Declaratory Relief Definition Declaratory relief is defined as an action by any person interested in a deed, will, contract or other written

instrument, executi ve order or resolution, to determine any question of construction or validity ar ising from the instrument, executive order or regulation, or statute; and for a declaration of his rights and duties thereunder. The only issue that may be rais ed in such a petition is the question of construction or validity of provisions in an instrument or statute.1 Declaratory relief refers to a judgment of a court which determines the rights of parties without ordering anything be done or awa rding damages. By seeking a declaratory judgment, the party making the request i s seeking for an official declaration of the status of a matter in controversy. Optimally, the resolution of the rights of the parties involved will prevent fur ther litigation. For example, a party to a contract may seek the legal interpret ation of a contract to determine the parties' rights, or an insured may seek a d etermination of insurance coverage under a policy. 2 What are the two remedies p rovided for under Rule 63? 1. Declaratory relief wherein the court may exercise the power to declare rights and construe instruments. 2. Actions to reform an in strument, quiet title to real property or remove clouds therefrom, or consolidat e ownership under Art. 1607 of the New Civil Code wherein the court is bound to render judgment, may also be pursued under this Rule. Purpose The purpose of thi s special civil action is to ask the court to make a proper interpretation of a contact, not to ask for injunction, execution or other relief beyond the adjudic ation of the legal 1 Province of Camarines Sur v CA, G.R. No. 175064, September 18, 2009