(b) A criminal action is one by which

1997 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, the State prosecutes a person for an act
AS AMENDED or omission punishable by law. (n)

(RULES 1-71, RULES OF COURT) (c) A special proceeding is a remedy by

which a party seeks to establish a
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1997 status, a right, or a particular fact. (2a,
R2)
Per Resolution of the Supreme Court in Bar
Matter No. 803 Adopted in Baguio City on Section 4. In what case not applicable. —
April 8, 1997 These Rules shall not apply to election cases,
land registration, cadastral, naturalization
RULES OF COURT and insolvency proceedings, and other cases
not herein provided for, except by analogy or
Pursuant to the provisions of section 5 (5) of
in a suppletory character and whenever
Article VIII of the Constitution, the Supreme
practicable and convenient. (R143a)
Court hereby adopts and promulgates the
following rules concerning the protection and Section 5. Commencement of action. — A
enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, civil action is commenced by the filing of the
practice and procedure in all courts, the original complaint in court. If an additional
admission to the practice of law, the defendant is impleaded in a later pleading,
Integrated Bar, and legal assistance to the the action is commenced with regard to him
underprivileged: on the dated of the filing of such later
pleading, irrespective of whether the motion
RULE 1
for its admission, if necessary, is denied by
General Provisions the court. (6a)

Section 1. Title of the Rules. — These Rule Section 6. Construction. — These Rules
shall be known and cited as the Rules of shall be liberally construed in order to
Court. (1) promote their objective of securing a just,
speedy and inexpensive disposition of every
Section 2. In what courts applicable. — action and proceeding. (2a)
These Rules shall apply in all the courts,
except as otherwise provided by the Supreme Civil Actions
Court. (n) Ordinary Civil Actions
RULE 2
Section 3. Cases governed. — These Rules
shall govern the procedure to be observed in Cause of Action
actions, civil or criminal and special
proceedings. Section 1. Ordinary civil actions, basis of. —
Every ordinary civil action must be based on a
(a) A civil action is one by which a cause of action. (n)
party sues another for the enforcement
or protection of a right, or the Section 2. Cause of action, defined. — A
prevention or redress of a wrong, (1a, cause of action is the act or omission by which
R2) a party violates a right of another. (n)

A civil action may either be ordinary or Section 3. One suit for a single cause of
special. Both are governed by the rules action. — A party may not institute more than
for ordinary civil actions, subject to the one suit for a single cause of action. (3a)
specific rules prescribed for a special
Section 4. Splitting a single cause of
civil action. (n)
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 Section 2. Parties in interest. — A real party
the merits in any one is available as a ground in interest is the party who stands to be
for the dismissal of the others. (4a) benefited or injured by the judgment in the
suit, or the party entitled to the avails of the
Section 5. Joinder of causes of action. — A suit. Unless otherwise authorized by law or
party may in one pleading assert, in the these Rules, every action must be prosecuted
alternative or otherwise, as many causes of or defended in the name of the real party in
action as he may have against an opposing interest. (2a)
party, subject to the following conditions:
Section 3. Representatives as parties. —
(a) The party joining the causes of Where the action is allowed to be prosecuted
action shall comply with the rules on and defended by a representative or someone
joinder of parties; acting in a fiduciary capacity, the beneficiary
shall be included in the title of the case and
(b) The joinder shall not include shall be deemed to be the real property in
special civil actions or actions interest. A representative may be a trustee of
governed by special rules; an expert trust, a guardian, an executor or
administrator, or a party authorized by law or
(c) Where the causes of action are these Rules. An agent acting in his own name
between the same parties but pertain and for the benefit of an undisclosed principal
to different venues or jurisdictions, the may sue or be sued without joining the
joinder may be allowed in the Regional principal except when the contract involves
Trial Court provided one of the causes things belonging to the principal. (3a)
of action falls within the jurisdiction of
said court and the venue lies therein; Section 4. Spouses as parties. — Husband
and and wife shall sue or be sued jointly, except as
provided by law. (4a)
(d) Where the claims in all the causes
action are principally for recovery of Section 5. Minor or incompetent persons. —
money, the aggregate amount claimed A minor or a person alleged to be
shall be the test of jurisdiction. (5a) incompetent, may sue or be sued with the
assistance of his father, mother, guardian, or
Section 6. Misjoinder of causes of action. — if he has none, a guardian ad litem. (5a)
Misjoinder of causes of action is not a ground
for dismissal of an action. A misjoined cause Section 6. Permissive joinder of parties. —
of action may, on motion of a party or on the All persons in whom or against whom any
initiative of the court, be severed and right to relief in respect to or arising out of
proceeded with separately. (n) the same transaction or series of transactions
is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally,
RULE 3 or in the alternative, may, except as otherwise
provided in these Rules, join as plaintiffs or
Parties to Civil Actions
be joined as defendants in one complaint,
Section 1. Who may be parties; plaintiff and where any question of law or fact common to
defendant. — Only natural or juridical all such plaintiffs or to all such defendants
persons, or entities authorized by law may be may arise in the action; but the court may
parties in a civil action. The term "plaintiff" make such orders as may be just to prevent
may refer to the claiming party, the counter- any plaintiff or defendant from being
claimant, the cross-claimant, or the third embarrassed or put to expense in connection
(fourth, etc.) — party plaintiff. The term with any proceedings in which he may have
"defendant" may refer to the original no interest. (6n)
defending party, the defendant in a counter-
Section 7. Compulsory joinder of
claim, the cross-defendant, or the third
indispensable parties. — Parties in interest
(fourth, etc.) — party defendant. (1a)
without whom no final determination can be representative as to fully protect the interests
had of an action shall be joined either as of all concerned may sue or defend for the
plaintiffs or defendants. (7) benefit of all. Any party in interest shall have
the right to intervene to protect his individual
Section 8. Necessary party. — A necessary interest. (12a)
party is one who is not indispensable but who
ought to be joined as a party if complete relief Section 13. Alternative defendants. —
is to be accorded as to those already parties, Where the plaintiff is uncertain against who
or for a complete determination or settlement of several persons he is entitled to relief, he
of the claim subject of the action. (8a) may join any or all of them as defendants in
the alternative, although a right to relief
Section 9. Non-joinder of necessary parties against one may be inconsistent with a right
to be pleaded. — Whenever in any pleading in of relief against the other. (13a)
which a claim is asserted a necessary party is
not joined, the pleader shall set forth his Section 14. Unknown identity or name of
name, if known, and shall state why he is defendant. — Whenever the identity or name
omitted. Should the court find the reason for of a defendant is unknown, he may be sued as
the omission unmeritorious, it may order the the unknown owner heir devisee, or by such
inclusion of the omitted necessary party if other designation as the case may require,
jurisdiction over his person may be obtained. when his identity or true name is discovered,
the pleading must be amended accordingly.
The failure to comply with the order for his (14)
inclusion, without justifiable cause, shall be
deemed a waiver of the claim against such Section 15. Entity without juridical
party. personality as defendant. — When two or
more persons not organized as an entity with
The non-inclusion of a necessary party does juridical personality enter into a transaction,
not prevent the court from proceeding in the they may be sued under the name by which
action, and the judgment rendered therein they are generally or commonly known.
shall be without prejudice to the rights of
such necessary party. (8a, 9a) In the answer of such defendant, the name
and addresses of the persons composing said
Section 10. Unwilling co-plaintiff. — If the entity must all be revealed. (15a)
consent of any party who should be joined as
plaintiff can not be obtained, he may be made Section 16. Death of party; duty of
a defendant and the reason therefor shall be counsel. — Whenever a party to a pending
stated in the complaint. (10) action dies, and the claim is not thereby
extinguished, it shall be the duty of his
Section 11. Misjoinder and non-joinder of counsel to inform the court within thirty (30)
parties. — Neither misjoinder nor non- days after such death of the fact thereof, and
joinder of parties is ground for dismissal of an to give the name and address of his legal
action. Parties may be dropped or added by representative or representatives. Failure of
order of the court on motion of any party or counsel to comply with his duty shall be a
on its own initiative at any stage the action ground for disciplinary action.
and on such terms as are just. Any claim
against a misjoined party may be severed and The heirs of the deceased may be allowed to
proceeded with separately. (11a) be substituted for the deceased, without
requiring the appointment of an executor or
Section 12. Class suit. — When the subject administrator and the court may appoint a
matter of the controversy is one of common guardian ad litem for the minor heirs.
or general interest to many persons so
numerous that it is impracticable to join all as The court shall forthwith order said legal
parties, a number of them which the court representative or representatives to appear
finds to be sufficiently numerous and
and be substituted within a period of thirty Section 20. Action and contractual money
(30) days from notice. claims. — When the action is for recovery of
money arising from contract, express or
If no legal representative is named by the implied, and the defendant dies before entry
counsel for the deceased party, or if the one of final judgment in the court in which the
so named shall fail to appear within the action was pending at the time of such death,
specified period, the court may order the it shall not be dismissed but shall instead be
opposing party, within a specified time to allowed to continue until entry of final
procure the appointment of an executor or judgment. A favorable judgment obtained by
administrator for the estate of the deceased the plaintiff therein shall be enforced in the
and the latter shall immediately appear for manner especially provided in these Rules for
and on behalf of the deceased. The court prosecuting claims against the estate of a
charges in procuring such appointment, if deceased person. (21a)
defrayed by the opposing party, may be
recovered as costs. (16a, 17a) Section 21. Indigent party. — A party may
be authorized to litigate his action, claim or
Section 17. Death or separation of a party defense as an indigent if the court, upon an ex
who is a public officer. — When a public parte application and hearing, is satisfied
officer is a party in an action in his official that the party is one who has no money or
capacity and during its pendency dies, resigns, property sufficient and available for food,
or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action shelter and basic necessities for himself and
may be continued and maintained by or his family.
against his successor if, within thirty (30)
days after the successor takes office or such Such authority shall include an exemption
time as may be granted by the court, it is from payment of docket and other lawful fees,
satisfactorily shown to the court by any party and of transcripts of stenographic notes
that there is a substantial need for continuing which the court may order to be furnished
or maintaining it and that the successor him. The amount of the docket and other
adopts or continues or threatens to adopt or lawful fees which the indigent was exempted
continue to adopt or continue the action of from paying shall be a lien on any judgment
his predecessor. Before a substitution is made, rendered in the case favorable to the indigent,
the party or officer to be affected, unless unless the court otherwise provides.
expressly assenting thereto, shall be given
reasonable notice of the application therefor Any adverse party may contest the grant of
and accorded an opportunity to be heard. such authority at any time before judgment is
(18a) rendered by the trial court. If the court should
determine after hearing that the party
Section 18. Incompetency or incapacity. — declared as an indigent is in fact a person
If a party becomes incompetent or with sufficient income or property, the proper
incapacitated, the court, upon motion with docket and other lawful fees shall be assessed
notice, may allow the action to be continued and collected by the clerk of court. If payment
by or against the incompetent or is not made within the time fixed by the court,
incapacitated person assisted by his legal execution shall issue or the payment thereof,
guardian or guardian ad litem. (19a) without prejudice to such other sanctions as
the court may impose. (22a)
Section 19. Transfer of interest. — In case of
any transfer of interest, the action may be Section 22. Notice to the Solicitor
continued by or against the original party, General. — In any action involving the
unless the court upon motion directs the validity of any treaty, law, ordinance,
person to whom the interest is transferred to executive order, presidential decree, rules or
be substituted in the action or joined with the regulations, the court, in its discretion, may
original party. (20) require the appearance of the Solicitor
General who may be heard in person or a RULE 5
representative duly designated by him. (23a)
Uniform Procedure In Trial Courts

Section 1. Uniform procedure. — The

RULE 4 procedure in the Municipal Trial Courts shall
be the same as in the Regional Trial Courts,
Venue of Actions except (a) where a particular provision
expressly or impliedly applies only to either of
Section 1. Venue of real actions. — Actions said courts, or (b) in civil cases governed by
affecting title to or possession of real property, the Rule on Summary Procedure. (n)
or interest therein, shall be commenced and
tried in the proper court which has Section 2. Meaning of terms. — The term
jurisdiction over the area wherein the real "Municipal Trial Courts" as used in these
property involved, or a portion thereof, is Rules shall include Metropolitan Trial Courts,
situated. Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal
Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial
Forcible entry and detainer actions shall be Courts. (1a)
commenced and tried in the municipal trial
court of the municipality or city wherein the Procedure In Regional Trial Courts
real property involved, or a portion thereof, is
situated. (1[a], 2[a]a) RULE 6

Section 2. Venue of personal actions. — All Kinds Of Pleadings

other actions may be commenced and tried
where the plaintiff or any of the principal Section 1. Pleadings defined. — Pleadings
plaintiffs resides, or where the defendant or are the written statements of the respective
any of the principal defendants resides, or in claims and defenses of the parties submitted
the case of a non-resident defendant where he to the court for appropriate judgment. (1a)
may be found, at the election of the plaintiff.
(2[b]a) Section 2. Pleadings allowed. — The claims
of a party are asserted in a complaint,
Section 3. Venue of actions against counterclaim, cross-claim, third (fourth,
nonresidents. — If any of the defendants does etc.)-party complaint, or complaint-in-
not reside and is not found in the Philippines, intervention.
and the action affects the personal status of
the plaintiff, or any property of said The defenses of a party are alleged in the
defendant located in the Philippines, the answer to the pleading asserting a claim
action may be commenced and tried in the against him.
court of the place where the plaintiff resides,
or where the property or any portion thereof An answer may be responded to by a reply. (n)
is situated or found. (2[c]a)
Section 3. Complaint. — The complaint is
Section 4. When Rule not applicable. — the pleading alleging the plaintiff's cause or
This Rule shall not apply. causes of action. The names and residences of
the plaintiff and defendant must be stated in
(a) In those cases where a specific rule the complaint. (3a)
or law provides otherwise; or
Section 4. Answer. — An answer is a
(b) Where the parties have validly pleading in which a defending party sets forth
agreed in writing before the filing of his defenses. (4a)
the action on the exclusive venue
thereof. (3a, 5a) Section 5. Defenses. — Defenses may either
be negative or affirmative.
 (a) A negative defense is the specific be asserted against an original counter-
denial of the material fact or facts claimant.
alleged in the pleading of the claimant
essential to his cause or causes of A cross-claim may also be filed against an
action. original cross-claimant. (n)

(b) An affirmative defense is an Section 10. Reply. — A reply is a pleading,

allegation of a new matter which, while the office or function of which is to deny, or
hypothetically admitting the material allege facts in denial or avoidance of new
allegations in the pleading of the matters alleged by way of defense in the
claimant, would nevertheless prevent answer and thereby join or make issue as to
or bar recovery by him. The affirmative such new matters. If a party does not file such
defenses include fraud, statute of reply, all the new matters alleged in the
limitations, release, payment, illegality, answer are deemed controverted.
statute of frauds, estoppel, former
recovery, discharge in bankruptcy, and If the plaintiff wishes to interpose any claims
any other matter by way of confession arising out of the new matters so alleged,
and avoidance. (5a) such claims shall be set forth in an amended
or supplemental complaint. (11)
Section 6. Counterclaim. — A counterclaim
is any claim which a defending party may Section 11. Third, (fourth, etc.)—party
have against an opposing party. (6a) complaint. — A third (fourth, etc.) — party
complaint is a claim that a defending party
Section 7. Compulsory counterclaim. — A may, with leave of court, file against a person
compulsory counterclaim is one which, being not a party to the action, called the third
cognizable by the regular courts of justice, (fourth, etc.) — party defendant for
arises out of or is connected with the contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any
transaction or occurrence constituting the other relief, in respect of his opponent's claim.
subject matter of the opposing party's claim (12a)
and does not require for its adjudication the
presence of third parties of whom the court Section 12. Bringing new parties. — When
cannot acquire jurisdiction. Such a the presence of parties other than those to the
counterclaim must be within the jurisdiction original action is required for the granting of
of the court both as to the amount and the complete relief in the determination of a
nature thereof, except that in an original counterclaim or cross-claim, the court shall
action before the Regional Trial Court, the order them to be brought in as defendants, if
counter-claim may be considered compulsory jurisdiction over them can be obtained. (14)
regardless of the amount. (n)
Section 13. Answer to third (fourth, etc.)—
Section 8. Cross-claim. — A cross-claim is party complaint. — A third (fourth, etc.) —
any claim by one party against a co-party party defendant may allege in his answer his
arising out of the transaction or occurrence defenses, counterclaims or cross-claims,
that is the subject matter either of the original including such defenses that the third (fourth,
action or of a counterclaim therein. Such etc.) — party plaintiff may have against the
cross-claim may include a claim that the original plaintiff's claim. In proper cases, he
party against whom it is asserted is or may be may also assert a counterclaim against the
liable to the cross-claimant for all or part of a original plaintiff in respect of the latter's
claim asserted in the action against the cross- claim against the third-party plaintiff. (n)
claimant. (7)

Section 9. Counter-counterclaims and

counter-crossclaims. — A counter-claim may
RULE 7 (c) Relief. — The pleading shall specify
the relief sought, but it may add a
Parts of a Pleading general prayer for such further or
other relief as may be deemed just or
Section 1. Caption. — The caption sets forth equitable. (3a, R6)
the name of the court, the title of the action,
and the docket number if assigned. (d) Date. — Every pleading shall be
dated. (n)
The title of the action indicates the names of
the parties. They shall all be named in the Section 3. Signature and address. — Every
original complaint or petition; but in pleading must be signed by the party or
subsequent pleadings, it shall be sufficient if counsel representing him, stating in either
the name of the first party on each side be case his address which should not be a post
stated with an appropriate indication when office box.
there are other parties.
The signature of counsel constitutes a
Their respective participation in the case shall certificate by him that he has read the
be indicated. (1a, 2a) pleading; that to the best of his knowledge,
information, and belief there is good ground
Section 2. The body. — The body of the to support it; and that it is not interposed for
pleading sets fourth its designation, the delay.
allegations of the party's claims or defenses,
the relief prayed for, and the date of the An unsigned pleading produces no legal effect.
pleading. (n) However, the court may, in its discretion,
allow such deficiency to be remedied if it shall
(a) Paragraphs. — The allegations in appear that the same was due to mere
the body of a pleading shall be divided inadvertence and not intended for delay.
into paragraphs so numbered to be Counsel who deliberately files an unsigned
readily identified, each of which shall pleading, or signs a pleading in violation of
contain a statement of a single set of this Rule, or alleges scandalous or indecent
circumstances so far as that can be matter therein, or fails promptly report to the
done with convenience. A paragraph court a change of his address, shall be subject
may be referred to by its number in all to appropriate disciplinary action. (5a)
succeeding pleadings. (3a)
Section 4. Verification. — Except when
(b) Headings. — When two or more otherwise specifically required by law or rule,
causes of action are joined the pleadings need not be under oath, verified or
statement of the first shall be prefaced accompanied by affidavit .(5a)
by the words "first cause of action,'' of
the second by "second cause of action", A pleading is verified by an affidavit that the
and so on for the others. affiant has read the pleading and that the
allegations therein are true and correct of his
When one or more paragraphs in the knowledge and belief.
answer are addressed to one of several
causes of action in the complaint, they A pleading required to be verified which
shall be prefaced by the words "answer contains a verification based on "information
to the first cause of action" or "answer and belief", or upon "knowledge, information
to the second cause of action" and so and belief", or lacks a proper verification,
on; and when one or more paragraphs shall be treated as an unsigned pleading. (6a)
of the answer are addressed to several
causes of action, they shall be prefaced Section 5. Certification against forum
by words to that effect. (4) 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 statements of a claim or defense alternatively
thereto and simultaneously filed therewith: (a) or hypothetically, either in one cause of action
that he has not theretofore commenced any or defense or in separate causes of action or
action or filed any claim involving the same defenses. When two or more statements are
issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial made in the alternative and one of them if
agency and, to the best of his knowledge, no made independently would be sufficient, the
such other action or claim is pending therein; pleading is not made insufficient by the
(b) if there is such other pending action or insufficiency of one or more of the alternative
claim, a complete statement of the present statements. (2)
status thereof; and (c) if he should thereafter
learn that the same or similar action or claim Section 3. Conditions precedent. — In any
has been filed or is pending, he shall report pleading a general averment of the
that fact within five (5) days therefrom to the performance or occurrence of all conditions
court wherein his aforesaid complaint or precedent shall be sufficient. (3)
initiatory pleading has been filed.
Section 4. Capacity. — Facts showing the
Failure to comply with the foregoing capacity of a party to sue or be sued or the
requirements shall not be curable by mere authority of a party to sue or be sued in a
amendment of the complaint or other representative capacity or the legal existence
initiatory pleading but shall be cause for the of an organized association of person that is
dismissal of the case without prejudice, made a party, must be averred. A party
unless otherwise provided, upon motion and desiring to raise an issue as to the legal
after hearing. The submission of a false existence of any party or the capacity of any
certification or non-compliance with any of party to sue or be sued in a representative
the undertakings therein shall constitute capacity, shall do so by specific denial, which
indirect contempt of court, without prejudice shall include such supporting particulars as
to the corresponding administrative and are peculiarly within the pleader's knowledge.
criminal actions. If the acts of the party or his (4)
counsel clearly constitute willful and
deliberate forum shopping, the same shall be Section 5. Fraud, mistake, condition of the
ground for summary dismissal with prejudice mind. — In all averments of fraud or mistake
and shall constitute direct contempt, as well the circumstances constituting fraud or
as a cause for administrative sanctions. (n) mistake must be stated with particularity.
Malice, intent, knowledge, or other condition
RULE 8 of the mind of a person may be averred
generally.(5a)
Manner of Making Allegations in
Pleadings Section 6. Judgment. — In pleading a
judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign
Section 1. In general. — Every pleading court, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of
shall contain in a methodical and logical form, a board or officer, it is sufficient to aver the
a plain, concise and direct statement of the judgment or decision without setting forth
ultimate facts on which the party pleading matter showing jurisdiction to render it. (6)
relies for his claim or defense, as the case may
be, omitting the statement of mere Section 7. Action or defense based on
evidentiary facts. (1) document. — Whenever an action or defense
is based upon a written instrument or
If a defense relied on is based on law, the document, the substance of such instrument
pertinent provisions thereof and their or document shall be set forth in the pleading,
applicability to him shall be clearly and and the original or a copy thereof shall be
concisely stated. (n) attached to the pleading as an exhibit, which
shall be deemed to be a part of the pleading,
Section 2. Alternative causes of action or
defenses. — A party may set forth two or more
or said copy may with like effect be set forth pleading or, if no responsive pleading is
in the pleading. (7) permitted by these Rules, upon motion made
by a party within twenty (20) days after the
Section 8. How to contest such service of the pleading upon him, or upon the
documents. — When an action or defense is court's own initiative at any time, the court
founded upon a written instrument, copied in may order any pleading to be stricken out or
or attached to the corresponding pleading as that any sham or false, redundant, immaterial,
provided in the preceding section, the impertinent, or scandalous matter be stricken
genuineness and due execution of the out therefrom. (5, R9)
instrument shall be deemed admitted unless
the adverse party, under oath specifically RULE 9
denies them, and sets forth what he claims to
be the facts, but the requirement of an oath Effect of Failure to Plead
does not apply when the adverse party does
not appear to be a party to the instrument or Section 1. Defenses and objections not
when compliance with an order for an pleaded. — Defenses and objections not
inspection of the original instrument is pleaded either in a motion to dismiss or in the
refused. (8a) answer are deemed waived. However, when it
appears from the pleadings or the evidence
Section 9. Official document or act. — In on record that the court has no jurisdiction
pleading an official document or official act, it over the subject matter, that there is another
is sufficient to aver that the document was action pending between the same parties for
issued or the act done in compliance with law. the same cause, or that the action is barred by
(9) a prior judgment or by statute of limitations,
the court shall dismiss the claim. (2a)
Section 10. Specific denial. — A defendant
must specify each material allegation of fact Section 2. Compulsory counterclaim, or
the truth of which he does not admit and, cross-claim, not set up barred. — A
whenever practicable, shall set forth the compulsory counterclaim, or a cross-claim,
substance of the matters upon which he relies not set up shall be barred. (4a)
to support his denial. Where a defendant
desires to deny only a part of an averment, he Section 3. Default; declaration of. — If the
shall specify so much of it as is true and defending party fails to answer within the
material and shall deny only the remainder. time allowed therefor, the court shall, upon
Where a defendant is without knowledge or motion of the claiming party with notice to
information sufficient to form a belief as to the defending party, and proof of such failure,
the truth of a material averment made to the declare the defending party in default.
complaint, he shall so state, and this shall Thereupon, the court shall proceed to render
have the effect of a denial. (10a) judgment granting the claimant such relief as
his pleading may warrant, unless the court in
Section 11. Allegations not specifically its discretion requires the claimant to submit
denied deemed admitted. — Material evidence. Such reception of evidence may be
averment in the complaint, other than those delegated to the clerk of court. (1a, R18)
as to the amount of unliquidated damages,
shall be deemed admitted when not (a) Effect of order of default. — A party
specifically denied. Allegations of usury in a in default shall be entitled to notice of
complaint to recover usurious interest are subsequent proceedings but not to take
deemed admitted if not denied under oath. part in the trial. (2a, R18)
(1a, R9)
(b) Relief from order of default. — A
Section 12. Striking out of pleading or party declared in default may at any
matter contained therein. — Upon motion time after notice thereof and before
made by a party before responding to a judgment file a motion under oath to
set aside the order of default upon
 proper showing that his failure to Section 2. Amendments as a matter of
answer was due to fraud, accident, right. — A party may amend his pleading
mistake or excusable negligence and once as a matter of right at any time before a
that he has a meritorious defense. In responsive pleading is served or, in the case
such case, the order of default may be of a reply, at any time within ten (10) days
set aside on such terms and conditions after it is served. (2a)
as the judge may impose in the interest
of justice. (3a, R18) Section 3. Amendments by leave of court. —
Except as provided in the next preceding
(c) Effect of partial default. — When a section, substantial amendments may be
pleading asserting a claim states a made only upon leave of court. But such leave
common cause of action against may be refused if it appears to the court that
several defending parties, some of the motion was made with intent to delay.
whom answer and the others fail to do Orders of the court upon the matters
so, the court shall try the case against provided in this section shall be made upon
all upon the answers thus filed and motion filed in court, and after notice to the
render judgment upon the evidence adverse party, and an opportunity to be heard.
presented. (4a, R18). (3a)

(d) Extent of relief to be awarded. — A Section 4. Formal amendments. — A defect

judgment rendered against a party in in the designation of the parties and other
default shall not exceed the amount or clearly clerical or typographical errors may be
be different in kind from that prayed summarily corrected by the court at any stage
for nor award unliquidated damages. of the action, at its initiative or on motion,
(5a, R18). provided no prejudice is caused thereby to the
adverse party. (4a)
(e) Where no defaults allowed. — If
the defending party in an action for Section 5. Amendment to conform to or
annulment or declaration of nullity of authorize presentation of evidence. — When
marriage or for legal separation fails to issues not raised by the pleadings are tried
answer, the court shall order the with the express or implied consent of the
prosecuting attorney to investigate parties they shall be treated in all respects as
whether or not a collusion between the if they had been raised in the pleadings. Such
parties exists, and if there is no amendment of the pleadings as may be
collusion, to intervene for the State in necessary to cause them to conform to the
order to see to it that the evidence evidence and to raise these issues may be
submitted is not fabricated. (6a, R18) made upon motion of any party at any time,
even after judgment; but failure to amend
RULE 10 does not effect the result of the trial of these
issues. If evidence is objected to at the trial on
Amended and Supplemental Pleadings the ground that it is not within the issues
made by the pleadings, the court may allow
Section 1. Amendments in general. — the pleadings to be amended and shall do so
Pleadings may be amended by adding or with liberality if the presentation of the
striking out an allegation or the name of any merits of the action and the ends of
party, or by correcting a mistake in the name substantial justice will be subserved thereby.
of a party or a mistaken or inadequate The court may grant a continuance to enable
allegation or description in any other respect, the amendment to be made. (5a)
so that the actual merits of the controversy
may speedily be determined, without regard Section 6. Supplemental pleadings. — Upon
to technicalities, and in the most expeditious motion of a party the court may, upon
and inexpensive manner. (1) reasonable notice and upon such terms as are
just, permit him to serve a supplemental
pleading setting forth transactions, earlier filed may serve as the answer to the
occurrences or events which have happened amended complaint if no new answer is filed.
since the date of the pleading sought to be
supplemented. The adverse party may plead This Rule shall apply to the answer to an
thereto within ten (10) days from notice of amended counterclaim, amended cross-claim,
the order admitting the supplemental amended third (fourth, etc.)—party complaint,
pleading. (6a) and amended complaint-in-intervention. (3a)

Section 7. Filing of amended pleadings. — Section 4. Answer to counterclaim or cross-

When any pleading is amended, a new copy of claim. — A counterclaim or cross-claim must
the entire pleading, incorporating the be answered within ten (10) days from service.
amendments, which shall be indicated by (4)
appropriate marks, shall be filed. (7a)
Section 5. Answer to third (fourth, etc.)-
Section 8. Effect of amended pleadings. — party complaint. — The time to answer a
An amended pleading supersedes the third (fourth, etc.)—party complaint shall be
pleading that it amends. However, governed by the same rule as the answer to
admissions in superseded pleadings may be the complaint. (5a)
received in evidence against the pleader, and
claims or defenses alleged therein not Section 6. Reply. — A reply may be filed
incorporated in the amended pleading shall within ten (10) days from service of the
be deemed waived. (n) pleading responded to. (6)

RULE 11 Section 7. Answer to supplemental

complain. — A supplemental complaint may
When to File Responsive Pleadings be answered within ten (10) days from notice
of the order admitting the same, unless a
Section 1. Answer to the complaint. — The different period is fixed by the court. The
defendant shall file his answer to the answer to the complaint shall serve as the
complaint within fifteen (15) days after answer to the supplemental complaint if no
service of summons, unless a different period new or supplemental answer is filed. (n)
is fixed by the court. (la)
Section 8. Existing counterclaim or cross-
Section 2. Answer of a defendant foreign claim. — A compulsory counterclaim or a
private juridical entity. — Where the cross-claim that a defending party has at the
defendant is a foreign private juridical entity time he files his answer shall be contained
and service of summons is made on the therein. (8a, R6)
government official designated by law to
receive the same, the answer shall be filed Section 9. Counterclaim or cross-claim
within thirty (30) days after receipt of arising after answer. — A counterclaim or a
summons by such entity. (2a) cross-claim which either matured or was
acquired by a party after serving his pleading
Section 3. Answer to amended may, with the permission of the court, be
complaint. — When the plaintiff files an presented as a counterclaim or a cross-claim
amended complaint as a matter of right, the by supplemental pleading before judgment.
defendant shall answer the same within (9, R6)
fifteen (15) days after being served with a
copy thereof. Section 10. Omitted counterclaim or cross-
claim. — When a pleader fails to set up a
Where its filing is not a matter of right, the counterclaim or a cross-claim through
defendant shall answer the amended oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect,
complaint within ten (l0) days from notice of or when justice requires, he may, by leave of
the order admitting the same. An answer court, set up the counterclaim or cross-claim
by amendment before judgment. (3, R9)
Section 11. Extension of time to plead. — particulars or of a more definite pleading, or
Upon motion and on such terms as may be after notice of denial of his motion, the
just, the court may extend the time to plead moving party may file his responsive pleading
provided in these Rules. within the period to which he was entitled at
the time of filing his motion, which shall not
The court may also, upon like terms, allow an be less than five (5) days in any event. (1[b]a)
answer or other pleading to be filed after the
time fixed by these Rules. (7) Section 6. Bill a part of pleading. — A bill of
particulars becomes part of the pleading for
RULE 12 which it is intended. (1[a]a)

Bill of Particulars RULE 13

Section 1. When applied for; purpose. — Filing and Service of Pleadings,

Before responding to a pleading, a party may Judgments and Other Papers
move for a definite statement or for a bill of
particulars of any matter which is not averted Section 1. Coverage. — This Rule shall
with sufficient definiteness or particularity to govern the filing of all pleadings and other
enable him properly to prepare his responsive papers, as well as the service thereof, except
pleading. If the pleading is a reply, the motion those for which a different mode of service is
must be filed within ten (10) days from prescribed. (n)
service thereof. Such motion shall point out
the defects complained of, the paragraphs Section 2. Filing and service, defined. —
wherein they are contained, and the details Filing is the act of presenting the pleading or
desired. (1a) other paper to the clerk of court.

