #otion &irects the person to ho# the

interest is transferre& to $e su$stitute& in the action or 4oine& ith the ori'inal part%. (1)

SEC. 1. (ction on contractual money claims./9hen the action is for recover% of #one%

arisin' fro# contract" e2press or i#plie&" an& the &efen&ant &ies $efore entr% of final 4u&'#entin the court in hich the action as pen&in' at the ti#e of such &eath" it shall not $e &is#isse&

$ut shall instea& $e alloe& to continue until entr% of final 4u&'#ent. A favora$le 4u&'#ent

o$taine& $% the plaintiff therein shall $e enforce& in the #anner especiall% provi&e& in theseRules for prosecutin' clai#s a'ainst the estate of a &ecease& person. (1+a)

SEC. 1+. Indigent party./A part% #a% $e authori6e& to liti'ate his action" clai# or &efense as

an in&i'ent if the court" upon an e parteapplication an& hearin'" is satisfie& that the part% is oneho has no #one% or propert% sufficient an& availa$le for foo&" shelter an& $asic necessities for

hi#self an& his fa#il%.

Such authorit% shall inclu&e an e2e#ption fro# pa%#ent of &oc0et an& other laful fees" an& oftranscripts of steno'raphic notes hich the court #a% or&er to $e furnishe& hi#. The a#ount of

the &oc0et an& other laful fees hich the in&i'ent as e2e#pte& fro# pa%in' shall $e a lien on

an% 4u&'#ent ren&ere& in the case favora$le to the in&i'ent" unless the court otherise provi&es.


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An% a&verse part% #a% contest the 'rant of such authorit% at an% ti#e $efore 4u&'#ent is

ren&ere& $% the trial court. !f the court shoul& &eter#ine after hearin' that the part% &eclare& as

an in&i'ent is in fact a person ith sufficient inco#e or propert%" the proper &oc0et an& otherlaful fees shall $e assesse& an& collecte& $% the cler0 of court. !f the pa%#ent is not #a&e

ithin the ti#e fi2e& $% the court" e2ecution shall issue or the pa%#ent thereof" ithout

pre4u&ice to such other sanctions as the court #a% i#pose. (11a).SEC. 11. %otice to the Solicitor -eneral./!n an% action involvin' the vali&it% of an% treat%"la" or&inance" e2ecutive or&er" presi&ential &ecree" rules or re'ulations" the court" in its

&iscretion" #a% re?uire the appearance of the Solicitor ,eneral ho #a% $e hear& in person or

throu'h a representative &ul% &esi'nate& $% hi#. (13a)

RULE

E-UE OF ACT!O-S

SECT!O- +. enue of real actions./Actions affectin' title to or possession of real propert%" orinterest therein" shall $e co##ence& an& trie& in the proper court hich has 4uris&iction over the

area herein the real propert% involve&" or a portion thereof" is situate&.

Forci$le entr% an& &etainer actions shall $e co##ence& an& trie& in the #unicipal trial court of

the #unicipalit% or cit% herein the real propert% involve&" or a portion thereof" is situate&. (+Da"1Daa)

SEC. 1. enue of personal actions./All other actions #a% $e co##ence& an& trie& here theplaintiff or an% of the principal plaintiffs resi&es" or here the &efen&ant or an% of the principal

&efen&ants resi&es" or in the case of a non=resi&ent &efen&ant here he #a% $e foun&" at the

election of the plaintiff. (1D$a)

SEC. 3. enue of actions against nonresidents./!f an% of the &efen&ants &oes not resi&e an& isnot foun& in the Philippines" an& the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff" or an%

propert% of sai& &efen&ant locate& in the Philippines" the action #a% $e co##ence& an& trie& in

the court of the place here the plaintiff resi&es" or here the propert% or an% portion thereof issituate& or foun&. (1Dca)

SEC. . #hen Rule not applicable./This Rule shall not appl%/

(a)!n those cases here a specific rule or la provi&es otherise8 or

($)9here the parties have vali&l% a'ree& in ritin' $efore the filin' of the action onthe e2clusive venue thereof. (3a" 5a)

RULE 5

U-!FOR: PROCEURE !- TR!AL COURTS

SECT!O- +. 'niform procedure./The proce&ure in the :unicipal Trial Courts shall $e the

sa#e as in the Re'ional Trial Courts" e2cept (a) here a particular provision e2pressl% or

i#plie&l% applie& onl% to either of sai& courts" or ($) in civil cases 'overne& $% the Rule onSu##ar% proce&ure. (n)

SEC. 1. !eaning of terms./The ter# ;:unicipal Trial Courts< as use& in these Rules shallinclu&e :etropolitan Trial Courts" :unicipal Trial Courts in Cities" :unicipal Trial Courts" an&

:unicipal Circuit Trial Courts. (+a)

PROCEURE !- RE,!O-AL TR!AL COURTS

RULE 7

G!-S OF PLEA!-,S

SECT!O- +. $leadings defined./Plea&in's are the ritten state#ents of the respective clai#s

an& &efenses of the parties su$#itte& to the court for appropriate 4u&'#ent. (+a)


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SEC. 1. $leadings allowed./The clai#s of a part% are asserte& in a co#plaint" counterclai#"

cross=clai#" thir& (fourth" etc.)/part% co#plaint" or co#plaint=in=intervention.

The &efenses of a part% are alle'e& in the anser to the plea&in' assertin' a clai# a'ainst hi#.

An anser #a% $e respon&e& to $% a repl%. (n)

SEC. 3. Complaint./The co#plaint is the plea&in' alle'in' the plaintiffHs cause or causes of

action. The na#es an& resi&ences of the plaintiff an& &efen&ant #ust $e state& in the co#plaint.(3a)

SEC. . (nswer./An anser is a plea&in' in hich a &efen&in' part% sets fourth his &efenses.

(a)

SEC. 5. +efenses./efenses #a% either $e ne'ative or affir#ative.

(a)A ne'ative &efense is the specific &enial of the #aterial fact or facts alle'e& in the

plea&in' of the clai#ant essential to his cause or causes of action.

($)An affir#ative &efense is an alle'ation of a ne #atter hich" hileh%potheticall% aittin' the #aterial alle'ations in the plea&in' of the clai#ant oul&

nevertheless prevent or $ar recover% $% hi#. The affir#ative &efenses inclu&e frau&" statute

of li#itations" release pa%#ent" ille'alit%" statute of frau&s" estoppel" for#er recover%"

&ischar'e in $an0ruptc%" an& an% other #atter $% a% of confession an& avoi&ance. (5a)

SEC. 7. Counterclaim./A counterclai# is an% clai# hich a &efen&in' part% #a% have a'ainstan opposin' part%. (7a)

SEC. @. Compulsory counterclaim./A co#pulsor% counterclai# is one hich" $ein' co'ni6a$le

$% the re'ular courts of 4ustice" arises out of or is connecte& ith the transaction or occurrence

constitutin' the su$4ect #atter of the opposin' part%Hs clai# an& &oes not re?uire for itsa&4u&ication the presence of thir& parties of ho# the court cannot ac?uire 4uris&iction. Such a

counterclai# #ust $e ithin the 4uris&iction of the court $oth as to the a#ount an& the nature

thereof" e2cept that in an ori'inal action $efore the Re'ional Trial Court" the counterclai# #a%$e consi&ere& co#pulsor% re'ar&less of the a#ount. (n)

SEC. . Cross&claim./A cross=clai# is an% clai# $% one part% a'ainst a co=part% arisin' out ofthe transaction or occurrence that is the su$4ect #atter either of the ori'inal action or of a

counterclai# therein. Such cross=clai# #a% inclu&e a clai# that the part% a'ainst ho# it is

asserte& is or #a% $e lia$le to the cross=clai#ant for all or part of a clai# asserte& in the actiona'ainst the cross=clai#ant. (@)

SEC. B. Counterclaims and counter&cross&claims./A counterclai# #a% $e asserte& a'ainst an

ori'inal counter=clai#ant.

