REMEDIAL LAW

by

ABELARDO T. DOMONDON HOW TO USE THE PRE-WEEK NOTES This work does not use the conventional method o discussin! the sub"ect on a #Rule by Rule$ %ection by %ection# method. &nstead$ it uses the 'rocedural a''roach$ which tries to 'resent$ as ar as 'racticable$ the ste's to be ollowed in the 'rosecution or de ense o actions. The words in bold are the e(act wordin!s o the Rules o )ourt$ so the reader does not have to cross*re er to the codal 'rovisions. +here the reader is 'ressed or time he should read only the main headin!s in bold letters and browse the te(t. There are certain analytical 'rocesses that must be undertaken in order to solve act centered Bar ,uestions. The 'rocesses 'oint the direction as to how the Bar candidate should analy-e the Bar ,uestions and how he should ormulate his answer. &t is su!!ested that the reader should master the 'rocesses by a''lyin! the conce'ts contained in the .re*+eek Notes.. There are two !rou's o ,uestions that are usually asked in )ivil .rocedure$ .rovisional Remedies$ %'ecial )ivil Actions$ %'ecial .roceedin!s and )riminal .rocedure. These two !rou's could be analy-ed by answerin! certain ,uestions. 1. ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS FOR SOLVING FACT CENTERED PROBLEMS IN CIVIL PROCEDURE, PROVISIONAL REMEDIES, SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS, SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. /or the /&R%T 0RO1.$ the ollowin! ,uestions need to be answered2 a. +hat is the sta!e o the 'roceedin!s 3 b. +hat does the e(aminer want 3 45 +ere 'rior 'rocedures correctly ollowed 3 65 +hat succeedin! 'rocedural ste's should be undertaken 3 The resolution o the %E)OND 0RO1. re,uires res'onses to the ollowin!2 a. 7as the 'roceedin!s been 'ro'erly commenced 3 b. Are the 'arties and 'leadin!s correct 3 c. &s there an issue concernin! 're*trial 'roceedin!s 3 d. Are there 'roblems with the trial or "ud!ment 3 e. Do 'ost*trial issues e(ist 3

2. FACT CENTERED PROBLEMS IN EVIDENCE MAY BE RESOLVED BY ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: /act centered 'roblems in Evidence may be resolved by answerin! the ollowin! ,uestions2 a. +hat is the 'ur'ose o the o er 3 b. &s the evidence described in the 'roblem relevant 3 c. &s the evidence e(cluded by any 'rovision o law or s'eci ic 'rovision o the Rules o )ourt 3 d. & the evidence is e(cluded by any 'rovision o law or s'eci ic 'rovision o the Rules o )ourt does it all under any e(ce'tion which could result in its admission 3 e. &s the wei!ht o evidence re,uired to 'rove a act met 3 +hen readin! the .re*+eek Notes$ the Bar candidate should cover the te(t$ look at the headin! in bold letters and should try to recollect the conce'ts. 7e then removes the cover and checks i his recollection is accurate. & he has time the Bar candidate should write down the answers to the Review .roblems to test his ability to recollect and write down answers within the time limitation. Each ,uestion should be answered in si( 895 minutes. The Review .roblems are the author:s orecasted ,uestions. &t is to be noted that some o the Review .roblems were co'ied rom 'revious Bar ;uestions.

CIVIL PROCEDURE
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. What is the object of remedial law ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ob"ect o 'rocedural law is not to cause undue 'rotraction o the liti!ation$ but a. to acilitate the ad"udication o con lictin! claims and b. to serve$ rather than de eat$ the ends o "ustice. 8%anto Tomas 1niversity 7os'ital v. %urla$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=4>$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 4<<> re errin! to )ontinental Lea Tobacco ?.hil.@$ &nc. v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ 4AB %)RA 69< citin! Dimayacyac v. )ourt o A''eals$ <C %)RA 69D5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%22 Do not con use the !eneral ob"ect o remedial law with the ob"ective o the Rules o )ourt o !"#$%&'( ) *$!+, !,""-. )'- &'"/,"'!&0" -&!,o!&+&o' o "0"%. )#+&o' )'- ,%o#""-&'(. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 4$ RO)5 The ob"ect o remedial law is a !eneral statement which re ers to the whole s'ectrum o all areas o remedial law +7&LE the ob"ective o the Rules o )ourt s'eci ically re ers only to the Rules. The distinction may only be a matter o semantics because the end result o the ob"ect o remedial law with the ob"ective o the Rules o )ourt is the same. 1112. Define civil procedure. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The method o conductin! a "udicial 'roceedin! b. to resolve dis'utes involvin! 'rivate 'arties

c. or the 'ur'ose o en orcin! ri!hts or obtainin! redress or the invasion o ri!hts.

THE RULE- MAKING POWER OF THE SUPREME COURT

COURTS, IN GENERAL
2. What is the function of courts ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The unction o courts is to decide actual controversies$ a''lyin! the law$ and not to !ive o'inions u'on abstract 'ro'ositions. 80uarduno v. Dia-$ A9 .hil. A=65 They a''ly or inter'ret the laws. They do not ormulate 'olicy$ which is the 'rovince o the le!islative and e(ecutive branches o !overnment. 8.a!'alain 7aulers$ &nc. v. 7onorable Tra"ano$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC64D$ 'rom. Euly 4D$ 4<<<5 1113. What are the measures which ensure the independence of the courts ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The Eudiciary shall en"oy iscal autonomy. b. A''ointmens to the "udiciary shall be made rom the nominees o the Eudicial and Bar )ouncil$ which a''ointments do not need any )ommission on A''ointment con irmation. c. %alaries o members o the "udiciary shall be i(ed by law and not to be decreased durin! their continuance in o ice. d. Members o the "udiciary shall hold o ice durin! !ood behavior until they reach the a!e o =B years or become inca'acitated to dischar!e the duties o their o ice. e. Only the %u'reme )ourt shall have the 'ower to disci'line "ud!es o lower courts$ or order their dismissal. . Members o the %u'reme )ourt may be removed rom o ice only u'on reachin! the a!e o =B years$ inca'acioty or throu!h im'eachment. !. Members o the "udiciary shall not be desi!nated to any a!ency 'er ormin! ,uasi* "udicial or administrative unctions. h. %u'reme )ourt "urisdiction shall not be reduced without its consent.

THE RULES OF COURT

4. May the Supreme Court suspend the application of the Rules of Court ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. &t is within the 'ower o the )ourt to tem'er ri!id rules in avor o substantial "ustice. +hile it is desirable that the Rules o )ourt be aith ully and even meticulously observed$ the )ourts should not be so strict about 'rocedural la'ses that do not really im'air the 'ro'er administration o "ustice. & the rules are intended to ensure the orderly conduct o liti!ation$ it is because o the hi!her ob"ective they seek which is the 'rotection o substantive ri!hts o the 'arties. 8Lao v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. A=B4CG )o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9B9A=G and the Associated An!lo* American Tobacco )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 9B<D>*D<$ 'rom. Eanuary 4=$ 6BBB5 +hen they are ri!id and strict in a''lication$ resultin! in technicalities that tend to rustrate rather than 'romote "ustice$ the %u'reme )ourt is em'owered to sus'end its own rules 8.eo'le o the .hili''ines v. /lores$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B9D>4$ 'rom. March C$ 4<<=5$ and e(ce't a 'articular case rom their o'eration whenever the hi!her interests o "ustice so re,uire. 8/ortich$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )orona$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C4AD=$ 'rom. A'ril 6A$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/)5,6"! 78"%" +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+ !$!,"'-"- +8" ),,6&#)+&o' o +8" R$6"! o Co$%+:

45 The )ourt o A''eals may entertain a second motion or reconsideration o its decision althou!h the ilin! o such motion violates a 'rohibition thereo . 8Lao v. )ourt o A''eals$ $ et al.$ 0.R. No. A=B4CG )o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9B9A=G and the Associated An!lo*American Tobacco )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 9B<D>*D<$ 'rom. Eanuary 4=$ 6BBB 5 65 The %u'reme )ourt allowed the submission o a certi ied true co'y o the %'ecial Order !rantin! e(ecution 'endin! a''eal as substantial com'liance with the re,uirement o %ection 4$ Rule 9D o the Rules o )ourt that the 'etition Hbe accom'anied by a certi ied true co'y o the "ud!ment or order sub"ect thereo .I 8Lao v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. A=B4CG )o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9B9A=$ and the Associated An!lo*American Tobacco )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 9B<D>*D< 'rom. Eanuary 4=$ 6BBB5 C5 A 'etition or review o a )%) Resolution under Rule AD with the )ourt o A''eals$ althou!h an ina''ro'riate remedy or wron! mode o a''eal 'ursuant to )ircular No. 6*<B was reinstated. The )ircular should be so inter'reted and a''lied as to attain$ not de eat the ultimate 'ur'ose o the rules o 'rocedure to achieve substantial "ustice. 8Romero v. )ivil %ervice )ommission$ 6=9 %)RA 94B$ in turn citin! A*One /eeds$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals et. al.$ 4BB %)RA D<B5 A5 A dismissal o a 'etition by the )ourt o A''eals on the !round that the ,uestioned orders submitted by the 'etitioner were unsi!ned du'licate co'ies$ not clearly le!ible du'licate ori!inal certi ied true co'y was reinstated by the %u'reme )ourt. 8Reyes$ Er. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al. 0.R. No. 4C9A=>$ March 6=$ 6BBB5 b. T8" S$,%"5" Co$%+ -o"! 'o+ )67).! !$!,"'- +8" R$6"!. The 'ayment o the docket and other le!al ees within the 'rescribed 'eriod is both mandatory and "urisdictional$ %ection 4 8c5$ Rule DB o the Rules o )ourt 'rovides2 H/ailure o the a''ellant to 'ay the docket and other ees as 'rovided in %ection A o Rule A4 is a !round or the dismissal o the a''eal.I &ndeed$ it has been held that ailure o the a''ellant to con orm with the rules on a''eal renders the "ud!ment inal and e(ecutory. Jerily$ the ri!ht to a''eal is a statutory ri!ht and one who seeks to avail o that ri!ht must com'ly with the statute or the rule. The bare invocation o Hthe interest o substantial "usticeI is not a ma!ic wand that will automatically com'el the %u'reme )ourt to sus'end 'rocedural rules. H.rocedural rules are not to be belittled or dismissed sim'ly because their non*observance may have resulted in 're"udice to a 'artyKs substantive ri!hts. Like all rules$ they are re,uired to be ollowed e(ce't only or the most 'ersuasive o reasons when they may be rela(ed to relieve a liti!ant o an in"ustice not commensurate with the de!ree o his thou!htlessness in not com'lyin! with the 'rocedure 'rescribed.I Rules o 'rocedure$ es'ecially those 'rescribin! the time within which certain acts must be done$ Hhave o ten been held as absolutely indis'ensable to the 'revention o needless delays and to the orderly and s'eedy dischar!e o business. ( ( ( The reason or rules o this nature is because the dis'atch o business by courts would be im'ossible$ and intolerable delays would result$ without rules !overnin! 'ractice. ( ( ( %uch rules are a necessary incident to the 'ro'er$ e icient and orderly dischar!e o "udicial unctions.I T Rules may be rela(ed only in He(ce'tionally meritorious cases.I 8La-aro et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C==94$ A'ril 9$ 6BBB5 c. R")!o' o% )66o7&'( !$!,"'!&o' o +8" %$6"!. The rules on 'rocedure are merely tools desi!ned to acilitate the attainment o "ustice. %trict adherence to 'rocedural rules is not the end*all and be*all o liti!ation$ althou!h strict adherence to 'rocedural rules must at all times be observed. Ad"ective law is not to be taken li!htly$ or without it$ the en orcement o substantive laws may not remain assured. Nevertheless$ technical rules o 'rocedure are not ends in themselves$ but 'rimarily devised and desi!ned to hel' in the 'ro'er and e('edient administration o "ustice. &n a''ro'riate cases there ore$ the rules may have to be so construed liberally in order to meet and advance the cause o substantial "ustice. 8Lao v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. A=B4CG )o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9B9A=$ and the Associated An!lo*American Tobacco )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 9B<D>*D< 'rom. Eanuary 4=$ 6BBB5

d. C)!"! 78"%" +8" R$6"! o P%o#"-$%" -o 'o+ ),,6.. The Rules o )ivil .rocedure !enerally do not a''ly to land re!istration cadastral and election codes$ naturali-ation and im'lementin! 'rocedures e(ce't by analo!y or in a su''letory character and whenever 'racticable and convenient. Election contests are sub"ect to the )omelec Rules o 'rocedure. 8Barrosa v. 7on. Am'i! Er.$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C>64>$ 'rom. March 4=$ 6BBB5 E(am'les2 45 The su''letory a''lication o the non* orum sho''in! re,uirements under the Rules o )ivil .rocedure to election cases does not automatically warrant the dismissal o the case with 're"udice. Reason2 %trict a''lication o the non* orum sho''in! rule would not work to the best interest o the 'arties and the electorate. An election contest$ unlike an ordinary civil action$ is clothed with 'ublic interest. The 'ur'ose o an election 'rotest is to ascertain whether the candidate 'roclaimed by the board o canvassers is the law ul choice o the 'eo'le. An election contest involves not only the ad"udication o 'rivate and 'ecuniary onterests o rival candidates but 'aramount to their claims is the dee' 'ublic concern involved and the need o dis'ellin! the uncertainty over the real choice o the electorate. 8&bid.5 65 The a''ellate court could consider documents attached to the stateKs brie in an a''ealed naturali-ation case$ even i not 'resented and o ered as evidence in the trial court as re,uired under %ec. CA$ Rule 4C6. The reason or the rule 'rohibitin! the admission o evidence not ormally o ered is to a ord the o''osite 'arty the chance to ob"ect to their admisibility. There is no denial o due 'rocess because ob"ections to the authenticity o the documents could have been made in the brie s iled with the a''ellate court. 8)hia v. Re'ublic$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=6AB$ 'rom. March 6=$ 6BBB5 9. What is the e tent of judicial power : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &t includes the duty o the courts o "ustice to settle actual controversies involvin! ri!hts which are le!ally demandable and en orceable. 8Article J&&&$ %ection 4$ 4<>= .hili''ine )onstitution5 111;. What is a !uasi"judicial function? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A 'ower that rests in "ud!ment or discretion$ so that it is o "udicial nature or character$ but does not involve the e(ercise o unctions o a "ud!e$ or is con erred u'on an o icer other than a "udicial o icer. 8%andoval v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>A6$ 'rom. Eanuary 69$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 A ,uasi*"udicial tribunal cannot i!nore the re,uirements o 'rocedural due 'rocess in resolvin! 'etitions. 8&bid.5

CIVIL PROCEDURE, IN GENERAL

THE FLOW OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.
)ivil 'rocedure is basically a ste' by ste' activity which a student should master in order to !ras' the whole 'icture$ as well the various interrelated sub"ects. This is so$ because certain 'rocedures occur rom time to time while the action or suit is bein! heard. /or e(am'le$ di erent kinds o motions may be iled. /urthermore$ certain acts could be done only within certain re!lementary 'eriods which i not com'lied with may result to denial by the court o 'rayers or relie . &t is or these reasons the Notes avoid usin! the conventional method o discussin! the sub"ect matter on a #Rule by Rule$ %ection by %ection# method. &nstead it uses the 'rocedural a''roach$ which tries to 'resent$ as ar as 'racticable$ the ste's to be ollowed in the 'rosecution or de ense o causes o actions. The ollowin! outline may be re erred to as the #/low o )ivil .rocedure$# that should be mastered by the student in order to have a thorou!h !ras' o the interrelationshi's amon! the conce'ts discussed.

BEFORE FILING THE SUIT A. &n 0eneral2 The criteria or invokin! "udicial 'rocess 4. Actions in !eneral a. &s there a cause o action 3 ) b. Does the ri!ht o action subsist 3 Do the ollowin! e(ist 3 45 Esto''el 65 Laches C5 .rescri'tion A5 /orum sho''in! D5 Res "udicata 6. Are there available ade,uate relie s and remedies3 a. &s there a need or 'rovisional remedies 3 B. +ho are the 'arties to a suit 3 45 .arties in !eneral 65 )riteria or invokin! "udicial 'rocess a. Threshold re,uirements 45 Le!al ca'acity 65 Real 'arty in interest C5 Locus standi C5 Eoinder o 'arties a. Linds o 'arties b. Eoinder o initial 'arties 45 )om'ulsory "oinder 65 .ermissive "oinder c. &m'leader 45 Third* ourth$ etc. 'arty d. %'ecial "oinder devices 45 )lass suit 65 &ntervention C5 &nter'leader ). Determine a''lication o doctrine o 'reconditions$ 'rior resort$ alternative modes o dis'ute resolution$ 4. )om'romise 6. Katarunggang Pambarangay C. E(haustion o administrative remedies A. Arbitration and alternative modes o dis'ute resolution D. %election o court 4. Di erent kinds o civil actions a. Ordinary and s'ecial b. In rem$ in personam$ quasi-in rem c. Real$ 'ersonal d. Local and transitory 6. 7ierarchy o courts C. Eurisdiction A. Jenue D. %ummary 'rocedure E. .leadin!s and motions 4. .leadin!s in !eneral a. /ormal Re,uirements b. Manner o makin! alle!ations in 'leadin!s 6. The com'laint a. Eoinder o causes o action 45 .ermissive 65 )om'ulsory C. /ilin! and service o 'leadin!s and other 'a'ers A. Motions in !eneral

a. /ilin!$ service and hearin! o motions /. De'ositions and discoveries FILING OF THE ACTION. A. )ommencement o the action B. Docket ees ). Ra le o cases AFTER FILING OF THE SUIT A. Obtainin! "urisdiction over 'arties 4. %ummons in !eneral 6. Methods o service B. Motions that may be iled by the 'lainti 4. To withdraw com'laint or to dismiss 6. To amend or su''lement the com'laint AFTER SERVICE OF SUMMONS BUT BEFORE ANSWER A. .lainti Ks notices$ motions and others 4. To withdraw com'laint 6. To amend or su''lement the com'laint C. To declare in de ault A O''osition to de endant:s various motions B. De endantKs motions and 'leadin!s a ter service o summons but be ore answer 4. Motions a. /or bill o 'articulars b. To e('un!e the com'laint or 'ortions thereo c. To dismiss d. /or e(tension o time to ile answer e. Li t order o de ault 6. .leadin!s a. Answer b. )ounterclaim c. Third*.arty com'lain d. )ross*claim C. Others a. De'ositions and discoveries b. O''ositions to 'lainti :s various motions AFTER DEFENDANT<S ANSWER A. .lainti :s motions and 'leadin!s a ter answer 4. Motions a. To withdraw com'laint b. To amend or su''lement the com'laint c. To e('un!e the answer or any 'art d. /or "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s e. /or summary "ud!ment . To set 're*trial 6. .leadin!s a. Re'ly b. Answer to counterclaims C. Others a. .re*trial brie b. De'ositions and discoveries B. De endant:s motions and 'leadin!s a ter answer 4. Motions a. O''ositions to 'lainti :s various motions 6. Others

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a. .re*trial brie b. De'osition and discoveries PRE-TRIAL A. .lainti :s motions 4. To 'resent evidence ex-parte and render "ud!ment B. De endant:s motion 4. Motion to dismiss ). )ommon motions 4. To 'ost'one 6. /or consolidation or severance C. /or trial by commissioner E. E('andin! the sco'e o the suit 4. Eoinder o claims or causes o action 6. Eoinder o 'arties DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERIES A. De'ositions B. &nterro!atories to 'arties ). Admission by adverse 'arty D. .roduction or ins'ection o thin!s or documents E. .hysical and mental e(amination o 'ersons TRIAL. A. Trial 4. Order o trial B. )ommon motions 4. To 'ost'one 6. To amend to con orm to evidence AFTER TRIAL, BEFORE =UDGMENT A. )ommon motion 4. To submit memorandum B .De endantKs motion 6. /or "ud!ment on demurrer to evidence =UDGMENT AFTER =UDGMENT. A. )ommon motions 4. /or reconsideration 6. /or new trial B. Others 4. Notice o a''eal 6. .etition or relie rom "ud!ment APPEAL A. &n !eneral 4. .reliminary conce'ts 6. Modes and 'eriods o a''eals B. A''eals rom "ud!ments or inal orders o munici'al trial courts 4. &n !eneral 6. .rocedure or a''eals o "ud!ments o munici'al trial courts in e(ercise o ori!inal "urisdiction C. .rocedure or a''eals o decisions o munici'al trial courts in e(ercise o dele!ated "urisdiction ). A''eals rom decisions o the Re!ional Trial )ourts

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4. &n !eneral 6. .rocedure or ordinary a''eals o decisions o the Re!ional Trial )ourt in e(ercise o its ori!inal "urisdiction to the )ourt o A''eals A. .etition or review rom decisions o the Re!ional Trial )ourt in the e(ercise o its a''ellate "urisdiction to the )ourt o A''eals D. .etition or certiorari to the %u'reme )ourt D. A''eals rom decisions o the )ourt o Ta( A''eals and ,uasi*"udicial a!encies 4. &n !eneral 6. .etition or review to the )ourt o A''eals C. .etition or certiorari to the %u'reme )ourt E. A''eals rom decisions o the )ourt o A''eals 4. &n !eneral 6. A''eal by certiorari to the %u'reme )ourt E>ECUTIONS AND SATISFACTION OF =UDGMENTS A. &n !eneral 4. )once'ts 6. Linds o e(ecution a. E(ecution as a matter o ri!ht b. Discretionary e(ecution C. 7ow e(ecution is e ected$ in !eneral A. .ro'erties e(em't rom e(ecution B. .rocedure or e(ecution 4. &n case o death o 'arty 6. /or "ud!ments or money C. O "ud!ment or s'eci ic act D. O s'ecial "ud!ments ). E(ecution sales 4. %ales on e(ecution 6. )onveyance o 'ro'erty sold on e(ecution C. Redem'tion o 'ro'erty sold on e(ecution D. Remedies o "ud!ment creditor in aid o e(ecution E. %atis action o "ud!ment

BEFORE FILING THE SUIT

IS THERE A CAUSE OF ACTION ?
The 'rimary criteria that must be com'lied with be ore ilin! a suit is the e(istence o a cause o action by the suitor a!ainst the adverse 'arty. +ithout a cause o action the suit must ail because the com'laint would be susce'tible to the threshold de ense o a motion to dismiss or the lack o cause o action could be raised in the answer. The two de enses a!ainst lack o a cause o action$ are there ore2 a. A motion to dismiss$ or b. As an a irmative de ense in an answer. & the lack o cause o action is a''arent on the ace o the com'laint or other initiatory 'leadin!$ then a motion to dismiss may be iled on the !round$ T8)+ +8" ,6")-&'( )!!"%+&'( +8" #6)&5 !+)+"! 'o #)$!" o )#+&o'. 8%ec. 4 ?!@. Rule 49$ RO)5 On the other hand i the !round is not raised in a motion to dismiss it 5). ?" ,6")-"- )! )' ) &%5)+&0" -" "'!" &' +8" )'!7"% )'-, &' +8" -&!#%"+&o' o +8" #o$%+, ) ,%"6&5&')%. 8")%&'( 5). ?" 8)- +8"%"o' )! & ) 5o+&o' +o -&!5&!! 8)- ?""' &6"-. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 49$ RO)5 O course$ even i the lack o cause o action is not a''arent on the ace o the com'laint or initiatory 'leadin!$ but the same is 'leaded in an answer then ailure on the 'art o com'lainant 8the 'lainti 5 to show the e(istence o a cause o action durin! the course o the trial would ultimately lead to a dismissal o his com'laint.

4B

111 @. What are the elements of a cause of action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The elements o a cause o action are2 a. A le!al %&(8+ in avor o the 'lainti by whatever means and under whatever law it arises or it createsG b. A correlative obli!ation on the 'art o the named de endant to res'ect or not to violate this ri!htG c. An act or omission on the 'art o such de endant 0&o6)+&0" o the ri!ht o the 'lainti or constitutin! a breach o the obli!ation o the de endant to the 'lainti 8Re'ublic .lanters Bank$ et al.$ v. &A)$ et al.$ 4C4 %)RA 9C<5$ or which the latter may maintain an action or recovery o dama!es. 8Leberman Realty )or'oration$ et al$ v. Ty'in!co$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4699A=$ 'rom. Euly 6<$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S8o%+ -" &'&+&o' o #)$!" o )#+&o'. A cause o action is the act or combination o acts which a ords a 'arty a ri!ht to "udicial inter erence in his behal . &t is the reason why the liti!ation has come about. 8Asset .riviti-ation Trust v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. >4B6A$ 'rom. /ebruary C. 6BBB5 111A. Distin#uish cause of action from ri#ht of action. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. )ause o action consists o a ri!ht belon!in! to one 'erson and a wron! ul act by another which violates that ri!ht +7&LE ri!ht o action is the ri!ht to commence and maintain an actionG b. )ause o action is a ormal statement o the o'erative acts which !ive rise to such remedial ri!ht +7&LE ri!ht o action is a remedial ri!ht belon!in! to some 'ersonG c. )ause o action is a matter o ri!ht and de'ends on substantive law +7&LE ri!ht o action is a matter o statement and is !overned by the law on 'rocedure. d. A cause o action is not a ected by the runnin! o the statute o limitations$ esto''el$ etc.$ +7&LE a ri!ht o action is so a ected. 1B. $he owner of an estate fenced his property% as a result of which the tenants of the apartment adjoinin# the property lost their passa#eway. $here was no ri#ht of way enjoyed by the tenants. Conse!uently% the tenants left. Could the apartment owner recover dama#es from the estate owner ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. The mere act that the a'artment owner su ered losses does not !ive rise to a ri!ht to recover dama!es. To warrant the recovery o dama!es there must be both a ri!ht o action or a le!al wron! in licted by the de endant and dama!e resultin! to the 'lainti there rom. +ron! without dama!e$ or dama!e without wron!$ does not constitute a cause o action$ since dama!es are merely 'art o the remedy or the in"ury caused by a breach or a wron!. &n order that a 'lainti may maintain an action or the in"uries o which he com'lains he must establish that such in"uries resulted rom a breach o duty which the de endant owed to the 'lainti $ a concurrence o in"ury to the 'lainti and le!al res'onsibility by the 'erson causin! it. 8%'s. )ustodio$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 6DC %)RA A>C5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111 a. I'*$%., -" &'"-. The ille!al invasion o a le!al ri!ht .8B.& E('ress )ard )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B9C<$ 'rom. %e'tember 6D$ 4<<>5 111 b. D)5)(", -" &'"-. The loss$ hurt or harm which results rom the in"ury$ dama!es are the recom'ense or com'ensation awarded or the dama!e su ered. .8B.& E('ress )ard )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B9C<$ 'rom. %e'tember 6D$ 4<<>5 11. &tty. Ricardo was the holder of a complimentary credit card issued by '() E press Card Corporation with a credit limit of (*%+++.++ which was subse!uently increased to (,%+++.++. $he application for credit card privile#es stated that '() could automatically suspend a card whose billin# has not been paid for more than thirty days. -ftentimes he e ceeded the credit limit and '() tolerated this as well as his payment of his account by chec.s. )n -ctober% /010 he was not able to pay his account amountin# to

44

(1%012.13% but '() demanded from him a chec. of (/,%+++.++ which would include his future bills% and was threatenin# to suspend his credit card. &tty. Ricardo issued a December /,% /010 postdated chec. in the amount of (/,%+++.++ which was received by an employee of '() on 4ovember 5*% /010. -n 4ovember 51% /010 '() sent a letter to &tty. Ricardo by ordinary mail informin# him of the temporary suspension of his credit card privile#es and unless he settles his account within , days from receipt of the letter% his membership will be permanently cancelled. $here is no showin# that &tty. Ricardo received the letter before December 1% /010. Confident that he had settled his account with the issuance of the postdated chec.% &tty. Ricardo invited some #uests on December 1% /010 and entertained them at Cafe &driatico. When he presented his credit card for the bill amountin# to (2*,.*5% said card was dishonored. -ne of the #uests% Mary Ellen% paid the bill usin# a 6niban.ard. 6nder the circumstances% is &tty. Ricardo entitled to dama#es as a result of the social humiliation and embarrassment he suffered ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. &t was Atty. Ricardo:s ailure to settle his obli!ation which caused the sus'ension o his credit card and subse,uent dishonor at )a e Adriatico. 7e can not now 'ass the blame to B.& or not noti yin! him o the sus'ension o his card. As shown by the acts$ the a''lication contained the sti'ulation that B.& could automatically sus'end a card whose billin! has not been 'aid or more than thirty days. As a matter o act$ as early as 6> October 4<><$ B.& could have sus'ended Atty. Ricardo:s card outri!ht. &nstead it allowed him to use his card or several weeks. Atty. Ricardo was even noti ied o the im'endin! sus'ension o his credit card$ which he was 'resumed to have received because o the dis'utable 'resum'tion that letters duly directed and mailed were received in the re!ular course o mail . 8B.& E('ress )ard )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 46B9C<$ 'rom. %e'tember 6D$ 4<<>5 12. 7ernando filed a complaint for recovery of property a#ainst the children of Remi#io. $he complaint alle#ed that 7ernando bou#ht the property from &lejandro% but was unable to effect the immediate transfer of title in his favor in view of his forei#n nationality at the time of the sale. &s an assurance of his #ood faith &lejandro turned over the owner8s duplicate copy of the title to 7ernando and in addition e ecuted a lease contract in favor of 7ernando for 3+ years. Subse!uently% &lejandro sold the property to his brother Remi#io with the understandin# that the property is to be held in trust for 7ernando and that Remi#io would e ecute the document of sale in favor of 7ernando upon the latter8s demand. &nother lease contract% this time between 7ernando and Remi#io was e ecuted in favor of 7ernando to safe#uard his interest over the property. 4o rents were ever paid by 7ernando nor were there demands made upon him. Remi#io was .illed and durin# his wa.e% 7ernando reminded his children of the a#reement and they promised to transfer the subject property to 7ernando who by this time has ac!uired 7ilipino citi9enship by naturali9ation. $he children never made #ood their promise and in fact they transferred the property in their names. 6pon receipt of the complaint the defendants filed a motion to dismiss claimin# amon# others that the complaint states no cause of action. &t the time of the filin# of the complaint &lejandro was already dead. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. /ernando relies sim'ly on the alle!ation that he is entitled to the 'ro'erty by virtue o a sale between him and Ale"andro who is now dead. Obviously$ /ernando will rely on 'arol evidence which$ under the circumstances obtainin!$ cannot be allowed without violatin! the #Dead Man:s %tatue# ound in %ec. 6C$ Rule 4CB o the Rules o )ourt. )learly then$ rom a readin! o the com'laint itsel $ the anne(es attached thereto and relevant laws and "uris'rudence$ the com'laint indeed does not s'ell out any cause o action. 8Tan$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46D>94$ 'rom. %e'tember <$ 4<<>5

46

DOES THE RIGHT OF ACTION STILL SUBSIST ? E%TO..EL

12. What is meant by the doctrine of estoppel ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 An admission or re'resentation is rendered conclusive u'on the 'erson makin! it and cannot be denied or dis'roved as a!ainst the 'erson makin! it$ and cannot be denied or dis'roved as a!ainst the 'erson relyin! thereon. A 'arty havin! 'er ormed a irmative acts u'on which another 'erson based his subse,uent actions$ cannot there ore re ute his acts or rene!e on the e ects o the same$ to 're"udice o the latter. 8Ducat v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<9D6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBBG Ducat v. %heri )ar'io$ A.M. No. >*BB*4CD>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. E/)5,6" o "!+o,,"6. The trial court re erred the matter o a com'utation o the e(cess 'ayments to %0J. The Mani estation and 1r!ent Motion to %et .arameters o )om'utation iled by the 'etitioner is indicative o his con ormity with the order o the re erral. & the 'etitioner thou!ht that the order was wron!$ he should have taken recourse to the )ourt o A''eals. The 'etition cannot be allowed to make a mockery o "udicial 'rocesses$ by chan!in! his 'osition rom one o a!reement to disa!reement$ to suit his needs. & the 'arties ac,uiesed in submittin! an issue or determination by the trial court$ they are esto''ed rom ,uestionin! the "urisdiction o the same court to 'ass u'on the issue. 8&bid.5 Eurisdiction over the 'erson must be seasonably raised$ i.e.$ that it is 'leaded in a motion to dismiss or by way o an a irmative de ense. Joluntary a''earance shall be deemed a waiver o this de ense. 7owever$ assertion o a irmative de enses shall not be construed as esto''el or waiver o the de ense o "urisdiction over the 'erson o the de endant. Esto''el by "urisdiction must be une,uivocal and intentional. 8Millenium &ndustrial )ommercial )or'oration v. tan$ 0.R. No. 4C4=6A$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB citin! La Naval Dru! )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=A>B$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5

LA)7E%
13. What is laches ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Laches is ne!li!ence or omission to assert a ri!ht within a reasonable time$ warrantin! the 'resum'tion that the 'arty entitled to assert it has either abandoned or declined to assert it. a. E!!"'+&)6 "6"5"'+! o laches are2 845 conduct on the 'art o the de endant$ or o one under whom he claims$ !ivin! rise to the situation com'lained o G 865 delay in assertin! com'lainantKs ri!ht a ter he had knowled!e o the de endantKs conduct and a ter he has an o''ortunity to sueG 8C5 lack o knowled!e or notice on the 'art o the de endant that the com'lainant would assert the ri!ht on which he bases his suitG and 8A5 in"ury or 're"udice to the de endant in the event relie is accorded to the com'lainant. 8Maestrado$ etc. et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc. et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCCADG Maestrado$ et al. v.. Roa$ Er.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCC6A$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5 b. No )?!o6$+" %$6" o' 78)+ #o'!+&+$+" 6)#8"!. &t is a creation o e,uity and a''lied not really to 'enali-e ne!lect or slee'in! u'on oneKs ri!hts but rather to avoid reco!ni-in! a ri!ht when to do so would result in a clearly ine,uitable situation. The ,uestion o laches$ we said$ is addressed to the sound discretion o the court and each case must be decided accordin! to its 'articular circumstances. 8Jillanueva*Mi"ares$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B><6$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB citin! )have- v. Bonto* .ere-$ 6A6 %)RA =C$ >B5 The doctrine o laches or stale demands does not a''ly a!ainst minors whose 'ro'erty was held in trust by 'redecessor o 'ersons invokin! it. 8&bid.5

4C

c. P%"!#%&,+&o' -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 6)#8"!: 45 .rescri'tion is concerned with the act o delay +7&LE laches is concerned with the e ect. 65 .rescri'tion is a matter o time +7&LE laches is 'rinci'ally a ,uestion o the ine,uity o 'ermittin! a claim to be en orced$ this ine,uity bein! ounded on some chan!e in the condition o the 'arty or the relation o the 'arties. C5 .rescri'tion is statutory +7&LE laches is not. Laches a''lies in e,uity +7&LE 'rescrit'ion a''lies at law. C5 .rescri'tion is based on i(ed time$ while laches is not. 8)utanda$ et al.$ v. 7eirs o )utanda$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<64D$ 'rom. Euly 44$ 6BBB citin! )ameclan! v. Baun$ 6B> %)RA 4=<5 d. No 6)#8"! & #)!" &6"- 7&+8&' ,%"!#%,+&0" ,"%&o-. The doctrine o laches is ina''licable where the action was iled within the 'rescri'tive 'eriod 'rovided by law. Thus$ laches does not a''ly in a case where 'etitionerKs 'ossession o the sub"ect lot has rendered their ri!ht to brin! an action or ,uietin! o title im'rescri'tible and$ hence$ not barred by laches. Moreover$ since laches is a creation o e,uity$ acts or conduct alle!ed to constitute the same must be intentional and une,uivocal so as to avoid in"ustice. Laches o'erates not really to 'enali-e ne!lect or slee'in! on oneKs ri!hts$ but rather to avoid reco!ni-in! a ri!ht when to do so would result in a clearly ine,uitable situation. 8Maestrado$ etc. et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc. et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCCADG Maestrado$ et al. v.. Roa$ Er.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCC6A$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5

.RE%)R&.T&ON
14. :ive certain instances when actions prescribe. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. An action or reconveyance o a 'arcel o land based on im'lied or constructive trust 'rescribes in 4B years$ the 'oint o re erence bein! the date o re!istration o the deed or the date o the issuance o the certi icate o title o the 'ro'erty. 8Jillanueva MMi"ares$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B><64$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB citin! Vda. de Cabrera v. Court of Appeals !"# $C%A &&' &(& )*''#+ and $ta. Ana ,r. v. Court of Appeals 6>4 %)RA 96A$ 96<5 b. A suit or re ormation o an instrument may be barred by la'se o time. The 'rescri'tive 'eriod or actions based u'on a written contract and or re ormation o an instrument is ten 84B5 years under Article 44AA o the )ivil )ode. .rescri'tion is intended to su''ress stale and raudulent claims arisin! rom transactions where acts had become so obscure rom the la'se o time or de ective memory. 8Rosello*Bentir$ et al.$ v. 7on. Leanda$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46><<4$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T7o C&'-! o ,%"!#%&,+&o': 45 Ac,uisitive 'rescri'tion or the the ac,uisition o a ri!ht by the la'se o time. 65 E(tinctive 'rescri'tion or the loss o a ri!ht o action y the la'se o time. 8)utanda$ et al.$ v. 7eirs o )utanda$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<64D$ 'rom. Euly 44$ 6BBB5 19. What is the prescriptive period for the availment of the remedies of accion publiciana or accion reinvendicatoria ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The remedies o accion publiciana or reinvendicatoria must be availed o within ten 84B5 years rom dis'ossession. This is so$ because under Art. DDD8A5$ o the )ivil )ode the real ri!ht o 'ossessions is lost a ter the la'se o 4B years. 8)utanda$ et al.$ v. 7eirs o )utanda$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<64D$ 'rom. Euly 44$ 6BBB5 1;. :ive instances where actions do not prescribe. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. +here a 'erson is in 'ossession$ his action to ,uiet title does not 'rescribe. 0enerally$ an action or reconveyance based on an im'lied or constructive trust$ such as the

4A

instant case$ 'rescribes in 4B years rom date o issuance o decree o re!istration. 7owever$ this rule does not a''ly when the 'lainti is in actual 'ossession o the land. b. An action or the nulli ication o a )erti icate o %ale could not be instituted as this is tantamount to invalidatin! a 'rivious declaration o the validity o an auction sale. The )erti icate o %ale is "ust a certi ication o what was done durin! th auction sale. 87eirs o %eras'i v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD9B6$ 'rom. A'ril 6>$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 An action or reconveyance o a 'arcel o land based on im'lied or constructive trust 'rescribes in ten 84B5 years$ the 'oint o re erence bein! the date o re!istration o the deed or the date o the issuance o the certi icate o title over the 'ro'erty$ but this rule a''lies only when the 'lainti or the 'erson en orcin! the trust is not in 'ossession o the 'ro'erty$ since i a 'erson claimin! to be the owner thereo is in actual 'ossession o the 'ro'erty$ as the de endants are in the instant case$ the ri!ht to seek reconveyance$ which in e ect seeks to ,uiet title to the 'ro'erty$ does not 'rescribe. T8" %")!o' o% +8&! &! that one who is in actual 'ossession o a 'iece o land claimin! to be the owner thereo may wait until his 'ossession is disturbed or his title is attacked be ore takin! ste's to vindicate his ri!ht$ the reason or the rule bein!$ that his undisturbed 'ossession !ives him a continuin! ri!ht to seek the aid o a court o e,uity to ascertain and determine the nature o the adverse claim o a third 'arty and its e ect on his own title$ which ri!ht can be claimed only by one who is in 'ossession. The action or recovery o title or 'ossession o real 'ro'erty or an interest therein which can only be brou!ht within ten 84B5 years a ter the cause o action has accrued is ac,uisitive$ not e(tinctive 'rescri'tion. /or e(tinctive 'rescri'tion$ the a''licable law is Article 44A4 o the )ivil )ode which 'rovides that$ real actions over immovables 'rescribe a ter thirty 8CB5 years$ without 're"udice to what is established or the ac,uisition o ownershi' and other real ri!hts by 'rescri'tion. 87eirs o %eras'i v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD9B6$ 'rom. A'ril 6>$ 6BBB5 Moreover$ i the 'lainti in an action or ,uietin! o title is in 'ossession o the 'ro'erty bein! liti!ated$ such action is im'rescri'tible. One who is in actual 'ossession o a land$ claimin! to be the owner thereo may wait until his 'ossession is disturbed or his title is attacked be ore takin! ste's to vindicate his ri!ht because his undisturbed 'ossession !ives him a continuin! ri!ht to seek the aid o the courts to ascertain the nature o the adverse claim and its e ects on his title. 8Maestrado$ etc. et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc. et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCCADG Maestrado$ et al. J.. Roa$ Er.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCC6A$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5

LA+ O/ T7E )A%E

1@. What is the law of the case ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 H1nder the Nlaw o the caseK conce't$ a. whatever is once irrevocably established as the controllin! le!al 'rinci'le or decision b. continues to be the law o the case between the same 'arties in the same case$ c. whether correct on !eneral 'rinci'les or not$ so lon! as the acts on which such decision was 'redicated continue to be the acts o the case be ore the court. %uch stability and conclusiveness !iven to inal "ud!ments o courts o com'etent "urisdiction are said to be !rounded on reasons o 'ublic 'olicy$ "udicial orderliness and economy as well as 'rotection o the time and interests o the liti!ants. ( ( (I 8Ducat v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<9D6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBBG Ducat v. %heri )ar'io$ A.M. No. .*BB*4CD>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBBD NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 H&t may be stated as a rule o !eneral a''lication that$ where the evidence on a second or succeedin! a''eal is substantially the same as that on the irst or 'recedin! a''eal$ all matters$ ,uestions$ 'oints$ or issues ad"udicated on the 'rior a''eal are the la- of t.e case on all subse,uent a''eals and will not be considered or read"udicated therein.I 8D ).E.%. 469=5 8&talics su''lied5 HAs a !eneral rule a decision on a 'rior a''eal o the same case is held to be the law o the case whether that decision is rig.t or -rong$ the remedy o the 'arty deemin! himsel a!!rieved bein! to seek a rehearin!.I 8D ).E.%. 46=9*==5 8&talics su''lied5

4D

H;uestions necessarily involved in the decision on a ormer a''eal will be re!arded as the la- of t.e case on a subse,uent a''eal$ althou!h the ,uestions are not e('ressly treated in the o'inion o the court$ as the 'resum'tion is that all the acts in the case bearin! on the 'oint decided have received due consideration whether all or none o them are mentioned in the o'inion.I 8D ).E.%. 46>9*>=5 8&talics su''lied5