Section 2. Action by the court. — Upon the Service is the act of providing a party with a
filing of the motion, the clerk of court must copy of the pleading or paper concerned. If
immediately bring it to the attention of the any party has appeared by counsel, service
court which may either deny or grant it upon him shall be made upon his counsel or
outright, or allow the parties the opportunity one of them, unless service upon the party
to be heard. (n) himself is ordered by the court. Where one
counsel appears for several parties, he shall
Section 3. Compliance with order. — If the only be entitled to one copy of any paper
motion is granted, either in whole or in part, served upon him by the opposite side. (2a)
the compliance therewith must be effected
within ten (10) days from notice of the order, Section 3. Manner of filing. — The filing of
unless a different period is fixed by the court. pleadings, appearances, motions, notices,
The bill of particulars or a more definite orders, judgments and all other papers shall
statement ordered by the court may be filed be made by presenting the original copies
either in a separate or in an amended thereof, plainly indicated as such, personally
pleading, serving a copy thereof on the to the clerk of court or by sending them by
adverse party. (n) registered mail. In the first case, the clerk of
court shall endorse on the pleading the date
Section 4. Effect of non-compliance. — If and hour of filing. In the second case, the date
the order is not obeyed, or in case of of the mailing of motions, pleadings, or any
insufficient compliance therewith, the court other papers or payments or deposits, as
may order the striking out of the pleading or shown by the post office stamp on the
the portions thereof to which the order was envelope or the registry receipt, shall be
directed or make such other order as it deems considered as the date of their filing, payment,
just. (1[c]a) or deposit in court. The envelope shall be
attached to the record of the case. (1a)
Section 5. Stay of period to file responsive
pleading. — After service of the bill of
Section 4. Papers required to be filed and orders or resolutions shall be served either
served. — Every judgment, resolution, order, personally or by registered mail. When a
pleading subsequent to the complaint, written party summoned by publication has failed to
motion, notice, appearance, demand, offer of appear in the action, judgments, final orders
judgment or similar papers shall be filed with or resolutions against him shall be served
the court, and served upon the parties upon him also by publication at the expense
affected. (2a) of the prevailing party. (7a)

Section 5. Modes of service. — Service of Section 10. Completeness of service. —

pleadings motions, notices, orders, Personal service is complete upon actual
judgments and other papers shall be made delivery. Service by ordinary mail is complete
either personally or by mail. (3a) upon the expiration of ten (10) days after
mailing, unless the court otherwise provides.
Section 6. Personal service. — Service of the Service by registered mail is complete upon
papers may be made by delivering personally actual receipt by the addressee, or after five (5)
a copy to the party or his counsel, or by days from the date he received the first notice
leaving it in his office with his clerk or with a of the postmaster, whichever date is earlier.
person having charge thereof. If no person is (8a)
found in his office, or his office is not known,
or he has no office, then by leaving the copy, Section 11. Priorities in modes of service
between the hours of eight in the morning and filing. — Whenever practicable, the
and six in the evening, at the party's or service and filing of pleadings and other
counsel's residence, if known, with a person papers shall be done personally. Except with
of sufficient age and discretion then residing respect to papers emanating from the court, a
therein. (4a) resort to other modes must be accompanied
by a written explanation why the service or
Section 7. Service by mail. — Service by filing was not done personally. A violation of
registered mail shall be made by depositing this Rule may be cause to consider the paper
the copy in the post office in a sealed as not filed. (n)
envelope, plainly addressed to the party or his
counsel at his office, if known, otherwise at Section 12. Proof of filing. — The filing of a
his residence, if known, with postage fully pleading or paper shall be proved by its
prepaid, and with instructions to the existence in the record of the case. If it is not
postmaster to return the mail to the sender in the record, but is claimed to have been
after ten (10) days if undelivered. If no filed personally, the filing shall be proved by
registry service is available in the locality of the written or stamped acknowledgment of its
either the senders or the addressee, service filing by the clerk of court on a copy of the
may be done by ordinary mail. (5a; Bar same; if filed by registered mail, by the
Matter No. 803, 17 February 1998) registry receipt and by the affidavit of the
person who did the mailing, containing a full
Section 8. Substituted service. — If service statement of the date and place of depositing
of pleadings, motions, notices, resolutions, the mail in the post office in a sealed envelope
orders and other papers cannot be made addressed to the court, with postage fully
under the two preceding sections, the office prepaid, and with instructions to the
and place of residence of the party or his postmaster to return the mail to the sender
counsel being unknown, service may be made after ten (10) days if not delivered. (n)
by delivering the copy to the clerk of court,
with proof of failure of both personal service Section 13. Proof of Service. — Proof of
and service by mail. The service is complete at personal service shall consist of a written
the time of such delivery. (6a) admission of the party served, or the official
return of the server, or the affidavit of the
Section 9. Service of judgments, final party serving, containing a full statement of
orders, or resolutions. — Judgments, final the date, place and manner of service. If the
service is by ordinary mail, proof thereof shall parties to the action; (b) a direction that the
consist of an affidavit of the person mailing of defendant answer within the time fixed by
facts showing compliance with section 7 of these Rules; (c) a notice that unless the
this Rule. If service is made by registered mail, defendant so answers plaintiff will take
proof shall be made by such affidavit and the judgment by default and may be granted the
registry receipt issued by the mailing office. relief applied for.
The registry return card shall be filed
immediately upon its receipt by the sender, or A copy of the complaint and order for
in lieu thereof the unclaimed letter together appointment of guardian ad litem if any, shall
with the certified or sworn copy of the notice be attached to the original and each copy of
given by the postmaster to the addressee. the summons. (3a)
(10a)
Section 3. By whom served. — The
Section 14. Notice of lis pendens. — In an summons may be served by the sheriff, his
action affecting the title or the right of deputy, or other proper court officer, or for
possession of real property, the plaintiff and justifiable reasons by any suitable person
the defendant, when affirmative relief is authorized by the court issuing the summons.
claimed in his answer, may record in the (5a)
office of the registry of deeds of the province
in which the property is situated notice of the Section 4. Return. — When the service has
pendency of the action. Said notice shall been completed, the server shall, within five
contain the names of the parties and the (5) days therefrom, serve a copy of the return,
object of the action or defense, and a personally or by registered mail, to the
description of the property in that province plaintiff's counsel, and shall return the
affected thereby. Only from the time of filing summons to the clerk, who issued it,
such notice for record shall a purchaser, or accompanied by proof of service. (6a)
encumbrancer of the property affected
thereby, be deemed to have constructive Section 5. Issuance of alias summons. — If
notice of the pendency of the action, and only a summons is returned without being served
of its pendency against the parties designated on any or all of the defendants, the server
by their real names. shall also serve a copy of the return on the
plaintiff's counsel, stating the reasons for the
The notice of lis pendens hereinabove failure of service, within five (5) days
mentioned may be cancelled only upon order therefrom. In such a case, or if the summons
of the court, after proper showing that the has been lost, the clerk, on demand of the
notice is for the purpose of molesting the plaintiff, may issue an alias summons. (4a)
adverse party, or that it is not necessary to
protect the rights of the rights of the party Section 6. Service in person on
who caused it to be recorded. (24a, R-14) defendant. — Whenever practicable, the
summons shall be served by handling a copy
RULE 14 thereof to the defendant in person, or, if he
refuses to receive and sign for it, by tendering
Summons it to him. (7a)

Section 1. Clerk to issue summons. — Upon Section 7. Substituted service. — If, for
the filing of the complaint and the payment of justifiable causes, the defendant cannot be
the requisite legal fees, the clerk of court shall served within a reasonable time as provided
forthwith issue the corresponding summons in the preceding section, service may be
to the defendants. (1a) effected (a) by leaving copies of the summons
at the defendant's residence with some
Section 2. Contents. — The summons shall person of suitable age and discretion then
be directed to the defendant, signed by the residing therein, or (b) by leaving the copies
clerk of court under seal and contain (a) the at defendant's office or regular place of
name of the court and the names of the
business with some competent person in any of its officers or agents within the
charge thereof. (8a) Philippines. (14a)

Section 8. Service upon entity without Section 13. Service upon public
juridical personality. — When persons corporations. — When the defendant is the
associated in an entity without juridical Republic of the Philippines, service may be
personality are sued under the name by which effected on the Solicitor General; in case of a
they are generally or commonly known, province, city or municipality, or like public
service may be effected upon all the corporations, service may be effected on its
defendants by serving upon any one of them, executive head, or on such other officer or
or upon the person in charge of the office or officers as the law or the court may direct. (15)
place of business maintained in such name.
But such service shall not bind individually Section 14. Service upon defendant whose
any person whose connection with the entity identity or whereabouts are unknown. — In
has, upon due notice, been severed before the any action where the defendant is designated
action was brought. (9a) as an unknown owner, or the like, or
whenever his whereabouts are unknown and
Section 9. Service upon prisoners. — When cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry,
the defendant is a prisoner confined in a jail service may, by leave of court, be effected
or institution, service shall be effected upon upon him by publication in a newspaper of
him by the officer having the management of general circulation and in such places and for
such jail or institution who is deemed such time as the court may order. (16a)
deputized as a special sheriff for said purpose.
(12a) Section 15. Extraterritorial service. —
When the defendant does not reside and is
Section 10. Service upon minors and not found in the Philippines, and the action
incompetents. — When the defendant is a affects the personal status of the plaintiff or
minor, insane or otherwise an incompetent, relates to, or the subject of which is, property
service shall be made upon him personally within the Philippines, in which the
and on his legal guardian if he has one, or if defendant has or claims a lien or interest,
none his guardian ad litem whose actual or contingent, or in which the relief
appointment shall be applied for by the demanded consists, wholly or in part, in
plaintiff. In the case of a minor, service may excluding the defendant from any interest
also be made on his father or mother. (l0a, therein, or the property of the defendant has
11a) been attached within the Philippines, service
may, by leave of court, be effected out of the
Section 11. Service upon domestic private Philippines by personal service as under
juridical entity. — When the defendant is a section 6; or by publication in a newspaper of
corporation, partnership or association general circulation in such places and for
organized under the laws of the Philippines such time as the court may order, in which
with a juridical personality, service may be case a copy of the summons and order of the
made on the president, managing partner, court shall be sent by registered mail to the
general manager, corporate secretary, last known address of the defendant, or in
treasurer, or in-house counsel. (13a) any other manner the court may deem
sufficient. Any order granting such leave shall
Section 12. Service upon foreign private specify a reasonable time, which shall not be
juridical entities. — When the defendant is a less than sixty (60) days after notice, within
foreign private juridical entity which has which the defendant must answer. (17a)
transacted business in the Philippines, service
may be made on its resident agent designated Section 16. Residents temporarily out of the
in accordance with law for that purpose, or, if Philippines. — When any action is
there be no such agent, on the government commenced against a defendant who
official designated by law to that effect, or on ordinarily resides within the Philippines, but
who is temporarily out of it, service may, by Section 2. Motions must be in writings. —
leave of court, be also effected out of the All motions shall be in writing except those
Philippines, as under the preceding section. made in open court or in the course of a
(18a) hearing or trial. (2a)

Section 17. Leave of court. — Any Section 3. Contents. — A motion shall state
application to the court under this Rule for the relief sought to be obtained and the
leave to effect service in any manner for grounds upon which it is based, and if
which leave of court is necessary shall be required by these Rules or necessary to prove
made by motion in writing, supported by facts alleged therein, shall be accompanied by
affidavit of the plaintiff or some person on his supporting affidavits and other papers. (3a)
behalf, setting forth the grounds for the
application. (19) Section 4. Hearing of motion. — Except for
motions which the court may act upon
Section 18. Proof of service. — The proof of without prejudicing the rights of the adverse
service of a summons shall be made in party, every written motion shall be set for
writing by the server and shall set forth the hearing by the applicant.
manner, place, and date of service; shall
specify any papers which have been served Every written motion required to be heard
with the process and the name of the person and the notice of the hearing thereof shall be
who received the same; and shall be sworn to served in such a manner as to ensure its
when made by a person other than a sheriff or receipt by the other party at least three (3)
his deputy. (20) days before the date of hearing, unless the
court for good cause sets the hearing on
Section 19. Proof of service by shorter notice. (4a)
publication. — If the service has been made
by publication, service may be proved by the Section 5. Notice of hearing. — The notice
affidavit of the printer, his foreman or of hearing shall be addressed to all parties
principal clerk, or of the editor, business or concerned, and shall specify the time and
advertising manager, to which affidavit a copy date of the hearing which must not be later
of the publication shall be attached and by an than ten (10) days after the filing of the
affidavit showing the deposit of a copy of the motion. (5a)
summons and order for publication in the
post office, postage prepaid, directed to the Section 6. Proof of service necessary. — No
defendant by registered mail to his last written motion set for hearing shall be acted
known address. (21) upon by the court without proof of service
thereof. (6a)
Section 20. Voluntary appearance. — The
defendant's voluntary appearance in the Section 7. Motion day. — Except for
action shall be equivalent to service of motions requiring immediate action, all
summons. The inclusion in a motion to motions shall be scheduled for hearing on
dismiss of other grounds aside from lack of Friday afternoons, or if Friday is a non-
jurisdiction over the person of the defendant working day, in the afternoon of the next
shall not be deemed a voluntary appearance. working day. (7a)
(23a)
Section 8. Omnibus motion. — Subject to
RULE 15 the provisions of section 1 of Rule 9, a motion
attacking a pleading, order, judgment, or
Motions proceeding shall include all objections then
available, and all objections not so included
Section 1. Motion defined. — A motion is an shall be deemed waived. (8a)
application for relief other than by a pleading.
(1a) Section 9. Motion for leave. — A motion for
leave to file a pleading or motion shall be
accompanied by the pleading or motion submit their arguments on the questions of
sought to be admitted. (n) law and their evidence on the questions of
fact involved except those not available at
Section 10. Form. — The Rules applicable to that time. Should the case go to trial, the
pleadings shall apply to written motions so evidence presented during the hearing shall
far as concerns caption, designation, automatically be part of the evidence of the
signature, and other matters of form. (9a) party presenting the same. (n)

RULE 16 Section 3. Resolution of Motion. — After the

hearing, the court may dismiss the action or
Motion to Dismiss claim, deny the motion, or order the
amendment of the pleading.
Section 1. Grounds. — Within the time for
but before filing the answer to the complaint The court shall not defer the resolution of the
or pleading asserting a claim, a motion to motion for the reason that the ground relied
dismiss may be made on any of the following upon is not indubitable.
grounds:
In every case, the resolution shall state clearly
(a) That the court has no jurisdiction and distinctly the reasons therefor. (3a)
over the person of the defending party;
Section 4. Time to plead. — If the motion is
(b) That the court has no jurisdiction denied, the movant shall file his answer
over the subject matter of the claim; within the balance of the period prescribed by
Rule 11 to which he was entitled at the time of
(c) That venue is improperly laid; serving his motion, but not less than five (5)
days in any event, computed from his receipt
(d) That the plaintiff has no legal
of the notice of the denial. If the pleading is
capacity to sue;
ordered to be amended, he shall file his
(e) That there is another action answer within the period prescribed by Rule
pending between the same parties for 11 counted from service of the amended
the same cause; pleading, unless the court provides a longer
period. (4a)
(f) That the cause of action is barred by
a prior judgment or by the statute of Section 5. Effect of dismissal. — Subject to
limitations; the right of appeal, an order granting a
motion to dismiss based on paragraphs (f), (h)
(g) That the pleading asserting the and (i) of section 1 hereof shall bar the refiling
claim states no cause of action; of the same action or claim. (n)

(h) That the claim or demand set forth Section 6. Pleading grounds as affirmative
in the plaintiff's pleading has been defenses. — If no motion to dismiss has been
paid, waived, abandoned, or otherwise filed, any of the grounds for dismissal
extinguished; provided for in this Rule may be pleaded as
an affirmative defense in the answer and, in
(i) That the claim on which the action the discretion of the court, a preliminary
is founded is enforceable under the hearing may be had thereon as if a motion to
provisions of the statute of frauds; and dismiss had been filed. (5a)

(j) That a condition precedent for filing The dismissal of the complaint under this
the claim has not been complied with. section shall be without prejudice to the
(1a) prosecution in the same or separate action of
a counterclaim pleaded in the answer. (n)
Section 2. Hearing of motion. — At the
hearing of the motion, the parties shall
RULE 17 adjudication upon the merits, unless
otherwise declared by the court. (3a)
Dismissal of Actions
Section 4. Dismissal of counterclaim, cross-
Section 1. Dismissal upon notice by claim, or third-party complaint. — The
plaintiff. — A complaint may be dismissed by provisions of this Rule shall apply to the
the plaintiff by filing a notice of dismissal at dismissal of any counterclaim, cross-claim, or
any time before service of the answer or of a third-party complaint. A voluntary dismissal
motion for summary judgment. Upon such by the claimant by notice as in section 1 of
notice being filed, the court shall issue an this Rule, shall be made before a responsive
order confirming the dismissal. Unless pleading or a motion for summary judgment
otherwise stated in the notice, the dismissal is is served or, if there is none, before the
without prejudice, except that a notice introduction of evidence at the trial or
operates as an adjudication upon the merits hearing. (4a)
when filed by a plaintiff who has once
dismissed in a competent court an action RULE 18
based on or including the same claim. (1a)
Pre-Trial
Section 2. Dismissal upon motion of
plaintiff. — Except as provided in the Section 1. When conducted. — After the last
preceding section, a complaint shall not be pleading has been served and filed, if shall be
dismissed at the plaintiff's instance save upon the duty of the plaintiff to promptly move ex
approval of the court and upon such terms parte that the case be set for pre-trial (5a,
and conditions as the court deems proper. If a R20)
counterclaim has been pleaded by a
defendant prior to the service upon him of the Section 2. Nature and purpose. — The pre-
plaintiffs motion for dismissal, the dismissal trial is mandatory. The court shall consider:
shall be limited to the complaint. The
dismissal shall be without prejudice to the (a) The possibility of an amicable
right of the defendant to prosecute his settlement or of a submission to
counterclaim in a separate action unless alternative modes of dispute resolution;
within fifteen (15) days from notice of the
(b) The simplification of the issues;
motion he manifests his preference to have
his counterclaim resolved in the same action. (c) The necessity or desirability of
Unless otherwise specified in the order, a amendments to the pleadings;
dismissal under this paragraph shall be
without prejudice. A class suit shall not be (d) The possibility of obtaining
dismissed or compromised without the stipulations or admissions of facts and
approval of the court. (2a) of documents to avoid unnecessary
proof;
Section 3. Dismissal due to fault of
plaintiff. — If, for no justifiable cause, the (e) The limitation of the number of
plaintiff fails to appear on the date of the witnesses;
presentation of his evidence in chief on the
complaint, or to prosecute his action for an (f) The advisability of a preliminary
unreasonable length of time, or to comply reference of issues to a commissioner;
with these Rules or any order of the court, the
complaint may be dismissed upon motion of (g) The propriety of rendering
the defendant or upon the court's own motion, judgment on the pleadings, or
without prejudice to the right of the summary judgment, or of dismissing
defendant to prosecute his counterclaim in the action should a valid ground
the same or in a separate action. This therefor be found to exist;
dismissal shall have the effect of an
 (h) The advisability or necessity of (d) The documents or exhibits to be
suspending the proceedings; and presented stating the purpose thereof;

(i) Such other matters as may aid in (e) A manifestation of their having
the prompt disposition of the action. availed or their intention to avail
(1a, R20) themselves of discovery procedures or
referral to commissioners; and
Section 3. Notice of pre-trial. — The notice
of pre-trial shall be served on counsel, or on (f) The number and names of the
the party who has no counsel. The counsel witnesses, and the substance of their
served with such notice is charged with the respective testimonies.
duty of notifying the party represented by
him. (n) Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the
same effect as failure to appear at the pre-
Section 4. Appearance of parties. — It shall trial. (n)
be the duty of the parties and their counsel to
appear at the pre-trial. The non-appearance Section 7. Record of pre-trial. — The
of a party may be excused only if a valid cause proceedings in the pre-trial shall be recorded.
is shown therefor or if a representative shall Upon the termination thereof, the court shall
appear in his behalf fully authorized in issue an order which shall recite in detail the
writing to enter into an amicable settlement, matters taken up in the conference, the action
to submit to alternative modes of dispute taken thereon, the amendments allowed to
resolution, and to enter into stipulations or the pleadings, and the agreements or
admissions of facts and of documents. (n) admissions made by the parties as to any of
the matters considered. Should the action
Section 5. Effect of failure to appear. — The proceed to trial, the order shall, explicitly
failure of the plaintiff to appear when so define and limit the issues to be tried. The
required pursuant to the next preceding contents of the order shall control the
section shall be cause for dismissal of the subsequent course of the action, unless
action. The dismissal shall be with prejudice, modified before trial to prevent manifest
unless other-wise ordered by the court. A injustice. (5a, R20)
similar failure on the part of the defendant
shall be cause to allow the plaintiff to present RULE 19
his evidence ex parte and the court to render
judgment on the basis thereof. (2a, R20) Intervention

Section 6. Pre-trial brief. — The parties Section 1. Who may intervene. — A person
shall file with the court and serve on the who has a legal interest in the matter in
adverse party, in such manner as shall ensure litigation, or in the success of either of the
their receipt thereof at least three (3) days parties, or an interest against both, or is so
before the date of the pre-trial, their situated as to be adversely affected by a
respective pre-trial briefs which shall contain, distribution or other disposition of property
among others: in the custody of the court or of an officer
thereof may, with leave of court, be allowed to
(a) A statement of their willingness to intervene in the action. The court shall
enter into amicable settlement or consider whether or not the intervention will
alternative modes of dispute resolution, unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of
indicating the desired terms thereof; the rights of the original parties, and whether
or not the intervenor's rights may be fully
(b) A summary of admitted facts and protected in a separate proceeding. (2[a], [b]a,
proposed stipulation of facts; R12)

(c) The issues to be tried or resolved; Section 2. Time to intervene. — The motion
to intervene may be filed at any time before
rendition of judgment by the trial court. A control, in which case it is called a
copy of the pleading-in-intervention shall be subpoena duces tecum. (1a, R23)
attached to the motion and served on the
original parties. (n) Section 2. By whom issued. — The
subpoena may be issued by —
Section 3. Pleadings-in-intervention. — The
intervenor shall file a complaint-in- (a) the court before whom the witness
intervention if he asserts a claim against is required to attend;
either or all of the original parties, or an
answer-in-intervention if he unites with the (b) the court of the place where the
defending party in resisting a claim against deposition is to be taken;
the latter. (2[c]a, R12)
(c) the officer or body authorized by
Section 4. Answer to complaint-in- law to do so in connection with
intervention. — The answer to the complaint- investigations conducted by said
in-intervention shall be filed within fifteen (15) officer or body; or
days from notice of the order admitting the
same, unless a different period is fixed by the (d) any Justice of the Supreme Court
court. (2[d]a, R12) or of the Court of Appeals in any case
or investigation pending within the
RULE 20 Philippines.

Calendar of Cases When application for a subpoena to a

prisoner is made, the judge or officer shall
Section 1. Calendar of cases. — The clerk of examine and study carefully such application
court, under the direct supervision of the to determine whether the same is made for a
judge, shall keep a calendar of cases for pre- valid purpose.
trial, for trial, those whose trials were
adjourned or postponed, and those with No prisoner sentenced to death, reclusion
motions to set for hearing. Preference shall be perpetua or life imprisonment and who is
given to habeas corpus cases, election cases, confined in any penal institution shall be
special civil actions, and those so required by brought outside the said penal institution for
law. (1a, R22) appearance or attendance in any court unless
authorized by the Supreme Court (2a, R23)
Section 2. Assignment of cases. — The
assignment of cases to the different branches Section 3. Form and contents. — A
of a court shall be done exclusively by raffle. subpoena shall state the name of the court
The assignment shall be done in open session and the title of the action or investigation,
of which adequate notice shall be given so as shall be directed to the person whose
to afford interested parties the opportunity to attendance is required, and in the case of a
be present. (7a, R22) subpoena duces tecum, it shall also contain a
reasonable description of the books,
RULE 21 documents or things demanded which must
appear to the court prima facie relevant. (3a,
Subpoena R23)

Section 1. Subpoena and subpoena duces Section 4. Quashing a subpoena. — The

tecum. — Subpoena is a process directed to a court may quash a subpoena duces
person requiring him to attend and to testify tecum upon motion promptly made and, in
at the hearing or the trial of an action, or at any event, at or before the time specified
any investigation conducted by competent therein if it is unreasonable and oppressive,
authority, or for the taking of his deposition. or the relevancy of the books, documents or
It may also require him to bring with him any things does not appear, or if the person in
books, documents, or other things under his whose behalf the subpoena is issued fails to
advance the reasonable cost of the production witness and bring him before the court or
thereof. officer where his attendance is required, and
the cost of such warrant and seizure of such
The court may quash a subpoena witness shall be paid by the witness if the
ad testificandum on the ground that the court issuing it shall determine that his
witness is not bound thereby. In either case, failure to answer the subpoena was willful
the subpoena may be quashed on the ground and without just excuse. (11, R23)
that the witness fees and kilometrage allowed
by these Rules were not tendered when the Section 9. Contempt. — Failure by any
subpoena was served. (4a, R23) person without adequate cause to obey a
subpoena served upon him shall be deemed a
Section 5. Subpoena for depositions. — contempt of the court from which the
Proof of service of a notice to take a subpoena is issued. If the subpoena was not
deposition, as provided in sections 15 and 25 issued by a court, the disobedience thereto
of Rule 23, shall constitute sufficient shall be punished in accordance with the
authorization for the issuance of subpoenas applicable law or Rule. (12a R23)
for the persons named in said notice by the
clerk of the court of the place in which the Section 10. Exceptions. — The provisions of
deposition is to be taken. The clerk shall not, sections 8 and 9 of this Rule shall not apply to
however, issue a subpoena duces tecum to a witness who resides more than one hundred
any such person without an order of the court. (100) kilometers from his residence to the
(5a, R23) place where he is to testify by the ordinary
course of travel, or to a detention prisoner if
Section 6. Service. — Service of a subpoena no permission of the court in which his case is
shall be made in the same manner as pending was obtained. (9a, R23)
personal or substituted service of summons.
The original shall be exhibited and a copy
thereof delivered to the person on whom it is
served, tendering to him the fees for one day's RULE 22
attendance and the kilometrage allowed by
these Rules, except that, when a subpoena is Computation of Time
issued by or on behalf of the Republic of the
Philippines or an officer or agency thereof, Section 1. How to compute time. — In
the tender need not be made. The service computing any period of time prescribed or
must be made so as to allow the witness a allowed by these Rules, or by order of the
reasonable time for preparation and travel to court, or by any applicable statute, the day of
the place of attendance. If the subpoena the act or event from which the designated
is duces tecum, the reasonable cost of period of time begins to run is to be excluded
producing the books, documents or things and the date of performance included. If the
demanded shall also be tendered. (6a, R23) last day of the period, as thus computed, falls
on a Saturday a Sunday, or a legal holiday in
Section 7. Personal appearance in court. — the place where the court sits, the time shall
A person present in court before a judicial not run until the next working day. (a)
officer may be required to testify as if he were
in attendance upon a subpoena is sued by Section 2. Effect of interruption. — Should
such court or officer. (10, R23) an act be done which effectively interrupts the
running of the period, the allowable period
Section 8. Compelling attendance. — In after such interruption shall start to run on
case of failure of a witness to attend, the court the day after notice of the cessation of the
or judge issuing the subpoena, upon proof of cause thereof.
the service thereof and of the failure of the
witness, may issue a warrant to the sheriff of The day of the act that caused the
the province, or his deputy, to arrest the interruption shall be excluded in the
computation of the period. (n)
 or impeaching the testimony of
deponent as a witness;
RULE 23
(b) The deposition of a party or of any
Depositions Pending Action one who at the time of taking the
deposition was an officer, director, or
Section 1. Depositions pending managing agent of a public or private
action, when may be taken. — By leave of corporation, partnership, or
court after jurisdiction has been obtained association which is a party may be
over any defendant or over property which is used by an adverse party for any
the subject of the action, or without such purpose;
leave after an answer has been served, the
testimony of any person, whether a party or (c) The deposition of a witness,
not, may be taken, at the instance of any party, whether or not a party, may be used by
by deposition upon oral examination or any party for any purpose if the court
written interrogatories. The attendance of finds: (1) that the witness is dead, or (2)
witnesses may be compelled by the use of a that the witness resides at a distance
subpoena as provided in Rule 21. Depositions more than one hundred (100)
shall be taken only in accordance with these kilometers from the place of trial or
Rules. The deposition of a person confined in hearing, or is out of the Philippines,
prison may be taken only by leave of court on unless it appears that his absence was
such terms as the court prescribes. (1a, R24) procured by the party offering the
deposition, or (3) that the witness is
Section 2. Scope of examination. — Unless unable to attend or testify because of
otherwise ordered by the court as provided by age, sickness, infirmity, or
section 16 or 18 of this Rule, the deponent imprisonment, or (4) that the party
may be examined regarding any matter, not offering the deposition has been
privileged, which is relevant to the subject of unable to procure the attendance of
the pending action, whether relating to the the witness by subpoena; or (5) upon
claim or defense of any other party, including application and notice, that such
the existence, description, nature, custody, exceptional circumstances exist as to
condition, and location of any books, make it desirable, in the interest of
documents, or other tangible things and the justice and with due regard to the
identity and location of persons having importance of presenting the
knowledge of relevant facts. (2, R24) testimony of witnesses orally in open
court, to allow the deposition to be
Section 3. Examination and cross- used; and
examination. — Examination and cross-
examination of deponents may proceed as (d) If only part of a deposition is
permitted at the trial under sections 3 to 18 of offered in evidence by a party, the
Rule 132. (3a, R24) adverse party may require him to
introduce all of it which is relevant to
Section 4. Use of depositions. — At the trial the part introduced, and any party may
or upon the hearing of a motion or an introduce any other parts. (4a, R24)
interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a
deposition, so far as admissible under the Section 5. Effect of substitution of
rules of evidence, may be used against any parties. — Substitution of parties does not
party who was present or represented at the affect the right to use depositions previously
taking of the deposition or who had due taken; and, when an action has been
notice thereof, in accordance with any one of dismissed and another action involving the
the following provisions; same subject is afterward brought between
the same parties or their representatives or
(a) Any deposition may be used by any successors in interest, all depositions lawfully
party for the purpose of contradicting
taken and duly filed in the former action may Section 12. Commission or letters
be used in the latter as if originally taken rogatory. — A commission or letters rogatory
therefor. (5, R24) shall be issued only when necessary or
convenient, on application and notice, and on
Section 6. Objections to admissibility. — such terms, and with such direction as are
Subject to the provisions of section 29 of this just and appropriate. Officers may be
Rule, objection may be made at the trial or designated in notices or commissions either
hearing, to receiving in evidence any by name or descriptive title and letters
deposition or part thereof for any reason rogatory may be addressed to the appropriate
which would require the exclusion of the judicial authority in the foreign country. (12a,
evidence if the witness were then present and R24)
testifying (6, R24)
Section 13. Disqualification by interest. —
Section 7. Effect of taking depositions. — A No deposition shall be taken before a person
party shall not be deemed to make a person who is a relative within the sixth degree of
his own witness for any purpose by taking his consanguinity or affinity, or employee or
deposition. (7, R24) counsel of any of the parties, or who is a
relative within the same degree, or employee
Section 8. Effect of using depositions. — of such counsel; or who is financially
The introduction in evidence of the interested in the action. (13a, R24)
deposition or any part thereof for any
purpose other than that of contradicting or Section 14. Stipulations regarding taking of
impeaching the deponent makes the depositions. — If the parties so stipulate in
deponent the witness of the party introducing writing, depositions may be taken before any
the deposition, but this shall not apply to the person authorized to administer oaths, at any
use by an adverse party of a deposition as time or place, in accordance with these Rules
described in paragraph (b) of section 4 of this and when so taken may be used like other
Rule. (8, R24) depositions. (14a, R24)