A cross=clai# #a% also $e file& a'ainst an ori'inal cross=clai#ant. (n)

SEC. +. Reply./A repl% is a plea&in'" the office or function of hich is to &en%" or alle'e facts

in &enial or avoi&ance of ne #atters alle'e& $% a% of &efense in the anser an& there$% 4oinor #a0e issue as to such ne #atters. !f a part% &oes not file such repl%" all the ne #atters

alle'e& in the anser are &ee#e& controverte&.!f the plaintiff hishes to interpose an% clai#s arisin' out of the ne #atters so alle'e& such

clai#s shall $e set forth in an a#en&e& or supple#ental co#plaint. (++)

SEC. ++. Third, /fourth, etc.0/party complaint./A thir& (fourth" etc.)/part% co#plaint is aclai# that a &efen&in' part% #a%" ith leave of court" file a'ainst a person not a part% to the

action" calle& the thir& (fourth" etc.)/part% &efen&ant" for contri$ution" in&e#nit%" su$ro'ation

or an% other relief" in respect of his opponentHs clai#. (+1a)


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SEC. +1. 1ringing new parties./9hen the presence of parties other than those to the ori'inal

action is re?uire& for the 'rantin' of co#plete relief in the &eter#ination of a counterclai# or

cross=clai#" the court shall or&er the# to $e $rou'ht in as &efen&ants" if 4uris&iction over the#can $e o$taine&. (+)

SEC. +3. (nswer to third /fourth, etc.02party complaint./A thir& (fourth" etc.)/part%

&efen&ant #a% alle'e in his anser his &efenses" counterclai#s or cross=clai#s" inclu&in' such&efenses that the thir& (fourth" etc.)/part% plaintiff #a% have a'ainst the ori'inal plaintiffHsclai#. !n proper cases" he #a% also assert a counterclai# a'ainst the ori'inal plaintiff in respect

of the latterHs clai# a'ainst the thir&=part% plaintiff. (n)

RULE @

PARTS OF A PLEA!-,

SECT!O- +. Caption./The caption sets forth the na#e of the court" the title of the action" an&

the &oc0et nu#$er if assi'ne&.

The title of the action in&icates the na#es of the parties. The% shall all $e na#e& in the ori'inal

co#plaint or petition8 $ut in su$se?uent plea&in's" it shall $e sufficient if the na#e of the firstpart% on each si&e $e state& ith an appropriate in&ication hen there are other parties.

Their respective participation in the case shall $e in&icate&. (+a"1a)SEC. 1. The body./The $o&% of the plea&in' sets forth its &esi'nation" the alle'ations of the

part%Hs clai#s or &efenses" the relief pra%e& for" an& the &ate of the plea&in'. (n)

(a)$aragraphs./The alle'ations in the $o&% of a plea&in' shall $e &ivi&e& into

para'raphs so nu#$ere& as to $e rea&il% i&entifie&" each of hich shall contain a state#entof a sin'le set of circu#stances so far as that can $e &one ith convenience. A para'raph

#a% $e referre& to $% its nu#$er in all succee&in' plea&in's. (3a)

($)3eadings2#hento or #ore causes of action are 4oine&" the state#ent of the

first shall $e preface& $% the or&s ;first cause of action"< of the secon& $% ;secon& cause ofaction"< an& so on for the others.

9hen one or #ore para'raphs in the anser are a&&resse& to one of several causes ofaction in the co#plaint" the% shall $e preface& $% the or&s ;anser to the first cause of

action< or ;anser to the secon& cause of action< an& so on8 an& hen one or #ore

para'raphs of the anser are a&&resse& to several causes of action" the% shall $e preface& $%or&s to that effect. ()

(c)Relief.2Theplea&in' shall specif% the relief sou'ht" $ut it #a% a&& a 'eneral

pra%er for such further or other relief as #a% $e &ee#e& 4ust or e?uita$le. (3a" R7)

(&)+ate.2Ever%plea&in' shall $e &ate&. (n)

SEC. 3. Signature and address.2Ever%plea&in' #ust $e si'ne& $% the part% or counsel

representin' hi#" statin' in either case his a&&ress hich shoul& not $e a post office $o2.

The si'nature of counsel constitutes a certificate $% hi# that he has rea& the plea&in'8 that to the

$est of his 0nole&'e" infor#ation" an& $elief there is 'oo& 'roun& to support it8 an& that it is notinterpose& for &ela%.

An unsi'ne& plea&in' pro&uces no le'al effect. >oever" the court #a%" in its &iscretion" allo

such &eficienc% to $e re#e&ie& if it shall appear that the sa#e as &ue to #ere ina&vertence an&not inten&e& for &ela%. Counsel ho &eli$eratel% files an unsi'ne& plea&in'" or si'ns a plea&in'

in violation of this Rule" or alle'es scan&alous or in&ecent #atter therein" or fails to pro#ptl%

report to the court a chan'e of his a&&ress" shall $e su$4ect to appropriate &isciplinar% action. (5a)


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SEC. . erification.2E2cepthen otherise specificall% re?uire& $% la or rule" plea&in's

nee& not $e un&er oath" verifie& or acco#panie& $% affi&avit.

A plea&in' is verifie& $% an affi&avit that the affiant has rea& the plea&in' an& that the alle'ations

therein are true an& correct of his personal 0nole&'e or $ase& on authentic recor&s.

A plea&in' re?uire& to $e verifie& hich contains a verification $ase& on ;infor#ation an&

$elief"< or upon ;0nole&'e" infor#ation an& $elief"< or lac0s a proper verification" shall $etreate& as an unsi'ne& plea&in'. (a)

SEC. 5. Certification against forum shopping./The plaintiff or principal part% shall certif%

un&er oath in the co#plaint or other initiator% plea&in' assertin' a clai# for relief" or in a sorncertification anne2e& thereto an& si#ultaneousl% file& thereith* (a) that he has not theretofore

co##ence& an% action or file& an% clai# involvin' the sa#e issues in an% court" tri$unal or

?uasi=4u&icial a'enc% an&" to the $est of his 0nole&'e" no such other action or clai# is pen&in'therein8 ($) if there is such other pen&in' action or clai#" a co#plete state#ent of the present

status thereof8 an& (c) if he shoul& thereafter learn that the sa#e or si#ilar action or clai# has

$een file& or is pen&in'" he shall report that fact ithin five (5) &a%s therefro# to the court

herein his aforesai& co#plaint or initiator% plea&in' has $een file&.

Failure to co#pl% ith the fore'oin' re?uire#ents shall not $e cura$le $% #ere a#enent ofthe co#plaint or other initiator% plea&in' $ut shall $e cause for the &is#issal of the case ithout

pre4u&ice" unless otherise provi&e&" upon #otion an& after hearin'. The su$#ission" of a false

certification or non=co#pliance ith an% of the un&erta0in's therein shall constitute in&irectconte#pt of court" ithout pre4u&ice to the correspon&in' ainistrative an& cri#inal actions. !f

the acts of the part% or his counsel clearl% constitute illful an& &eli$erate foru# shoppin'" the

sa#e shall $e 'roun& for su##ar% &is#issal ith pre4u&ice an& shall constitute &irect conte#pt"as ell as a cause for ainistrative sanctions. (n)

RULE

:A--ER OF :AG!-, ALLE,AT!O-S !- PLEA!-,S

SECT!O- +.In general ./Ever% plea&in' shall contain in a #etho&ical an& lo'ical for#" a

plain" concise an& &irect state#ent of the ulti#ate facts on hich the part% plea&in' relies for hisclai# or &efense" as the case #a% $e" o#ittin' the state#ent of #ere evi&entiar% facts. (+)

!f a &efense relief on is $ase& on la" the pertinent provisions thereof an& their applica$ilit% to

hi# shall $e clearl% an& concisel% state&. (n)

SEC. 1.(lternative causes of action or defenses.2Apart% #a% set forth to or #ore state#entsof a clai# or &efense alternativel% or h%potheticall%" either in one cause of action or &efense or in

separate causes of action or &efenses. 9hen to or #ore state#ents are #a&e in the alternative

an& one of the# if #a&e in&epen&entl% oul& $e sufficient" the plea&in' is not #a&e insufficient$% the insufficienc% of one or #ore of the alternative state#ents. (1)

SEC. 3. Conditions precedent.2!nan% plea&in' a 'eneral aver#ent of the perfor#ance or

occurrence of all con&itions prece&ent shall $e sufficient. (3)

SEC. . Capacity.2Factsshoin' the capacit% of a part% to sue or $e sue& or the authorit% of a

part% to sue or $e sue& in a representative capacit% or the le'al e2istence of an or'ani6e&

association of persons that is #a&e a part%" #ust $e averre&. A part% &esirin' to raise an issue asto the le'al e2istence of an% part% or the capacit% of an% part% to sue or $e sue& in a

representative capacit%" shall &o so $% specific &enial" hich shall inclu&e such supportin'

particulars as are peculiarl% ithin the plea&erHs 0nole&'e. ()


9/228

SEC. 5.4raud, mista)e, condition of the mind.2!nall aver#ents of frau& or #ista0e" the

circu#stances constitutin' frau& or #ista0e #ust $e state& ith particularit%. :alice" intent"

0nole&'e or other con&ition of the #in& of a person #a% $e averre& 'enerall%. (5a)

SEC. 7.udgment.2!nplea&in' a 4u&'#ent or &ecision of a &o#estic or forei'n court" 4u&icialor ?uasi=4u&icial tri$unal" or of a $oar& or officer" it is sufficient to aver the 4u&'#ent or &ecision

ithout settin' forth #atter shoin' 4uris&iction to ren&er it. (7)SEC. @.(ction or defense based on document.29heneveran action or &efense is $ase& upon a

ritten instru#ent or &ocu#ent" the su$stance of such instru#ent or &ocu#ent shall $e set forthin the plea&in'" an& the ori'inal or a cop% thereof shall $e attache& to the plea&in' as an e2hi$it"

hich shall $e &ee#e& to $e a part of the plea&in'" or sai& cop% #a% ith li0e effect $e set forth

in the plea&in'. (@)