LI/I$ P01201/IA
1A. What is meant by litis pendentia as a #round for dismissal of actions ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Litis pendentia is a Latin term which literally means # a 'endin! suit.# 8/eliciano v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46C6<C$ 'rom. March D$ 4<<>5 &t is variously re erred to in some decisions as lis pendens and auter action pendant. 8/eliciano$ supra5. +hile it is normally connected with the control which the court has on a 'ro'erty involved in a suit durin! the continuance 'roceedin!s 8/eliciano5$ it is more inter'osed as a !ound or the dismissal o a civil action 'endin! in court. 8%ec. 4$ 'ar. ?e@$ Rule 49$ RO)5. Litis pendentia as a !round or the dismissal o a civil action re ers to the situation wherein another action is 'endin! between the same 'arties or the same cause o action 8%ec. 4 ?e@$ Rule 49$ RO)5$ and that the second action becomes unnecessary and ve(atious. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. Fo% litis pendentia +o ?" &'0oC"- +8" #o'#$%%"'#" o +8" o66o7&'( %"E$&!&+"! )%" '"#"!!)%.: 45 identity o 'arties or at least re'resention o the same interest in both actionsG 65 identity o ri!hts asserted and relie s 'rayed or$ the relie s must be ounded on the same acts and the same basisG and C5 identity in the two cases should be such that any "ud!ment that may be rendered the other action will$ re!ardless o which 'arty is success ul$ amount to res 3udicata on the other action under consideration. 8/eliciano v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46C6<C$ 'rom. March D$ 4<<>G Tourist Duty /ree %ho'$ &nc. v. %andi!anbayan$et al.$0.R. No. 4B=C<D$ 'rom. Eanuary 69$ 6BBBG 1niversity .hysicians %ervices$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44DBAD$ 'rom. Eanuary C4$ 6BBB5 &t has been held that where a liti!ant sues the same 'arty a!ainst whom the same action or actions$ or the alle!ed violation o the same ri!ht$ and th en orcement o the same relie isOare still 'endin!$ the de ense o litis pendentia in one case is a bar to the otherG and a inal "ud!ment in one would constitute res "udicata and thus$ would cause the dismissal o the rest. 8;uinsay v. court o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=BD>$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 6BBB5 b. Do 'o+ #o' $!" litis pendentia F%ec. 4 ?e@$ Rule 49$ RO)5 as a !round or dismissal o actions %o5 res judicata 8%ec. 4 ? @$ Rule 49$ RO)5 ;itis pendentia )! ) (%o$'- o% -&!5&!!)6 -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 res judicata )! ) (%o$'- o% -&!5&!!)62 &n litis pendentia there is no "ud!ment yet as both o the cases are still 'endin! +7&LE in res 3udicata there is already a "ud!ment on the irst case. c. P"'-"'#. o )'o+8"% #)!" 'o+ )$+o5)+&# litis pendentia. Litis pendentia does not e(ist solely because other action 8s5 is 'endin! between the same 'arties. &t must be shown that the institution o the later action8s5 was unnecessary and intended to harass the de endant. 81niversity .hysicians %ervices$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 44DBAD$ 'rom. Eanuary C4$ 6BBB5 2B. $he MC$C rendered a Decision #rantin# the ejectmnt suit filed by the plaintiff a#ainst the defendants over a parcel of land claimin# that the defendants were occupyin# the land upon his mere tolerance. While an appeal was pendin# before the R$C% plaintiff filed a motion for immediate e ecution of the MC$C jud#ment which was #ranted. $he writ of demolition will be e ecuted over the house owned by the defendants. <owever% the Court of &ppeals later reversed the R$C order #rantin# the e ecution pendin# appeal% which was affirmed by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile% the defendants

49

also filed before the R$C a new action for !uietin# of title involvin# the same parcel of land but not the house. $he defendants also filed before the R$C a new action for !uietin# of title involvin# the same property. Should the action for !uietin# of title justify the suspension of the ejectment suit ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ on e,uitable considerations as an e(ce'tion to the !eneral rule that a 'endin! civil action invlvin! ownershi' o the same 'ro'erty does not "usti y the sus'ension o the e"ectment 'roceedin!s. The e"ectment suit is one o unlaw ul detainer and not o orcible entry. The e"etmnet o the de endants would mean a demolitiono their house$ a matter that is likely to create con usion$ disturbance$ inconveniences and e('enses. Necessarily$ the a irmance o the M)T) decision would cause the 'lainti to !o throu!h the whole !amut o en orcin! it by 'hysically removin! the de endants rom the 'remises. The 'lainti is claimin! ownershi' only o the land$ not o the house. Needlessly$ the liti!ants as well as the courts will be wastin! much time and e ort by 'roceedin! at a state wherein the outcome is at best tem'orary$ but the result o en orcement is 'ermanent$ un"ust and 'ro'bably irre'arable. 8Ama!an$ et al.$ v. Maraya!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C>C==$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 &n the above case the %u'rem )ourt considered the 'revailin! e(ce'tional circumstances. A! ) ("'"%)6 %$6", ) ,"'-&'( #&0&6 )#+&o' &'0o60&'( o7'"%!8&, o +8" !)5" ,%o,"%+. -o"! 'o+ *$!+& . +8" !$!,"'!&o' o "*"#+5"'+ ,%o#""-&'(!. 1nlaw ul detainer and orcible enry suits under Rule =B are desi!ned to summarily restore 'hysical 'ossession o a 'iece o land or buildin! to one who has been ille!ally or orcibly de'rived thereo $ without 're"udice to the settlement o the 'artiesK o''osin! claimso 3uridical 'ossession in a''ro'riate 'roceedin!s. These actions are intended to avoid disru'tion o 'ublic order by those who would take the law in their hands 'ur'ortedly to en orce their claimed ri!ht o 'ossession. &n these cases$ the issue is 'ure 'hysical or de acto 'ossession$ and 'ronouncemens made on ,uestions o ownershi' are 'rovision in nature. The underlyin! reasons why a 'endin! civil action involvin! ownershi' o the same 'ro'erty sub"ect o the e"ectment 'roceedin!s does not result to a sus'ension o the e"ectment 'roceedin!s are that the actions in the RT) do not involve 'hysical or de acto 'ossession$ and$ on not a ew occasions$ that the case in the RT) was merely a 'loy to delay dis'osition o the e"ectment 'roceedin!$ or that the issues 'resnted in the ormer could ,uite s easily be set u' as de enses in the e"ectmnt action and there resolved. . 8Ama!an$ et al.$ v. Maraya!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C>C==$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 21. (hilippine Woman8s Christian $emperance 6nion =(WC$6> is the owner of a parcel of land with a deed of restriction annotated on the $C$ that reads? @ the property shall be used as a site for an institution to be .nown as the &biertas <ouse of 7riendship% the purpose of which shall be to provide a home for needy and unfortunate women and #irls% includin# children of both se es and promote and foster all efforts% wor. activities loo.in# forward their protection from the rava#es at all forms of immoralities.@ (WC$6 then filed a petition with the Securities and E chan#e Commission =SEC> a#ainst &biertas <ouse of 7riendship =&<7)> and Radiance School% )nc. =RS)>% for injunction with dama#es. (WC$6 contended that &<7) could not operate a school because it was contrary to its declared purpose% that &<7)8s charter does not allow it to enter into a contract with any firm for any purpose e cept to use the premises as <ome for unwed or e pectant mothers and their babies% and the contract of lease between &<7) and RS) is ultra vires. While the SEC petition was pendin#% (WC$6 filed a complaint before the Re#ional $rial Court contendin# that the contract of lease entered into between &<7) and RS) over certain portions of the above property for use to establish and operate a #rade school was entered into without the owner8s =(WC$6> consent? that &<7) had no ri#ht to lease any portion of the property? and that the lease contract was null and void. )t further alle#ed that the continued operation of the school by RS) violated the restriction

4=

on the title% hence &<7) and RS) be ordered to vacate the premises and to pay reasonable compensation for the use of the same% as well as for dama#es and attorney8s fees. &<7) and RS) jointly moved for the dismissal of the complaint filed with the R$C on the #rounds that there was another action pendin# between the same parties for the same cause% and the complaint violated the rule a#ainst forum shoppin#. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. The re,uisites o litis pendentia are not met and there was no orum sho''in!. +hile it is true that both the %E) 'etition and the RT) com'laint involved the same 'arties$ there is no identity o ri!hts asserted or o relie s 'rayed or. The thrust o the RT) com'laint was to en"oin the o'eration o the school in .+)T1:s 'remises. Because o its 'ro'rietary interest as owner o the 'remises .+)T1 maintains that it never consented to or a''roved o the lease arran!ement between A7/& and R%&. The %E) 'etition contends that A7/& had no 'ower to en!a!e in the school business$ which it was doin! throu!h R%&G and that A7/&:s act o o'eratin! a school was ultra vires and contrary to its charter. True$ both the %E) 'etition and the RT) com'laint delved on the contract o lease. 7owever$ in the ormer$ the contract o lease was alle!ed to have been e(ecuted ultra viresG that is beyond the 'ower o A7/& to enter into because it was not em'owered to en!a!e in the school business. The ocus was on the alle!ed ultra vires act$ not on the contract itsel . On the other hand$ the validity o the contract o lease was the 'rinci'al issue in the RT) com'laint. The %E) 'etition was based on its "urisdiction over intra*cor'orate issues while the RT) com'laint centers on the court:s "urisdiction over the accion publiciana. A "ud!ment in the %E) case will not amount to res 3udicata in the RT) liti!ation and vice*versa. %ince as discussed above$ the issues are di erent there is no orum sho''in!. This is so because orum sho''in! e(ists where the elements o litis pendentia are 'resent or where a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res 3udicata in the other. 8.hili''ine +oman:s )hristian Tem'erance 1nion$ &nc. v. Abiertas 7ouse o /riendshi'$ &nc. et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DD=4$ 'rom. Euly 66$ 4<<>5

%0$ ,42ICA/A
22. What is res judicata as a #round for a motion to dismiss ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &t 'osits that when a ri!ht o act has been "udicially tried and determined by a court o com'etent "urisdiction$ or an o''ortunity or trial has been !iven$ the "ud!ment o the court$ so lon! as it remains unreversed$ should be conclusive u'on the 'arties and those in 'rivity with them in law or estate. 8De Lnecht$ et al. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>B4D and De Lnecht$ et al.$ v. 7on. %ayo$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<6CA$ 'rom. May 6B$ 4<<>5 E(am'le o res 3udicata. +here a 'arty could have ob"ected to the re!istration o the realty in ,uestion but ailed to do so$ res 3udicata had set in. Reason2 a land re!istration cause is an actionin rem bindin! u'on the whole world. 8Jillanueva*Mi"ares$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. No. <64$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. A!,"#+! o res judicata. The two as'ects o res 3udicata are2 /irst2 The e ect o a "ud!ment as a bar to the 'rosecution o a second action u'on the same claim$ demand or cause o action. %econd2 The second 'recludes the reliti!ation o a 'articular act or issue in another action between the same 'arties or their successors*in*interest$ on a di erent claim or cause o action. 8%'s. Barretto v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44B6D<$ 'rom. /ebruary C$BBB5 b. R"E$&!&+"! o res judicata )! ) (%o$'- o% ) 5o+&o' +o -&!5&!!: 45 The "ud!ment sou!ht to bar the new action must be inalG 65 The decision must have been rendered by a court havin! "urisdiction over the sub"ect matter and the 'artiesG

4>

C5 The dis'osition o the case must be a "ud!ment or on the merits. A5 There must be between the irst and second action$ the three identities2 a5 &dentity o 'arties$ b5 &dentity o sub"ect matter$ and c5 &dentity o causes o action. 8Re'ublic$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BCA46$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 6BBB5 c. =$-(5"'+ o' +8" 5"%&+!. A "ud!ment which determines the ri!hts and liabilities o the 'arties based on he ultimate acts as disclosed by the 'leadin!s or issues 'resented or trial. &t is not necessary that there should haveen a trial$ actual hearin! or ar!uments on the acts o the case. /or as lon! as the 'arties had ull le!al o''ortunity to be heard on their res'ective claims and contentions$ the "ud!ment is on the merits. 8Re'ublic$ etc.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BCA46$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 6BBB5 d. S$?!+)'+&)6 &-"'+&+. o ,)%+&"! o'6. %"E$&%"-. /or 'ur'oses o res 3udicata$ onl subsantial identity is re,uired and not absolute identity. .arties in both cases ned not be 'hysically identical 'rovided hat there is 'rivity between the 'arties or their successors*in* interest subse,uent to the commencment o the 'revious cause o action$ liti!atin! or the same thin!$ title$ or ca'acity. 8Re'ublic$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 4BCA46$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 6BBB5 e. Res judicata &! 'o+ -" ")+"- ?. ) 5&'o% -& "%"'#" o ,)%+&"! $ as it does not re,uire absolute but only subsantial identity o 'ar'ties. But there is substantial identity only when the HadditionalI 'arty acts in the same ca'acity or is in 'rivity with the 'arties in the ormer action. )o*owners are not 'arties inter se in relation to the 'ro'erty owned in comon. A subse,uent action by a co*heir$ who did not "oin the earlier dismissed action or recovery o 'ro'erty$ should not be barred by 'rior "ud!ment. Neiher will conclusiveness o "ud!mnt a''ly because there was no identity o 'arties. 8Nery$ et al.$ v. Leyson$ t al.$ 0.R No. 4C<CB9$ 'rom. Au!ust 6<$ 6BBB5 . No res judicata $,o' ,)%+&"! 78o -&- 'o+ !&(' +8" #o5,%o5&!" )(%""5"'+ because there is no identity o 'arties. A "ud!mnt u'on a com'romise has all the orce and e ect o any other "ud!ment$ hence conclusive only u'on 'arties thereto and their 'rivies. 80olden Donuts$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. NLR)$ et al$ 0.R. Nos. 44C999*9>$ 'rom. Eanuary 4<$ 6BBB5 !. No res judicata 78"%" #)$!"! o )#+&o' )%" -& "%"'+. The causes o action are di erent between an unlaw ul detainer case and another case which concenrns the validity o the e(ecution 'roceedin!s$ s'eci ically the validity o the auction sale o 'ro'erties to satis y the money "ud!mntin the e"ectmnt case. The two cases ail the test o identity o causes o action$ i.e. whether the same acts or evidence would su''ort and establish the causes o action in each case. 8Jda. de %alan!a$ et al.$ v. 7on. Ala!ar$ etc$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CAB><$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB5 11122. Spouses de la Cru9 ownd a residential lot which was leased to Domin#a where she built a two"story house where her family lived. $he lessess reli#iously paid her monthly lease ental undtil Aune /020 when the lessor stopped collectin# the same. )n Aune /020 $heresa informed Domin#a that she purchased the lot from the previous owners. She wanted to ta.e immediate possession of the propertysince she had no other residential lot and she intended to ma.e use of the lot for the construction of her own house. $heresa #ave Domin#a three =*> months notice to vacate and to demolish the improvements which the latter had built on the lot. &s a result of Domin#aBs failure to vacate% $heresa filed an ejectment case based on her alle#ed need for the property. $he court dismissed the case and held that the defendant has not been in arrears in the payment of the monthly rentals and noted that the plaintiff never tried to collect. $hat decision had lon# become final and e ecutory. )n /015% $heresa filed a second ejectment case% this time a#ainst &lmario who succeeded his mother Domin#a. $he case was a#ain dismissed as the rentals up to and includin# 7ebruary /015 had been paid in full. $he decision had also become final and e ecutory. )n /010% Mariano% the new owner of the property filed another ejectment case a#ainst &lmario insistin# the same premises subject of the first two ejectment cases. &lmario a#ain prevailed.

4<

)n /005% Mariano filed the fourth ejectment suit alle#in# that he is lwasin# the property to &lmario% that the lessee has violated the terms of the lease a#reement by not payin# rentals since December% /012 which has accunulated to (/2%,C3.3,. $hat he has made several demands upon &lmario to pay his arrears and to vacate the premises the latest of which is throu#h a Aanuary /C% /005 letter. &lmario is now raisin# the doctrine of res judicata contendin# that this latest ejectment suit is barred by the final and e ecutory decisions in previous cases. Rule on &lmarioBs defense. %100E%TED AN%+ERD There is no res 3udicata because o the lack o identity o causes o action between the latest and 'revious cases. The irst e"ectment case had or a cause o action based on the need or the 'remises. The second e"ectment case involved a di erent cause o action$ that is$ or non*'ayment o rentals u' to /ebruary 4<>6. The third case had or cause o action the need or the 'remises and non*'ayment o rentals rom Novembe r 4<>= u' to May 4<>>. &n the latest e"ectment suit the cause o action is the non*'ayment o rentals rom December 4<>= accumulatin! to .4=$B9A.9D. )learly$ the cause o action and the circumstances 'resent in the instant case are not the same but di er markedly rom those in 'revious suits cited. Reliance on the doctrine o res 3udicata is mis'laced. 8%ia'ian v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<6>$ 'rom. March 4$ 6BBB5 23. 'achrach Corporation entered into two lease contracts with the (hilippine :overnment% then under the control and mana#ement of the Director of ;ands% for a term of 00 years% the first lease to e pire /0 Aune 5+/2 and the other on /3 7ebruary 5+/1. Durin# the &!uino administration% the mana#ement and control of the entire (ort &rea was transferred to the (hilippine (orts &uthority =((&>% which forthwith issued a memorandum increasin# the rental rates of 'achrach by /%,++E. &s a result of 'achrach8s refusal to pay% ((& instituted and ejectment suit which resulted to a decision in its favor. &n appeal to the R$C proved unavailin# for 'achrach as well as a subse!uent petition for review filed with the Court of &ppeals. 'achrach then sou#ht for a reconsideration of the Court of &ppeals8 decision. Durin# the pendency of the motion for reconsideration 'achrach filed a complaint with the Manila R$C for refusin# to honor a compromise a#reement said to have been perfected between 'achrach and ((& that superseded the ejectment case. 'achrach prayed for specific performance. ((& sou#ht the dismissal of the specific performance case on the #round of pendency of another action between the same parties for the same cause. Decide. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 ..A:s motion should be denied. There is no identity o sub"ect matter and causes o action between the unlaw ul detainer case and the s'eci ic 'er ormance case. &n the unlaw ul detainer case$ the sub"ect matter is the contract o lease between the 'arties while the breach thereo $ arisin! rom Bachrach:s non*'ayment o rentals$ constitutes the suit:s cause o action. &n the s'eci ic 'er ormance case$ the sub"ect matter is the com'romise a!reement alle!edly 'er ected between the same 'arties while he case o action emanates rom the averred re usal o ..A to com'ly therewith. 8Bachrach )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>CA<$ 'rom. %e'tember 6D$ 4<<>5 11124. What are the concepts of res judicata ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Bar by ormer "ud!mentG b. )onclusiveness o "ud!ment. 8Ro(as v. 0alindo$ 4B> .hil. D>=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. T8" #o'#",+ o ?)% ?. o%5"% *$-(5"'+ 2 Assumin! that the court which rendered the "ud!ment has "urisdiction$ said "ud!ment is$ 45 with res'ect to the matter directly ad"ud!ed$ 65 or as to any other matter that could have been raised in relation thereto$

6B

C5 conclusive between the 'arties and their successors in interest by title a5 subse,uent to the commencement o the action or s'ecial 'roceedin!$ b5 liti!atin! or the same thin! and under the same title and in the same ca'acity. 8%ec. A= ?b@$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 There is #bar by 'rior "ud!ment# when$ between the irst case where the "ud!ment was rendered$ and the second case which is sou!ht to be barred$ there is identity o 'arties$ sub"ect matter and cause o action. The "ud!ment in the irst case constitutes an absolute bar to the subse,uent action. &t is inal as to the claim or demand in controversy$ includin! the 'arties and those in 'rivity with them$ not only as to every matter which was o ered and received to sustain or de eat the claim or demand$ but to any other admissible matter which mi!ht have been o ered or that 'ur'ose and o all matters that could have been ad"ud!ed in that case. 8Pansibarian Residents Association v. Munici'ality o Makati$ 4CD %)RA 6AB5 b. E/)5,6" o ?)% ?. o%5"% *$-(5"'+ 2 A "ud!ment rendered u'on a 'romissory note is conclusive as to the validity o the instrument and the amount due u'on it$ althou!h it be subse,uently alle!ed that 'er ect de enses actually e(isted o which no 'roo was o ered$ such as or!ery$ want o consideration or 'ayment. & such de enses were not 'resented in the action and established by com'etent evidence$ the subse,uent alle!ation o their e(istence is o no le!al conse,uence$ The "ud!ment is conclusive$ so ar as uture 'roceedin!s a law are concerned$ as thou!h the de enses never e(isted. 8.enalosa v. Tuason$ 66 .hil. CBC5 111c. Co'#",+ o #o'#6$!&0"'"!! o *$-(5"'+: That only is deemed to have been ad"ud!ed in a ormer "ud!ment or inal order which a''ears u'on its ace to have been so ad"ud!ed$ or which was actually and necessarily included therein or necessary thereto are conclusive between the 'arties. 8%ec. A= ?c@$ Rule A=$ RO)5 The rule o conclusiveness o "ud!ment 'recludes the reliti!ation o a 'articular act or issue in another action between the same 'arties based on a di erent claim or cause o action. The "ud!ment in the 'rior action o'erates as esto''el only as to those matters in issue or 'oints controverted$ u'on the dtermination o which the indin! o "ud!ment was rendered. The 'revio'us "ud!ment is conclusive in the second cased only as to those matters actually and directly controverted and determined and not as to matters merely involved therein. 8Ri-al %urety Q &nsurance )om'any v. )A$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 446C9B$ 'rom. Euly 4>$ 6BBB5 d. E/)5,6"! o #o'#6$!&0"'"!! o *$-(5"'+2 &n an action to recover several installments due and un'aid on a 'romissory note without an acceleration clause$ the "ud!ment declarin! the 'romissory note to be !enuine is conclusive between the 'arties or their successors*in*interest in a subse,uent action to recover succeedin! installments due and un'aid. 8.enalosa v. Tua-on$ 66 .hil. CBC5 111The ne!li!ence o the shi''in! line which issue had already been 'assed u'on in a case iled by one o the insurers$ is conclusive and can no lon!er be reliti!ated in a similar case iled by another insurer a!ainst the same shi''in! line on the basis o the same actual circumstances. 8Ri-al %urety Q &nsurance )om'any v. )A$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 446C9B$ 'rom. Euly 4>$ 6BBB citin! %mith Bell and )om'any 8.hils.5$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4<= %)RA 6B455 111e. B)% ?. o%5"% *$-(5"'+ -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 #o'#6$!&0"'"!! o *$-(5"'+: 45 There is bar by ormer "ud!ment i all the identities 8'arties$ sub"ect matter and cause o action5 are 'resent 56IL0 in conclusiveness o "ud!ment there is no identity o causes o action between the two cases$ all other re,uisites bein! 'resent. 65 As to e ect$ in bar by ormer "ud!ment$ the irst "ud!ment constitutes an absolute bar to all matters directly ad"ud!ed as well as matters that may have been ad"ud!ed +7&LE in conclusiveness o "ud!ment$ the irst "ud!ment is conclusive only on matters actually liti!ated and ad"ud!ed in the irst action. 8.enalosa v. Tua-on$ 66 .hil. CBC5

64

11129. Distin#uish from each otherD res judicata% law of the case and stare decisis. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Res "udicata sim'ly means inality o "ud!ments$ or that issues decided ion a case$ once a decision has become inal and e(ecutory cannot be liti!ated a!ain by the same 'arties in a subse,uent action involvin! the same sub"ect matter 8.enalosa v.Tua-on$ 66 .hil. CBC5G +7&LE Law o the case means that le!al conclusions announced on a irst a''eal$ whether on the !eneral law or the law as a''lied to the concrete acts$ not only 'rescribe the duty and limit the 'ower o the trial court to strict obedience and con ormity thereto$ but they become and remain the law o the case in all sta!es$ whether in the lower court or in the a''ellate court on a subse,uent a''eal 8Parate v. Director o Lands$ C< .hil. =A=5 while $tare decisis means the doctrine that when the court has once laid down a 'rinci'le o law as a''licable to a certain state o acts$ it will adhere in 'rinci'le and a''ly it to all uture cases where the acts are substantially the same. 80overnment v. Ealandoni$ A< O.0. 4>AB5

/OR1M %7O..&N0
1112;. What is forum shoppin# ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +hen$ as a result o an adverse o'inion in one orum$ a 'arty seeks a avorable o'inion 8other than by a''eal or certiorari5 in another$ or when a 'arty re'etitively avails himsel o Hseveral "udicial remedies in di erent courts$ simultaneously or successively$ all substantially ounded on the same transactions and the same essential acts and circumstances$ and all raisin! substantially the same issues either 'endin! in$ or already resolved adversely by$ some other court.I 8%'s. Diu v. &ba"au$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C69D=$ 'rom. Eanuary 4<$ 6BBB5 /orum sho''in! e(ists when the elements o litis 'endentis are 'resent 'r where a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res "udicata in another. 8Ayala Land$ &nc. v. Jalismo$ 0.R. No. 4CD><< 'rom. /ebruary 6$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Fo%$5 !8o,,&'(. There is orum*sho''in! whenever$ as a result o an adverse o'inion in one orum or it may be added$ in antici'ation thereo $ a 'arty seeks a avorable o'inion in another orum throu!h means other than by a''eal or certiorari$ 8Li!on v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=9>C$ 'rom. Au!ust =$ 4<<>5 raisin! identical causes o action$ sub"ect matter$ and issues. 8Li!on$ supra5. /orum*sho''in! e(ists when two or more actions involve the same transactions$ essential acts$ and circumstancesG and raise identical causes o action$ sub"ect matter$ and issues. 8Li!on$ supra5 b. N)+$%" o o%$5 !8o,,&'(2 /orum sho''in! is a 'ractice which dero!ates and ridicules the "udicial 'rocess$ 'lays havoc with the rules or orderly 'rocedure$ and is ve(atious and un air to the other 'arties o the case. &t is both contumacious and an act o mal'ractice: it is #'roscribed and condemned as tri lin! with the courts and abusive o their 'rocesses$ 'rosecution or contem't and !round or summary dismissal o the actions involved$ without 're"udice to a''ro'riate administrative action a!ainst the counsel.# 80atmaytan v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46CCC6$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 4<<=5 111c. T"!+ o% -"+"%5&'&'( 78"+8"% +8"%" &! ,%o8&?&+"- o%$5 !8o,,&'(: +here the elements o litis pendentia are 'resent or where a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res 3udicata on the other. +here there e(ists between the two cases2 45 identity o 'arties$ or at least such 'arties as re'resent the same interests in both actions$ as well as 65 identity o ri!hts asserted and relie 'rayed or$ the relie bein! ounded on the same acts$ and the C5 indentity on the two 'recedin! 'articulars is such that any "ud!ment rendered in the other action$ will re!ardless o which 'arty is success ul amount to res ad3udicata in the action under consideration2 all the re,uisites$ in ine$ o auter

66

action pendant. 8/irst .hili''ine &nternational Bank$ etc.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44D>A<$ 'rom. Eanuary 6A$ 4<<95 d. E/)5,6"! 78"%" +8"%" &! o%$5 !8o,,&'(: 45 There would be orum sho''in! i all o the res'ondents actin! as one !rou'$ iled identical s'ecial civil actions in the )ourt o A''eals and in the %u'reme )ourt. There must be identity o 'arties$ o interests re'resented$ ri!hts asserted and relie sou!ht in di erent tribunals. 8Ruby &ndustrial )or'oration$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46A4>D*>=$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 4<<>5 65 A lawyer iled nine "udicial remedies in di erent courts$ attackin! the "urisdiction o the metro'olitan trial court in one case. 80atmaytan v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46CCC6$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 4<<=5 e. E/)5,6"! o 'o o%$5 !8o,,&'(: 45 +here two !rou's o res'ondents a''ear to have acted inde'endently o each other when they sou!ht relie rom the a''ellate court$ there is no orum sho''in!. however$ the adverse 'arty can always ask or the consolidation o the two cases. 8Ruby &ndustrial )or'oration$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46A4>D*>=$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 4<<>5 65 +here the relie s sou!ht in the o''osition in the )ourt o A''eals and the 'etition be ore the %u'reme )ourt are not identical. 8Eternal 0ardens Memorial .ark )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46ADDA$ 'rom. December <$ 4<<=5 C5 +here a liti!ant sues the same 'arty a!ainst whom another action or actions or the alle!ed violation o the same ri!ht and the en orcement o the same relie isOare still 'endin! the de ense o litis*'endentia in one case is a bar to the other sideG and$ a inal "ud!ment in one would constitute res "udicataG and thus would cause the dismissal o the rest. 8&bid.$ citin! /irst .hil. &nternational Bank v. )ourt o A''eals5 A5 /orum*sho''in! concurs not only when a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res 3udicata in another$ but also where the elements o litis pendentia are 'resent. The iin! o multi'le suits involvin! the same 'arties or the sam cause o action$ either simultaneously or successively$ or the 'ur'ose o obtainin! a avorable "ud!ment amounts to orum*sho''in!. D5 Only when the successive ilin! o suits as 'art o an a''eal$ or a s'ecial civil action$ will there be no orum*sho''in! because the 'arty no lon!er availed o di erent or a but$ rather sou!ht a review o a lower tribunalKs decision or order. The termination o the case be ore a lower court and its elevation or review to a hi!her court does not constitute orum*sho''in! or the latter is a reco!ni-ed emedy under our 'rocedural rules. 8;uinsay v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=BD>$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 6BBB5 2@. -n September C% /00,% <ubert Webb filed a petition for contempt in Criminal Case 4o. 0,"3+3 a#ainst Aessica &lfaro and Fiva (roductions% )nc.% complainin# that their acts concernin# the promotion% advertisin# and mar.etin# of @$he Aessica &lfaro Story%@ in the print and broadcast media and% even on billboards as well as the schedulin# of the premiere of the movie on September //% /00, and its re#ular public e hibition startin# September /*% /00, constitutes contempt within the contemplation of Section *% Rule 2/ of the Rules of Court. -n September 1% /00, after a full hearin#% the court issued an order restrainin# the premiere and showin# of the movie. -n the same day% <ubert instituted a case for )njunction with Dama#es before the Re#ional $rial Court of Ma.ati% which issued e " parte an order enjoinin# Fiva and &lfaro from further proceedin#% en#a#in#% usin# or implementin# the promotional% advertisin# and mar.etin# pro#rams for the same movie and from showin# or causin# it to be shown or e hibited in all theaters in the entire country until after the final termination and lo#ical conclusion of the trial in the criminal action pendin# before the (arana!ue R$C. Was there forum"shoppin# ?

6C

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. +hile there is no identity o causes o action$ +ebb sou!ht e(actly identical relie s when a 'rayer or the in"unctive writ was likewise 'rayed or in the Makati )ourt. 8Jiva .roductions$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69< %)RA 99A5 2A. @:@ filed an action a#ainst @W@ for !uietin# of title. Durin# the pendency of the action% @:@ filed another suit also a#ainst @W@ to eject him from the property subject of the action for !uietin# of title. )s there forum"shoppin# ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. /or orum sho''in! to e(ist$ both actions must involve the same transactions$ essential acts and circumstances and the actions must raise identical causes o action$ sub"ect matter$ and issues. An action or ,uietin! re ers to ownershi' while the action or e"ectment concerns 'ossession. %urely there are di erent causes o action 80achon$ et al.$ v. Devera$ Er.$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4499<D$ 'rom. Eune 6B$ 4<<=5

ARE THERE AVAILABLE ADEQUATE REMEDIES ?

RELIEFS AND

The 'ur'ose o remedial law is to en orce or 'rotect a ri!ht or to 'revent or redress a wron!. )onse,uently$ there must be available to the suitor ade,uate relie s and remedies in order or him to attain the 'ur'ose o his suit. This$ the lawyer is obli!ed to determine even 'rior to ilin! o the suit$ otherwise a 'yrrhic victory would result. &t is also at this sta!e where the lawyer determines the need or 'rovisional remedies.

WHO ARE THE PARTIES ?

2B. Who are parties in an action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 .arties when used in connection with the sub"ect matter o an action$ is understood to include all those a. who are directly interested in the sub"ect matter$ and b. who$ there ore$ have a ri!ht 45 to make a de ense$ 65 control the 'roceedin!s$ C5 e(amine and cross*e(amine the witnesses$ or A5 a''eal rom the "ud!ment. .ersons not havin! these ri!hts are re!arded as stran!ers to the action. 8A= ).E. 4A* 4D$ numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 21. Who may be parties to a suit ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. O'6. 45 ')+$%)6 o% 65 *$%&-&#)6 ,"%!o'! o% C5 "'+&+&"! )$+8o%&G"- ?. 6)7 b. 5). ?" ,)%+&"! &' ) #&0&6 )#+&o'. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 CRITERIA FOR INVOKING =UDICIAL PROCESS. A 'arty may consider himsel a!!rieved by another but the court may not reco!ni-e him as ca'able o 'ursuin! his claim i he does not meet certain re,uirements. /or a 'erson to invoke "udicial assistance he must have le!al ca'acity$ likewise a real 'arty in interest with locus standi. /or e(am'le$ one who has no ri!ht or interest to a 'ro'erty cannot invoke the "urisdiction o the court as 'arty*'lainti in the action or it is ordained that easy action must be 'rosecuted or de ended in the name o the real 'arty in interest. 8Barla!an$ et al.$ v. Madrideo$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B69=$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5 & the criteria or invokin! "udicial 'rocess is not met then$ the com'laint iled by such inca'acitated 'lainti may be sub"ect to a motion to dismiss on the !round That the 'lainti has no le!al ca'acity to sue. 8%ec. 4 ?d@$ Rule 49$ RO)5.

6A

On the other hand i the !round is not raised in a motion to dismiss it may be 'leaded as an a irmative de ense in the answer and$ in the discretion o the court$ a 'reliminary hearin! may be had thereon as i a motion to dismiss had been iled. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 49$ RO)5 22. @&@ husband of @'%@ instituted an action for ejectment in the Re#ional $rial Court of the 4ational Capital Audicial Re#ion in his name a#ainst @C@ to recover the ownership and possession of a parcel of land which was the paraphernal property of @'.@ @C@ filed a motion as.in# that @'@ be made a party in the action. $he court denied @C8s@ motion and proceeded with the trial of the case. )s the court8s rulin# sustainable ? State the reasons for your answer. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. %'ouses shall sue and be sued "ointly e(ce't only in the cases 'rovided by law. There is no showin! in the 'roblem that there is a "udicial se'aration o 'ro'erty$ or that there was a se'aration o 'ro'erty a!reed u'on in the marria!e settlements or that the husband has been a''ointed by a court as the administrator o the wi e:s 'ro'erty. 11122. What is the purpose why suits must be brou#ht in the name of the real party in interest ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n order to end liti!ations. & the suit is not brou!ht in the name o the real 'arty in interest$ no controversy would be resolved because another suit could always be instituted or or a!ainst the #true# real 'arty in interest. As the latin ma(im !oes$ interest rei publicae ut finis sit litium. The interest o the %tate demands end to liti!ation. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. L"()6 &'+"%"!+, #o'#",+ o . The )ourt will only e(ercise its 'ower o "udicial review i the case is brou!ht be ore it by a 'arty who has the le!al standin! to raise the le!al ,uestion. HLe!al standin!I denotes a 'ersonal and substantial interest in the case such that the 'arty has sustained or will sustain direct in"ury as a result o the act that is bein! challen!ed. The term HinterestI means material interest as distin!uished rom a mere incidental interest. &n the 'resent case$ aside rom the act that 'etitioners were not 'arties in the 'roceedin!s be ore the lower court$ they have not cited any acce'table or valid basis to su''ort their le!al standin! to ,uestion the 'robate courtKs order. %ince res'ondent estate is the undis'uted owner o the sub"ect 'rivate lots$ the ri!ht o the administrator to have the same enced cannot be ,uestioned by 'etitioners who do not have any vested ri!ht over the sub"ect lots. The act that 'etitioners are nei!hborin! lot owners whose access to 'ublic roads will alle!edly be a ected by the encin! o the sub"ect lots$ merely !ives them an incidental interest over the ,uestioned order o the 'robate court and cannot serve as basis to su''ort their le!al standin! to elevate the order o the 'robate court to the )ourt o a''eals and be ore this )ourt. &n this re!ard$ it is worth mentionin! that the only 'erson who can ri!ht ully o''ose the issuance o the encin! 'ermit is the )ity En!ineer o )aloocan. 8Tan!$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=6BA$ 'rom. /ebruary 44$ 6BBB5 b. L"()6 &'+"%"!+ )'- &'+"%"!+, -" &'"-. The term interest is material interest$ an interest in issue to be a ected by the decree as distin!uished rom mere interest in the ,uestion involved$ or a mere incidental interest. Moreover$ the interest o the 'arty must be 'ersonal and not one based on a desire to vindicate the constitutional ri!ht o some third or unrelated 'arty. 8%'ouses Tankiko$ et al.$ v. )e-ar$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C46==$ 'rom. /ebruary 6$ 4<<<5 23. <)' $enants &ssociation% composed of about a hundred heads of families who are tenants in #ood standin# of a /3"story buildin# brin#s a suit contestin# the conditional sale of such buildin# without notice to the tenants or prior clearance from the proper #overnment office. Does the <)' $enants &ssociation have the personality to sue on its own% as a corporation representin# its members who are tenants of the buildin# ?

6D

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 No$ it is not a real 'arty in interest. &t has no real$ actual$ material or substantial interest in the sub"ect matter o the action. The bene its are not really meant or the Association$ but or the members o the Association. Thus$ a 'erson who is not a 'arty to a contract and or whose bene it it was not e('ressly made cannot maintain an action on it$ even i the contract$ i 'er ormed by the 'arties to it$ would incidentally inure to his bene it. &t is the individual members who have 'ersonal and individual ri!hts as tenants there ore they are the real 'arties in interest. 87ouse &nternational Buildin! Tenants Association$ &nc. v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 4D4 %)RA =BC5 11124. Spouses $ondas actin# both in their capacity as officers of <oney $ree &pparel Corporation =<$&C> and in their personal capacities% applied for and wer #ranted commercial letters of credit by ME$R-'&4G% in connection with the importoation of raw te tile materials to he used in the manufacturin# of #arments. $he imported fabrics were withdrawn by <$&C under // trust receipts e ecuted by the $ondas. Despite repeated demands% the $ondas failed to account to ME$R-'&4G the #oods andHor proceeds of sale of the merchandi9e% subject of the trust receipts. ME$R-'&4G filed with the (rovincial (rosecutor a complaintHaffidavit char#in# the $ondas with violation of (.D. 4o. //, =$rust Receipts>% in relation to &rticle */, =/> =b>% of the Revised (enal Code which was dismissed by the (rosecutor. ME$R-'&4G appealed to the Secretary of Austice which ordered the filin# of the appropriate information. $he $ondas sou#ht a reconsideration of the order which was denied. $hey filed with the Court of &ppeals a petition for certiorari and prohibition which the Court #ranted orderin# the dismissal of the criminal complaint. )s ME$R-'&4G clothed with personality to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court or should the -ffice of the Solicitor :eneral institute the suit ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ METROBANL has 'esonality to elevate the decision o the )ourt o A''eals to the %u'reme )ourt. The !eneral rule is that it is only the %olicitor 0eneral who is authori-ed to brin! or de end actions on behal o the .eo'le or Re'ublic o the .hili''ines once the case is bro!uht be ore the %u'reme )ourt or the )ourt o A''eals. 7owever$ an e(ce'tion has been made that Hi there a''ears to be !rave error committed by the "ud!e or lack o due 'rocess$ the 'etition will be deemed iled by the 'rivate com'lainants therein as i it were iled by the %olicitor 0eneral. 8Metro'olitan Bank and Trust )om'any v. Tonda$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CAAC9$ 'rom. Au!ust 49$ 6BBB5 29. Ce9ar% et al.% are the actual occupants and residents of ;ot 4o. *2/3 of the Cadastral survey of Ca#ayan situated in 'arrui ;apasan% Ca#ayan de -ro City and are the miscellaneous sales patent applicants of specific portions of the parcel of land. )t appearts that ;ot 4o. *2/3 was Ideclarado terreno publicoJ as of December /3% /03+% and subse!uently adjudicated to and ordered re#istered in the name of Salcedo but -C$ 4o. +"23+ was actually issued only in /022. )t is now the contention of Ce9ar% et al.% that the property covered by ;ot 4o. *2/3% the same as that covered by -C$ 4o. +"23+ is public land because Salcedo succeeded in re#isterin# in his name land previously declared as public land as early as December /0% /03+. Conse!uently% -C$ +"23+ should be cancelled and reconveyed to Ce9ar% et al.% the applicants for sales patent. Would the suit for cancellation and reconveyance prosper ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No$ because it was not brou!ht in the name o the real 'arty in interest. Only the %tate can ile a suit or reconveyance o a 'ublic land. There ore$ not bein! the owners o the land but mere a''licants or sales 'atents thereon$ )e-ar$ et al$$have no 'ersonality to ile the suit. Neither will they be directly a ected by the "ud!ment in such suit. 8%'ouses Tankiko$ et al.$ v. )e-ar$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C46==$ 'rom. /ebruary 6$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 1nless authori-ed by law or the Rules o )ourt$ every action must be 'rosecuted or de ended in the name o the real 'arty in interest. 8last sentence$ %ec. 6$ Rule C$ RO)5.