Section 9. Rebutting deposition. — At the Section 15. Deposition upon oral

trial or hearing any party may rebut any examination; notice; time and place. — A
relevant evidence contained in a deposition party desiring to take the deposition of any
whether introduced by him or by any other person upon oral examination shall give
party. (9, R24) reasonable notice in writing, to every other
party to the action. The notice shall state the
Section 10. Persons before whom time and place for taking the deposition and
depositions may be taken within the the name and address of each person to be
Philippines. — Within the Philippines examined, if known, and if the name is not
depositions may be taken before any judge, known, a general description sufficient to
notary public, or the person referred to in identify him or the particular class or group
section 14 hereof. (10a, R24) to which he belongs. On motion of any party
upon whom the notice is served, the court
Section 11. Persons before whom may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the
depositions may be taken in foreign time. (15, R24)
countries. — In a foreign state or country,
depositions may be taken (a) on notice before Section 16. Orders for the protection of
a secretary of embassy or legation, consul parties and deponents. — After notice is
general, consul, vice-consul, or consular served for taking a deposition by oral
agent of the Republic of the Philippines, (b) examination, upon motion seasonably made
before such person or officer as may be by any party or by the person to be examined
appointed by commission or under letters and for good cause shown, the court in which
rogatory; or (c) the person referred to in the action is pending may make an order that
section 14 hereof. (11a, R24) the deposition shall not be taken, or that it
may be taken only at some designated place is being taken may order the officer
other than that stated in the notice, or that it conducting the examination to cease
may be taken only on written interrogatories, forthwith from taking the deposition, or may
or that certain matters shall not be inquired limit the scope and manner of the taking of
into, or that the scope of the examination the deposition, as provided in section 16 of
shall be held with no one present except the this Rule. If the order made terminates the
parties to the action and their officers or examination, it shall be resumed thereafter
counsel, or that after being sealed the only upon the order of the court in which the
deposition shall be opened only by order of action is pending. Upon demand of the
the court, or that secret processes, objecting party or deponent, the taking of the
developments, or research need not be deposition shall be suspended for the time
disclosed, or that the parties shall necessary to make a notice for an order. In
simultaneously file specified documents or granting or refusing such order, the court
information enclosed in sealed envelopes to may impose upon either party or upon the
be opened as directed by the court or the witness the requirement to pay such costs or
court may make any other order which justice expenses as the court may deem reasonable.
requires to protect the party or witness from (18a, R24)
annoyance, embarrassment, or oppression.
(16a, R24) Section 19. Submission to
witness; changes; signing. — When the
Section 17. Record of testimony is fully transcribed, the deposition
examination, oath; objections. — The officer shall be submitted to the witness for
before whom the deposition is to be taken examination and shall be read to or by him,
shall put the witness on oath and shall unless such examination and reading are
personally, or by some one acting under his waived by the witness and by the parties. Any
direction and in his presence, record the changes in form or substance which the
testimony of the witness. The testimony shall witness desires to make shall be entered upon
be taken stenographically unless the parties the deposition by the officer with a statement
agree otherwise. All objections made at the of the reasons given by the witness for
time of the examination to the qualifications making them. The deposition shall then be
of the officer taking the deposition, or to the signed by the witness, unless the parties by
manner of talking it, or to the evidence stipulation waive the signing or the witness is
presented, or to the conduct of any party, and ill or cannot be found or refuses to sign. If the
any other objection to the proceedings, shall deposition is not signed by the witness, the
be noted by the officer upon the deposition. officer shall sign it and state on the record the
Evidence objected to shall be taken subject to fact of the waiver or of the illness or absence
the objections. In lieu of participating in the of the witness or the fact of the refusal to sign
oral examination, parties served with notice together with the reason be given therefor, if
of taking a deposition may transmit written any, and the deposition may then be used as
interrogatories to the officers, who shall fully as though signed, unless on a motion to
propound them to the witness and record the suppress under section 29 (f) of this Rule, the
answers verbatim. (17, R24) court holds that the reasons given for the
refusal to sign require rejection of the
Section 18. Motion to terminate or limit deposition in whole or in part. (19a, R24)
examination. — At any time during the taking
of the deposition, on motion or petition of Section 20. Certification, and filing by
any party or of the deponent, and upon a officer. — The officer shall certify on the
showing that the examination is being deposition that the witness was duly sworn to
conducted in bad faith or in such manner as by him and that the deposition is a true
unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or record of the testimony given by the witness.
oppress the deponent or party, the court in He shall then securely seal the deposition in
which the action is pending or the Regional an envelope indorsed with the title of the
Trial Court of the place where the deposition action and marked "Deposition of (here insert
the name of witness)" and shall promptly file interrogatories upon a party who has served
it with the court in which the action is cross-interrogatories. Within three (3) days
pending or send it by registered mail to the after being served with re-direct
clerk thereof for filing. (20, R24) interrogatories, a party may serve recross-
interrogatories upon the party proposing to
Section 21. Notice of filing. — The officer take the deposition. (25, R24)
taking the deposition shall give prompt notice
of its filing to all the parties. (21, R24) Section 26. Officers to take responses and
prepare record. — A copy of the notice and
Section 22. Furnishing copies. — Upon copies of all interrogatories served shall be
payment of reasonable charges therefor, the delivered by the party taking the deposition to
officer shall furnish a copy of the deposition the officer designated in the notice, who shall
to any party or to the deponent. (22, R24) proceed promptly, in the manner provided by
sections 17, 19 and 20 of this Rule, to take the
Section 23. Failure to attend of party testimony of the witness in response to the
giving notice. — If the party giving the notice interrogatories and to prepare, certify, and
of the taking of a deposition fails to attend file or mail the deposition, attaching thereto
and proceed therewith and another attends in the copy of the notice and the interrogatories
person or by counsel pursuant to the notice, received by him. (26, R24)
the court may order the party giving the
notice to pay such other party the amount of Section 27. Notice of filing and furnishing
the reasonable expenses incurred by him and copies. — When a deposition upon
his counsel in so attending, including interrogatories is filed, the officer taking it
reasonable attorney's fees. (23a, R24) shall promptly give notice thereof to all the
parties, and may furnish copies to them or to
Section 24. Failure of party giving notice to the deponent upon payment of reasonable
serve subpoena. — If the party giving the charges therefor. (27, R24)
notice of the taking of a deposition of a
witness fails to serve a subpoena upon him Section 28. Order for the protection of
and the witness because of such failure does parties and deponents. — After the service of
not attend, and if another party attends in the interrogatories and prior to the taking of
person or by counsel because he expects the the testimony of the deponent, the court in
deposition of that witness to be taken, the which the action is pending, on motion
court may order the party giving the notice to promptly made by a party or a deponent, and
pay to such other party the amount of the for good cause shown, may make any order
reasonable expenses incurred by him and his specified in sections 15, 16 and 18 of this Rule
counsel in so attending, including reasonable which is appropriate and just or an order that
attorney's fees. (24a, R24) the deposition shall not be taken before the
officer designated in the notice or that it shall
Section 25. Deposition upon written not be taken except upon oral examination.
interrogatories; service of notice and of (28a, R24)
interrogatories. — A party desiring to take
the deposition of any person upon written Section 29. Effect of errors and
interrogatories shall serve them upon every irregularities in depositions. —
other party with a notice stating the name
and address of the person who is to answer (a) As to notice. — All errors and
them and the name or descriptive title and irregularities in the notice for taking a
address of the officer before whom the deposition are waived unless written
deposition is to be taken. Within ten (10) days objection is promptly served upon the
thereafter, a party so served may serve cross- party giving the notice.
interrogatories upon the party proposing to
take the deposition. Within five (5) days (b) As to disqualification of officer. —
thereafter, the latter may serve re-direct Objection to taking a deposition
because of disqualification of the
officer before whom it is to be taken is promptness after such defect is, or
waived unless made before the taking with due diligence might have been,
of the deposition begins or as soon ascertained. (29a, R24)
thereafter as the disqualification
becomes known or could be discovered
with reasonable diligence.
RULE 24
(c) As to competency or relevancy of
evidence. — Objections to the Depositions Before Action or Pending
competency of witness or the Appeal
competency, relevancy, or materiality
of testimony are not waived by failure Section 1. Depositions before
to make them before or during the action; petition. — A person who desires to
taking of the deposition, unless the perpetuate his own testimony or that of
ground, of the objection is one which another person regarding any matter that
might have been obviated or removed may be cognizable in any court of the
if presented at that time. Philippines may file a verified petition in the
court of the place of the residence of any
(d) As to oral examination and other expected adverse party. (1a R134)
particulars. — Errors and
irregularities occurring at the oral Section 2. Contents of petition. — The
examination in the manner of taking petition shall be entitled in the name of the
the deposition in the form of the petitioner and shall show: (a) that the
questions or answers, in the oath or petitioner expects to be a party to an action in
affirmation, or in the conduct of the a court of the Philippines but is presently
parties and errors of any kind which unable to bring it or cause it to be brought; (b)
might be obviated, removed, or cured the subject matter of the expected action and
if promptly prosecuted, are waived his interest therein; (c) the facts which he
unless reasonable objection thereto is desires to establish by the proposed
made at the taking of the deposition. testimony and his reasons for desiring to
perpetuate it; (d) the names or a description
(e) As to form of written of the persons he expects will be adverse
interrogatories. — Objections to the parties and their addresses so far as known;
form of written interrogatories and (e) the names and addresses of the
submitted under sections 25 and 26 of persons to be examined and the substance of
this Rule are waived unless served in the testimony which he expects to elicit from
writing upon the party propounding each, and shall ask for an order authorizing
them within the time allowed for the petitioner to take the depositions of the
serving succeeding cross or other persons to be examined named in the petition
interrogatories and within three (3) for the purpose of perpetuating their
days after service of the last testimony. (2, R134)
interrogatories authorized.
Section 3. Notice and service. — The
(f) As to manner of preparation. — petitioner shall serve a notice upon each
Errors and irregularities in the manner person named in the petition as an expected
in which the testimony is transcribed adverse party, together with a copy of the
or the deposition is prepared, signed, petition, stating that the petitioner will apply
certified, sealed, indorsed, transmitted, to the court, at a time and place named
filed, or otherwise dealt with by the therein, for the order described in the petition.
officer under sections 17, 19, 20 and 26 At least twenty (20) days before the date of
of this Rule are waived unless a motion the hearing, the court shall cause notice
to suppress the deposition or some thereof to be served on the parties and
part thereof is made with reasonable prospective deponents in the manner
provided for service of summons. (3a, R134)
Section 4. Order and examination. — If the under the same conditions as are prescribed
court is satisfied that the perpetuation of the in these Rules for depositions taken in
testimony may prevent a failure or delay of pending actions. (7a, R134)
justice, it shall make an order designating or
describing the persons whose deposition may
be taken and specifying the subject matter of
the examination and whether the depositions RULE 25
shall be taken upon oral examination or
written interrogatories. The depositions may Interrogatories to Parties
be taken in accordance with Rule 23 before
Section 1. Interrogatories to parties; service
the hearing. (4a, R134)
thereof. — Under the same conditions
Section 5. Reference to court. — For the specified in section 1 of Rule 23, any party
purpose of applying Rule 23 to depositions desiring to elicit material and relevant facts
for perpetuating testimony, each reference from any adverse parties shall file and serve
therein to the court in which the action is upon the latter written interrogatories to be
pending shall be deemed to refer to the court answered by the party served or, if the party
in which the petition for such deposition was served is a public or private corporation or a
filed. (5a, R134) partnership or association, by any officer
thereof competent to testify in its behalf. (1a)
Section 6. Use of deposition. — If a
deposition to perpetuate testimony is taken Section 2. Answer to interrogatories. — The
under this Rule, or if, although not so taken, interrogatories shall be answered fully in
it would be admissible in evidence, it may be writing and shall be signed and sworn to by
used in any action involving the same subject the person making them. The party upon
matter sub-sequently brought in accordance whom the interrogatories have been served
with the provisions of sections 4 and 5 of Rule shall file and serve a copy of the answers on
23. (6a, R134) the party submitting the interrogatories
within fifteen (15) days after service thereof
Section 7. Depositions pending appeal. — If unless the court on motion and for good
an appeal has been taken from a judgment of cause shown, extends or shortens the time.
a court, including the Court of Appeals in (2a)
proper cases, or before the taking of an
appeal if the time therefor has not expired, Section 3. Objections to interrogatories. —
the court in which the judgment was rendered Objections to any interrogatories may be
may allow the taking of depositions of presented to the court within ten (10) days
witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for in after service thereof, with notice as in case of
the event of further proceedings in the said a motion; and answers shall be deferred until
court. In such case the party who desires to the objections are resolved, which shall be at
perpetuate the testimony may make a motion as early a time as is practicable. (3a)
in the said court for leave to take the
Section 4. Number of interrogatories. — No
depositions, upon the same notice and service
party may, without leave of court, serve more
thereof as if the action was pending therein.
than one set of interrogatories to be answered
The motion shall state (a) the names and
by the same party. (4)
addresses of the persons to be examined and
the substance of the testimony which he Section 5. Scope and use of
expects to elicit from each, and (b) the reason interrogatories. — Interrogatories may relate
for perpetuating their testimony. If the court to any matters that can be inquired into
finds that the perpetuation of the testimony is under section 2 of Rule 23, and the answers
proper to avoid a failure or delay of justice, it may be used for the same purposes provided
may make an order allowing the deposition to in section 4 of the same Rule. (5a)
be taken, and thereupon the depositions may
be taken and used in the same manner and
Section 6. Effect of failure to serve written Section 3. Effect of admission. — Any
interrogatories. — Unless thereafter allowed admission made by a party pursuant to such
by the court for good cause shown and to request is for the purpose of the pending
prevent a failure of justice, a party not served action only and shall not constitute an
with written interrogatories may not be admission by him for any other purpose nor
compelled by the adverse party to give may the same be used against him in any
testimony in open court, or to give a other proceeding. (3)
deposition pending appeal. (n)
Section 4. Withdrawal. — The court may
allow the party making an admission under
the Rule, whether express or implied, to
RULE 26 withdraw or amend it upon such terms as
may be just. (4)
Admission by Adverse Party
Section 5. Effect of failure to file and serve
Section 1. Request for admission. — At any request for admission. — Unless otherwise
time after issues have been joined, a party allowed by the court for good cause shown
may file and serve upon any other party may and to prevent a failure of justice a party who
file and serve upon any other party a written fails to file and serve a request for admission
request for the admission by the latter of the on the adverse party of material and relevant
genuineness of any material and relevant facts at issue which are, or ought to be, within
document described in and exhibited with the the personal knowledge of the latter, shall not
request or of the truth of any material and be permitted to present evidence on such
relevant matter of fact set forth in the request. facts. (n)
Copies of the documents shall be delivered
with the request unless copy have already
been furnished. (1a)
RULE 27
Section 2. Implied admission. — Each of the
matters of which an admission is requested Production or Inspection of
shall be deemed admitted unless, within a Documents or Things
period designated in the request, which shall
not be less than fifteen (15) days after service Section 1. Motion for production or
thereof, or within such further time as the inspection; order. — Upon motion of any
court may allow on motion, the party to party showing good cause therefor, the court
whom the request is directed files and serves in which an action is pending may (a) order
upon the party requesting the admission a any party to produce and permit the
sworn statement either denying specifically inspection and copying or photographing, by
the matters of which an admission is or on behalf of the moving party, of any
requested or setting forth in detail the designated documents, papers, books,
reasons why he cannot truthfully either admit accounts, letters, photographs, objects or
or deny those matters. tangible things, not privileged, which
constitute or contain evidence material to any
Objections to any request for admission shall matter involved in the action and which are in
be submitted to the court by the party his possession, custody or control, or (b)
requested within the period for and prior to order any party to permit entry upon
the filing of his sworn statement as designated land or other property in his
contemplated in the preceding paragraph and possession or control for the purpose of
his compliance therewith shall be deferred inspecting, measuring, surveying, or
until such objections are resolved, which photographing the property or any
resolution shall be made as early as designated relevant object or operation
practicable. (2a) 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 thereafter examine him in respect of the same
just. (1a) mental or physical examination. (4)

RULE 28 RULE 29

Physical and Mental Examination of Refusal to Comply with Modes of

Persons Discovery

Section 1. When examination may be Section 1. Refusal to answer. — If a party or

ordered. — In an action in which the mental other deponent refuses to answer any
or physical condition of a party is in question upon oral examination, the
controversy, the court in which the action is examination may be completed on other
pending may in its discretion order him to matters or adjourned as the proponent of the
submit to a physical or mental examination question may prefer. The proponent may
by a physician. (1) thereafter apply to the proper court of the
place where the deposition is being taken, for
Section 2. Order for examination. — The an order to compel an answer. The same
order for examination may be made only on procedure may be availed of when a party or a
motion for good cause shown and upon notice witness refuses to answer any interrogatory
to the party to be examined and to all other submitted under Rules 23 or 25.
parties, and shall specify the time, place,
manner, conditions and scope of the If the application is granted, the court shall
examination and the person or persons by require the refusing party or deponent to
whom it is to be made. (2) answer the question or interrogatory and if it
also finds that the refusal to answer was
Section 3. Report of findings. — If without substantial justification, it may
requested by the party examined, the party require the refusing party or deponent or the
causing the examination to be made shall counsel advising the refusal, or both of them,
deliver to him a copy of a detailed written to pay the proponent the amount of the
report of the examining physician setting out reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining the
his findings and conclusions. After such order, including attorney's fees.
request and delivery, the party causing the
examination to be made shall be entitled If the application is denied and the court
upon request to receive from the party finds that it was filed without substantial
examined a like report of any examination, justification, the court may require the
previously or thereafter made, of the same proponent or the counsel advising the filing
mental or physical condition. If the party of the application, or both of them, to pay to
examined refuses to deliver such report, the the refusing party or deponent the amount of
court on motion and notice may make an the reasonable expenses incurred in opposing
order requiring delivery on such terms as are the application, including attorney's fees. (1a)
just, and if a physician fails or refuses to
make such a report the court may exclude his Section 2. Contempt of court. — If a party or
testimony if offered at the trial. (3a) other witness refuses to be sworn or refuses
to answer any question after being directed to
Section 4. Waiver of privilege. — By do so by the court of the place in which the
requesting and obtaining a report of the deposition is being taken, the refusal may be
examination so ordered or by taking the considered a contempt of that court. (2a)
deposition of the examiner, the party
examined waives any privilege he may have in Section 3. Other consequences. — If any
that action or any other involving the same party or an officer or managing agent of a
controversy, regarding the testimony of every party refuses to obey an order made under
other person who has examined or may section 1 of this Rule requiring him to answer
designated questions, or an order under Rule the truth of any such matter of fact, he may
27 to produce any document or other thing apply to the court for an order requiring the
for inspection, copying, or photographing or other party to pay him the reasonable
to permit it to be done, or to permit entry expenses incurred in making such proof,
upon land or other property or an order made including attorney's fees. Unless the court
under Rule 28 requiring him to submit to a finds that there were good reasons for the
physical or mental examination, the court denial or that admissions sought were of no
may make such orders in regard to the refusal substantial importance, such order shall be
as are just, and among others the following: issued. (4a)

(a) An order that the matters regarding Section 5. Failure of party to attend or
which the questions were asked, or the serve answers. — If a party or an officer or
character or description of the thing or managing agent of a party wilfully fails to
land, or the contents of the paper, or appear before the officer who is to take his
the physical or mental condition of the deposition, after being served with a proper
party, or any other designated facts notice, or fails to serve answers to
shall be taken to be established for the interrogatories submitted under Rule 25 after
purposes of the action in accordance proper service of such interrogatories, the
with the claim of the party obtaining court on motion and notice, may strike out all
the order; or any part of any pleading of that party, or
dismiss the action or proceeding or any part
(b) An order refusing to allow the thereof, or enter a judgment by default
disobedient party to support or oppose against that party, and in its discretion, order
designated claims or defenses or him to pay reasonable expenses incurred by
prohibiting him from introducing in the other, including attorney's fees. (5)
evidence designated documents or
things or items of testimony, or from Section 6. Expenses against the Republic of
introducing evidence of physical or the Philippines. — Expenses and attorney's
mental condition; fees are not to be imposed upon the Republic
of the Philippines under this Rule. (6)
(c) An order striking out pleadings or
parts thereof, or staying further
proceedings until the order is obeyed,
or dismissing the action or proceeding RULE 30
or any part thereof, or rendering a
judgment by default against the Trial
disobedient party; and
Section 1. Notice of Trial. — Upon entry of a
(d) In lieu of any of the foregoing case in the trial calendar, the clerk shall notify
orders or in addition thereto, an order the parties of the date of its trial in such
directing the arrest of any party or manner as shall ensure his receipt of that
agent of a party for disobeying any of notice at least five (5) days before such date.
such orders except an order to submit (2a, R22)
to a physical or mental examination.
(3a) Section 2. Adjournments and
postponements. — A court may adjourn a trial
Section 4. Expenses on refusal to admit. — from day to day, and to any stated time, as
If a party after being served with a request the expeditious and convenient transaction of
under Rule 26 to admit the genuineness of business may require, but shall have no
any document or the truth of any matter of power to adjourn a trial for a longer period
fact serves a sworn denial thereof and if the than one month for each adjournment nor
party requesting the admissions thereafter more than three months in all, except when
proves the genuineness of such document or authorized in writing by the Court
Administrator, Supreme Court. (3a, R22)
Section 3. Requisites of motion to postpone (f) The parties may then respectively
trial for absence of evidence. — A motion to adduce rebutting evidence only, unless
postpone a trial on the ground of absence of the court, for good reasons and in the
evidence can be granted only upon affidavit furtherance of justice, permits them to
showing the materiality or relevancy of such adduce evidence upon their original
evidence, and that due diligence has been case; and
used to procure it. But if the adverse party
admits the facts to be given in evidence, even (g) Upon admission of the evidence,
if he objects or reserves the right to object to the case shall be deemed submitted for
their admissibility, the trial shall not be decision, unless the court directs the
postponed. (4a, R22; Bar Matter No. 803, 21 parties to argue or to submit their
July 1998) respective memoranda or any further
pleadings.
Section 4. Requisites of motion to postpone
trial for illness of party or counsel. — A If several defendants or third-party
motion to postpone a trial on the ground of defendants, and so forth, having separate
illness of a party or counsel may be granted if defenses appear by different counsel, the
it appears upon affidavit or sworn court shall determine the relative order of
certification that the presence of such party or presentation of their evidence. (1a, R30)
counsel at the trial is indispensable and that
the character of his illness is such as to render Section 6. Agreed statement of facts. — The
his non-attendance excusable. (5a, R22) parties to any action may agree, in writing,
upon the facts involved in the litigation, and
Section 5. Order of trial. — Subject to the submit the case for judgment on the facts
provisions of section 2 of Rule 31, and unless agreed upon, without the introduction of
the court for special reasons otherwise directs, evidence.
the trial shall be limited to the issues stated in
the pre-trial order and shall proceed as If the parties agree only on some of the facts
follows: in issue, the trial shall be held as to the
disputed facts in such order as the court shall
(a) The plaintiff shall adduce evidence prescribe. (2a, R30)
in support of his complaint;
Section 7. Statement of judge. — During the
(b) The defendant shall then adduce hearing or trial of a case any statement made
evidence in support of his defense, by the judge with reference to the case, or to
counterclaim, cross-claim and third- any of the parties, witnesses or counsel, shall
party complaints; be made of record in the stenographic notes.
(3a, R30)
(c) The third-party defendant if any,
shall adduce evidence of his defense, Section 8. Suspension of actions. — The
counterclaim, cross-claim and fourth- suspension of actions shall be governed by
party complaint; the provisions of the Civil Code. (n)

(d) The fourth-party, and so forth, if Section 9. Judge to receive

any, shall adduce evidence of the evidence; delegation to clerk of court. — The
material facts pleaded by them; judge of the court where the case is pending
shall personally receive the evidence to be
(e) The parties against whom any adduced by the parties. However, in default
counterclaim or cross-claim has been or ex parte hearings, and in any case where
pleaded, shall adduce evidence in the parties agree in writing, the court may
support of their defense, in the order delegate the reception of evidence to its clerk
to be prescribed by the court; 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 the commissioner may be directed to
by the court upon submission of his report hear and report upon the whole issue
and the transcripts within ten (10) days from or any specific question involved
termination of the hearing. (n) therein;

(b) When the taking of an account is

necessary for the information of the
RULE 31 court before judgment, or for carrying
a judgment or order into effect.
Consolidation or Severance
(c) When a question of fact, other than
Section 1. Consolidation. — When actions upon the pleadings, arises upon
involving a common question of law or fact motion or otherwise, in any stage of a
are pending before the court, it may order a case, or for carrying a judgment or
joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters order into effect. (2a, R33)
in issue in the actions; it may order all the
actions consolidated, and it may make such Section 3. Order of reference; powers of the
orders concerning proceedings therein as commissioner. — When a reference is made,
may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. the clerk shall forthwith furnish the
(1) commissioner with a copy of the order of
reference. The order may specify or limit the
Section 2. Separate trials. — The court, in powers of the commissioner, and may direct
furtherance of convenience or to avoid him to report only upon particular issues, or
prejudice, may order a separate trial of any to do or perform particular acts, or to receive
claim, cross-claim, counterclaim, or third- and report evidence only and may fix the date
party complaint, or of any separate issue or of for beginning and closing the hearings and
any number of claims, cross-claims, for the filing of his report. Subject to other
counterclaims, third-party complaints or specifications and limitations stated in the
issues. (2a) order, the commissioner has and shall
exercise the power to regulate the
proceedings in every hearing before him and
to do all acts and take all measures necessary
RULE 32
or proper for the efficient performance of his
Trial by Commissioner duties under the order. He may issue
subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum,
Section 1. Reference by consent. — By swear witnesses, and unless otherwise
written consent of both parties, the court may provided in the order of reference, he may
order any or all of the issues in a case to be rule upon the admissibility of evidence. The
referred to a commissioner to be agreed upon trial or hearing before him shall proceed in all
by the parties or to be appointed by the court. respects as it would if held before the court.
As used in these Rules, the word (3a, R33)
"commissioner" includes a referee, an auditor
and an examiner. (1a, R33) Section 4. Oath of commissioner. — Before
entering upon his duties the commissioner
Section 2. Reference ordered on motion. — shall be sworn to a faithful and honest
When the parties do not consent, the court performance thereof. (14, R33)
may, upon the application of either or of its
own motion, direct a reference to a Section 5. Proceedings before
commissioner in the following cases: commissioner. — Upon receipt of the order of
reference and unless otherwise provided
(a) When the trial of an issue of fact therein, the commissioner shall forthwith set
requires the examination of a long a time and place for the first meeting of the
account on either side, in which case parties or their counsel to be held within ten
(10) days after the date of the order of Section 11. Hearing upon report. — Upon
reference and shall notify the parties or their the expiration of the period of ten (10) days
counsel. (5a, R33) referred to in the preceding section, the
report shall be set for hearing, after which the
Section 6. Failure of parties to appear court shall issue an order adopting, modifying,
before commissioner. — If a party fails to or rejecting the report in whole or in part, or
appear at the time and place appointed, the recommitting it with instructions, or
commissioner may proceed ex parte or, in his requiring the parties to present further
discretion, adjourn the proceedings to a evidence before the commissioner or the
future day, giving notice to the absent party court. (11a, R33)
or his counsel of the adjournment. (6a, R33)
Section 12. Stipulations as to findings. —
Section 7. Refusal of witness. — The refusal When the parties stipulate that a
of a witness to obey a subpoena issued by the commissioner's findings of fact shall be final,
commissioner or to give evidence before him, only questions of law shall thereafter be
shall be deemed a contempt of the court considered. (12a, R33)
which appointed the commissioner. (7a R33)
Section 13. Compensation of
Section 8. Commissioner shall avoid commissioner. — The court shall allow the
delays. — It is the duty of the commissioner commissioner such reasonable compensation
to proceed with all reasonable diligence. as the circumstances of the case warrant, to
Either party, on notice to the parties and be taxed as costs against the defeated party,
commissioner, may apply to the court for an or apportioned, as justice requires. (13, R33)
order requiring the commissioner to expedite
the proceedings and to make his report. (8a,
R33)
RULE 33
Section 9. Report of commissioner. — Upon
the completion of the trial or hearing or Demurrer to Evidence
proceeding before the commissioner, he shall
file with the court his report in writing upon Section 1. Demurrer to evidence. — After
the matters submitted to him by the order of the plaintiff has completed the presentation
reference. When his powers are not specified of his evidence, the defendant may move for
or limited, he shall set forth his findings of dismissal on the ground that upon the facts
fact and conclusions of law in his report. He and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to
shall attach thereto all exhibits, affidavits, relief. If his motion is denied he shall have the
depositions, papers and the transcript, if any, right to present evidence. If the motion is
of the testimonial evidence presented before granted but on appeal the order of dismissal
him. (9a, R33) is reversed he shall be deemed to have waived
the right to present evidence. (1a, R35)
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) days within which to RULE 34
signify grounds of objections to the findings
Judgment on the Pleadings
of the report, if they so desire. Objections to
the report based upon grounds which were Section 1. Judgment on the pleadings. —
available to the parties during the Where an answer fails to tender an issue, or
proceedings before the commissioner, other otherwise admits the material allegations of
than objections to the findings and the adverse party's pleading, the court may;
conclusions therein, set forth, shall not be on motion of that party, direct judgment on
considered by the court unless they were such pleading. However, in actions for
made before the commissioner. (10, R33) declaration of nullity or annulment of
marriage or for legal separation, the material controverted. It shall thereupon make an
facts alleged in the complaint shall always be order specifying the facts that appear without
proved. (1a, R19) 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.
RULE 35 The facts so specified shall be deemed
established, and the trial shall be conducted
Summary Judgments on the controverted facts accordingly. (4a,
R34)
Section 1. Summary judgment for
claimant. — A party seeking to recover upon Section 5. Form of affidavits and
a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to supporting papers. — Supporting and
obtain a declaratory relief may, at any time opposing affidavits shall be made on personal
after the pleading in answer thereto has been knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would
served, move with supporting affidavits, be admissible in evidence, and shall show
depositions or admissions for a summary affirmatively that the affiant is competent to
judgment in his favor upon all or any part testify to the matters stated therein. Certified
thereof. (1a, R34) true copies of all papers or parts thereof
referred to in the affidavit shall be attached
Section 2. Summary judgment for
thereto or served therewith. (5a, R34)
defending party. — A party against whom a
claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is Section 6. Affidavits in bad faith. — Should
asserted or a declaratory relief is sought may, it appear to its satisfaction at any time that
at any time, move with supporting affidavits, any of the affidavits presented pursuant to
depositions or admissions for a summary this Rule are presented in bad faith, or solely
judgment in his favor as to all or any part for the purpose of delay, the court shall
thereof. (2a, R34) forthwith order the offending party or counsel
to pay to the other party the amount of the
Section 3. Motion and proceedings
reasonable expenses which the filing of the
thereon. — The motion shall be served at least
affidavits caused him to incur including
ten (10) days before the time specified for the
attorney's fees, it may, after hearing further
hearing. The adverse party may serve
adjudge the offending party or counsel guilty
opposing affidavits, depositions, or
of contempt. (6a, R34)
admissions at least three (3) days before the
hearing. After the hearing, the judgment
sought shall be rendered forthwith if the
pleadings, supporting affidavits, depositions, RULE 36
and admissions on file, show that, except as
to the amount of damages, there is no Judgments, Final Orders and Entry
genuine issue as to any material fact and that Thereof
the moving party is entitled to a judgment as
a matter of law. (3a, R34) Section 1. Rendition of judgments and final
orders. — A judgment or final order
Section 4. Case not fully adjudicated on determining the merits of the case shall be in
motion. — If on motion under this Rule, writing personally and directly prepared by
judgment is not rendered upon the whole the judge, stating clearly and distinctly the
case or for all the reliefs sought and a trial is facts and the law on which it is based, signed
necessary, the court at the hearing of the by him, and filed with the clerk of the court.
motion, by examining the pleadings and the (1a)
evidence before it and by interrogating
counsel shall ascertain what material facts Section 2. Entry of judgments and final
exist without substantial controversy and orders. — If no appeal or motion for new trial
what are actually and in good faith or reconsideration is filed within the time
provided in these Rules, the judgment or final judgment shall set out their individual or
order shall forthwith be entered by the clerk proper names, if known. (6a)
in the book of entries of judgments. The date
of finality of the judgment or final order shall
be deemed to be the date of its entry. The
record shall contain the dispositive part of the RULE 37
judgment or final order and shall be signed by
the clerk, within a certificate that such New Trial or Reconsiderations
judgment or final order has become final and
Section 1. Grounds of and period for filing
executory. (2a, 10, R51)
motion for new trial or reconsideration. —
Section 3. Judgment for or against one or Within the period for taking an appeal, the
more of several parties. — Judgment may be aggrieved party may move the trial court to
given for or against one or more of several set aside the judgment or final order and
plaintiffs and for or against one or more of grant a new trial for one or more of the
several defendants. When justice so demands, following causes materially affecting the
the court may require the parties on each side substantial rights of said party:
to file adversary pleadings as between
(a) Fraud, accident, mistake or
themselves and determine their ultimate
excusable negligence which ordinary
rights and obligations. (3)
prudence could not have guarded
Section 4. Several judgments. — In an against and by reason of which such
action against several defendants, the court aggrieved party has probably been
may, when a several judgment is proper, impaired in his rights; or
render judgment against one or more of them,
(b) Newly discovered evidence, which
leaving the action to proceed against the
he could not, with reasonable diligence,
others. (4)
have discovered and produced at the
Section 5. Separate judgments. — When trial, and which if presented would
more than one claim for relief is presented in probably alter the result.
an action, the court, at any stage, upon a
Within the same period, the aggrieved party
determination of the issues material to a
may also move for reconsideration upon the
particular claim and all counterclaims arising
grounds that the damages awarded are
out of the transaction or occurrence which is
excessive, that the evidence is insufficient to
the subject matter of the claim, may render a
justify the decision or final order, or that the
separate judgment disposing of such claim.
decision or final order is contrary to law. (1a)
The judgment shall terminate the action with
respect to the claim so disposed of and the Section 2. Contents of motion for new trial
action shall proceed as to the remaining or reconsideration and notice thereof. — The
claims. In case a separate judgment is motion shall be made in writing stating the
rendered the court by order may stay its ground or grounds therefor, a written notice
enforcement until the rendition of a of which shall be served by the movant on the
subsequent judgment or judgments and may adverse party.
prescribe such conditions as may be
necessary to secure the benefit thereof to the A motion for new trial shall be proved in the
party in whose favor the judgment is manner provided for proof of motion. A
rendered. (5a) motion for the cause mentioned in paragraph
(a) of the preceding section shall be
Section 6. Judgment against entity without supported by affidavits of merits which may
juridical personality. — When judgment is be rebutted by affidavits. A motion for the
rendered against two or more persons sued as cause mentioned in paragraph (b) shall be
an entity without juridical personality, the supported by affidavits of the witnesses by
whom such evidence is expected to be given,
or by duly authenticated documents which issues, shall be used at the new trial without
are proposed to be introduced in evidence. retaking the same. (5a)

A motion for reconsideration shall point out a Section 7. Partial new trial or
specifically the findings or conclusions of the reconsideration. — If the grounds for a
judgment or final order which are not motion under this Rule appear to the court to
supported by the evidence or which are affect the issues as to only a part, or less than
contrary to law making express reference to an of the matter in controversy, or only one,
the testimonial or documentary evidence or or less than all, of the parties to it, the court
to the provisions of law alleged to be contrary may order a new trial or grant
to such findings or conclusions. reconsideration as to such issues if severable
without interfering with the judgment or final
A pro forma motion for new trial or order upon the rest. (6a)
reconsideration shall not toll the
reglementary period of appeal. (2a) Section 8. Effect of order for partial new
trial. — When less than all of the issues are
Section 3. Action upon motion for new trial ordered retried, the court may either enter a
or reconsideration. — The trial court may set judgment or final order as to the rest, or stay
aside the judgment or final order and grant a the enforcement of such judgment or final
new trial, upon such terms as may be just, or order until after the new trial. (7a)
may deny the motion. If the court finds that
excessive damages have been awarded or that Section 9. Remedy against order denying a
the judgment or final order is contrary to the motion for new trial or reconsideration. —
evidence or law, it may amend such judgment An order denying a motion for new trial or
or final order accordingly. (3a) reconsideration is not appealed, the remedy
being an appeal from the judgment or final
Section 4. Resolution of motion. — A order. (n)
motion for new trial or reconsideration shall
be resolved within thirty (30) days from the
time it is submitted for resolution. (n)
RULE 38
Section 5. Second motion for new trial. — A
motion for new trial shall include all grounds Relief from Judgments, Orders, or
then available and those not so included shall Other Proceedings
be deemed waived. A second motion for new
trial, based on a ground not existing nor Section 1. Petition for relief from
available when the first motion was made, judgment, order, or other proceedings. —
may be filed within the time herein provided When a judgment or final order is entered, or
excluding the time during which the first any other proceeding is thereafter taken
motion had been pending. against a party in any court through fraud,
accident, mistake, or excusable negligence, he
No party shall be allowed a second motion for may file a petition in such court and in the
reconsideration of a judgment or final order same case praying that the judgment, order
(4a, 4, IRG) or proceeding be set aside. (2a)

Section 6. Effect of granting of motion for Section 2. Petition for relief from denial of
new trial. — If a new trial is granted in appeal. — When a judgment or final order is
accordance with the provisions of this Rules rendered by any court in a case, and a party
the original judgment or final order shall be thereto, by fraud, accident, mistake, or
vacated, and the action shall stand for trialde excusable negligence, has been prevented
novo; but the recorded evidence taken upon from taking an appeal, he may file a petition
the former trial, insofar as the same is in such court and in the same case praying
material and competent to establish the that the appeal be given due course. (1a)
Section 3. Time for filing petition; contents terms as may be just. Thereafter the case shall
and verification. — A petition provided for in stand as if such judgment, final order or other
either of the preceding sections of this Rule proceeding had never been rendered, issued
must be verified, filed within sixty (60) days or taken. The court shall then proceed to hear
after the petitioner learns of the judgment, and determine the case as if a timely motion
final order, or other proceeding to be set for a new trial or reconsideration had been
aside, and not more than six (6) months after granted by it. (6a)
such judgment or final order was entered, or
such proceeding was taken, and must be Section 7. Procedure where the denial of an
accompanied with affidavits showing the appeal is set aside. — Where the denial of an
fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable appeal is set aside, the lower court shall be
negligence relied upon, and the facts required to give due course to the appeal and
constituting the petitioner's good and to elevate the record of the appealed case as if
substantial cause of action or defense, as the a timely and proper appeal had been made.
case may be. (3) (7a)