SEC. .3ow to contest such documents.29henan action or &efense is foun&e& upon a ritteninstru#ent" copie& in or attache& to the correspon&in' plea&in' as provi&e& in the prece&in'

section" the 'enuineness an& &ue e2ecution of the instru#ent shall $e &ee#e& aitte& unless the

a&verse part%" un&er oath" specificall% &enies the#" an& sets forth hat he clai#s to $e the facts8

$ut the re?uire#ent of an oath &oes not appl% hen the a&verse part% &oes not appear to $e a

part% to the instru#ent or hen co#pliance ith an or&er for an inspection of the ori'inalinstru#ent is refuse&. (a)

SEC. B. Official document or act./!n plea&in' an official &ocu#ent or official act" it is

sufficient to aver that the &ocu#ent as issue& or the act &one in co#pliance ith la. (B)

SEC. +. Specific denial.2A&efen&ant #ust specif% each #aterial alle'ation of fact the truth ofhich he &oes not ait an&" henever practica$le" shall set forth the su$stance of the #atters

upon hich he relies to support his &enial. 9here a &efen&ant &esires to &en% onl% a part of an

aver#ent" he shill specif% so #uch of it as is true an& #aterial an& shall &en% onl% the re#ain&er.9here a &efen&ant is ithout 0nole&'e or infor#ation sufficient to for# a $elief as to the truth

of a #aterial aver#ent #a&e in the co#plaint" he shall so state" an& this shall have the effect of a&enial. (+a)

SEC. ++.(llegations not specifically denied deemed admitted.2:aterialaver#ent in theco#plaint" other than those as to the a#ount of unli?ui&ate& &a#a'es" shall $e .&ee#e& aitte&hen not specificall% &enie&. Alle'ations of usur% in a co#plaint to recover usurious interest are

&ee#e& aitte& if not &enie& un&er oath. (+a" RB)

SEC. +1. Stri)ing out of pleading or matter contained therein.2Upon#otion #a&e $% a part%

$efore respon&in' to a plea&in' or" if no responsive plea&in' is per#itte& by these Rules" upon#otion #a&e $% a part% ithin tent% (1) &a%s after the service of the plea&in' upon hi#" or

upon the courtHs on initiative at an% ti#e" the court #a% or&er an% plea&in' to $e stric0en out or

that an% sha# or false" re&un&ant" i##aterial" i#pertinent" or scan&alous #atter $e stric0en outtherefro#. (5" RB)

RULE B

EFFECT OF FA!LURE TO PLEA

SECT!O- +.+efenses and ob"ections notplea&e&./efenses an& o$4ections not plea&e& either

in a #otion to &is#iss or in the anser are &ee#e& aive&. >oever" hen it appears fro# the

plea&in's or the evi&ence on recor& that the court has no 4uris&iction over the su$4ect #atter" that

there is another action pen&in' $eteen the sa#e parties for the sa#e cause" or that the action is$arre& $% a prior 4u&'#ent or $% statute of li#itations" the court shall &is#iss the clai#. (1a)


10/228

SEC. 1. Compulsory counterclaim, or cross&claim, not set up barred.2A co#pulsor%

counterclai#" or a cross=clai#" not set up shall $e $arre&. (a)

SEC. 3.+efault; declaration of.2!fthe &efen&in' part% fails to anser ithin the ti#e alloe&

therefor" the court shall" upon #otion of the clai#in' part% ith notice to the &efen&in' part%"an& proof of such failure" &eclare the &efen&in' part% in &efault. Thereupon" the court shall

procee& to ren&er 4u&'#ent 'rantin' the clai#ant such relief as his plea&in' #a% arrant" unlessthe court in its &iscretion re?uires the clai#ant to su$#it evi&ence. Such reception of evi&ence#a% $e &ele'ate& to the cler0 of court. (+a" R+)

(a)*ffect of order of default.2Apart% in &efault shall $e entitle& to notice of

su$se?uent procee&in's $ut not to ta0e part in the trial. (1a" R+)

($)Relief from order of default.2Apart% &eclare& in &efault #a% at an% ti#e after

notice thereof an& $efore 4u&'#ent file a #otion un&er oath to set asi&e the or&er of &efaultupon proper shoin' that his failure to anser as &ue to frau&" acci&ent" #ista0e or

e2cusa$le ne'li'ence an& that he has a #eritorious &efense. !n such case" the or&er of &efault

#a% $e set asi&e on such ter#s an& con&itions as the 4u&'e #a% i#pose in the interest of

4ustice. (3a" R+)

(c)*ffect of partial default.29hena plea&in' assertin' a clai# states a co##oncause of action a'ainst several &efen&in' parties" so#e of ho# anser an& the others fail

to &o so" the court shall tr% the case a'ainst all upon the ansers thus file& an& ren&er

4u&'#ent upon the evi&ence presente&. (a" R+)

(&)*tent of relief to be awarded.2A4u&'#ent ren&ere& a'ainst a part% in &efaultshall not e2cee& the a#ount or $e &ifferent in 0in& fro# that pra%e& for nor aar&

unli?ui&ate& &a#a'es. (5a" R+)

(e) #here no defaults allowed.2!fthe &efen&in' part% in an action for annul#ent or

&eclaration of nullit% of #arria'e or for le'al separation fails to anser" the court shall or&erthe prosecutin' attorne% to investi'ate hether or not a collusion $eteen the parties e2ists"

an& if there is no collusion" to intervene for the State in or&er to see to it that the evi&ence

su$#itte& is not fa$ricate&. (7a" R+)RULE +

A:E-E A- SUPPLE:E-TAL PLEA!-,S

SECT!O- +.(mendments ingeneral./Plea&in's #a% $e a#en&e& $% a&&in' or stri0in' out an

alle'ation or the na#e of an% part%" or $% correctin' a #ista0e in the na#e of a part% or a#ista0en or ina&e?uate alle'ation or &escription in an% other respect" so that the actual #erits of

the controvers% #a% spee&il% $e &eter#ine&" ithout re'ar& to technicalities" an& in the #ost

e2pe&itious an& ine2pensive #anner. (+)

SEC. 1.(mendments as a matter of ri'ht./Apart% #a% a#en& his plea&in' once as a #atter ofri'ht at an% ti#e $efore a responsive plea&in' is serve& or" in the case of a repl%" at an% ti#e

ithin ten (+) &a%s after it is serve&. (1a)

SEC. 3.(mendments by leave of court./E2cept as provi&e& in the ne2t prece&in' section"

su$stantial a#enents #a% $e #a&e onl% upon leave of court. ut such leave #a% $e refuse& if

it appears to the court that the #otion as #a&e ith intent to &ela%. Or&ers of the court upon the#atters provi&e& in this section shall $e #a&e upon #otion file& in court" an& after notice to the

a&verse part%" an& an opportunit% to $e hear&. (3a)

SEC. .4ormal amendments.2A &efect in the &esi'nation of the parties an& other clearl%

clerical or t%po'raphical errors #a% $e su##aril% correcte& $% the court at an% sta'e of the


11/228

action" at its initiative or on #otion" provi&e& so pre4u&ice is cause& there$% to the a&versepart%.

(a)

SEC. 5.(mendment to conform to or authori5e presentation of evidence./9hen issues not

raise& $% the plea&in's are trie& ith the e2press or i#plie& consent of the parties" the% shall $etreate& in all respects as if the% ha& $een raise& in the plea&in's. Such a#enent of the

plea&in's as #a% $e necessar% to cause the# to confor# to the evi&ence an& to raise these issues#a% $e #a&e upon #otion of an% part% at an% ti#e" even after 4u&'#ent8 $ut failure to a#en&&oes not affect the result of the trial of these issues. !f evi&ence is o$4ecte& to at the trial on the

'roun& that it is not ithin the issues #a&e $% the plea&in's" the court #a% allo the plea&in's

to $e a#en&e& an& shall &o so ith li$eralit% if the presentation of the #erits of the action an&the en&s of su$stantial 4ustice ill $e su$serve& there$%. The court #a% 'rant a continuance to

ena$le the a#enent to $e #a&e. (5a)

SEC. 7. Supplemental pleadings.2 Upon #otion of a part% the court #a%" upon reasona$le

notice an& upon such ter#s asH are 4ust" per#it hi# to serve a supple#ental plea&in' settin' forth

transactions" occurrences or events hich have happene& since the &ate of the plea&in' sou'ht to$e supple#ente&. The a&verse part% #a% plea& thereto ithin ten (+) &a%s fro# notice of the

or&er aittin' the supple#ental plea&in'. (7a)SEC. @.4iling of amended pleadings.2 9henan% plea&in' is a#en&e&" a ne cop% of the entire

plea&in'" incorporatin' the a#enents" hich shall $e in&icate& $% appropriate #ar0s" shall $efile&. (@a)