69

A %")6 ,)%+. &' &'+"%"!+ &! +8" ,)%+. 78o !+)'-! +o ?" ?"'" &+"- o% &'*$%"- ?. +8" *$-(5"'+ &' +8" !$&+, o% +8" ,)%+. "'+&+6"- +o +8" )0)&6! o +8" !$&+ . 84st sentence$ Ibid.5 2;. William 6y and Rodel Ro as% as a#ents of the owners of ei#ht parcels of land entered into a series of sale for these lands with the 4ational <ousin# &uthority =4<&> for development as a housin# project. <owever% a report by the DE4R showed that three of the parcels are not suitable for a housin# project so 4<& cancelled the sale for these lots. William and Rodel then filed suit a#ainst 4<& dor dama#es as a result of the cancellation of the sale of the three lots. Will the case prosper ? NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 No$ because +illiam and Rodel are not real 'arties in interest. The Rules 'rovided that an action shall be 'rosecuted in the name o the 'arty who$ by the substantive law$ has the ri!ht sou!ht to be en orced. +illiam and Rodel are not 'arties to the contract o sale. Even i they are entitled to commissions resultin! rom the sale$ their recourse should be to the owners and not to N7A. There is no contractual relation between +illiam and Rodel one hand and N7A on the other. 81y$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46BA9D$ 'rom. %e'tember <$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G"'"%)6 %$6". )ontracts take e ect only between the 'arties$ hence a!ents may not sue u'on a contract. E/#",+&o'!: A!ents may sue u'on a contract without "oinin! the 'rinci'al$ i they are assi!ns and heirs o their 'rinci'als ecce't where the ri!hts and obli!ations arisin! rom the contract are transmissible by their nature$ or by sti'ulation$ or by 'rovision o law. 81y$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46BA9D$ 'rom. %e'tember <$ 4<<<5 111IMPT: Do not or!et that an a!ent actin! in his own name and or the bene it o an undisclosed 'rinci'al may sue or be sued without "oinin! the 'rinci'al$ e(ce't when the contract involves thin!s belon!in! to the 'rinci'al. 8%ec. C$ Rule C$ RO)5 2@. T8" 5).o% o S)'+&)(o C&+., +8" ,%"!&-"'+ o +8" L&() '( 5() B)%)'(). '( S)'+&)(o C&+. )'- %"!&-"'+! o S)'+&)(o C&+. )!!)&6"- +8" #o'!+&+$+&o')6&+. o R.A. No. @42@, 78&#8 -o7'(%)-"- +8" !+)+$! o +8" #&+. %o5 )' &'-","'-"'+ #o5,o'"'+ #&+. &'+o ) 5"%" #o5,o'"'+ #&+.. Do +8" !$&+o%! 8)0" locus standi +o !$" : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ it is now an ancient rule that the constitutionality o a law can be challen!ed by one who will sustain a direct in"ury as a result o its en orcement. 8Miranda$ et al.$ v. A!uirre$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCB9A$ 'rom. %e'tember 49$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. W8"' +)/,)."%! 8)0" locus standi +o &5,$(' +8" 0)6&-&+. o ) 6)7 . A citi-en ac,uires standin! only i he can establish that he has su ered some actual or threatened in"ury as a result o the alle!edly ille!al conduct o the !overnmentG the in"ury is airly traceable to the challen!ed actionG and the in"ury is likely to be redressed by a avorable action. A ta('ayer is deemd to have the standin! to raise a constitutional issue when it is established that 'ublic unds have been disbursed in alle!d contravention o the law or the constitution. Thus$ a ta('ayerKs actiuon is 'ro'erly brou!ht only when there is an e(ercise by con!ress o its ta(in! and s'endin! 'ower. 80on-ales v. 7on. Narvasa$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4AB>CD$ 'rom. Au!ust 4A$ 6BBB5 Ta('ayers have locus standi to ,uestion the validity o ta( measures or ille!al e('enditures o 'ublic money. REA%ON2 They are 'arties in interest to be 're"udiced or bene ited by the avails o the suit$ but not i e(ecutive acts do not involve the use o 'ublic unds. 80on-ales v. Marcos$ 9D %)RA 96A5 b. P$?6&# o &#&)6! 8)0" locus standi because it is their sworn duty to 'rotect 'ublic interest. 8Maceda v. Macarai!$ 4<= %)RA ==45 111c. O?*"#+&o'! +o +)/,)."%<! !$&+! o% 6)#C o !$ &#&"'+ ,"%!o')6&+. &! ) ,%o#"-$%)6 +"#8'&#)6&+. which the %u'reme )ourt could brush aside$ where the &!!$"! )%" o !$#8 +%)'!#"'-"'+)6 &5,o%+)'#" in kee'in! with the )ourt:s duty$ under the 4<>=

6=

)onstitution and the laws$ to determine whether 'ublic o icers have abused the discretion !iven to them. 8Lilosbayan$ &nc. v. 0uin!ona$ Er.$ 6C6 %)RA 44B5 1112A. :on9ales% filin# suit as a citi9en and ta payer% !uestioned the validity of E ecutive -rder 4o. 3*% creatin# the (reparatory commission on Constitutional Reforms =(CCR> in order% Ito study and recommend proposed amendments andHor revisions to the /012 Constitution% and the manner of implementin# the same.J :on9ales claims% that the (resident encroached upon the le#islatureBs powers to create a public office and to propose amendments to the charter by formin# the (CCR. 6nder section 2 of E.-. 4o. 3*% the amount of (* million was Iappropriated for the operational e penses of the Commission to be sourced from funds of the -ffice of the (resident% subject to the usual accountin# and auditin# rules and re#ulations.J )s :on9ales clothed with locus standi as a ta payer to !uestion the validity of E.-. 4o. 3* ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. 0on-ales has not shown that he has sustained or is in dan!er o sustainin! any 'ersonal in"ury attributable to the creation o the .))R. & at all$ it is only )on!ress$ not 0on-ales$ which can claim Hin"uryI since its 'owers are alle!ed to have been encroached u'on by the .resident. 0on-ales has sustained no direct$ or even any indirect in"ury. Neither does he claim that his ri!hts or 'rivile!es have been or are in dan!er o bein! violated$ nor that he shall be sub"ected to any 'enalties or burdens as a result o the .))RKs activities. A ta('ayerKs action is 'ro'erly brou!ht only when there is an e(ercise by )on!ress o its ta(in! or s'endin! 'ower. There is no such e(ercise in the instant case because the unds were taken rom unds intended or the O ice o the .residnt$ in the e(ercise o the )hie E(ecutiveKs 'ower to trans er unds 'ursuant to %ection 6D 8D5 o Article J& o the )onstitution. 80on-ales v. 7on. Narvasa$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 4AB>CD$ 'rom. Au!ust 4A$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 There is no Ha''ro'riationI by )on!ress so to s'eak. A''ro'riation in its strict sense$ is Hthe le!islative authori-ation 'rescribed by the )onstitution that money may be 'aid out o the Treasury$I while Ha''ro'riation made by lawI re ers to the Hact o the le!islature settin! a'art or assi!nin! to a 'articular use a certain sumn to be used in 'aymnt o debt or dues rom the %tate to its creditors.I 8Ibid.5 1113B. Who is an indispensable party ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 An indis'ensable 'arty is a 'arty in &'+"%"!+ 7&+8o$+ 78o5 'o &')6 -"+"%5&')+&o' #)' ?" 8)- o )' )#+&o'. 8%ec. =$ Rule C$ RO)5 They must always be "oined either as 'lainti s or de endants. 8Ibid.5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 A 'arty is not an indis'ensable 'arty i his interest in the controversy or sub"ect matter is distinct and divisible rom the interest o the other 'arties and will not necessarily be 're"udiced by a "ud!ment which does com'lete "ustice to the 'arties in court. 8%ervicewide %'ecialists$ &nc.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6D4 %)RA =B5 31. $he spouses Ramon and Rosario died intestate in /03* and /033% survived by their heirs% Carmen% Aosefa% &n#el% &mparo married to <ernando% Concepcion and salvador. Subse!uently% the estate was divided e!ually distributin# ;ot 4o. *+3C to Concepcion% &n#el% &mparo married to <ernando and Ramon% the sole heir of Salvador who li.ewise died? while lot nos. ,05,% ,0*3% /*52 and ,125 were distributed e!ually between Aosefa and Carmen. ;ot 4o. ,125 was not included in the inventory of properties submitted to the Court% the project of partition submitted to and approved by the Court. $he decedent Ramon ac!uired the property and delivered it to the spouses &mparo and hernando. )t was subse!uently delivered to Aosefa and Carmen durin# the actual partition in /0,C% and they have been in possession since then. &n#el% Concepcion and Ramon =the sole heir of Salvador> and the heirs of &mparo married to <ernando% si#ned notari9ed !uitclaims over ;ot ,125 in favor of Aosefa and Carmen. Subse!uently% the heirs of Salvador% &mparo and Concepcion laid claim to their alle#ed shares in ;ot ,125 claimin# that the same is a common property of

6>

the children of Ramon and Rosario because it was not included in the project of partition because ;ot 4o. ,125 was still in the name of the deceased Ramon and Rosario. Aosefa and Carmen then filed an action for !uietin# of title. )t is now contended that Aosefa and Carmen are not the proper parties to brin# an action for !uietin# of title% since the Certificate of $itle to ;ot ,125 is not in their names. )s this contention tenable? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. .ersons havin! le!al as well as e,uitable title to or interest in a real 'ro'erty may brin! action to ,uiet title and HtitleI here does not necessarily denote a certiticate o title issued in avor o the 'erson ilin! the suit. 8Maestrado etc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc. et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCCADG maestrado$ et al.$ v. Roa$ Er.$ 0.R. No. 4CCC6A$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5 An action to ,uiet title is a common land remedy or the removal o any cloud or doubt or uncertainty on the title to real 'ro'erty. &t is essential or the 'lainti or com'lainant to have a le!al or an e,uitable title to or interest in the real 'ro'erty which is the sub"ect matter o the action. Also$ the deed$ claim or encumbrance or 'roceedin! that is bein! alle!ed is a cloud on 'lainti Ks title must be shown to be in act involved or in o'erative des'ite its 'rima acie a''earance o validity or lead e icacy. 8Robbs$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46CDB<$ 'rom. March 4A$ 6BBB5 32. Who is a necessary party ?. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A necessary .arty is O'" 78o &! 'o+ &'-&!,"'!)?6" ?$+ 78o o$(8+ +o ?" *o&'"- )! ) ,)%+. & #o5,6"+" %"6&" &! +o ?" )##o%-"- +o +8o!" )6%")-. ,)%+&"!, o% ) #o5,6"+" -"+"%5&')+&o' o% !"++6"5"'+ o +8" #6)&5 !$?*"#+ o +8" )#+&o' . 8%ec. >$ Rule C$ RO)5 32. :ive e amples of a necessary party. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 %ome e(am'les o necessary 'arties are2 a. A solidary debtor is not an indis'ensable 'arty but merely a necessary 'arty. The creditor can 'roceed se'arately a!ainst any o the solidary debtors$ who then can 'roceed a!ainst his co*debtors or reimbursement i com'lete relie is to be obtained. b. &n an action to recover 'ossession o a 'arcel o land$ the 'ossessor 8tenant$ etc.5$ is the indis'ensable 'arty while the owner is merely the necessary 'arty. c. &n an action or the recovery o the ownershi' o a 'arcel o land$ the owner is the indis'ensable 'arty and the 'ossessor 8the tenant5 is merely the necessary 'arty. 33. Distin#uish a necessary party from an indispensable party %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ollowin! are the distinctions between indis'ensable 'arties and necessary 'arties2 a. The interest o indis'ensable 'arties is such that no inal determination o the action can be had without them +7&LE the interest o necessary 'arties is such that com'lete relie may not be had without them. b. Non*"oinder o an indis'ensable 'arty may sub"ect the suit to dismissal +7&LE such is not the case with non*"oinder o a necessary 'arty. 34. <ow is a necessary party distin#uished from a proper party ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A necessary 'arty 'arty is distin!uished rom a 'ro'er 'arty in the ollowin! manner2 a. A necessary 'arty has an interest so "oined with the 'arties be ore the court that his "oinder is re,uired i com'lete is to be accorded the 'arties +7&LE the interest o a 'ro'er 'ro'erty is se'arable and even without his "oinder com'lete relie can be had between the 'arties in courtG b. Necessary 'arties may at the discretion o the court be summoned to a''ear so com'lete relie may be accorded the 'arties +7&LE 'ro'er 'arties need not be summoned to accord com'lete relie to 'arties. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 1nder the 4<<= Rules o )ivil .rocedure$ there seems to be no distinction between a 'ro'er 'arty and a necessary 'arty. This is so$ because no mention at all o a 'ro'er 'arty was made in the new rules. &t is interestin! to note that %ec. >$ Rule C o the 4<AB Rules o )ourt had e(actly the same wordin! as %ec. >$ Rule C o the

6<

4<9A Rules o )ourt. The only di erence between the two was the use o the sub*title$ #Eoinder o necessary 'arties$# in the 4<AB Rules which was chan!ed to #Eoinder o 'ro'er 'arty$# in the 4<9A Rules. The 4<<= Rules chan!ed the sub*title to$ #Necessary .arty.# 39. &#uila filed a petition for e emption from the covera#e of the land reform pro#ram. $he alle#ed tenants opposed the petition. $he D&R Re#ional Director #ranted the application but on appeal the D&R reversed its rulin# and denied the e emption. &#uila appealed to the -ffice of the (resident which reinstated the #rant of the application. $he tenants appealed to the Court of &ppeals% but the petition was dismissed for failure to implead the -ffice of the (resident which is an indispensable party to the case as it is from where the !uestioned decision and resolution was issued. Was the dismissal proper ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. The issue in the 'etition be ore the )ourt o A''eals is whether a 'rivate land should be e(em'ted rom the covera!e o the land re orm 'ro!ram. +hatever ha''ens to that case and whoever wins would not brin! any 're"udice or !ain to the !overnment. The only 'artici'ation o the O ice o the .resident in this case is its role as the o ice which entertains a''eals rom decisions o the DAR. &t is clear that the O ice o the .resident is merely a pro forma 'arty$ in the same way that a res'ondent court is a pro forma 'arty in s'ecial civil actions or certiorari. 8%amanie!o$ et al.$ v. A!uila$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DD9=$ 'rom. Eune 6=$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 1nder %ec. =$ Rule C o the Rules o )ivil .rocedure$ an indis'ensable 'arty is a 'arty in interest without whom no inal determination can be had o an action without that 'arty bein! im'leaded. &ndis'ensable 'arties are those with such an interest in the controversy that a inal decree would necessarily a ect their ri!hts$ so that the court cannot 'roceed without their 'rescence. H&nterestI$ within the meanin! o this rule$ should be material$ directly in issue and to be a ected by the decree$ as distin!uished rom a mere incidental interest in the ,uestion involved. On the other hand$ a nominal or pro forma 'arty is one who is "oined as a 'lainti or de endant$ not because such 'arty has any real interest in the sub"ect matter or because any relie is demanded$ but merely because the technical rules o 'leadin!s re,uire the 'resence o such 'arty on the record. 1113;. What are the re!uisites for permissive joinder of parties ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A66 ,"%!o'! &' 78o5 o% )()&'!+ )'. %&(8+ +o %"6&" b. &' %"!,"#+ +o o% )%&!&'( o$+ o +8" !)5" +%)'!)#+&o' o% !"%&"! o +%)'!)#+&o'! &! )66"("- +o "/&!+, 45 78"+8"% *o&'+6., !"0"%)66., o% &' +8" )6+"%')+&0", c. 5). "/#",+ )! o+8"%7&!" ,%o0&-"- &' +8"!" R$6"! o Co$%+ d. *o&' )! ,6)&'+& ! o% ?" *o&'"- )! -" "'-)'+! &' o'" #o5,6)&'+, e. 78"%" )'. E$"!+&o' o 6)7 o% )#+ #o55o' +o )66 !$#8 ,6)&'+& ! o% +o )66 !$#8 -" "'-)'+! 5). )%&!" &' 8" )#+&o'H . ?$+ +8" #o$%+ 5). 5)C" !$#8 o%-"%! )! 5). ?" *$!+ +o ,%"0"'+ )'. ,6)&'+& o% -" "'-)'+ %o5 ?"&'( "5?)%%)!!"- o% ,$+ +o "/,"'!" &' #o''"#+&o' 7&+8 )'. ,%o#""-&'( &' 78&#8 8" 5). 8)0" 'o &'+"%"!+. 8%ec. 9$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement$ numberin! and words without em'hasi-ed su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The Rules do not s'eci y whether the 'arty to be "oined is a necessary 'arty. 7owever$ the author believes that the 'arties re erred to are necessary 'arties because com'lete relie would result i these 'arties who became such as a result o the same or series o transactions or because o the same ,uestion o law or act. 1113@. What is the jurisdictional limitation on permissive joinder of parties ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +ith res'ect to the "urisdiction o Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts and Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts in civil cases$ B... Bl!. 46< 'rovides that where +8"%" )%" !"0"%)6 #6)&5! o% #)$!"! o )#+&o'! ?"+7""' +8" !)5" o% -& "%"'+ ,)%+&"!, "5?o-&"- &' +8" !)5" #o5,6)&'+, +8" )5o$'+ o +8" -"5)'- !8)66

CB

?" +8" +o+)6&+. o +8" #6)&5! &' )66 +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' &%%"!,"#+&0" o 78"+8"% +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' )%o!" o$+ o +8" !)5" o% -& "%"'+ +%)'!)#+&o'! 8'ar. 4$ %ec. CC$ B... Bl!. 46<5 This is also known as the totality rule. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 &t is a''arent that the totality rule is a limitation on 'ermissive "oinder o 'arties because it does not allow the "oinder o 'arties i the totality o the claims e(ceeds the "urisdictional amount o the Metro'olitan Trial )ourt$ the Munici'al Trial )ourt and the Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourt 1113A. What is the rule with respect to non"joinder of necessary parties ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. W8"'"0"% &' )'. ,6")-&'( &' 78&#8 ) #6)&5 &! )!!"%+"b. ) '"#"!!)%. ,)%+. &! 'o+ *o&'"-, c. +8" ,6")-"% !8)66 45 !"+ o%+8 8&! ')5", & C'o7', )'- !8)66 !+)+" 65 78. 8" &! o5&++"-. d. S8o$6- +8" #o$%+ &'- +8" %")!o' o% +8" o5&!!&o' $'5"%&+o%&o$!, &+ 45 5). o%-"% +8" &'#6$!&o' o +8" o5&++"- '"#"!!)%. ,)%+. 65 & *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% 8&! ,"%!o' 5). ?" o?+)&'"-. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. <$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. E "#+! o 'o'-&'#6$!&o' &' +8" !$&+ o ) '"#"!!)%. ,)%+.: 45 T8" )&6$%" +o #o5,6. 7&+8 +8" o%-"% o% 8&! &'#6$!&o', 7&+8o$+ *$!+& &)?6" #)$!", !8)66 ?" -""5"- ) 7)&0"% o +8" #6)&5 )()&'!+ !$#8 ,)%+. . 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. <$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 45 The non*inclusion o a necessary 'arty does a5 not 'revent the court rom 'roceedin! in the action$ and b5 the "ud!ment rendered therein shall be c5 without 're"udice to the ri!hts o such necessary 'arty. 8Crd 'ar.$ %ec. <$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 1114B. Ma imino dela Cru9% Aesus Santia#o% et al. filed suit alle#in# that dela Cru9 inherited the property from the ori#inal possessor of the land in !uestion% and that the heirs of Aoa!uin &suncion succeeded in obtainin# title over said land and re#istered in their name. $hey li.ewise prayed for the issuance of an injunctive writ. $he heirs filed their answer with counterclaim. $he court issued the injunctive writ. & petition was filed with the Supreme Court without includin# the names of dela Cru9 and Santia#o. May the petition be dismissed for falure to join dela Cru9 and Santia#o ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. N"&+8"% 5&!*o&'-"% 'o% 'o'-*o&'-"% o ,)%+&"! &! ) (%o$'- o% -&!5&!!)6 o )' )#+&o'. P)%+&"! 5). ?" -%o,,"- o% )--"- ?. o%-"% o +8" #o$%+ 45 o' 5o+&o' o )'. ,)%+. o% 65 o' &+! o7' &'&+&)+&0" )+ )'. !+)(" o +8" )#+&o' )'C5 o' !$#8 +"%5! )! )%" *$!+. A'. #6)&5 )()&'!+ ) 5&!*o&'"- ,)%+. 5). ?" !"0"%"- )'- ,%o#""-"- 7&+8 !",)%)+"6.. 8%ec. 44$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''liedG 7eis o Asuncion$ etc.$ v. 7on$. 0ervacio$ Er.$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44D=A4$ 'rom. March <$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. F)&6$%" +o &'#6$-" &'-&!,"'!)?6" ,)%+&"! %"!$6+! +o -&!5&!!)6 o +8" )#+&o' . P)%+&"! &' &'+"%"!+ 7&+8o$+ 78o5 'o &')6 -"+"%5&')+&o' #)' ?" 8)- o )' )#+&o' !8)66 ?" *o&'"- "&+8"% )! ,6)&'+& ! o% -" "'-)'+!. 8%ec. =$ Rule C$ RO)5 REA%ON2 Their 'resence is a sine qua non to the e(ercise o "udicial 'ower 8Borlasa v. .olistico$ A= .hil. CAD5. %o that the whole matter in dis'ute may be determined once and or all in the liti!ation 'reventin! multi'licity o suits. 8.alarca v. Bo!uisi$ C> .hil. 4==5 111b. T8" ,%o#"-$%" o% -&!5&!!)6 & &'-&!,"'!)?6" ,)%+. &! 'o+ &5,6")-"-. 45 A motion should be iled or the inclusion o the indis'ensable 'arty. and not a motion to dismiss.

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65 The court then orders the inclusion o the indis'ensable 'arty or o''ortunity a orded or amendment by the 'leader. C5 & the 'lainti to whom the order to include the indis'ensable 'arty is directed re uses to com'ly with the order o the court$ the com'laint may be dismissed u'on motion o the de endant or u'on the court:s own motion 8%ec. C$ Rule 4=$ RO)G Dael v. Teves$ 4C9 %)RA 4<95$ A5 Only u'on un"usti ied ailure or re usal to obey the order to include or to amendment is the action dismissed. 8)orte- v. Avila$ 0.R. No. L*<=>6$ 'rom. A'ril 69$ 4<D=5 41. What is a third party complaint ? What is itBs nature ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A +8&%- F o$%+8, "+#.D - ,)%+. #o5,6)&'+ &! ) #6)&5 +8)+ ) -" "'-&'( ,)%+. 5)., 7&+8 6")0" o #o$%+, &6" )()&'!+ ) ,"%!o' 'o+ ) ,)%+. +o +8" )#+&o', #)66"- +8" +8&%- F o$%+8, "+#.D -,)%+. -" "'-)'+, o% #o'+%&?$+&o', &'-"5'&+., !$?%o()+&o', o% )'. o+8"% %"6&" , &' %"!,"#+ o 8&! o,,o'"'+<! #6)&5. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 9$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o ) +8&%--,)%+. #o5,6)&'+ The third*'arty com'laint is actually inde'endent o and se'arate and distinct rom the 'lainti :s com'laint. +ere it not or this 'rovision o the Rules o )ourt$ it would have been iled inde'endently and se'arately rom the ori!inal com'laint by the de endant a!ainst the third*'arty. But the Rules 'ermit the de endant to brin! in a third*'arty de endant or so to s'eak$ to liti!ate his se'arate cause o action in res'ect o 'lainti :s claim a!ainst a third*'arty in the ori!inal and 'rinci'al case. 8British Airways v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464>6A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6<$ 4<<>5 b. T8" ,$%,o!" o ) +8&%- ,)%+. #6)&5: 45 To avoid circuitry o action and unnecessary 'roli eration o law suitsG 65 To 'revent multi'licity o suits by dis'osin! o e('editiously in one liti!ation the entire sub"ect matter arisin! rom one 'articular set o acts. 8British Airways v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464>6A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6<$ 4<<>5 &n short$ the main 'ur'ose is to achieve com'lete "ustice between all 'arties. SPECIAL =OINDER DEVICES. There are three s'ecial "oinder devices whereby 'arties may be "oined in an action. These are class suits$ intervention and inter'leader. )lass suits and inter'leader may be considered as 'art o the initiatory "oinder devices because the 'arties are "oined at the ince'tion o the suit. They may likewise be considered involuntary "oinder devices because the 'arties "oined may or may not know that they are bein! "oined. On the other hand intervention is a "oinder device a ter the suit has been iled and is voluntary in character because a 'arty asks or leave o court to be allowed to intervene. 11142. When could a class suit be filed ? a. W8"' +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"% o +8" #o'+%o0"%!. b. &! o'" o #o55o' o% ("'"%)6 &'+"%"!+ +o 5)'. ,"%!o'! c. !o '$5"%o$! +8)+ &+ &! &5,%)#+&#)?6" +o *o&' )66 )! ,)%+&"!, d. ) '$5?"% o +8"5 78&#8 +8" #o$%+ &'-! +o 45 ?" !$ &#&"'+6. '$5"%o$! )'65 %",%"!"'+)+&0" )! +o $66. ,%o+"#+ +8" &'+"%"!+! o )66 #o'#"%'"e. 5). !$" o% -" "'- o% +8" ?"'" &+ o )66. . A ,)%+. &' &'+"%"!+ !8)66 8)0" +8" %&(8+ +o &'+"%0"'" +o ,%o+"#+ 8&! &'-&0&-$)6 &'+"%"!+. 8%ec. 46$ Rule C$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. W8"' #6)!! !$&+! ,%o,"% )'- 78o &6"!. A class suit may be to #sue or de end.# %o also$ the re'resentatives must be more than one 'erson because o the 'hrase$ #a number o them# b. C8)%)#+"%&!+&#! o ) #6)!! !$&+:

C6

45 There is only one ri!ht or cause o action 'ertainin! or belon!in! in common to many 'ersons$ not se'arately or severally to distinct individuals. 65 The ob"ect o the suit is to obtain relie or or a!ainst numerous 'ersons as a !rou' or as an inte!ral entity$ and not as se'arate$ distinct individuals whose ri!hts or liabilities are se'arate rom and inde'endent o those a ectin! the others. C5 The numerousness o 'arties involved that it is im'racticable to "oin all as 'arties. 8Liana:s %u'ermarket v. NLR)$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444B4A$ 'rom. May C4$ 4<<95 11142. 7our hundred residents of 'arrio Ramos initiated a class action suit throu#h &lbert% a former mayor of the town% to recover dama#es sustained due to their e posure to to ic waste and fumes emitted by the coo.in# #as plant of $op 7uel :as Corporation located in the town. )s the class suit proper ? F1AA3D %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No$ the class suit is not 'ro'er. There is no cause o action belon!in! in common to the ABB residents. The e(tent o dama!e su ered by them is individual and se'arate rom each other. The numerousness o the 'arties and ob"ect o the suit a sin!le entity are not the only determinants o a class suit. There must be unity o cause ro ri!ht o action. The ABB residents did not su er to the same e(tent and de!ree$ conse,uently there have di erent causes o action. 43. & labor union brou#ht suit involvin# a matter of common or #eneral interest in behalf of its members who are so numerous that it is impracticable to brin# all of them before the court. )s this a class suit ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. This is a suit brou!ht in a re'resentative ca'acity by the class suit. &t is the unction o a labor union to carry out the re'resentation o its members and to ile an actual suit or their bene it and behal without "oinin! them and avoid the cumbersome 'rocedure o "oinin! each and every member as a se'arate 'arty . 8Liana:s %u'ermarket v. NLR)$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444B4A$ 'rom. May C4$ 4<<95 11144. What are the procedural steps for intervention ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. T8" 5o+&o' +o &'+"%0"'" 5). ?" &6"- )+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" %"'-&+&o' o *$-(5"'+ ?. +8" +%&)6 #o$%+. A #o,. o +8" ,6")-&'(-&'-&'+"%0"'+&o' !8)66 ?" )++)#8"- +o +8" 5o+&o' )'- !"%0"- o' +8" o%&(&')6 ,)%+&"!. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 4<$ RO)5 b. The motion is heardG c. The court !rants leave and issues an order admittin! the com'laint or answer in intervention. d. The answer to the com'laint*in*intervention shall be iled within i teen 84D5 days rom notice o the order admittin! the same unless a di erent 'eriod is i(ed by the court. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4<$ RO) NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o &'+"%0"'+&o'. &ntervention is a 'rocedure whereby one not ori!inally a 'arty to a suit may$ u'on court authority be ore rendition o "ud!ment by the trial court$ "oin either as a 'arty 'lainti or 'arty de endant. b. T7o #6)!!"! o ,"%!o'! 78o 5). &'+"%0"'": 45 A ,"%!o' 78o 8)! ) 6"()6 &'+"%"!+ aD &' +8" 5)++"% &' 6&+&()+&o', o% b5 &' +8" !$##"!! o "&+8"% o +8" ,)%+&"!, o% c5. )' &'+"%"!+ )()&'!+ ?o+8, 65 A'. ,"%!o' 78o &! !o !&+$)+"a5 )! +o ?" )-0"%!"6. ) "#+"- ?. 845 ) -&!+%&?$+&o' o ,%o,"%+. o% 865 o+8"% -&!,o!&+&o' o ,%o,"%+. b5 &' +8" #$!+o-. o +8" #o$%+ o% o )' o &#"% +8"%"o . 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

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DEATH OF A PARTY, TRANSFER OF INTEREST AND CHANGE OF STATUS OF PARTIES

49. What is the nature of claims that survive the death of a party ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 These are the claims that could 'roceed as i the 'ros'ective 'lainti or de endant is still alive. Thus$ the e(ecutor$ administrator or any le!al re'resentative o the deceased may brin! or de end suits. 4;. :ive some e amples of claims that survive the death of a party. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Actions a. Fo% +8" %"#o0"%. o% ,%o+"#+&o' o +8" ,%o,"%+. o% %&(8+! o +8" -"#")!"-. 8%ec. 6$ Rule >=$ RO)5 b. +o %"#o0"% %")6 o% ,"%!o')6 ,%o,"%+., o% )' &'+"%"!+ +8"%"o', %o5 +8" "!+)+", o% c. +o "' o%#" ) 6&"' on real or 'ersonal 'ro'erty and d. +o %"#o0"% -)5)("! o% )' &'*$%. +o ,"%!o' o% ,%o,"%+., %")6 o% ,"%!o')6. 8%ec. 4$ Rule >=$ RO)5. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T8" 6&+5$! +"!+ &' -"+"%5&'&'( 78"+8"% )' )#+&o' !$%0&0"! -","'-! o' +8" ')+$%" o +8" )#+&o' )'- +8" -)5)(" !$"- o%. &n the causes o action which survive$ the wron! com'lained a ects 'rimarily and 'rinci'ally 'ro'erty and 'ro'erty ri!hts$ the in"uries to the 'erson bein! merely incidental$ +7&LE in the causes o action which do not survive$ the in"ury com'lained o is to the 'erson$ the 'ro'erty and ri!hts o 'ro'erty a ected bein! incidental. 8Rui-$ et al.$ v. The )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 449<B<$ 'rom. /ebruary 6D$ 4<<<5 &n the above Rui- case$ attorneyKs ees were considered as basically a monetary claim which does not survive$ under the old %ec. 64$ Rule C$ RO). IMPT. 7owever$ the 4<<= Rules on )ivil .rocedure now allows the continuation until entry o inal "ud!ment o an action or the recovery o money arisin! rom contract$ e('ress or im'lied$ i the de endant dies be ore entry o inal "ud!ment. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 b. R")6 )#+&o'! !$%0&0" -")+8. 1114@. What are the claims that do not survive the death of a party ? These are the claims which cannot be instituted a!ainst the e(ecutor$ administrator or any le!al re'resentative o the deceased. These claims could however be 'rosecuted in the estate 'roceedin!s o the deceased. E(am'les: No action u'on a claim or the recovery o money or debt or interest thereon shall be commenced a!ainst the e(ecutor or administrator. 8%ec. 4$ Rule >=$ RO)5 )laims other than those stated in the 'revious headin! re errin! to %ecs. 4 and 6$ Rule >=$ RO). NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Co'+%)#+$)6 5o'". #6)&5! !$%0&0". & the action or recovery o money arisin! rom contract$ e('ress or im'lied$ is not yet iled$ it could not iled a!ainst the e(ecutor$ administrator or le!al re'resentative. &t should be iled as a claim a!ainst the estate. 7owever$ i the case is already iled$ and the death occurred be ore entry o inal "ud!ment in the court in which the case was 'endin!$ the case shall be allowed to continue. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 & the action or recovery o money did not arise rom contract$ e('ress or im'lied$ it does not survive. b. C6)&5! +8)+ -o 'o+ !$%0&0" )%" -&!5&!!"- "0"' & )++)#85"'+ 6"0&-"- o' -" "'-)'+I! ,%o,"%+.. REA%ON2 The 'ur'ose o the attachment which is to secure the outcome o the trial no lon!er e(ists$ and so with the reasons or the issuance o the writ o attachment$ inso ar as the deceased is concerned. 8Malolos v. Asia .aci ic /inance )or'oration$ 4A= %)RA 945

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c. A! ) ("'"%)6 %$6" ,"%!o')6 )#+&o'! -o 'o+ !$%0&0". E(ce'tion2 action or the recovery o money arisin! rom contract$ e('ress or im'lied$ i the de endant dies be ore entry o inal "ud!ment. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 9B. 6y filed a complaint for sum of money and dama#es a#ainst the Iestate of Carlos 4#o as represented by survivin# spouse Ms. Sulpicia Fentura.J Fentura moved to dismiss on the #round of defendantBs lac. of le#al personality. & motion to dismiss was seasonably filed by Fentura. 6y then amended his complaint deletin# the estate of Carlos 4#o and named Fentura as the defendant. Should the complaint be dismissed ? Should the amended complaint be allowed ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ the com'laint should be dismissed. No$ the amended com'laint should not be allowed. Neither a dead 'erson nor his estate may be a 'arty in a court action. A deceased 'erson does not have such le!al entity as is necessary to brin! action so much so that a motion to suibstitute cannot lie and should be denied by the court. An action be!un by a decedentKs estate cannot be said to have been be!un by a le!al 'erson$ since an estate is not a le!al entityG such a n action is a nullity and a motion to amend the 'arty 'lainti will not likewise lie. There is nothin! to amend. )onsiderin! that ca'acity to be sued is a correlative o the a'acity to sue$ to the same e(ent$ a decedent does not have he ca'acity to be sued and may not be named a 'arty de endant in a court action. The 'ro'er action should be in the orm o a claim to be iled in the testate or intestate estate 'roceedin!s o the deceased s'ouse. 8Jentura v. 7on. Militante$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9C4AD$ 'rom. October D$ 4<<<5 91. W8)+ &! +8" -$+. o +8" )++o%'". $,o' +8" -")+8 o ) ,)%+. 78"+8"% ,6)&'+& o% -" "'-)'+, o##$%%&'( )+ )'. !+)+" o +8" )#+&o' : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. & death occurs durin! the 'endency o the action b. And the claim is not e(tin!uished by death c. )ounsel shall in orm the court o such death d. +ithin thirty 8CB5 days a ter such death e. 0ivin! the name and address o the le!al re'resentative8s5. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 49$ Rule C$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. Co$'!"6I! )&6$%" 7&66 'o+ 0&+&)+"" ,%o#""-&'(! )'- *$-(5"'+. The ailure o counsel to com'ly with his duty to in orm the court o the death o his client and no substitution o the deceased 'arty$ will not invalidate the 'roceedin!s and the "ud!ment thereon i the action survives the death o such 'arty. 8Benavide- v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46D>A>$ 'rom. %e'tember 9$ 4<<<5 IMPT: &!nore the holdin! in the7eirs o Lorilla$ etc.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44>9DD$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB which held that the 'rovisions %ec. 64 o Rule C o the Rules o )ourt$ which 'rovides or the dismissal o the action or recovery o money$ debt or interest thereon where the de endant dies be ore inal "ud!ment in the Re!ional Trial )ourt and a 'rosecution o the claim in the estate 'roceedin!s o the deceased$ should not be a''lied where the counsel does not in orm the court o the de endantKs death. This above Lorilla doctrine should be i!nored because %ec. 64 o Rule C has been amended 8it is not %ec. 6B$ Rule C5$ to the e ect that contractual money claims survuve. 11192. What should be done and what is the effect of the death of the PLAINTIFF while the action is pendin# in the trial court or on appeal before entry of final jud#ment in the court ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The counsel re'orts the deathG b. There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not.

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c. The court re,uires the le!al re'resentative o the deceased 'lainti to e('lain why the action should not be dismissed because o the death o the 'lainti $ where the claim does not survive. d. & the claim is e(tin!uished by the 'lainti :s death the case is dismissed. & the claim survives the death o the 'lainti $ the case continues$ with the substitution o the deceased 'lainti by his le!al re'resentative 8s5$ or his heirs. e. W8"' +8" )#+&o' &! o% %"#o0"%. o 5o'". )%&!&'( %o5 #o'+%)#+, "/,%"!! o% &5,6&"-, )'- +8" -"#"-"'+ -&"! ?" o%" "'+%. o &')6 *$-(5"'+ &' +8" #o$%+ &' 78&#8 +8" )#+&o' 7)! ,"'-&'( )+ +8" +&5" o !$#8 -")+8, &+ !8)66 'o+ ?" -&!5&!!"- ?$+ !8)66 &'!+")?" )66o7"- +o #o'+&'$" $'+&6 "'+%. o &')6 *$-(5"'+. A )0o%)?6" *$-(5"'+ o?+)&'"- ?. +8" ,6)&'+& +8"%"&' !8)66 ?" "' o%#"- &' +8" 5)''"% "!,"#&)66. ,%o0&-"- &' +8" R$6"! o Co$%+ o% ,%o!"#$+&'( #6)&5! )()&'!+ +8" "!+)+" o -"#")!"- ,"%!o'!. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P%o#"-$%" )'- " "#+ o -")+8 o ,%"0)&6&'( ,6)&'+& ) +"% "'+%. o *$-(5"'+ o% o%-"%: 45 The counsel re'orts the deathG 65 There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not. C5 The substitute e(ecutor$ administrator or successor in interest may a''ly or the issuance o a writ o e(ecution. 8%ec. = ?a@$ Rule C<$ RO)5 b. P%o#"-$%" )'- " "#+ o -")+8 o ,%"0)&6&'( ,6)&'+& ) +"% "/"#$+&o' &! &!!$"-: 45 The counsel re'orts the deathG 65 There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not. C5 The usual 'rocedure or e(ecution is then ollowed. A5 The amounts recovered throu!h e(ecution orm 'art o the estate o the deceased 'revailin! 'lainti . 11192. What should b#e done and what is the effect of the death of a DEFENDANT while the action is pendin# in the trial court or on appeal before entry of final jud#ment in the court ? a. The counsel re'orts the deathG b. There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not. c. The 'lainti is asked to e('lain why the suit should not be dismissed as a result o the death o the de endant. d. & the action is or the recovery o money arisin! rom contract$ e('ress or im'lied$ the case shall be allowed to continue until entry o inal "ud!ment. & the claim or money does not arise out o contract 8but not or recovery arisin! rom 'hysical in"uries5$ it should be dismissed. A avorable "ud!ment obtained by the 'lainti therein shall be en orced in the manner es'ecially 'rovided in the Rules o )ourt or 'rosecutin! claims a!ainst the estate o a deceased 'erson. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 e. & the action is otherwise$ it shall be dismissed. . & it is a claim that survives another case may be iled a!ainst the e(ecutor$ administrator$ estate or other le!al re'resentative o the deceased. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P%o#"-$%" )'- " "#+! o -")+8 o ) -" "'-)'+ ) +"% 6),!" o ,"%&o- +o ),,")6 o% ) +"% "'+%. o &')6 *$-(5"'+ &' +8" #o$%+: 45 The counsel re'orts the deathG 65 There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not. C5 The 'lainti 2 a5 &n case the "ud!ment is or the recovery o real or 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ or the en orcement o a lien thereon$ a''lies or a writ o e(ecution

C9

which is en orced a!ainst the de endant:s e(ecutor$ administrator or successor in interest. 8%ec. = ?b@$ Rule C<$ RO)5 b5 &n case the "ud!ment is other than or the above$ the 'lainti iles a claim a!ainst the estate or the amount o the "ud!ment. 8%ec. D$ Rule >9$ RO)G .y En )hen! v. 7errera$ =B %)RA 4CB=5 b. P%o#"-$%" )'- " "#+! o -")+8 o ) -" "'-)'+ ) +"% "/"#$+&o': 45 The counsel re'orts the deathG 65 There is substitution by the le!al re'resentative or heirs o the deceased 'lainti $ whether the claim survives or not. C5 The 'ro'erty actually levied is sold or the satis action o the "ud!ment obli!ation and the 'erson makin! the sale shall account to the deceased de endant:s e(ecutor or administrator or any sur'lus in his hands. 8%ec. = ?c@$ Rule C<$ RO)5 11193. & filed a complaint a#ainst K with the R$C of &r#ao% Cebu% for payment of a promissory note in the sum of (,++%+++.++% for li!uidated dama#es of (,+%+++.++ and attorney8s fees of (,+%+++.++. &fter he filed his answer% K died% but his lawyer did not file a motion to dismiss. )n the meantime% K8s widow filed with the above court a special proceedin# for the settlement of the intestate estate of K. $he widow% L% was appointed the administratri of the estate. & filed in the civil case a motion to have K substituted by the administratri ? the latter did not object. $he court #ranted the motion. $rial on the merits was had. )n due course% the court rendered a decision in favor of &. &t the time it was rendered% the period to file claims in the intestate estate of K had already lapsed. $he administratri % L. did not appeal from the decision? and after it became final% & moved for the e ecution of jud#ment. L opposed the motion contendin# that the decision is void because the claim does not survive. $he case should have been dismissed upon the death of K since upon his death% the court lost jurisdiction over the case. /> Rule on the issue. 5> )f the opposition is without merit% can the writ of e ecution be validly issued ? *> )f it cannot be issued% what is the remedy of & ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 45 The claim survives because it is u'on a contractual money claim. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5 )onse,uently o''osition is without merit. 65 No$ because a "ud!ment or money cannot be en orced by a writ o e(ecution. C5 The avorable "ud!ment obtained by the 'lainti A$ shall be en orced in the manner es'ecially 'rovided in the Rules o )ourt or 'rosecutin! claims a!ainst the estate o deceased 'ersons. 8%ec. 6B$ Rule C$ RO)5

DOCTRINE OF PRECONDITIONS, PRIOR RESORT AND ALTERNATIVE MODES OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION

DOCTRINE OF PRECONDITIONS OR PRIOR RESORT. The doctrine which re,uires that certain matters or controversies be resolved utili-in! non"udicial methods be ore resort could be had to "udicial intervention. /ailure to do so could result in a dismissal o the action on the !round o 'rematurity o ailure to com'ly with a condition 'recedent or ilin! the claim. 8%ec. 4 ?"@$ Rule 49$ RO)5 /or e(am'le$ 'rior resort to settlement under the Katarunggang Pambarangay$ e(haustion o administrative remedies$ earnest e orts towards a com'romise$ etc.$ are re,uired in certain instances be ore ilin! a suit in court. DOCTRINE OF ALTERNATIVE MODES OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION. These are the methods other than "udicial 'rocess or the settlement o dis'utes or controversies between 'arties. These methods include amon! others mediation$ conciliation$ arbitration$ etc.

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This doctrine di ers rom the doctrine o 'reconditions or 'rior resort as the ormer is a mandatory re,uirement or ilin! suits while the latter is voluntary in character and becomes mandatory only i a!reed u'on by the 'arties.