Section 4. Order to file an answer. — If the

petition is sufficient in form and substance to
justify relief, the court in which it is filed, RULE 39
shall issue an order requiring the adverse
parties to answer the same within fifteen (15) Execution, Satisfaction and Effect of
days from the receipt thereof. The order shall Judgments
be served in such manner as the court may
Section 1. Execution upon judgments or
direct, together with copies of the petition
final orders. — Execution shall issue as a
and the accompanying affidavits. (4a)
matter of right, or motion, upon a judgment
Section 5. Preliminary injunction pending or order that disposes of the action or
proceedings. — The court in which the proceeding upon the expiration of the period
petition is filed may grant such preliminary to appeal therefrom if no appeal has been
injunction as may be necessary for the duly perfected. (1a)
preservation of the rights of the parties, upon
If the appeal has been duly perfected and
the filing by the petitioner of a bond in favor
finally resolved, the execution may forthwith
of the adverse party, conditioned that if the
be applied for in the court of origin, on
petition is dismissed or the petitioner fails on
motion of the judgment obligee, submitting
the trial of the case upon its merits, he will
therewith certified true copies of the
pay the adverse party all damages and costs
judgment or judgments or final order or
that may be awarded to him by reason of the
orders sought to be enforced and of the entry
issuance of such injunction or the other
thereof, with notice to the adverse party.
proceedings following the petition, but such
injunction shall not operate to discharge or The appellate court may, on motion in the
extinguish any lien which the adverse party same case, when the interest of justice so
may have acquired upon, the property, of the requires, direct the court of origin to issue the
petitioner. (5a) writ of execution. (n)
Section 6. Proceedings after answer is Section 2. Discretionary execution. —
filed. — After the filing of the answer or the
expiration of the period therefor, the court (a) Execution of a judgment or final
shall hear the petition and if after such order pending appeal. — On motion of
hearing, it finds that the allegations thereof the prevailing party with notice to the
are not true, the petition shall be dismissed; adverse party filed in the trial court
but if it finds said allegations to be true, it while it has jurisdiction over the case
shall set aside the judgment or final order or and is in possession of either the
other proceeding complained of upon such original record or the record on appeal,
 as the case may be, at the time of the Section 5. Effect of reversal of executed
filing of such motion, said court may, judgment. — Where the executed judgment is
in its discretion, order execution of a reversed totally or partially, or annulled, on
judgment or final order even before appeal or otherwise, the trial court may, on
the expiration of the period to appeal. motion, issue such orders of restitution or
reparation of damages as equity and justice
After the trial court has lost may warrant under the circumstances. (5a)
jurisdiction the motion for execution
pending appeal may be filed in the Section 6. Execution by motion or by
appellate court. independent action. — A final and executory
judgment or order may be executed on
Discretionary execution may only issue motion within five (5) years from the date of
upon good reasons to be stated in a its entry. After the lapse of such time, and
special order after due hearing. before it is barred by the statute of limitations,
a judgment may be enforced by action. The
(b) Execution of several, separate or revived judgment may also be enforced by
partial judgments. — A several, motion within five (5) years from the date of
separate or partial judgment may be its entry and thereafter by action before it is
executed under the same terms and barred by the statute of limitations. (6a)
conditions as execution of a judgment
or final order pending appeal. (2a) Section 7. Execution in case of death of
party. — In case of the death of a party,
Section 3. Stay of discretionary execution may issue or be enforced in the
execution. — Discretionary execution issued following manner:
under the preceding section may be stayed
upon approval by the proper court of a (a) In case of the death of the
sufficient supersedeas bond filed by the party judgment obligee, upon the application
against whom it is directed, conditioned upon of his executor or administrator, or
the performance of the judgment or order successor in interest;
allowed to be executed in case it shall be
finally sustained in whole or in part. The (b) In case of the death of the
bond thus given may be proceeded against on judgment obligor, against his executor
motion with notice to the surety. (3a ) or administrator or successor in
interest, if the judgment be for the
Section 4. Judgments not stayed by recovery of real or personal property,
appeal. — Judgments in actions for or the enforcement of a lien thereon;
injunction, receivership, accounting and
support, and such other judgments as are (c) In case of the death of the judgment
now or may hereafter be declared to be obligor, after execution is actually
immediately executory, shall be enforceable levied upon any of his property, the
after their rendition and shall not, be stayed same may be sold for the satisfaction
by an appeal taken therefrom, unless of the judgment obligation, and the
otherwise ordered by the trial court. On officer making the sale shall account to
appeal therefrom, the appellate court in its the corresponding executor or
discretion may make an order suspending, administrator for any surplus in his
modifying, restoring or granting the hands. (7a)
injunction, receivership, accounting, or award
of support. Section 8. Issuance, form and contents of a
writ of execution. — The writ of execution
The stay of execution shall be upon such shall: (1) issue in the name of the Republic of
terms as to bond or otherwise as may be the Philippines from the court which granted
considered proper for the security or the motion; (2) state the name of the court,
protection of the rights of the adverse party. the case number and title, the dispositive part
(4a) of the subject judgment or order; and (3)
require the sheriff or other proper officer to of a judgment for money by
whom it is directed to enforce the writ demanding from the judgment obligor
according to its terms, in the manner the immediate payment of the full
hereinafter provided: amount stated in the writ of execution
and all lawful fees. The judgment
(a) If the execution be against the obligor shall pay in cash, certified bank
property of the judgment obligor, to check payable to the judgment obligee,
satisfy the judgment, with interest, out or any other form of payment
of the real or personal property of such acceptable to the latter, the amount of
judgment obligor; the judgment debt under proper
receipt directly to the judgment obligee
(b) If it be against real or personal or his authorized representative if
property in the hands of personal present at the time of payment. The
representatives, heirs, devisees, lawful fees shall be handed under
legatees, tenants, or trustees of the proper receipt to the executing sheriff
judgment obligor, to satisfy the who shall turn over the said amount
judgment, with interest, out of such within the same day to the clerk of
property; court of the court that issued the writ.
(c) If it be for the sale of real or If the judgment obligee or his
personal property to sell such property authorized representative is not
describing it, and apply the proceeds in present to receive payment, the
conformity with the judgment, the judgment obligor shall deliver the
material parts of which shall be recited aforesaid payment to the executing
in the writ of execution; sheriff. The latter shall turn over all the
amounts coming into his possession
(d) If it be for the delivery of the within the same day to the clerk of
possession of real or personal property, court of the court that issued the writ,
to deliver the possession of the same, or if the same is not practicable,
describing it, to the party entitled deposit said amounts to a fiduciary
thereto, and to satisfy any costs, account in the nearest government
damages, rents, or profits covered by depository bank of the Regional Trial
the judgment out of the personal Court of the locality.
property of the person against whom it
was rendered, and if sufficient The clerk of said court shall thereafter
personal property cannot be found, arrange for the remittance of the
then out of the real property; and deposit to the account of the court that
issued the writ whose clerk of court
(e) In all cases, the writ of execution shall then deliver said payment to the
shall specifically state the amount of judgment obligee in satisfaction of the
the interest, costs, damages, rents, or judgment. The excess, if any, shall be
profits due as of the date of the delivered to the judgment obligor
issuance of the writ, aside from the while the lawful fees shall be retained
principal obligation under the by the clerk of court for disposition as
judgment. For this purpose, the provided by law. In no case shall the
motion for execution shall specify the executing sheriff demand that any
amounts of the foregoing reliefs sought payment by check be made payable to
by the movant.(8a) him.
Section 9. Execution of judgments for (b) Satisfaction by levy. — If the
money, how enforced. — judgment obligor cannot pay all or part
of the obligation in cash, certified bank
(a) Immediate payment on demand. —
check or other mode of payment
The officer shall enforce an execution
acceptable to the judgment obligee, the The garnishee shall make a written
officer shall levy upon the properties of report to the court within five (5) days
the judgment obligor of every kind and from service of the notice of
nature whatsoever which may be garnishment stating whether or not
disposed, of for value and not the judgment obligor has sufficient
otherwise exempt from execution funds or credits to satisfy the amount
giving the latter the option to of the judgment. If not, the report shall
immediately choose which property or state how much funds or credits the
part thereof may be levied upon, garnishee holds for the judgment
sufficient to satisfy the judgment. If obligor. The garnished amount in cash,
the judgment obligor does not exercise or certified bank check issued in the
the option, the officer shall first levy on name of the judgment obligee, shall be
the personal properties, if any, and delivered directly to the judgment
then on the real properties if the obligee within ten (10) working days
personal properties are insufficient to from service of notice on said
answer for the judgment. garnishee requiring such delivery,
except the lawful fees which shall be
The sheriff shall sell only a sufficient paid directly to the court.
portion of the personal or real property
of the judgment obligor which has In the event there are two or more
been levied upon. garnishees holding deposits or credits
sufficient to satisfy the judgment, the
When there is more property of the judgment obligor, if available, shall
judgment obligor than is sufficient to have the right to indicate the garnishee
satisfy the judgment and lawful fees, or garnishees who shall be required to
he must sell only so much of the deliver the amount due, otherwise, the
personal or real property as is choice shall be made by the judgment
sufficient to satisfy the judgment and obligee.
lawful fees.
The executing sheriff shall observe the
Real property, stocks, shares, debts, same procedure under paragraph (a)
credits, and other personal property, with respect to delivery of payment to
or any interest in either real or the judgment obligee. (8a, 15a)
personal property, may be levied upon
in like manner and with like effect as Section 10. Execution of judgments for
under a writ of attachment. specific act. —

(c) Garnishment of debts and (a) Conveyance, delivery of deeds, or

credits. — The officer may levy on other specific acts; vesting title. — If a
debts due the judgment obligor and judgment directs a party to execute a
other credits, including bank deposits, conveyance of land or personal
financial interests, royalties, property, or to deliver deeds or other
commissions and other personal documents, or to perform, any other
property not capable of manual specific act in connection therewith,
delivery in the possession or control of and the party fails to comply within the
third parties. Levy shall be made by time specified, the court may direct the
serving notice upon the person owing act to be done at the cost of the
such debts or having in his possession disobedient party by some other
or control such credits to which the person appointed by the court and the
judgment obligor is entitled. The act when so done shall have like effect
garnishment shall cover only such as if done by the party. If real or
amount as will satisfy the judgment personal property is situated within
and all lawful fees. the Philippines, the court in lieu of
directing a conveyance thereof may by take possession of the same and
an order divest the title of any party forthwith deliver it to the party entitled
and vest it in others, which shall have thereto and satisfy any judgment for
the force and effect of a conveyance money as therein provided. (8a)
executed in due form of law. (10a)
Section 11. Execution of special
(b) Sale of real or personal judgments. — When a judgment requires the
property. — If the judgment be for the performance of any act other than those
sale of real or personal property, to sell mentioned in the two preceding sections, a
such property, describing it, and apply certified copy of the judgment shall be
the proceeds in conformity with the attached to the writ of execution and shall be
judgment. (8[c]a) served by the officer upon the party against
whom the same is rendered, or upon any
(c) Delivery or restitution of real other person required thereby, or by law, to
property. — The officer shall demand obey the same, and such party or person may
of the person against whom the be punished for contempt if he disobeys such
judgment for the delivery or restitution judgment. (9a)
of real property is rendered and all
persons claiming rights under him to Section 12. Effect of levy on execution as to
peaceably vacate the property within third person. — The levy on execution shall
three (3) working days, and restore create a lien in favor of the judgment obligee
possession thereof to the judgment over the right, title and interest of the
obligee, otherwise, the officer shall judgment obligor in such property at the time
oust all such persons therefrom with of the levy, subject to liens and encumbrances
the assistance, if necessary, of then existing. (16a)
appropriate peace officers, and
employing such means as may be Section 13. Property exempt from
reasonably necessary to retake execution. — Except as otherwise expressly
possession, and place the judgment provided by law, the following property, and
obligee in possession of such property. no other, shall be exempt from execution:
Any costs, damages, rents or profits
awarded by the judgment shall be (a) The judgment obligor's family
satisfied in the same manner as a home as provided by law, or the
judgment for money. (13a) homestead in which he resides, and
land necessarily used in connection
(d) Removal of improvements on therewith;
property subject of execution. — When
the property subject of the execution (b) Ordinary tools and implements
contains improvements constructed or personally used by him in his trade,
planted by the judgment obligor or his employment, or livelihood;
agent, the officer shall not destroy,
demolish or remove said (c) Three horses, or three cows, or
improvements except upon special three carabaos, or other beasts of
order of the court, issued upon motion burden, such as the judgment obligor
of the judgment obligee after the may select necessarily used by him in
hearing and after the former has failed his ordinary occupation;
to remove the same within a
(d) His necessary clothing and articles
reasonable time fixed by the court.
for ordinary personal use, excluding
(14a)
jewelry;
(e) Delivery of personal property. —
(e) Household furniture and utensils
In judgment for the delivery of
necessary for housekeeping, and used
personal property, the officer shall
for that purpose by the judgment
 obligor and his family, such as the writ, the officer shall report to the court and
judgment obligor may select, of a value state the reason therefor. Such writ shall
not exceeding one hundred thousand continue in effect during the period within
pesos; which the judgment may be enforced by
motion. The officer shall make a report to the
(f) Provisions for individual or family court every thirty (30) days on the
use sufficient for four months; proceedings taken thereon until the judgment
is satisfied in full, or its effectivity expires.
(g) The professional libraries and The returns or periodic reports shall set forth
equipment of judges, lawyers, the whole of the proceedings taken, and shall
physicians, pharmacists, dentists, be filed with the court and copies thereof
engineers, surveyors, clergymen, promptly furnished the parties. (11a)
teachers, and other professionals, not
exceeding three hundred thousand Section 15. Notice of sale of property on
pesos in value; execution. — Before the sale of property on
execution, notice thereof must be given as
(h) One fishing boat and accessories follows:
not exceeding the total value of one
hundred thousand pesos owned by a (a) In case of perishable property, by
fisherman and by the lawful use of posting written notice of the time and
which he earns his livelihood; place of the sale in three (3) public
places, preferably in conspicuous areas
(i) So much of the salaries, wages, or of the municipal or city hall, post office
earnings of the judgment obligor for and public market in the municipality
his personal services within the four or city where the sale is to take place,
months preceding the levy as are for such time as may be reasonable,
necessary for the support of his family; considering the character and
condition of the property;
(j) Lettered gravestones;
(b) In case of other personal property,
(k) Monies, benefits, privileges, or by posting a similar notice in the three
annuities accruing or in any manner (3) public places above-mentioned for
growing out of any life insurance; not less than five (5) days;
(l) The right to receive legal support, or (c) In case of real property, by posting
money or property obtained as such for twenty (20) days in the three (3)
support, or any pension or gratuity public places abovementioned a
from the Government; similar notice particularly describing
the property and stating where the
(m) Properties specially exempted by
property is to be sold, and if the
law.
assessed value of the property exceeds
But no article or species of property fifty thousand (P50,000.00) pesos, by
mentioned in this section shall be exempt publishing a copy of the notice once a
from execution issued upon a judgment week for two (2) consecutive weeks in
recovered for its price or upon a judgment of one newspaper selected by raffle,
foreclosure of a mortgage thereon. (12a) whether in English, Filipino, or any
major regional language published,
Section 14. Return of writ of execution. — edited and circulated or, in the absence
The writ of execution shall be returnable to thereof, having general circulation in
the court issuing it immediately after the the province or city;
judgment has been satisfied in part or in full.
If the judgment cannot be satisfied in full (d) In all cases, written notice of the
within thirty (30) days after his receipt of the sale shall be given to the judgment
 obligor, at least three (3) days before Nothing herein contained shall prevent such
the sale, except as provided in claimant or any third person from vindicating
paragraph (a) hereof where notice his claim to the property in a separate action,
shall be given the same manner as or prevent the judgment obligee from
personal service of pleadings and other claiming damages in the same or a separate
papers as provided by section 6 of Rule action against a third-party claimant who
13. filed a frivolous or plainly spurious claim.

The notice shall specify the place, date and When the writ of execution is issued in favor
exact time of the sale which should not be of the Republic of the Philippines, or any
earlier than nine o'clock in the morning and officer duly representing it, the filing of such
not later than two o'clock in the afternoon. bond shall not be required, and in case the
The place of the sale may be agreed upon by sheriff or levying officer is sued for damages
the parties. In the absence of such agreement, as a result of the levy, he shall be represented
the sale of the property or personal property by the Solicitor General and if held liable
not capable of manual delivery shall be held therefor, the actual damages adjudged by the
in the office of the clerk of court of the court shall be paid by the National Treasurer
Regional Trial Court or the Municipal Trial out of such funds as may be appropriated for
Court which issued the writ of or which was the purpose. (17a)
designated by the appellate court. In the case
of personal property capable of manual Section 17. Penalty for selling without
delivery, the sale shall be held in the place notice, or removing or defacing notice. — An
where the property is located. (18a) officer selling without the notice prescribed
by section 15 of this Rule shall be liable to pay
Section 16. Proceedings where property punitive damages in the amount of five
claimed by third person. — If the property thousand (P5,000.00) pesos to any person
levied on is claimed by any person other than injured thereby, in addition to his actual
the judgment obligor or his agent, and such damages, both to be recovered by motion in
person makes an affidavit of his title thereto the same action; and a person willfully
or right to the possession thereof, stating the removing or defacing the notice posted, if
grounds of such right or title, and serves the done before the sale, or before the satisfaction
same upon the officer making the levy and of the judgment if it be satisfied before the
copy thereof, stating the grounds of such right sale, shall be liable to pay five thousand
or tittle, and a serves the same upon the (P5,000.00) pesos to any person injured by
officer making the levy and a copy thereof reason thereof, in addition to his actual
upon the judgment obligee, the officer shall damages, to be recovered by motion in the
not be bound to keep the property, unless same action. (19a)
such judgment obligee, on demand of the
officer, files a bond approved by the court to Section 18. No sale if judgment and costs
indemnity the third-party claimant in a sum paid. — At any time before the sale of
not less than the value of the property levied property on execution, the judgment obligor
on. In case of disagreement as to such value, may prevent the sale by paying the amount
the same shall be determined by the court required by the execution and the costs that
issuing the writ of execution. No claim for have been incurred therein. (20a)
damages for the taking or keeping of the
property may be enforced against the bond Section 19. How property sold on
unless the action therefor is filed within one execution; who may direct manner and
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of order of sale. — All sales of property under
the filing of the bond. execution must be made at public auction, to
the highest bidder, to start at the exact time
The officer shall not be liable for damages for fixed in the notice. After sufficient property
the taking or keeping of the property, to any has been sold to satisfy the execution, no
third-party claimant if such bond is filed. more shall be sold and any excess property or
proceeds of the sale shall be promptly representatives, the officer may adjourn the
delivered to the judgment obligor or his sale to any date and time agreed upon by
authorized representative, unless otherwise them. Without such agreement, he may
directed by the judgment or order of the court. adjourn the sale from day to day if it becomes
When the sale is of real property, consisting necessary to do so for lack of time to complete
of several known lots, they must be sold the sale on the day fixed in the notice or the
separately; or, when a portion of such real day to which it was adjourned. (24a)
property is claimed by a third person, he may
require it to be sold separately. When the sale Section 23. Conveyance to purchaser of
is of personal property capable of manual personal property capable of manual
delivery, it must be sold within view of those delivery. — When the purchaser of any
attending the same and in such parcels as are personal property, capable of manual delivery,
likely to bring the highest price. The pays the purchase price, the officer making
judgment obligor, if present at the sale, may the sale must deliver the property to the
direct the order in which property, real or purchaser and, if desired, execute and deliver
personal shall be sold, when such property to him a certificate of sale. The sale conveys
consists of several known lots or parcels to the purchaser all the rights which the
which can be sold to advantage separately. judgment obligor had in such property as of
Neither the officer conducting the execution the date of the levy on execution or
sale, nor his deputies, can become a preliminary attachment. (25a)
purchaser, nor be interested directly or
indirectly in any purchase at such sale. (21a) Section 24. Conveyance to purchaser of
personal property not capable of manual
Section 20. Refusal of purchaser to pay. — delivery. — When the purchaser of any
If a purchaser refuses to pay the amount bid personal property, not capable of manual
by him for property struck off to him at a sale delivery, pays the purchase price, the officer
under execution, the officer may again sell the making the sale must execute and deliver to
property to the highest bidder and shall not the purchaser a certificate of sale. Such
be responsible for any loss occasioned certificate conveys to the purchaser all the
thereby; but the court may order the refusing rights which the judgment obligor had in such
purchaser to pay into the court the amount of property as of the date of the levy on
such loss, with costs, and may punish him for execution or preliminary attachment. (26a)
contempt if he disobeys the order. The
amount of such payment shall be for the Section 25. Conveyance of real
benefit of the person entitled to the proceeds property; certificate thereof given to
of the execution, unless the execution has purchaser and filed with registry of deeds. —
been fully satisfied, in which event such Upon a sale of real property, the officer must
proceeds shall be for the benefit of the give to the purchaser a certificate of sale
judgment obligor. The officer may thereafter containing:
reject any subsequent bid of such purchaser
who refuses to pay. (22a) (a) A particular description of the real
property sold;
Section 21. Judgment obligee as
purchaser. — When the purchaser is the (b) The price paid for each distinct lot
judgment obligee, and no third-party claim or parcel;
has been filed, he need not pay the amount of
(c) The whole price paid by him;
the bid if it does not exceed the amount of his
judgment. If it does, he shall pay only the (d) A statement that the right of
excess. (23a) redemption expires one (1) year from
the date of the registration of the
Section 22. Adjournment of sale. — By
certificate of sale.
written consent of the judgment obligor and
obligee, or their duly authorized
Such certificate must be registered in the redemption upon payment of the sum paid on
registry of deeds of the place where the the last redemption, with two per
property is situated. (27 a) centum thereon in addition and the amount
of any assessments or taxes which the last
Section 26. Certificate of sale where redemptioner may have paid thereon after
property claimed by third person. — When a redemption by him, with interest on such last
property sold by virtue of a writ of execution named amount, and in addition, the amount
has been claimed by a third person, the of any liens held by said last redemptioner
certificate of sale to be issued by the sheriff prior to his own, with interest. The property
pursuant to sections 23, 24 and 25 of this may be again, and as often as a redemptioner
Rule shall make express mention of the is so disposed, redeemed from any previous
existence of such third-party claim. (28a) redemptioner within sixty (60) days after the
last redemption, on paying the sum paid on
Section 27. Who may redeem real property the last previous redemption, with two per
so sold. — Real property sold as provided in centum thereon in addition, and the amounts
the last preceding section, or any part thereof of any assessments or taxes which the last
sold separately, may be redeemed in the previous redemptioner paid after the
manner hereinafter provided, by the redemption thereon, with interest thereon,
following persons: and the amount of any liens held by the last
redemptioner prior to his own, with interest.
(a) The judgment obligor; or his
successor in interest in the whole or Written notice of any redemption must be
any part of the property; given to the officer who made the sale and a
duplicate filed with the registry of deeds of
(b) A creditor having a lien by virtue of the place, and if any assessments or taxes are
an attachment, judgment or mortgage paid by the redemptioner or if he has or
on the property sold, or on some part acquires any lien other than that upon which
thereof, subsequent to the lien under the redemption was made, notice thereof
which the property was sold. Such must in like manner be given to the officer
redeeming creditor is termed a and filed with the registry of deeds; if such
redemptioner. (29a) notice be not filed, the property may be
redeemed without paying such assessments,
Section 28. Time and manner of, and
taxes, or liens. (30a)
amounts payable on, successive
redemptions; notice to be given and filed. — Section 29. Effect of redemption by
The judgment obligor, or redemptioner, may judgment obligor, and a certificate to be
redeem the property from the purchaser, at delivered and recorded thereupon; to whom
any time within one (1) year from the date of payments on redemption made. — If the
the registration of the certificate of sale, by judgment obligor redeems he must make the
paying the purchaser the amount of his same payments as are required to effect a
purchase, with the per centum per month redemption by a redemptioner, whereupon,
interest thereon in addition, up to the time of no further redemption shall be allowed and
redemption, together with the amount of any he is restored to his estate. The person to
assessments or taxes which the purchaser whom the redemption payment is made must
may have paid thereon after purchase, and execute and deliver to him a certificate of
interest on such last named amount at the redemption acknowledged before a notary
same rate; and if the purchaser be also a public or other officer authorized to take
creditor having a prior lien to that of the acknowledgments of conveyances of real
redemptioner, other than the judgment under property. Such certificate must be filed and
which such purchase was made, the amount recorded in the registry of deeds of the place
of such other lien, with interest. in which the property is situated and the
registrar of deeds must note the record
Property so redeemed may again be
thereof on the margin of the record of the
redeemed within sixty (60) days after the last
certificate of sale. The payments mentioned Section 33. Deed and possession to be given
in this and the last preceding sections may be at expiration of redemption period; by whom
made to the purchaser or redemptioner, or executed or given. — If no redemption be
for him to the officer who made the sale. (31a) made within one (1) year from the date of the
registration of the certificate of sale, the
Section 30. Proof required of purchaser is entitled to a conveyance and
redemptioner. — A redemptioner must possession of the property; or, if so redeemed
produce to the officer, or person from whom whenever sixty (60) days have elapsed and no
he seeks to redeem, and serve with his notice other redemption has been made, and notice
to the officer a copy of the judgment or final thereof given, and the time for redemption
order under which he claims the right to has expired, the last redemptioner is entitled
redeem, certified by the clerk of the court to the conveyance and possession; but in all
wherein the judgment or final order is cases the judgment obligor shall have the
entered, or, if he redeems upon a mortgage or entire period of one (1) year from the date of
other lien, a memorandum of the record the registration of the sale to redeem the
thereof, certified by the registrar of deeds, or property. The deed shall be executed by the
an original or certified copy of any officer making the sale or by his successor in
assignment necessary to establish his claim; office, and in the latter case shall have the
and an affidavit executed by him or his agent, same validity as though the officer making
showing the amount then actually due on the the sale had continued in office and executed
lien. (32a) it.
Section 31. Manner of using premises Upon the expiration of the right of
pending redemption; waste restrained. — redemption, the purchaser or redemptioner
Until the expiration of the time allowed for shall be substituted to and acquire all the
redemption, the court may, as in other proper rights, title, interest and claim of the
cases, restrain the commission of waste on judgment obligor to the property as of the
the property by injunction, on the application time of the levy. The possession of the
of the purchaser or the judgment obligee, property shall be given to the purchaser or
with or without notice; but it is not waste for last redemptioner by the same officer unless a
a person in possession of the property at the third party adversely to the judgment obligor.
time of the sale, or entitled to possession (35a)
afterwards, during the period allowed for
redemption, to continue to use it in the same Section 34. Recovery of price if sale not
manner in which it was previously used, or to effective; revival of judgment. — If the
use it in the ordinary course of husbandry; or purchaser of real property sold on execution,
to make the necessary repairs to buildings or his successor in interest, fails to recover
thereon while he occupies the property. (33a) the possession thereof, or is evicted therefrom,
in consequence of irregularities in the
Section 32. Rents, earnings and income of proceedings concerning the sale, or because
property pending redemption. — The the judgment has been reversed or set aside,
purchaser or a redemptioner shall not be or because the property sold was exempt from
entitled to receive the rents, earnings and execution, or because a third person has
income of the property sold on execution, or vindicated his claim to the property, he may
the value of the use and occupation thereof on motion in the same action or in a separate
when such property is in the possession of a action recover from the judgment obligee the
tenant. All rents, earnings and income price paid, with interest, or so much thereof
derived from the property pending as has not been delivered to the judgment
redemption shall belong to the judgment obligor, or he may, on motion, have the
obligor until the expiration of his period of original judgment revived in his name for the
redemption. (34a) whole price with interest, or so much thereof
as has been delivered to the judgment obligor.
The judgment so revived shall have the same
force and effect as an original judgment juridical entity, or any officer, or member
would have as of the date of the revival and thereof, to appear before the court or a
no more. (36a) commissioner appointed by it, at a time and
place within the province or city where such
Section 35. Right to contribution or debtor resides or is found, and be examined
reimbursement. — When property liable to concerning the same. The service of the order
an execution against several persons is sold shall bind all credits due the judgment obligor
thereon, and more than a due proportion of and all money and property of the judgment
the judgment is satisfied out of the proceeds obligor in the possession or in the control of
of the sale of the property of one of them, or such person corporation, or juridical entity
one of them pays, without a sale, more than from the time of service; and the court may
his proportion, he may compel a contribution also require notice of such proceedings to be
from the others; and when a judgment is given to any party to the action in such
upon an obligation of one of them, as security manner as it may deem proper. (39a)
for another, and the surety pays the amount,
or any part thereof, either by sale of his Section 38. Enforcement of attendance and
property or before sale, he may compel conduct of examination. — A party or other
repayment from the principal. (37a) person may be compelled, by an order or
subpoena, to attend before the court or
Section 36. Examination of judgment commissioner to testify as provided in the
obligor when judgment unsatisfied. — When two preceding sections, and upon failure to
the return of a writ of execution issued obey such order or subpoena or to be sworn,
against property of a judgment obligor, or any or to answer as a witness or to subscribe his
one of several obligors in the same judgment, deposition, may be punished for contempt as
shows that the judgment remains unsatisfied, in other cases. Examinations shall not be
in whole or in part, the judgment obligee, at unduly prolonged, but the proceedings may
any time after such return is made, shall be be adjourned from time to time, until they are
entitled to an order from the court which completed. If the examination is before a
rendered the said judgment, requiring such commissioner, he must take it in writing and
judgment obligor to appear and be examined certify it to the court. All examinations and
concerning his property and income before answers before a court commissioner must be
such court or before a commissioner under oath, and when a corporation or other
appointed by it at a specified time and place; juridical entity answers, it must be on the
and proceedings may thereupon be had for oath of an authorized officer or agent thereof.
the application of the property and income of (40a)
the judgment obligor towards the satisfaction
of the judgment. But no judgment obligor Section 39. Obligor may pay execution
shall be so required to appear before a court against obligee. — After a writ of execution
or commissioner outside the province or city against property has been issued, a person
in which such obligor resides or is found. indebted to the judgment obligor may pay to
(38a) the sheriff holding the writ of execution the
amount of his debt or so much thereof as may
Section 37. Examination of obligor of be necessary to satisfy the judgment, in the
judgment obligor. — When the return of a manner prescribed in section 9 of this Rule,
writ of execution against the property of a and the sheriff's receipt shall be a sufficient
judgment obligor shows that the judgment discharge for the amount so paid or directed
remain unsatisfied, in whole or in part, and to be credited by the judgment obligee on the
upon proof to the satisfaction of the court execution. (41a)
which issued the writ, that a person,
corporation, or other juridical entity has Section 40. Order for application of
property of such judgment obligor or is property and income to satisfaction of
indebted to him, the court may, by an order, judgment. — The court may order any
require such person, corporation, or other property of the judgment obligor, or money
due him, not exempt from execution, in the from notice of the order, and may punish
hands of either himself or another person, or disobedience of such order as for contempt.
of a corporation or other juridical entity, to be Such order may be modified or vacated at any
applied to the satisfaction of the judgment, time by the court which issued it, or by the
subject to any prior rights over such property. court in which the action is brought, upon
such terms as may be just. (45a)
If, upon investigation of his current income
and expenses, it appears that the earnings of Section 44. Entry of satisfaction of
the judgment obligor for his personal services judgment by clerk of court. — Satisfaction of
are more than necessary for the support of his a judgment shall be entered by the clerk of
family, the court may order that he pay the court in the court docket, and in the
judgment in fixed monthly installments, and execution book, upon the return of a writ of
upon his failure to pay any such installment execution showing the full satisfaction of the
when due without good excuse, may punish judgment, or upon the filing of an admission
him for indirect contempt. (42a) to the satisfaction of the judgment executed
and acknowledged in the same manner as a
Section 41. Appointment of receiver. — The conveyance of real property by the judgment
court may appoint a receiver of the property obligee or by his counsel unless a revocation
of the judgment obligor; and it may also of his authority is filed, or upon the
forbid a transfer or other disposition of, or endorsement of such admission by the
any interference with, the property of the judgment obligee or his counsel, on the face
judgment obligor not exempt from execution. of the record of the judgment. (46a)
(43a)
Section 45. Entry of satisfaction with or
Section 42. Sale of ascertainable interest of without admission. — Whenever a judgment
judgment obligor in real estate. — If it is satisfied in fact, or otherwise than upon an
appears that the judgment obligor has an execution on demand of the judgment obligor,
interest in real estate in the place in which the judgment obligee or his counsel must
proceedings are had, as mortgagor or execute and acknowledge, or indorse an
mortgagee or other- wise, and his interest admission of the satisfaction as provided in
therein can be ascertained without the last preceding section, and after notice
controversy the receiver may be ordered to and upon motion the court may order either
sell and convey such real estate or the interest the judgment obligee or his counsel to do so,
of the obligor therein; and such sale shall be or may order the entry of satisfaction to be
conducted in all respects in the same manner made without such admission. (47a)
as is provided for the sale of real state upon
execution, and the proceedings thereon shall Section 46. When principal bound by
be approved by the court before the execution judgment against surety. — When a
of the deed. (34a) judgment is rendered against a party who
stands as surety for another, the latter is also
Section 43. Proceedings when indebtedness bound from the time that he has notice of the
denied or another person claims the action or proceeding, and an opportunity at
property. — If it appears that a person or the surety's request to join in the defense.
corporation, alleged to have property of the (48a)
judgment obligor or to be indebted to him,
claims an interest in the property adverse to Section 47. Effect of judgments or final
him or denied the debt, the court may orders. — The effect of a judgment or final
authorize, by an order made to that effect, the order rendered by a court of the Philippines,
judgment obligee to institute an action having jurisdiction to pronounce the
against such person or corporation for the judgment or final order, may be as follows:
recovery of such interest or debt, forbid a
transfer or other disposition of such interest (a) In case of a judgment or final order
or debt within one hundred twenty (120) days against a specific thing, or in respect to
 the probate of a will, or the successors in interest by a subsequent
administration of the estate of a title.
deceased person, or in respect to the
personal, political, or legal condition In either case, the judgment or final order
or status of a particular person or his may be repelled by evidence of a want of
relationship to another, the judgment jurisdiction, want of notice to the party,
or final order is conclusive upon the collusion, fraud, or clear mistake of law or
title to the thing, the will or fact. (50a)
administration or the condition, status
or relationship of the person, however,
the probate of a will or granting of
letters of administration shall only Appeals
be prima facie evidence of the death of
the testator or intestate;
RULE 40
(b) In other cases, the judgment or
final order is, with respect to the Appeal From Municipal Trial Courts to
matter directly adjudged or as to any the Regional Trial Courts
other matter that could have been
missed in relation thereto, conclusive Section 1. Where to appeal. — An appeal
between the parties and their from a judgment or final order of a Municipal
successors in interest, by title Trial Court may be taken to the Regional Trial
subsequent to the commencement of Court exercising jurisdiction over the area to
the action or special proceeding, which the former pertains. The title of the
litigating for the same thing and under case shall remain as it was in the court of
the same title and in the same capacity; origin, but the party appealing the case shall
and be further referred to as the appellant and the
adverse party as the appellee. (a)
(c) In any other litigation between the
same parties or their successors in Section 2. When to appeal. — An appeal
interest, that only is deemed to have may be taken within fifteen (15) days after
been adjudged in a former judgment or notice to the appellant of the judgment or
final order which appears upon its face final order appealed from. Where a record on
to have been so adjudged, or which appeal is required, the appellant shall file a
was actually and necessarily included notice of appeal and a record on appeal
therein or necessary thereto. (49a) within thirty (30) days after notice of the
judgment or final order.
Section 48. Effect of foreign judgments or
final orders. — The effect of a judgment or The period of appeal shall be interrupted by a
final order of a tribunal of a foreign country, timely motion for new trial or reconsideration.
having jurisdiction to render the judgment or No motion for extension of time to file a
final order is as follows: motion for new trial or reconsideration shall
be allowed. (n)
(a) In case of a judgment or final order
upon a specific thing, the judgment or Section 3. How to appeal. — The appeal is
final order, is conclusive upon the title taken by filing a notice of appeal with the
to the thing, and court that rendered the judgment or final
order appealed from. The notice of appeal
(b) In case of a judgment or final order shall indicate the parties to the appeal, the
against a person, the judgment or final judgment or final order or part thereof
order is presumptive evidence of a appealed from, and state the material dates
right as between the parties and their showing the timeliness of the appeal.
A record on appeal shall be required only in which shall be furnished by him to the
special proceedings and in other cases of adverse party. Within fifteen (15) days
multiple or separate appeals. from receipt of the appellant's
memorandum, the appellee may file
The form and contents of the record on his memorandum. Failure of the
appeal shall be as provided in section 6, Rule appellant to file a memorandum shall
41. be a ground for dismissal of the appeal.

Copies of the notice of appeal, and the record (c) Upon the filing of the
on appeal where required, shall be served on memorandum of the appellee, or the
the adverse party. (n) expiration of the period to do so, the
case shall be considered submitted for
Section 4. Perfection of appeal; effect decision. The Regional Trial Court
thereof. — The perfection of the appeal and shall decide the case on the basis of the
the effect thereof shall be governed by the entire record of the proceedings had in
provisions of section 9, Rule 41. (n) the court of original and such
memoranda as are filed. (n)
Section 5. Appellate court docket and other
lawful fees. — Within the period for taking an Section 8. Appeal from orders dismissing
appeal, the appellant shall pay to the clerk of case without trial; lack of jurisdiction. — If
the court which rendered the judgment or an appeal is taken from an order of the lower
final order appealed from the full amount of court dismissing the case without a trial on
the appellate court docket and other lawful the merits, the Regional Trial Court may
fees. Proof of payment thereof shall be affirm or reverse it, as the case may be. In
transmitted to the appellate court together case of affirmance and the ground of
with the original record or the record on dismissal is lack of jurisdiction over the
appeal, as the case may be. (n) subject matter, the Regional Trial Court, if it
has jurisdiction thereover, shall try the case
Section 6. Duty of the clerk of court. — on the merits as if the case was originally filed
Within fifteen (15) days from the perfection of with it. In case of reversal, the case shall be
the appeal, the clerk of court or the branch remanded for further proceedings.
clerk of court of the lower court shall transmit
the original record or the record on appeal, If the case was tried on the merits by the
together with the transcripts and exhibits, lower court without jurisdiction over the
which he shall certify as complete, to the subject matter, the Regional Trial Court on
proper Regional Trial Court. A copy of his appeal shall not dismiss the case if it has
letter of transmittal of the records to the original jurisdiction thereof, but shall decide
appellate court shall be furnished the parties. the case in accordance with the preceding
(n) section, without prejudice to the admission of
amended pleadings and additional evidence
Section 7. Procedure in the Regional Trial in the interest of justice. (n)
Court. —
Section 9. Applicability of Rule 41. — The
(a) Upon receipt of the complete other provisions of Rule 41 shall apply to
record or the record on appeal, the appeals provided for herein insofar as they
clerk of court of the Regional Trial are not inconsistent with or may serve to
Court shall notify the parties of such supplement the provisions of this Rule. (n)
fact.