SEC. .*ffect of amended pleadings.2 An a#en&e& plea&in' superse&es the plea&in' that it

a#en&s. >oever" aissions in superse&e& plea&in's #a% $e receive& in evi&ence a'ainst the

plea&er8 an& clai#s or &efenses alle'e& therein not incorporate& in the a#en&e& plea&in' shall $e&ee#e& aive&. (n)

RULE ++

9>E- TO F!LE RESPO-S!E PLEA!-,S

SECT!O- +.(nswer to the co#plaint./The&efen&antshall file his anser to the co#plaint

ithin fifteen (+5) &a%s after service of su##ons" unless a &ifferent perio& is fi2e& $% the court.(+a)

SEC. 1.(nswer of a defendant foreign private "uridicalentit%./9here the &efen&ant is a forei'n

private 4uri&ical entit% an& service ofsu##ons is #a&e on the 'overn#ent official &esi'nate& $%la to receive the sa#e" the anser shall $e file& ithin thirt% (3) &a%s after receipt of

su##ons $% such entit%. (1a)

SEC. 3.(nswer to amended complaint.29herethe plaintiff files an a#en&e& co#plaint as a

#atter of ri'ht" the &efen&ant shall anser the sa#e ithin fifteen (+5) &a%s after $ein' serve&ith a cop% thereof.

9here its filin' is not a #atter of ri'ht" the &efen&ant shall anser the a#en&e& co#plaint ithin

ten (+) &a%s fro# notice of the Or&er aittin' the sa#e. An anser earlier file& #a% serve as

the anser to the a#en&e& co#plaint" if no ne anser is file&.

This Rule shall appl% to the anser to an a#en&e& counterclai# a#en&e& cross=clai#" a#en&e&

thir& (fourth" etc.)/ part% co#plaint" an& a#en&e& co#plaint=in=intervention. (3a)

SEC. .(nswer to counterclaim or cross&claim.2Acounterclai# or cross=clai# #ust $eansere& ithin ten (+) &a%s fro# service. ()

SEC. 5.(nswer to third /fourth, etc.02party complaint.2. The ti#e to anser athir& (fourth"

etc.)/part% co#plaint shall $e 'overne& $% the sa#e rule as the anser to the co#plaint. (5a)


12/228

SEC. 7.Reply.2Arepl% #a% $e file& ithin ten (+) &a%s fro# service of the plea&in' respon&e&

to. (7)

SEC. @.(nswer to supplemental complaint.2Asupple#ental co#plaint #a% $e ansere& ithin

ten (+) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er aittin' the sa#e" unless a &ifferent perio& is fi2e& $% thecourt. The anser to the co#plaint shall serve as the anser to the supple#ental co#plaint if no

ne or supple#ental anser is file&. (a)SEC. .*isting counterclaim or cross=clai#.==A co#pulsor%" counterclai# or a cross=clai# that

a &efen&in' part% has at the ti#e he files his anser shall $e containe& therein. (a" R7)

SEC. B. Counterclaim or cross&claim arising after answer.2 A counterclai# or a cross=clai#hich either #ature& or as ac?uire& $% a part% after servin' his plea&in' #a%" ith the

per#ission of the court" $e presente& as a counterclai# or a cross=clai# $% supple#ental

plea&in' $efore 4u&'#ent. (B" R7)

SEC. +.Omitted counterclaim or cross&claim.29henaplea&er fails to set up a counterclai# ora cross=clai# throu'h oversi'ht" ina&vertence" or e2cusa$le ne'lect" or hen 4ustice re?uires" he

#a%" $% leave of court" set up the counterclai# or cross=clai# $% a#enent $efore 4u&'#ent.

(3a" RB)

SEC. ++.*tension of time to plead .2Upon#otion an& on such ter#s as #a% $e 4ust" the court#a% e2ten& the ti#e to plea& provi&e& in these Rules.

The court #a% also" upon li0e ter#s" allo an anser or other plea&in' to $e file& after the ti#efi2e& $% these Rules. (@)

RULE +1

!LL OF PART!CULARS

SECT!O- +. #hen applied for; purpose./efore respon&in' to a plea&in'" a part% #a% #ove

for a &efinite state#ent or for a $ill of particulars of an% #atter hich is not averre& ith

sufficient &efiniteness or particularit% to ena$le hi# properl% to prepare his responsive plea&in'.!f the plea&in' is a repl%" the #otion #ust $e file& ithin ten (+) &a%s fro# service thereof.

Such #otion shall point out the &efects co#plaine& of" the para'raphs herein the% are

containe&" an& the &etails &esire&. (+a)

SEC. 1.(ction by the court./Upon the filin' of the #otion" the cler0 of court #ust i##e&iatel%

$rin' it to the attention of the court hich #a% either &en% or 'rant it outri'ht" or allo theparties the opportunit% to $e hear&. (n)

SEC. 3. Compliance with order.2!fthe #otion is 'rante&" either in hole or in part" the

co#pliance thereith #ust $e effecte& ithin ten (+) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er" unless a

&ifferent perio& is fi2e& $% the court. The $ill of particulars or a #ore &efinite state#ent or&ere&$% the court #a% $e file& either in a separate or in an a#en&e& plea&in'" servin' a cop% thereof

on the a&verse part%. (n)

SEC. .*ffect of non&compliance.2!fthe or&er is not o$e%e&" or in case of insufficient

co#pliance thereith" the court #a% or&er the stri0in' out of the plea&in' or the portions thereofto hich the or&er as &irecte& or #a0e such other or&er as it &ee#s 4ust. (+Dca)

SEC. 5. Stay of period to file responsive pleading2Afterservice of the $ill of particulars or of a

#ore &efinite plea&in'" or after notice of &enial of his #otion" the #ovin' part% #a% file his

responsive plea&in' ithin the perio& to hich he as entitle& at the ti#e of filin' his #otion"

hich shall not $e less than five (5) &a%s in an% event. (+D$a)

SEC 7.1ill a part of pleading.2A$ill of particulars $eco#es part of the plea&in' for hich it isinten&e&. (+Daa)


13/228

RULE +3

F!L!-, A- SER!CE OF PLEA!-,S" IU,:E-TS A- OT>ER PAPERS

SECT!O- +. Coverage ./This Rule shall 'overn the filin' of all plea&in's an& other papers" as

ell as the service thereof" e2cept those for hich a &ifferent #o&e of service is prescri$e&. (n)

SEC. 1.4iling and service, &efine&./Filin' is the act of presentin' the plea&in' or other paper

to the cler0 of court.Service is the act of provi&in' a part% ith a cop% of the plea&in' or paper concerne&. !f an%part% has appeare& $% counsel" service upon hi# shall $e #a&e upon his counsel or one of the#"

unless service upon the part% hi#self is or&ere& $% the court. 9here one counsel appears for

several parties" he shall onl% $e entitle& to one cop% of an% paper serve& upon hi# $% theopposite si&e. (1a)

SEC. 3.!anner of filing ./The filin' of plea&in's" appearances" #otions" notices" or&ers"

4u&'#ents an& all other papers shall $e #a&e $% presentin' the ori'inal copies thereof" plainl%

in&icate& as such" personall% to the cler0 of court or $% sen&in' the# $% re'istere& #ail. !n the

first case" the cler0 of court shall en&orse on the plea&in' the &ate an& hour of filin'. !n thesecon& case" the &ate of the #ailin' of #otions" plea&in's" or an% other papers or pa%#ents or

&eposits" as shon $% the post office sta#p on the envelope or the re'istr% receipt" shall $econsi&ere& as the &ate of their filin'" pa%#ent" or &eposit in court. The envelope shall $e attache&to the recor& of the case. (+a)

SEC. .$apers re6uired to be filed and serve&./ Ever% 4u&'#ent" resolution" or&er" plea&in'

su$se?uent to the co#plaint" ritten #otion" notice" appearance" &e#an&" offer of 4u&'#ent or

si#ilar papers shall $e file& ith the court" an& serve& upon the parties affecte&. (1a)

SEC. 5.!odes of service./Service of plea&in's" #otions" notices" or&ers" 4u&'#ents an& otherpapers shall $e #a&e either personall% or $% #ail. (3a)

SEC. 7.$ersonal service.2Serviceof the papers #a% $e #a&e $% &eliverin' personall% a cop%

to the part% or his counsel" or $% leavin' it in his office ith his cler0 or ith a person havin'

char'e thereof. !f no person is foun& in his office" or his office is not 0non" or he has no office"

then $% leavin' the cop%" $eteen the hours of ei'ht in the #ornin' an& si2 in the evenin'" at thepart%Hs or counselHs resi&ence" if 0non" ith a person of sufficient a'e an& &iscretion then

resi&in' therein. (a)