PRECONDITIONS AND PRIOR RESORT

94. &re there instances where there is a re!uirement for efforts to compromise prior to the institution of s suit ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ no suit between members o the same amily shall 'ros'er unless it should a''ear rom the veri ied com'laint or 'etition that earnest e orts toward a com'romise have been made$ but the same have ailed. & it is shown that no such e orts were in act made$ the case must be dismissed. This rule shall not a''ly to cases which may not be the sub"ect o com'romise under the )ivil )ode. 8Art. 4D4$ The /amily )ode5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S$&+! ?"+7""' 5"5?"%! o +8" !)5" )5&6. +8)+ )%" !$?*"#+ +o " o%+! +o7)%-! ) #o5,%o5&!" )%" +8o!": 45 Between husband and wi eG 65 Between 'arents and childrenG C5 Between other ascendants and ascendantsG and A5 Between brothers and sisters$ whether o the ull or hal *blood. 8Art. 4DB$ The /amily )ode5 The author submits that the re,uirement or e orts towards a com'romise does not include ille!itimate relations because o the natural anti'athy between ille!itimates and le!itimates. This view is buttressed by re erence to Art. 4DB o the /amily that the re,uirement does not a''ly to collateral relatives$ e(ce't as between brothers and sisters. 87owever$ see no. CA below which inter'rets the law as includin! Hhal *bloodI relationshi'5 O course$ there may some disa!reement to the above views considerin! the /ili'ino e(tended amily system. But where does the line sto' 3 b. C)!"! 'o+ !$?*"#+ +o #o5,%o5&!"2 No com'romise u'on the ollowin! ,uestions shall be valid2 45 The civil status o 'ersonsG 65 The validity o a marria!e or le!al se'arationG C5 Any !round or le!al se'arationG A5 /uture su''ortG D5 The "urisdiction o courtsG 95 /uture le!itime. 8Art. 6BCD$ )ivil )ode o the .hili''ines5 99. Spouses &u#usto and Maria <ontiveros filed a complaint for dama#es a#ainst :re#orio <ontiveros and $eodora &yson alle#in# that the latter are married. &u#usto and :re#orio are brothers. $he defendants denied that they were married and alle#ed that :re#orio was a widower while $eodora was sin#le. )s there need for showin# that earnest efforts towards a compromise were ta.en but failed ? E plain your answer. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. +henever a stran!er is a 'arty in a cased involvin! amily members$ the re,uisite showin! o earnest e orts to com'romise is no lon!er mandatory. The inclusion o Teodora as de endant and Maria as 'lainti takes the case out o the ambit o the 'hrase Hmembers o the same amily$I which reders only to husband and wi e$ 'arents and children$ ascendants and descendants$ and brothers and sisters$ whether ull or hal *blood. The enumeration o Hbrothers and sistersI do not com'rehend Hsisters*in*lawI 8hence also brothers*in*law5. /urthermore$ reli!ious relationshi' and relationshi' by a inity are not !iven any le!al e ect in this "urisdiction. )onse,uently$ de endant Teodora$ who was described in the com'laint as the wi e o 0re!orio$ and 'lainti Maria$ who is admittedly the s'ouse o Au!usto$ are considered as stran!ers to the 7ontiveros amily$ or 'ur'oses o earnest e orts

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towards a com'romise. 8%'ouses 7ontiveros v. Re!ional Trial )ourt$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DA9D$ 'rom. Eune 6<$ 4<<<5

KATARUNGGANG PAMBARANGAY
9;. $he <eirs of Fin9ons are co"owners of a parcel of land a portion of which was occupied by Mena Edoria as a lesee since /0,/. Sometime in /01C% the <eirs filed suit a#ainst Mena and several others also occupyin# the same lot owned by them% doc.eted as Civil Case 4o. /05*% on the #round of non"payment of rentals. $he trial court found that the respondent was not in arrears but was even advanced in his rentals. 'oth parties appealed. While Civil Case 4o. /05* was on appeal% the <eirs filed another ejectment suit% Civil Case 4o. 5+C/% a#ainst Mena and *0 others on the #round that they refused to enter into an a#reement as tenants"lessees and refused to pay the increased rent of (/.++ per s!.m. per month. $he court dismissed Civil Case 4o. 5+C/ due to the pendency of Civil Case 4o. /05*. $his decision was appealed to the R$C. While Civil Case 4o. 5+C/ was pendin# appeal before the R$C% the <eirs filed another case% doc.eted as Civil Case 4o.5/*2% li.ewise a#ainst# the same defendants for e piration of the lease contract% refusal to si#n written renewal of contract of lease and non"payment of rentals. Should Civil Case 4o. 5/*2% be dismissed for failure to comply with baran#ay conciliation despite alle#ations of the <eirs that there were underta.en baran#ay conciliation for Civil Case 4os. /05*% and 5+C/ ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. The 7eirs cannot rely on baran!ay conciliation 'roceedin!s held in the other cases and consider the same as com'liance with the law. 87eirs o Jin-ons$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444<4D$ 'rom. %e'tember CB$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. B)%)'(). %" "%%)6 #o'-&+&o' ,%"#"-"'+ +o &6&'( o ) #o5,6)&'+: 45 Be ore a court$ or 65 Be ore any other !overnment o ice or ad"udication. 8%ec. A46 ?a@$ R.A. No. =49B5 There is substantial com'liance with the law even thou!h no pang7at was constituted i the 'arties met at the o ice o the barangay chairman or 'ossible settlement yet the e orts o the barangay chairman 'roved utile as no a!reement was reached. 8Diu v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6D4 %)RA A=65. All dis'utes are sub"ect to re erral. The lupon o each baran!ay shall have authority to brin! to!ether the 'arties actually residin! in the same city o munici'ality or amicable settlement o all dis'utes. 8%ec.AB>$ R.A. No. =49B5 The re erral must be made irres'ective o the amount and nature o the dis'ute and whether the case alls within the "urisdiction o the Munici'al Trial )ourt or the Re!ional Trial )ourt. b. D&!,$+"! 78&#8 '""- 'o+ ?" ?%o$(8+ o% baran#ay conciliation: 45 +hen the 'arty is the !overnment$ or any subdivision or instrumentality thereo . 65 +hen one 'arty is a 'ublic o icer or em'loyee$ and the dis'ute relates to the 'er ormance o his 'ublic unctions. C5 +here the dis'ute involves real 'ro'erties located in di erent cities or munici'alities unless the 'arties thereto a!ree to submit their di erences to amicable settlement by an a''ro'riate lupon.

A5 Dis'utes involvin! 'arties who actually reside in barangays o di erent cities or munici'alities e(ce't where such barangay units ad"oin each other and the

C<

'arties thereto a!ree to submit their di erences to amicable settlement by an a''ro'riate lupon. D5 %uch other dis'utes which the .resident o the .hili''ines may determine in the interest o "ustice or u'on the recommendation o the %ecretary o Eustice. 8%ec. AB>$ R.A. No. =49B5 95 Labor dis'utes. This would de eat the salutary 'ur'ose o the Labor )ode which mandates that the Labor Arbiters must irst conciliate and mediate in order to e('editiously resolve the dis'ute. To re,uire re erral to the 8arangay would result to delay in resolvin! labor dis'utes. 8Montoya v. Escayo$ 4=4 %)RA AA65 =5 +here the dis'ute involves "uridical 'ersons. c. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8" ,)%+&"! 5). (o -&%"#+6. +o #o$%+ 7o&+8o$+ %" "%%)6 +o ?)%)'(). !"++6"5"'+: 45 +here actions are cou'led with 'rovisional remedies such as 'reliminary in"unction$ attachment$ delivery o 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ and su''ort pendente lite. 65 +here the action may otherwise be barred by the statute o limitations. 8%ec. A46 ?b@$ R.A. No. =49B5 d. R$6"! o 0"'$" o% baran#ay #o'#&6&)+&o': 45 Dis'utes between 'ersons actually residin! in the same barangay shall be brou!ht or amicable settlement be ore the lupon o said barangay. b. Those involvin! actual residents o di erent barangays within the same city or munici'ality shall brou!ht in the barangay where the res'ondent or any o the res'ondents actually resides$ at the election o the com'lainant. c. All dis'utes involvin! real 'ro'erty or any interest therein shall be brou!ht in the barangay where the real 'ro'erty or the lar!er 'ortion thereo is situated. d. Those arisin! at the work'lace where the contendin! 'arties are em'loyed or at the institution where such 'arties are enrolled or study$ shall be brou!ht in the barangay where such work'lace or institution is located. 8%ec. AB<$ R.A. No. =49B5 Remember that be ore the rules on venue are a''lied$ the case must irst be co!ni-able under the barangay "ustice system. e. P%o#"-$%" o% !"++6"5"'+ $'-"% +8" Gatarun##an# (ambaran#ay: 45 )onstitution o Lupong /agapamayapa com'osed o the Punong 8arangay as chairman and ten 84B5 to twenty 86B5 members. The barangay chairman is the concurrent Lupon secretary. 65 /ilin! o verbal or written com'laint with the Punong 8arangay who is also the Lupon )hairman. 8%ec. A4B ?a@$ R.A. No. =49BG %ec. A$ Rule J&$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 C5 1'on recei't o the com'laint$ the Punong 8arangay shall within the ne(t workin! day summon the res'ondent$ the com'lainant and their witnesses to a''ear be ore him or mediation. 8%ec. A4B ?b@$ R.A. No. =49B5 A5 The res'ondent shall answer the com'laint orally or in writin! and inter'ose a counterclaim$ cross*claim or a third 'arty com'laint. 8%ec. D$ Rule J&$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 D5 The Punong 8arangay has i teen 84D5 days rom the irst settin! to mediate. 8%ec. A4B ?b@$ R.A. No. =49BG %ec. 4B$ Rule J&$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 95 1'on ailure o the mediation e orts$ the Punong 8arangay shall set a date i( the constitution o the 'anel known as the Pang7at ng /agapag7asundo com'osed o three 8C5 members chosen rom the Lupon. The three 8C5 members shall elect the chairman and the secretary. The Pang7at secretary shall 're'are the minutes o the Pang7at and shall submit a co'y attested by the Pang7at chairman to the Lupon secretary who shall re'ort to the 'ro'er munici'al or metro'olitan court. 8%ec. A4B ?d@$ R.A. No. =49B5 =5 The Pang7at shall be convened not later than three 8C5 days rom its constitution. The Punong 8arangay and the Pang7at shall 'roceed to hear the matter. 8%ec. A4B ?d@$ R.A. No. =49B5 >5 The Pang7at shall e(ert all e orts to settle and resolve the dis'ute within i teen 84D5 days rom the day it convenes$ e(tendible in its discretion or another

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'eriod not to e(ceed i teen 84D5 more days. 8%ec. A4B ?e@$ R.A. No. =49BG %ec. 4B ?b@$ Rule J&$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 <5 +here the 'arties have a!reed to arbitrate$ the Punong 8arangay o the Pang7at$ as the case maybe$ shall a ter the hearin! make the award not later than the si(th day but not later than the i teenth day ollowin! the date o such. 8%ec. 4B ?c@$ Rule J&$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 . Fo%5! o !"++6"5"'+ $'-"% +8" Gatarun##an# (ambaran#ayD 45 Mediation and conciliation. &nterchan!eable terms indicatin! the 'rocess whereby dis'utants are 'ersuaded by the Punong 8arangay or Pang7at to amicably settle their dis'utes. 8Rule && ?4@$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 65 Arbitration is a 'rocess or the ad"udication o dis'utes by which the 'arties a!ree to be bound by the decision o a third 'erson or body in 'lace o a re!ularly or!ani-ed tribunal. 8Rule && ?h@$ Katarunggang Pambarangay Rules5 R119@. -n &u#ust 2 % /00C 'oleley filed suit a#ainst Surla for collection of sum of money statin# in his complaintD @Ithat plaintiff is of le#al a#e% married% 7ilipino and a residnt of 4o. /++ )melda Filla#e% 'a#uio City while defendant is also of le#al a#e% 7ilipino and wih postal office address at C"3 )na Mansion% Gisad Road% 'a#uio City where he may be served with summons and other le#al processes.J $he defendant f iled a motion to dismiss alle#in# that he also resided in ba#uio City% alle#in#% amon# others% that there was failure to refer to baran#ay conciliation. Resolve the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. &t is clear rom the com'laint that the de endant does not reside in Ba!uio )ity. .ost o ice address is not considered as residence. This is not a ected by the de endantKs motion statin! that he also resided in Ba!uio )ity. There is no need or 'rior re erral to the barangay in the absence o showin! in the com'laint itsel that the 'arties reside in the same city or munici'ality. 8Boleyley v. 7on. Jillanueva$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>=CA$ 'rom. %e'tember 4A$ 4<<<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. M"5?"%!8&, )'- %"!&-"'#" &' batan#ay %"E$&%"-. Residence alone$ without membershi' in the barangay would not be an accurate and reliable criterion considerin! that such residence may be actual but merely tem'orary$ transient or cate!ori-ed into other 'ermutations as in the case o a house !uest or a so"ourner on a visit or a day or two. On the other hand$ mere membershi' in the barangay alone without residence would de eat the 'ur'ose o the law which 'rovides or an alternative to liti!ations in dis'ute settlement to members o the corres'ondin! barangays who are actually residin! therein. This is so because o lack o the common bond and belon!in! !enerally ostered in members o an identi ied a!!ru'ation. Thus$ the re,uirement is resident cou'led with membershi' or vice*versa. 8Be"er v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 49< %)RA D995 Transient or tem'orary residence is not enou!h to vest #"urisdiction# u'on the barangay #courts.# 8Domin!o v. Rosero$ 4=C %)RA 4CD5 The court in which non*criminal cases not allin! within the authority o the barangay under the Local 0overnment )ode are iled$ may$ at any time be ore trial$ motu proprio re er the case to the Lupon concerned or amicable settlement. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. AB>$ R.A. No. =49B5 b. W)&0"% o 'o'-%" "%%)6. The ailure o a 'arty to s'eci ically alle!e the act that there was no com'liance with the Baran!ay conciliation 'rocedure constitutes a waiver o that de ense. 8)or'u- v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=BBD$ 'rom. Eune 4<$ 4<<=5 De enses and ob"ections not 'leaded either in a motion to dismiss or in the answer are deemed waived. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule <$ RO)5 The !round or a motion to dismiss i there is ailure to com'ly with the barangay re erral is now$ That a condition 'recedent or ilin! the claim has not been com'lied with. 8%ec. 4 ?"@$ Rule 49$ RO)5 & the non*re erral is raised only a ter arrai!nment$ this is deemed a waiver. 8Banares &&$ et al.$ v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB5

A4

9A. -n Aune /3% /003% a complaint for ejection was filed before the M$C by &mparo% assisted by counsel. $he parties reside in baran#ays of different cities which do not adjoin each other. $he defendant filed a motion for referral to the proper baran#ay for arbitration andHor conciliation which the court #ranted throu#h its -rder dated 4ovember 2% /003 directin# the parties to conciliate before the Chairman of baran#ay C2C% Lone 2*% Ermita% Manila. Meanwhile% &tty. Raul entered his appearance as counsel and filed a motion to set aside the -rder of 4ovember 2% /003. $he Court denied the same and referred the case to the said baran#ay for conciliation proceedin#s under penalty of the case bein# dismissed. $he CourtBs action was premised upon section 3+1 of Republic &ct 4o. 2/C+ =$he Gatarun#an (ambaran#ay provisions of the ;ocal :overnment Code>% which provides that% I$he Court in which non"criminal cases not fallin# within the authority of the lupon under this Code are filed% may at any time before trial% motu proprio% refer the case to the lupon concerned for amicable settlement.J Was the action of the Court correct? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. Re errin! a matter covered by the above cited 'rovision that alls under the Rule o summary 'rocedure to the Lu'on is an unsound e(ercise o discretion. The Rule o summary .rocedure was 'romul!ated or the 'ur'ose o achievin! an He('editious and ine('ensive determination o the case.I 80achou v. De vera$ Er.$ %)RA DAB5 The act that unlaw ul detainer cases all under summary 'rocedure$ s'eedy resolution thereo is thus deemed a matter o 'ublic 'olicy. Thus$ the Rule rowns on delays. Mani estly$ the act o re errin! the sub"ect case to the lu'on subverts the very nature o the Rule and de eats the ob"ective o e('editin! the ad"udication thereo . 8/arrales$ et al.$ v. Eud!e )amarista$ A.M. MTE*<<*44>A$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The above doctrine is a''licable only where there is no re,uirement or 'rior re erral to the lu'on. +here the 'arties reside in the same city or munici'ality$ or in ad"oinin! baran!ayss o di erent cities or munici'alities$ 'rior resort to the baran!ay is a re,uirement be ore ilin! the case in )ourt$ and the )ourt does not have the discretion to make a re erral. ;B. Eli9abeth filed /C estafa cases a#ainst 7idel and others. &ll of the parties reside in 'aran#ay Dali#% &ntipolo% Ri9al. Each of the cases did not e ceed (5++.++. &fter arrai#nment and the accused pleadin# not #uilty% they then filed a Motion to Dismiss the cases for prematurity in view of the failure to under#o conciliation before the ;upon# $a#apamayapa or (an#.at n# $a#apa#.asundo of 'aran#ay Dali# in accordance with Sec. 3/5 in relation to Sec. 3+1 of the ;ocal :overnment Code and Sec. /1 of the /00/ Revised Rule on Summary (rocedure. -n 4ovember /*% /00,% the Municipal $rial Court dismissed the /C criminal cases without prejudice% pursuant to Section /1 of the /0+/ Rule of Summary (rocedure. More than two months later on 7ebruary 5C% /00C% Eli9abeth throu#h counsel% filed a Motion to Revive the abovementioned criminal cases a#ainst 7idel and other? statin# that the re!uirement of referral to the ;upon for conciliation has already been complied with. -n March /1% /00C% the Municipal $rial Court issued an order #rantin# Eli9abethBs Motion to Revive. 7idel% et al assailed the March /1% /00C order contendin# that the 4ovember /*% /00, dismissal of the case a#ainst them had lon# become final and e ecutory? considerin# that the prosecution did not file any motion for reconsideration of said order. Rule on the contention. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 )ontention is with merit. The dismissal has attained a state o inality. The order dismissin! a case without 're"udice is a inal order i no motion or reconsideration or a''eal there rom is timely iled. The order becomes outside the courtKs 'ower to amend and modi y. The 'arty who wishes to reinstate the case has no other remedy but to ile a new com'laint. 8Banares &&$ et al.$ v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

A6

a. D&!5&!!)6 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#" 5). ?"#o5" &')6. The dismissal without 're"udice o a com'laint does not however mean that said dismissal order was any less inal. %uch order o dismissal is com'lete in all details$ and thou!h without 're"udice$ nonetheless inally dis'osed o the matter. &t was not merely an interlocutory order but a inal dis'osition o the com'laint. 8Banares &&$ et al.$ v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB5 +hen a case covered by the 4<<4 Revised Rule on %ummary .rocedure is dismissed without 're"udice or non*re erral o the issues to the Lu'on$ the same may be revived only a ter the dis'ute sub"ect o the dismissed case is submitted to baran!ay conciliation as re,uired under the Local 0overnment )ode. There is no declaration to the e ect that said case may be revived by mere motion even a ter the i teen*day 'eriod within which to a''eal or to ile a motion or reconsideration has la'sed. Moreover$ the 4<<4 Revised Rule on %ummary .rocedure e('ressly 'rovides that the Rules o )ourt a''lies su''letorily to cases covered by the ormer. b. R$6" ),,6&"- 'o+ o'6. +o #&0&6 #)!"! ?$+ )6!o #%&5&')6 #)!"!. &n Eaca v. Blanco$ the )ourt de ined a 'rovisional dismissal o a criminal case as a dismissal without 're"udice to the reinstatement threo be ore the order o dismissal becomes inal or to the subse,uent ilin! o a new in ormation or the o ense. 8&bid.5 c. Rule a''lies to cases covered by the %ummary .rocedure.

EXHAUSTION OF

ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES

111;1. What is the doctrine of e haustion of administrative remedies ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & a remedy within the administrative machinery can still be resorted to by !ivin! the administrative o icer concerned every o''ortunity to decide on a matter that comes within his "urisdiction then such remedy must be e(hausted irst be ore the court:s "udicial 'ower can be sou!ht. The 'remature invocation o court intervention is atal to one:s cause o action. 81nion Bank o the .hili''ines v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C4=6<$ 'rom. May 4<$ 4<<>5. The dismissal may be 'remised on the !round that a condition 'recedent or ilin! the claim has not been com'lied with. 8%ec. 49 ?"@$ RO)5 Non*re erral o a case or baran!ay conciliation when so re,uired under the law is "urisdictional in nature and may be waived i not raised. ;2. <ow are administrative remedies e hausted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The 'arty with an administrative remedy must not merely initiate the 'rescribed 'rocedure to obtain relie $ but also 'ursue it to its a''ro'riate conclusion be ore seekin! "udicial intervention in order to !ive the administrative a!ency an o''ortunity to decide the matter by itsel correctly and 'revent unnecessary and 'remature resort to the court. 8Diamonon v. De'artment o Labor and Em'loyment$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B><D4$ 'rom. March =$ 6BBBG %'ouses Pabat v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 466B><$ 'rom. Au!ust 6C$ 6BBB5 ;2. What are the reasons for the e istence of the doctrine of eh austion of administrative remedies ? )n short% what are its purposes. a. Ensures an orderly 'rocedure which avors a 'reliminary si tin! 'rocess$ 'articularly with res'ect to matters$ 'eculiarly within the com'etence o the administrative a!ency$ b. Avoidance o inter erence with unctions o the administrative a!ency by withholdin! "udicial action until the administrative 'rocess had run its course$ c. .revention o attem'ts to swam' the courts by resort to them in the irst instance. 8)arale$ et al.$ v. Abarintos$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B=BA$ 'rom. March C$ 4<<=5 d. The administrative 'rocess is intended to 'rovide less e('ensive and more s'eedy solutions to dis'utes.

AC

e. /or reasons o law$ comity$ and convenience. 81nion Bank o the .hili''ines v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C4=6<$ 'rom. May 4<$ 4<<>5 ;3. What are the e ceptions to the rule on e haustion of administrative remedies ? a. +here the ,uestion is 'urely le!al. b. +here "udicial intervention is ur!ent. c. +hen its a''lication may cause !reat and irre'arable dama!e. d. +hen the controverted acts violate due 'rocess. e. /ailure o a hi!h !overnment o icial rom whom the relie is sou!ht to act on the matter. . +hen the issue o non*e(haustion o administrative remedies has been rendered moot. 8)arale$ et al.$ v. Eud!e Abarintos$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B=BA$ 'rom. March C$ 4<<=5 !. +hen the administrative action is 'atently ille!al amountin! to lack or e(cess o "urisdiction. h. +hen there is esto''el on the 'art o the administrative a!ency concerned. i. +hen there is irre'arable in"ury. ". +hen the res'ondent is a de'artment secretary whose acts as an alter ego o the .resident bears the im'lied and assumed a''roval o the later. k. +hen to re,uire e(haustion o administrative remedies would be unreasonable. l. +hen it would amount to a nulli ication o a claim. m. +hen the sub"ect mater is a 'rivate land in a land case 'roceedin!s. n. +hen the rule does not 'rovide a 'lain$ s'eedy and ade,uate remedy. 8.aat$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 699 %)RA 49=5

ARBITRATION AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

MODES

OF

;4. Mes9ellen sued drawee &llied 'an. for dama#es which it alle#edly suffered when chec.s were not paid to it but to some other person. &llied then filed a third"party complaint a#ainst 'an. of (hilippine )slands% for reimbursement in the event that it would be adjud#ed liable to pay plaintiff Mes9ellen. '() filed a motion to dismiss the third"party complaint for lac. of jurisdiction. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion !ranted. +hile a trial court that has "urisdiction over the main action$ also has "urisdiction over the third*'arty com'laint$ even i the said court would have no "urisdiction over it had it been iled in an inde'endent action. 7owever$ this doctrine does not a''ly in the case o banks$ which have !iven written and subscribed consent to arbitration under the aus'ices o the .)7). By 'artici'atin! in the clearin! o'erations o the .)7)$ Allied a!reed to submit dis'utes o this nature to arbitration. Accordin!ly$ it cannot invoke he "urisdiction o the trial courts without a 'rior recourse o the .)7) Arbitration )ommittee. 8Allied Bankin! )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46C>=4$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G%o$'- !8o$6- ?" ,%"5)+$%&+.. &t is su!!ested that the !round or dismissal should not be lack o "urisdiction 8%ection 4 ?b@$ Rule 49$ RO)5 but ailure to com'ly with a condition 'recedent or ilin! the claim 8%ection 4 ?"@$ Rule 49$ RO)5 This is so because "urisdiction is con erred by a Eudiciary Act and not by mere a!reement o the 'arties. 111b. A%?&+%)+&o' -" &'"-2 The submission o a controversy or the resolution o a non*"udicial third 'arty chosen by the dis'utants. 111c. N)+$%" o )%?&+%)+&o' )! ) 5o-" o -&!,$+" %"!o6$+&o' 2 Arbitration has been held valid and constitutional. Even be ore the a''roval on Eune 4<$ 4<DC o Re'ublic Act No. >=9$ the %u'reme )ourt has countenanced the settlement o dis'utes throu!h arbitration. 8B/ )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B4BD$ 'rom. March 6=$ 4<<>5 Re'ublic Act No. >=9 was ado'ted to su''lement the New )ivil )ode:s 'rovisions on arbitration. 8Ibid.5

AA

&ts 'otential as one o the alternative dis'ute resolution methods that are now ri!ht ully vaunted as #the wave o the uture# in international relations$ is reco!ni-ed worldwide. 8Ibid.5 To brush aside a contractual a!reement callin! or arbitration in case o disa!reement between the 'arties would be a ste' backward. 8%ea*Land %ervice$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469646$ 'rom.$ March 6$ 6BBB5 Arbitration as an alternative method o dis'ute resolution is encoura!ed by the %u'reme )ourt. Aside rom unclo!!in! "udicial dockets$ it also hastens solutions es'ecially o commercial dis'utes. 8Allied Bankin! )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46C>=4$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 4<<>5

COURT SELECTION
;9. S+)+" )'- "/,6)&' )' &'!+)'#" 78"' )' )#+&o' !uasi in rem ?"#o5"! ?o+8 )' )#+&o' !uasi in rem )'- in personam. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & the 'ro'erty is attached and later the de endant a''ears$ #the cause becomes mainly a suit in personam with the added incident that the 'ro'erty attached remains liable$ under the control o the court$ to answer to any demand which may be established a!ainst the de endant by the inal "ud!ment o the court. 8Jillareal$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B=C4A$ 'rom. %e'tember 4=$ 4<<>5 The main action in an attachment or !arnishment is in rem until "urisdiction o the de endant is secured. Therea ter$ it is in personam and also in rem unless "urisdiction o the res is lost by dissolution o the attachment. & "urisdiction o the de endant is ac,uired but "urisdiction o the res is lost$ it is then 'urely in personam. 8Mabana! v. 0allemore$ >4 .hil. 6DA5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G"'"%)6 %$6"2 &n actions quasi in rem recoveru is limited only to the value o the res. +here the de endant in an action in personam is a non*resident and re uses to a''ear and submit to the "urisdiction o the court the "urisdiction o the latter is limited to the 'ro'erty within the country which the court may have ordered attached. &n such a case$ the 'ro'erty itsel $ is #the sole thin! which is im'leaded and is the res'onsible ob"ect which is the sub"ect o the "udicial 'ower.# 8Jillareal$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B=C4A$ 'rom. %e'tember 4=$ 4<<>5 Accordin!ly$ #the relie must be con ined to the res$ and the court cannot law ully render a 'ersonal "ud!ment a!ainst him.# 8Ibid5 b. A#+&o' !uasi in rem, -" &'"-. An action which while not strictly s'eakin! an action in rem 'artakes o that nature and is substantially such. . 8Jalmonte$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 6D6 %)RA <65 &t is essentially an action a!ainst a 'erson or the recovery o a s'eci ic 'ro'erty or ri!hts thereto. E/)5,6"! o )#+&o'! !uasi in rem: All 'roceedin!s havin! or their sole ob"ect the sale or other dis'osition o the 'ro'erty o the de endant$ whether by attachment$ oreclosure$ or other orms o remedy$ are in a !eneral way thus desi!nated. The "ud!ment entered in these 'roceedin!s is conclusive only between the 'arties. 8Jalmonte$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 6D6 %)RA <65 111c. A#+&o' in rem -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 )#+&o' !uasi in rem2 45 &n actions quasi in rem an individual is named as de endant +7&LE in an action in rem the action is usually directed a!ainst the thin! itsel . 65 &n actions quasi in rem the "ud!ment is conclusive only between the 'arties +7&LE in an action in rem the "ud!ment binds the whole world. 8Jalmonte$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 6D6 %)RA <65 111d. A#+&o' !uasi in rem -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 )#+&o' in personam: 45 &n actions quasi in rem the 'ro'erty itsel is bound +7&LE in actions in personam it is the 'erson himsel who is bound.

AD

65 &n actions quasi in rem service o summons by 'ublication is in order to a ord the de endant due 'rocess +7&LE service o summons in actions in personam or the 'ur'ose o obtainin! "urisdiction. C5 &n actions quasi in rem the recovery is limited only to the value o the 'ro'erty attached +7&LE in actions in personam there is no such limitation. ;;. What determines the nature of the action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Nature o action determined by alle!ations in com'laints and the character o the relie sou!ht. 8Bayani v. .anay Electric )o.$ &nc. 0.R. No. 4C<9>B$ 'ro$ A'ril 46$ 6BBB5

HIERARCHY OF COURTS
;@. What is meant by the concept of hierarchy of courts ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +hile the %u'reme )ourt$ the )ourt o A''eals$ and the Re!ional Trial )ourts have concurrent ori!inal "urisdiction to issue writs o certiorari 'rohibition$ mandamus quo -arranto and .abeas corpus such concurrence does not accord liti!ants unrestrained reedom o choice o the court to which a''lication there or may be directed. There is a hierarchy o courts which is determinative o the venue o a''eals and should also serve as a !eneral determinant o the a''ro'riate orum or 'etitions or the e(traordinary writs. 8.earson$ etc.$ et al.$ v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 0.R. No. =AADA$ 'rom. %e'tember C$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R)+&o')6" o% +8" 8&"%)%#8. o #o$%+!: 45 A becomin! re!ard or that "udicial hierarchy most certainly indicate that 'etitions or the issuance o e(traordinary writs a!ainst irst level 8in erior5 courts should be iled with the Re!ional Trial )ourt$ and those a!ainst the latter with the )ourt o A''eals$ and ultimately with the %u'reme )ourt. 8.earson$ etc.$ et al.$ v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 0.R. No. =AADA$ 'rom. %e'tember C$ 4<<>5 65 &t is necessary to 'revent inordinate demands u'on the %u'reme )ourt:s time and attention which are better devoted to those matters within its e(clusive "urisdiction$ and to 'revent urther over*crowdin! o the )ourt:s docket. 8/ortich$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )orona$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C4AD=$ 'rom. A'ril 6A$ 4<<>5 The %u'reme )ourt is a court o last resort$ and must so remain i it is to satis actorily 'er orm the unctions assi!ned to it by undamental charter and immemorial tradition. &t cannot and should not be burdened with the task o dealin! with causes in the irst instance. &ts ori!inal "urisdiction to issue the so*called e(traordinary writs should be e(ercised only where absolutely necessary or where serious and im'ortant reasons e(ist there or. 7ence$ that "urisdiction should !enerally be e(ercised relative to actions or 'roceedin!s be ore the )ourt o A''eals$ or be ore constitutional or other tribunals$ bodies or a!encies whose acts or some reason or another$ are not controllable by the )ourt o A''eals. +here the issuance o an e(traordinary writ is also within the com'etence o the )ourt o A''eals or a Re!ional Trial )ourt$ it is either o these courts that the s'eci ic action or the writKs 'rocurement must be 'resented.. This is and should continue to be the 'olicy in this re!ard$ a 'olicy that courts and lawyers must strictly observe. 8Fared$ etc. v. 7on. Ricardo M. &larde$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44A=C6$ Au!ust 4$ 4BBB ciitin! Jer!ara v. %uelto$ 4D9 %)RA =DC$ =995 111b. E/#",+&o'! +o +8" #o'#",+ o 8&"%)%#8. o #o$%+!2 There are instances where a 'etition that is 'ro'erly co!ni-able by lower courts may be iled directly with the %u'reme )ourt. The %u'reme )ourt has ull discretionary 'owers to take co!ni-ance o the 'etition iled directly to it under the ollowin! circumstances2

A9

45 & com'ellin! reasons$ or the nature and im'ortance o the issues raised$ warrant$ or "usti y direct re erral to the %u'reme )ourt. 8.earson$ etc.$ et al.$ v. &ntermediate A''ellate court$ et al.$ 0.R. No. =AADA$ 'rom. %e'tember C$ 4<<>5 65 To avoid uture liti!ations so as to 'rom'tly 'ut an end to a controversy which has s'arked national interest because o the ma!nitude o the 'roblem created by the issuance o the assailed resolution o a lower court. 8/ortich$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )orona$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C4AD=$ 'rom. A'ril 4A$ 4<<>5 C5 The %u'reme )ourt could resolve to take 'rimary "urisdiction in the interest o s'eedy "ustice 8Eu!enio v. Drilon$ et al.$ 6D6 %)RA 4B9$ 44B5

JURISDICTION IN GENERAL
;A. <ow do courts ac!uire limited or special jurisdiction ? E plain briefly and #ive an e ample. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 %imilarly with !eneral "urisdiction$ it is the "urisdiction laws which 'rescribes the 'arameters o limited or s'ecial "urisdiction. /or e(am'le$ the "urisdiction o metro'olitan trial courts$ munici'al trial courts and munici'al trial courts over civil actions$ 'robate 'roceedin!s$ testate and intestate 'roceedin!s includin! !rant o 'rovisional remedies in 'ro'er cases$ is limited only to instances where the value o the 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ estate$ or the amount o the demand does not e(ceed Two hundred thousand 'esos 8.6BB$BBB.BB5 or$ in Metro Manila where such 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ estate$ or amount o the demand does not e(ceed /our hundred thousand 'esos 8.ABB$BBB.BB5$ e(clusive o interest$ dama!es o whatever kind$ attorney:s ees$ liti!ation e('enses$ and costs.# 8%ec. CC ?4@$ B... Bl!. 46< as amended by R.A. No. =9<4$ s'eci ically %ec. D which increased the "urisdictional amount e ective A'ril 49$ 4<<< or a ter ive 8D5 years rom the e ectivity o R.A. No. =9<4. R.A. No. =9<4 took e ect on A'ril 4D$ 4<<A 8'ar. 4$ %u'reme )ourt Administrative )ircular No. B<*<A5 W&R4)4:D Fo% B)% "/)5&')+&o' ,$%,o!"!, .o$ 5$!+ +)C" 'o+" o +8" -)+" o +8" )#+$)6 !"++&'( (&0"' &' +8" E$"!+&o'. I +8" -)+" o +8" &6&'( &! ?" o%" A,%&6 19, 1AAA +8"' ),,6. +8" o6- %$6" 78&#8 ,%o0&-"! o% +8" *$%&!-&#+&o')6 )5o$'+ o P1BB,BBB.BB o% #o$%+! o$+!&-" o M"+%o,o6&+)' M)'&6), )'- P2BB,BBB.BB o% #o$%+! 7&+8&' M"+%o,o6&+)' M)'&6). I +8" -)+" o &6&'( )! !8o7' &' +8" ,%o?6"5 &! A,%&6 19, 1AAA o% &! $'-)+"- $!" +8" '"7 *$%&!-&#+&o')6 )5o$'+! o P2BB,BBB.BB )'- P3BB,BBB.BB o% o$+!&-" M"+%o,o6&+)' M)'&6) )'- o% M"+%o,o6&+)' M)'&6) %"!,"#+&0"6.. @B. Define e clusive ori#inal jurisdiction and #ive an e ample. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 That kind o "urisdiction that could be e(ercised by a court to the e(clusion o all other courts. /or e(am'le$ Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts and Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts shall e(ercise E/#6$!&0" o%&(&')6 *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% #)!"! o o%#&?6" "'+%. )'- $'6)7 $6 -"+)&'"%. 8%ec. CC ?6@$ B... Bl!. 46<5 @1. Define concurrent jurisdiction. :ive an e ample. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 That ty'e o "urisdiction that may be e(ercised by a court to!ether with courts o di erent levels. /or e(am'le$ R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+! !8)66 "/"%#&!" o%&(&')6 *$%&!-&#+&o' F1D I' +8" &!!$)'#" o 7%&+! o certiorari% ,%o8&?&+&o', mandamus% !uo warranto, habeas corpus )'&'*$'#+&o' 78&#8 5). ?" "' o%#"- &' )'. ,)%+ o +8"&% %"!,"#+&0" %"(&o'!H )'- F2D I' )#+&o'! ) "#+&'( )5?)!!)-o%! )'- o+8"% ,$?6&# 5&'&!+"%! )'- #o'!$6! 8%ec. 64$ B... Bl!. 46<5. T8" Co$%+ o A,,")6! !8)66 "/"%#&!"! O%&(&')6 *$%&!-&#+&o' +o &!!$" 7%&+! o mandamus% ,%o8&?&+&o', certiorari% habeas corpus )'- !uo warranto )'- )$/&6&)%. 7%&+! ,% ,%o#"!!"!, 78"+8"% o% 'o+ &' )&- o &+! ),,"66)+" *$%&!-&#+&o'. 8%ec. < ?4@$ Ibid.5 On the other hand$ the %u'reme )ourt shall have the 'ower to E/"%#&!" o%&(&')6 *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% #)!"! ) "#+&'( )5?)!!)-o%!, o+8"% ,$?6&# 5&'&!+"%! )'- #o'!$6+!, )'-

A=

o0"% ,"+&+&o'! o% certiorari% ,%o8&?&+&o', mandamus% !uo warranto% )'- habeas corpus. 8%ec. D ?4@$ Article J&&&$ 4<>= .hili''ine )onstitution5 +hile the Rules o )ourt is not a "urisdiction law$ it should be considered that T8" 7%&+ o habeas corpus 5). ?" (%)'+"- ?. +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+, o% )'. 5"5?"% +8"%"o , o' )'. -). )'- )+ )'. +&5", o% ?. +8" Co$%+ o A,,")6! o% )'. 5"5?"% +8"%"o &' +8" &'!+)'#"! )$+8o%&G"- ?. 6)7, )'- & !o (%)'+"- &+ !8)66 ?" "' o%#")?6" )'.78"%" &' +8" P8&6&,,&'"!, )'- 5). ?" 5)-" %"+$%')?6" ?" o%" +8" #o$%+ o% )'. 5"5?"% +8"%"o , o% ?" o%" ) R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, o% )'. *$-(" +8"%"o o% 8")%&'( )'- -"#&!&o' o' +8" 5"%&+!. I+ 5). )6!o ?" (%)'+"- ?. ) R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, o% ) *$-(" +8"%"o , o' )'. -). )'- )+ )'. +&5", )'- %"+$%')?6" ?" o%" 8&5!"6 , "' o%#")?6" o'6. 7&+8&' 8&! *$-&#&)6 -&!+%&#+. 8%ec$ 6$ Rule 4B6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 +hile it seems that there may be concurrent ori!inal "urisdiction$ the conce't o hierarchy o courts e ectively ne!ates the e(istence o concurrent ori!inal "urisdiction. 7owever$ there may still e(ist concurrent ori!inal "urisdiction$ i the %u'reme )ourt takes co!ni-ance o any o the above cases$ des'ite the conce't o hierarchy o courts. @2. What is territorial jurisdiction of the trial courts ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 8a5 Metro'olitan trial courts$ munici'al trial courts and munici'al circuit trial courts shall e(ercise their "urisdiction within the city$ munici'ality or circuit or which the "ud!e thereo is a''ointed or desi!nated. 8b5 A re!ional trial court shall e(ercise its "urisdiction within the area de ined by the %u'reme )ourt as the territory over which the 'articular branch concerned shall e(ercise its authority. 8%ec. A.6.$ &nterim Rules$ %.). Res. dated Eanuary 44$ 4<>C5 @2. What determines the character of the subject matter whether the court has jurisdiction ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The com'laint determines the character o the sub"ect matter whether the court has "urisdiction. A court:s "urisdiction cannot be made to de'end u'on de enses set u' in the answer$ in a motion to dismiss$ or in a motion or reconsideration but only u'on the alle!ations o the com'laint 8Tamano v. 7on. Orti-$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4699BC$ 'rom. Eune 6<$ 4<<>$ irres'ective o whether the 'lainti is entitled or not entitled to recover u'on the claim asserted therein M a matter resolved only a ter and as a result o the trial. 8Deltaventures Resources$ &nc. v. 7on. /ernando .. )abato$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44>649$ March <$ 6BBB5 This is so because the com'laint com'rises a concise statement o the ultimate acts constitutin! the 'lainti :s cause o action. 8Ibid.5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Ho7 #o$%+! )#E$&%" *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"%2 /irstly$ there must be a statute that con ers "urisdiction over certain sub"ect matter. %econdly$ the alle!ations in the com'laint which com'rise a concise statement o the ultimate acts constitutin! the course o action$ then determines whether the s'eci ic sub"ect matter would all under the "urisdiction con erred by the statute. 8Deltaventures Resources$ &nc. v. 7on. )abato$ etc. et al.$ 0.R. No.44>649$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5 &t is settled that "urisdiction o courts over the sub"ect matter o the liti!ation is con erred by law and determined by the alle!ations in the com'laint. 88;ue v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CDAA6$ Au!ust C4$ 6BBB5 111b. I!!$" o *$%&!-&#+&o' #o$6- ?" %)&!"- o'6. -$%&'( +8" ,%o#""-&'(! o +8" #)!" )'- -$%&'( +8" ),,")6: +hile "urisdiction over the sub"ect matter o a case may be ob"ected to at any sta!e o the 'roceedin! even on a''eal$ this 'articular rule$ however$ means that "urisdictional issues in a case can be raised only durin! the 'roceedin!s in said case and durin! the a''eal o said case.