(b) Within fifteen (15) days from such

notice, it shall be the duty of the RULE 41
appellant to submit a memorandum
which shall briefly discuss the errors Appeal From The Regional Trial Courts
imputed to the lower court, a copy of
Section 1. Subject of appeal. — An appeal adverse party. No record on appeal
may be taken from a judgment or final order shall be required except in special
that completely disposes of the case, or of a proceedings and other cases of
particular matter therein when declared by multiple or separate appeals where law
these Rules to be appealable. on these Rules so require. In such
cases, the record on appeal shall be
No appeal may be taken from: filed and served in like manner.

(a) An order denying a motion for new (b) Petition for review. — The appeal
trial or reconsideration; to the Court of Appeals in cases
decided by the Regional Trial Court in
(b) An order denying a petition for the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction
relief or any similar motion seeking shall be by petition for review in
relief from judgment; accordance with Rule 42.
(c) An interlocutory order; (c) Appeal by certiorari. — In all cases
where only questions of law are raised
(d) An order disallowing or dismissing or involved, the appeal shall be to the
an appeal; Supreme Court by petition for review
on certiorari in accordance with the
(e) An order denying a motion to set
Rule 45. (n)
aside a judgment by consent,
confession or compromise on the Section 3. Period of ordinary appeal. — The
ground of fraud, mistake or duress, or appeal shall be taken within fifteen (15) days
any other ground vitiating consent; from notice of the judgment or final order
appealed from. Where a record on appeal is
(f) An order of execution;
required, the appellant shall file a notice of
(g) A judgment or final order for or appeal and a record on appeal within thirty
against one or more of several parties (30) days from notice of the judgment or final
or in separate claims, counterclaims, order.
cross-claims and third-party
The period of appeal shall be interrupted by a
complaints, while the main case is
timely motion for new trial or reconsideration.
pending, unless the court allows an
No motion for extension of time to file a
appeal therefrom; and
motion for new trial or reconsideration shall
(h) An order dismissing an action be allowed. (n)
without prejudice.
Section 4. Appellate court docket and other
In all the above instances where the judgment lawful fees. — Within the period for taking an
or final order is not appealable, the aggrieved appeal, the appellant shall pay to the clerk of
party may file an appropriate special civil the court which rendered the judgment or
action under Rule 65. (n) final order appealed from, the full amount of
the appellate court docket and other lawful
Section 2. Modes of appeal. — fees. Proof of payment of said fees shall be
transmitted to the appellate court together
(a) Ordinary appeal. — The appeal to with the original record or the record on
the Court of Appeals in cases decided appeal. (n)
by the Regional Trial Court in the
exercise of its original jurisdiction shall Section 5. Notice of appeal. — The notice of
be taken by filing a notice of appeal appeal shall indicate the parties to the appeal,
with the court which rendered the specify the judgment or final order or part
judgment or final order appealed from thereof appealed from, specify the court to
and serving a copy thereof upon the which the appeal is being taken, and state the
material dates showing the timeliness of the thereupon submit the redrafted record for
appeal. (4a) approval, upon notice to the appellee, in like
manner as the original draft. (7a)
Section 6. Record on appeal; form and
contents thereof. — The full names of all the Section 8. Joint record on appeal. — Where
parties to the proceedings shall be stated in both parties are appellants, they may file a
the caption of the record on appeal and it joint record on appeal within the time fixed
shall include the judgment or final order from by section 3 of this Rule, or that fixed by the
which the appeal is taken and, in court. (8a)
chronological order, copies of only such
pleadings, petitions, motions and all Section 9. Perfection of appeal; effect
interlocutory orders as are related to the thereof. — A party's appeal by notice of
appealed judgment or final order for the appeal is deemed perfected as to him upon
proper understanding of the issue involved, the filing of the notice of appeal in due time.
together with such data as will show that the
appeal was perfected on time. If an issue of A party's appeal by record on appeal is
fact is to be raised on appeal, the record on deemed perfected as to him with respect to
appeal shall include by reference all the the subject matter thereof upon the approval
evidence, testimonial and documentary, of the record on appeal filed in due time.
taken upon the issue involved. The reference
shall specify the documentary evidence by the In appeals by notice of appeal, the court loses
exhibit numbers or letters by which it was jurisdiction over the case upon the perfection
identified when admitted or offered at the of the appeals filed in due time and the
hearing, and the testimonial evidence by the expiration of the time to appeal of the other
names of the corresponding witnesses. If the parties.
whole testimonial and documentary evidence
In appeals by record on appeal, the court
in the case is to be included, a statement to
loses jurisdiction only over the subject matter
that effect will be sufficient without
thereof upon the approval of the records on
mentioning the names of the witnesses or the
appeal filed in due time and the expiration of
numbers or letters of exhibits. Every record
the appeal of the other parties.
on appeal exceeding twenty (20) pages must
contain a subject index. (6a) In either case, prior to the transmittal of the
original record or the record on appeal, the
Section 7. Approval of record on appeal. —
court may issue orders for the protection and
Upon the filing of the record on appeal for
preservation of the rights of the parties which
approval and if no objection is filed by the
do not involve any matter litigated by the
appellee within five (5) days from receipt of a
appeal, approve compromises, permit appeals
copy thereof, the trial court may approve it as
of indigent litigants, order execution pending
presented or upon its own motion or at the
appeal in accordance with 2 of Rule 39, and
instance of the appellee, may direct its
allow withdrawal of the appeal. (9a)
amendment by the inclusion of any omitted
matters which are deemed essential to the Section 10. Duty of clerk of court of the
determination of the issue of law or fact lower court upon perfection of appeal. —
involved in the appeal. If the trial court Within thirty (30) days after perfection of all
orders the amendment of the record, the the appeals in accordance with the preceding
appellant, within the time limited in the order, section, it shall be the duty of the clerk of
or such extension thereof as may be granted, court of the lower court:
or if no time is fixed by the order within ten
(10) days from receipt thereof, shall redraft (a) To verify the correctness of the
the record by including therein, in their original record or the record on appeal,
proper chronological sequence, such as the case may be aid to make
additional matters as the court may have certification of its correctness;
directed him to incorporate, and shall
 (b) To verify the completeness of the order of approval, the certificate of
records that will be, transmitted to the correctness, the original documentary
appellate court; evidence referred to therein, and the original
and three (3) copies of the transcripts. Copies
(c) If found to be incomplete, to take of the transcripts and certified true copies of
such measures as may be required to the documentary evidence shall remain in the
complete the records, availing of the lower court for the examination of the parties.
authority that he or the court may (11a)
exercise for this purpose; and
Section 13. Dismissal of appeal. — Prior to
(d) To transmit the records to the the transmittal of the original record or the
appellate court. record on appeal to the appellate court, the
trial court may motu propio or on motion
If the efforts to complete the records fail, he dismiss the appeal for having been taken out
shall indicate in his letter of transmittal the of time. (14a)
exhibits or transcripts not included in the
records being transmitted to the appellate
court, the reasons for their non-transmittal,
and the steps taken or that could be taken to RULE 42
have them available.
Petition for Review From the Regional
The clerk of court shall furnish the parties Trial Courts to the Court of Appeals
with copies of his letter of transmittal of the
records to the appellate court. (10a) Section 1. How appeal taken; time for
filing. — A party desiring to appeal from a
Section 11. Transcript. — Upon the decision of the Regional Trial Court rendered
perfection of the appeal, the clerk shall in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction
immediately direct the stenographers may file a verified petition for review with the
concerned to attach to the record of the case Court of Appeals, paying at the same time to
five (5) copies of the transcripts of the the clerk of said court the corresponding
testimonial evidence referred to in the record docket and other lawful fees, depositing the
on appeal. The stenographers concerned shall amount of P500.00 for costs, and furnishing
transcribe such testimonial evidence and the Regional Trial Court and the adverse
shall prepare and affix to their transcripts an party with a copy of the petition. The petition
index containing the names of the witnesses shall be filed and served within fifteen (15)
and the pages wherein their testimonies are days from notice of the decision sought to be
found, and a list of the exhibits and the pages reviewed or of the denial of petitioner's
wherein each of them appears to have been motion for new trial or reconsideration filed
offered and admitted or rejected by the trial in due time after judgment. Upon proper
court. The transcripts shall be transmitted to motion and the payment of the full amount of
the clerk of the trial court who shall the docket and other lawful fees and the
thereupon arrange the same in the order in deposit for costs before the expiration of the
which the witnesses testified at the trial, and reglementary period, the Court of Appeals
shall cause the pages to be numbered may grant an additional period of fifteen (15)
consecutively. (12a) days only within which to file the petition for
review. No further extension shall be granted
Section 12. Transmittal. — The clerk of the except for the most compelling reason and in
trial court shall transmit to the appellate no case to exceed fifteen (15) days. (n)
court the original record or the approved
record on appeal within thirty (30) days from Section 2. Form and contents. — The
the perfection of the appeal, together with the petition shall be filed in seven (7) legible
proof of payment of the appellate court copies, with the original copy intended for the
docket and other lawful fees, a certified true court being indicated as such by the
copy of the minutes of the proceedings, the petitioner, and shall (a) state the full names
of the parties to the case, without impleading manifestly for delay, or that the questions
the lower courts or judges thereof either as raised therein are too insubstantial to require
petitioners or respondents; (b) indicate the consideration. (n)
specific material dates showing that it was
filed on time; (c) set forth concisely a Section 5. Contents of comment. — The
statement of the matters involved, the issues comment of the respondent shall be filed in
raised, the specification of errors of fact or seven (7) legible copies, accompanied by
law, or both, allegedly committed by the certified true copies of such material portions
Regional Trial Court, and the reasons or of the record referred to therein together with
arguments relied upon for the allowance of other supporting papers and shall (a) state
the appeal; (d) be accompanied by clearly whether or not he accepts the statement of
legible duplicate originals or true copies of matters involved in the petition; (b) point out
the judgments or final orders of both lower such insufficiencies or inaccuracies as he
courts, certified correct by the clerk of court believes exist in petitioner's statement of
of the Regional Trial Court, the requisite matters involved but without repetition; and
number of plain copies thereof and of the (c) state the reasons why the petition should
pleadings and other material portions of the not be given due course. A copy thereof shall
record as would support the allegations of the be served on the petitioner. (a)
petition.
Section 6. Due course. — If upon the filing
The petitioner shall also submit together with of the comment or such other pleadings as
the petition a certification under oath that he the court may allow or require, or after the
has not theretofore commenced any other expiration of the period for the filing thereof
action involving the same issues in the without such comment or pleading having
Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or been submitted, the Court of Appeals
different divisions thereof, or any other finds prima facie that the lower court has
tribunal or agency; if there is such other committed an error of fact or law that will
action or proceeding, he must state the status warrant a reversal or modification of the
of the same; and if he should thereafter learn appealed decision, it may accordingly give
that a similar action or proceeding has been due course to the petition. (n)
filed or is pending before the Supreme Court,
the Court of Appeals, or different divisions Section 7. Elevation of record. — Whenever
thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, he the Court of Appeals deems it necessary, it
undertakes to promptly inform the aforesaid may order the clerk of court of the Regional
courts and other tribunal or agency thereof Trial Court to elevate the original record of
within five (5) days therefrom. (n) the case including the oral and documentary
evidence within fifteen (15) days from notice.
Section 3. Effect of failure to comply with (n)
requirements. — The failure of the petitioner
to comply with any of the foregoing Section 8. Perfection of appeal; effect
requirements regarding the payment of the thereof. — (a) Upon the timely filing of a
docket and other lawful fees, the deposit for petition for review and the payment of the
costs, proof of service of the petition, and the corresponding docket and other lawful fees,
contents of and the documents which should the appeal is deemed perfected as to the
accompany the petition shall be sufficient petitioner.
ground for the dismissal thereof. (n)
The Regional Trial Court loses jurisdiction
Section 4. Action on the petition. — The over the case upon the perfection of the
Court of Appeals may require the respondent appeals filed in due time and the expiration of
to file a comment on the petition, not a the time to appeal of the other parties.
motion to dismiss, within ten (10) days from
notice, or dismiss the petition if it finds the However, before the Court of Appeals gives
same to be patently without merit, prosecuted due course to the petition, the Regional Trial
Court may issue orders for the protection and
preservation of the rights of the parties which Construction Industry Arbitration
do not involve any matter litigated by the Commission, and voluntary arbitrators
appeal, approve compromises, permit appeals authorized by law. (n)
of indigent litigants, order execution pending
appeal in accordance with section 2 of Rule Section 2. Cases not covered. — This Rule
39, and allow withdrawal of the appeal. (9a, shall not apply to judgments or final orders
R41) issued under the Labor Code of the
Philippines. (n)
(b) Except in civil cases decided under the
Rule on Summary Procedure, the appeal shall Section 3. Where to appeal. — An appeal
stay the judgment or final order unless the under this Rule may be taken to the Court of
Court of Appeals, the law, or these Rules shall Appeals within the period and in the manner
provide otherwise. (a) herein provided, whether the appeal involves
questions of fact, of law, or mixed questions
Section 9. Submission for decision. — If the of fact and law. (n)
petition is given due course, the Court of
Appeals may set the case for oral argument or Section 4. Period of appeal. — The appeal
require the parties to submit memoranda shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from
within a period of fifteen (15) days from notice of the award, judgment, final order or
notice. The case shall be deemed submitted resolution, or from the date of its last
for decision upon the filing of the last publication, if publication is required by law
pleading or memorandum required by these for its effectivity, or of the denial of
Rules or by the court itself. (n) petitioner's motion for new trial or
reconsideration duly filed in accordance with
the governing law of the court or agency a
quo. Only one (1) motion for reconsideration
RULE 43 shall be allowed. Upon proper motion and the
payment of the full amount of the docket fee
Appeals From the Court of Tax Appeals before the expiration of the reglementary
and Quasi-Judicial Agencies to the period, the Court of Appeals may grant an
Court of Appeals additional period of fifteen (15) days only
within which to file the petition for review.
Section 1. Scope. — This Rule shall apply to No further extension shall be granted except
appeals from judgments or final orders of the for the most compelling reason and in no case
Court of Tax Appeals and from awards, to exceed fifteen (15) days. (n)
judgments, final orders or resolutions of or
authorized by any quasi-judicial agency in the Section 5. How appeal taken. — Appeal
exercise of its quasi-judicial functions. Among shall be taken by filing a verified petition for
these agencies are the Civil Service review in seven (7) legible copies with the
Commission, Central Board of Assessment Court of Appeals, with proof of service of a
Appeals, Securities and Exchange copy thereof on the adverse party and on the
Commission, Office of the President, Land court or agency a quo. The original copy of
Registration Authority, Social Security the petition intended for the Court of Appeals
Commission, Civil Aeronautics Board, Bureau shall be indicated as such by the petitioner.
of Patents, Trademarks and Technology
Transfer, National Electrification Upon the filing of the petition, the petitioner
Administration, Energy Regulatory Board, shall pay to the clerk of court of the Court of
National Telecommunications Commission, Appeals the docketing and other lawful fees
Department of Agrarian Reform under and deposit the sum of P500.00 for costs.
Republic Act No. 6657, Government Service Exemption from payment of docketing and
Insurance System, Employees Compensation other lawful fees and the deposit for costs
Commission, Agricultural Invention Board, may be granted by the Court of Appeals upon
Insurance Commission, Philippine Atomic a verified motion setting forth valid grounds
Energy Commission, Board of Investments,
therefor. If the Court of Appeals denies the point out insufficiencies or inaccuracies in
motion, the petitioner shall pay the docketing petitioner's statement of facts and issues; and
and other lawful fees and deposit for costs (b) state the reasons why the petition should
within fifteen (15) days from notice of the be denied or dismissed. A copy thereof shall
denial. (n) be served on the petitioner, and proof of such
service shall be filed with the Court of
Section 6. Contents of the petition. — The Appeals. (9a)
petition for review shall (a) state the full
names of the parties to the case, without Section 10. Due course. — If upon the filing
impleading the court or agencies either as of the comment or such other pleadings or
petitioners or respondents; (b) contain a documents as may be required or allowed by
concise statement of the facts and issues the Court of Appeals or upon the expiration of
involved and the grounds relied upon for the the period for the filing thereof, and on the
review; (c) be accompanied by a clearly records the Court of Appeals finds prima
legible duplicate original or a certified true facie that the court or agency concerned has
copy of the award, judgment, final order or committed errors of fact or law that would
resolution appealed from, together with warrant reversal or modification of the award,
certified true copies of such material portions judgment, final order or resolution sought to
of the record referred to therein and other be reviewed, it may give due course to the
supporting papers; and (d) contain a sworn petition; otherwise, it shall dismiss the same.
certification against forum shopping as The findings of fact of the court or agency
provided in the last paragraph of section 2, concerned, when supported by substantial
Rule 42. The petition shall state the specific evidence, shall be binding on the Court of
material dates showing that it was filed Appeals. (n)
within the period fixed herein. (2a)
Section 11. Transmittal of record. — Within
Section 7. Effect of failure to comply with fifteen (15) days from notice that the petition
requirements. — The failure of the petitioner has been given due course, the Court of
to comply with any of the foregoing Appeals may require the court or agency
requirements regarding the payment of the concerned to transmit the original or a legible
docket and other lawful fees, the deposit for certified true copy of the entire record of the
costs, proof of service of the petition, and the proceeding under review. The record to be
contents of and the documents which should transmitted may be abridged by agreement of
accompany the petition shall be sufficient all parties to the proceeding. The Court of
ground for the dismissal thereof. (n) Appeals may require or permit subsequent
correction of or addition to the record. (8a)
Section 8. Action on the petition. — The
Court of Appeals may require the respondent Section 12. Effect of appeal. — The appeal
to file a comment on the petition not a motion shall not stay the award, judgment, final
to dismiss, within ten (10) days from notice, order or resolution sought to be reviewed
or dismiss the petition if it finds the same to unless the Court of Appeals shall direct
be patently without merit, prosecuted otherwise upon such terms as it may deem
manifestly for delay, or that the questions just. (10a)
raised therein are too unsubstantial to require
consideration. (6a) Section 13. Submission for decision. — If
the petition is given due course, the Court of
Section 9. Contents of comment. — The Appeals may set the case for oral argument or
comment shall be filed within ten (10) days require the parties to submit memoranda
from notice in seven (7) legible copies and within a period of fifteen (15) days from
accompanied by clearly legible certified true notice. The case shall be deemed submitted
copies of such material portions of the record for decision upon the filing of the last
referred to therein together with other pleading or memorandum required by these
supporting papers. The comment shall (a) Rules or by the court of Appeals. (n)
 Any unauthorized alteration, omission or
addition in the approved record on appeal
Procedure in the Court of Appeals shall be a ground for dismissal of the appeal.
(n)

Section 5. Completion of record. — Where

RULE 44 the record of the docketed case is incomplete,
the clerk of court of the Court of Appeals shall
Ordinary Appealed Cases so inform said court and recommend to it
measures necessary to complete the record. It
Section 1. Title of cases. — In all cases
shall be the duty of said court to take
appealed to the Court of Appeals under Rule
appropriate action towards the completion of
41, the title of the case shall remain as it was
the record within the shortest possible time.
in the court of origin, but the party appealing
(n)
the case shall be further referred to as the
appellant and the adverse party as the Section 6. Dispensing with complete
appellee. (1a, R46) record. — Where the completion of the record
could not be accomplished within a sufficient
Section 2. Counsel and guardians. — The
period allotted for said purpose due to
counsel and guardians ad litem of the parties
insuperable or extremely difficult causes, the
in the court of origin shall be respectively
court, on its own motion or on motion of any
considered as their counsel and guardians ad
of the parties, may declare that the record
litem in the Court of Appeals. When others
and its accompanying transcripts and exhibits
appear or are appointed, notice thereof shall
so far available are sufficient to decide the
be served immediately on the adverse party
issues raised in the appeal, and shall issue an
and filed with the court. (2a, R46)
order explaining the reasons for such
Section 3. Order of transmittal of record. — declaration. (n)
If the original record or the record on appeal
Section 7. Appellant's brief. — It shall be the
is not transmitted to the Court of Appeals
duty of the appellant to file with the court,
within thirty (30) days after the perfection of
within forty-five (45) days from receipt of the
the appeal, either party may file a motion
notice of the clerk that all the evidence, oral
with the trial court, with notice to the other,
and documentary, are attached to the record,
for the transmittal of such record or record on
seven (7) copies of his legibly typewritten,
appeal. (3a, R46)
mimeographed or printed brief, with proof of
Section 4. Docketing of case. — Upon service of two (2) copies thereof upon the
receiving the original record or the record on appellee. (10a, R46)
appeal and the accompanying documents and
Section 8. Appellee's brief. — Within forty-
exhibits transmitted by the lower court, as
five (45) days from receipt of the appellant's
well as the proof of payment of the docket and
brief, the appellee shall file with the court
other lawful fees, the clerk of court of the
seven (7) copies of his legibly typewritten,
Court of Appeals shall docket the case and
mimeographed or printed brief, with proof of
notify the parties thereof. (4a, R46)
service of two (2) copies thereof upon the
Within ten (10) days from receipt of said appellant. (11a, R46)
notice, the appellant, in appeals by record on
Section 9. Appellant's reply brief. — Within
appeal, shall file with the clerk of court seven
twenty (20) days from receipt of the
(7) clearly legible copies of the approved
appellee's brief, the appellant may file a reply
record on appeal, together with the proof of
brief answering points in the appellee's brief
service of two (2) copies thereof upon the
not covered in his main brief. (12a, R46)
appellee.
Section 10. Time of filing memoranda in
special cases. — In certiorari, prohibition,
mandamus, quo warranto and habeas controversy with page references to the
corpus cases, the parties shall file in lieu of record;
briefs, their respective memoranda within a
non-extendible period of thirty (30) days (d) Under the heading "Statement of
from receipt of the notice issued by the clerk Facts," a clear and concise statement
that all the evidence, oral and documentary, in a narrative form of the facts
is already attached to the record. (13a, R46) admitted by both parties and of those
in controversy, together with the
The failure of the appellant to file his substance of the proof relating thereto
memorandum within the period therefor may in sufficient detail to make it clearly
be a ground for dismissal of the appeal. (n) intelligible, with page references to the
record;
Section 11. Several appellants or appellees
or several counsel for each party. — Where (e) A clear and concise statement of
there are several appellants or appellees, each the issues of fact or law to be
counsel representing one or more but not all submitted, to the court for its
of them shall be served with only one copy of judgment;
the briefs. When several counsel represent
one appellant or appellee, copies of the brief (f) Under the heading "Argument," the
may be served upon any of them. (14a, R46) appellant's arguments on each
assignment of error with page
Section 12. Extension of time for filing references to the record. The
briefs. — Extension of time for the filing of authorities relied upon shall be cited
briefs will not be allowed, except for good and by the page of the report at which the
sufficient cause, and only if the motion for case begins and the page of the report
extension is filed before the expiration of the on which the citation is found;
time sought to be extended. (15, R46)
(g) Under the heading "Relief," a
Section 13. Contents of appellant's brief. — specification of the order or judgment
The appellant's brief shall contain, in the which the appellant seeks; and
order herein indicated, the following:
(h) In cases not brought up by record
(a) A subject index of the matter in the on appeal, the appellant's brief shall
brief with a digest of the arguments contain, as an appendix, a copy of the
and page references, and a table of judgment or final order appealed from.
cases alphabetically arranged, (16a, R46)
textbooks and statutes cited with
references to the pages where they are Section 14. Contents of appellee's brief. —
cited; The appellee's brief shall contain, in the order
herein indicated the following:
(b) An assignment of errors intended
to be urged, which errors shall be (a) A subject index of the matter in the
separately, distinctly and concisely brief with a digest of the arguments
stated without repetition and and page references, and a table of
numbered consecutively; cases alphabetically arranged,
textbooks and statutes cited with
(c) Under the heading "Statement of references to the pages where they are
the Case," a clear and concise cited;
statement of the nature of the action, a
summary of the proceedings, the (b) Under the heading "Statement of
appealed rulings and orders of the Facts," the appellee shall state that he
court, the nature of the judgment and accepts the statement of facts in the
any other matters necessary to an appellant's brief, or under the heading
understanding of the nature of the "Counter-Statement of Facts," he shall
 point out such insufficiencies or reasons grant an extension of thirty (30) days
inaccuracies as he believes exist in the only within which to file the petition. (1a, 5a)
appellant's statement of facts with
references to the pages of the record in Section 3. Docket and other lawful
support thereof, but without repetition fees; proof of service of petition. — Unless he
of matters in the appellant's statement has theretofore done so, the petitioner shall
of facts; and pay the corresponding docket and other
lawful fees to the clerk of court of the
(c) Under the heading "Argument," the Supreme Court and deposit the amount of
appellee shall set forth his arguments P500.00 for costs at the time of the filing of
in the case on each assignment of error the petition. Proof of service of a copy, thereof
with page references to the record. The on the lower court concerned and on the
authorities relied on shall be cited by adverse party shall be submitted together
the page of the report at which the case with the petition. (1a)
begins and the page of the report on
which the citation is found. (17a, R46) Section 4. Contents of petition. — The
petition shall be filed in eighteen (18) copies,
Section 15. Questions that may be raised on with the original copy intended for the court
appeal. — Whether or not the appellant has being indicated as such by the petitioner and
filed a motion for new trial in the court below shall (a) state the full name of the appealing
he may include in his assignment of errors party as the petitioner and the adverse party
any question of law or fact that has been as respondent, without impleading the lower
raised in the court below and which is within courts or judges thereof either as petitioners
the issues framed by the parties. (18, R46) or respondents; (b) indicate the material
dates showing when notice of the judgment or
final order or resolution subject thereof was
received, when a motion for new trial or
RULE 45 reconsideration, if any, was filed and when
notice of the denial thereof was received; (c)
Appeal by Certiorari to the Supreme set forth concisely a statement of the matters
Court involved, and the reasons or arguments relied
on for the allowance of the petition; (d) be
Section 1. Filing of petition with Supreme
accompanied by a clearly legible duplicate
Court. — A party desiring to appeal
original, or a certified true copy of the
by certiorari from a judgment or final order
judgment or final order or resolution certified
or resolution of the Court of Appeals, the
by the clerk of court of the court a quo and
Sandiganbayan, the Regional Trial Court or
the requisite number of plain copies thereof,
other courts whenever authorized by law,
and such material portions of the record as
may file with the Supreme Court a verified
would support the petition; and (e) contain a
petition for review on certiorari. The petition
sworn certification against forum shopping as
shall raise only questions of law which must
provided in the last paragraph of section 2,
be distinctly set forth. (1a, 2a)
Rule 42. (2a)
Section 2. Time for filing; extension. — The
Section 5. Dismissal or denial of petition. —
petition shall be filed within fifteen (15) days
The failure of the petitioner to comply with
from notice of the judgment or final order or
any of the foregoing requirements regarding
resolution appealed from, or of the denial of
the payment of the docket and other lawful
the petitioner's motion for new trial or
fees, deposit for costs, proof of service of the
reconsideration filed in due time after notice
petition, and the contents of and the
of the judgment. On motion duly filed and
documents which should accompany the
served, with full payment of the docket and
petition shall be sufficient ground for the
other lawful fees and the deposit for costs
dismissal thereof.
before the expiration of the reglementary
period, the Supreme Court may for justifiable
The Supreme Court may on its own initiative Section 9. Rule applicable to both civil and
deny the petition on the ground that the criminal cases. — The mode of appeal
appeal is without merit, or is prosecuted prescribed in this Rule shall be applicable to
manifestly for delay, or that the questions both civil and criminal cases, except in
raised therein are too unsubstantial to require criminal cases where the penalty imposed is
consideration. (3a) death, reclusion perpetua or life
imprisonment. (n)
Section 6. Review discretionary. — A
review is not a matter of right, but of sound
judicial discretion, and will be granted only
when there are special and important reasons RULE 46
thereof. The following, while neither
controlling nor fully measuring the court's Original Cases
discretion, indicate the character of the
reasons which will be considered: Section 1. Title of cases. — In all cases
originally filed in the Court of Appeals, the
(a) When the court a quo has decided a party instituting the action shall be called the
question of substance, not theretofore petitioner and the opposing party the
determined by the Supreme Court, or respondent. (1a)
has decided it in a way probably not in
accord with law or with the applicable Section 2. To what actions applicable. —
decisions of the Supreme Court; or This Rule shall apply to original actions
for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus
(b) When the court a quo has so far and quo warranto.
departed from the accepted and usual
course of judicial proceedings, or so far Except as otherwise provided, the actions for
sanctioned such departure by a lower annulment of judgment shall be governed by
court, as to call for an exercise of the Rule 47, for certiorari, prohibition and
power of supervision. (4a) mandamus by Rule 65, and for quo
warranto by Rule 66. (n)
Section 7. Pleadings and documents that
may be required; sanctions. — For purposes Section 3. Contents and filing of
of determining whether the petition should be petition; effect of noncompliance with
dismissed or denied pursuant to section 5 of requirements. — The petition shall contain
this Rule, or where the petition is given due the full names and actual addresses of all the
course under section 8 hereof, the Supreme petitioners and respondents, a concise
Court may require or allow the filing of such statement of the matters involved, the factual
pleadings, briefs, memoranda or documents background of the case, and the grounds
as it may deem necessary within such periods relied upon for the relief prayed for.
and under such conditions as it may consider
In actions filed under Rule 65, the petition
appropriate, and impose the corresponding
shall further indicate the material dates
sanctions in case of non-filing or
showing when notice of the judgment or final
unauthorized filing of such pleadings and
order or resolution subject thereof was
documents or non-compliance with the
received, when a motion for new trial or
conditions therefor. (n)
reconsideration, if any, was filed and when
Section 8. Due course; elevation of notice of the denial thereof was received.
records. — If the petition is given due course,
It shall be filed in seven (7) clearly legible
the Supreme Court may require the elevation
copies together with proof of service thereof
of the complete record of the case or specified
on the respondent with the original copy
parts thereof within fifteen (15) days from
intended for the court indicated as such by
notice. (2a)
the petitioner, and shall be accompanied by a
clearly legible duplicate original or certified
true copy of the judgment, order, resolution, within ten (10) days from notice. Only
or ruling subject thereof, such material pleadings required by the court shall be
portions of the record as are referred to allowed. All other pleadings and papers, may
therein, and other documents relevant or be filed only with leave of court. (n)
pertinent thereto. The certification shall be
accomplished by the proper clerk of court or Section 6. Determination of factual
by his duly authorized representative, or by issues. — Whenever necessary to resolve
the proper officer of the court, tribunal, factual issues, the court itself may conduct
agency or office involved or by his duly hearings thereon or delegate the reception of
authorized representative. The other requisite the evidence on such issue to any of its
number of copies of the petition shall be members or to an appropriate court, agency
accompanied by clearly legible plain copies of or office. (n)
all documents attached to the original.
Section 7. Effect of failure to file
The petitioner shall also submit together with comment. — When no comment is filed by
the petition a sworn certification that he has any of the respondents, the case may be
not theretofore commenced any other action decided on the basis of the record, without
involving the same issues in the Supreme prejudice to any disciplinary action which the
Court, the Court of Appeals or different court may take against the disobedient party.
divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or (n)
agency; if there is such other action or
proceeding, he must state the status of the
same; and if he should thereafter learn that a
similar action or proceeding has been filed or RULE 47
is pending before the Supreme Court, the
Annulment of Judgments of Final
Court of Appeals, or different divisions
Orders and Resolutions
thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, he
undertakes to promptly inform the aforesaid Section 1. Coverage. — This Rule shall
courts and other tribunal or agency thereof govern the annulment by the Court of
within five (5) days therefrom. Appeals of judgments or final orders and
resolutions in civil actions of Regional Trial
The petitioner shall pay the corresponding
Courts for which the ordinary remedies of
docket and other lawful fees to the clerk of
new trial, appeal, petition for relief or other
court and deposit the amount of P500.00 for
appropriate remedies are no longer available
costs at the time of the filing of the petition.
through no fault of the petitioner. (n)
The failure of the petitioner to comply any of
Section 2. Grounds for annulment. — The
the requirements shall be sufficient ground
annulment may be based only on the grounds
for the dismissal of the petition. (n; Bar
of extrinsic fraud and lack of jurisdiction.
Matter No. 803, 21 July 1998)
Extrinsic fraud shall not be a valid ground if it
Section 4. Jurisdiction over person of
was availed of, or could have been availed of,
respondent, how acquired. — The court shall
in a motion for new trial or petition for relief.
acquire jurisdiction over the person of the
(n)
respondent by the service on him of its order
or resolution indicating its initial action on Section 3. Period for filing action. — If
the petition or by his voluntary submission to based on extrinsic fraud, the action must be
such jurisdiction. (n) filed within four (4) years from its discovery;
and if based on lack of jurisdiction, before it
Section 5. Action by the court. — The court
is barred by laches or estoppel. (n)
may dismiss the petition outright with
specific reasons for such dismissal or require Section 4. Filing and contents of petition. —
the respondent to file a comment on the same The action shall be commenced by filing a
verified petition alleging therein with in the proper court. However, where the
particularity the facts and the law relied upon judgment or final order or resolution is set
for annulment, as well as those supporting aside on the ground of extrinsic fraud, the
the petitioner's good and substantial cause of court may on motion order the trial court to
action or defense, as the case may be. try the case as if a timely motion for new trial
had been granted therein. (n)
The petition shall be filed in seven (7) clearly
legible copies, together with sufficient copies Section 8. Suspension prescriptive
corresponding to the number of respondents. period. — The prescriptive period for the
A certified true copy of the judgment or final refiling of the aforesaid original action shall
order or resolution shall be attached to the be deemed suspended from the filing of such
original copy of the petition intended for the original action until the finality of the
court and indicated as such by the petitioner. judgment of annulment. However, the
prescriptive period shall not be suspended
The petitioner shall also submit together with where the extrinsic-fraud is attributable to
the petition affidavits of witnesses or the plaintiff in the original action. (n)
documents supporting the cause of action or
defense and a sworn certification that he has Section 9. Relief available. — The judgment
not theretofore commenced any other action of annulment may include the award of
involving the same issues in the Supreme damages, attorney's fees and other relief.
Court, the Court of Appeals or different
divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or If the questioned judgment or final order or
agency if there is such other action or resolution had already been executed the
proceeding, he must state the status of the court may issue such orders of restitution or
same, and if he should thereafter learn that a other relief as justice and equity may warrant
similar action or proceeding has been filed or under the circumstances. (n)
is pending before the Supreme Court, the
Court of Appeals, or different divisions Section 10. Annulment of judgments or
thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, he final orders of Municipal Trial Courts. — An
undertakes to promptly inform the aforesaid action to annul a judgment or final order of a
courts and other tribunal or agency thereof Municipal Trial Court shall be filed in the
within five (5) days therefrom. (n) Regional Trial Court having jurisdiction over
the former. It shall be treated as an ordinary
Section 5. Action by the court. — Should the civil action and sections 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 of
court find no substantial merit in the petition, this Rule shall be applicable thereto. (n)
the same may be dismissed outright with
specific reasons for such dismissal.