SEC. @. Service by mail./Service $% re'istere& #ail shall $e #a&e $% &epositin' the cop% in the

office" in a seale& envelope" plainl% a&&resse& to the part% or his counsel at his office" if 0non"otherise at his resi&ence" if 0non" ith posta'e full% prepai&" an& ith instructions to the

post#aster to return the #ail to the sen&er after ten (+) &a%s if un&elivere&. !f no re'istr%

service is availa$le in the localit% of either the sen&er or the a&&ressee" service #a% $e &one $%or&inar% #ail. (5a)

SEC. . Substituted service./!f service of plea&in's" #otions" notices" resolutions" or&ers an&

other papers cannot $e #a&e un&er the to prece&in' sections" the office an& place of resi&ence

of the part% or his counsel $ein' un0non" service #a% $e #a&e $% &eliverin' the cop% to thecler0 of court" ith proof of failure of $oth personal service an& service $% #ail. The service is

co#plete at the ti#e of such &eliver%. (7a)

SEC. B. Service of "udgments, final orders, or resolutions.2Iu&'#ents" final or&ers or

resolutions shall $e serve& either personall% or $% re'istere& #ail. 9hen a part% su##one& $%

pu$lication has faile& to appear in the action" 4u&'#ents" final or&ers or resolutions a'ainst hi#shall $e serve& upon hi# also $% pu$lication at the e2pense of the prevailin' part%. (@a)


14/228

SEC. +. Completeness of service./Personal service is co#plete upon actual &eliver%. Service

$% or&inar% #ail is co#plete upon the e2piration of ten (+) &a%s after #ailin'" unless the court

otherise provi&es. Service $% re'istere& #ail is co#plete upon actual receipt $% the a&&ressee"or after five (5) &a%s fro# the &ate he receive& the first notice of the post#aster" hichever &ate

is earlier. (a)

SEC. ++.$riorities in modes of service and filin' /9henever practica$le" the service an& filin'of plea&in's an& other papers shall $e &one personall%. E2cept ith respect to papers e#anatin'fro# the court" a resort to other #o&es #ust $e acco#panie& $% a ritten e2planation h% the

service or filin' as not &one personall%. A violation of this Rule #a% $e cause to consi&er the

paper as not file&. (n)

SEC. +1.$roof of filing. 2Thefilin' of a plea&in' or paper shall $e prove& $% its e2istence inthe recor& of the case. if it is not in the recor&" $ut is clai#e& to have $een file& personall%" the

filin' shall $e prove& $% the ritten or sta#pe& ac0nole&'#ent of its filin' $% the cler0 of

court on a cop% of the sa#e8 if file& $% re'istere& #ail" $% the re'istr% receipt an& $% the

affi&avit of the person ho &i& the #ailin'" containin' a full state#ent of the &ate an& place of&epositin' the #ail in the post office in a seale& envelope a&&resse& to the court" ith posta'e

full% prepai&" an& ith instructions to the post#aster to return the #ail to the sen&er after ten(+) &a%s if not &elivere&. (n)

SEC. +3.$roof of service.2Proofof personal service shall consist of a ritten aission of thepart% serve&" or the official return of the server" or the affi&avit of the part% servin'" containin' a

full state#ent of the &ate" place an& #anner of service. !f the service is $%or&inar% #ail" proof

thereof shall consist of an affi&avit of the person #ailin' of facts shoin' co#pliance ithsection @ of this Rule. !f service is #a&e $% re'istere& #ail" proof shall $e #a&e $% such affi&avit

an& the re'istr% receipt issue& $% the #ailin' office. The re'istr% return car& shall $e file&

i##e&iatel% upon its receipt $% the sen&er" or in lieu thereof of the unclai#e& letter to'ether ith

the certifie& or sorn cop% of the notice 'iven $% the post#aster to the a&&ressee. (+a)

SEC. +.%otice of lis pendens.2!nan action affectin' the title or the ri'ht of possession of real

propert%" the plaintiff an& the &efen&ant" hen affir#ative relief is clai#e& in his anser" #a%recor& in the office of the re'istr% of &ee&s of the province in hich the propert% is situate& a

notice of the pen&enc% of the action. Sai& notice shall contain the na#es of the parties an& theo$4ect of the action or &efense" an& a &escription of the propert% in that province affecte&

there$%. Onl% fro# the ti#e of filin' such notice for recor& shall a purchaser" or encu#$rancer of

the propert% affecte& there$%" $e &ee#e& to have constructive notice of the pen&enc% of theaction" an& onl% of its pen&enc% a'ainst the parties &esi'nate& $% their real na#es.

The notice of lispendens hereina$ove #entione& #a% $e cancelle& onl% upon or&er of the court"

after proper shoin' that the notice is for the purpose of #olestin' the a&verse part%" or that it is

not necessar% to protect the ri'hts of the part% ho cause& it to $e recor&e&. (1a" R+)

RULE +

SU::O-SSECT!O- +. Cler) to issue summons.2Uponthe filin' of the co#plaint an& the pa%#ent of the

re?uisite le'al fees" the cler0 of court shall forthith issue the correspon&in' su##ons to the&efen&ants. (+a)

SEC. 1. Contents.2Thesu##ons shall $e &irecte& to the &efen&ant" si'ne& $% the cler0 of court

un&er seal" an& contain* (a) the na#e of the court an& the na#es of the parties to the action8 ($) a

&irection that the &efen&ant anser ithin the ti#e fi2e& $% these Rules8 (c) a notice that unless


15/228

the &efen&ant so ansers" plaintiff ill ta0e 4u&'#ent $% &efault an& #a% $e 'rante& the relief

applie& for.

A cop% of the co#plaint an& or&er for appoint#ent of 'uar&ian ad litem, if an%"shall $e attache&

to the ori'inal an& each cop% of the su##ons. (3a)

SEC. 3.1y whom served./The su##ons #a% $e serve& $% the sheriff" his &eput%" or other

proper court officer" or for 4ustifia$le reasons $% an% suita$le person authori6e& $% the courtissuin' the su##ons. (5a)

SEC. . Return./9hen the service has $een co#plete&" the server shall" ithin five (5) &a%s

therefro#" serve a cop% of the return" personall% or $% re'istere& #ail" to the plaintiffHs counsel"an& shall return the su##ons to the cler0 ho issue& it" acco#panie& $% proof of service. (7a)

SEC. 5.Issuance of alias summons.2 !f a su##ons is returne& ithout $ein' serve& on an% or

all of the &efen&ants" the server shall also serve a cop% of the return on the plaintiffHs counsel"

statin' the reasons for the failure of service" ithin five (5) &a%s therefro#. !n such a case" or ifthe su##ons has $een lost" the cler0" on &e#an& of the plaintiff" #a% issue an alias su##ons.

(a)

SEC. 7. Service in person on defendant. 2 9heneverpractica$le" the su##ons shall $e serve&

han&in' a cop% thereof to the &efen&ant in person" or" if he refuses to receive an& si'n for it" $%ten&erin' it to hi#. (@a)

SEC. @. Substitutedservice.2 !f, for 4ustifia$le causes" the &efen&ant cannot $e serve& ithin areasona$le ti#e as provi&e& in the prece&in' section" service #a% $e effecte& (a) $% leavin'

copies of the su##ons at the &efen&antHs resi&ence ith so#e person of suita$le a'e an&

&iscretion then resi&in' therein" or ($) $% leavin' the copies at &efen&antHs office or re'ular placeof $usiness ith so#e co#petent person in char'e thereof. (a)

SEC . Service upon entity without "uridical personality.2 9hen persons associate& in an entit%

ithout 4uri&ical personalit% are sue& un&er the na#e $% hich the% are 'enerall% or co##onl%

0non" service #a% $e effecte& upon all the &efen&ants $% servin' upon an% one of the#" orupon the person in char'e of the office or place of $usiness #aintaine& in such na#e. ut such

service shall not $in& in&ivi&uall% an% person hose connection ith the entit% has" upon &uenotice" $een severe& $efore the action as $rou'ht. (Ba)

SEC. B. Service upon prisoners.29henthe &efen&ant is a prisoner confine& in a 4ailor

institution" service shall $e effecte& upon hi# $% the officer havin' the #ana'e#ent of such 4ailor institution ho is &ee#e& &eputi6e& as a special sheriff for sai& purpose. (+1a)

SEC. +. Service upon minors and incompetents2 9hen the &efen&ant is a #inor" insane or

otherise an inco#petent" service shall $e #a&e upon hi# personall% an& on his le'al 'uar&ian if

he has one" or if none" upon his 'uar&ian ad litemhose appoint#ent shall $e applie& for $% theplaintiff. !n the case of a #inor" service #a% also $e #a&e on his father or #other. (+a" ++a)

SEC. ++. Service upon domestic private "uridical entity.29hen the &efen&ant is a corporation"

partnership or association or'ani6e& un&er the las of the Philippines ith a 4uri&ical

personalit%" service #a% $e #a&e on the presi&ent" #ana'in' partner" 'eneral #ana'er" corporatesecretar%" treasurer" or in=house counsel. (+3a)