A>

&t certainly does not mean that lack o "urisdiction o a court in a case may be raised durin! the 'roceedin!s o another case$ in another court and even by anybody at all. 8Ara!on$ etc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 6=B %)RA 9BC5 c. A66 RTC ?%)'#8"! )%" o'" #o$%+. The various branches o the )ourt o /irst &nstance o )ebu under the /ourteenth Eudicial District$ are coordinate and e,ual courts$ and the totality o which is only one )ourt o /irst &nstance. The "urisdiction is vested in the court$ not in the "ud!es. And when a case is iled in one branch$ "urisdiction over the case does not attach to the branch or "ud!e alone$ to the e(clusion o the other branches. Trial may be held or 'roceedin!s continued by abd be ore another branch or "ud!e. &t is or this reason that section D= o the Eudiciary Act e('ressly !rants to the %ecretary o Eustice ?now the %u'reme )ourt5$ the administrative ri!ht or 'ower to a''ortion the cases amon! the di erent branches$ both or the convenience o the 'arties and or the coordination o the work by the di erent branches o the same court. The a''ortionment and distribution o cases does not involve a !rant or limitation o "urisdiction$ the "urisdiction attaches and continues to be vested in the )ourt o /irst &nstance o the 'rovince$ and the trials may be held by any branch or "ud!e o the court. 8Lim'o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46AD>6$ Eune 49$ 6BBB5 @3. What is the e clusive oi#inal jurisdiction of the four =3> lower trial courts in civil cases under the E panded Aurisdiction ;aw =R.&. 4o. 2C0/> ? a. E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over civil actions and 'robate 'roceedin!s$ testate and intestate includin! !rant o 'rovisional remedies in 'ro'er cases$ where the value o the 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ estate$ or amount o the demand 45 Does not e(ceed Two 7undred Thousand 'esos 8.6BB$BBB.BB5$ 11or 65 &n Metro Manila where such 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ estate$ or amount o the demand does not e(ceed /our 7undred Thousand 'esos 8.ABB$BBB.BB5$RRR "/#6$!&0" o interest$ dama!es o whatever kind$ attorney:s ees$ liti!ation e('enses and costs$ the amount o which must be s'eci ically alle!ed$ .rovided$ that interest$ dama!es o whatever kind$ attorney:s ees$ liti!ation e('enses$ and costs shall be included in the determination o the ilin! ees. b. E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over cases o orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer2 .rovided$ that when$ in such cases$ the de endant raises the ,uestion o ownershi' in his 'leadin!s and the ,uestion o 'ossession cannot be resolved without decidin! the issue o ownershi'$ the issue o ownershi' shall be resolved only to determine the issue o 'ossessionG and c. E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction in all civil actions which involve title to or 'ossession o real 'ro'erty$ or any interest therein where the assessed value o the 'ro'erty or interest therein21111 45 Does not e(ceed Twenty Thousand 'esos 8.6B$BBB.BB5$ or 65 &n Metro Manila$ where such assessed value does not e(ceed /i ty Thousand 'esos 8.DB$BBB.BB5 "/#6$!&0" o interest$ dama!es o whatever kind$ attorney:s ees$ liti!ation e('enses and costs2 .rovided$ that in cases o land not declared or ta(ation 'ur'oses the value o such 'ro'erty shall be determined by the assessed value o the ad"acent lots. 8%ec. CC$ B... Bl!. 46<$ as amended by R.A. No. =9<45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Eurisdiction in 'robate 'roceedin!s is determined by the !ross value o the estate. 8Lim v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46A=4D$ 'rom.$ Eanuary 6A$ 6BBB5 b. Note that under %ec. CC$ B... No. 46<$ as amended by R.A. No. =9<4$ !rants "urisdiction to MT) over actions involvin! title to real 'ro'erty or any interest therein release etc. The holdin! in Ddurub v. Eud!e .aras$ A.M. No. MTE M BB M 46A6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBB to the e ect that MT) have no "urisdiction over actions or ,uietin! title and recovery o ownershi' is not doctrinal because the actual antecedents occurred 'rior to R.A. No. =9<4. 11 A ter ive 8D5 years rom the e ectivity o R.A. No. =9<4$ or on A'ril 49$ 4<<< the "urisdictional amount is ad"usted to .6BB$BBB.BB. 8%ec. D$ R.A. No. =9<45

A<

111 &n Metro Manila$ the amount is .ABB$BBB.BB. 8Ibid.5 1111 There is no chan!e in "urisdictional amounts. 111@4. What is meant by the totality rule which is applicable only to the four =3> lower trial courts =the Municipal $rial Court% the Municipal Circuit $rial Court% the Municipal $rial Court in Cities% and the Metropolitan $rial Court> ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2+here there are several claims or causes o action between di erent 'arties embodied in the same com'laint$ the amount o the demand shall be the totality o the claims in all the causes o action$ irres'ective o whether the causes o action arose out o the same or di erent transactions. 8%ec. CC ?4@$ B... Bl!. 46<5 The rule on "oinder o causes o action and "oinder o 'arties should be a''lied. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 &llustrationo the totality rule2 The ollowin! amounts are the claims o various 'arties a!ainst Ben"ie$ where the 'lainti s are all residents o Jictoria$ Tarlac$ and all the claims arose out o the same transaction2 Remy Randy Raymond Total S . =D$BBB.BB S =D$BBB.BB S 4DB$BBB.BB S .CBB$BBB.BB

There could be no 'ro'er "oinder o 'arties i the claims are to be iled be ore the Munici'al Trial )ourt o Jictoria$ Tarlac because under the totality rule$ the "oined claims o the 'arties e(ceed the "urisdictional amount o said court. The illustration 'resu''oses that the ilin! took 'lace a ter A'ril 49$ 4<<< when %ec. D$ R.A. No. =9<4 inds a''lication increasin! the "urisdictional amount to .6BB$BBB.BB. @9. What is the dele#ated jurisdiction of the four =3> lower trial courts in cadastral and land re#istration cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts in cities. b. May be assi!ned by the %u'reme )ourt to hear and determine cadastral or land re!istration cases c. )overin! lots 45 +here there is no controversy or o''osition$ or 45 )ontested lots where the value o which do not e(ceed One 7undred Thousand 'esos 8.4BB$BBB.BB5$ such value to be ascertained a5 By the a idavit o the claimant$ or b5 By a!reement o the res'ective claimants i there are more than one$ or a5 /rom the corres'ondin! ta( declaration o the real 'ro'erty. 8%ec. CA$ B... Bl!. 46<$ as amended by R.A. No. =9<45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Decisions o Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts and Munici'al Trial )ourts in cities in e(ercise o their dele!ated "urisdiction shall be a''ealable in the same manner as decisions o the Re!ional Trial )ourts. 8%ec. CA$ B... Bl!. 46<$ as amended by R.A. No. =9<45 @;. What is the special jurisdiction of the four =3> lower trial courts in certain cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &n the absence o the Re!ional Trial Eud!es in a 'rovince or city$ b. Any Metro'olitan Trial Eud!e$ Munici'al Trial Eud!e$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial Eud!e. c. May hear and decide 'etitions or a writ o .abeas corpus or a''lication or bail in criminal cases in the 'rovince or city where the absent Re!ional Trial )ourt Eud!es sit. 8%ec. CD$ B... Bl!. 46<5

DB

@@. What is the e clusive or#inal jurisdiction of Re#ional $rial Courts in civil cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 #Re!ional Trial )ourts shall e(ercise e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction2 845 &n all civil actions in which the sub"ect o the liti!ation is inca'able o 'ecuniary estimationG 865 &n all civil actions which involve the title to$ or 'ossession o $ real 'ro'erty$ or any interest therein$ where the assessed value o the 'ro'erty involved e(ceeds Twenty Thousand 'esos 8.6B$BBB.BB5 or$ or civil actions in Metro Manila$ where such value e(ceeds /i ty thousand 'esos 8.DB$BBB.BB5 e(ce't actions or orcible entry into and unlaw ul detainer o lands or buildin!s$ ori!inal "urisdiction o which is con erred u'on the Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourtsG 8C5 &n all actions in admiralty and maritime "urisdiction where the demand or claim e(ceeds Two hundred thousand 'esos 8.6BB$BBB.BB5 or$ in Metro Manila$ where such demand or claim e(ceeds /our hundred thousand 8.ABB$BBB.BB5GRR 8A5 &n all matters o 'robate$ both testate and intestate$ where the !ross value o the estate e(ceeds Two hundred thousand 'esos 8.6BB$BBB.BB5 or$ in 'robate matters in Metro Manila$ where such !ross value e(ceeds /our hundred thousand 'esos 8.ABB$BBB.BB5G RR 8D5 &n all actions involvin! the contract o marria!e and marital relationsG 895 &n all cases not within the e(clusive "urisdiction o any court$ tribunal$ 'erson or body e(ercisin! "urisdiction o any court$ tribunal$ 'erson or body e(ercisin! "urisdiction o any court$ tribunal$ 'erson or body e(ercisin! "udicial or ,uasi*"udicialG 8=5 &n all civil actions s'ecial 'roceedin!s allin! within the e(clusive "urisdiction o a Euvenile and Domestic Relations )ourt and o the )ourt o A!rarian Relations as now 'rovided by lawG and 8>5 &n all other cases in which the demand$ e(clusive o interest$ dama!es o whatever kind$ attorney:s ees$ liti!ation e('enses$ and costs or the value o the 'ro'erty in controversy e(ceeds Two hundred thousand 8.6BB$BBB.BB5 or$ in such other cases in Metro Manila where the demand$ e(clusive o the abovementioned items e(ceeds /our hundred thousand 'esos 8.ABB$BBB.BB5. RR 8%ec. 4<$ B... Bl!. 46< as amended by as amended by R.A. No. =9<45 11 A ter ive 8D5 years rom the e ectivity o R.A. No. =9<4$ A'ril 49$ 4<<< the "urisdictional amount is ad"usted to .6BB$BBB.BB. or 'laces outside o Metro Manila$ and .ABB$BBB.BB or Metro Manila. 8%ec. D$ R.A. No. =9<45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. RT) has "urisdiction as the issue was not title to the 'ro'erty but whether the bank can be com'elled to issue a board resolution con irmin! the Deed o %ale. 8Rural Bank o Milaor$ )amarines %ur v. Octevnia$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C=9>9$ 'rom. /ebruary >$ 6BBB5 111@A. What is the criteria for determinin# whether the subject matter is or is not an action not capable of pecuniary estimation. E plain briefly. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. F&%!+ )!#"%+)&' +8" ')+$%" o +8" ,%&'#&,)6 )#+&o' o% %"5"-.. 45 & it is 'rimarily or the recovery o a sum o money$ the claim is considered ca'able o 'ecuniary estimation$ and whether "urisdiction is in the munici'al courts or in the re!ional trial courts would de'end on the amount o the claim. 65 7owever$ where the basic issue is somethin! other than the ri!ht to recover a sum o money$ or where the money claim is 'urely incidental to$ or a conse,uence o $ the 'rinci'al relie sou!ht$ like in suits to have the de endant 'er orm his 'art o the contract 8s'eci ic 'er ormance5 and in actions or su''ort$ or or annulment o a "ud!ment or to oreclose a mort!a!e$ such actions are cases where the sub"ect o the liti!ation may not be estimated in terms o money$ and are co!ni-able e(clusively by re!ional trial courts.

D4

R)+&o')6": The second class cases$ besides the determination o dama!es$ demand an in,uiry into other actors which the law has deemed to be more within the com'etence o courts o irst instanced 8now re!ional trial courts5$ which were the lowest courts o record at the time the irst or!anic laws o the Eudiciary 8Act 4C9 o the .hili''ine )ommission o Eune 44$ 4<B45 were enacted allocatin! "urisdiction. 8%'ouses de Leon v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BA=<9$ 'rom. March 9$ 4<<>5 8Baran!ay %an Ro,ue$ Talisay$ )ebu v. 7eirs o /rancisco .astor$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C>><9$ Eune 6B$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. A#+&o'! 'o+ #),)?6" o ,"#$'&)%. "!+&5)+&o': 45 action or rescission o contract one not ca'able o 'ecuniary estimation. Reason2 The court would certainly have to undertake an investi!ation into acts that would "usti y one act or the other. No award o dama!es may be had in an action or rescission without irst conductin! an in,uiry into matters which would "usti y the settin! aside o a contract$ in the same manner that re!ional trial courts would have to make indin!s o act and law in actions in other cases not ca'able o 'ecuniary estimation. 65 action relative to the le!ality or ille!ality o the conveyance sou!ht or and the determination o the validity o the money de'osit made. 8Arro- v. Alohado$ et al.$ L*664DC$ March C4$ 4<9=5 C5 action contestin! the validity o a "ud!ment. 8De 1rsua v. .elayo$ L* 4C6>D$ A'ril 4>$ 4<DB5 A5 action relative to the validity o a mort!a!e. 8Bunayo! v. Tunas$ L*46=B=$ December 6C$ 4<D<5 D5 action concernin! the relations o the 'arties$ the ri!ht to su''ort created by the relation$ etc.$ in actions or su''ort. 8Baito v. %armiento$ L*4C4BD$ Au!ust 6D$ 4<9B5 95 action where the issue is the validity or nullity o documents u'on which claims are 'redicated. 8De Rivera$ et al.$ v. 7alili$ L*4D4D<$ %e'tember CB$ 4<9C5 &ssues o the same nature may be raised by a 'arty a!ainst whom an action or rescission has been brou!ht$ or by the 'lainti himsel . &t is di icult to see why a 'rayer or dama!es in an action or rescission should be taken as the basis or concludin! such action as one ca'able o 'ecuniary estimation * a 'rayer which must be included in the main action i the 'lainti is to be com'ensated or what he may have su ered as a result o the breach committed by the de endant$ and not later on 'recluded rom recoverin! dama!es by the rule a!ainst s'littin! a cause o action and discoura!in! multi'licity o suits. 8La'itan v. %candia$ &nc.$ 6A %)RA A=<5 111AB. What courts have jurisdiction over the followin# cases filed in Metro Manila ? a> &n action for specific performance or% in the alternative for dama#es in the amount of (*,+%+++.++. b> &n action for a writ of injunction? c> &n action for replevin of a motor cycle valued at (*++%+++.++? d> &n action for interpleader to determine who between the defendants is entitled to receive the amount of (*1+%+++.++ from the plaintiff? e> & petition for the probate of a will involvin# an estate valued at (3++%+++.++. 8Bar2 4<<=5 %100E%TED AN%+ER%2 a5 and d5 the Metro'olitan Trial )ourt. &n alternative causes o action it is the claim or sum o money which determines "urisdiction. b5 and c5 The Re!ional Trial )ourt because the action is not sub"ect to 'ecuniary estimation. e5 Metro'olitan Trial )ourt because the "urisdictional amount alls within that court. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 & amount in the alternative cause o action is within the "urisdiction o the Metro'olitan Trial )ourt$ Munici'al Trial )ourt$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourt it should be brou!ht in those courts. &nclusion o the alternative claim which is

D6

not sub"ect to 'ecuniary estimation does not vest "urisdiction with the Re!ional Trial )ourt. 8)ru- v. Tan$ >= .hil. 96=5 A1. &% a resident of Da#upan City secured a favorable jud#ment in an ejectment case a#ainst M% a resident of Nue9on City% from the Metropolitan $rial Court of Manila. $he jud#ment% entered on /, Aune /00C% had not as yet been e ecuted. )n Auly 5++/% & decided to enforce the jud#ment of the Metropolitan $rial Court of Manila. With what court should & institute the proceedin#s ? 8Bar2 4<<=$ ada'ted5 %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +ith the Re!ional Trial )ourt because there could be no en orcement by motion considerin! the la'se o the ive 8D5 year 'eriod. A should ile a se'arate action or en orcement o the "ud!ment which is one not sub"ect to 'ecuniary estimation. A2. What is the ori#inal jurisdiction of Re#ional $rial Courts in other cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 JRe!ional Trial )ourts shall e(ercise ori!inal "urisdiction2 a. &n the issuance o writs o certiorari$ 'rohibition$ mandamus$ ,uo warranto$ .abeas corpus and in"unction which may be en orced in any 'art o their res'ective re!ionsG and b. &n actions a ectin! ambassadors and other 'ublic ministers and consuls.# 8%ec. 64$ B... Bl!. 46<5 A2. What is the jurisdiction of the Re#ional $rial Courts to try special cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 #The %u'reme )ourt may desi!nate certain branches o the Re!ional Trial )ourts to handle e(clusively criminal cases$ "uvenile and domestic relations cases$ a!rarian cases$ urban land re orm cases which do not all under the "urisdiction o ,uasi*"udicial bodies and a!encies andOor such other s'ecial cases as the %u'reme )ourt may determine in the interest o a s'eedy and e icient administration o "ustice.# 8%ec. 6C$ B... Bl!. 46<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. F)5&6. %"6)+&o'!. Re'ublic Act No. >C9<$ the #/amily )ourts Act o 4<<=$# a''roved on October 6>$ 4<<= established /amily )ourts which shall have e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction to hear and decide various "uvenile and domestic relations cases$ whether civil or criminal. b. A(%)%&)' #)!"!. K%'ecial A!rarian )ourts which are Re!ional Trial )ourts$ are !iven ori!inal and e(clusive "urisdiction over two cate!ories o cases$ to wit2 845 Nall 'etitions or the determination o "ust com'ensation to landowners:Kand 865 :Nhe 'rosecution o all criminal o enses under ?R.A. No. 99D=@.K The 'rovision o %ection DB must be construed in harmony with this 'rovision by considerin! cases involvin! the determination o "ust com'ensation and criminal cases or violations o R.A. No. 99D= as e(ce'ted rom the 'lenitude o 'ower con erred on the DAR. &ndeed$ there is reason or this distinction. The DAR is an administrative a!ency which cannot be !ranted "urisdiction over cases o eminent domain 8 or such are takin! ?sic@ under R.A. No. 99D=5 and over criminal cases. Thus$ in 0P9A v. 2ulay and $unulong v. :uerrero it was held that the valuation o 'ro'erty in eminent domain is essentially a "udicial unction which cannot be vested in administrative a!encies$ while in $coty;s 2epartment $tore v. <icaller the %u'reme )ourt struck down a law !rantin! the then )ourt o &ndustrial Relations "urisdiction to try criminal cases or violations o the &ndustrial .eace Act. &t would subvert the Nori!inal and e(clusiveK "urisdiction o the RT) ?Re!ional Trial )ourt@ or the De'artment o A!rarian Re orm to vest ori!inal "urisdiction in com'ensation cases in administrative o icials and make the RT) an a''ellate court or the review o administrative decisions. +hat ?a!rarian@ ad"udicators are em'owered to do is only to determine in a 'reliminary manner the reasonable com'ensation to be 'aid to landowners$ leavin! to the courts the ultimate 'ower to decide the ,uestion.I 88Escano$ Er.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B4<C6$ .rom. Eanuary 6A$ 6BBB5

DC

c. Co5,6)&'+! o% o0"%#8)%(&'( o "6"#+%&# %)+"!. The Re!ional Trial )ourt is a court o !eneral "urisdiction. On the other hand$ Re'ublic Act No. 94=C$ as amended by .residential Decree No. 46B9 em'owered the ERB to re!ulate and i( the 'ower rates to be char!ed by electric com'anies. The 'ower to i( rates o electric consum'tion does not carry with it the 'ower to determine whether or not 'etitioner is !uilty o overchar!in! customers or consum'tion o electric 'ower. This alls within the "urisdiction o the re!ular courts. The ,uestion o determinin! the breakdown and itemi-ation o the 'ower ad"ustment billed by an electric 'ower com'any to its customers is not a matter that 'ertains to the ERBKs su'ervision$ control or "urisdiction to re!ulate and i( 'ower rate but alls within the "urisdiction o the re!ular courts. 8)a!ayan Electric .ower and Li!ht )om'any$ &nc. v. )ollera $ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B64>A$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 E(am'le2 Re!ular courts would have "urisdiction where the com'laint only alle!ed that )a!ayan Electric .ower and Li!ht )om'any$ &nc. 8a 'ublic utility com'any5 char!ed the ull rate o electric consum'tion des'ite absence o any increases in the cost o ener!y. & the 'ublic utility com'any used the de'osits$ discounts$ surchar!es$ 'ower cost ad"ustment 8.)A5 and the currency e(chan!e rate ad"ustment 8)ERA5 rates as instruments to obtain undue 'ro its throu!h various loan activities and bene its 'rovided to its em'loyees$ then the cause o action a!ainst the 'ublic utility may have to be liti!ated be ore the re!ular courts. 8)a!ayan Electric .ower and Li!ht )om'any$ &nc. v. )ollera$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B6 4>A$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 d. V&o6)+&o' o +8" O5'&?$! E6"#+%&# Co-". 1nder %ec. 69> o the Omnibus Electric )ode$ RT)Ks have e(clusive "urisdiction to try and decide any criminal action or 'roceedin! or violation o the )ode$ He(ce't those relatin! to the o ense o ailure to re!ister or ailure to vote.I This is so even i the 'enalty does not e(ceed si( years. &t is evident rom %ec. C6$ B. 46<$ as amended by %ec. 6 o RA =9<4$ that the "urisdiction o irst*level courts$ does not cover those criminal cases which by s'eci ic 'rovision o law are co!ni-able by the RT). 8Euan$ et al.$ v .eo'le$ 0.R. No. 4C6C=>$ 'rom.$ Eanuary 4>$ 6BBB 111A3. Mendo9a purchased from Sin#apore &irlines in Manila conjunction tic.ets for Manila"Sin#apore"&thens";arnaca"Rome"$urin"Lurich":eneva"Copenha#en" 4ewKor.. &merican &irlines is not a participatin# airline in any of the se#ments in the itinerary under the conjunction tic.ets. )n :eneva% Mendo9a decided to s.ip Copenha#en and #o strai#ht to 4ew Kor.. &s there was no direct fli#ht under his conjunction tic.ets from :eneva to 4ew Kor.% Mendo9a e chan#ed the unused portion of the tic.et for a one"way tic.et from :eneva to 4ew Kor. from &merican &irlines. &merican &irlines issued its own tic.et to Mendo9a in :eneva% and claimed the value of the unused portion of the conjunction tic.et from the )&$& clearin# house in :eneva. Mendo9a alle#edly encountered difficulties before he could board the &merican &irlines plane in :eneva. <e was alle#edly subjected to embarassment and mental an#uish at the :eneva &irport when &merican &irline security officers prevented him from boardin# the plane% detained him for about an hour and allowed him to board the plane only after all the passen#ers have boarded. Mendo9a then filed a complaint for dama#es in the R$C of Cebu. &merican &irlines filed a motion to dismiss for lac. of jurisdiction. )t asserts that under &rt. 51=/> of the Warsaw Convention% an action for dama#es must be brou#ht% at the option of the plaintiff% either before the court of the carrierBs domicile% the carrierBs principal place of business% the carrierBs place of business throu#h which the contract was made% or at the place of destination. )t asserts that the (hilippines is neither of these options% and that the tic.et it used in #eneva for Mendo9aBs final le# of his trip was a separate and distinct contract of carria#e from that entered into by Mendo9a and Sin#apore &irlines in Manila which incidentally was already a terminated contract. $hus% &merican &irlines% not bein# a participation airline in the conjunction tic.et issued by Sin#apore &irlines%its contract of carria#e cannot be deemed an e tension of the contract of carria#e under the conjunction tic.et. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Denied$ as all the alle!ations are without merit.

DA

The contract o carria!e between Mendo-a and %in!a'ore Airlines althou!h 'er ormed by di erent carriers under a series o airline tickets$ includin! that issued by 'etitioner$ constitutes a sin!le o'eration. Members o the &ATA are under a !eneral 'ool 'artnershi' a!reement wherein they act as a!ent o each other in the issuance o tickets to contracted 'assen!ers to boost ticket sales worldwide and at the same time 'rovide 'assen!ers easy access to airlines which are otherwise inaccessible in some 'arts o the world. Bookin! and reservation amon! airline members are allowed even by tele'hone and it has become an acce'ted 'ractice amon! them. A member airline which enters into a contract o carria!e consistin! o a series o tri's to be 'er ormed by di erent carriers is authori-ed t receive the are or the whole tri' and throu!ht the re,uired 'rocess o interline settlement o accounts by way o the &ATA clearin! house an airline is duly com'ensated or the se!ment o the tri' serviced. Thus$ when American Airlines acce'ted the unused 'ortion o the con"unction ticket$ entered it in the &ATA clearin! house and undertook the trans'ort o Mendo-a over the route covered by the unused 'ortion o the con"unction ticket$ i.e. 0eneva to New Fork$ American Airlines tacitly reco!ni-ed its commitment under the &ATA 'ool arran!ement to act as a!ent o the 'rinci'al contractin! airlines$ %in!a'ore Airlines$ as to the se!ment o the tri' the 'etitioner a!reed to undertake. As such$ American Airlines thereby assumed the obli!ation to take the 'lace o the carrier ori!inally desi!nated in the ori!inal con"unction ticket. The American Airlines ar!ument that it is not desi!nated carrier in the ori!inal con"unction ticket and that it issued its own ticket is not decisive o its liability. The new ticket was sim'ly a re'lacement or the unused 'ortion o the con"unction ticket$ both tickets bein! or the same amount o 1%T6$=9B and havin! the same 'oints o de'arture and destination. By constitutin! itsel as an a!ent o the 'rinci'al carrier$ American AirlinesK undertakin! should be taken as 'art o a sin!le o'eration under the contract o carria!e e(ecuted by the 'rivate res'ondent and %in!a'ore Airlines in Manila. 8American Airlines v. )ourt o A''eals et al.$ 0.R. No. 449BAA*AD$ 'rom. March <$ 6BBB5

VENUE
111A4. Where is the venue of real actions ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A#+&o'! ) "#+&'( +&+6" +o o% ,o!!"!!&o' o %")6 ,%o,"%+. o% &'+"%"!+ +8"%"&', ?. !8)66 ?" #o55"'#"- )'- +%&"- &' +8" ,%o,"% #o$%+ #. 78&#8 8)! *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" )%") 78"%"&' +8" %")6 ,%o,"%+. &'0o60"-, o% ) ,o%+&o' +8"%"o , &! !&+$)+"-. -. Fo%#&?6" "'+%. )'- -"+)&'"% )#+&o'! !8)66 ?" #o55"'#"- )'- +%&"- &' +8" 5$'&#&,)6 +%&)6 #o$%+ o +8" 5$'&#&,)6&+. o% #&+. 78"%"&' +8" %")6 ,%o,"%+. &'0o60"-, o% ) ,o%+&o' +8"%"o &! !&+$)+"-. 8%ec. 4$ Rule A$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. V"'$", -" &'"-. The 'lace o trial or !eo!ra'hical location in which an action or 'roceedin! may be brou!ht. 8Manila Railroad )o.$ v. Attorney 0eneral$ 6B .hil. D6C$ D>>5 b. V"'$" !)5" o% )66 #o$%+!. Jenue is the same or the Re!ional$ Metro'olitan and Munici'al Trial )ourts. 8Rule D in relation to Rule A$ RO)5 111A9. Where is the venue of personal actions ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A66 o+8"% )#+&o'! 5). ?" #o55"'#"- )'- +%&"a. 78"%" +8" ,6)&'+& o% )'. o +8" ,%&'#&,)6 ,6)&'+& ! %"!&-"!, o% b. 78"%" +8" -" "'-)'+ o% )'. o +8" ,%&'#&,)6 -" "'-)'+! %"!&-"!, o% c. &' +8" #)!" o ) 'o'-%"!&-"'+ -" "'-)'+ 78"%" 8" 5). ?" o$'- )+ +8" "6"#+&o' o +8" ,6)&'+& . 8%ec. 6$ Rule A$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE AND )OMMENT%2 The last choice o where the de endant may be ound is available only where the de endant is a non*resident o the .hili''ines. V"'$" o )#+&o'! )()&'!+ 'o'%"!&-"'+!:

DD

a. & any o the de endants does not reside and is not ound in the .hili''ines$ b. And the action a ects 45 The 'ersonal status o the 'lainti $ or 65 +here the 'ro'erty or any 'ortion thereo is situated or is ound. 8%ec. C$ Rule A$ RO)5 The venue o 'ersonal actions by a non*resident 'lainti a!ainst a resident de endant is 7here the de endant may be summoned and his 'ro'erty leviable u'on e(ecution in case o avorable$ inal and e(ecutory "ud!ment. 8Lin! Mau +i v. %yci'$ 0.R. No. L*D><=$ A'ril 6C$ 4<DA5 &n short$ where the .hili''ine resident lives or resides. 8)orre v. )orre$ 0.R. No. L*4B46>$ UU& L.E. DA65 111A;. Roy represented by his attorney"in"fact Crispin filed with the R$C% 'ranch ,*% Rosales% (an#asinan a complaint a#ainst Aose as owner and operator of the A.'. 'us ;ines. Roy sou#ht to recover actual and e emplary dama#es after a bus owned by Aose rammed Roy8s car alon# the Maharli.a <i#hway% Sto. $omas% 'atan#as. $he complaint alle#ed% amon# others% that Roy is a resident of Rosales% (an#asinan before he went to the 6.S.&. where he now resides% and is represented by Crispin his attorney"in"fact who resides in Nue9on City. )t was li.ewise alle#ed that Aose8s business address is at (asay City. Aose filed a motion to dismiss on the #round of improper venue. <e alle#es that since Roy was not a resident of the (hilippines% venue should have been laid in :ubat% Sorso#on% Aose8s residence. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 0ranted. Roy has trans erred his actual residence to the 1.%.A. /or 'ur'oses o venue$ actual residence si!ni ies 'ersonal residence$ i.e. 'hysical 'resence and actual stay thereat. This 'hysical 'resence$ nonetheless$ must be more than tem'orary and must be with continuity and consistency. 8Baritua v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA CC4$CCD*CC95 There is no showin! that his stay in the 1.%.A. is merely tem'orary in character$ neither has he reinstituted his residence in Rosales$ .an!asinan. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T8" %"!&-"'#" o ) ,"%!o' must be his 'ersonal$ actual or 'hysical habitation or his actual residence or abode. &t does not mean i(ed 'ermanent residence to which when absent$ one has the intention o returnin!. /or 'ur'oses o venue$ actual residence si!ni ies 'ersonal residence$ i.e. 'hysical 'resence and actual stay thereat. This 'hysical 'resence$ nonetheless$ must be more than tem'orary and must be with continuity and consistency. 8Baritua v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA CC4$CCD*CC95 b. V"'$" 5$!+ 'o+ ?" 6" + +o +8" 78&5 o% #),%&#" o +8" ,6)&'+& 2 The rule on venue$ like other 'rocedural rules$ are desi!ned to insure a "ust and orderly administration o "ustice or the im'artial and evenhanded determination o every action and 'roceedin!. Obviously$ this ob"ective will not be attained i the 'lainti is !iven unrestricted reedom to choose the court where he may ile his com'laint or 'etition. The choice o venue should not be le t to the 'lainti :s whim or ca'rice. 7e may be im'elled by some ulterior motivation in choosin! to ile a case in a 'articular court even i not allowed by the rules on venue. 8%y$ et al.$ v. Tyson Enter'rises$ et al.$ 44< %)RA C=4$ C=65 The choice to be e(ercised by the 'lainti should always be in accordance with the Rules o )ourt. This choice cannot unduly de'rive a resident de endant o the ri!hts con erred u'on him by the Rules o )ourt. 8Baritua v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA CC4$CC>5 A@. When are the instances where the rules on venue are not applicable ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &n those cases where a s'eci ic rule or law 'rovides otherwiseG or b. +here the 'arties have validly a!reed in writin! be ore the ilin! o the action on the e(clusive venue thereo . 8%ec. A$ Rule A$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

D9

a. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" ) !,"#& &# %$6" ,%o0&-" o% ) 0"'$" o+8"% +8)' +8)+ $'-"% R$6" 3: 45 V"'$" o% +8" !"++6"5"'+ o +8" "!+)+" o -"#")!"- ,"%!o'! . & the decedent is an inhabitant o the .hili''ines at the time o his death$ whether a citi-en or an alien$ his will shall be 'roved$ or letters o administration !ranted$ and his estate settled in the Re!ional Trial )ourt in the 'rovince in which he resides at the time o his death$ and i he is an inhabitant o a orei!n country$ in the Re!ional Trial )ourt o any 'rovince which he had estate. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule =C$ RO)5 65 E!#8")+ ,%o#""-&'(!. +hen a 'erson dies intestate$ sei-ed o real or 'ersonal 'ro'erty in the .hili''ines$ leavin! no heir or 'erson by law entitled to the same$ the %olicitor 0eneral or his re'resentative in behal o the Re'ublic o the .hili''ines$ may ile a 'etition in the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince where the deceased last resided or in which he had estate$ i he resided out o the .hili''ines. 8%ec. 4$ Rule <4$ Ibid.5 C5 G$)%-&)'!8&, ,%o#""-&'(!. 0uardianshi' o the 'erson or estate o a minor or incom'etent may be instituted in the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince$ or in the "ustice o the 'eace court o the munici'ality 8now the munici'al trial court$ munici'al circuit trial court5 or in the munici'al court o the chartered city 8now in certain instances$ the metro'olitan trial court5 where the minor or incom'etent resides$ and i he resides in a orei!n country$ in the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince wherein his 'ro'erty or 'art thereo is situated. 8%ec. 4$ Rule <6$ RO) words in 'arentheses su''lied5 The court takin! co!ni-ance o a !uardianshi' 'roceedin!$ may trans er the same to the court o another 'rovince or munici'ality wherein the ward has ac,uired real 'ro'erty$ i he has trans erred thereto his bona-fide residence. 8%ec. C$ Ibid.+ A5 A-o,+&o' )'- #$!+o-. o 5&'o%!. A 'erson desirin! to ado't another or have the custody o a minor shall 'resent his 'etition to the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince$ or the city or munici'al court o the city or munici'ality in which he resides. 8%ec. 4$ Rule <<$ RO)5 D5 P%o#""-&'(! o% 8o!,&+)6&G)+&o' o &'!)'" ,"%!o'! . A 'etition or the commitment o a 'erson to a hos'ital or other 'lace or the insane may be iled with the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince where the 'erson alle!ed to be insane is ound. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 4B4$ Ibid.5 95 C8)'(" o ')5". A 'erson desirin! to chan!e his name shall 'resent the 'etition to the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince in which he resides. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4BC$ Ibid.5 =5 Vo6$'+)%. -&!!o6$+&o' o #o%,o%)+&o'!. A 'etition or dissolution o a cor'oration shall be iled in the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince where the 'rinci'al o ice o a cor'oration is situated. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 4BA$ RO)5 >5 Eudicial a''roval o voluntary reco!nition o minor natural children. +here "udicial a''roval o a voluntary reco!nition o a minor natural child is re,uired$ such child or his 'arents shall obtain the same by ilin! a 'etition to that e ect with the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince in which the child resides. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4BD$ Ibid.5 <5 )onstitution o amily home. The head o a amily ownin! a house and he land on which it is situated may constitute the same into a amily home by ilin! a veri ied 'etition to that e ect with the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince or city where the 'ro'erty is located. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4B9$ Ibid.5 4B5 A''ointment o absentee:s re'resentative. +hen a 'erson disa''ears rom his domicile$ his whereabouts bein! unknown$ and without havin! le t an a!ent to administer his 'ro'erty$ or the 'ower con erred u'on the a!ent has e('ired$ any interested 'arty$ relative or riend$ may 'etition the Re!ional Trail )ourt o the 'lace where the absentee resided be ore his disa''earance$ or the a''ointment o a 'erson to re'resent him 'rovisionally in all that may be necessary. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4B=$ Ibid.5 445 )ancellation or correction o entries in the )ivil Re!istry Any 'erson interested in any act$ event$ order or decree concernin! the civil status o 'ersons which has been recorded in the civil re!ister$ may ile a veri ied 'etition or the

D=

cancellation or correction o any entry relatin! thereto$ with the Re!ional Trial )ourt o the 'rovince where the corres'ondin! civil re!istry is located. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4B>$ Ibid.5 465 .etition or de'osition be ore action. &n the court o the 'lace o the residence o any e('ected adverse 'arty. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 6A$ Ibid.5 AA. 6nimasters% a corporation has for its principal place of business $acloban City while Gubota has its principal place of business in Nue9on City. 6nimasters then instituted suit a#ainst Gubota in $acloban City. Gubota now files a motion to dismiss considerin# the contractual a#reement that% @&ll suits arisin# out of this &#reement shall be filed withHin the proper Courts of Nue9on City.@ Resolve the motion to dismiss. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Denied. The a!reement does not contain additional words and e('ressions de initely and unmistakably denotin! the 'arties desire and intention that actions between them should be ventilated only at the 'lace selected by them$ ;ue-on )ity * or other contractual 'rovisions clearly evincin! the same desire and intention. Thus$ the sti'ulation should be construed$ not as con inin! suits between the 'arties only to that one 'lace$ ;ue-on )ity$ but as allowin! suits either in ;ue-on )ity or Tacloban )ity$ at the o'tion o the 'lainti 1nimasters. 81nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$==>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R"E$&%"5"'+! o% 5)'-)+o%. o% %"!+%&#+&0" )(%""5"'+ ?. +8" ,)%+&"! +o ?" -"+"%5&')+&0" o 0"'$". +here the 'arties have 45 validly a!reed in writin! 65 be ore the ilin! o the action C5 on the e(clusive venue thereo . 8%ec. A ?b@$ Rule A$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 A5 The waiver must not be contrary to 'ublic 'olicy or 're"udicial to third 'ersons. 81nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$=9=5 RRRD5 These a!reements are usually characteri-ed by the use o restrictive or limitin! words like$ #only$# solely$# #e(clusively$# #alone$# #limited to$# #in no other 'lace$# #to the e(clusion o $# and other terms indicative o a clear and cate!orical intent to lay the venue at a s'eci ic 'lace and thereby waivin! the !eneral 'rovisions o the Rules or the law on venue or 'roscribin! the ilin! o suit in any other com'etent court. 8concurrin! o'inion o Eustice Re!alado in 1nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$=>45 b. I'+"%,%"+)+&o' o MANDATORY o% %"!+%&#+&0" )(%""5"'+! o' 0"'$": The lan!ua!e o the 'arties must be so clear and cate!orical as to leave no doubt o the 'arties: intention to limit the 'lace or 'laces$ or to i( 'laces other than those indicated in Rule A o the Rules o )ourt$ or their actions. REA%ON2 Restrictive sti'ulations on venue are dero!ations o the !eneral 'olicy that convenience is the raison d=etre o the rules o venue. 81nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$=9>5 c. I66$!+%)+&0" #)!"! o 5)'-)+o%. o% %"!+%&#+&0" )(%""5"'+! o' 0"'$" 45 A sti'ulation that i the lessor violated the contract o lease he could be sued in Manila$ while i it was the lessee who violated the contract$ the lessee could be sued in Masantol$ .am'an!a. REA%ON2 There was an a!reement concernin! venue o action and the 'arties are bound by such mandatory a!reement. 8Jillanueva v. Mos,ueda$ 44D %)RA <BA5 65 A condition that * any action a!ainst R).& relative to the transmittal o a tele!ram must be brou!ht to the courts o ;ue-on )ity alone * was 'rinted clearly in the u''er rom 'ortion o the orm to be illed in by the sender. REA%ON2 That neither 'arty reserved the ri!ht to choose the venue o action as i(ed in %ection 6$ Rule A$ as is usually done i the 'arties mean to retain the ri!ht o election so !ranted by Rule A can be drawn the reasonable in erence that the 'arties intended to de initely i( the venue o action$ in connection with the written contract sued u'on$ in the courts o ;ue-on )ity only. 8Ar!uero v. /lo"o$ 49> %)RA DAB5

D>

C5 #Jenue or all suits$ whether or breach thereo or dama!es or any cause between the LE%%OR and LE%%EE$ and 'ersons claimin! under each$ RR 8shall be5 the courts o a''ro'riate "urisdiction in .asay )ity.# REA%ON2 The lan!ua!e used leaves no room or inter'retation. &t clearly evinces the 'arties: intent to limit to the #courts o a''ro'riate "urisdiction o .asay )ity# the venue o all suits between the lessor and the lessee and those between 'arties claimin! under them. This means a waiver o their ri!ht to institute action in the courts 'rovided or in Rule A$ %ec. 6. 80esmundo v. ERB Realty )or'oration$ 6CA %)RA 4DC5 d. PERMISSIVE )(%""5"'+ o' 0"'$"2 The 'arties may ile their suit not only in the 'lace a!reed u'on but also in the 'laces i(ed by law 8s'eci ically Rule A o the Rules o )ourt5. 81nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$=9=5 e. I'+"%,%"+)+&o' o ,"%5&!!&0" )(%""5"'+! o' 0"'$" 2 %ti'ulations desi!natin! venues other than those assi!ned by Rule A o the Rules o )ourt should be inter'reted as desi!ned to make it more convenient or the 'arties to institute actions arisin! rom or in relation to their a!reementsG that is to say$ as sim'ly addin! to or e('andin! the venues indicated in said Rule A. REA%ON2 )onvenience is the raison d=etre o the rules o venue. 81nimasters )on!lomeration$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69= %)RA =D<$=9=5 . I66$!+%)+&0" #)!"! o ,"%5&!!&0" )(%""5"'+! o' 0"'$": 45 #The 'arties a!ree to sue and be sued in the )ourts o Manila.# REA%ON2 The 'arties merely consented to be sued in Manila. ;uali yin! or restrictive words which would indicate that Manila and Manila alone is the venue are totally absent there rom. &t is sim'ly 'ermissive. The 'arties solely a!reed to add the courts o Manila as tribunals to which they may resort. They did not waive their ri!ht to 'ursue remedy in the courts s'eci ically mentioned in %ec. 6 o Rule A. 8.olytrade )or'oration v. Blanco$ CB %)RA 4>=5 65 #All le!al actions arisin! out o this contract RRmay be brou!ht in and submitted to the "urisdiction o the 'ro'er courts in the )ity o Manila.# REA%ON2 &t would be de eatin! the rationale or venue or 'ersonal actions which is the convenience o the 'lainti and his witnesses as well as to 'romote the ends o "ustice by con inin! the situs o the action to Manila alone. &n this case the residences or o ices o all the 'arties$ includin! the situs o the acts sou!ht to be restrained or re,uired to be done$ are all within the territorial "urisdiction o Ri-al. 8Nicolas v. Re'arations )ommission$ 9A %)RA 44B5 C5 The sti'ulation in the 'romissory note and the chattel mort!a!e s'eci ied Davao )ity as the venue. REA%ON2 The absence o ,uali yin! or restrictive words in the a!reement which would indicate that the 'lace named is the only venue a!reed u'on. 8Lamis Ents. v. La!amon$ 4B> %)RA =AB5 A5 #All actions arisin! out$ or relatin! to this contract may be instituted in the )ourt o irst &nstance o the )ity o Na!a.# REA%ON2 The 'arties did not a!ree to ile their suits solely and e(clusively with the )ourt o /irst &nstance o Na!a 8now Re!ional Trial )ourt5G they merely a!reed to submit their dis'utes to the said court without waivin! their ri!ht to seek recourse in the courts s'eci ically indicated in %ec. 6$ Rule A o the Rules o )ourt. 8)a'ati v. Ocam'o$ 44C %)RA =<A5