Should prima facie merit be found in the RULE 48

petition, the same shall be given due course
and summons shall be served on the Preliminary Conference
respondent. (n)
Section 1. Preliminary conference. — At any
Section 6. Procedure. — The procedure in time during the pendency of a case, the court
ordinary civil cases shall be observed. Should may call the parties and their counsel to a
trial be necessary, the reception of the preliminary conference.
evidence may be referred to a member of the
(a) To consider the possibility of an
court or a judge of a Regional Trial Court. (n)
amicable settlement, except when the
Section 7. Effect of judgment. — A judgment case is not allowed by law to be
of annulment shall set aside the questioned compromised
judgment or final order or resolution and
(b) To define, simplify and clarify the
render the same null and void, without
issues for determination;
prejudice to the original action being refiled
 (c) To formulate stipulations of facts Section 3. No hearing or oral argument for
and admissions of documentary motions. — Motions shall not be set for
exhibits, limit the number of witnesses hearing and, unless the court otherwise
to be presented in cases falling within directs, no hearing or oral argument shall be
the original jurisdiction of the court, or allowed in support thereof. The adverse party
those within its appellate jurisdiction may file objections to the motion within five
where a motion for new trial is granted (5) days from service, upon the expiration of
on the ground of newly discovered which such motion shall be deemed
evidence; and submitted for resolution. (29, R49)

(d) To take up such other matters

which may aid the court in the prompt
disposition of the case. (Rule 7, CA RULE 50
Internal Rules) (n)
Dismissal of Appeal
Section 2. Record of the conference. — The
proceedings at such conference shall be Section 1. Grounds for dismissal of
recorded and, upon the conclusion thereof, a appeal. — An appeal may be dismissed by the
resolution shall be issued embodying all the Court of Appeals, on its own motion or on
actions taken therein, the stipulations and that of the appellee, on the following grounds:
admissions made and the issues defined. (n)
(a) Failure of the record on appeal to
Section 3. Binding effect of the results of the show on its face that the appeal was
conference. — Subject to such modifications taken within the period fixed by these
which may be made to prevent manifest Rules;
injustice, the resolution in the preceding
section shall control the subsequent (b) Failure to file the notice of appeal
proceedings in the case unless, within five (5) or the record on appeal within the
days from notice thereof, any party shall period prescribed by these Rules;
satisfactorily show valid cause why the same
(c) Failure of the appellant to pay the
should not be followed. (n)
docket and other lawful fees as
provided in section 5, Rule 40 and
section 4 of Rule 41; (Bar Matter No.
RULE 49 803, 17 February 1998)

Oral Argument (d) Unauthorized alterations,

omissions or additions in the approved
Section 1. When allowed. — At its own record on appeal as provided in section
instance or upon motion of a party, the court 4 of Rule 44;
may hear the parties in oral argument on the
merits of a case, or on any material incident (e) Failure of the appellant to serve
in connection therewith. (n) and file the required number of copies
of his brief or memorandum within the
The oral argument shall be limited to such time provided by these Rules;
matters as the court may specify in its order
or resolution. (1a, R48) (f) Absence of specific assignment of
errors in the appellant's brief, or of
Section 2. Conduct of oral argument. — page references to the record as
Unless authorized by the court, only one required in section 13, paragraphs (a),
counsel may argue for a party. The duration (c), (d) and (f) of Rule 44;
allowed for each party, the sequence of the
argumentation, and all other related matters (g) Failure of the appellant to take the
shall be as directed by the court. (n) necessary steps for the correction or
 completion of the record within the 2) Where such a hearing is held,
time limited by the court in its order; upon its termination or upon
the filing of the last pleading or
(h) Failure of the appellant to appear memorandum as may be
at the preliminary conference under required or permitted to be filed
Rule 48 or to comply with orders, by the court, or the expiration of
circulars, or directives of the court the period for its filing.
without justifiable cause; and
B. In original actions and petitions for
(i) The fact that the order or judgment review. —
appealed from is not appealable. (1a)
1) Where no comment is filed,
Section 2. Dismissal of improper appeal to upon the expiration of the
the Court of Appeals. — An appeal under period to comment.
Rule 41 taken from the Regional Trial Court
to the Court of Appeals raising only questions 2) Where no hearing is held,
of law shall be dismissed, issues purely of law upon the filing of the last
not being reviewable by said court. Similarly, pleading required or permitted
an appeal by notice of appeal instead of by to be filed by the court, or the
petition for review from the appellate expiration of the period for its
judgment of a Regional Trial Court shall be filing.
dismissed. (n)
3) Where a hearing on the
An appeal erroneously taken to the Court of merits of the main case is held,
Appeals shall not be transferred to the upon its termination or upon
appropriate court but shall be dismissed the filing of the last pleading or
outright. (3a) memorandum as may be
required or permitted to be filed
Section 3. Withdrawal of appeal. — An by the court, or the expiration of
appeal may be withdrawn as of right at any the period for its filing. (n)
time before the filing of the appellee's brief.
Thereafter, the withdrawal may be allowed in Section 2. By whom rendered. — The
the discretion of the court. (4a) judgment shall be rendered by the members
of the court who participated in the
deliberation on the merits of the case before
its assignment to a member for the writing of
RULE 51 the decision. (n)
Judgment Section 3. Quorum and voting in the
court. — The participation of all three
Section 1. When case deemed submitted for Justices of a division shall be necessary at the
judgment. — A case shall be deemed deliberation and the unanimous vote of the
submitted for judgment: three Justices shall be required for the
pronouncement of a judgment or final
A. In ordinary appeals. —
resolution. If the three justices do not reach a
1) Where no hearing on the unanimous vote, the clerk shall enter the
merits of the main case is held, votes of the dissenting Justices in the record.
upon the filing of the last Thereafter, the Chairman of the division shall
pleading, brief, or refer the case, together with the minutes of
memorandum required by the the deliberation, to the Presiding Justice who
Rules or by the court itself, or shall designate two Justices chosen by raffle
the expiration of the period for from among all the other members of the
its filing. court to sit temporarily with them, forming a
special division of five Justices. The
participation of all the five members of the jurisdiction over the subject matter or the
special division shall be necessary for the validity of the judgment appealed from or the
deliberation required in section 2 of this Rule proceedings therein will be considered unless
and the concurrence of a majority of such stated in the assignment of errors, or closely
division shall be required for the related to or dependent on an assigned error
pronouncement of a judgment or final and properly argued in the brief, save as the
resolution. (2a) court may pass upon plain errors and clerical
errors. (7a)
Section 4. Disposition of a case. — The
Court of Appeals, in the exercise of its Section 9. Promulgation and notice of
appellate jurisdiction, may affirm, reverse, or judgment. — After the judgment or final
modify the judgment or final order appealed resolution and dissenting or separate
from, and may direct a new trial or further opinions, if any, are signed by the Justices
proceedings to be had. (3a) taking part, they shall be delivered for filing
to the clerk who shall indicate thereon the
Section 5. Form of decision. — Every date of promulgation and cause true copies
decision or final resolution of the court in thereof to be served upon the parties or their
appealed cases shall clearly and distinctly counsel. (n)
state the findings of fact and the conclusions
of law on which it is based, which may be Section 10. Entry of judgments and final
contained in the decision or final resolution resolutions. — If no appeal or motion for new
itself, or adopted from those set forth in the trial or reconsideration is filed within the
decision, order, or resolution appealed from. time provided in these Rules, the judgment or
(Sec. 40, BP Blg. 129) (n) final resolution shall forthwith be entered by
the clerk in the book of entries of judgments.
Section 6. Harmless error. — No error in The date when the judgment or final
either the admission or the exclusion of resolution becomes executory shall be
evidence and no error or defect in any ruling deemed as the date of its entry. The record
or order or in anything done or omitted by shall contain the dispositive part of the
the trial court or by any of the parties is judgment or final resolution and shall be
ground for granting a new trial or for setting signed by the clerk, with a certificate that
aside, modifying, or otherwise disturbing a such judgment or final resolution has become
judgment or order, unless refusal to take such final and executory. (2a, R36)
action appears to the court inconsistent with
substantial justice. The court at every stage of Section 11. Execution of judgment. —
the proceeding must disregard any error or Except where the judgment or final order or
defect which does not affect the substantial resolution, or a portion thereof, is ordered to
rights of the parties. (5a) be immediately executory, the motion for its
execution may only be filed in the proper
Section 7. Judgment where there are court after its entry.
several parties. — In all actions or
proceedings, an appealed judgment may be In original actions in the Court of Appeals, its
affirmed as to some of the appellants, and writ of execution shall be accompanied by a
reversed as to others, and the case shall certified true copy of the entry of judgment or
thereafter be proceeded with, so far as final resolution and addressed to any
necessary, as if separate actions had been appropriate officer for its enforcement.
begun and prosecuted, and execution of the
judgment of affirmance may be had In appealed cases, where the motion for
accordingly, and costs may be adjudged in execution pending appeal is filed in the Court
such cases, as the court shall deem proper. (6) of Appeals at a time that it is in possession of
the original record or the record on appeal,
Section 8. Questions that may be the resolution granting such motion shall be
decided. — No error which does not affect the transmitted to the lower court from which the
case originated, together with a certified true shall be accompanied by affidavits showing
copy of the judgment or final order to be the facts constituting the grounds therefor
executed, with a directive for such court of and the newly discovered evidence. (1a)
origin to issue the proper writ for its
enforcement. (n) Section 2. Hearing and order. — The Court
of Appeals shall consider the new evidence
together with that adduced at the trial below,
and may grant or refuse a new trial, or may
RULE 52 make such order, with notice to both parties,
as to the taking of further testimony, either
Motion for Reconsideration orally in court, or by depositions, or render
such other judgment as ought to be rendered
Section 1. Period for filing. — A party may upon such terms as it may deem just. (2a)
file a motion for reconsideration of a
judgment or final resolution within fifteen (15) Section 3. Resolution of motion. — In the
days from notice thereof, with proof of service Court of Appeals, a motion for new trial shall
on the adverse party. (n) be resolved within ninety (90) days from the
date when the court declares it submitted for
Section 2. Second motion for resolution. (n)
reconsideration. — No second motion for
reconsideration of a judgment or final Section 4. Procedure in new trial. — Unless
resolution by the same party shall be the court otherwise directs, the procedure in
entertained. (n) the new trial shall be the same as that granted
by a Regional Trial Court. (3a)
Section 3. Resolution of motion. — In the
Court of Appeals, a motion for
reconsideration shall be resolved within
ninety (90) days from the date when the court RULE 54
declares it submitted for resolution. (n)
Internal Business
Section 4. Stay of execution. — The
pendency of a motion for reconsideration Section 1. Distribution of cases among
filed on time and by the proper party shall divisions. — All the cases of the Court of
stay the execution of the judgment or final Appeals shall be allotted among the different
resolution sought to be reconsidered unless divisions thereof for hearing and decision.
the court, for good reasons, shall otherwise The Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, shall
direct. (n) make proper orders or rules to govern the
allotment of cases among the different
divisions, the constitution of such divisions,
the regular rotation of Justices among them,
RULE 53 the filing of vacancies occurring therein, and
other matters relating to the business of the
New Trial court; and such rules shall continue in force
until repealed or altered by the Supreme
Section 1. Period for filing; ground. — At
Court. (1a)
any time after the appeal from the lower court
has been perfected and before the Court of Section 2. Quorum of the court. — A
Appeals loses jurisdiction over the case, a majority of the actual members of the court
party may file a motion for a new trial on the shall constitute a quorum for its sessions en
ground of newly discovered evidence which banc. Three members shall constitute
could not have been discovered prior to the a quorum for the sessions of a division. The
trial in the court below by the exercise of due affirmative votes of the majority of the
diligence and which is of such a character as members present shall be necessary to pass a
would probably change the result. The motion resolution of the court en banc. The
affirmative votes of three members of a
division shall be necessary for the
pronouncement of a judgment or final Procedure In The Supreme Court
resolution, which shall be reached in
consultation before the writing of the opinion
by any member of the division. (Sec. 11, first
par. of BP Blg. 129, as amended by Sec. 6 of RULE 56
EO 33). (3a)
A. Original Cases

Section 1. Original cases cognizable. — Only

RULE 55 petitions for certiorari,
prohibition, mandamus, quo
Publications of Judgments and Final warranto, habeas corpus, disciplinary
Resolutions proceedings against members of the judiciary
and attorneys, and cases affecting
Section 1. Publication. — The judgments ambassadors, other public ministers and
and final resolutions of the court shall be consuls may be filed originally in the
published in the Official Gazette and in the Supreme Court. (n)
Reports officially authorized by the court in
the language in which they have been Section 2. Rules applicable. — The
originally written, together with the syllabi procedure in original cases for certiorari,
therefor prepared by the reporter in prohibition, mandamus, quo
consultation with the writers thereof. warranto and habeas corpus shall be in
Memoranda of all other judgments and final accordance with the applicable provisions of
resolutions not so published shall be made by the Constitution, laws, and Rules 46, 48, 49,
the reporter and published in the Official 51, 52 and this Rule, subject to the following
Gazette and the authorized reports. (1a) provisions:

Section 2. Preparation of opinions for a) All references in said Rules to the

publication. — The reporter shall prepare and Court of Appeals shall be understood
publish with each reported judgment and to also apply to the Supreme Court;
final resolution a concise synopsis of the facts
necessary for a clear understanding of the b) The portions of said Rules dealing
case, the names of counsel, the material and strictly with and specifically intended
controverted points involved, the authorities for appealed cases in the Court of
cited therein, and a syllabus which shall be Appeals shall not be applicable; and
confined to points of law. (Sec. 22a, R.A. No.
c) Eighteen (18) clearly legible copies
296) (n)
of the petition shall be filed, together
Section 3. General make-up of volumes. — with proof of service on all adverse
The published decisions and final resolutions parties.
of the Supreme Court shall be called
The proceedings for disciplinary action
"Philippine Reports," while those of the Court
against members of the judiciary shall be
of Appeals shall be known as the "Court of
governed by the laws and Rules prescribed
Appeals Reports." Each volume thereof shall
therefor, and those against attorneys by Rules
contain a table of the cases reported and the
139-B, as amended. (n)
cases cited in the opinions, with a complete
alphabetical index of the subject matters of B. Appealed Cases
the volume. It shall consist of not less than
seven hundred pages printed upon good Section 3. Mode of appeal. — An appeal to
paper, well bound and numbered the Supreme Court may be taken only by a
consecutively in the order of the volumes petition for review on certiorari, except in
published. (Sec. 23a, R.A. No. 296) (n)
criminal cases where the penalty imposed is Supreme Court on whether or not issues of
death, reclusion perpetua or life fact are involved shall be final. (n)
imprisonment. (n)
Section 7. Procedure if opinion is equally
Section 4. Procedure. — The appeal shall be divided. — Where the court en banc is equally
governed by and disposed of in accordance divided in opinion, or the necessary majority
with the applicable provisions of the cannot be had, the case shall again be
Constitution, laws, Rules 45, 48, sections 1, 2, deliberated on, and if after such deliberation
and 5 to 11 of Rule 51, 52 and this Rule. (n) no decision is reached, the original action
commenced in the court shall be dismissed,
Section 5. Grounds for dismissal of in appealed cases, the judgment or order
appeal. — The appeal may be dismissed motu appealed from shall stand affirmed; and on
proprio or on motion of the respondent on all incidental matters, the petition or motion
the following grounds: shall be denied.

(a) Failure to take the appeal within

the reglementary period;
Provisional Remedies
(b) Lack of merit in the petition;

(c) Failure to pay the requisite docket

fee and other lawful fees or to make a RULE 57
deposit for costs;
Preliminary Attachment
(d) Failure to comply with the
requirements regarding proof of Section 1. Grounds upon which attachment
service and contents of and the may issue. — At the commencement of the
documents which should accompany action or at any time before entry of judgment,
the petition; a plaintiff or any proper party may have the
property of the adverse party attached as
(e) Failure to comply with any circular, security for the satisfaction of any judgment
directive or order of the Supreme that may be recovered in the following cases:
Court without justifiable cause;
(a) In an action for the recovery of a
(f) Error in the choice or mode of specified amount of money or damages,
appeal; and other than moral and exemplary, on a
cause of action arising from law,
(g) The fact that the case is not contract, quasi-contract, delict or
appealable to the Supreme Court. (n) quasi-delict against a party who is
about to depart from the Philippines
Section 6. Disposition of improper with intent to defraud his creditors;
appeal. — Except as provided in section 3,
Rule 122 regarding appeals in criminal cases (b) In an action for money or property
where the penalty imposed is death, reclusion embezzled or fraudulently misapplied
perpetua or life imprisonment, an appeal or converted to his own use by a public
taken to the Supreme Court by notice of officer, or an officer of a corporation,
appeal shall be dismissed. or an attorney, factor, broker, agent, or
clerk, in the course of his employment
An appeal by certiorari taken to the Supreme as such, or by any other person in a
Court from the Regional Trial Court fiduciary capacity, or for a willful
submitting issues of fact may be referred to violation of duty;
the Court of Appeals for decision or
appropriate action. The determination of the (c) In an action to recover the
possession of property unjustly or
 fraudulently taken, detained or that the amount due to the applicant, or the
converted, when the property, or any value of the property the possession of which
part thereof, has been concealed, he is entitled to recover, is as much as the
removed, or disposed of to prevent its sum for which the order is granted above all
being found or taken by the applicant legal counterclaims. The affidavit, and the
or an authorized person; bond required by the next succeeding section,
must be duly filed with the court before the
(d) In an action against a party who order issues. (3a)
has been guilty of a fraud in
contracting the debt or incurring the Section 4. Condition of applicant's bond. —
obligation upon which the action is The party applying for the order must
brought, or in the performance thereof; thereafter give a bond executed to the adverse
party in the amount fixed by the court in its
(e) In an action against a party who order granting the issuance of the writ,
has removed or disposed of his conditioned that the latter will pay all the
property, or is about to do so, with costs which may be adjudged to the adverse
intent to defraud his creditors; or party and all damages which he may sustain
by reason of the attachment, if the court shall
(f) In an action against a party who finally adjudge that the applicant was not
does not reside and is not found in the entitled thereto. (4a)
Philippines, or on whom summons
may be served by publication. (1a) Section 5. Manner of attaching property. —
The sheriff enforcing the writ shall without
Section 2. Issuance and contents of delay and with all reasonable diligence attach,
order. — An order of attachment may be to await judgment and execution in the action,
issued either ex parte or upon motion with only so much of the property in the
notice and hearing by the court in which the Philippines of the party against whom the
action is pending, or by the Court of Appeals writ is issued, not exempt from execution, as
or the Supreme Court, and must require the may be sufficient to satisfy the applicant's
sheriff of the court to attach so much of the demand, unless the former makes a deposit
property in the Philippines of the party with the court from which the writ is issued,
against whom it is issued, not exempt from or gives a counter-bond executed to the
execution, as may be sufficient to satisfy the applicant, in an amount equal to the bond
applicant's demand, unless such party makes fixed by the court in the order of attachment
deposit or gives a bond as hereinafter or to the value of the property to be attached,
provided in an amount equal to that fixed in exclusive of costs. No levy on attachment
the order, which may be the amount pursuant to the writ issued under section 2
sufficient to satisfy the applicant's demand or hereof shall be enforced unless it is preceded,
the value of the property to be attached as or contemporaneously accompanied, by
stated by the applicant, exclusive of costs. service of summons, together with a copy of
Several writs may be issued at the same time the complaint, the application for attachment
to the sheriffs of the courts of different the applicant's affidavit and bond, and the
judicial regions. (2a) order and writ of attachment, on the
defendant within the Philippines.
Section 3. Affidavit and bond required. —
An order of attachment shall be granted only The requirement of prior or
when it appears by the affidavit of the contemporaneous service of summons shall
applicant, or of some other person who not apply where the summons could not be
personally knows the facts, that a sufficient served personally or by substituted service
cause of action exists, that the case is one of despite diligent efforts, or the defendant is a
those mentioned in section 1 hereof, that resident of the Philippines temporarily absent
there is no other sufficient security for the therefrom, or the defendant is a non-resident
claim sought to be enforced by the action, and
of the Philippines, or the action is one The registrar of deeds must index
in rem or quasi in rem. (5a) attachments filed under this section in
the names of the applicant, the adverse
Section 6. Sheriff's return. — After party, or the person by whom the
enforcing the writ, the sheriff must likewise property is held or in whose name it
without delay make a return thereon to the stands in the records. If the
court from which the writ issued, with a full attachment is not claimed on the entire
statement of his proceedings under the writ area of the land covered by the
and a complete inventory of the property certificate of title, a description
attached, together with any counter-bond sufficiently accurate for the
given by the party against whom attachment identification of the land or interest to
is issued, and serve copies thereof on the be affected shall be included in the
applicant. (6a) registration of such attachment;

Section 7. Attachment of real and personal (b) Personal property capable of

property; recording thereof. — Real and manual delivery, by taking and safely
personal property shall be attached by the keeping it in his custody, after issuing
sheriff executing the writ in the following the corresponding receipt therefor.
manner:
(c) Stocks or shares, or an interest in
(a) Real property, or growing crops stocks or shares, of any corporation or
thereon, or any interest therein, company, by leaving with the president
standing upon the record of the or managing agent thereof, a copy of
registry of deeds of the province in the the writ, and a notice stating that the
name of the party against whom stock or interest of the party against
attachment is issued, or not appearing whom the attachment is issued is
at all upon such records, or belonging attached in pursuance of such writ;
to the party against whom attachment
is issued and held by any other person, (d) Debts and credits, including bank
or standing on the records of the deposits, financial interest, royalties,
registry of deeds in the name of any commissions and other personal
other person, by filing with the registry property not capable of manual
of deeds a copy of the order, together delivery, by leaving with the person
with a description of the property owing such debts, or having in his
attached, and a notice that it is possession or under his control, such
attached, or that such real property credits or other personal property, or
and any interest therein held by or with his agent, a copy of the writ, and
standing in the name of such other notice that the debts owing by him to
person are attached, and by leaving a the party against whom attachment is
copy of such order, description, and issued, and the credits and other
notice with the occupant of the personal property in his possession, or
property, if any, or with such other under his control, belonging to said
person or his agent if found within the party, are attached in pursuance of
province. Where the property has been such writ;
brought under the operation of either
the Land Registration Act or the (e) The interest of the party against
Property Registration Decree, the whom attachment is issued in property
notice shall contain a reference to the belonging to the estate of the decedent,
number of the certificate of title, the whether as heir, legatee, or devisee, by
volume and page in the registration serving the executor or administrator
book where the certificate is registered, or other personal representative of the
and the registered owner or owners decedent with a copy of the writ and
thereof. notice that said interest is attached. A
 copy of said writ of attachment and of Section 10. Examination of party whose
said notice shall also be filed in the property is attached and persons indebted to
office of the clerk of the court in which him or controlling his property; delivery of
said estate is being settled and served property to sheriff. — Any person owing
upon the heir, legatee or devisee debts to the party whose property is attached
concerned. or having in his possession or under his
control any credit or other personal property
If the property sought to be attached is belonging to such party, may be required to
in custodia legis, a copy of the writ of attend before the court in which the action is
attachment shall be filed with the proper pending, or before a commissioner appointed
court or quasi-judicial agency, and notice of by the court, and be examined on oath
the attachment served upon the custodian of respecting the same. The party whose
such property. (7a) property is attached may also be required to
attend for the purpose of giving information
Section 8. Effect of attachment of respecting his property, and may be
debts, credits and all other similar personal examined on oath. The court may, after such
property. — All persons having in their examination, order personal property capable
possession or under their control any credits of manual delivery belonging to him, in the
or other similar personal property belonging possession of the person so required to attend
to the party against whom attachment is before the court, to be delivered to the clerk
issued, or owing any debts to him, at the time of the court or sheriff on such terms as may
of service upon them of the copy of the writ of be just, having reference to any lien thereon
attachment and notice as provided in the last or claim against the same, to await the
preceding section, shall be liable to the judgment in the action. (10a)
applicant for the amount of such credits,
debts or other similar personal property, until Section 11. When attached property may be
the attachment is discharged, or any sold after levy on attachment and before
judgment recovered by him is satisfied, entry of judgment. — Whenever it shall be
unless such property is delivered or made to appear to the court in which the
transferred, or such debts are paid, to the action is pending, upon hearing with notice to
clerk, sheriff, or other proper officer of the both parties, that the property attached is
court issuing the attachment. (8a) perishable, or that the interests of all the
parties to the action will be subserved by the
Section 9. Effect of attachment of interests sale thereof, the court may order such
in property belonging to the estate of a property to be sold at public auction in such
decedent. — The attachment of the interest of manner as it may direct, and the proceeds of
an heir, legatee, or devisee in the property such sale to be deposited in court to abide the
belonging to the estate of a decedent shall not judgment in the action. (11a)
impair the powers of the executor,
administrator, or other personal Section 12. Discharge of attachment upon
representative of the decedent over such giving counter-bond. — After a writ of
property for the purpose of administration. attachment has been enforced, the party
Such personal representative, however, shall whose property has been attached, or the
report the attachment to the court when any person appearing on his behalf, may move for
petition for distribution is filed, and in the the discharge of the attachment wholly or in
order made upon such petition, distribution part on the security given. The court shall,
may be awarded to such heir, legatee or after due notice and hearing, order the
devisee, but the property attached shall be discharge of the attachment if the movant
ordered delivered to the sheriff making the makes a cash deposit, or files a counter-bond
levy, subject to the claim of such heir, legatee, executed to the attaching party with the clerk
or devisee, or any person claiming under him. of the court where the application is made, in
(9a) an amount equal to that fixed by the court in
the order of attachment, exclusive of costs.
But if the attachment is sought to be an affidavit of his title thereto, or right to the
discharged with respect to a particular possession thereof, stating the grounds of
property, the counter-bond shall be equal to such right or title, and serves such affidavit
the value of that property as determined by upon the sheriff while the latter has
the court. In either case, the cash deposit or possession of the attached property, and a
the counter-bond shall secure the payment of copy thereof upon the attaching party, the
any judgment that the attaching party may sheriff shall not be bound to keep the
recover in the action. A notice of the deposit property under attachment, unless the
shall forthwith be served on the attaching attaching party or his agent, on demand of
party. Upon the discharge of an attachment in the sheriff, shall file a bond approved by the
accordance with the provisions of this section, court to indemnify the third-party claimant in
the property attached, or the proceeds of any a sum not less than the value of the property
sale thereof, shall be delivered to the party levied upon. In case of disagreement as to
making the deposit or giving the counter- such value, the same shall be decided by the
bond, or to the person appearing on his court issuing the writ of attachment. No claim
behalf, the deposit or counter-bond aforesaid for damages for the taking or keeping of the
standing in place of the property so released. property may be enforced against the bond
Should such counter-bond for any reason be unless the action therefor is filed within one
found to be or become insufficient, and the hundred twenty (120) days from the date of
party furnishing the same fail to file an the filing of the bond.
additional counter-bond, the attaching party
may apply for a new order of attachment. (12a) The sheriff shall not be liable for damages for
the taking or keeping of such property to any
Section 13. Discharge of attachment on such third-party claimant, if such bond shall
other grounds. — The party whose property be filed. Nothing herein contained shall
has been ordered attached may file a motion prevent such claimant or any third person
with the court in which he action is pending, from vindicating his claim to the property, or
before or after levy or even after the release of prevent the attaching party from claiming
the attached property, for an order to set damages against a third-party claimant who
aside or discharge the attachment on the filed a frivolous or plainly spurious claim, in
ground that the same was improperly or the same or a separate action.
irregularly issued or enforced, or that the
bond is insufficient. If the attachment is When the writ of attachment is issued in
excessive, the discharge shall be limited to the favor of the Republic of the Philippines, or
excess. If the motion be made on affidavits on any officer duly representing it, the filing of
the part of the movant but not otherwise, the such bond shall not be required, and in case
attaching party may oppose the motion by the sheriff is sued for damages as a result of
counter-affidavits or other evidence in the attachment, he shall be represented by
addition to that on which the attachment was the Solicitor General, and if held liable
made. After due notice and hearing, the court therefor, the actual damages adjudged by the
shall order the setting aside or the court shall be paid by the National Treasurer
corresponding discharge of the attachment if out of the funds to be appropriated for the
it appears that it was improperly or purpose. (14a)
irregularly issued or enforced, or that the
bond is insufficient, or that the attachment is Section 15. Satisfaction of judgment out of
excessive, and the defect is not cured property attached, return of sheriff. — If
forthwith. (13a) judgment be recovered by the attaching party
and execution issue thereon, the sheriff may
Section 14. Proceedings where property cause the judgment to be satisfied out of the
claimed by third person. — If the property property attached, if it be sufficient for that
attached is claimed by any person other than purpose in the following manner:
the party against whom attachment had been
issued or his agent, and such person makes
 (a) By paying to the judgment obligee such counter-bond and bound to pay the
the proceeds of all sales of perishable judgment obligee upon demand the amount
or other property sold in pursuance of due under the judgment, which amount may
the order of the court, or so much as be recovered from such surety or sureties
shall be necessary to satisfy the after notice and summary hearing in the same
judgment; action. (17a)

(b) If any balance remains due, by Section 18. Disposition of money

selling so much of the property, real or deposited. — Where the party against whom
personal, as may be necessary to attachment had been issued has deposited
satisfy the balance, if enough for that money instead of giving counter-bond, it shall
purpose remain in the sheriff's hands, be applied under the direction of the court to
or in those the clerk of the court; the satisfaction of any judgment rendered in
favor of the attaching party, and after
(c) By collecting from all persons satisfying the judgment the balance shall be
having in their possession credits refunded to the depositor or his assignee. If
belonging to the judgment obligor, or the judgment is in favor of the party against
owing debts to the latter at the time of whom attachment was issued, the whole sum
the attachment of such credits or debts, deposited must be refunded to him or his
the amount of such credits and debts assignee. (18a)
as determined by the court in the
action, and stated in the judgment, and Section 19. Disposition of attached
paying the proceeds of such collection property where judgment is for party
over to the judgment obligee. against whom attachment was issued. — If
judgment be rendered against the attaching
The sheriff shall forthwith make a return in party, all the proceeds of sales and money
writing to the court of his proceedings under collected or received by the sheriff, under the
this section and furnish the parties with order of attachment, and all property
copies thereof. (15a) attached remaining in any such officer's
hands, shall be delivered to the party against
Section 16. Balance due collected upon an whom attachment was issued, and the order
execution; excess delivered to judgment of attachment discharged. (19a)
obligor. — If after realizing upon all the
property attached, including the proceeds of Section 20. Claim for damages on account
any debts or credits collected, and applying of improper, irregular or excessive
the proceeds to the satisfaction of the attachment. — An application for damages on
judgment less the expenses of proceedings account of improper, irregular or excessive
upon the judgment any balance shall remain attachment must be filed before the trial or
due, the sheriff must proceed to collect such before appeal is perfected or before the
balance as upon ordinary execution. judgment becomes executory, with due notice
Whenever the judgment shall have been paid, to the attaching party and his surety or
the sheriff, upon reasonable demand, must sureties setting forth the facts showing his
return to the judgment obligor the attached right to damages and the amount thereof.
property remaining in his hands, and any Such damages may be awarded only after
proceeds of the sale of the property attached proper hearing and shall be included in the
not applied to the judgment. (16a) judgment on the main case.