SEC. +1. Service upon foreign private "uridical entity.29hen the &efen&ant is a forei'n private4uri&ical entit% hich has transacte& $usiness in the Philippines" service #a% $e #a&e on its

resi&ent a'ent &esi'nate& in accor&ance ith la for that purpose" or" if there $e no such a'ent"

on the 'overn#ent official &esi'nate& $% la to that effect" or on an% of its officers or a'entsithin the Philippines. (+a)


16/228

SEC. +3. Serviceupon public corporations./9hen the &efen&ant is the Repu$lic of the

Philippines" service #a% $e effecte& on the Solicitor ,eneral8 in case of a province" cit% or

#unicipalit%" or li0e pu$lic corporations" service #a% $e effecte& on its e2ecutive hea&" or onsuch other officer or officers as the la or the court #a% &irect. (+5)

SEC. +. Service upon defendant whoseidentity orwhereabouts are un)nown.2!nan% action

here the &efen&ant is &esi'nate& as an un0non oner" or the li0e" or henever hisherea$outs are un0non an& cannot $e ascertaine& $% &ili'ent in?uir%" service #a%" $% leave ofcourt" $e effecte& upon hi# $% pu$lication in a nespaper of 'eneral circulation an& in such

places an& for such ti#e as the court #a% or&er. (+7a)

SEC. +5.*traterritorial service.29henthe &efen&ant &oes not resi&e an& is not foun& in the

Philippines" an& the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff or relates to" or the su$4ectof hich is" propert% ithin the Philippines" in hich the &efen&ant has or clai#s a lien or

interest" actual or contin'ent8 or in hich the relief &e#an&e& consists" holl% or in part" in

e2clu&in' the &efen&ant fro# an% interest therein" or the propert% of the &efen&ant has $een

attache& ithin the Philippines" service #a%" $% leave of court" $e effecte& out of the Philippines$% personal service as un&er section 78 or $% pu$lication in a nespaper of 'eneral circulation in

such places an& for such ti#e as the court #a% or&er" in hich case a cop% of the su##ons an&or&er of the court shall $e sent $% re'istere& #ail to the last 0non a&&ress of the &efen&ant" orin an% other #anner the court #a% &ee# sufficient. An% or&er 'rantin' such leave shall specif% a

reasona$le ti#e" hich shall not $e less than si2t% (7) &a%s after notice" ithin hich the

&efen&ant #ust anser. (+@a)

SEC. +7.Residents temporarily out of the $hilippines.29hen an% action is co##ence& a'ainsta &efen&ant ho or&inaril% resi&es ithin the Philippines" $ut ho is te#poraril% out of it"

service #a%" $% leave of court" $e also effecte& out of the Philippines" as un&er the prece&in'

section. (+a)

SEC. [email protected] ofcourt.2An%application to the court un&er this Rule for leave to effect service

in an% #anner for hich leave of court is necessar% shall $e #a&e $% #otion in ritin'"

supporte& $% affi&avit of the plaintiff or so#e person on his $ehalf settin' forth the 'roun&s forthe application. (+B)

SEC. +.$roof of service.2Theproof of service of a su##ons shall $e #a&e in ritin' $% the

server an& shall set forth the #anner" place" an& &ate of service8 shall specif% an% papers hichhave $een serve& ith the process an& the na#e of the person ho receive& the sa#e8 an& shall

$e sorn to hen #a&e $% a person other than a sheriff or his &eput%. (1)

SEC. +B.$roof of service by publication.2!fthe service has $een #a&e $% pu$lication" service

#a% $e prove& $% the affi&avit of the printer" his fore#an or principal cler0" or of the e&itor"$usiness or a&vertisin' #ana'er" to hich affi&avit a cop% of the pu$lication shall $e attache&"

an& $% an affi&avit shoin' the &eposit of a cop% of the su##ons an& or&er for pu$lication in

the post office" posta'e prepai&" &irecte& to the &efen&ant $% re'istere& #ail to his last 0non

a&&ress. (1+)SEC. 1. oluntary appearance.2The&efen&antHs voluntar% appearance in the action shall $ee?uivalent to service of su##ons. The inclusion in a #otion to &is#iss of other 'roun&s asi&e

fro# lac0 of 4uris&iction over the person of the &efen&ant shall not $e &ee#e& a voluntar%

appearance. (13a)

RULE +5

:OT!O-S


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SECT!O- +.!otiondefined.2A#otion is an application for relief other than $% a plea&in'.

(+a)

SEC. 1.!otions must be inwriting.2All#otions shall $e in ritin' e2cept those #a&e in open

court or in the course of a hearin' or trial. (1a)

SEC. 3. Contents.2A#otion shall state the relief sou'ht to $e o$taine& an& the 'roun&s upon

hich it is $ase&" an& if re?uire& $% these Rules or necessar% to prove facts alle'e& therein" shall$e acco#panie& $% supportin' affi&avits an& other papers. (3a)

SEC. .3earing ofmotion./E2cept for #otions hich the court #a% act upon ithout

pre4u&icin' the ri'hts of the a&verse part%" ever% ritten #otion shall $e set for hearin' $% theapplicant.

Ever% ritten #otion re?uire& to $e hear& an& the notice of the hearin' thereof shall $e serve& in

such a #anner as to ensure its receipt $% the other part% at least three (3) &a%s $efore the &ate of

hearin'" unless the court for 'oo& cause sets the hearin' on shorter notice. (a)

SEC. 5.%otice of hearing.2Thenotice of hearin' shall $e a&&resse& to all parties concerne&"

an& shall specif% the ti#e an& &ate of the hearin' hich #ust not $e later than ten (+) &a%s afterthe filin' of the #otion. (5a)

SEC. 7.$roof of service necessary.2-oritten #otion set for hearin' shall $e acte& upon $%the court ithout proof of service thereof. (7a)

SEC. @.!otion&a%./E2cept for #otions re?uirin' i##e&iate action" all #otions shall $e

sche&ule& for hearin' on Fri&a% afternoons" or if Fri&a% is a non=or0in' &a%" in the afternoon ofthe ne2t or0in' &a%. (@a)

SEC. . Omnibus motion.2Su$4ectto the provisions of section + of Rule B" a #otion attac0in' a

plea&in'" or&er" 4u&'#ent" or procee&in' shall inclu&e all o$4ections then availa$le" an& all

o$4ections not so inclu&e& shall $e &ee#e& aive&. (a)

SEC. B.!otion for leave.2A#otion for leave to file a plea&in' or #otion shall $e acco#panie&$% the plea&in' or #otion sou'ht to $e aitte&. (n)

SEC. +.4orm.2The

Rules applica$le to plea&in's shall appl% to ritten #otions so far asconcerns caption" &esi'nation" si'nature" an& other #atters of for#. (Ba)

RULE +7

:OT!O- TO !S:!SS

SECT!O- +. -rounds.29ithinthe ti#e for $ut $efore filin' the anser to the co#plaint or

plea&in' assertin' a clai#" a #otion to &is#iss #a% $e #a&e on an% of the folloin' 'roun&s*

(a) That the court has no 4uris&iction over the person of the &efen&in' part%8

($) That the court has no 4uris&iction over the su$4ect #atter of the clai#8

(c) That venue is i#properl% lai&8

(&) That the plaintiff has no le'al capacit% to sue8

(e) That there is another action pen&in' $eteen the sa#e parties for the sa#e cause8

(f) That the cause of action is $arre& $% a prior 4u&'#ent or $% the statute of

li#itations8

(') That the plea&in' assertin' the clai# states no cause of action8

(h) That the clai# or &e#an& set forth in the plaintiffHs plea&in' has $een pai&"aive&" a$an&one&" or otherise e2tin'uishe&8

(i) That the clai# on hich the action is foun&e& is unenforcea$le un&er the

provisions of the statute of frau&s8 an&


18/228

(4) That a con&ition prece&ent for filin' the clai# has not $een co#plie& ith. (+a)

SEC. 1.3earing of motion.2Atthe hearin' of the #otion" the parties shall su$#it their

ar'u#ents on the ?uestions of la an& their evi&ence on the ?uestions of fact involve& e2cept

those not availa$le at that ti#e. Shoul& the case 'o to trial" the evi&ence presente& &urin' thehearin' shall auto#aticall% $e part of the evi&ence of the part% presentin' the sa#e. (n)

SEC. 3.Resolution ofmotion.2Afterthe hearin'" the court #a% &is#iss the action or clai#"&en% the #otion" or or&er the a#enent of the plea&in'.

The court shall not &efer the resolution of the #otion for the reason that the 'roun& relie& upon is

not in&u$ita$le.