D5 #The 'arties sti'ulate that the venue o the actions re erred to in %ection 46.B4 shall be in the )ity o Manila.# 8+estern Minolco v. )ourt o A''eals$ 49= %)RA D<65 95 The sales invoice o a linoty'e machine stated that the 'ro'er venue should be &loilo. REA%ON2 &t is obvious that a venue sti'ulation$ in order to bind the 'arties$ must have been intelli!ently and deliberately intended by them to e(clude their case rom the re!lementary rules on venue. There are no restrictive or ,uali yin! words in the a!reement indicatin! that venue cannot be laid in any 'lace other than that a!reed u'on by the 'arties. 8Moles v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 49< %)RA ===5

D<

!. W)&0"% o 0"'$": That venue is im'ro'erly laid is amon! the !rounds or a motion to dismiss. 8%ection 4?c@$ Rule 49$ RO)5. & not raised in a motion to dismiss it may be 'leaded as an a irmative de ense in the answer and$ in the discretion o the court$ a 'reliminary hearin! may be had thereon as i a motion to dismiss had been iled. 8%ec. 9$ Ibid.5 7owever$ D" "'!"! )'- o?*"#+&o'! 'o+ ,6")-"- "&+8"% &' ) 5o+&o' +o -&!5&!! o% &' +8" )'!7"% )%" -""5"- 7)&0"-. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule <$ RO)5 )onse,uently$ im'ro'er venue i not 'leaded in a motion to dismiss or in the answer is deemed waived and may not be raised in 'roceedin!s a ter ilin! the answer. h. R)+&o')6" o% 7)&0"% o &5,%o,"% 0"'$" & 'o+ !")!o')?6. o?*"#+"- +o: A contrary rule would encoura!e the undesirable 'ractice o 'arties submittin! their case in one court in e('ectation o avorable "ud!ment$ but with the intent o attackin! its "urisdictionOvenue should the decision be un avorable. 8Jda. de %uan$ et al.$ v. )usi$ et al.$ 46D %)RA CA<5

RULE ON SUMMARY PROCEDURE

1BB. What civil cases are subject to summary procedure ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. E(ce't in cases covered by the a!ricultural tenancy laws or when the law otherwise e('ressly 'rovides$ all actions or orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer$ irres'ective o the amount o dama!es or un'aid rentals sou!ht to be recovered shall be !overned by the summary 'rocedure under Rule =B$ Rules o )ourt. 8%ec. C$ Rule =B$ RO)5 b. All other cases$ e(ce't 'robate 'roceedin!s$ allin! within the "urisdiction o the our lower trial courts 8Munici'al Trial )ourt$ Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourt$ Munici'al Trial )ourts in )ities$ Metro'olitan Trial )ourts5$ where the total amount o the 'lainti :s claim does not e(ceed Ten thousand 'esos 8.4B$BBB.BB5$ e(clusive o interest and costs. 8%ec. 6$ 4 ?A@. Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T7o &'!+)'#"! 78"%" !$55)%. ,%o#"-$%" &! $!"-2 45 %ummary 'rocedure under Rule =B o the 4<<= Rules o )ivil .rocedureG and 65 %ummary 'rocedure in other cases. b. D&!+&'#+&o'! ?"+7""' !$55)%. ,%o#"-$%" o% o%#&?6" "'+%. )'- $'6)7 $6 -"+)&'"% #)!"! )'- o+8"% #)!"!: 45 /orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer cases are !overned by rule on summary 'rocedure stated under Rule =B o the Rules o )ourt +7&LE those or other cases are !overned by the Rule on %ummary .rocedure. 65 &n orcible and unlaw ul detainer cases the amount o the demand is immaterial +7&LE or other cases$ e(ce't 'robate$ the total amount o the 'lainti :s claim does not e(ceed Ten thousand 'esos 8.4B$BBB.BB5$ e(clusive o interest and costs. c. P$%,o!" o o%#&?6" "'+%. )'- $'6)7 $6 -"+)&'"%. /orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer cases are summary 'roceedin!s desi!ned to 'rovide or an e('editious means o 'rotectin! actual 'ossession or the ri!ht to 'ossession o the 'ro'erty involved. &t does not admit o delay in the determination thereo . &t is a Htime 'rocedureI desi!ned to remedy the situation. 8Tubiano v. Ra-o$ 0.R. No. 4C6D<>$ Euly 4C$ 6BBB5 1B1. 7or failure of the tenant% &lbert% to pay rentals% Aun% the court"appointed administrator of the estate of 4ani 'aure% decides to file an action a#ainst the former for the recovery of possession of the leased premises located in Davao City and for the payment of the accrued rentals in the total amount of (3,+%+++.++. )s the case covered by the Rule on Summary (rocedure ? 8Bar2 ada'ted5 %100E%TED AN%+ER Fes. All actions or orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer$ irres'ective o the amount o dama!es or un'aid rentals sou!ht to be recovered shall be !overned by the summary 'rocedure under Rule =B$ Rules o )ourt. 8%ec. C$ Rule =B$ RO)5

9B

1B2. What are the pleadin#s allowed under summary procedure ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" o'6. ,6")-&'(! )66o7"- +o ?" &6"- )%" +8" ). #o5,6)&'+, ?. )'!7"% F )'!7"% +o +8" #o$'+"%#6)&5, )'!7"% +o +8" #%o!!-#6)&5.D I +8" -" "'-)'+ 8)! ) #%o!!-#6)&5 o% ) #o5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5, +8" !)5" 5$!+ ?" )!!"%+"- &' +8" )'!7"%, o% ?" #o'!&-"%"- ?)%%"-. 8%ec. 6 ?A@$ Rule on %ummary .rocedure arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P%o8&?&+"- ,6")-&'(! $'-"% +8" !$55)%. ,%o#"-$%" o% ?o+8 #&0&6 )'#%&5&')6 #)!"!: 45 Motion to dismiss or to ,uashG 65 Motion or bill o 'articularsG C5 Motion or new trial$ or or consideration$ or reo'enin! o trialG A5 .etition or relie rom "ud!mentG D5 Motion or e(tension o time to ile 'leadin!s$ a idavits or any other 'a'erG 95 MemorandaG =5 .etition or certiorari$ mandamus$ or 'rohibition a!ainst any interlocutory order issued by the courtG >5 Motion to declare the de endant in de aultG <5 Dilatory motions or 'ost'onementsG 4B5 Re'lyG 445 Third 'arty com'laintsG 465 &ntervention. 8%ec. 4D$ Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 The above 'leadin!s are 'rohibited only within the level o the Munici'al Trial )ourt. +hen the case tried under summary 'rocedure is a''ealed to the Re!ional Trial )ourt the conce't o 'rohibited 'leadin!s does not ind a''lication. b. W8"' 5o+&o' ,%o8&?&+"-. A motion or new trial$ or or reconsideration o a "ud!* ment$ or or reo'enin! o trial is a 'rohibited 'leadin! under %ec. 4< 8c5 o the 4<<4 Revised Rules on %ummary .rocedure only i it seeks the reconsideration o a "ud!ment rendered by the court only a ter trial on the merits o the case. 8Lucas v. Eud!e /abros$ etc.$ A.M. No. MTE*<<*4669$ 'rom. Eanuary C4$ 6BBB5 c. W8"' 5o+&o' 'o+ ,%o8&?&+"-. A motion or reconsideration is not a 'rohibited 'leadin! under the 4<<4 Rules on %ummary .rocedure$ i the order o dismissal was issued due to ailure o a 'arty to a''ear durin! the 'reliminary con erence. 8Ibid.5 1111B2. Distin#uish failure to file an answer under the Rules onSummary(rocedure from failure to file an answer under the re#ular procedure. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 1nder the Rule on %ummary .rocedure$ u'on ailure o to ile an answer in a civil case$ the court motu proprio or u'on motion o the 'lainti $ shall render a "ud!ment as may be warranted by the acts alle!ed in the com'laint and limited to what is 'rayed or therein e(ce't as to the amount o dama!es which the court may reduce in its discretion. 8%ec. D$ Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 +7&LE under re!ular 'rocedure & the de endin! 'arty ails to answer within the time allowed there or$ the court$ shall$ u'on motion o the claimin! 'arty with notice to the de endin! 'arty$ and u'on 'roo o such ailure$ declare the de endin! 'arty in de ault. Thereu'on$ the court shall 'roceed to render "ud!ment !rantin! the claimant such relie as his 'leadin! may warrant$ unless the court in its discretion re,uires the claimant to submit evidence. %uch rece'tion o evidence may be dele!ated to the clerk o court. 8%ec. C$ Rule <$ RO)5 A "ud!ment rendered a!ainst a 'arty in de ault shall not e(ceed the amount or be di erent in kind rom that 'rayed or nor award unli,uidated dama!es. 8%ec. C ?d@$ Rule <$ RO)5

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PLEADINGS PLEADINGS IN GENERAL FORMAL REQUIREMENTS

1B3. <ow is a verification made ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A 'leadin! is veri ied by an a idavit that the a iant has read the 'leadin! and that the alle!ations therein are true and correct o his 'ersonal knowled!e or based on authentic records. 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. A$ Rule =$ RO) as amended by A.M. No. BB*6*4B*%)$ e ective May 4$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G"'"%)6 %$6". E/#",+ 78"' o+8"%7&!" !,"#& &#)66. %"E$&%"- ?. 6)7 o% ?. %$6", ,6")-&'(! '""- 'o+ ?" $'-"% o)+8, 0"%& &"-, o% )##o5,)'&"- ?. ) &-)0&+. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. A$ Rule =$ RO)5 b. E/#",+&o'! o% 'leadin!s re,uired to be veri ied2 45 Answer contestin! the !enuineness o an actionable document. 8%ec. >$ Rule >$ RO)5 65 .etition or relie rom "ud!ment. 8%ec. C$ Rule C>$ Ibid.5 C5 com'laint with an a''lication or 'reliminary in"unction. 8%ec. A$ Rule D>$ Ibid.5 A5 )om'laint or re'levin. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 9B$ Ibid.5 D5 .etitions or certiorari$ 'rohibition and mandamus. 8Rule 9D$ Ibid.5 95 All 'leadin!s under the Rule on %ummary .rocedure. The above is not com'lete as there are others. b. P$%,o!" o 0"%& &#)+&o'. To secure an assurance that the alle!ations in the 'leadin!s are true and correct and not the 'roduct o the ima!ination or a matter o s'eculation$ and that the 'leadin! is iled in !ood aith. The court may order the correction o the 'leadin! i veri ication is lackin! or act on the 'leadin! althou!h it is not veri ied$ i the attendin! circumstances are such that strict com'liance with the rules may be dis'ensed with in order that the ends o "ustice may thereby be served. 81y v. Land Bank o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 4C94BB$ Euly 6A$ 6BBB5 1B4. S,o$!"! S$%6) &6"- ) #o5,6)&'+ o% -)5)("! )()&'!+ S)'+oTo5)! U'&0"%!&+. Ho!,&+)6 ,%"-&#)+"- o' )' )66"()+&o' +8)+ +8"&% !o' 78&6" #o' &'"- )+ +8" !)&8o!,&+)6 8)- )##&-"'+)66. )66"' %o5 8&! &'#$?)+o% ,o!!&?6. #)$!&'( !"%&o$! 8)%5 o' +8" #8&6-. T8" 8o!,&+)6 &6"- &+! A'!7"% 7&+8 Co5,$6!o%. Co$'+"%#6)&5 )!!"%+&'( +8)+ +8" !,o$!"! S$%6) !+&66 o7"- +8" 8o!,&+)6 P@2,922.1B %",%"!"'+&'( 8o!,&+)6 ?&66! o% +8"&% #8&6-<! #o' &'"5"'+ )+ +8" 8o!,&+)6 )'- 5)C&'( ) #6)&5 o% 5o%)6 )'- "/"5,6)%. -)5)("!, ,6$! )++o%'".<! ""!, ?. %")!o' o +8" !$,,o!"- $' o$'-"- )'- 5)6&#&o$! !$&+ &6"- )()&'!+ &+. T8" ,6)&'+& ! 5o0"- +8" #o$%+ o% +8" -&!5&!!)6 o +8" #o$'+"%#6)&5 o% 'o+ 8)0&'( ?""' )##o5,)'&"- ?. ) #"%+& &#)+" o 'o'- o%$5 !8o,,&'(. D"#&-" +8" 5o+&o'. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The motion should be 'artially !ranted. The claim or .>6$9C6.4B is a 'ermissive counterclaim in an initiatory 'leadin! which re,uires a certi ication o no orum sho''in! while the second or dama!es bein! in the nature o a com'ulsory counterclaim is not covered by the re,uirement. 8%anto Tomas 1niversity 7os'ital v. %urla$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=4>$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

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a. T8" #"%+& &#)+&o' &! ,%&5)%&6. &'+"'-"- +o #o0"%: 45 an initiatory 'leadin! or 65 an inci'ient a''lication o a 'arty assertin! a claim or relie 8%anto Tomas 1niversity 7os'ital v. %urla$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=4>$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 4<<>5$ such as a 'ermissive counterclaim b. R"E$&%"5"'+ o% #"%+& &#)+&o' -o"! 'o+ ),,6. +o #o5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5! 2 The re,uirement has not been contem'lated to include a claim which$ by its very nature as bein! au(iliary to the 'roceedin!s in the suit and as derivin! its substantive and "urisdictional su''ort there rom$ can only be a''ro'riately 'leaded in the answer and not remain outstandin! or inde'endent resolution e(ce't by the court where the main case 'ends 8%anto Tomas 1niversity 7os'ital v. %urla$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=4>$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 4<<>5 as in com'ulsory counterclaims. c. E "#+ o )&6$%" +o #o5,6. 7&+8 +8" %"E$&%"5"'+. /ailure to com'ly !8)66 'o+ ?" #$%)?6" ?. 5"%" )5"'-5"'+ o +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% o+8"% &'&+&)+o%. ,6")-&'( ?$+ !8)66 ?" #)$!" o% +8" -&!5&!!)6 o +8" #)!" 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#", $'6"!! o+8"%7&!" ,%o0&-"-, $,o' 5o+&o' )'- ) +"% 8")%&'(. 84st sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. D$ Rule =$ RO)5 d. E "#+ o !$?5&!!&o' o ) )6!" #"%+& &#)+&o' o% 'o'-#o5,6&)'#" 7&+8 +8" $'-"%+)C&'(!. This shall constitute &'-&%"#+ #o'+"5,+ o #o$%+, 7&+8o$+ ,%""*$-&#" +o +8" #o%%"!,o'-&'( )-5&'&!+%)+&0" )'- #%&5&')6 )#+&o'!. 86nd sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. D$ Rule =$ RO)5 e. E "#+ o 7&66 $6 )'- -"6&?"%)+" o%$5 !8o,,&'(. This shall be a (%o$'- o% !$55)%. -&!5&!!)6 7&+8 ,%"*$-&#" )'- !8)66 #o'!+&+$+" -&%"#+ #o'+"5,+, )! 7"66 )! ) #)$!" o% )-5&'&!+%)+&0" !)'#+&o'!. 8last sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. D$ Rule =$ RO)5 . A66 ,)%+&"! 5$!+ !&('. All 'etitioners must be si!natories to the certi ication o no orum sho''in! unless one is authori-ed by other 'etitioners. %ubstantial com'liance will not su ice in a matter involvin! strict observance by the rules. The attestation contained in the certi ication on non* orum sho''in! re,uires 'ersonal knowled!e by the 'arty who e(ecuted the same. .etitioners must show reasonable cause or ailure to 'ersonally si!n the certi ication. 1tter disre!ard o the rules cannot "ustly be rationali-ed by harkin! on the 'olicy o liberal construction. 88Lo,uias$ et al.$ v. O ice o the Ombudsman$ 0.R. No. 4C<C<9$ Au!ust 4D$ 6BBB5 !. W8&6" %$6" 5$!+ ?" !+%&#+6. o66o7"- +8"%" 5). ?" !$?!+)'+&)6 #o5,6&)'#". +ith res'ect to the contents o the certi ication which the 'leader may 're'are$ the rule o substantial com'liance may be availed o . +hile this section re,uires that it be strictly com'lied with$ it merely underscores its mandatory nature in that it cannot be alto!ether dis'ensed with or its re,uirements com'letely disre!arded but it does not thereby 'revent substantial com'liance on this as'ect o its 'rovision under "usti iable circumstances. The rule was desi!ned to serve as an instrument to 'romote and acilitate the orderly administration o "ustice and should not be inter'reted with such absolute literalness as to subvert its own ultimate and le!itimate ob"ective or the !oal o all rules o 'rocedure M which is to achieve substantial "ustice as e('editiously as 'ossible. I66$!+%)+&o': )onsideration should have been taken o the act that the 'arties were sued "ointly$ or as HMr. And Mrs.I over a 'ro'erty in which they have a common interest. %uch bein! the case$ the si!nin! o one o them in the certi ication substantially com'lies with the rule on certi ication o non* orum sho''in!. 8Dar$ et al.$ v. 7on. Alon-o*Le!asto$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4ACB49$ Au!ust CB$ 6BBB5 h. I'!+)'#" 78"%" +8"%" IS o%$5 !8o,,&'(. /orum*sho''in! concurs not only when a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res "udicata in another$ but also where the elements o litis 'endentia are 'resent.* /orum*sho''in! concurs not only when a inal "ud!ment in one case will amount to res "udicata in another$ but also where the elements o litis 'endentia are 'resent. The ilin! o multi'le suits involvin! the same 'arties or the same cause o action$ either simultaneously or successively$ or the 'ur'ose o obtainin! a avorable "ud!ment amounts to orum*sho''in!. Only when the successive ilin! o suits as 'art o an a''eal$ or a s'ecial civil action$ will there be no orum*sho''in! because the 'arty no lon!er availed o di erent or a$ but rather sou!ht a review o a lower tribunalKs decision or order. The termination o the case be ore a lower court and its elevation or review to a hi!her court does not constitute orum*sho''in! or the latter is a reco!ni-ed remedy under

9C

our 'rocedural rules. 8;uinsay v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=BD>$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 6BBB5

i. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8"%" &! NO o%$5 !8o,,&'(. 45 The two cases$ one or the annulment o deeds o sale and the other or e"ectmentG althou!h concernin! the same 'ro'erty$ are distinct liti!ations$ neither involvin! e(actly the same 'arties nor identical issues. 65 There is no identity between a 'etition or 'robate o will and 'etition or issuance o letters testamentary. The &%!+$ is solely or the 'ur'ose o authenticatin! a will and a ter the allowance o the will$ the 'roceedin!s are terminated. The !"#o'-$ is or the 'ur'ose o securin! authority rom the court to administer the estate and 'ut into e ect the will o the testater. The estate settlement 'roceedin!s commenced by the ilin! o the 'etition terminates u'on the distribution and delivery o the le!acies and devices to the 'ersons named in the will. 8Maloles && v. .hili''s$ 0.R. No. 46<DBD and Maloles & v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCCD<$ 'rom. Eanuary 64$ 6BBB5 C5 No orum sho''in! where the ive actions iled by the 'etitioner were or ,uietin! o title based on se'arate certi icates o title. 7ence$ the sub"ect matters involved are di erent in each case. As such$ the cases alle!ed di erent causes o action. )orollarily$ a "ud!ment in any case will not a ect the issue in the other cases inasmuch as those 'ortion to di erent lands covered by di erent certi icates o title. 8Jalisno v. Ayala5 A5 No orum sho''in! between 'etition be ore the )ourt o A''eals where the issue is to determine entitlement to the bene its and 'rotection under the )ARL$ and a case be ore the RT) or in"unction to sto' anyone rom usin! orce and intimidation to e"ect the law ul 'ossessors o the same 'ro'erty. 80reen ield Realty )or'oration and Data .rocessin! %ervices v. )ardoma$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<6A9$ 'rom.$ Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5

MANNER OF MAKING ALLEGATIONS IN PLEADINGS

1111B9. What is the effect of splittin# a sin#le cause of action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. & two or more suits are instituted on the basis o the same cause o action$ the ilin! o one or a "ud!ment u'on the merits in any one is available as a !round or the dismissal o the others. 8%ec. A$ Rule 6$ RO)5 b. +ithin the time or but be ore ilin! the answer to the com'laint o 'leadin! assertin! a claim$ a motion to dismiss may be made on any o the ollowin! !rounds2 45 That there is another action 'endin! between the same 'arties or the same causeG and 65 That the cause o action is barred by a 'rior "ud!ment . 8'ars. d and $ %ec. 4$ Rule 49$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S,6&++&'( ) !&'(6" #)$!" o )#+&o' -" &'"-. Dividin! a sin!le or indivisible cause o action into several 'arts or claims or brin!in! several actions therein. The sin!leness o a cause o action is determined by the number o delicts or wron!s committed by the de endant. +here there is only one delict or wron!$ there is but a sin!le cause o action$ re!ardless o the number o ri!hts that may have been violated. b. A ,)%+. 5). 'o+ &'!+&+$+" 5o%" +8)' o'" !$&+ o% ) !&'(6" #)$!" o )#+&o' . 8%ec. C$ Rule 6$ RO)5 Reason or the rule2 45 To 'revent re'eated liti!ation between the same 'arties in re!ard to the same sub"ect o controversyG 65 To 'rotect the de endant rom unnecessary ve(ationG and

9A

C5 To avoid the costs incident to numerous suits. 8De Lu-uria!a$ %r. v. Adil$ et al. 4C9 %)RA 6>C5 c. I'!+)'#" 78"%" +8" #)$!" o )#+&o' &! -&0&!&?6": 45 )ontracts to 'ay money on installment is -&0&!&?6". Each de ault in 'ayment o an installment may be the sub"ect o an inde'endent action ,%o0&-"- it is brou!ht be ore the ne(t installment is due. Each action should include every installment due at the time the suit is brou!ht. I66$!+%)+&o' o #o'+%)#+ o ,). 5o'". 78&#8 &! ) -&0&!?6" #)$!" o )#+&o'. A contract to 'ay in three installments on or be ore the 'eriods without acceleration clause is shown below2 Eune 4D$ 6BB4 . DB$BBB.BB Euly 4D$ 6BB4 . DB$BBB.BB Au!ust 4D$ 6BB4 . DB$BBB.BB 1'on ailure to receive 'ayment on Eune 4D$ 6BB4$ the creditor may ile suit or .DB$BBB.BB. %hould the Eune and Euly installments be not 'aid$ then the creditor ou!ht to ile suit or the total amount o .4BB$BBB.BB. & the Au!ust installment was not 'aid while the suit or the collection o the Eune and Euly installments is still 'endin!$ then the creditor may ile a se'arate suit or the March installment. There is no s'littin! a sin!le cause o action because when the suit was iled or the Eune and Euly installments$ the Au!ust installments was not yet due and demandable. b. I'!+)'#" o ) #)$!" o )#+&o' +8)+ &! 'o+ -&0&!&?6". Recovery o 'ersonal 'ro'erty with dama!es is &'-&0&!&?6". & suit is brou!ht or 'ossession only$ a subse,uent action cannot be maintained to recover dama!es resultin! rom the unlaw ul detainer. There is only one wron! committed$ the unlaw ul detainer which resulted not only the ri!ht to recover the 'ro'erty but also dama!es. c. W8"' -&0&!&?6" )'- 78"' 'o+ -&0&!&?6". )ontract to 'ay interest may or may not be se'arate rom 'ayment o 'rinci'al. %uit may be brou!ht se'arately or interest -$" ,%&o% to the time the 'rinci'al becomes due. +hen the interest has 'o+ ."+ ?""' ,)&- at the time the 'rinci'al becomes due$ then un'aid interests already due becomes mer!ed with the 'rinci'al into a sin!le cause o action. 1B;. -n 7ebruary /,% 5++/% ;eon filed with the Re#ional $rial Court a#ainst Sharon an action to !uiet title% annulment of titles and deeds% declaration of sole heirship andHor ownership with dama#es involvin# a parcel of land re#istered in Sharon8s name. ;ater% on 7ebruary /0% 5++/% ;eon filed with the Municipal $rial Court an action for forcible entry with dama#es a#ainst Sharon involvin# the same property subject of the suit in the Re#ional $rial Court. Sharon now raises in the answer filed in the ejectment suit the defense of splittin# a sin#le cause of action. Rule on the defense. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The de ense is im'ressed with merit. &n the irst case the determination o ownershi' is at issue. +hile it could be seen that the orcible entry case arose out o con lictin! claims o ownershi' over the landG the issue o ownershi' is indis'ensably involved. This is evident$ because in the second com'laint or orcible entry$ Leon anchors his claim or ri!ht ul 'ossession his alle!ed ownershi' over the sub"ect 'ro'erty. Leon has thus brou!ht two se'arate suits or a sin!le cause o action. The result there ore is that the ilin! o the irst may be 'leaded in abatement o the second suit. the orcible entry case should there ore be dismissed. 8De Lu-uria!a$ %r. v. Adil.$ et al.$ 4C9%)RA 6=<5 1B@. What are the conditions for joinder of causes of action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A ,)%+. 5). &' o'" ,6")-&'( )!!"%+, &' +8" )6+"%')+&0" o% o+8"%7&!", )! 5)'. #)$!"! o )#+&o'! )! 8" 5). 8)0" )()&'!+ )' o,,o!&'( ,)%+., !$?*"#+ +o +8" o66o7&'( #o'-&+&o'!:

9D

). T8" ,)%+. *o&'&'( +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' !8)66 #o5,6. 7&+8 +8" %$6"! o' *o&'-"% o ,)%+&"!. ?. T8" *o&'-"% !8)66 'o+ &'#6$-" !,"#&)6 #&0&6 )#+&o'! o% )#+&o'! (o0"%'"- ?. !,"#&)6 %$6"!. #. W8"%" +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' )%" ?"+7""' +8" !)5" ,)%+&"! ?$+ ,"%+)&' +o -& "%"'+ 0"'$" o% *$%&!-&#+&o', +8" *o&'-"% 5). ?" )66o7"- &' +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, ,%o0&-"- o'" o +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' )66! 7&+8&' +8" *$%&!-&#+&o' o !)&- #o$%+ )'- +8" 0"'$" 6&"! +8"%"&'. -. W8"%" +8" #6)&5! &' )66 +8" #)$!"! o )#+&o' )%" ,%&'#&,)66. o% +8" %"#o0"%. o 5o'"., +8" )((%"()+" )5o$'+ #6)&5"- !8)66 ?" +8" +"!+ o *$%&!-&#+&o'. 8%ec. D$ Rule 6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. =o&'-"% o #)$!"! o )#+&o' -" &'"-. The union o two or more civil causes o action$ each o which could be made the basis o a se'arate suit$ in the same com'laint$ declaration or 'etition. A 'lainti may under certain circumstances "oin several distinct demands$ controversies or ri!hts o action in one declaration$ com'laint or 'etition. 8Re'ublic v. 7ernande-$ 0.R. No. 44=6B<$ 'rom. /ebruary <$ 4<<95 b. O?*"#+&0" o% ,$%,o!" o +8" %$6" o' *o&'-"% o #)$!"! o )#+&o': 45 To avoid multi'licity o suits where the same 'arties and sub"ect matter are to be dealt with by e ectin! in one action a com'lete determination o all matters in controversy and liti!ation between the 'arties involvin! one sub"ect matter$ and 65 To e('edite the dis'osition o liti!ation at a minimum cost. 8Re'ublic v. 7ernande-$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=6B<$ 'rom. /ebruary <$ 4<<95 c. R$6" o' *o&'-"% o #)$!"! o )#+&o' 5"%"6. ,"%5&!!&0" )'- 'o+ #o5,$6!o%.: 45 The use o the word 5). in %ec. D$ Rule 6$ RO). 65 There is no 'ositive 'rovision o law or any rule o "uris'rudence which com'els a 'arty to "oin all his causes o action and brin! them at one and the same time. The conce't o "oinder o 'arties may or may not be com'ulsory de'endin! on the 'arty who is to be "oined. d. Co5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5 -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 *o&'-"% o #)$!"! o )#+&o': There are two 'leadin!s in com'ulsory counterclaims 8the com'laint and the com'ulsory counterclaim5$ WHILE there is only one 'leadin! involved in "oinder o causes o action under %ec. D$ Rule 6$ RO). 1111BA. Does the rule on joinder of causes of action include special civil actions ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. There is no relation between an ordinary action and a s'ecial civil action$ nor are they o the same nature or character$ much less do they 'resent any common ,uestion o act or law$ which co"ointly could warrant their "oinder. The two actions do not ri!htly meet the underlyin! test o conce'tual unity demanded to sanction their "oinder under the Rules. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P$%,o!" o *o&'-"% o #)$!"! o )#+&o'. To encoura!e "oinder o actions which could reasonably be said to involve kindred ri!hts and wron!s and the dominant idea is to 'ermit "oinder o causes o action$ le!al or e,uitable$ where there is some substantial unity between them. +hile the rule allows a 'lainti to "oin many se'arate claims as he may have there should nevertheless be some unity in the 'roblem 'resented and a common ,uestion o law and act involved, sub"ect always to the restriction thereon re!ardin! "urisdiction$ venue and "oinder o 'arties. 1nlimited "oinder is not authori-ed. 8Re'ublic v. 7ernande-$ 0.R. No. 44=6B<$ 'rom. /ebruary <$ 4<<9 underlinin! su''lied5 11B. )s misjoinder of causes of action a #round for dismissal ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A mis"oined cause o action may$ on motion o a 'arty or on initiative o the court$ be severed and 'roceeded with se'arately. F6nd sentence$ %ec. 9$ Rule 6$ RO)5

99

FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS, JUDGMENTS AND OTHER PAPERS (INCLUDING MOTIONS
%ervice o notice when a 'arty is re'resented by counsel should be made u'on counsel$ and not u'on the 'arty. .ur'ose2 To maintain a uni orm 'rocedure calculated to 'lace in com'etent hands the 'rosecution o a 'artyKs case. 8Mancenido$ etc. et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44>9BD$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 111. A' )'!7"% 7)! &6"- ?$+ &+ 7)! !"%0"- ?. 5)&6 -"!,&+" +8" )#+ +8)+ +8" o &#"! o +8" +7o 6)7."%! 7"%" o'6. 2BB 5"+"%! ),)%+ %o5 o'" )'o+8"%. T8" ,o!+ o &#" 8o7"0"% &! 5o%" +8)' +7o F2D C&6o5"+"%! )7). %o5 +8" o &#" o +8" #o$'!"6 o% +8" -" "'-)'+. No "/,6)')+&o' 7)! (&0"' 78. !"%0&#" ?. 5)&6 7)! %"!o%+"- +o. S8o$6- ) 5o+&o' +o !+%&C" ?" (%)'+"- : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. The Rules mandate that W8"'"0"% ,%)#+&#)?6" +8" !"%0&#" )'- &6&'( o ,6")-&'(! )'- o+8"% ,),"%! !8)66 ?" -o'" ,"%!o')66. 844$ Rule 4C$ RO)5. 1se o the word #shall# indicates that 'ersonal service is mandatory in character$ i no e('lanation was !iven. 8%olar Entertainment$ &nc. v. 7on. Rica ort$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C6BB=$ 'rom. Au!ust D$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. I'!+)'#"! 78"' 'o ,"%!o')6 !"%0&#" &! %"E$&%"- ?$+ )67).! 7&+8 "/,6)')+&o'!: W8"%" ,"%!o')6 !"%0&#" &! 'o+ ,%)#+&#)?6" )!: 45 +here the adverse 'arty or o''osin! counsel to be served with a 'leadin! seldom re'orts to o ice and no em'loyee is re!ularly 'resent to receive 'leadin!sG 65 +here service is done on the last day o the re!lementary 'eriod and the o ice o the adverse 'arty or o''osin! counsel to be served is closed$ or whatever reason. . 8%olar Entertainment$ &nc. v. 7on. Rica ort$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C6BB=$ 'rom. Au!ust D$ 4<<>5 112. T8" )-0"%!" -"#&!&o' o +8" Co$%+ o A,,")6! 7)! !"'+ +o +8" -" "'-)'+ ),,"66""<! #o$'!"6. T8" #o$'!"6 -&- 'o+ %"#"&0" +8" !)5", &+ 7)! %"+$%'"- 7&+8 +8" 'o+)+&o' JU'#6)&5"- R"+$%' +o S"'-"% J !+)5,"- o' +8" "'0"6o," #o'+)&'&'( +8" -"#&!&o'. A #"%+& &#)+&o' 7)! +8"' &!!$"- &' +8" o66o7&'( +"'o%: JT8&! &! +o #"%+& . +8)+ )##o%-&'( +o +8" %"#o%-F!D o +8&! O &#" R"(&!+"%"L"++"% No.;114 F7&+8 D"6&0"%. No, 2B1;4D 7)! !"'+ ?. F+8"D Co$%+ o A,,")6!, M)'&6) o' =$'" 14, 1AA4 )--%"!!"- +o A++.. A')#6"+o S. M)('o o 2B@ A!!o#&)+"- B)'C B6-(., E%5&+), M)'&6) 7)! %"+$%'"- +o !"'-"% )! $'#6)&5"5)&6 o' =$6. 3, 1AA4 ) +"% +8" 6),!" o %"(6"5"'+)%. ,"%&o- ,%o0&-"- o% $'-"% ,o!+)6 %"($6)+&o'! o66o7&'( +8" &!!$)'#" o 'o+&#"! o' +8" -)+"! 8"%"$'-"% &'-&#)+"- F$'-"%!#o%&'( !$,,6&"-D: F&%!+ No+&#"- =$'" 14, 1AA4 T8&%- No+&#" -=$'" 21, 1AA4 S"#o'- No+&#" - =$'" 1A, 1AA4.J W)! +8" -"#&!&o' -$6. !"%0"- $,o' #o$'!"6 : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. &t was not enou!h or the .ostmaster to have certi ied that the notices were issued because this is "ust a 'relude to service by re!istered mail. And de initely$ it would not be in consonance with the demands o due 'rocess and e,uity to automatically conclude that rom the word #issued# alone$ the notice was in act received by the addressee or somebody actin! on his behal and on the same date o the notice. The 'ostmaster should have included in his certi ication the manner$ date and the reci'ient o the delivery. 8%antos v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>B94$ 'rom. %e'tember C$ 4<<>5

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MOTIONS IN GENERAL
112. &re there any e ceptions to the rule that a motion without a notice of hearin# is a mere scrap of paper ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n Tan v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CBC4A$ 'rom. %e'tember 66$ 4<<> it was held that liberal construction o this rule has been allowed by the %u'reme )ourt in the ollowin! cases2 a. +here a ri!id a''lication will result in a mani est ailure or miscarria!e o "ustice 80oldloo' .ro'erties$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ 646 %)RA A<>$ DBA*DBD5$ es'ecially i a 'arty success ully shows that the alle!ed de ect in the ,uestioned inal and e(ecutory "ud!ment is not a''arent on its ace or rom the recitals contained therein 8Balan!cad v. Eustices o the )ourt o A''eals$ /ebruary 46$ 4<<65G b. +here the interest o substantial "ustice will be served 8Tamar!o v. )A$ 6B< %)RA D4>$ D665G c. +here the resolution o the motion is addressed solely to the sound and "udicious discretion o the court 80alve- v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6C= %)RA 9>D$ 9<9*=B65G and d. +here the in"ustice to the adverse 'arty is not commensurate with the de!ree o his thou!htlessness in not com'lyin! with the 'rocedure 'rescribed 80alan! v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4<< %)RA 9>C5. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R"E$&%"5"'+ o% 'o+&#". A motion that does not meet the notice re,uirements o %ecs. A and D o Rule 4D o the Rules o )ourt is 'ro orma$ and the trial court has no authority to act on it. The re,uisites laid down in the a orementioned 'rovisions are cate!orical and mandatory$ and the ailure o the movants to com'ly with them renders their motions atally de ective. 8Euan$ et al.$ v. 'eo'le$ 0.R. No. 4C6C=>$ 'rom. Eanuary 4>$ 6BBB5 b. P$%,o!" o 'o+&#". To brin! the 'arty into court at the time o the motion$ or at least to in orm him that a motion is to be made$ thereby enablin! him to a''ear and contest the motion i he desires to do so. .rior notice enables the adverse 'arty to a''ear or his own 'rotection and be heard be ore an order is made. 8Odono v. Eud!e Macarae!$ etc.$ et al.$ etc.$ A..M. No. RTE*BB*4DA6$ 'rom. March 49$ 6BBB citin! /ar Eastern %urety Q &nsurance )om'any$ &nc. v. Jda. de 7ernande- 89= %)RA 6D95 c. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+ -&!%"()%-"- )&6$%" o 'o+&#": 45 /ailure not atal as adverse 'arty had actually received a co'y o the motion and was in act 'resent in court when the motion was heard. The demands o substantial "ustice were satis ied by the actual recei't o said motion under those conditions. 8Re'ublic o the .hili''ines v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB44>$ 'rom. Euly <$ 4<<>5 65 &t was !rave abuse o discretion or the trial court to deny the motion or 'ost'onement o the 'rivate 'rosecutor even thou!h no co'y o the motion had been served on the accused$ in view o the act that the 'rosecution was not available on the date o the trial. No substantial ri!ht o the accused was im'aired. On the other hand$ it was im'ortant that the case be decided on the merits rather than be dismissed on a technicality. The accused should reali-e that 'ost'onements are 'art and 'arcel o our le!al system. 8Re'ublic$ supra5 C5 &n A-a"ar v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4AD %)RA CCC cited in Re'ublic supra the de endant iled a motion to dismiss without notice o hearin!. As a result$ the 'eriod or ilin! his answer e('ired and he was declared in de ault. &t was held that since the de endant:s reason or his ailure to set his motion or hearin! was not #utterly without 'lausibility$# and that he has meritorious de enses$ the "ud!ment by de ault was set aside. A5 A motion or reconsideration did not have attached to it 'roo that a co'y thereo had been served on the adverse 'arty. There was showin! that a co'y o the motion was actually sent to the o''osin! 'arty:s counsel$ a day a ter the motion had

9>

been iled. The %u'reme )ourt considered the subse,uent service o the motion to be a substantial com'liance with the Rules. 8Re'ublic o the .hili''ines v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB44>$ 'rom. Euly <$ 4<<>5 D5 +here$ des'ite the absence o notice$ the trial court heard the adverse 'arty and considered this ar!uments. This shows that the 'ur'ose o a notice o hearin! is in order to a ord the adverse 'arty time to study and answer the ar!uments in said motion be ore its resolution by the court. d. R"E$&%"5"'+ o 'o+&#" o 8")%&'( "E$)66. ),,6&"! +o ) 5o+&o' o% %"#o'!&-%)+&o'.* The rules on 'rocedure e('licitly re,uire that notice o a motion shall be served by the a''licant to all 'arties concerned at least three days be ore the hearin! thereo to!ether with a co'y o the motion$ and o any a idavits and other 'a'ers accom'anyin! it$ and that the notice shall be directed to the 'arties concerned$ statin! the time and 'lace or hearin! the motion. This re,uirement o notice o hearin! e,ually a''lies to a motion or reconsideration. A 'ro orma motion or reconsideration does not sus'end the runnin! o the 'eriod to a''eal. &n the instant case$ the ailure o 'rivate res'ondents to com'ly with the 'rocedural re,uirements was atal to their ri!ht to a''eal. 8.hili''ine )ommercial and &ndustrial Bank 8.)&Bank5 v. )A$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B=C<$ Euly 6B$ 6BBB5

DEPOSITION BEFORE ACTION

113. <ow may a person perpetuate testimony before filin# of an action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A ,"%!o' 78o -"!&%"! +o ,"%,"+$)+" 8&! o7' +"!+&5o'. o% +8)+ o )'o+8"% ,"%!o' %"()%-&'( )'. 5)++"% +8)+ 5). ?" #o('&G)?6" &' )'. #o$%+ o +8" P8&6&,,&'"!, 5). &6" ) 0"%& &"- ,"+&+&o' &' +8" ,6)#" o +8" %"!&-"'#" o )'. "/,"#+"- )-0"%!" ,)%+.. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 6A$ RO)5

DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERIES

114. What is the purpose of the different modes of discovery ? %1000E%TED AN%+ER2 The discovery o every bit o in ormation which may be use ul in the 're'aration or trial$ such as the identity and location o 'ersons havin! knowled!e o relevant actsG those relevant acts themselvesG and the e(istence$ descri'tion$ nature$ custody$ condition$ and location o any books$ documents$ or other tan!ible thin!s. This would enable the 'arties to in orm themselves$ even be ore the trial$ o all the acts relevant to the action$ includin! those known only to the other liti!ants. Throu!h this 'rocedure$ Hcivil trials should not be carried on in the dark. 8%ecurity Bank )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD>=A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T8" -& "%"'+ 5o-"! o -&!#o0"%. $'-"% +8" R$6"! o Co$%+: 45 D",o!&+&o'. The written testimony o a witness !iven in the course o a "udicial 'roceedin!$ in advance o he trial or hearin!$ u'on oral e(amination or in res'onse to written interro!atories$ and where an o''ortunity is !iven or cross* e(amination. 65 I'+"%%o()+o%&"!. These are the ,uestions in writin! served directly on the adverse 'arty to be answered by him or by his o icer. &ts sco'e is as broad as the ield o in,uiry which a 'erson interro!ated is called u'on to testi y in an actual trial. C5 P%o-$#+&o' o% &'!,"#+&o' o -o#$5"'+! o% +8&'(!. This mode o discovery is an e(ce'tion to the constitutional !uarantee o 'rivacy o communication and corres'ondence. &t allows the 'roduction or ins'ection o documents and other thin!s but does not allow them to be distrained without the knowled!e o their law ul owner or 'ossessor. A5 A-5&!!&o' ?. )-0"%!" ,)%+.. This may be made at any time a ter the 'leadin!s are closed. This may be availed o by a 'arty by servin! u'on the other 'arty a written re,uest or the admission by the latter o the !enuineness o any relevant documents described in and e(hibited with the re,uest$ or o the truth o any relevant matters o act set orth therein.