Section 17. Recovery upon the counter- If the judgment of the appellate court be
bond. — When the judgment has become favorable to the party against whom the
executory, the surety or sureties on any attachment was issued he must claim
counter-bond given pursuant to the damages sustained during the pendency of
provisions of this Rule to secure the payment the appeal by filing an application in the
of the judgment shall become charged on appellate court, with notice to the party in
whose favor the attachment was issued or his (b) That the commission, continuance
surety or sureties, before the judgment of the or non-performance of the act or acts
appellate court becomes executory. The complained of during the litigation
appellate court may allow the application to would probably work injustice to the
be heard and decided by the trial court. applicant; or

Nothing herein contained shall prevent the (c) That a party, court, agency or a
party against whom the attachment was person is doing, threatening, or is
issued from recovering in the same action the attempting to do, or is procuring or
damages awarded to him from any property suffering to be done some act or acts
of the attaching party not exempt from probably in violation of the rights of
execution should the bond or deposit given by the applicant respecting the subject of
the latter be insufficient or fail to fully satisfy the action or proceeding, and tending
the award. (20a) to render the judgment ineffectual. (3a)

Section 4. Verified application and bond for

preliminary injunction or temporary
RULE 58 restraining order. — A preliminary
injunction or temporary restraining order
Preliminary Injunction may be granted only when:
Section 1. Preliminary injunction (a) The application in the action or
defined; classes. — A preliminary injunction proceeding is verified, and shows facts
is an order granted at any stage of an action entitling the applicant to the relief
or proceeding prior to the judgment or final demanded; and
order, requiring a party or a court, agency or
a person to refrain from a particular act or (b) Unless exempted by the court the
acts. It may also require the performance of a applicant files with the court where the
particular act or acts, in which case it shall be action or proceeding is pending, a
known as a preliminary mandatory injunction. bond executed to the party or person
(1a) enjoined, in an amount to be fixed by
the court, to the effect that the
Section 2. Who may grant preliminary applicant will pay to such party or
injunction. — A preliminary injunction may person all damages which he may
be granted by the court where the action or sustain by reason of the injunction or
proceeding is pending. If the action or temporary restraining order if the
proceeding is pending in the Court of Appeals court should finally decide that the
or in the Supreme Court, it may be issued by applicant was not entitled thereto.
said court or any member thereof. (2a) Upon approval of the requisite bond, a
writ of preliminary injunction shall be
Section 3. Grounds for issuance of issued. (4a)
preliminary injunction. — A preliminary
injunction may be granted when it is (c) When an application for a writ of
established: preliminary injunction or a temporary
restraining order is included in a
(a) That the applicant is entitled to the complaint or any initiatory pleading,
relief demanded, and the whole or part the case, if filed in a multiple-sala
of such relief consists in restraining court, shall be raffled only after notice
the commission or continuance of the to and in the presence of the adverse
act or acts complained of, or in party or the person to be enjoined. In
requiring the performance of an act or any event, such notice shall be
acts either for a limited period or preceded, or contemporaneously
perpetually; accompanied, by service of summons,
 together with a copy of the complaint injustice and irreparable injury, the executive
or initiatory pleading and the judge of a multiple-sala court or the presiding
applicant's affidavit and bond, upon judge of a single sala court may issue ex
the adverse party in the Philippines. parte a temporary restraining order effective
for only seventy-two (72) hours from issuance
However, where the summons could but he shall immediately comply with the
not be served personally or by provisions of the next preceding section as to
substituted service despite diligent service of summons and the documents to be
efforts, or the adverse party is a served therewith. Thereafter, within the
resident of the Philippines temporarily aforesaid seventy-two (72) hours, the judge
absent therefrom or is a nonresident before whom the case is pending shall
thereof, the requirement of prior or conduct a summary hearing to determine
contemporaneous service of summons whether the temporary restraining order shall
shall not apply. be extended until the application for
preliminary injunction can be heard. In no
(d) The application for a temporary case shall the total period of effectivity of the
restraining order shall thereafter be temporary restraining order exceed twenty
acted upon only after all parties are (20) days, including the original seventy-two
heard in a summary hearing which hours provided herein.
shall be conducted within twenty-four
(24) hours after the sheriff's return of In the event that the application for
service and/or the records are received preliminary injunction is denied or not
by the branch selected by raffle and to resolved within the said period, the
which the records shall be transmitted temporary restraining order is deemed,
immediately. automatically vacated. The effectivity of a
temporary restraining order is not extendible
Section 5. Preliminary injunction not without need of any judicial declaration to
granted without notice; exception. — No that effect and no court shall have authority
preliminary injunction shall be granted to extend or renew the same on the same
without hearing and prior notice to the party ground for which it was issued.
or person sought to be enjoined. If it shall
appear from facts shown by affidavits or by However, if issued by the Court of Appeals or
the verified application that great or a member thereof, the temporary restraining
irreparable injury would result to the order shall be effective for sixty (60) days
applicant before the matter can be heard on from service on the party or person sought to
notice, the court to which the application for be enjoined. A restraining, order issued by
preliminary injunction was made, may issue a the Supreme Court or a member thereof shall
temporary restraining order to be effective be effective until further orders. (5a)
only for a period of twenty (20) days from
service on the party or person sought to be Section 6. Grounds for objection to, or for
enjoined, except as herein provided. Within motion of dissolution of, injunction or
the said twenty-day period, the court must restraining order. — The application for
order said party or person to show cause, at a injunction or restraining order may be denied,
specified time and place, why the injunction upon a showing of its insufficiency. The
should not be granted, determine within the injunction or restraining order may also be
same period whether or not the preliminary denied, or, if granted, may be dissolved, on
injunction shall be granted, and accordingly other grounds upon affidavits of the party or
issue the corresponding order. (Bar Matter person enjoined, which may be opposed by
No. 803, 17 February 1998) the applicant also by affidavits. It may further
be denied, or if granted, may be dissolved, if it
However, and subject to the provisions of the appears after hearing that although the
preceding sections, if the matter is of extreme applicant is entitled to the injunction or
urgency and the applicant will suffer grave restraining order, the issuance or continuance
thereof, as the case may be, would cause RULE 59
irreparable damage to the party or person
enjoined while the applicant can be fully Receivership
compensated for such damages as he may
suffer, and the former files a bond in an Section 1. Appointment of receiver. — Upon
amount fixed by the court conditioned that he a verified application, one or more receivers
will pay all damages which the applicant may of the property subject of the action or
suffer by the denial or the dissolution of the proceeding may be appointed by the court
injunction or restraining order. If it appears where the action is pending or by the Court of
that the extent of the preliminary injunction Appeals or by the Supreme Court, or a
or restraining order granted is too great, it member thereof, in the following cases:
may be modified. (6a)
(a) When it appears from the verified
Section 7. Service of copies of bonds; effect application, and such other proof as
of disapproval of same. — The party filing a the court may require, that the party
bond in accordance with the provisions of this applying for the appointment of a
Rule shall forthwith serve a copy of such bond receiver has an interest in the property
on the other party, who may except to the or fund which is the subject of the
sufficiency of the bond, or of the surety or action or proceeding, and that such
sureties thereon. If the applicant's bond is property or fund is in danger of being
found to be insufficient in amount, or if the lost, removed, or materially injured
surety or sureties thereon fail to justify, and a unless a receiver be appointed to
bond sufficient in amount with sufficient administer and preserve it;
sureties approved after justification is not
filed forthwith the injunction shall be (b) When it appears in an action by the
dissolved. If the bond of the adverse party is mortgagee for the foreclosure of a
found to be insufficient in amount, or the mortgage that the property is in
surety or sureties thereon fail to justify a danger of being wasted or dissipated or
bond sufficient in amount with sufficient materially injured, and that its value is
sureties approved after justification is not probably insufficient to discharge the
filed forthwith, the injunction shall be mortgage debt, or that the parties have
granted or restored, as the case may be. (8a) so stipulated in the contract of
mortgage;
Section 8. Judgment to include damages
against party and sureties. — At the trial, the (c) After judgment, to preserve the
amount of damages to be awarded to either property during the pendency of an
party, upon the bond of the adverse party, appeal, or to dispose of it according to
shall be claimed, ascertained, and awarded the judgment, or to aid execution when
under the same procedure prescribed in the execution has been returned
section 20 of Rule 57. (9a) unsatisfied or the judgment obligor
refuses to apply his property in
Section 9. When final injunction granted. — satisfaction of the judgment, or
If after the trial of the action it appears that otherwise to carry the judgment into
the applicant is entitled to have the act or acts effect;
complained of permanently enjoined the
court shall grant a final injunction perpetually (d) Whenever in other cases it appears
restraining the party or person enjoined from that the appointment of a receiver is
the commission or continuance of the act or the most convenient and feasible
acts of confirming the preliminary mandatory means of preserving, administering, or
injunction. (10a) disposing of the property in litigation.

During the pendency of an appeal, the

appellate court may allow an application for
the appointment of a receiver to be filed in
and decided by the court of origin and the denied or the receiver discharged, as the case
receiver appointed to be subject to the control may be. If the bond of the adverse party is
of said court. (1a) found to be insufficient in amount or the
surety or sureties thereon fail to justify, and a
Section 2. Bond on appointment of bond sufficient in amount with sufficient
receiver. — Before issuing the order sureties approved after justification is not
appointing a receiver the court shall require filed forthwith, the receiver shall be
the applicant to file a bond executed to the appointed or re-appointed, as the case may be.
party against whom the application is (6a)
presented, in an amount to be fixed by the
court, to the effect that the applicant will pay Section 6. General powers of receiver. —
such party all damages he may sustain by Subject to the control of the court in which
reason of the appointment of such receiver in the action or proceeding is pending a receiver
case the applicant shall have procured such shall have the power to bring and defend, in
appointment without sufficient cause; and the such capacity, actions in his own name; to
court may, in its discretion, at any time after take and keep possession of the property in
the appointment, require an additional bond controversy; to receive rents; to collect debts
as further security for such damages. (3a) due to himself as receiver or to the fund,
property, estate, person, or corporation of
Section 3. Denial of application or which he is the receiver; to compound for and
discharge of receiver. — The application may compromise the same; to make transfers; to
be denied, or the receiver discharged, when pay outstanding debts; to divide the money
the adverse party files a bond executed to the and other property that shall remain among
applicant, in an amount to be fixed by the the persons legally entitled to receive the
court, to the effect that such party will pay the same; and generally to do such acts
applicant all damages he may suffer by reason respecting the property as the court may
of the acts, omissions, or other matters authorize. However, funds in the hands of a
specified in the application as ground for such receiver may be invested only by order of the
appointment. The receiver may also be court upon the written consent of all the
discharged if it is shown that his appointment parties to the action. (7a)
was obtained without sufficient cause. (4a)
No action may be filed by or against a receiver
Section 4. Oath and bond of receiver. — without leave of the court which appointed
Before entering upon his duties, the receiver him. (n)
shall be sworn to perform them faithfully, and
shall file a bond, executed to such person and Section 7. Liability for refusal or neglect to
in such sum as the court may direct, to the deliver property to receiver. — A person who
effect that he will faithfully discharge his refuses or neglects, upon reasonable demand,
duties in the action or proceeding and obey to deliver to the receiver all the property,
the orders of the court. (5a) money, books, deeds, notes, bills, documents
and papers within his power or control,
Section 5. Service of copies of bonds; effect subject of or involved in the action or
of disapproval of same. — The person filing a proceeding, or in case of disagreement, as
bond in accordance with the provisions of this determined and ordered by the court, may be
Rule shall forthwith serve a copy thereof on punished for contempt and shall be liable to
each interested party, who may except to its the receiver for the money or the value of the
sufficiency or of the surety or sureties thereon. property and other things so refused or
If either the applicant's or the receiver's bond neglected to be surrendered, together with all
is found to be insufficient in amount, or if the damages that may have been sustained by the
surety or sureties thereon fail to justify, and a party or parties entitled thereto as a
bond sufficient in amount with sufficient consequence of such refusal or neglect. (n)
sureties approved after justification is not
filed forthwith, the application shall be
Section 8. Termination of (c) That the property has not been
receivership; compensation of receiver. — distrained or taken for a tax
Whenever the court, motu proprio or on assessment or a fine pursuant to law,
motion of either party, shall determine that or seized under a writ of execution or
the necessity for a receiver no longer exists, it preliminary attachment, or otherwise
shall, after due notice to all interested parties placed under custodia legis, or if so
and hearing, settle the accounts of the seized, that it is exempt from such
receiver, direct the delivery of the funds and seizure or custody; and
other property in his possession to the person
adjudged to be entitled to receive them and (d) The actual market value of the
order the discharge of the receiver from property.
further duty as such. The court shall allow the
receiver such reasonable compensation as the The applicant must also give a bond, executed
circumstances of the case warrant, to be taxed to the adverse party in double the value of the
as costs against the defeated party, or property as stated in the affidavit
apportioned, as justice requires. (8a) aforementioned, for the return of the
property to the adverse party if such return be
Section 9. Judgment to include recovery adjudged, and for the payment to the adverse
against sureties. — The amount, if any, to be party of such sum as he may recover from the
awarded to any party upon any bond filed in applicant in the action. (2a)
accordance with the provisions of this Rule,
shall be claimed, ascertained, and granted Section 3. Order. — Upon the filing of such
under the same procedure prescribed in affidavit and approval of the bond, the court
section 20 of Rule 57. (9a) shall issue an order and the corresponding
writ of replevin, describing the personal
property alleged to be wrongfully detained
and requiring the sheriff forthwith to take
RULE 60 such property into his custody. (3a)

Replevin Section 4. Duty of the sheriff. — Upon

receiving such order, the sheriff must serve a
Section 1. Application. — A party praying copy thereof on the adverse party, together
for the recovery of possession of personal with a copy of the application, affidavit and
property may, at the commencement of the bond, and must forthwith take the property, if
action or at any time before answer, apply for it be in the possession of the adverse party, or
an order for the delivery of such property to his agent, and retain it in his custody. If the
him, in the manner hereinafter provided. (1a) property or any part thereof be concealed in a
building or enclosure, the sheriff must
Section 2. Affidavit and bond. — The demand its delivery, and if it be not delivered,
applicant must show by his own affidavit or he must cause the building or enclosure to be
that of some other person who personally broken open and take the property into his
knows the facts: possession. After the sheriff has take
possession of the property as herein provided,
(a) That the applicant is the owner of he must keep it in a secure place and shall be
the property claimed, particularly responsible for its delivery to the party
describing it, or is entitled to the entitled thereto upon receiving his fees and
possession thereof; necessary expenses for taking and keeping
the same. (4a)
(b) That the property is wrongfully
detained by the adverse party, alleging Section 5. Return of property. — If the
the cause of detention thereof adverse party objects to the sufficiency of the
according to the best of his knowledge, applicant's bond, or of the surety or sureties
information, and belief ; thereon, he cannot immediately require the
return of the property, but if he does not so twenty (120) days from the date of the filing
object, he may, at any time before the delivery of the bond.
of the property to the applicant, require the
return thereof, by filing with the court where The sheriff shall not be liable for damages, for
the action is pending a bond executed to the the taking or keeping of such property, to any
applicant, in double the value of the property such third-party claimant if such bond shall
as stated in the applicant's affidavit for the be filed. Nothing herein contained shall
delivery thereof to the applicant, if such prevent such claimant or any third person
delivery be adjudged, and for the payment of from vindicating his claim to the property, or
such sum, to him as may be recovered against prevent the applicant from claiming damages
the adverse party, and by serving a copy of against a third-party claimant who filed a
such bond on the applicant. (5a) frivolous or plainly spurious claim, in the
same or a separate action.
Section 6. Disposition of property by
sheriff. — If within five (5) days after the When the writ of replevin is issued in favor of
taking of the property by the sheriff, the the Republic of the Philippines, or any officer
adverse party does not object to the duly representing it, the filing of such bond
sufficiency of the bond, or of the surety or shall not be required, and in case the sheriff is
sureties thereon; or if the adverse party so sued for damages as a result of the replevin,
objects and the court affirms its approval of he shall be represented by the Solicitor
the applicant's bond or approves a new bond, General, and if held liable therefor, the actual
or if the adverse party requires the return of damages adjudged by the court shall be paid
the property but his bond is objected to and by the National Treasurer out of the funds to
found insufficient and he does not forthwith be appropriated for the purpose. (7a)
file an approved bond, the property shall be
delivered to the applicant. If for any reason Section 8. Return of papers. — The sheriff
the property is not delivered to the applicant, must file the order, with his proceedings
the sheriff must return it to the adverse party. indorsed, thereon, with the court within ten
(6a) (10) days after taking the property mentioned
therein. (8a)
Section 7. Proceedings where property
claimed by third person. — If the property Section 9. Judgment. — After trial of the
taken is claimed by any person other than the issues the court shall determine who has the
party against whom the writ of replevin had right of possession to and the value of the
been issued or his agent, and such person property and shall render judgment in the
makes an affidavit of his title thereto, or right alternative for the delivery thereof to the
to the possession thereof, stating the grounds party entitled to the same, or for its value in
therefor, and serves such affidavit upon the case delivery cannot be made, and also for
sheriff while the latter has possession of the such damages as either party may prove, with
property and a copy thereof upon the costs. (9a)
applicant, the sheriff shall not be bound to
keep the property under replevin or deliver it Section 10. Judgment to include recovery
to the applicant unless the applicant or his against sureties. — The amount, if any, to be
agent, on demand of said sheriff, shall file a awarded to any party upon any bond filed in
bond approved by the court to indemnify the accordance with the provisions of this Rule,
third-party claimant in a sum not less than shall be claimed, ascertained, and granted
the value of the property under replevin as under the same procedure as prescribed in
provided in section 2 hereof. In case of section 20 of Rule 57. (10a)
disagreement as to such value, the court shall
determine the same. No claim for damages
for the taking or keeping, of the property may RULE 61
be enforced against the bond unless the
action therefor is filed within one hundred Support Pendente Lite
Section 1. Application. — At the When the person ordered to give
commencement of the proper action or support pendente lite refuses or fails to do so,
proceeding, or at any time prior to the any third person who furnished that support
judgment or final order, a verified application to the applicant may, after due notice and
for support pendente lite may be filed by any hearing in the same case obtain a writ of
party stating the grounds for the claim and execution to enforce his right of
the financial conditions of both parties, and reimbursement against the person ordered to
accompanied by affidavits, depositions or provide such support. (h)
other authentic documents in support thereof.
(1a) Section 6. Support in criminal cases. — In
criminal actions where the civil liability
Section 2. Comment. — A copy of the includes support for the offspring as a
application and all supporting documents consequence of the crime and the civil aspect
shall be served upon the adverse party, who thereof has not been waived, reserved and
shall have five (5) days to comment thereon instituted prior to its filing, the accused may
unless a different period is fixed by the court be ordered to provide support pendente lite to
upon his motion. The comment shall be the child born to the offended party allegedly
verified and shall be accompanied by because of the crime. The application therefor
affidavits, depositions or other authentic may be filed successively by the offended
documents in support thereof. (2a, 3a) party, her parents, grandparents or guardian
and the State in the corresponding criminal
Section 3. Hearing. — After the comment is case during its pendency, in accordance with
filed, or after the expiration of the period for the procedure established under this Rule. (n)
its filing, the application shall be set for
hearing not more than three (3) days Section 7. Restitution. — When the
thereafter. The facts in issue shall be proved judgment or final order of the court finds that
in the same manner as is provided for the person who has been providing
evidence on motions. (4a) support pendente lite is not liable therefor, it
shall order the recipient thereof to return to
Section 4. Order. — The court shall the former the amounts already paid with
determine provisionally the pertinent facts, legal interest from the dates of actual
and shall render such orders as justice and payment, without prejudice to the right of the
equity may require, having the regard to the recipient to obtain reimbursement in a
probable outcome of the case and such other separate action from the person legally
circumstances as may aid in the proper obliged to give the support. Should the
resolution of the question involved. If the recipient fail to reimburse said amounts, the
application is granted, the court shall fix the person who provided the same may likewise
amount of money to be provisionally paid or seek reimbursement thereof in a separate
such other forms of support as should be action from the person legally obliged to give
provided, taking into account the necessities such support. (n)
of the applicant and the resources or means
of the adverse party, and the terms of
payment or mode for providing the support.
If the application is denied, the principal case Special Civil Actions
shall be tried and decided as early as possible.
(5a)

Section 5. Enforcement of order. — If the RULE 62

adverse party fails to comply with an order
granting support pendente lite, the court Interpleader
shall, motu proprio or upon motion; issue an
Section 1. When interpleader proper. —
order of execution against him, without
Whenever conflicting claims upon the same
prejudice to his liability for contempt. (6a)
subject matter are or may be made against a
person who claims no interest whatever in the in accordance with the Rules, the court shall
subject matter, or an interest which in whole proceed to determine their respective rights
or in part is not disputed by the claimants, he and adjudicate their several claims. (5a, R63)
may bring an action against the conflicting
claimants to compel them to interplead and Section 7. Docket and other lawful
litigate their several claims among themselves. fees, costs and litigation expenses as liens. —
(1a, R63) The docket and other lawful fees paid by the
party who filed a complaint under this Rule,
Section 2. Order. — Upon the filing of the as well as the costs and litigation expenses,
complaint, the court shall issue an order shall constitute a lien or change upon the
requiring the conflicting claimants to subject matter of the action, unless the court
interplead with one another. If the interests shall order otherwise. (6a, R63)
of justice so require, the court may direct in
such order that the subject matter be paid or
delivered to the court. (2a, R63)
RULE 63
Section 3. Summons. — Summons shall be
served upon the conflicting claimants, Declaratory Relief and Similar
together with a copy of the complaint and Remedies
order. (3, R63)
Section 1. Who may file petition. — Any
Section 4. Motion to dismiss. — Within the person interested under a deed, will, contract
time for filing an answer, each claimant may or other written instrument, or whose rights
file a motion to dismiss on the ground of are affected by a statute, executive order or
impropriety of the interpleader action or on regulation, ordinance, or any other
other appropriate grounds specified in Rule governmental regulation may, before breach
16. The period to file the answer shall be or violation thereof bring an action in the
tolled and if the motion is denied, the movant appropriate Regional Trial Court to
may file his answer within the remaining determine any question of construction or
period, but which shall not be less than five (5) validity arising, and for a declaration of his
days in any event, reckoned from notice of rights or duties, thereunder. (Bar Matter No.
denial. (n) 803, 17 February 1998)

Section 5. Answer and other pleadings. — An action for the reformation of an

Each claimant shall file his answer setting instrument, to quiet title to real property or
forth his claim within fifteen (15) days from remove clouds therefrom, or to consolidate
service of the summons upon him, serving a ownership under Article 1607 of the Civil
copy thereof upon each of the other Code, may be brought under this Rule. (1a,
conflicting claimants who may file their reply R64)
thereto as provided by these Rules. If any
claimant fails to plead within the time herein Section 2. Parties. — All persons who have
fixed, the court may, on motion, declare him or claim any interest which would be affected
in default and thereafter render judgment by the declaration shall be made parties; and
barring him from any claim in respect to the no declaration shall, except as otherwise
subject matter. provided in these Rules, prejudice the rights
of persons not parties to the action. (2a, R64)
The parties in an interpleader action may file
counterclaims, cross-claims, third-party Section 3. Notice on Solicitor General. — In
complaints and responsive pleadings thereto, any action which involves the validity of a
as provided by these Rules. (4a, R63) statute, executive order or regulation, or any
other governmental regulation, the Solicitor
Section 6. Determination. — After the General shall be notified by the party
pleadings of the conflicting claimants have assailing the same and shall be entitled to be
been filed, and pre-trial has been conducted heard upon such question. (3a, R64)
Section 4. Local government ordinances. — Section 3. Time to file petition. — The
In any action involving the validity of a local petition shall be filed within thirty (30) days
government ordinance, the corresponding from notice of the judgment or final order or
prosecutor or attorney of the local resolution sought to be reviewed. The filing of
governmental unit involved shall be similarly a motion for new trial or reconsideration of
notified and entitled to be heard. If such said judgment or final order or resolution, if
ordinance is alleged to be unconstitutional, allowed under the procedural rules of the
the Solicitor General shall also be notified Commission concerned, shall interrupt the
and entitled to be heard. (4a, R64) period herein fixed. If the motion is denied,
the aggrieved party may file the petition
Section 5. Court action discretionary. — within the remaining period, but which shall
Except in actions falling under the second not be less than five (5) days in any event,
paragraph of section 1 of this Rule, the reckoned from notice of denial. (n)
court, motu proprio or upon motion, may
refuse to exercise the power to declare rights Section 4. Docket and other lawful fees. —
and to construe instruments in any case Upon the filing of the petition, the petitioner
where a decision would not terminate the shall pay to the clerk of court the docket and
uncertainty or controversy which gave rise to other lawful fees and deposit the amount of
the action, or in any case where the P500.00 for costs. (n)
declaration or construction is not necessary
and proper under the circumstances. (5a, R64) Section 5. Form and contents of petition. —
The petition shall be verified and filed in
Section 6. Conversion into ordinary eighteen (18) legible copies. The petition shall
action. — If before the final termination of name the aggrieved party as petitioner and
the case, a breach or violation of an shall join as respondents the Commission
instrument or a statute, executive order or concerned and the person or persons
regulation, ordinance, or any other interested in sustaining the judgment, final
governmental regulation should take place, order or resolution a quo. The petition shall
the action may thereupon be converted into state the facts with certainty, present clearly
an ordinary action, and the parties shall be the issues involved, set forth the grounds and
allowed to file such pleadings as may be brief arguments relied upon for review, and
necessary or proper. (6a, R64) pray for judgment annulling or modifying the
questioned judgment, final order or
resolution. Findings of fact of the
Commission supported by substantial
RULE 64 evidence shall be final and non-reviewable.
Review of Judgments and Final Orders The petition shall be accompanied by a clearly
or Resolutions of the Commission on legible duplicate original or certified true
Elections and the Commission on Audit copy of the judgment, final order or
resolution subject thereof, together with
Section 1. Scope. — This Rule shall govern certified true copies of such material portions
the review of judgments and final orders or of the record as are referred to therein and
resolutions of the Commission on Elections other documents relevant and pertinent
and the Commission on Audit. (n) thereto. The requisite number of copies of the
petition shall contain plain copies of all
Section 2. Mode of review. — A judgment or
documents attached to the original copy of
final order or resolution of the Commission
said petition.
on Elections and the Commission on Audit
may be brought by the aggrieved party to the The petition shall state the specific material
Supreme Court on certiorari under Rule 65, dates showing that it was filed within the
except as hereinafter provided. (n; Bar Matter period fixed herein, and shall contain a sworn
No. 803, 17 February 1998) certification against forum shopping as
provided in the third paragraph of section 3, allowed, or the expiration of the period to do
Rule 46. so. (n)

The petition shall further be accompanied by

proof of service of a copy thereof on the
Commission concerned and on the adverse RULE 65
party, and of the timely payment of docket
and other lawful fees. Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus

The failure of petitioner to comply with any of Section 1. Petition for certiorari. — When
the foregoing requirements shall be sufficient any tribunal, board or officer exercising
ground for the dismissal of the petition. (n) judicial or quasi-judicial functions has acted
without or in excess its or his jurisdiction, or
Section 6. Order to comment. — If the with grave abuse of discretion amounting to
Supreme Court finds the petition sufficient in lack or excess of jurisdiction, and there is no
form and substance, it shall order the appeal, or any plain, speedy, and adequate
respondents to file their comments on the remedy in the ordinary course of law, a
petition within ten (10) days from notice person aggrieved thereby may file a verified
thereof; otherwise, the Court may dismiss the petition in the proper court, alleging the facts
petition outright. The Court may also dismiss with certainty and praying that judgment be
the petition if it was filed manifestly for delay rendered annulling or modifying the
or the questions raised are too unsubstantial proceedings of such tribunal, board or officer,
to warrant further proceedings. (n) and granting such incidental reliefs as law
and justice may require.
Section 7. Comments of respondents. — The
comments of the respondents shall be filed in The petition shall be accompanied by a
eighteen (18) legible copies. The original shall certified true copy of the judgment, order or
be accompanied by certified true copies of resolution subject thereof, copies of all
such material portions of the record as are pleadings and documents relevant and
referred to therein together with other pertinent thereto, and a sworn certification of
supporting papers. The requisite number of non-forum shopping as provided in the third
copies of the comments shall contain plain paragraph of section 3, Rule 46. (1a)
copies of all documents attached to the
original and a copy thereof shall be served on Section 2. Petition for prohibition. — When
the petitioner. the proceedings of any tribunal, corporation,
board, officer or person, whether exercising
No other pleading may be filed by any party judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial
unless required or allowed by the Court. (n) functions, are without or in excess of its or his
jurisdiction, or with grave abuse of discretion
Section 8. Effect of filing. — The filing of a amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction,
petition for certiorari shall not stay the and there is no appeal or any other plain,
execution of the judgment or final order or speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary
resolution sought to be reviewed, unless the course of law, a person aggrieved thereby may
Supreme Court shall direct otherwise upon file a verified petition in the proper court,
such terms as it may deem just. (n) alleging the facts with certainty and praying
that judgment be rendered commanding the
Section 9. Submission for decision. — respondent to desist from further proceedings
Unless the Court sets the case for oral in the action or matter specified therein, or
argument, or requires the parties to submit otherwise granting such incidental reliefs as
memoranda, the case shall be deemed law and justice may require.
submitted for decision upon the filing of the
comments on the petition, or of such other The petition shall likewise be accompanied by
pleadings or papers as may be required or a certified true copy of the judgment, order or
resolution subject thereof, copies of all
pleadings and documents relevant and these Rules, the petition shall be filed in and
pertinent thereto, and a sworn certification of cognizable only by the Court of Appeals.
non-forum shopping as provided in the third
paragraph of section 3, Rule 46. (2a) No extension of time to file the petition shall
be granted except for compelling reason and
Section 3. Petition for mandamus. — When in no case exceeding fifteen (15) days. (4a)
any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or (Bar Matter No. 803, 21 July 1998; A.M. No.
person unlawfully neglects the performance 00-2-03-SC)
of an act which the law specifically enjoins as
a duty resulting from an office, trust, or Section 5. Respondents and costs in certain
station, or unlawfully excludes another from cases. — When the petition filed relates to the
the use and enjoyment of a right or office to acts or omissions of a judge, court, quasi-
which such other is entitled, and there is no judicial agency, tribunal, corporation, board,
other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in officer or person, the petitioner shall join, as
the ordinary course of law, the person private respondent or respondents with such
aggrieved thereby may file a verified petition public respondent or respondents, the person
in the proper court, alleging the facts with or persons interested in sustaining the
certainty and praying that judgment be proceedings in the court; and it shall be the
rendered commanding the respondent, duty of such private respondents to appear
immediately or at some other time to be and defend, both in his or their own behalf
specified by the court, to do the act required and in behalf of the public respondent or
to be done to protect the rights of the respondents affected by the proceedings, and
petitioner, and to pay the damages sustained the costs awarded in such proceedings in
by the petitioner by reason of the wrongful favor of the petitioner shall be against the
acts of the respondent. private respondents only, and not against the
judge, court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal,
The petition shall also contain a sworn corporation, board, officer or person
certification of non-forum shopping as impleaded as public respondent or
provided in the third paragraph of section 3, respondents.
Rule 46. (3a)
Unless otherwise specifically directed by the
Section 4. When and where petition filed. — court where the petition is pending, the
The petition shall be filed not later than sixty public respondents shall not appear in or file
(60) days from notice of the judgment, order an answer or comment to the petition or any
or resolution. In case a motion for pleading therein. If the case is elevated to a
reconsideration or new trial is timely filed, higher court by either party, the public
whether such motion is required or not, the respondents shall be included therein as
sixty (60) day period shall be counted from nominal parties. However, unless otherwise
notice of the denial of said motion. specifically directed by the court, they shall
not appear or participate in the proceedings
The petition shall be filed in the Supreme therein. (5a)
Court or, if it relates to the acts or omissions
of a lower court or of a corporation, board, Section 6. Order to comment. — If the
officer or person, in the Regional Trial Court petition is sufficient in form and substance to
exercising jurisdiction over the territorial justify such process, the court shall issue an
area as defined by the Supreme Court. It may order requiring the respondent or
also be filed in the Court of Appeals whether respondents to comment on the petition
or not the same is in aid of its appellate within ten (10) days from receipt of a copy
jurisdiction, or in the Sandiganbayan if it is in thereof. Such order shall be served on the
aid of its appellate jurisdiction. If it involves respondents in such manner as the court may
the acts or omissions of a quasi-judicial direct together with a copy of the petition and
agency, unless otherwise provided by law or any annexes thereto.
In petitions for certiorari before the Supreme issue for any damages or costs awarded in
Court and the Court of Appeals, the accordance with section 1 of Rule 39. (9a)
provisions of section 2, Rule 56, shall be
observed. Before giving due course thereto,
the court may require the respondents to file
their comment to, and not a motion to RULE 66
dismiss, the petition. Thereafter, the court
may require the filing of a reply and such Quo Warranto
other responsive or other pleadings as it may
Section 1. Action by Government against
deem necessary and proper. (6a)
individuals. — An action for the usurpation of
Section 7. Expediting a public office, position or franchise may be
proceedings; injunctive relief. — The court in commenced by a verified petition brought in
which the petition is filed may issue orders the name of the Republic of the Philippines
expediting the proceedings, and it may also against:
grant a temporary restraining order or a writ
(a) A person who usurps, intrudes into,
of preliminary injunction for the preservation
or unlawfully holds or exercises a
of the rights of the parties pending such
public office, position or franchise;
proceedings. The petition shall not interrupt
the course of the principal case unless a (b) A public officer who does or suffers
temporary restraining order or a writ of an act which, by the provision of law,
preliminary injunction has been issued constitutes a ground for the forfeiture
against the public respondent from further of his office; or
proceeding in the case. (7a)
(c) An association which acts as a
Section 8. Proceedings after comment is corporation within the Philippines
filed. — After the comment or other pleadings without being legally incorporated or
required by the court are filed, or the time for without lawful authority so to act. (1a)
the filing thereof has expired, the court may
hear the case or require the parties to submit Section 2. When Solicitor General or public
memoranda. If after such hearing or prosecutor must commence action. — The
submission of memoranda or the expiration Solicitor General or a public prosecutor, when
of the period for the filing thereof the court directed by the President of the Philippines,
finds that the allegations of the petition are or when upon complaint or otherwise he has
true, it shall render judgment for the relief good reason to believe that any case specified
prayed for or to which the petitioner is in the preceding section can be established by
entitled. proof, must commence such action. (3a)
The court, however, may dismiss the petition Section 3. When Solicitor General or public
if it finds the same to be patently without prosecutor may commence action with
merit, prosecuted manifestly for delay, or that permission of court. — The Solicitor General
the questions raised therein are too or a public prosecutor may, with the
unsubstantial to require consideration. (8a) permission of the court in which the action is
to be commenced, bring such an action at the
Section 9. Service and enforcement of order request and upon the relation of another
or judgment. — A certified copy of the person; but in such case the officer bringing it
judgment rendered in accordance with the may first require an indemnity for the
last preceding section shall be served upon expenses and costs of the action in an amount
the court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal, approved by and to be deposited in the court
corporation, board, officer or person by the person at whose request and upon
concerned in such manner as the court may whose relation the same is brought. (4a)
direct, and disobedience thereto shall be
punished as contempt. An execution may
Section 4. When hearing had on action may be given precedence over any
application for permission to commence other civil matter pending in the court. (9a)
action. — Upon application for permission to
commence such action in accordance with the Section 9. Judgment where usurpation
next preceding section, the court shall direct found. — When the respondent is found
that notice be given to the respondent so that guilty of usurping into, intruding into, or
he may be heard in opposition thereto; and if unlawfully holding or exercising a public
permission is granted, the court shall issue an office, position or franchise, judgment shall
order to that effect, copies of which shall be be rendered that such respondent be ousted
served on all interested parties, and the and altogether excluded therefrom, and that
petition shall then be filed within the period the petitioner or relator, as the case may be,
ordered by the court. (5a) recover his costs. Such further judgment may
be rendered determining the respective rights
Section 5. When an individual may in and to the public office, position or
commence such an action. — A person franchise of all the parties to the action as
claiming to be entitled to a public office or justice requires. (10a)
position usurped or unlawfully held or
exercised by another may bring an action Section 10. Rights of persons adjudged
therefor in his own name. (6) entitled to public office; delivery of books and
papers; damages. — If judgment be rendered
Section 6. Parties and contents of petition in favor of the person averred in the
against usurpation. — When the action is complaint to be entitled to the public office he
against a person for usurping a public office, may, after taking the oath of office and
position or franchise, the petition shall set executing any official bond required by law,
forth the name of the person who claim to be take upon himself the execution of the office,
entitled thereto, if any, with an averment of and may immediately thereafter demand of
his right to the same and that the respondent the respondent all the books and papers in
is unlawfully in possession thereof. All the respondent's custody or control
persons who claim to be entitled to the public appertaining to the office to which the
office, position or franchise may be made judgment relates. If the respondent refuses or
parties, and their respective rights to such neglects to deliver any book or paper
public office, position or franchise pursuant to such demand, he may be
determined, in the same action. (7a) punished for contempt as having disobeyed a
lawful order of the court. The person
Section 7. Venue. — An action under the adjudged entitled to the office may also bring
preceding six sections can be brought only in action against the respondent to recover the
the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or damages sustained by such person by reason
in the Regional Trial Court exercising of the usurpation. (15a)
jurisdiction over the territorial area where the
respondent or any of the respondents resides, Section 11. Limitations. — Nothing
but when the Solicitor General commences contained in this Rule shall be construed to
the action, it may be brought in a Regional authorize an action against a public officer or
Trial Court in the City of Manila, in the Court employee for his ouster from office unless the
of Appeals, or in the Supreme Court. (8a) same be commenced within one (1) year after
the cause of such ouster, or the right of the
Section 8. Period for pleadings and petitioner to hold such office or position,
proceedings may be reduced; action given arose, nor to authorize an action for damages
precedence. — The court may reduce the in accordance with the provisions of the next
period provided by these Rules for filing preceding section unless the same be
pleadings and for all other proceedings in the commenced within one (1) year after the
action in order to secure the most expeditious entry of the judgment establishing the
determination of the matters involved therein petitioner's right to the office in question.
consistent with the rights of the parties. Such (16a)
Section 12. Judgment for costs. — In an to be deposited shall be promptly fixed by the
action brought in accordance with the court.
provisions of this Rule, the court may render
judgment for costs against either the After such deposit is made the court shall
petitioner, the relator, or the respondent, or order the sheriff or other proper officer to
the person or persons claiming to be a forthwith place the plaintiff in possession of
corporation, or may apportion the costs, as the property involved and promptly submit a
justice requires. (17a) report thereof to the court with service of
copies to the parties. (2a)