!n ever% case" the resolution shall state clearl% an& &istinctl% the reasons therefor. (3a)

SEC. . Time to plead.2!fthe #otion is &enie&" the #ovant shall file his anser ithin the$alance of the perio& prescri$e& $% Rule ++ to hich he as entitle& at the ti#e of servin' his

#otion" $ut not less than five (5) &a%s in an% event" co#pute& fro# his receipt of the notice of

the &enial. !f the plea&in' is or&ere& to $e a#en&e&" he shall file his anser ithin the perio&

prescri$e& $% Rule ++ counte& fro# service of the a#en&e& plea&in'" unless the court provi&es alon'er perio&. (a)

SEC. 5.*ffect ofdismissal./Su$4ect to the ri'ht of appeal" an or&er 'rantin' a #otion to &is#iss$ase& on para'raphs (f)" (h) an& (i) of section + hereof shall $ar the refilin' of the sa#e action or

clai#. (n)

SEC. 7.$leading grounds as affirmative defenses.2!fno #otion to &is#iss has $een file&" an%of the 'roun&s for &is#issal provi&e& for in this Rule #a% $e plea&e& as an affir#ative &efense

in the anser an&" in the &iscretion of the court" a preli#inar% hearin' #a% $e ha& thereon as if a

#otion to &is#iss ha& $een file&. (5a)

The &is#issal of the co#plaint un&er this section shall $e ithout pre4u&ice to the prosecution inthe sa#e or separate action of a counterclai# plea&e& inthe anser. (n)

RULE +@

!S:!SSAL OF ACT!O-SSECT!O- +.+ismissal uponnotice byplaintiff./A co#plaint #a% $e &is#isse& $% the plaintiff

$% filin' a notice of &is#issal at an% ti#e $efore service of the anser or of a #otion for

su##ar% 4u&'#ent. Upon such notice $ein' file&" the court shall issue an or&er confir#in' the

&is#issal. Unless otherise state& in the notice" the &is#issal is ithout pre4u&ice" e2cept that anotice operates as an a&4u&ication upon the #erits hen file& $% a plaintiff ho has once

&is#isse& in a co#petent court an action $ase& on or inclu&in' the sa#e clai#. (+a)

SEC. 1.+ismissal upon motion of plaintiff.2*cept as provi&e& in the prece&in' section" a

co#plaint shall not $e &is#isse& at the plaintiffHs instance save upon approval of the court an&upon such ter#s an& con&itions as the court &ee#s proper. !f a counterclai# has $een plea&e& $%

a &efen&ant prior to the service upon hi# of the plaintiffHs #otion for &is#issal" the &is#issal

shall $e li#ite& to the co#plaint. The &is#issal shall $e ithout pre4u&ice to the ri'ht of the&efen&ant to prosecute his counterclai# in a separate action unless ithin fifteen (+5) &a%s fro#

notice of the #otion he #anifests his preference to have his counterclai# resolve& in the sa#e

action. Unless otherise specifie& in the or&er" a &is#issal un&er this para'raph shall $e ithout

pre4u&ice. A class suit shall not $e &is#isse& or co#pro#ise& ithout the approval of the court.(1a)

SEC. 3.+ismissal due to fault of plaintiff.2!f, for no 4ustifia$le cause" the plaintiff fails to

appear on the &ate of the presentation of his evi&ence in chief on the co#plaint" or to prosecute


19/228

his action for an unreasona$le len'th of ti#e" or to co#pl% ith these Rules or an% or&er of the

court" the co#plaint #a% $e &is#isse& upon #otion of the &efen&ant or upon the courtHs on

#otion" ithout pre4u&ice to the ri'ht of the &efen&ant to prosecute his counterclai# in the sa#eor in a separate action. This &is#issal shall have the effect of an a&4u&ication upon the #erits"

unless otherise &eclare& $% the court. (3a)

SEC. .+ismissal of counterclaim, cross&claim, or third&party complaint.2The

provisions ofthis Rule shall appl%. to the &is#issal of an% counterclai#" cross=clai#" or thir&=part% co#plaint.

A voluntar% &is#issal $% the clai#ant $% notice as in section + of this Rule" shall $e #a&e $eforea responsive plea&in' or a #otion for su##ar% 4u&'#ent is serve& or" if there is none" $efore the

intro&uction of evi&ence at the trial or hearin'. (n)

RULE +

PRE=TR!AL

SECT!O- +. #hen conducted./After the last plea&in' has $een serve& an& file&" it shall $e the

&ut% of the plaintiff to pro#ptl% #ove eparte that the case $e set for pre=trial. (5a" R1)

SEC. 1.%ature and purpose.2Thepre=trial is #an&ator%. The court shall consi&er*

(a) The possi$ilit% of an a#ica$le settle#ent or of a su$#ission to alternative #o&es

of &ispute resolution8

($) The si#plification of the issues8

(c) The necessit% or &esira$ilit% of a#enents to the plea&in's8

(&) The possi$ilit% of o$tainin' stipulations or aissions of facts an& of &ocu#ents

to avoi& unnecessar% proof8

(e) The li#itation of the nu#$er of itnesses8

(f) The a&visa$ilit% of a preli#inar% reference of issues to a co##issioner8

(') The propriet% of ren&erin' 4u&'#ent on the plea&in's" or su##ar% 4u&'#ent" or

of &is#issin' the action shoul& a vali& 'roun& therefor $e foun& to e2ist8

(h) The a&visa$ilit% or necessit% of suspen&in' the procee&in's8 an&

(i) Such other #atters as #a% ai& in the pro#pt &isposition of the action. (+a" R1)SEC. 3.%otice of pre&trial.2Thenotice of pre=trial shall $e serve& on counsel" or on the part%

ho has no counsel. The counsel serve& ith such notice is char'e& ith the &ut% of notif%in'the part% represente& $% hi#. (n)

SEC. .(ppearance of parties.2!tshall $e the &ut% of the parties an& their counsel to appear at

the pre=trial. The non=appearance of a part% #a% $e e2cuse& onl% if a vali& cause is shon

therefor or if a representative shall appear in his $ehalf full% authori6e& in ritin' to enter into ana#ica$le settle#ent" to su$#it to alternative #o&es of &ispute resolution" an& to enter into

stipulations or aissions of facts an& of &ocu#ents. (n)

SEC. 5.*ffect of failure to appear.2Thefailure of the plaintiff to appear hen so re?uire&

pursuant to the ne2t prece&in' section shall $e cause for &is#issal of the action. The &is#issal

shall $e ith pre4u&ice" unless otherise or&ere& $% the court. A si#ilar failure on the part of the&efen&ant shall $e cause to allo the plaintiff to present his evi&ence e parte an& the court to

ren&er 4u&'#ent on the $asis thereof. (1a" R1)

SEC. 7.$re&trial brief.2Theparties shall file ith the court an& serve on the a&verse part%" in

such #anner as shall ensure their receipt thereof at least three (3) &a%s $efore the &ate of the pre=trial" their respective pre=trial $riefs hich shall contain" a#on' others*

(a) A state#ent of their illin'ness to enter into a#ica$le settle#ent or alternative

#o&es of &ispute resolution" in&icatin' the &esire& ter#s thereof8


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($) A su##ar% of aitte& facts an& propose& stipulation of facts8

(c) The issues to $e trie& or resolve&8

(&) The &ocu#ents or e2hi$its to $e presente&" statin' the purpose thereof8

(e) A #anifestation of their havin' availe& or then intention to avail the#selves of

&iscover% proce&ures or referral to co##issioners8 an&

(f) The nu#$er an& na#es of the itnesses" an& the su$stance of their respectivetesti#onies.

Failure to file the pre=trial $rief shall have the sa#e effect as failure to appear at the pre=trial. (n)

SEC. @.Record ofpre&trial.2Theprocee&in's in the pretrial shall $e recor&e&. Upon theter#ination thereof" the court shall issue an or&er hich shall recite in &etail the #atters ta0en up

in the conference8 the action ta0en thereon" the a#enents alloe& to the plea&in's" an& the

a'ree#ents or aissions #a&e $% the parties as to an% of the #atters consi&ere&. Shoul& theaction procee& to trial" the or&er shall e2plicitl% &efine an& li#it the issues to $e trie&. The

contents of the or&er shall control the su$se?uent course of the action" unless #o&ifie& $efore

trial to prevent #anifest in4ustice. (5a" R1)

RULE +B

!-TERE-T!O-

SECT!O- +. #ho may intervene.2Aperson ho has a le'al interest in the #atter in liti'ation"

or in the success of either of the parties" or an interest a'ainst $oth" or is so situate& as to $ea&versel% affecte& $% a &istri$ution or other &isposition of propert% in the custo&% of the court or

of an officer thereof #a%" ith leave of court" $e alloe& to intervene in the action. The court

shall consi&er hether or not the intervention ill un&ul% &ela% or pre4u&ice the a&4u&ication ofthe ri'hts of the ori'inal parties" an& hether or not the intervenorHs ri'hts #a% $e full% protecte&

in a separate procee&in'. (1Da" D$a" R+1)

SEC. 1. Time to intervene.JThe #otion to intervene #a% $e file& at an% ti#e $efore ren&ition of

4u&'#ent $% the trial court. A cop% of the plea&in'=in=intervention shall $e attache& to the