9<

b. Ho7 -",o!&+&o'! 5). ?" $!"-: 45 Any de'osition may be used by any 'arty or the 'ur'ose o contradictin! or im'eachin! the testimony o the de'onent as a witness. b. The de'osition o a 'arty or any one who at the time o takin! the de'osition was an o icer$ director$ or mana!in! a!ent o a 'ublic or 'rivate cor'oration$ 'artnershi'$ or association which is a 'arty may be used by an adverse 'arty or any 'ur'ose. c. The de'osition o a witness$ whether or not a 'arty$ may be used by any 'arty or any 'ur'ose$ i the court inds2 45 That the witness is deadG or 65 That the witness resides at a distance more than one hundred 84BB5 kilometers rom the 'lace o the trial or hearin!G C5 That the witness is unable to attend or testi y because o a!e$ sickness$ in irmity or im'risonmentG or A5 That the 'arty o erin! the de'osition has been unable to 'rocure the attendance o his witnesses by sub'oenaG or D5 1'on a''lication and notice$ that such e(ce'tional circumstances e(ist as to make it desirable$ in the interest o "ustice and with due re!ard to the im'ortance o 'resentin! the testimony o witnesses orally in o'en court$ to allow the de'osition to be usedG and d. & only a 'art o a de'osition is o ered in evidence by a 'artyG the adverse 'arty may re,uire him to introduce all o it which is relevant to the 'art introduced$ and any 'arty may introduce any other 'arts. 8%ec. A$ Rule 6C$ RO)5 7ence$ the de'osition*discovery rules are to be accorded a broad and liberal treatment.8.roducers Bank o the .hili''ines v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44BA<D$ 'rom. Eanuary 6<$ 4<<>5 )ourts are !iven a wide latitude in !rantin! motions or discovery in order to enable 'arties to 're'are or trial or otherwise settle the controversy 'rior thereo . 8%ecurity Bank )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD>=A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5 111119. $he spouses 6y filed an action for injunction and dama#es a#ainst Security 'an. =S'C>% Domin#o and the E "officio Sheriff of Nue9on City to enjoin the e trajudicial foreclosure over a parcel of land re#istered under the spousesB name. $he action sou#ht the amendment of two deeds of Real Estate Mort#a#e between Aac.ivi and S'C. S'C and Domin#o had a cross"claim a#ainst each other. $hereafter% the spouses 6y and Domin#o had a cross"claim a#ainst each other. $he spouses 6y and Domin#o filed their separate motions for production% inspection and copyin# of documents relatin# to the mort#a#e. Domin#o averred that the subject documents were Imaterial and important to the issues raised in the case in #eneral% and as between defendant =Domin#o> and defendant S'C in pareticular. I-n the other hand% the spouses 6y said the documents were Inecessary for a full determination of the issues raisedJ in the suit. Rule on the motions. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 0ranted. A !ood cause or ins'ection o documents is to enable a 'arty to intelli!ently 're'are his de enses and to come u' with a ull determination o the issues. 8%ecurity Bank )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD>=A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5

FILING OF THE ACTION

COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACTION
11;. <ow is a civil action commenced ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A #&0&6 )#+&o' &! #o55"'#"- ?. +8" &6&'( o +8" o%&(&')6 #o5,6)&'+ &' #o$%+. b. I )' )--&+&o')6 -" "'-)'+ &! &5,6")-"- &' ) 6)+"% ,6")-&'(, +8" )#+&o' &!

=B

45 #o55"'#"- 7&+8 %"()%- +o 8&5 o' +8" -)+" o +8" &6&'( o !$#8 6)+"% ,6")-&'(, 65 &%%"!,"#+&0" o 78"+8"% +8" 5o+&o' o% &+! )-5&!!&o', & '"#"!!)%., C5 &! -"'&"- &' #o$%+. 8%ec. D$ Rule 4$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

DOCKET FEES
11111@. -n March 2% /01*% &drian filed a complaint with the R$C a#ainst Shell% Calte % Mobil and (etrophil. 4o mention was made in the complaint of the amount of dama#s claimed but &drian alle#ed that the conservative amount of the combined #ross sales of his invention by the oil companies ius (0*3 million annually. &t the 4ovember /*% /013 hearin#% &drian estimated the yearly royalty due him to be (5*C million. $he oil companies filed a motion to dismiss upon discovery that &drian paid only (5,5.++ filin# fee based on his claim for attorneyBs fees in the sum of (5++%+++.++. the court denied themotion and ordered &drian to pay additional doc.et fees in the sum of (03,%+++.++. &drian filed a motion for reconsideration which was opposed by the oil companies. $he trial court then ordered the plaintiff to pay the re!uired additional doc.et fee after the termination of the case to be deducted from whatever jud#ment in dama#es awarded to the plaintiff. $he matter was elevated to the Court of &ppeals thence to the Supreme Court which ordered the case resumed upon payment of all the lawful fees or upon e emption from payment thereof uopn proper application to liti#ate as pauper. $he plaintiff then filed an application to liti#ate as a pauper which was denied. <e then filed an amended complaint. Subse!uent amendments were made payin# additional amounts for the filin# fees in order to accommodate the plaintiffBs finances ? Does the plaintiff have the ri#ht to amend his complaint to accommodate his finances for payment of the prescribed doc.et fees ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. Normally$ the manner o 'ayments made by the 'lainti o the docket ees in installments should be disallowed. 7owever$ e,uity demands that 'rocedural rules be rela(ed considerin! the 'eculiar circumstances availin! in the case. &t would be !rossly unust i the 'lainti Ks claim a!ainst the oil com'anies$ who have alle!edly rea'ed the 'ro its o his li time work$ would be dismissed or the sole reason that his iances are not su icint to allow him to ile his claim. 8de la .a- v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 46B4DB$ 'rom. March 6=$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G"'"%)6 %$6": The timely ilin! o corect docket ees is "urisdictional. 7owever$ that the 'ronouncements o the %u'reme )ourt on the matter have always been in luenced by the 'eculiar le!al and e,uitable circumstances surroundin! each case. The rule is not as sim'le and uncom'licated as Manchester makes it a''ear. There are other determinin! circumstances$ e,ually im'ortant. The timely ilin! o correct docket ees is "urisdictional$ but considerations o law and e,uity come into the 'icture. 8Fuchen!co v. Re'ublic$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C446=$ 'rom. Eune >$ 6BBB5 b. M)'#8"!+"% -o#+%&'" )'- !$?!"E$"'+ -o#+%&'"!. Manchester Develo'ment$ et al.$ ruled that the court ac,uires "urisdiction over any case only u'on 'ayment o the 'rescribed docketin! ees. The alle!ation in the body o the com'laint o dama!es su ered in the amount o .=> million$ and the omission o a s'eci ic 'rayer or that amount was intended or no other 'ur'ose than to evade the 'ayment o correct ilin! ees i not to mislead the docket clerk in the assessment o the correct ee. The rulin! was intended to 'ut a sto' to such an irre!ularity. %un &nsurance O ice$ Ltd.$ et al.$ v. Asuncion$ et al.$ 4=B %R)A 6=A modi ied the Manchester doctrine by holdin! that a more liberal inter'retation o the rules is called or considerin! that$ unlike Manchester$ there was demonstrated willin!ness to abide by the rules by 'ayin! the additional docket ees as re,uired. Thus$ where the ilin! o the

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initiatory 'leadin! is not acom'anied by 'ayment o the docketin! ee$ the court may allow 'ayment o such ee within a reasonable time but in no case beyond the 'rescri'tive or re!lementary 'eriod. c. T7o !&+$)+&o'! +8)+ 5). )%&!". O'" is where the com'laint or similar 'leadin! sets out a claim 'urely or money or dama!es and there is no 'recise statement o the amounts bein! claimed. &n this event$ the rule is that the 'leadin! will Hnot be acce'ted nor admitted$ or shall otherwise be e('un!ed rom the record.I &n other words$ the com'laint or 'leadin! may be dismissed or the claims as to which the amounts are uns'eci ied may be e('un!ed$ althou!h as a orestated the court may$ on motion$ 'ermit amendment o the com'laint and 'ayment o the ees 'ovided the claim has not in the meantime become time*barred. The o+8"% is where the 'leadin! does s'eci y the amount o every claim$ but the ees 'aid are insu icientG and here a!ain$ the rule now is that the court may allow a reasonable time or the 'ayment o the 'rescribed ees$ or the balance thereo $ and u'on such 'ayment$ the de ect is cured and the court may 'ro'erly take co!ni-ance o the action$ unless in the meantime 'rescri'tion has set in and conse,uently barred the ri!ht o action. d. +here the )#+&o' &'0o60"! %")6 ,%o,"%+. )'- ) %"6)+"- #6)&5 o% -)5)("! as well$ the le!al ees shall be assessed on the basis o both 8a5 the value o the 'ro'erty and 8b5 the total amount o related dama!es sou!ht. The court ac,uires "urisdiction over the action i the ilin! o the initiatory 'leadin! is accom'anied by the 'aymenbt o the re,uisite ee$ or$ i the ees are not 'aid at the time o the ilin! o the 'leadin!$ as o the time o ull 'ayment o the ees within such reasonable time as the court may !rant$ unless$ o course$ 'rescri'tion has set in the meantime. But where ( ( ( the ees 'rescribed or an action involvin! real 'ro'erty have been 'aid$ but the amounts o certain o the related dama!es 8actual$ moral and nominal5 bein! demanded are uns'eci ied$ the action may not be dismissed.I 8Fuchen!co v. Re'ublic$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C446=$ 'rom. Eune >$ 6BBB5 e. M)'#8"!+"% -o#+%&'" 'o+ ),,6&#)?6" +o "6"#+&o' #)!"! . 8.ahilan v. Tabala$ et al.$ 6CB %)RA 6BD$ 649*64= cited in Eno"as$ Er.$ v. "ud!e 0acott$ Er.$ etc.$ A.M. No. RTE*<<* 4D4C$ 'rom. Eanuary 4<$ 6BBB5

RAFFLE AND ASSIGNMENT OF CASES

AFTER FILING OF THE ACTION AND SERVICE OF SUMMONS

SUMMONS
11A. What is the purpose of service of summons ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 the 'ur'ose o service o summons2 a. /or "urisdictional 'ur'oses which is ac,uired by courts over the 'erson o a 'arty* de endant by virtue o the service o summons in the manner re,uired by law. 8.abon$ et al.$ v. National Labor Relations )ommission$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46BAD=$ 'rom. %e'tember 6A$ 4<<>5 b. To !ive notice to the de endant or res'ondent that an action has been commenced a!ainst her. %he is thus$ 'ut on !uard as to the demands o the 'lainti or 'etitioner. 8.aramount &nsurance )or'oration v. Luna$ et al.$ 4A> %)RA D9<5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S$55o'!, -" &'"-. %ummons is the means by which the de endant in a case is noti id o the e(istence o a case a!ainst him and$ thereby$ the court is con rred "urisdiction over the 'erson o the de endant. 8Millenium &ndustrial )ommercial cor'oration v. Tan$ 0.R. no. 4C4=6A$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 b. E/#",+&o' o% &'!+)'#" 78"%" !"%0&#" o !$55o'! &! 'o+ o% +8" ,$%,o!" o o?+)&'&'( *$%&!-&#+&o': E(traterritorial service o summons to non*resident de endant

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where the action a ects the 'ersonal status o the 'lainti $ or the sub"ect o the de endant:s 'ro'erty in the .hili''ines. 8.erkins v. Di-on$ 9< .hil. 4>95 The 'ur'ose is to com'ly with due 'rocess.

METHODS OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS

METHODS OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS. a. .ersonal b. %ubstituted c. %ervice by 'ublication 45 Resident de endant 65 Non*resident de endant 12B. <ow is personal service of summons effected ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"'0"% ,%)#+&#)?6", +8" !$55o'! !8)66 ?" !"%0"- ?. 8)'-&'( ) #o,. +8"%"o +o +8" -" "'-)'+ &' ,"%!o', o%, & 8" %" $!"! +o %"#"&0" )'- !&(' o% &+, ?. +"'-"%&'( &+ +o 8&5. 8%ec. 9$ rule 4A$ RO)5 111121. <ow is substituted service of summons made ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 I , o% *$!+& &)?6" #)$!"!, +8" -" "'-)'+ #)''o+ ?" !"%0"- 7&+8&' ) %")!o')?6" +&5" )! ,%o0&-"- &' +8" ,%"#"-&'( !"#+&o', !"%0&#" 5). ?" " "#+")D ?. 6")0&'( #o,&"! o +8" !$55o'! )+ +8" -" "'-)'+I! %"!&-"'#" 7&+8 !o5" ,"%!o' o !$&+)?6" )(" )'- -&!#%"+&o' +8"' %"!&-&'( +8"%"&', o% ?D ?. 6")0&'( +8" #o,&"! )+ -" "'-)'+I! o &#" o% %"($6)% ,6)#" o ?$!&'"!! 7&+8 !o5" #o5,"+"'+ ,"%!o' &' #8)%(" +8"%"o . 8%ec. =$ Rule 4A$ RO) arran!ment su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Mo-"! o !"%0&#" !+%&#+6. o66o7"- in order that the court may ac,uire "urisdiction over the 'erson. Thus$ it is only when the de endant cannot be served 'ersonally Hwithina reasonable timeI that substituted service may be allowed. &m'ossibility o 'rom't$ 'ersonal service should be shown by statin! in the 'roo o service that e orts were made to ind the de enant 'ersonally and that said e orts ailed$ hence the resort to substituted service. /ailure to aith ully$ strictly$ and ully com'ly with the re,uirements o substituted service renders said service ine ective. /or substituted service to be valid$ the summons should be le t Hin the de endantsK residenc with some 'erson o suitable a!e and discretion o suitable a!e and discretion then residin! therein.I Thus$ there was invalid service i made with the de endantKs son*in*law who was not livin! in the same house as his 'arents*in*law$ althou!h Hlivin! in the same com'ound.I 8%'s. Miranda v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44A6AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 6C$ 6BBB5 The statement o im'ossibility o service should be made in the 'roo o service. This is necessary because substituted service is in dero!ation o the usual method o service. %ubstituted service is a method e(traordinary in character$ and hence may be used only as 'rescribed in the circumstancs authori-ed by statute. Thus$ the statutory re,uirements o substituted service must be ollowed strictly$ aith ully$ and any substituted service other than that authori-ed by the statute is considered ine ective. There is a 'resum'tion that a sheri has re!ularly 'er ormed his o icial nctions in utili-in! substituted service o summons. To overcome the 'resum'tion arisin! rom the sheri Ks certi icate$ the evidence must be clear and convincin!. 81manda' v.Eud!e %abio$ Er.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4AB6AA$ 'rom. Au!ust 6<$ 6BBB5 111122. <ow is service of summons made upon a domestic private entity ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"' +8" -" "'-)'+ &! ) #o%,o%)+&o', ,)%+'"%!8&, o% )!!o#&)+&o' o%()'&G"- $'-"% +8" 6)7! o +8" P8&6&,,&'"! 7&+8 ) *$%&-&#)6 ,"%!o')6&+$., !"%0&#" 5). ?" 5)-" o' +8" a. ,%"!&-"'+,

=C

b. 5)')(&'( ,)%+'"%, c. ("'"%)6 5)')("%, d. #o%,o%)+" !"#%"+)%., e. +%")!$%"%, o% . &'-8o$!" #o$'!"6. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 4A$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The above has restricted the 'ersons who are considered as re'resentatives u'on whom service o summons u'on a cor'oration is to be made. The author believes that the rule on substantial com'liance o servin! summons which allows service o summons other than those mentioned under the 'revious %ec. 4C$ Rule 4A 8now amended as %ec. 44$ Rule 4A5$ re erred to in 0 Q 0 Tradin!$ .orac Truckin!$ &nc.$ and Millenium &ndustrial commercial )or'oration v. Tan.$ 0.R. No. 4C4=6A$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB$ all havin! been decided 'rior to the 4<<= Rules$ is not a''licable anymore. This is so$ because the 4<<= Rules removed the words Hmana!er$ secretary$ cahsier$ a!entI rom the rule and re'laced it with more s'eci ic 'ersons like the Hmana!in! 'artner$ !eneral mana!er$ cor'orate secretary$ treasurer$ or in*house counselI. 111122. <ow is service of summons effected on a defendant (hilippine resdient temporarily abroad ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. .ersonal service outside the .hili''ines with leave o courtG b. .ublication$ with leave o court$ in a news'a'er o !eneral circulation in such 'laces and or such time as the court may order in which case2 45 co'y o the summons and order o the court shall be sent by re!istered mail to the last known address o the de endant$ and 65 The order s'eci ies a reasonable time$ not less than si(ty 89B5 days a ter notice within which the de endant must answer. c. &n any other manner the court may deem su icient. 8%ec. 4D in relation to %ec. 49$ both o Rule 4A$ RO)5 The above methods are also known as e(traterritorial service o summons 5). ?" %"!o%+"- +o o% )#+&o'! in rem or !uasi in rem 7&+8 6")0" o #o$%+. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. I'!+)'#"! 78"' +8" )?o0" 5"+8o-! o "/+%)+"%%&+o%&)6 !"%0&#" 5). ?" %"!o%+"- +o 7&+8 6")0" o #o$%+2 45 +hen the de endant does not reside and is not ound in the .hili''ines$ and a5 The action a ects the 'ersonal status o the 'lainti or b5 The action relates to$ or the sub"ect o which is 'ro'erty within the .hili''ines$ is one in which the de endant has or claims a lien or interest$ actual or contin!ent$ or c5 The relie demanded in such action consists$ wholly or in 'art$. &n e(cludin! de end ant rom any interest therein$ or c5 The 'ro'erty o the non*resident de endant has been attached within the .hili''ines. 8%ec. 4D$ Rule 4A$ RO)5 65 The above methods are resorted to where the action is in rem or quasi in rem. C5 +hat !ives the court "urisdiction is not "urisdiction over the 'erson but "urisdiction over the res i.e. a5 .ersonal status o the 'lainti 8not the de endant5 who is domiciled in the .hili''inesG b5 The 'ro'erty liti!atedG or c5 The 'ro'erty attached. 8Jalmonte$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>DC>$ 'rom. Eanuary 66$ 4<<95 b. I66$!+%)+&o' o ),,6&#)?&6&+. )'- 'o'-),,6&#)?&6&+. o "/+%)+"%%&+o%&)6 !"%0&#" $'-"% S"#. 14, R$6" 13, R$6"! o Co$%+: I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8"%" 7)! NO 0)6&- !"%0&#": 45 No valid service in an action or 'artitionin! and accountin! under Rule 9< o the Rules o )ourt 8which is an action quasi in rem5$ i made u'on the husband$ who is residin! in the .hili''ines$ o a non*resident de endant

=A

not ound in the .hili''ines. Leave o court must be obtained and methods in %c. 4D$ Rule 4A$ RO) must be ollowed. The service u'on the husband cannot be "usti ied under the last 'hrase o %ec. 4D$ Rule 4A$ RO)$ which 'rovides$ #in any manner the court may deem su icient$# because2 a5 This mode o service like the irst two 8'ersonal and 'ublication5$ must be made outside the .hili''ines$ such as throu!h the .hili''ine Embassy in the orei!n country where the de endant residesG b5 No leave o court was obtained in the orm o a motion in writin!$ su''orted by a idavit o the 'lainti or some other 'erson in his behal and settin! orth the !rounds or the a''lication. 8Jalmonte$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>DC>$ 'rom. Eanuary 66$ 4<<95 65 Althou!h the %u'reme )ourt considered 'ublication in the .hili''ines o the summons 8a!ainst the contention that it should have been made in the orei!n state where the de endant was residin!5 su icient$ nonetheless the service was considered insu icient because no co'y o the summons was sent to the last known correct address in the .hili''ines. 8%aha!un v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4<> %)RA AA5 b. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8"%" WAS 0)6&- !"%0&#": 45 %ervice o summons on the husband was considered valid because summons was served u'on the de endant:s husband in their con"u!al home. The wi e was tem'orarily absent because she was on vacation. 8De Leon v. 7ontanosa$ 9= %)RA AD>$ A96*A9C5 65 %ervice on the wi e o a nonresident de endant was ound to be su icient because the de endant had a''ointed his wi e as his attorney*in* act. 80em'erle v. %chenker$ 46D .hil. AD>5 111123. Duraproof Services sued for dama#es various parties includin# 'anco do 'ra9il% a non"resident forei#n ban. which was served summons throu#h the ambassador of 'ra9il to the (hilippines as well as throu#h publication. 7or failure of 'anco do 'ra9il to file its answer% it was declared in default and jud#ment rendered a#ainst it awardin# dama#es in favor of the plaintiff. Did the court obtain jurisdiction over 'anco do 'ra9il ? Why ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. The action is one that is in personam because the 'lainti sou!ht to recover dama!es or the alle!ed commission o an in"ury to the 'erson or 'ro'erty o the 'lainti . %ince the action is one in personam 'ersonal or$ i not 'ossible$ substituted service o summons on the de endant$ and not e(traterritorial service$ in necessary to con er "urisdiction u'on the 'erson o Banco do Bra-il. 8Banco do Brasil v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. Nos. 464D=9*=>$ 'rom. Eune 49$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/+%)+"%%&+o%&)6 !"%0&#" o !$55o'! ),,6&#)?6" o'6. &' )#+&o'! in rem o% !uasi in rem. E(traterritorial service o summons a''ly only where the action is in rem$ an action a!ainst the thin! itsel instead o a!ainst the 'erson$ or in an action quasi in rem where an individual is named as de endant and the 'ur'ose o the 'roceedin! is to sub"ect his interest therein to the obli!ation or loan burdenin! the 'ro'erty. This is so inasmuch as$ in in rem and quasi in rem actions$ "urisdiction over the 'erson o the de endant is not a 'rere,uisite to con er "urisdiction on the court 'rovided that the court ac,uires "urisdiction over the res. Any relie !ranted in in rem or quasi in rem actions must be con ined to the res and the court cannot law ully render a 'ersonal "ud!mnt a!ainst the de endant. 8Banco do Brasil v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 464D=9*=>$ 'rom. Eune 49$ 6BBB5

PLAINTIFF!" NOTICES, MOTIONS, ETC.

=D

a. Notice o lis pendens b. Notice to withdraw or dismiss the com'laint. c. Motion to amend or su''lement the com'laint.

NOTICE OF ;)S (E4DE4S

111124. )nvestco sold to Solid <omes% )nc.% a parcel of land on installments. &s a result of the alle#ed failure of Solid <omes% )nc.% to pay because its postdated chec.s bounced% )nvestco sued Solid <omes. )n its answer Solid <omes alle#ed the purchase price was not yet due% and in fact e ceeded the installment payments. )t prayed for dismissal of the complaint and interposed a counterclaim for the refund of e cess payments% moral dama#es and attorneyBs fees. )t then filed with with the Re#ister of Deeds a notice of lis pendens which was entered in the primary Entry 'oo.% but not on )nvestcoBs titles. $he trial court rendered jud#ment in favor of )nvetco. Subse!uently% )nvestco sold the property to &7(M'&)% who upon verification from the Re#ister of Deeds found that there were no liens on the title. $he Re#ister of Deeds issued IcleanJ $C$s in the name of &7(M'&) which contained no annotation of any lien% encumbrance% or adverse claim by a third party. Solid <omes% after discovery of the sale to &7(M'&) filed suit a#ainst the Re#ister of Deeds% )nvestco and &7(M'&) for Iannotation of lis pendens and dama#es.J Will the suit prosper ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. A notice o lis pendens is not and cannot be sou!ht as a 'rinci'al action or relie . The notice is but an incident to an action$ an e(tra*"udicial one to be sure. &t does not a ect the meris thereo . &t is intended merely to constructively advise$ or warn$ all 'eo'le who deal with the 'ro'ert that they so deal with it at their own risk$ and whatever ri!hts they may ac,uire in the 'ro'erty in any voluntnary transaction are sub"ect to the results o the action$ and may well be in erior and subordinate to those which ma be inally determined and laid own therein. The notice o lis pendens M that real 'ro'erty is involved in an action M is ordinarily recorded without the intervention o the court where the action is 'endin!. As a settled rule$ notice o lis pendens may be annotated only when there is an action or 'roceedin! in court which a ecs itle to or 'ossession o real 'ro'erty. &n this case$ the action was or collection o un'aid installments on the 'urchase o sub"ect 'ro'erty and %olid 7omesK claim or dama!es. &n such case$ the annotation o a notice o lis pendens was not 'ro'er as the action was in personam. 8A/. Mutual Bene it Associaition$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BA=9<G %olid 7omes$ &nc. v. &nvestco$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CDB49$ 'rom. March C$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o 'o+&#" o lis pendens. The doctrine o lis pendens is ounded u'on reasons o 'ublic 'olicy and necessity. &t is an announcement to the whole world that a 'articular real 'ro'erty is in liti!ation. 8Fared$ et al.$ v. 7on. &larde$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444A=C6$ 'rom. Au!ust 4$ 6BBB5 b. P$%,o!" o 'o+&#" o lis pendens. 45 To 'rotect the ri!hts o the 'arty causin! the re!istration thereo $ and 65 to advise third 'ersons who 'urchase or contract on the sub"ect 'ro'erty that they do so at their 'eril and sub"ect to the result o the 'endin! liti!ation. One who deals with 'ro'erty sub"ect o a notice o lis pendens cannot ac,uire better ri!hts than those o his 'redecessors*in*interest. 8Jiewmaster )onstruction )or'oration v. 7on. Maulit$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C96>C$ 'rom. /ebruary 6<$ 6BBB5 The 'ur'ose o the notice is to make known to the whole world that 'ro'erties in liti!ation are still within the 'ower o the court until the liti!ation is terminated and to 'revent the de eat o the "ud!ment or decree by subse,uent alienation. &t serves as a warnin! that one who ac,uires an interest in said 'ro'erty does so at his own risk$ or that he !ambles on the result o the liti!ation over the 'ro'erty. 8Fared$ et al.$ v. 7on. &larde$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444A=C6$ 'rom. Au!ust 4$ 6BBB5

=9

c. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" 'o+&#" o lis pendens &! ,%o,"%. Rule 4C$ %ection 4A o the 4<<= rules o )ivil .rocedure and %ection =9 o .residential Decree No. 4D6<$ otherwise known as the .ro'erty Re!istration Decree 'rovide the statutory basis or a notice o lis pendens. /rom these 'rovisions it is clear that such a notice is 'ro'er only in actions to2 45 Recover 'ossession o real 'ro'erty 65 ;uiet title theretoG C5 Remove clouds thereonG A5 .artition 'ro'ertyG and D5 Any other 'roceedin!s o any kind in )ourt directly a ectin! the title to the land or the use or occu'ation thereo or the buildin! thereon. Thus$ all the a''licant has to do is to assert a claim o ownershi' to 'ut the 'ro'erty under the covera!e o the rule. &t is not necessary or her to 'rove owneershi' or interest over the 'ro'erty sou!ht to be a ected by lis pendens. 8Fared$ et al.$ v. 7on. &larde$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 444A=C6$ 'rom. Au!ust 4$ 6BBB5 &t is 'ro'er where a claim is made o an interest or ri!ht in the 'ro'erty s'eci ically sub"ect o the alle!ed simulated sale$ where the ob"ect o the com'laint is not only to en orce a lien or encumbrance a!ainst the sub"ect 'ro'erty but to en orce a valid claim. The notice is s'eci ic where it re ers to a 'ortion covered by the T)Ts coverin! 6C$9B< s,. m. o the sub"ect real 'ro'erty. 8Albnerto v. )A$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<B>>$ 'rom. Eune CB$ 6BBB5 d. A?!"'#" o +"#8'&#)6 -"!#%&,+&o' 'o+ (%o$'- +o %"*"#+ ),,6&#)+&o' o% lis pendens. Absence o the 'ro'ertyKs technical descri'tion in either the notice o lis pendens or the com'laint is not a su icient !round or re"ectin! the a''lication$ i re erral is made in the notice o the T)T No.$ and a co'y o the T)T is attached to and made an inte!ral 'art o the two documents. Thus$ the notice o lis pendens submitted or re!istration$ taken as a whole$ leaves no doubt as to the identity o the 'ro'erty$ the technical descri'tion o which a''ears on the attachd T)T. The main 'ur'ose o the re,uirement that the notice shall contain a technical descri'tion o the 'ro'erty is to ensure that the same can be distin!uished and readily identi ied. 8Jiewmaster )onstruction )or'oration v. 7on. Maulit$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C96>C$ 'rom. /ebruary 6<$ 6BBB5 e. R"5"-. 78"%" R"(&!+"% o D""-! -"'&"! %"(&!+%)+&o' . 1nder ..D. No. 4D6<$ the H.ro'erty Re!istration Decree o 4<=>$I the Re!ister o Deeds may deny re!istration o the notice o lis pendens which denial may be a''ealed by the a''licant en consulta 8%ection 4B$ 'ara!ra'h 65 to the )ommissioner o Land Re!istration. 8A/. Mutual Bene it Associaition$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BA=9<G %olid 7omes$ &nc. v. &nvestco$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CDB49$ 'rom. March C$ 6BBB5

NOTICE TO DISMISS OR WITHDRAW COMPLAINT.

129. May the plaintiff dismiss his complaint by mere notice to the court ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. A #o5,6)&'+ 5). ?" -&!5&!!"- ?. +8" ,6)&'+& ?. &6&'( ) 'o+&#" o -&!5&!!)6 )+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" !"%0&#" o +8" )'!7"% o% o 5o+&o' o% !$55)%. *$-(5"'+. U,o' !$#8 'o+&#" ?"&'( &6"-, +8" #o$%+ !8)66 &!!$" )' o%-"% #o' &%5&'( +8" -&!5&!!)6. 84st two sentences$ %ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G"'"%)6 %$6": T8" -&!5&!!)6 ?. 5"%" 'o+&#" &! 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#". 8last sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 b. E/#",+&o'! o% 78"' -&!5&!!)6 7&+8 ,%"*$-&#": 45 The order states that the dismissal is with 're"udice. 8last sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 65 A''lication o the Two Dismissal Rule2 A 'o+&#" o,"%)+"! )! )' )-*$-&#)+&o' $,o' +8" 5"%&+! 78"' &6"- ?. ) ,6)&'+& 78o 8)! o'#" -&!5&!!"- &' ) #o5,"+"'+ #o$%+ )' )#+&o' ?)!"- o' o% &'#6$-&'( +8" !)5" #6)&5. 8Ibid.5

==

MOTION TO AMEND OR SUPPLEMENT

11112;. What is the effect of amended pleadin#s ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A' )5"'-"- ,6")-&'( !$,"%!"-"! +8" ,6")-&'( +8)+ &+ )5"'-!. b. Ho7"0"%, )-5&!!&o'! &' !$,"%!"-"- ,6")-&'(! 5). ?" %"#"&0"- &' "0&-"'#" )()&'!+ +8" ,6")-"%. c. C6)&5! o% -" "'!"! )66"("- &' +8" !$,"%!"-"- ,6")-&'( 'o+ &'#o%,o%)+"- &' +8" )5"'-"- ,6")-&'( !8)66 ?" -""5"- 7)&0"- . 8%ec. >$ Rule 4B$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. W8"' )5"'-5"'+ &! ) 5)++"% o %&(8+: 45 A ,)%+. 5). )5"'- 8&! ,6")-&'( o'#" )! ) 5)++"% o %&(8+ ?" o%" ) %"!,o'!&0" ,6")-&'( &! !"%0"-. 65 I' #)!" o ) %",6., )+ )'.+&5" 7&+8&' +"' F1BD -).! ) +"% &+ &! !"%0"-. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 4B$ RO)5 C5 /ormal amendments at any sta!e o the 'roceedin!s 'rovided no 're"udice is caused to the adverse 'arty. A -" "#+ &' +8" -"!&(')+&o' o +8" ,)%+&"! )'- o+8"% #6")%6. #6"%&#)6 o% +.,o(%),8&#)6 "%%o%! 5). ?" !$55)%&6. #o%%"#+"- ?. +8" #o$%+ )+ )'. !+)(" o +8" )#+&o', )+ &+! &'&+&)+&o0" o% o' 5o+&o', ,%o0&-"- 'o ,%"*$-&#" &! #)$!"- +8"%"?. +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+.. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4B$ RO)5 b. S$?!+)'+&)6 )5"'-5"'+! 5). ?" 5)-" $,o' 6")0" o #o$%+ & 'o+ &'+"'-"- o% -"6).. FSD$?!)'+&)6 )5"'-5"'+! 5). ?" 5)-" o'6. $,o' 6")0" o #o$%+. B$+ !$#8 6")0" 5). ?" %" $!"- & &+ ),,")%! +o +8" #o$%+ +8)+ +8" 5o+&o' 7)! 5)-" 7&+8 &'+"'+ +o -"6).. O%-"%! o +8" #o$%+ $,o' +8" 5)++"%! ,%o0&-"- &' +8&! !"#+&o' !8)66 ?" 5)-" $,o' 5o+&o' &6"- &' #o$%+, )'- ) %+"% 'o+&#" +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+., 7&+8 )' o,,o%+'&+. +o ?" 8")%-. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4B$ RO)5 )ourts are not 'recluded rom allowin! amendments even i the same will substantially chan!e the cause o action or de ense 'rovided such amendments do not result in a substantial in"ury to the adverse 'arty. The %u'reme )ourt has ruled that amendments to 'leadin!s are avored and should be liberally construed in the urtherance o "ustice. 8Marini*0on-ales v. Lood$ et al.$ 4A> %)RA AD>5 111c. W8"' )5"'-5"'+! 'o+ )66o7"-: 45 The amendment is or the 'ur'ose o delay. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4B$ RO)G .aman v. Dia-$ 449 %)RA 46D5 65 /ormal amendments which cause 're"udice to the adverse 'arty. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4B$ RO)5 C5 That the cause o action or de ense or theory o the case is$ substantially chan!ed 8Torres v. Tomacru-$ A< .hil. <4C5$ but this is not an in le(ible limitation because 'leadin!s may be amended or su''lemented even i there are substantial chan!es as lon! as the 'ur'ose o the amendment or su''lementation is not or delay. A5 That the amendment shall result in alteration o a inal "ud!ment on a substantial matter. 8Ocam'o v. Manalac$ <6 .hil. >9B5 D5 That the amendment is or the 'ur'ose o makin! the com'laint con er "urisdiction u'on the court where none e(isted be ore. 8Rosario v. )arandan!$ <9 .hil. >AD5 95 That the amendment is or the 'ur'ose o curin! a 'remature or non*e(istin! cause o action. 8)alabi! v. Jillanueva$ 4CD %)RA CB=5 d. L")0" o #o$%+ )--%"!!"- +o #o$%+I! !o$'- -&!#%"+&o'. The !rantin! o leave to ile amended 'leadin! is a matter 'articularly addressed to the sound discretion o the trial court and that discretion is broad$ sub"ect only to the limitations that the amendments should not substantially chan!e the cause o action or alter the theory o the case or that it was made to delay the action. Once e(ercised$ that discretion will not be disturbed on a''eal$ e(ce't in case o abuse thereo . The courts should be liberal in allowin! amendments to 'leadin!s to avoid

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multi'licity o suits and in order that the real controversies between the 'arties are 'esented$ their ri!hts determined and the case decided on the merits without unnecessary delay. This liberality is !reatest in the early sta!es o a lawsuit$ es'ecially where the amendment to the com'laint was made be ore the trial o the case thereby !ivin! the de endant all the time allowed by law to answer and to 're'are or trial. As to the wisdom or soundness o the trial courtKs order dismissin! the a irmative de ense o 'rescri'tion$ this involves a matter o "ud!ment which is not 'ro'erly reviewable by a 'etition or certiorari$ which is intended to correct de ects o "urisdiction solely and not to correct errors o 'rocedure or matterKs in the trial courtKs indin!s or conclusion. 8%'s. Re u!ia v. 7on. Ale"o$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 4C>9=A$ 'rom. Eune 66$ 6BBB5 111e. F&6&'( o )5"'-"- ,6")-&'( -o"! 'o+ %"+%o)#+ +o -)+" o &6&'( +8" o%&(&')6 because the ori!inal is su'erseded by the amended 'leadin!s. 7ence$ the statute o limitations runs until the submission o the amendment. 8Re'ublic o the .hili''ines$ etc.$ v. %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<6<6$ 'rom. Euly C4$ 4<<>5 . P$%,o!" o !$,,6"5"'+)6 ,6")-&'(. To su''ly de iciencies in aid o the ori!inal 'leaddin! and not to dis'ense with or substitute the latter. &t is not like an amended 'leadin! which is a substitute or the ori!inal one. &t does not su'ersede the ori!inal$ but assumes that the ori!inal 'leadin! is to stand. The issues "oined under the ori!inal 'leadin! remain as issues to be tried in the action. 8Asset .rivati-ation Trust v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. >4B6A$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 6BBB5 !. S$,,6"5"'+)6 ,6")-&'( %"+%o)#+!. An amendment which merely su''lements and am'li ies acts ori!inally alle!ed in the com'laint relates back to the date o the commencement o the action and is not barred by the statute o limitations which e('ired a ter service o the ori!inal com'laint. 8Re'ublic o the .hili''ines$ etc.$ v. %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<6<6$ 'rom. Euly C4$ 4<<>5 7owever$ such rule does not a''ly to a 'arty who is im'leaded or the irst time in the amended com'laint that was iled beyond the 'rescri'tive 'eriod. 8Ibid.5 h. W8"' #)$!" o )#+&o' !$?!+)'+&)66. )6+"%"-. &n determinin! whether a di erent cause o action is introduced by amendments to the com'laint$ what must be ascertained is whether the de endants shall be re,uired to answer or a liability or le!al obli!ation wholly di erent rom that stated in the ori!inal com'laint. An amendment will not be considered as statin! a new cause o action i the act alle!ed in the amended com'laint shows substantially the same wron! with res'ect to the same matter but is more ully and di erently stated$ or where averments which were im'lied are made e('ress$ or the sub"ect o the controversy or the liabilty sou!ht to be en orced remains the same. 8;ue v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CDAA6$ 'rom. Au!ust C4$ 6BBB5

AFTER SERVICE OF SUMMONS BEFORE ANSWER AND ANSWER

PLAINTIFF!" NOTICES, MOTIONS, ETC.
a. b. c. d. Notice to withdraw or dismiss the com'laint. Re er to 'revious discussion. Motion to amend or su''lement the com'laint. Re er to 'revious discussion. O''osition to the de endant:s various motions. Motion to declare de endant in de ault.

MOTION TO DECLARE IN DEFAULT

12@. What are the #rounds for declaration of default ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2

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a. /ailure o a de endin! 'arty to answer within the time allowed. 8%ec. C$ Rule <$RO)5 This includes ailure to answer a com'laint$ counterclaim$ cross*claim$ third*'arty com'laint$ etc. b. +il ul ailure to a''ear be ore an o icer to make a de'osition$ a ter bein! served with a 'ro'er notice$ or ailure to serve answers a ter 'ro'er service o interro!atories. 8%ec. D$ Rule 6<$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. E "#+! o -"#6)%)+&o' o -" )$6+: 45 The court shall$ u'on motion o the claimin! 'arty with notice to the de endin! 'arty$ and u'on 'roo o such ailure$ declare the de endin! 'arty in de ault. Thereu'on$ the court shall 'roceed to render "ud!ment !rantin! the claimant such relie as his 'leadin! may warrant. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. C$ Rule <$ RO)5 65 The court may$ in its discretion$ re,uire the claimant to submit evidence be ore renderin! "ud!ment. %uch rece'tion o evidence may be dele!ated to the clerk o court. 8Ibid.+ C5 A "ud!ment rendered a!ainst a 'arty in de ault shall not e(ceed the amount or be di erent in kind rom that 'rayed or nor award unli,uidated dama!es. 8%ec. C ?d@$ Rule <$ RO)5 A5 A 'arty in de ault shall be entitled to notice o subse,uent 'roceedin!s but not to take 'art in the trial. 8%ec. C ?a@$ Rule <$ RO)5 b. N)+$%" )'- " "#+! o ) *$-(5"'+ o -" )$6+. A "ud!ment o de ault does not im'ly a waiver o ri!hts E(ce't that o bein! heard and 'resentin! evidence in de endantKs avor. &t does not im'ly admission by the de endant o the acts and causes o action o the 'lainti $ because the codal section re,uires the latter to adduce evidence 8NOTE2 Rece'tion o evidence is now discretionary under the 4<<= Rules$ 4 st 'ar.$ %ec. C$ Rule <5$ in su''ort o his alle!ations as an indis'ensable condition be oire inal "ud!ment could be !iven in his avor. Nor could it be inter'reted as an admission by the de endant that the 'lainti Ks causes o action ind su''ort in the law or that the latter is entitled to the relie 'rayed or. This is es'ecially true with res'ect to a de endant who had iled his answer but had been subse,uently declared in de ault or ailin! to a''ear at the trial since he has had an o''ortunity to traverse$ via his answer$ the material averments contained in the com'laint. %uch de endant has a better standin! than a de endant who has neither answerd nor a''eared at trial. The ormer should be allowed to reiterate all a irmative de enses 'leaded in his answer be ore the court o A''eals. Likewise$ the )ourt o A''eals may review the correctness o the valuation o the 'lainti Ks evidence by the lower court. 8Monarch &nsurance )o.$ &nc.$et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. <6=CDG Allied 0uarantee &nsurance )o.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.r. No. <A>9=G E,uitable &nsurance )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. <DD=>$ 'rom. Eune >$ 6BBB5 c. L&?"%)6 &'+"%,%"+)+&o' o -" )$6+ o%-"%!. %uits should be as much as 'ossible be decided on the merits and not on technicalities. )ourts should be liberal in sittin! aside orders o de ault "ud!mnts are rowned u'on. A de ault "ud!ment does not 'retend to be based u'on the merits o the controversy. A "ud!ment by de ault may amount to a 'ositive and considerable in"ustice to the de endantG and the 'ossibillity o such serious conse,uence necessitates a care ul e(amination o the !rounds u'on which th de endant asks that it be set aside. 8%'s. Dia-$ et al.$ v. Dia-$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CD>>D$ 'rom. A'ril 6>$ 6BBBG %'s. Am'elo,uio$ %r.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46A6AC$ 'rom. Eune 4D$ 6BBB5 %ince rules o 'rocedure are mere tools desi!ned to acilitate the attainment o "ustice$ it is well reco!ni-ed that the %u'reme )ourt is em'owered to sus'end its o'eration$ or e(ce't a 'articular case rom its o'eration$ when the ri!id a''lication thereo tends to rustrate rather than 'romote the ends o "ustice. 8%'s. Dia-$ et al.$ supra5 11112A. What are the remedies of a party declared in default ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A 'arty declared in de ault may )+ )'. +&5" a ter discovery thereo and ?" o%" *$-(5"'+, ile a motion$ under oath$ to set aside the order o de ault u'on 'ro'er showin! that2

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45 7is ailure to answer was due to raud$ accident$ mistake or e(cusable ne!li!ence$ and 65 That he has a meritorious de ense. 8%ec. C ?b@$ Rule <$ RO)5 b. & the *$-(5"'+ 8)! )6%")-. ?""' %"'-"%"- when the de endant discovered the de ault$ but be ore the same has become inal and e(ecutory$ he may ile a motion or new trial under %ec. 4 ?a@$ Rule C=$ RO). c. & the de endant discovered the de ault ) +"% +8" *$-(5"'+ 8)! ?"#o5" &')6 )'"/"#$+o%., he may ile a 'etition or relie under %ec. 4$ Rule C>$ RO). d. 7e may also a''eal the "ud!ment rendered a!ainst him as contrary to the evidence or to the law$ even i no 'etition to set aside the order or de ault has been 'resented to him. 8%ec. 6$ Rule A4$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 O%-"% o -" )$6+ &! 'o+ ),,")6)?6" . The order is interlocutory because the court has still to render "ud!ment by de ault. 8Jda. De 7oyo*a$ et al.$ v. Jirata$ et al.$ 4C= %)RA =D>$ =>B5 Order denyin! a motion to set aside order o de ault is a''ealable An order denyin! a motion to set aside an order o de ault$ not bein! interlocutory but inal is immediately a''ealable. 8Rodri!ue-$ Er. v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 4A> %)RA 9465.