Section 3. Defenses and objections. — If a

RULE 67 defendant has no objection or defense to the
action or the taking of his property, he may
Expropriation file and serve a notice of appearance and a
manifestation to that effect, specifically
Section 1. The complaint. — The right of designating or identifying the property in
eminent domain shall be exercised by the which he claims to be interested, within the
filing of a verified complaint which shall state time stated in the summons. Thereafter, he
with certainty the right and purpose of shall be entitled to notice of all proceedings
expropriation, describe the real or personal affecting the same.
property sought to be expropriated, and join
as defendants all persons owning or claiming If a defendant has any objection to the filing
to own, or occupying, any part thereof or of or the allegations in the complaint, or any
interest therein, showing, so far as practicable, objection or defense to the taking of his
the separate interest of each defendant. If the property, he shall serve his answer within the
title to any property sought to be time stated in the summons. The answer shall
expropriated appears to be in the Republic of specifically designate or identify the property
the Philippines, although occupied by private in which he claims to have an interest, state
individuals, or if the title is otherwise obscure the nature and extent of the interest claimed,
or doubtful so that the plaintiff cannot with and adduce all his objections and defenses to
accuracy or certainty specify who are the real the taking of his property. No counterclaim,
owners, averment to that effect shall be made cross-claim or third-party complaint shall be
in the complaint. (1a) alleged or allowed in the answer or any
subsequent pleading.
Section 2. Entry of plaintiff upon
depositing value with authorized A defendant waives all defenses and
government depositary. — Upon the filing of objections not so alleged but the court, in the
the complaint or at any time thereafter and interest of justice, may permit amendments
after due notice to the defendant, the plaintiff to the answer to be made not later than ten
shall have the right to take or enter upon the (10) days from the filing thereof. However, at
possession of the real property involved if he the trial of the issue of just compensation
deposits with the authorized government whether or not a defendant has previously
depositary an amount equivalent to the appeared or answered, he may present
assessed value of the property for purposes of evidence as to the amount of the
taxation to be held by such bank subject to compensation to be paid for his property, and
the orders of the court. Such deposit shall be he may share in the distribution of the award.
in money, unless in lieu thereof the court (n)
authorizes the deposit of a certificate of
deposit of a government bank of the Republic Section 4. Order of expropriation. — If the
of the Philippines payable on demand to the objections to and the defenses against the
authorized government depositary. right of the plaintiff to expropriate the
property are overruled, or when no party
If personal property is involved, its value shall appears to defend as required by this Rule,
be provisionally ascertained and the amount
the court may issue an order of expropriation hearings before them, and the commissioners
declaring that the plaintiff has a lawful right shall, unless the parties consent to the
to take the property sought to be expropriated, contrary, after due notice to the parties, to
for the public use or purpose described in the attend, view and examine the property sought
complaint, upon the payment of just to be expropriated and its surroundings, and
compensation to be determined as of the date may measure the same, after which either
of the taking of the property or the filing of party may, by himself or counsel, argue the
the complaint, whichever came first. case. The commissioners shall assess the
consequential damages to the property not
A final order sustaining the right to taken and deduct from such consequential
expropriate the property may be appealed by damages the consequential benefits to be
any party aggrieved thereby. Such appeal, derived by the owner from the public use or
however, shall not prevent the court from purpose of the property taken, the operation
determining the just compensation to be paid. of its franchise by the corporation or the
carrying on of the business of the corporation
After the rendition of such an order, the or person taking the property. But in no case
plaintiff shall not be permitted to dismiss or shall the consequential benefits assessed
discontinue the proceeding except on such exceed the consequential damages assessed,
terms as the court deems just and equitable. or the owner be deprived of the actual value
(4a) of his property so taken. (6a)
Section 5. Ascertainment of Section 7. Report by commissioners and
compensation. — Upon the rendition of the judgment thereupon. — The court may order
order of expropriation, the court shall appoint the commissioners to report when any
not more than three (3) competent and particular portion of the real estate shall have
disinterested persons as commissioners to been passed upon by them, and may render
ascertain and report to the court the just judgment upon such partial report, and direct
compensation for the property sought to be the commissioners to proceed with their work
taken. The order of appointment shall as to subsequent portions of the property
designate the time and place of the first sought to be expropriated, and may from time
session of the hearing to be held by the to time so deal with such property. The
commissioners and specify the time within commissioners shall make a full and accurate
which their report shall be submitted to the report to the court of all their proceedings,
court. and such proceedings shall not be effectual
until the court shall have accepted their
Copies of the order shall be served on the report and rendered judgment in accordance
parties. Objections to the appointment of any with their recommendations. Except as
of the commissioners shall be filed with the otherwise expressly ordered by the court,
court within ten (10) days from service, and such report shall be filed within sixty (60)
shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after days from the date the commissioners were
all the commissioners shall have received notified of their appointment, which time
copies of the objections. (5a) may be extended in the discretion of the court.
Upon the filing of such report, the clerk of the
Section 6. Proceedings by
court shall serve copies thereof on all
commissioners. — Before entering upon the
interested parties, with notice that they are
performance of their duties, the
allowed ten (10) days within which to file
commissioners shall take and subscribe an
objections to the findings of the report, if they
oath that they will faithfully perform their
so desire. (7a)
duties as commissioners, which oath shall be
filed in court with the other proceedings in Section 8. Action upon
the case. Evidence may be introduced by commissioners' report. — Upon the
either party before the commissioners who expiration of the period of ten (10) days
are authorized to administer oaths on referred to in the preceding section, or even
before the expiration of such period but after Section 11. Entry not delayed by
all the interested parties have filed their appeal; effect of reversal. — The right of the
objections to the report or their statement of plaintiff to enter upon the property of the
agreement therewith, the court may, after defendant and appropriate the same for
hearing, accept the report and render public use or purpose shall not be delayed by
judgment in accordance therewith, or, for an appeal from the judgment. But if the
cause shown, it may recommit the same to appellate court determines that plaintiff has
the commissioners for further report of facts, no right of expropriation, judgment shall be
or it may set aside the report and appoint new rendered ordering the Regional Trial Court to
commissioners; or it may accept the report in forthwith enforce the restoration to the
part and reject it in part and it may make defendant of the possession of the property,
such order or render such judgment as shall and to determine the damages which the
secure to the plaintiff the property essential defendant sustained and may recover by
to the exercise of his right of expropriation, reason of the possession taken by the plaintiff.
and to the defendant just compensation for (11a)
the property so taken. (8a)
Section 12. Costs, by whom paid. — The
Section 9. Uncertain ownership; conflicting fees of the commissioners shall be taxed as a
claims. — If the ownership of the property part of the costs of the proceedings. All costs,
taken is uncertain, or there are conflicting except those of rival claimants litigating their
claims to any part thereof, the court may claims, shall be paid by the plaintiff, unless an
order any sum or sums awarded as appeal is taken by the owner of the property
compensation for the property to be paid to and the judgment is affirmed, in which event
the court for the benefit of the person the costs of the appeal shall be paid by the
adjudged in the same proceeding to be owner. (12a)
entitled thereto. But the judgment shall
require the payment of the sum or sums Section 13. Recording judgment, and its
awarded to either the defendant or the court effect. — The judgment entered in
before the plaintiff can enter upon the expropriation proceedings shall state
property, or retain it for the public use or definitely, by an adequate description, the
purpose if entry has already been made. (9a) particular property or interest therein
expropriated, and the nature of the public use
Section 10. Rights of plaintiff after or purpose for which it is expropriated. When
judgment and payment. — Upon payment by real estate is expropriated, a certified copy of
the plaintiff to the defendant of the such judgment shall be recorded in the
compensation fixed by the judgment, with registry of deeds of the place in which the
legal interest thereon from the taking of the property is situated, and its effect shall be to
possession of the property, or after tender to vest in the plaintiff the title to the real estate
him of the amount so fixed and payment of so described for such public use or purpose.
the costs, the plaintiff shall have the right to (13a)
enter upon the property expropriated and to
appropriate it for the public use or purpose Section 14. Power of guardian in such
defined in the judgment, or to retain it should proceedings. — The guardian or guardian ad
he have taken immediate possession thereof litem of a minor or of a person judicially
under the provisions of section 2 hereof. If declared to be incompetent may, with the
the defendant and his counsel absent approval of the court first had, do and
themselves from the court, or decline to perform on behalf of his ward any act, matter,
receive the amount tendered, the same shall or thing respecting the expropriation for
be ordered to be deposited in court and such public use or purpose of property belonging
deposit shall have the same effect as actual to such minor or person judicially declared to
payment thereof to the defendant or the be incompetent, which such minor or person
person ultimately adjudged entitled thereto. judicially declared to be incompetent could
(10a)
do in such proceedings if he were of age or rights of persons holding prior encumbrances
competent. (14a) upon the property or a part thereof, and when
confirmed by an order of the court, also upon
motion, it shall operate to divest the rights in
the property of all the parties to the action
RULE 68 and to vest their rights in the purchaser,
subject to such rights of redemption as may
Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage be allowed by law.
Section 1. Complaint in action for Upon the finality of the order of confirmation
foreclosure. — In an action for the foreclosure or upon the expiration of the period of
of a mortgage or other encumbrance upon redemption when allowed by law, the
real estate, the complaint shall set forth the purchaser at the auction sale or last
date and due execution of the mortgage; its redemptioner, if any, shall be entitled to the
assignments, if any; the names and possession of the property unless a third
residences of the mortgagor and the party is actually holding the same adversely
mortgagee; a description of the mortgaged to the judgment obligor. The said purchaser
property; a statement of the date of the note or last redemptioner may secure a writ of
or other documentary evidence of the possession, upon motion, from the court
obligation secured by the mortgage, the which ordered the foreclosure. (3a)
amount claimed to be unpaid thereon; and
the names and residences of all persons Section 4. Disposition of proceeds of sale. —
having or claiming an interest in the property The amount realized from the foreclosure sale
subordinate in right to that of the holder of of the mortgaged property shall, after
the mortgage, all of whom shall be made deducting the costs of the sale, be paid to the
defendants in the action. (1a) person foreclosing the mortgage, and when
there shall be any balance or residue, after
Section 2. Judgment on foreclosure for paying off the mortgage debt due, the same
payment or sale. — If upon the trial in such shall be paid to junior encumbrancers in the
action the court shall find the facts set forth order of their priority, to be ascertained by
in the complaint to be true, it shall ascertain the court, or if there be no such
the amount due to the plaintiff upon the encumbrancers or there be a balance or
mortgage debt or obligation, including residue after payment to them, then to the
interest and other charges as approved by the mortgagor or his duly authorized agent, or to
court, and costs, and shall render judgment the person entitled to it. (4a)
for the sum so found due and order that the
same be paid to the court or to the judgment Section 5. How sale to proceed in case the
obligee within a period of not less than ninety debt is not all due. — If the debt for which the
(90) days nor more than one hundred twenty mortgage or encumbrance was held is not all
(120) days from the entry of judgment, and due as provided in the judgment as soon as a
that in default of such payment the property sufficient portion of the property has been
shall be sold at public auction to satisfy the sold to pay the total amount and the costs due,
judgment. (2a) the sale shall terminate; and afterwards as
often as more becomes due for principal or
Section 3. Sale of mortgaged interest and other valid charges, the court
property; effect. — When the defendant, after may, on motion, order more to be sold. But if
being directed to do so as provided in the next the property cannot be sold in portions
preceding section, fails to pay the amount of without prejudice to the parties, the whole
the judgment within the period specified shall be ordered to be sold in the first
therein, the court, upon motion, shall order instance, and the entire debt and costs shall
the property to be sold in the manner and be paid, if the proceeds of the sale be
under the provisions of Rule 39 and other sufficient therefor, there being a rebate of
regulations governing sales of real estate interest where such rebate is proper. (5a)
under execution. Such sale shall not affect the
Section 6. Deficiency judgment. — If upon
the sale of any real property as provided in
the next preceding section there be a balance RULE 69
due to the plaintiff after applying the
proceeds of the sale, the court, upon motion, Partition
shall render judgment against the defendant
for any such balance for which, by the record Section 1. Complaint in action for partition
of the case, he may be personally liable to the of real estate. — A person having the right to
plaintiff, upon which execution may issue compel the partition of real estate may do so
immediately if the balance is all due at the as provided in this Rule, setting forth in his
time of the rendition of the judgment; complaint the nature and extent of his title
otherwise; the plaintiff shall be entitled to and an adequate description of the real estate
execution at such time as the balance of which partition is demanded and joining as
remaining becomes due under the terms of defendants all other persons interested in the
the original contract, which time shall be property. (1a)
stated in the judgment. (6a)
Section 2. Order for partition and partition
Section 7. Registration. — A certified copy by agreement thereunder. — If after the trial
of the final order of the court confirming the the court finds that the plaintiff has the right
sale shall be registered in the registry of deeds. thereto, it shall order the partition of the real
If no right of redemption exists, the certificate estate among all the parties in interest.
of title in the name of the mortgagor shall be Thereupon the parties may, if they are able to
cancelled, and a new one issued in the name agree, make the partition among themselves
of the purchaser. by proper instruments of conveyance, and the
court shall confirm the partition so agreed
Where a right of redemption exists, the upon by all the parties, and such partition,
certificate of title in the name of the together with the order of the court
mortgagor shall not be cancelled, but the confirming the same, shall be recorded in the
certificate of sale and the order confirming registry of deeds of the place in which the
the sale shall be registered and a brief property is situated. (2a)
memorandum thereof made by the registrar
of deeds upon the certificate of title. In the A final order decreeing partition and
event the property is redeemed, the deed of accounting may be appealed by any party
redemption shall be registered with the aggrieved thereby. (n)
registry of deeds, and a brief memorandum
Section 3. Commissioners to make partition
thereof shall be made by the registrar of
when parties fail to agree. — If the parties
deeds on said certificate of title.
are unable to agree upon the partition, the
If the property is not redeemed, the final deed court shall appoint not more than three (3)
of sale executed by the sheriff in favor of the competent and disinterested persons as
purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall be commissioners to make the partition,
registered with the registry of deeds; commanding them to set off to the plaintiff
whereupon the certificate of title in the name and to each party in interest such part and
of the mortgagor shall be cancelled and a new proportion of the property as the court shall
one issued in the name of the purchaser. (n) direct. (3a)

Section 8. Applicability of other Section 4. Oath and duties of

provisions. — The provisions of sections 31, commissioners. — Before making such
32 and 34 of Rule 39 shall be applicable to the partition; the commissioners shall take and
judicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages subscribe an oath that they will faithfully
under this Rule insofar as the former are not perform their duties as commissioners, which
inconsistent with or may serve to supplement oath shall be filed in court with the other
the provisions of the latter. (8a) proceedings in the case. In making the
partition, the commissioners shall view and
examine the real estate, after due notice to recommit the same to the commissioners for
the parties to attend at such view and further report of facts; or set aside the report
examination, and shall hear the parties as to and appoint new commissioners; or accept
their preference in the portion of the property the report in part and reject it in part; and
to be set apart to them and the comparative may make such order and render such
value thereof, and shall set apart the same to judgment as shall effectuate a fair and just
the parties in lots or parcels as will be most partition of the real estate, or of its value, if
advantageous and equitable, having due assigned or sold as above provided, between
regard to the improvements, situation and the several owners thereof. (7)
quality of the different parts thereof. (4a)
Section 8. Accounting for rent and profits
Section 5. Assignment or sale of real estate in action for partition. — In an action for
by commissioners. — When it is made to partition in accordance with this Rule, a party
appear to the commissioners that the real shall recover from another his just share of
state, or a portion thereof, cannot be divided rents and profits received by such other party
without prejudice to the interests of the from the real estate in question, and the
parties, the court may order it assigned to one judgment shall include an allowance for such
of the parties willing to take the same, rents and profits. (8a)
provided he pays to the other parties such
amount as the commissioners deem equitable, Section 9. Power of guardian in such
unless one of the interested parties asks that proceedings. — The guardian or guardian ad
the property be sold instead of being so litem of a minor or person judicially declared
assigned, in which case the court shall order to be incompetent may, with the approval of
the commissioners to sell the real estate at the court first had, do and perform on behalf
public sale under such conditions and within of his ward any act, matter, or thing
such time as the court may determine. (5a) respecting the partition of real estate, which
the minor or person judicially declared to be
Section 6. Report of incompetent could do in partition
commissioners; proceedings not binding proceedings if he were of age or competent.
until confirmed. — The commissioners shall (9a)
make a full and accurate report to the court of
all their proceedings as to the partition, or the Section 10. Costs and expenses to be taxed
assignment of real estate to one of the parties, and collected. — The court shall equitably tax
or the sale of the same. Upon the filing of and apportion between or among the parties
such report, the clerk of court shall serve the costs and expenses which accrue in the
copies thereof on all the interested parties action, including the compensation of the
with notice that they are allowed ten (10) days commissioners, having regard to the interests
within which to file objections to the findings of the parties, and execution may issue
of the report, if they so desire. No proceeding therefor as in other cases. (10a)
had before or conducted by the
commissioners and rendered judgment Section 11. The judgment and its
thereon. (6a) effect; copy to be recorded in registry of
deeds. — If actual partition of property is
Section 7. Action of the court upon made, the judgment shall state definitely, by
commissioners report. — Upon the expiration metes and bounds and adequate description,
of the period of ten (10) days referred to in the particular portion of the real estate
the preceding section or even before the assigned to each party, and the effect of the
expiration of such period but after the judgment shall be to vest in each party to the
interested parties have filed their objections action in severalty the portion of the real
to the report or their statement of agreement estate assigned to him. If the whole property
therewith the court may, upon hearing, is assigned to one of the parties upon his
accept the report and render judgment in paying to the others the sum or sums ordered
accordance therewith, or, for cause shown by the court, the judgment shall state the fact
of such payment and of the assignment of the strategy, or stealth, or a lessor, vendor,
real estate to the party making the payment, vendee, or other person against whom the
and the effect of the judgment shall be to vest possession of any land or building is
in the party making the payment the whole of unlawfully withheld after the expiration or
the real estate free from any interest on the termination of the right to hold possession,
part of the other parties to the action. If the by virtue of any contract, express or implied,
property is sold and the sale confirmed by the or the legal representatives or assigns of any
court, the judgment shall state the name of such lessor, vendor, vendee, or other person,
the purchaser or purchasers and a definite may, at any time within one (1) year after
description of the parcels of real estate sold to such unlawful deprivation or withholding of
each purchaser, and the effect of the possession, bring an action in the proper
judgment shall be to vest the real estate in the Municipal Trial Court against the person or
purchaser or purchasers making the payment persons unlawfully withholding or depriving
or payments, free from the claims of any of of possession, or any person or persons
the parties to the action. A certified copy of claiming under them, for the restitution of
the judgment shall in either case be recorded such possession, together with damages and
in the registry of deeds of the place in which costs. (1a)
the real estate is situated, and the expenses of
such recording shall be taxed as part of the Section 2. Lessor to proceed against lessee
costs of the action. (11a) only after demand. — Unless otherwise
stipulated, such action by the lesser shall be
Section 12. Neither paramount rights nor commenced only after demand to pay or
amicable partition affected by this Rule. — comply with the conditions of the lease and to
Nothing in this Rule contained shall be vacate is made upon the lessee, or by serving
construed so as to prejudice, defeat, or written notice of such demand upon the
destroy the right or title of any person person found on the premises if no person be
claiming the real estate involved by title found thereon, and the lessee fails to comply
under any other person, or by title paramount therewith after fifteen (15) days in the case of
to the title of the parties among whom the land or five (5) days in the case of buildings.
partition may have been made, nor so as to (2a)
restrict or prevent persons holding real estate
jointly or in common from making an Section 3. Summary procedure. — Except
amicable partition thereof by agreement and in cases covered by the agricultural tenancy
suitable instruments of conveyance without laws or when the law otherwise expressly
recourse to an action. (12a) provides, all actions for forcible entry and
unlawful detainer, irrespective of the amount
Section 13. Partition of personal of damages or unpaid rentals sought to be
property. — The provisions of this Rule shall recovered, shall be governed by the summary
apply to partitions of estates composed of procedure hereunder provided. (n)
personal property, or of both real and
personal property, in so far as the same may Section 4. Pleadings allowed. — The only
be applicable. (13) pleadings allowed to be filed are the
complaint, compulsory counterclaim and
cross-claim pleaded in the answer, and the
answers thereto. All pleadings shall be
RULE 70 verified. (3a, RSP)

Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer Section 5. Action on complaint. — The court
may, from an examination of the allegations
Section 1. Who may institute in the complaint and such evidence as may be
proceedings, and when. — Subject to the attached thereto, dismiss the case outright on
provisions of the next succeeding section, a any of the grounds for the dismissal of a civil
person deprived of the possession of any land action which are apparent therein. If no
or building by force, intimidation, threat,
ground for dismissal is found, it shall This procedure shall not apply where one of
forthwith issue summons. (n) two or more defendants sued under a
common cause of action defense shall appear
Section 6. Answers. — Within ten (10) days at the preliminary conference.
from service of summons, the defendant shall
file his answer to the complaint and serve a No postponement of the preliminary
copy thereof on the plaintiff. Affirmative and conference shall be granted except for highly
negative defenses not pleaded therein shall be meritorious grounds and without prejudice to
deemed waived, except lack of jurisdiction such sanctions as the court in the exercise of
over the subject matter. Cross-claims and sound discretion may impose on the movant.
compulsory counterclaims not asserted in the (n)
answer shall be considered barred. The
answer to counterclaims or cross-claims shall Section 9. Record of preliminary
be served and filed within ten (10) days from conference. — Within five (5) days after the
service of the answer in which they are termination of the preliminary conference,
pleaded. (5 RSP) the court shall issue an order stating the
matters taken up therein, including but not
Section 7. Effect of failure to answer. — limited to:
Should the defendant fail to answer the
complaint within the period above provided, 1. Whether the parties have arrived at
the court, motu proprio or on motion of the an amicable settlement, and if so, the
plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be terms thereof;
warranted by the facts alleged in the
complaint and limited to what is prayed for 2. The stipulations or admissions
therein. The court may in its discretion entered into by the parties;
reduce the amount of damages and attorney's
fees claimed for being excessive or otherwise 3. Whether, on the basis of the
unconscionable, without prejudice to the pleadings and the stipulations and
applicability of section 3 (c), Rule 9 if there admission made by the parties,
are two or more defendants. judgment may be rendered without the
(6, RSP) need of further proceedings, in which
event the judgment shall be rendered
Section 8. Preliminary within thirty (30) days from issuance
conference; appearance of parties. — Not of the order;
later than thirty (30) days after the last
answer is filed, a preliminary conference shall 4. A clear specification of material facts
be held. The provisions of Rule 18 on pre-trial which remain converted; and
shall be applicable to the preliminary
5. Such other matters intended to
conference unless inconsistent with the
expedite the disposition of the case. (8,
provisions of this Rule.
RSP)
The failure of the plaintiff to appear in the
Section 10. Submission of affidavits and
preliminary conference shall be cause for the
position papers. — Within ten (10) days from
dismissal of his complaint. The defendant
receipt of the order mentioned in the next
who appears in the absence of the plaintiff
preceding section, the parties shall submit the
shall be entitled to judgment on his
affidavits of their witnesses and other
counterclaim in accordance with the next
evidence on the factual issues defined in the
preceding section. All cross-claims shall be
order, together with their position papers
dismissed. (7, RSP)
setting forth the law and the facts relied upon
If a sole defendant shall fail to appear, the by them. (9, RSP)
plaintiff shall likewise be entitled to judgment
Section 11. Period for rendition of
in accordance with the next preceding section.
judgment. — Within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the affidavits and position papers, 8. Motion to declare the defendant in
or the expiration of the period for filing the default;
same, the court shall render judgment.
9. Dilatory motions for postponement;
However, should the court find it necessary to
clarify certain material facts, during the said 10. Reply;
period, issue an order specifying the matters
to be clarified, and require the parties to 11. Third-party complaints;
submit affidavits or other evidence on the
said matters within ten (10) days from receipt 12. Interventions. (19a, RSP)
of said order. Judgment shall be rendered
Section 14. Affidavits. — The affidavits
within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the
required to be submitted under this Rule
last affidavit or the expiration of the period
shall state only facts of direct personal
for filing the same.
knowledge of the affiants which are
The court shall not resort to the foregoing admissible in evidence, and shall show their
procedure just to gain time for the rendition competence to testify to the matters stated
of the judgment. (n) therein.

Section 12. Referral for conciliation. — A violation of this requirement may subject
Cases requiring referral for conciliation, the party or the counsel who submits the
where there is no showing of compliance with same to disciplinary action, and shall be
such requirement, shall be dismissed without cause to expunge the inadmissible affidavit or
prejudice, and may be revived only after that portion thereof from the record. (20, RSP)
requirement shall have been complied with.
Section 15. Preliminary injunction. — The
(18a, RSP)
court may grant preliminary injunction, in
Section 13. Prohibited pleadings and accordance with the provisions of Rule 58
motions. — The following petitions, motions, hereof, to prevent the defendant from
or pleadings shall not be allowed: committing further acts of dispossession
against the plaintiff.
1. Motion to dismiss the complaint
except on the ground of lack of A possessor deprived of his possession
jurisdiction over the subject matter, or through forcible from the filing of the
failure to comply with section 12; complaint, present a motion in the action for
forcible entry or unlawful detainer for the
2. Motion for a bill of particulars; issuance of a writ of preliminary mandatory
injunction to restore him in his possession.
3. Motion for new trial, or for The court shall decide the motion within
reconsideration of a judgment, or for thirty (30) days from the filing thereof. (3a)
reopening of trial;
Section 16. Resolving defense of
4. Petition for relief from judgment; ownership. — When the defendant raises the
defense of ownership in his pleadings and the
5. Motion for extension of time to file question of possession cannot be resolved
pleadings, affidavits or any other paper; without deciding the issue of ownership, the
issue of ownership shall be resolved only to
6. Memoranda; determine the issue of possession. (4a)

7. Petition for certiorari, mandamus, Section 17. Judgment. — If after trial court
or prohibition against any finds that the allegations of the complaint are
interlocutory order issued by the court; true, it shall render judgment in favor of the
plaintiff for the restitution of the premises,
the sum justly due as arrears of rent or as
reasonable compensation for the use and All amounts so paid to the appellate court
occupation of the premises, attorney's fees shall be deposited with said court or
and costs. If a counterclaim is established, the authorized government depositary bank, and
court shall render judgment for the sum shall be held there until the final disposition
found in arrears from either party and award of the appeal, unless the court, by agreement
costs as justice requires. (6a) of the interested parties, or in the absence of
reasonable grounds of opposition to a motion
Section 18. Judgment conclusive only on to withdraw, or for justifiable reasons, shall
possession; not conclusive in actions decree otherwise. Should the defendant fail to
involving title or ownership. — The judgment make the payments above prescribed from
rendered in an action for forcible entry or time to time during the pendency of the
detainer shall be conclusive with respect to appeal, the appellate court, upon motion of
the possession only and shall in no wise bind the plaintiff, and upon proof of such failure,
the title or affect the ownership of the land or shall order the execution of the judgment
building. Such judgment shall not bar an appealed from with respect to the restoration
action between the same parties respecting of possession, but such execution shall not be
title to the land or building. a bar to the appeal taking its course until the
final disposition thereof on the merits.
The judgment or final order shall be
appealable to the appropriate Regional Trial After the case is decided by the Regional Trial
Court which shall decide the same on the Court, any money paid to the court by the
basis of the entire record of the proceedings defendant for purposes of the stay of
had in the court of origin and such execution shall be disposed of in accordance
memoranda and/or briefs as may be with the provisions of the judgment of the
submitted by the parties or required by the Regional Trial Court. In any case wherein it
Regional Trial Court. (7a) appears that the defendant has been deprived
of the lawful possession of land or building
Section 19. Immediate execution of pending the appeal by virtue of the execution
judgment; how to stay same. — If judgment of the judgment of the Municipal Trial Court,
is rendered against the defendant, execution damages for such deprivation of possession
shall issue immediately upon motion unless and restoration of possession and restoration
an appeal has been perfected and the of possession may be allowed the defendant
defendant to stay execution files a sufficient in the judgment of the Regional Trial Court
supersedeas bond, approved by the Municipal disposing of the appeal. (8a)
Trial Court and executed in favor of the
plaintiff to pay the rents, damages, and costs Section 20. Preliminary mandatory
accruing down to the time of the judgment injunction in case of appeal. — Upon motion
appealed from, and unless, during the of the plaintiff, within ten (10) days from the
pendency of the appeal, he deposits with the perfection of the appeal to the Regional Trial
appellate court the amount of rent due from Court, the latter may issue a writ of
time to time under the contract, if any, as preliminary mandatory injunction to restore
determined by the judgment of the Municipal the plaintiff in possession if the court is
Trial Court. In the absence of a contract, he satisfied that the defendant's appeal is
shall deposit with the Regional Trial Court frivolous or dilatory or that the appeal of the
the reasonable value of the use and plaintiff is prima facie meritorious. (9a)
occupation of the premises for the preceding
month or period at the rate determined by the Section 21. Immediate execution on appeal
judgment of the lower court on or before the to Court of Appeals or Supreme Court. — The
tenth day of each succeeding month or period. judgment of the Regional Trial Court against
The supersedeas bond shall be transmitted by the defendant shall be immediately executory,
the Municipal Trial Court, with the papers, to without prejudice to a further appeal that
the clerk of the Regional Trial Court to which may be taken therefrom. (10a)
the action is appealed.
 dispossessed or ejected from any real
property by the judgment or process of
RULE 71 any court of competent jurisdiction,
enters or attempts or induces another
Contempt to enter into or upon such real
property, for the purpose of executing
Section 1. Direct contempt punished acts of ownership or possession, or in
summarily. — A person guilty of misbehavior any manner disturbs the possession
in the presence of or so near a court as to given to the person adjudged to be
obstruct or interrupt the proceedings before entitled thereto;
the same, including disrespect toward the
court, offensive personalities toward others, (c) Any abuse of or any unlawful
or refusal to be sworn or to answer as a interference with the processes or
witness, or to subscribe an affidavit or proceedings of a court not constituting
deposition when lawfully required to do so, direct contempt under section 1 of this
may be summarily adjudged in contempt by Rule;
such court and punished by a fine not
exceeding two thousand pesos or (d) Any improper conduct tending,
imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) days, or directly or indirectly, to impede,
both, if it be a Regional Trial Court or a court obstruct, or degrade the
of equivalent or higher rank, or by a fine not administration of justice;
exceeding two hundred pesos or
imprisonment not exceeding one (1) day, or (e) Assuming to be an attorney or an
both, if it be a lower court. (1a) officer of a court, and acting as such
without authority;
Section 2. Remedy therefrom. — The person
adjudged in direct contempt by any court may (f) Failure to obey a subpoena duly
not appeal therefrom, but may avail himself served;
of the remedies of certiorari or prohibition.
The execution of the judgment shall be (g) The rescue, or attempted rescue, of
suspended pending resolution of such a person or property in the custody of
petition, provided such person files a bond an officer by virtue of an order or
fixed by the court which rendered the process of a court held by him.
judgment and conditioned that he will abide
by and perform the judgment should the But nothing in this section shall be so
petition be decided against him. (2a) construed as to prevent the court from
issuing process to bring the respondent into
Section 3. Indirect contempt to be punished court, or from holding him in custody
after charge and hearing. — After a charge in pending such proceedings. (3a)
writing has been filed, and an opportunity
given to the respondent to comment thereon Section 4. How proceedings commenced. —
within such period as may be fixed by the Proceedings for indirect contempt may be
court and to be heard by himself or counsel, a initiated motu propio by the court against
person guilty of any of the following acts may which the contempt was committed by an
be punished for indirect contempt; order or any other formal charge requiring
the respondent to show cause why he should
(a) Misbehavior of an officer of a court not be punished for contempt.
in the performance of his official duties
or in his official transactions; In all other cases, charges for indirect
contempt shall be commenced by a verified
(b) Disobedience of or resistance to a petition with supporting particulars and
lawful writ, process, order, or certified true copies of documents or papers
judgment of a court, including the act involved therein, and upon full compliance
of a person who, after being with the requirements for filing initiatory
pleadings for civil actions in the court injured by such violation of the property
concerned. If the contempt charges arose out involved or such amount as may be alleged
of or are related to a principal action pending and proved.
in the court, the petition for contempt shall
allege that fact but said petition shall be The writ of execution, as in ordinary civil
docketed, heard and decided separately, actions, shall issue for the enforcement of a
unless the court in its discretion orders the judgment imposing a fine unless the court
consolidation of the contempt charge and the otherwise provides. (6a)
principal action for joint hearing and decision.
(n) Section 8. Imprisonment until order
obeyed. — When the contempt consists in the
Section 5. Where charge to be filed. — refusal or omission to do an act which is yet
Where the charge for indirect contempt has in the power of the respondent to perform, he
been committed against a Regional Trial may be imprisoned by order of the court
Court or a court of equivalent or higher rank, concerned until he performs it. (7a)
or against an officer appointed by it, the
charge may be filed with such court. Where Section 9. Proceeding when party released
such contempt has been committed against a on bail fails to answer. — When a respondent
lower court, the charge may be filed with the released on bail fails to appear on the day
Regional Trial Court of the place in which the fixed for the hearing, the court may issue
lower court is sitting; but the proceedings another order of arrest or may order the bond
may also be instituted in such lower court for his appearance to be forfeited and
subject to appeal to the Regional Trial Court confiscated, or both; and, if the bond be
of such place in the same manner as provided proceeded against, the measure of damages
in section 11 of this Rule. (4a; Bar Matter No. shall be the extent of the loss or injury
803, 21 July 1998) sustained by the aggrieved party by reason of
the misconduct for which the contempt
Section 6. Hearing; release on bail. — If the charge was prosecuted, with the costs of the
hearing is not ordered to be had forthwith, proceedings, and such recovery shall be for
the respondent may be released from custody the benefit of the party injured. If there is no
upon filing a bond, in an amount fixed by the aggrieved party, the bond shall be liable and
court, for his appearance at the hearing of the disposed of as in criminal cases. (8a)
charge. On the day set therefor, the court
shall proceed to investigate the charge and Section 10. Court may release
consider such comment, testimony or defense respondent. — The court which issued the
as the respondent may make or offer. (5a) order imprisoning a person for contempt may
discharge him from imprisonment when it
Section 7. Punishment for indirect appears that public interest will not be
contempt. — If the respondent is adjudged prejudiced by his release. (9a)
guilty of indirect contempt committed against
a Regional Trial Court or a court of equivalent Section 11. Review of judgment or final
or higher rank, he may be punished by a fine order; bond for stay. — The judgment or final
not exceeding thirty thousand pesos or order of a court in a case of indirect contempt
imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, may be appealed to the proper court as in
or both. If he is adjudged guilty of contempt criminal cases. But execution of the judgment
committed against a lower court, he may be or final order shall not be suspended until a
punished by a fine not exceeding five bond is filed by the person adjudged in
thousand pesos or imprisonment not contempt, in an amount fixed by the court
exceeding one (1) month, or both. If the from which the appeal is taken, conditioned
contempt consists in the violation of a writ of that if the appeal be decided against him he
injunction, temporary restraining order will abide by and perform the judgment or
or status quo order, he may also be ordered to final order. (10a)
make complete restitution to the party
Section 12. Contempt against quasi-judicial
entities. — Unless otherwise provided by law,
this Rule shall apply to contempt committed
against persons, entities, bodies or agencies
exercising quasi-judicial functions, or shall
have suppletory effect to such rules as they
may have adopted pursuant to authority
granted to them by law to punish for
contempt. The Regional Trial Court of the
place wherein the contempt has been
committed shall have jurisdiction over such
charges as may be filed therefor. (n)