#otion an& serve& on the ori'inal parties. (n)SEC. 3.$leadings&in&intervention.JThe intervenor shall file a co#plaint=in=intervention if he

asserts a clai# a'ainst either or all of the ori'inal parties" or an anser=in=intervention if he

unites ith the &efen&in' part% in resistin' a clai# a'ainst the latter. (1Dca" R+1)

SEC. .(nswer to complaint&in&intervention.JThe anser to the co#plaint=in=intervention shall

$e file& ithin fifteen (+5) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er aittin' the sa#e" unless a &ifferentperio& is fi2e& $% the court. (1D&a" R+1)

RULE 1

CALE-AR OF CASES

SECT!O- +. Calendar of cases.JThe cler0 of court" un&er the &irect supervision of the 4u&'e"

shall 0eep a calen&ar of cases for pre=trial" for trial" those hose trials ere a&4ourne& or

postpone&" an& those ith #otions to set for hearin'. Preference shall $e 'iven to habeas corpuscases" election cases" special civil actions" an& those so re?uire& $% la. (+a" R11)

SEC. 1.(ssignment of cases.JThe assi'n#ent of cases to the &ifferent $ranches of court shall $e

&one e2clusivel% $% raffle. The assi'n#ent shall $e &one in open session of hich a&e?uate

notice shall $e 'iven so as to affor& intereste& parties the opportunit% to $e present (@a" R11)

RULE 1+

SUPOE-A


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SECT!O- +. Subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.2 Su$poena is a process &irecte& to a person

re?uirin' hi# to atten& an& to testif% at the hearin' or the trial of an action" or at an%

investi'ation con&ucte& $% co#petent authorit%" or for the ta0in' of his &eposition. !t #a% alsore?uire hi# to $rin' ith hi# an% $oo0s" &ocu#ents" or other thin's un&er his control" in hich

case it is calle& a su$poena duces tecum. (+a" R13)

SEC. 1.1y whom issued.2Thesu$poena #a% $e issue& $%/a) the court $efore ho# the itness is re?uire& to atten&8

$) the court of the place here the &eposition is to $e ta0en8

c) the officer or $o&% authori6e& $% la to &o so in connection ith investi'ations

con&ucte& $% sai& officer or $o&%8 or

&) an% Iustice of the Supre#e Court or of the Court of Appeals in an% case orinvesti'ation pen&in' ithin the Philippines.

9hen application for a su$poena to a prisoner is #a&e" the 4u&'e or officer shall e2a#ine an&

stu&% carefull% such application to &eter#ine hether the sa#e is #a&e for a vali& purpose.

-o prisoner sentence& to &eath" reclusion perpetua or life i#prison#ent an& ho is confine& in

an% penal institution shall $e $rou'ht outsi&e the sai& penal institution for appearance or

atten&ance in an% court unless authori6e& $% the Supre#e Court. (1a" R13)

SEC. 3.4orm and contents.2Asu$poena shall state the na#e of the court an& the title of theaction or investi'ation" shall $e &irecte& to the person hose atten&ance is re?uire&" an& in the

case of a su$poena duces tecum, it shall also contain a reasona$le &escription of the $oo0s"

&ocu#ents or thin's &e#an&e& hich #ust appear to the courtprima facie relevant. (3a" R13)

SEC. . 8uashing a subpoena.2Thecourt #a% ?uash a su$poena duces tecum upon #otionpro#ptl% #a&e an&" in an% event" at or $efore the ti#e specifie& therein if it is unreasona$le an&

oppressive" or the relevanc% of the $oo0s" &ocu#ents or thin's &oes not appear" or if the person

in hose $ehalf the su$poena is issue& fails to a&vance the reasona$le cost of the pro&uctionthereof.

The court #a% ?uash a su$poena ad testificandum on the 'roun& that the itness is not $oun&there$%. !n either case" the su$poena #a% $e ?uashe& on the 'roun& that the itness fees an&

0ilo#etra'e alloe& $% these Rules ere not ten&ere& hen the su$poena as serve&. (a" R13)

SEC. 5. Subpoena for depositions.2Proofof service of a notice to ta0e a &eposition" as provi&e&

in sections +5 an& 15 of Rule 13" shall constitute sufficient authori6ation for the issuance ofsu$poenas for the persons na#e& in sai& notice $% the cler0 of the court of the place in hich the

&eposition is to $e ta0en. The cler0 shall not" hoever" issue a su$poena duces tecum to an% such

person ithout an or&er of the court. (5a" R13)

SEC. 7. Service./Service of a su$poena shall $e #a&e in the sa#e #anner as personal orsu$stitute& service of su##ons. The ori'inal shall $e e2hi$ite& an& a cop% thereof &elivere& to

the person on ho# it is serve&" ten&erin' to hi# the fees for one &a%Hs atten&ance an& the

0ilo#etra'e alloe& $% these Rules" e2cept that" hen a su$poena is issue& $% or on $ehalf ofthe Repu$lic of the Philippines or an officer or a'enc% thereof" the ten&er nee& not $e #a&e. The

service #ust $e #a&e so as to allo the itness a reasona$le ti#e for preparation an& travel of

the place of atten&ance. !f the su$poena is duces tecum, the reasona$le cost of pro&ucin' the

$oo0s" &ocu#ents or thin's &e#an&e& shall also $e ten&ere&. (7a" R13)

SEC. @.$ersonal appearance in court./A person present in court $efore a 4u&icial officer #a%$e re?uire& to testif% as if he ere in atten&ance upon a su$poena issue& $% such court or officer.

(+" R13)


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SEC. . Compelling attendance.2!ncase of failure of a itness to atten&" the court or 4u&'e

issuin' the su$poena" upon proof of the service thereof an& of the failure of the itness" #a%

issue a arrant to the sheriff of the province" or his &eput%" to arrest the itness an& $rin' hi#$efore the court or officer here his atten&ance is re?uire&" an& the cost of such arrant an&

sei6ure of such itness shall $e pai& $% the itness if the court issuin' it shall &eter#ine that his

failure to anser the su$poena as illful an& ithout 4ust e2cuse. (++" R13)SEC. B. Contempt2Failure$% an% person ithout a&e?uate cause to o$e% a su$poena serve&upon hi# shall &ee#e& a conte#pt of the court fro# hich the su$poena is issue&. !f the

su$poena as not issue& $% a court" the &iso$e&ience thereto shall $e punishe& in accor&ance

ith the applica$le la or Rule (+1a" R13)

SEC. +.*ceptions.2Theprovisions of sections an& 9 this Rule shall not appl% to a itnessho resi&es #ore than one hun&re& (+) 0ilo#eters fro# his resi&ence to the place here he is

to testif% $% the or&inar% course of travel" or to a &etention prisoner if no per#ission of the court

in hich his case is pen&in' as o$taine&. (Ba" R13)

RULE 11

CO:PUTAT!O- OF T!:E

SECT!O- +.3ow to compute time.2!nco#putin' an% perio& of ti#e prescri$e& or alloe& $%these Rules" or $% or&er the court" or $% an% applica$le statute" the &a% of the act or event fro#hich the &esi'nate& perio& of ti#e $e'ins to run is to e2clu&e& an& the &ate of perfor#ance

inclu&e&. !f the last &a% of the perio&" as thus co#pute&" falls on a Satur&a%" a Sun&a%" or a le'al

holi&a% in the place here the court sits" the ti#e shall not run until the ne2t or0in' &a%. (n)

SEC. 1.*ffect of interruption./Shoul& an act $e &one hich effectivel% interrupts the runnin'of the perio&" the alloa$le perio& after such interruption shall start to run on the &a% aft notice

of the cessation of the cause thereof.

The &a% of the act that cause& the interruption shall $e e2clu&e& in the co#putation of the perio&.

(n)

RULE 13

EPOS!T!O-S PE-!-, ACT!O-

SECT!O- +.+epositions pending action, when may be ta)en./% leave of court after

4uris&iction has $een o$taine& over an% &efen&ant or over propert% hich is the su$4ect of theaction" ithout such leave after an anser has $een serve&" the testi#on% of an% person" hether

a part% or not" #a% $e ta0en" at the instance of an% part%" $% &eposition upon oral e2a#ination or

ritten interro'atories. The atten&ance of itnesses #a% $e co#pelle& $% the use of a su$poenaas provi&e& in Rule 1+. epositions shall $e ta0en onl% in accor&ance ith these Rules. The

&eposition of a person confine& in prison #a% $e ta0en onl% $% leave of court on such ter#s as

the court prescri$es. (+a" R1)

SEC. 1. Scope of eamination./Unless otherise or&ere& $% the court as provi&e& $% section +7

or + of this Rule" the &eponent #a% $e e2a#ine& re'ar&in' an% #atter" not privile'e&" hich isrelevant to the su$4ect of the pen&in' action" hether relatin' to the clai# or &efense of an% other

part%" inclu&in' the e2istence" &escription" nature" custo&%" c

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