DEFENDANT!" MOTIONS, PLEADINGS, ETC.

a. Motions 45 /or e(tension o time to 'lead or res'ond 65 To e('un!e the com'laint or 'ortions thereo . C5 /or bill o 'articulars. A5 To dismiss. D5 To li t order o de ault. Re er to 'revious discussion. b. .leadin!s 45 Answer. 65 )ounterclaim. C5 )ross*claim. A5 Third 'arty com'laint. c. Others 45 O''osition to 'lainti :s various motions.

MOTION FOR E>TENSION OF TIME TO PLEAD OR RESPOND

SUMMARY OF DIFFERENT PERIODS TO FILE RESPONSIVE ANSWER OR RESPONSIVE PLEADING. a. +ithin a ,"%&o- &/"- ?. +8" #o$%+ 45 Answer to the com'laint 8%ec. 4$ Rule 44$ RO)5 45 Answer to su''lemental com'laint. 8%ec. =$ Rule 44$ RO)5 65 Answer to com'laint*in*intervention. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4<$ RO)5 b. +ithin +"' F1BD -).! 45 /rom notice o admission o order admittin! amended com'laint. Answer to amended com'laint$ amended counterclaim$ amended cross*claim$ amended third 8 ourth$ etc5 * 'arty com'laint and amended com'laint*in* intervention$ where amendment is not a matter o ri!ht. 86nd and Crd A.Rs.$ %ec. C$ Rule 44$ RO)5 65 /rom service. Answer to counterclaim or cross*claim. 8%ec. A$ Rule 44$ RO)5 C5 /rom service o 'leadin! res'onded to. Re'ly. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 44$ RO)5 A5 /rom notice o order admittin! su''lemental com'laint. Answer to su''lemental com'laint. 8%ec. =$ Rule 44$ RO)5 c. +ithin & +""' F14D -).!:

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45 A ter service o summons. Answer 8%ec. 4$ Rule 44$ RO)5 65 A ter de endant served with co'y o amended com'laint as a matter o ri!ht. Answer to amended com'laint. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. C$ Rule 44$ RO)5 C5 /rom notice o the order admittin! a com'laint*in*intervention. Answer to a com'laint*in*intervention. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4<$ RO)5 d. +ithin +8&%+. F2BD -).!: 45 A ter recei't o summons by !overnment o icial desi!nated by law to receive summons on a de endant orei!n 'rivate "uridical entity. Answer. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 44$ RO)5 e. Not less than !&/+. F9BD -).! 45 A ter notice o order !rantin! e(traterritorial service o summons or by 'ublication when the de endant does not reside and is not ound in the .hili''ines. 8%ec. 4D$ Rule 4A$ RO)5

MOTION TO E>PUNGE
12B. <ow may a pleadin# or any matter contained therein be stric.en out ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. U,o' 5o+&o' 5)-" ?. ) ,)%+. ?" o%" %"!,o'-&'( +o ) ,6")-&'( o%, b. & 'o %"!,o'!&0" ,6")-&'( &! ,"%5&++"- ?. +8"!" R$6"! o )ourt $ c. $,o' 5o+&o' 5)-" ?. ) ,)%+. 7&+8&' +7"'+. F2BD -).! ) +"% +8" !"%0&#" o +8" ,6")-&'( $,o' 8&5, o% d. $,o' +8" #o$%+<! o7' &'&+&)+&0" )+ )'. +&5", e. +8" #o$%+ 5). o%-"% )'. ,6")-&'( +o ?" !+%&#C"' o$+ o% +8)+ )'. !8)5 o% )6!", %"-$'-)'+, &55)+"%&)6, &5,"%+&'"'+, o% !#)'-)6o$!6. 5)++"% ?" !+%&#C"' o$+ +8"%" %o5. 8%ec. 46$ Rule >$ RO) numberin!$ arran!ement and words not in bold su''lied5

MOTION FOR BILL OF PARTICULARS

121. E plain the nature and procedure for a bill of particulars. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. W8"' &6"-. Be ore res'ondin! to a 'leadin!. & a 'leadin! is a re'ly$ the motion must be iled within ten 84B5 days rom service. b. G%o$'-!. The 'arty may move or a de inite statement or bill o 'articulars o any matter which is not averred with su icient de initeness or 'articularity to enable him 'ro'erly to 're'are his res'onsive 'leadin!. %uch motion shall 'oint out the de ects com'lained o $ the 'ara!ra'hs wherein they are contained$ and the details desired. c. A#+&o' o #o$%+. 45 Deny the motion$ or 65 0rant it outri!ht$ or C5 Allow the 'arties to be heard. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4B$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 E "#+ o 'o'-#o5,6&)'#" 7&+8 o%-"% o% ?&66 o ,)%+&#$6)%!: I +8" o%-"% &! 'o+ o?"."-, o% &' #)!" o &'!$ &#&"'+ #o5,6&)'#" +8"%"7&+8, +8" #o$%+ 5). o%-"% +8" !+%&C&'( o$+ o +8" ,6")-&'( o% +8" ,o%+&o'! +8"%"o +o 78&#8 +8" o%-"% 7)! -&%"#+"- o% 5)C" !$#8 o%-"% )! &+ -""5! *$!+. 8%ec. A$ Rule 46$ RO)5

MOTION TO DISMISS
111122. What are the #rounds for a motion to dismiss ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 ). T8)+ +8" #o$%+ 8)! 'o *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" ,"%!o' o +8" -" "'-&'( ,)%+.. ?. T8)+ +8" #o$%+ 8)! 'o *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"% o +8" #6)&5.

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#. T8)+ 0"'$" &! &5,%o,"%6. 6)&-. -. T8)+ +8" ,6)&'+& 8)! 'o 6"()6 #),)#&+. +o !$". ". T8)+ +8"%" &! )'o+8"% )#+&o' ,"'-&'( ?"+7""' +8" !)5" ,)%+&"! o% +8" !)5" #)$!". . T8)+ +8" #)$!" o )#+&o' &! ?)%%"- ?. ) ,%&o% *$-(5"'+ o% ?. +8" !+)+$+" o 6&5&+)+&o'!. (. T8)+ +8" ,6")-&'( )!!"%+&'( +8" #6)&5 !+)+"! 'o #)$!" o )#+&o'. 8. T8)+ +8" #6)&5 o% -"5)'- !"+ o%+8 &' +8" ,6)&'+& <! ,6")-&'( 8)! ?""' ,)&-, 7)&0"-, )?)'-o'"-, o% o+8"%7&!" "/+&'($&!8"-. &. T8)+ +8" #6)&5 o' 78&#8 +8" )#+&o' &! o$'-"- &! $'"' o%#")?6" $'-"% +8" ,%o0&!&o'! o +8" !+)+$+" o %)$-!. *. T8)+ ) #o'-&+&o' ,%"#"-"'+ o% &6&'( +8" #6)&5 8)! 'o+ ?""' #o5,6&"- 7&+8. 8%ection 4$ Rule 49$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. T&5" o% &6&'( 5o+&o' +o -&!5&!!. The 'eriod to ile a motion to dismiss de'ends u'on the circumstances o the case. %ection 4 o Rule 49 o the Rules o )ourt re,uires that$ in !eneral$ a motion to dismiss should be iled within the re!lementary 'eriod or ilin! a res'onsive 'leadin!. Thus$ a motion to dismiss alle!in! im'ro'er venue cannot be entertained unless made within that 'eriod. 7owever$ even a ter an answer has been iled$ the %u'reme )ourt has allowed a de endant to ile a motion to dismiss on the ollowin! !rounds2 45 Lack o "urisdiction 65 Litis pendentiaG C5 Lack o cause o actionG and A5 Discovery durin! the trial o evidence that would constitute a !round or dismissal. 8Obando$ et al.$ v. /i!ueras$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CA>DA$ 'rom. Eanuary 4>$ 6BBB5 111b. W)&0"% o -" "'!"!. D" "'!"! )'- o?*"#+&o'! 'o+ ,6")-"- 7&+8"% &' ) 5'o+&o' +o -&!5&!! o% &' +8" )'!7"% )%" -""5"- 7)&0"-. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule <$ RO)5 RRRc. D" "'!"! )'- o?*"#+&o'! 'o+ 7)&0"-. Even i motion to dismiss is iled a ter the answer$ the court shall dismiss the claim 78"' &+ ),,")%! %o5 +8" ,6")-&'(! o% "0&-"'#" o' %"#o%45 +8)+ +8" #o$%+ 8)! 'o *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"%, 65 +8)+ +8"%" &! )'o+8"% )#+&o' ,"'-&'( ?"+7""' +8" !)5" ,)%+&"! o% +8" !)5" #)$!", o% C5 +8)+ +8" )#+&o' &! ?)%%"- ?. ,%&o% *$-(5"'+, o% ?. !+)+$+" o 6&5&+)+&o'!. 86nd sentence$ %ec. 4$ rule <$ RO)5 d. Mo+&o' +o -&!5&!! +8)+ '""-! 8")%&'(. A motion to dismiss raisin! an a irmative de ense such as lack o cause o action 'oses a ,uestion o act that should be resolved a ter due hearin!. This is unlike a motion to dismiss based on the ailure o the com'laint to state a cause o action which may be resolved solely on the basis o the alle!ations o the com'laint. 87eirs o .aes v. 7on. Torres$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R No. 4BAC4A$ 'rom. /ebruary 6$ 6BBB5 111122. $he #eneral rule is that the filin# of a motion to dismiss hypothetically admits the material alle#ations of the complaint. &re there any e ceptions to this rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 There are e,ually established limitations to the rule on hy'othetical admission$ i.e.$ that a motion to dismiss does not admit2 a. the truth o mere e'ithets o raudG b. nor alle!ations o le!al conclusionsG c. nor an erroneous statement o lawG d. nor mere in erences or conclusions rom acts not statedG e. nor mere conclusions o lawG . nor alle!ations o act the alsity o which is sub"ect to "udicial noticeG !. nor matters o evidenceG h. nor sur'lussa!e and irrelevant matterG

>C

i. nor scandalous matter inserted merely to insert 8 sic$ should be to insult 35 the o''osin! 'artyG ". nor to le!ally im'ossible actsG k. nor to acts which a''ear un ounded by a record incor'orated in the 'leadin!$ or by a document re erred toG and l. nor to !eneral averments contradicted by more s'eci ic averments. 8Tan$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46D>94$ 'rom. %e'tember <$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T"!+ o% -"+"%5&'&'( !$ &#&"'#. o #o5,6)&'+ )! +o #)$!" o )#+&o'. &n determinin! the e(istence o a cause o action$ only the statements in the com'laint may 'ro'erly be considered. Lack o cause o action must a''ear on the ace o the com'laint and its e(istence can be determined only by the alle!ations o the com'laint$ consideration o other acts bein! 'roscribed and any attem't to 'rove e(traneous circumstances not bein! allowed. The test o su iciency o the acts ound in the com'laint as constitutin! a cause o action is whether or not admittin! the acts alle!ed the court can render a valid "ud!ment u'on the same in accordance with the 'rayer thereo . The hy'othetical admission e(tends to the relevant and material acts well 'leaded in the com'laint and in erences airly deducible there rom. 7ence$ i the alle!ations in the com'laint urnish su icient basis by which the com'laint can be maintained$ the same should not be dismissed re!ardless o the de enses that may be assessed by the de endants. 8Jiewmaster )onstruction )or'oration v. Ro(as$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCD=9$ 'rom. Euly 4C$ 6BBB citin! Navoa v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6D4 %)RA DAD5 111b. E/#",+&o'! +o +8" )?o0" +"!+. The trial court and the )ourt o A''eals should not have been too ri!id in a''lyin! the rule that in resolvin! a motion to dismiss on the !round o ailure to state a cause o action$ only the averments in the com'laint and no other are to be consulted. The rule admits o e(ce'tions2 /irst2 All documents attached to the com'laint$ the due e(ecution and !enuineness o which are not denied under oath by th de endant$ must be considered as 'art o the com'laint without need o introducin! evidence thereon. %econd2 Other 'leadin!s submitted by the 'arties$ in addition to the com'laint$ may be considered in decidin! whether the com'laint should be dismissed or lack o cause o action. &t is only lo!ical or the lower court to consider all these 'leadin!s in determinin! whether there was a su icient cause o action as the order o dismissial is summary in nature. %o lon! as those attached 'leadin!s are 'rocedurally res'onsible to the com'laint$ then they may be considered in evauatin! the su iciency o the cause o action in the com'laint. &n addition$ since the dismissal o a com'laint by virtue o a motion to dismiss or ailure to state or or insu iciency o cause o action would be tantamount to a summary "ud!mnt$ the lower court should at least have considered the attached documens and 'leadin!s as a matter o due 'rocess. %trictly limitin! the evaluation o the merits ot the com'laint to its averments or alle!ations would be too constrictin! an inter'retation o the rule. &t must be remembered that the com'laint itsel is accom'anied by documentary evidence attached anne(es. The res'onsive 'leadin!s$ in adition$ thou!h not attachments to the com'laint$ clari y its merits since they are already 'art o the records o the case and should there ore be considered. 8%ea*land %ervices$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469646$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBB$ citin! /il*Estate 0old and Develo'ment$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 69D %)RA 94AG Alberto v. )A$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 44<B>>$ 'rom. Eune CB$ 6BBB5 111123. What is the effect of a motion to dismiss on a compulsory counterclaim ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ilin! o a motion to dismiss is an im'lied waiver o a com'ulsory counterclaim A com'ulsory counterclaim 'resu''oses the e(istence o a claim a!ainst the 'arty ilin! the com'laint and a !rant o a motion to dismiss would remove the basis o a counterclaim. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

>A

a. N)+$%" o #o5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5. A com'ulsory counterclaim is au(iliary to the 'roceedin! in the ori!inal suit and derives its "urisdictional su''ort there rom. A counterclaim 'resu''oses the e(istence o a claim a!ainst the 'arty ilin! the counterclaim. 7ence$ where there is no claim a!ainst the counterclaimant$ the counterclaim is im'ro'er and it must be dismissed$ more so where the com'laint is dismissed at the instance o the counterclaimant. &n other words$ i the dismissal o the main action results in the dismissal o the counterclaim already iled$ it stands to reason that the ilin! o a motion to dismiss the com'laint is an im'lied waiver o the counterclaim because the !rant o the motion ultimately results in the dismissal o the counterclaim Thus$ the ilin! o a motion to dismiss and the settin! u' o a com'ulsory counterclaim are incom'atible remedies. &n the event that a de endin! 'arty has a !round or dismissal and a com'ulsory counterclaim at the same time$ he must choose only one remedy. & he decides to ile a motion to dismiss$ he will lose his com'ulsory counterclaim. But i heo'ts to set u' his com'ulsory counterclaim$ he may still 'lead his !round or dismissal as a a irmative de ense in his answer. 8/inancial Buildin! )or'oration v. /orbes .ark Association$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CC44<$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 6BBB5 T8" %")-"% !8o$6- %")6&G" that the !rounds or a motion to dismiss may be 'leaded as a irmative de enses in the answer and the counterclaim may be validly 'leaded. This is so$ because durin! the trial on the merits$ 'rior to a determination whether the com'laint should be dismissed u'on the a irmative de enses$ the counterclaimant would have am'le o''ortunity to 'rove his claim. &t is di erent i a motion to dismiss is !ranted because that would be the end o the 'roceedin!s and the counterclaimant would have no o''ortunity to ventilate his claim. 124. Aaime filed a complaint for ejectment a#ainst &mor with the Municipal $rial Court. )n his answer with motion to dismiss &mor averred that the M$C had no jurisdiction over the case because it involved a landlord"tenant relationship and should have been filed with the Department of &#rarian Reform. Since the answer was filed out of time% the M$C considered the same submitted for decision and subse!uently ordered &mor to vacate the land. Was the M$C correct in renderin# jud#ment on the case ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The MT) should not have disre!arded AmorKs answer and should have heard and received the evidence or the 'ur'ose o determinin! whether or not it had "urisdiction over the case. 8)or'in v. Jivar$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C=CDB$ 'rom. Eune 4<$ 6BBB5 129. )s the denial of a motion to dismiss subject to appeal or certiorari ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +hen the motion to dismiss is denied the ordinary 'rocedure is or the movant to ile and answer$ !o to trial and then reiterate the !rounds raised in the motion to dismiss as !rounds or assailin! the "ud!ment. 8Drilon$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B=B4<$ 'rom. March 6B$ 4<<=5 7ence it is not sub"ect to a''eal. REA%ON2 The denial o a motion to dismiss or to ,uash$ bein! interlocutory$ cannot be ,uestioned by certiorariG it cannot be the sub"ect o a''eal$ until inal "ud!ment or order is rendered. 8)asil v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464DCA$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/#",+&o' o% &'!+)'#" 78"%" -"'&)6 o 5o+&o' +o -&!5&!! 5). ?" +8" !$?*"#+ o certiorari. & the court denyin! the motion to dismiss acts without or in e(cess o "urisdiction or with !rave abuse o discretion$ certiorari under Rule 9D o the Rules o )ourt may be availed o . The %")!o' is that it would be un air to re,uire the de endant*movant to under!o the ordeal and e('ense o trial under such circumstances because the remedy o a''eal then would not be 'lain and ade,uate. 8Drilon$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B=B4<$ 'rom. March 6B$ 4<<=5

>D

ANSWER
11112;. What are the facts deemed admitted by the failure to deny under oath the #enuineness and due e ecution of an actionable document ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The 'arty whose si!nature a''ears on the document si!ned it. b. & si!ned by another$ the document was si!ned or the 'arty whose name a''ears on the document with his authority. c. At the time the document was si!ned$ it was in the words and i!ures e(actly as set out in the 'leadin! and o the 'arty relyin! u'on it. d. The document was delivered. e. Any ormal re,uisites o law$ such as seal$ acknowled!ment or revenue stam' which the document lacks$ are deemed waived. 87ibbered v. Rhode$ C6 .hil. A=95 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8" ?"'" &+ o )-5&!!&o' o ("'$&'"'"!! o )#+&o')?6" -o#$5"'+ &! 7)&0"-: 45 +here the 'leader 'resented witnesses to 'rove the !enuineness and due e(ecution$ and the adversary 'roved$ without ob"ection$ the contrary. 8Fu )huck v. Lon! Li .o$ A9 .hil. 9B>5 65 +here the 'leader ails to ob"ect to evidence controvertin! the !enuineness and due e(ecution. 8Le!arda Loh v. On!siaco$ C9 .hil. 4>D5 b. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8"%" &! 'o )-5&!!&o' "0"' & 'o -"'&)6 $'-"% o)+8: 45 +hen the adverse 'arty does not a''ear to be a 'arty to the instrument. 65 +hen com'liance with an order or ins'ection o the ori!inal document is denied. 8%ec. >$ Rule >$ RO)5 12@. )4G filed with the R$C of Nue9on City a complaint for the annulment of deeds of mort#a#e over certain lots% inmpleadin# ;i#on% ;in9a#% Sampaco and )D(. )n its answer% )D( interposed a cross"claim a#ainst ;i#on. -n the other hand% ;i#on filed an answer with counterclaim? a cross"claim a#ainst )D(? and a third party complaint a#ainst de ;eon% :uillermo and &ida. )D( char#ed in its answer with cross"claim that ;i#on should have .nown that the persons she transacted with had not authority to bind )D( to the loans and mort#a#es she was tryin# to enforce. ;i#on on the other hand% alle#ed in her cross"claim that )D( unjustly refused to pay the loans it contracted from her which had become due and demandable. ;i#on filed a motion to declare )D( in default for its failure to file an answer to her cross"claim. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. The answer to a cross*claim is meant to "oin the subsidiary issues between co*'arties in relation to the o''osin! 'arty:s claim a!ainst the cross*claimant. /rom the ore!oin!$ it is inevitable that &D.:s cross*claim e ectively "oined the subsidiary issues between the co*'arties. Re,uirin! an answer to Li!on:s cross*claim would be su'er luous. 8Li!on v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=9>C$ 'rom. Au!ust =$ 4<<>5

COUNTERCLAIM
11112A. What is a compulsory counterclaim ? :ive e amples. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 One 78&#8, ?"&'( #o('&G)?6" ?. +8" %"($6)% #o$%+! o *$!+&#"$ a. )%&!"! o$+ o o% &! #o''"#+"- 7&+8 +8" +%)'!)#+&o' o% o##$%%"'#" #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"% o +8" o,,o!&'( ,)%+.<! #6)&5 )'b. -o"! 'o+ %"E$&%" o% &+! )-*$-&#)+&o' +8" ,%"!"'#" o +8&%- ,)%+&"! o 78o5 +8" #o$%+ #)''o+ )#E$&%" *$%&!-&#+&o'.

>9

c. S$#8 ) #o$'+"%#6)&5 5$!+ ?" 7&+8&' +8" *$%&!-&#+&o' o +8" #o$%+ ?o+8 )! +o )5o$'+ )'- +8" ')+$%" +8"%"o , d. "/#",+ +8)+ &' )' o%(&')6 )#+&o' ?" o%" +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, +8" #o$'+"%#6)&5 5). ?" #o'!&-"%"- #o5,$6!o%. %"()%-6"!! o )5o$'+. %ec. =$ Rule 9$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 E(am'les o com'ulsory counterclaims2 a. &n an action or recovery o land$ the de endant:s claim or im'rovements$ and even necessary e('enses are com'ulsory counterclaims. 8)amara v. A!uilar$ <A .hil. D6=5 b. &n a 'ossessory action$ the de endant:s claim o ownershi' o the land in ,uestion is a com'ulsory counterclaim. c. Dama!es claimed to have been su ered as a conse,uence o the action iled 'artake o a com'ulsory counterclaim which must be 'leaded in the same action. 8Tiu .o v. Bautista$ 4BC %)RA C>>5 d. A claim or attorney:s ees should be considered as in the nature o a com'ulsory counterclaim and should be 'leaded in the answer to be recoverable otherwise barred. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T"!+! +o -"+"%5&'" 78"+8"% #o$'+"%#6)&5 &! #o5,$6!o%. o% 'o+. 45 Are the issues o act or law raised by the claim and the counterclaim lar!ely the same3 65 +ould res 3udicata bar a subse,uent suit on de endantKs claim absent the com'ulsory counterclaim rule 3 C5 +ill substantially the same evidence su''ort or re ute 'lainti Ks claim as well as the de endantKs counterclaim 3 A5 &s there any lo!ical relation between the claim and the counterclaim 3 A irmative answers to the above ,ueries indicate the e(istence o a com'ulsory. 8/inancial Buildin! )or'oration v. /orbes .ark Association$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CC44<$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 6BBB5 b. Co5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5 5$!+ ?" !"+ $, o+8"%7&!" ?)%%"-. The com'ulsory counterclaim is barred i it is not set u' in the action iled by the o''osin! 'arty. Thus$ a com'ulsory counterclaim cannot be the sub"ect o a se'arate action but it should instead be asserted in the same suit involvin! the same transaction or occurrence$ which !ave rise to it. 8/inancial Buildin! )or'oration v. /orbes .ark Association$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CC44<$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 6BBB5 c. A #o$'+"%#6)&5 5). ?" )!!"%+"- )()&'!+ )' o%&(&')6 #o$'+"%-#6)&5)'+. 84st sentence$ %ec. <$ Rule 9$ RO)5 d. I'!+)'#" 78"%" *$%&!-&#+&o')6 %"E$&%"5"'+ o% #o$'+"%#6)&5 -o"! 'o+ ),,6. 2 &n an ori!inal action be ore the Re!ional Trial )ourt$ the counterclaim may be considered as com'ulsory re!ardless o amount. 86nd sentence$ %ec. =$ Rule 9$ RO)5 e. Co$'+"%#6)&5 5). 'o+ ?" -&!5&!!"- & -" "'-)'+ o?*"#+! +o ,6)&'+& I! 5o+&o' o% -&!5&!!)6 or when counterclaim survives dismissal o ori!inal suit. I ) #o$'+"%#6)&5 8)! ?""' ,6")-"- ?. ) -" "'-)'+ ,%&o% +o +8" !"%0&#" $,o' 8&5 o +8" ,6)&'+& <! 5o+&o' o% -&!5&!!)6, +8" -&!5&!!)6 !8)66 ?" 6&5&+"- +o +8" #o5,6)&'+. T8" -&!5&!!)6 !8)66 ?" 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#" +o +8" %&(8+ o +8" -" "'-)'+ +o ,%o!"#$+" 8&! #o$'+"%#6)&5 &' ) !",)%)+" )#+&o' $'6"!! 7&+8&' & +""' F14D -).! %o5 'o+&#" o +8" 5o+&o' 8" 5)'& "!+! 8&! ,%" "%"'#" +o 8)0" 8&! #o$'+"%#6)&5 %"!o60"- &' +8" !)5" )#+&o'. 86nd and Crd sentences$ %ec. 6$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 The above rule a''lies only where the 'lainti moves to dismiss the com'laint or in cases o 'ermissive counterclaims. . Co5,$6!o%. #o$'+"%#6)&5 -o"! 'o+ !$%0&0" i ori!inal suit dismissed or lack o "urisdiction2 REA%ON2 A com'ulsory counterclaim is au(iliary to the 'roceedin! in the ori!inal suit and derives its "urisdictional su''ort there rom$ inasmuch as it arises out o or is necessarily connected with the transaction or occurrence that is the sub"ect matter o the com'laint. The above rule a''lies where the de endant moves to dismiss the com'laint but inter'oses a com'ulsory counterclaim. The 'ermissive counterclaim is not dismissed

>=

because it is as i $ it is a se'arate case. This is so$ because the de endant is re,uired to 'ay docket ees or his 'ermissive counterclaim. & the de endantKs motion to dismiss is !ranted no "urisdiction remains or any !rant o relie under the counterclaim. 8&ntestate Estate o Amado B. Dalisay v. Marasi!an$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44DB>>$ 'rom. Eune 6B$ 4<<95 There is im'lied waiver o the com'usory counterclaim because the basis or the counterclaim does not e(ist. 8/inancial Buildin! )or'oration v. /orbes .ark Association$ &nc.$ 0.R. No. 4CC44<$ 'rom. Au!ust 4=$ 6BBB5

CROSS-CLAIM
13B. What is a cross"claim ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A #%o!!-#6)&5 &! )'. #6)&5 ?. o'" ,)%+. )()&'!+ ) #o,)%+. )%&!&'( o$+ o +8" +%)'!)#+&o' o% o##$%%"'#" +8)+ &! +8" !$?*"#+ 5)++"% o "&+8"% o +8" o%&(&')6 )#+&o' o% o ) #o$'+"%#6)&5 +8"%"&'. S$#8 #%o!!-#6)&5 5). &'#6$-" ) #6)&5 +8)+ +8" ,)%+. )()&'!+ 78o5 &+ &! )!!"%+"- &! o% 5). ?" 6&)?6" +o +8" #%o!!-#6)&5)'+ o% )66 o% ,)%+ o ) #6)&5 )!!"%+"- &' +8" )#+&o' )()&'!+ +8" #%o!!-#6)&5)'+. 8%ec. >$ Rule 9$ RO)5

THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT

131. What is a third party complaint ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A #6)&5 +8)+ ) -" "'-&'( ,)%+. 5)., 7&+8 6")0" o #o$%+, &6" )()&'!+ ) ,"%!o' 'o+ ) ,)%+. +o +8" )#+&o', #)66"- +8&%- ,)%+. -" "'-)'+ o% #o'+%&?$+&o', &'-"5'&+., !$?%o()+&o' o% )'. o+8"% %"6&" , &' %"!,"#+ o 8&! o,,o'"'+<! #6)&5. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 9$ RO)5

PLAINTIFF!" AND DEFENDANT!" COMMON MOTIONS, ETC.

a. O''osition to each other:s motions. b. A''lication or de'ositions and discoveries. c. A''lication or substitution o counsel 132. What are the re!uisites for the application for substitution of counsel ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. /ilin! o a written a''lication or substitution. b. +ritten consent o the client. c. +ritten consent o the lawyer to be substituted$ i such consent can be obtained. d. +here such written consent cannot be obtained$ substitution must be accom'anied with 'roo o service o notice o such motion in the manner re,uired by the rules$ on the attorney to be substituted. 8Morales$ et al.$ v. /abello$ et al.$ 4A< %)RA CC>5

AFTER DEFENDANT!S ANSWER, COUNTERCLAIM

PLAINTIFF!" MOTIONS AND PLEADINGS
a. Motions 45 To withdraw or dismiss com'laint. 65 To amend or su''lement the com'laint. C5 To e('un!e the answer$ counterclaim or any 'art thereo . A5 /or "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s. D5 /or summary "ud!ment. 95 To set 're*trial. b. .leadin!s

>>

45 Re'ly 65 Answer to counterclaims

=UDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS

132. What is jud#ment upon the pleadin#s ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Eud!ment by the court u'on motion o a 'lainti $ counterclaimant$ cross*claimant$ or third*'arty 'lainti $ where an answer2 a. /ails to tender an issueG or b. Otherwise admits the material alle!ations o the com'laint$ counterclaim$ cross* claim or third*'arty com'laint. 8%ec. 4$ Rule CA$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. =$-(5"'+ o' +8" ,6")-&'(! -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 !$55)%. *$-(5"'+: 45 Co'+"'+! o +8" )'!7"%. &n "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s the answer either does not tender any issue or otherwise admits all the alle!ations in the 'lainti :s com'laint WHILE the answer in summary "ud!ment tender some issues but these issues are not !enuine so that they re,uire no "udicial determination. 65 P)%+.. &t is the 'lainti $ counterclaimant$ cross*claimant$ or third* 'arty 'lainti who avails o the remedy o a "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s WHILE summary "ud!ment may be asked by the claimant or the de endin! 'arty. C5 B)!&!. Eud!ment on the 'leadin!s is based solely on the 'leadin!s WHILE summary "ud!ment is based not only on the 'leadin!s but also on a idavits$ admissions$ de'ositions and other documents. A5 No+&#". &n "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s there is no s'eci ic re,uirement when the motion shall be served to the o''osin! 'arty$ hence it should be served at least three 8C5 days be ore the date o the hearin! which in turn must not be later than ten 84B5 days a ter the ilin! o the motion WHILE a motion or summary "ud!ment shall be served at least ten 84B5 days be ore the date s'eci ied or hearin! which in turn must not be later than ten 84B5 days a ter ilin! o the motion.

MOTION FOR SUMMARY =UDGMENT

133. What is the burden of the movant in a motion for summary jud#mnt ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The controllin! actor in a motion or summary "ud!ment is not the submission or non*submission o counter*a idavits$ but the 'resence or absence o any !enuine issue as to any material act that would re,uire he 'resentation o evidence. +here the acts 'leaded by the 'arties are dis'uted or contested$ 'roceedin!s or summary "ud!ment cannot take the 'lace o trial. Thus$ a 'arty who moves or summary "ud!ment has the burden o demonstratin! clearly the absence o any !enuine issue o act$ or that the issue 'osed in the com'laint is so 'atently insubstantial as not to constitute a !enuine issue or trial$ and any doubt as to the e(istence o such an issue is resolve a!ainst the movant. 8%'s. 0o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46BBAB$ 'rom. Eanuary 6<$ 4<<95 Testimonial evidence is not needed only documetnary evidence to 'rove absence o !enuine issues. 8 %ec. C$ Rule CA$ RO)5 134. )n conse!uence of a petition for certiorari filed before it the Supreme Court on September 3% /012 issued a $R- a#ainst Sta. Clara <ousin# )ndustries% )nc. from withdrawin# andHor further disposin# of the plywood inventory inits plant or warehouse. -n -ctober 5C% /012% the sheriff sei9ed eleven =//> crates of plywood alle#edly bein# transported to the wharf at )lan#% Davao City in violation of the $R-. $hese crates had the mar.in#s of Sta. Clara and 7irmwood.

><

-n 4ovember /1% /012 7irmwood claimin# to be the owners of the eleven =//> crates of plywood filed with R$C of Davao City a complaint for delivery if personal property and dama#es as well as attorneyBs fees. $he defendants alle#ed in their answer that the owner of the plywood was Sta. Clara and not 7irmwood. $he answer further admitted that the #oods contained the label and mar.in#s of 7irmwood. Sta. Clara filed its complaint in intervention statin# that it is joinin# 7irmwood in its suit to recover possession of the plywood sei9ed and detained by the defendants? that 7irmwood was the same was milled by Sta. Clara for 7irmwood? that Sta. Clara had the ri#ht to the possessionof the plywood in order to comply with its obli#ations under a warranty to deliver the #oods to 7irmwood? and finallym that the $R- issued by the Supreme Court which was the basis for the service had already been lifted. -n &u#ust *+% /011 7irmwood filed a motion for summary jud#ment alle#in# that aside from the amount of dama#es due it there was no #enuine issue as to any material fact of the case% Sta. Clara havin# confirmed 7irmwoodBs ownersp over the eleven =//> crates of plywood. Sta. Clara also filed a motion for summary alle#in# the same #rounds raised by 7irmwood and further contendin# that the defendants did not have the authority to hold the property in custodia le#is. Should the motion for summary jud#ment be #ranted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. there are no !enuine issues with res'ect to the ownershi' o the eleven 8445 crates o 'lywood. urthermore$ it is clear that the de endantshad nbo authority to sei-e the 'lywood considerin! that the TRO did not contain any cdirective whatsoever to any o the de endants to sei-e 'ro'erty belon!in! to %ta. )lara$ or to kee' the 'ro'erty sei-ed in their 'ossession. 8Jelasco$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464D4=$ 'rom. March C4$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o )$+8o%&+. +o (%)'+ %"6&" ?. !$55)%. *$-(5"'+. Rule CD o the 4<<= Rules o )ivil .rocedure as amended. which !ives authority to trial courts to !rant relie by simmary "ud!ment is intended to e('edite and 'rom'tly dis'ose o cases where the acts a''ear undis'uted and certain rom the 'leadin!s$ admissions and a idavits. This rule does not vest in the court summary "urisdiction to try issues on 'leadin!s and a idavits but !ives the court limited authority to enter summary "ud!ment only i it clearly a''ears tht there is no !enuine issue o material act. On a motion or summary "ud!ment$ the court is not authori-ed to decide an issue o act but to determine whether the 'leadin!s and records be ore the court create an issue o act to be tried. &t is im'ossible to state a !eneral rule or determinin! whether a !enuine issue o act e(ists in a 'articular case. The determination will de'end u'on the 'articular circumstances o each case. Nevertheless$ the lan!ua!e used by courts in makin! a determination in 'articular cases may serve to indicate the manner in which a court should a''roach the ,uestion to be determined. &t is re'eated o ten enou!h that the court is notauthori-ed to try the issue o act but to dtermine whether there is an issue to be tried. +here the motion is made by a claimant$ the de endin! 'arty must show that he has a 'lausible !round o de ense$ somethin! airly ar!uable and o a substantial character. 8Jelasco$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464D4=$ 'rom. March C4$ 6BBB5 )ourts are ,uite critical o the 'a'ers 'resented by the movin! 'arty but not o the 'a'ers in o''osition thereto. Thus$ in rulin! on a motion or summary "ud!ment$ the court should take that view o the evidence most avorable to the 'arty a!ainst whom it is directed$ !ivin! such 'arty the bene it o all avorable in erences. 80arcia$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=BC6$ 'rom. Euly 6=$ 6BBB5 b. G%o$'-! o% !$55)%. *$-(5"'+. & +8" ,6")-&'(!, !$,,o%+&'( ) &-)0&+!, -",o!&+&o'!, )'- )-5&!!&o'! o' &6", !8o7 +8)+, "/#",+ )! +o +8" )5o$'+ o -)5)("!, +8"%" &! 'o ("'$&'" &!!$" )! +o )'. 5)+"%&)6 )#+ )'- +8)+ +8" 5o0&'( ,)%+. &! "'+&+6"- +o ) *$-(5"'+ )! ) 5)++"% o 6)7. 8%ec. C$ Rule CD$ RO)5 c. W8"%" !$55)%. *$-(5"'+ 'o+ ,%o,"% $ -" &'&+&o' o ("'$&'" &!!$". +here the 'leadin!s tender a !enuine issue$ i.e. an issue o act the resolution o which calls or 'resentation o evidence$ as distin!uishehd rom an issue which is sham$ ictitious$ contrived$ set*u' in bad aith$ or 'atently unsubstantial$ summary "ud!ment is not 'ro'er.

<B

8Mallilin$ Er.$ v. )asstillo$ 0.R. No. 4C9>BC$ 'rom. Eune 49$ 6BBBG Ley )onstruction and Develo'ment )or'oration$ et al.$ v. 1nion Bank o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 4CC>B4$ 'rom. Eune 6=$ 6BBB5 d. H")%&'( 'o+ %"E$&%"- o% !$55)%. *$-(5"'+. &n 'roceedin!s or summary "ud!ment$ the court is merely e('ected to act chie ly on the basis o what is in the records o the case and he hearin! contem'lated in the Rules is not de riguer as its 'ur'ose is merely to determine whether the issues are !enuine or not$ and not to receive evidence on the issues set u' in the 'leadin!. 8Ley )onstruction and Develo'ment )or'oration$ et al.$ v. 1nion Bank o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 4CC>B4$ 'rom. Eune 6=$ 6BBB citin! )arcon Develo'ment )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4>B %)RA CA>5

REPLY
139. What is the procedure to be followed if new claims arise out of the answer ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 I +8" ,6)&'+& 7&!8"! +o &'+"%,o!" )'. #6)&5! )%&!&'( o$+ o +8" '"7 5)++"%! !o )66"("- &' +8" )'!7"% !$#8 #6)&5! !8)66 ?" !"+ o%+8 &' )' )5"'-"- o% !$,,6"5"'+)6 #o5,6)&'+. 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. 4B$ Rule 9$ RO) words not in bold su''lied5

MOTION TO SET PRE-TRIAL PLAINTIFF!S AND DEFENDANT!S COMMON MOTIONS, ETC.

a. O''osition to each other:s motions. b. .re*trial brie . c. A''lication or de'ositions or modes o discoveries.

PRE-TRIAL BRIEF
13;. When shall the pre"trial brief be filed ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" ,)%+&"! !8)66 &6" 7&+8 +8" #o$%+ )'- !"%0" o' +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+., &' !$#8 5)''"% )! !8)66 "'!$%" +8"&% %"#"&,+ +8"%"o )+ 6")!+ +8%"" F2D -).! ?" o%" +8" -)+" o +8" ,%"-+%&)6, +8"&% %"!,"#+&0" ,%"-+%&)6 ?%&" !. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E "#+ o )&6$%" +o &6" ,%"-+%&)6 ?%&" . The )&6$%" +o &6" ) ,%"-+%&)6 ?%&" 8)! !)5" " "#+ )! )&6$%" +o ),,")% )+ +8" ,%"-+%&)6. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 b. Co'+"'+! o ) ,%"-+%&)6 ?%&" : F)D A !+)+"5"'+ o +8"&% 7&66&'('"!! +o "'+"% &'+o )5&#)?6" !"++6"5"'+ o% )6+"%')+&0" 5o-"! o -&!,$+" %"!o6$+&o', &'-&#)+&'( +8" -"!&%"- +"%5! +8"%"o H F?D A !$55)%. o +8" )-5&++"- )#+! )'- ,%o,o!"- !+&,$6)+&o' o )#+!H F#D T8" &!!$"! +o ?" +%&"- o% %"!o60"-H F-D T8" -o#$5"'+! o% "/8&?&+! +o ?" ,%"!"'+"-, !+)+&'( +8" ,$%,o!"! +8"%"o H F"D A 5)'& "!+)+&o' o +8"&% 8)0&'( )0)&6"- o% +8"&% &'+"'+&o' +o )0)&6 +8"5!"60"! o -&!#o0"%. ,%o#"-$%"! o% %" "%%)6 +o #o55&!!&o'"%!H )'F D T8" '$5?"%! )'- ')5"! o +8" 7&+'"!!"!, )'- +8" !$?!+)'#" o +8"&% %"!,"#+&0" +"!+&5o'&"!. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 4>$ RO)5

PRE-TRIAL AND TRIAL

PRE-TRIAL

<4

13@. )t is the duty of the parties and their counsel to appear at the pre"trial. What is the effect of the failure of the parties to appear durin# the pre"trial ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & the 'lainti ails to a''ear the action shall be dismissed with 're"udice$ unless otherwise ordered by the court. 84st and 6nd sentences$ %ec. D$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 The ailure o the de endant to a''ear at the 're*trial shall be cause to allow the 'lainti to 'resent his evidence ex parte and the court shall render "ud!ment on the basis thereo . 8Crd sentence$ %ec. D$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. F)#+o%! &' -"#&-&'( (%)'+ o% -"'&)6 o 5o+&o' o% ,o!+,o'5"'+ o ,%"-+%&)6 . The court shall take into account2 45 The reason or the 'ost'onemtG 65 The merits o the case o the movant. 8.hili''ine Transmarine )arriers$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 466CA9$ 'rom. /ebruary 4>$ 6BBB5 b. M"%&+o%&o$! -" "'!". The term Hmeritorious de enseI may im'ly that the a''licant has the burden o 'rovin! such a de ense in order to have the "ud!ment set aside. The cases usually do not re,uire such a stron! showin!. The test em'loyed a''ears to be essentially the same as used in considerin! summary "ud!ment$ i.e. whether there is enou!h evidence to 'resent an issue or submission to the trier o act$ or a showin! that on the undis'uted acts it is clear the "ud!ment is warranted as a matter o law. The de endant must show that she has a meriotrious de ense otherwise the !rant o her otion will 'rove to be a useless e(ercise. Thus$ her motion must be accom'anied by a statement o the evidence which she intends to 'resent i the motion is !ranted and which is such as to warrant a reasonable belie that the result o the case would 'robably be otherwise. 8.hili''ine Transmarine )arriers$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 466CA9$ 'rom. /ebruary 4>$ 6BBB5

TRIAL
13A. &re there any instances where no trial is conducted in civil cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. +here the case is2 a. Dismissed u'on a motion to dismiss the com'laint or 'leadin! assertin! a claim iled by the de endin! 'arty. 8Rule 49$ RO)5 b. Dismissed by the 'lainti without order o the court. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 c. Dismissed by the 'lainti u'on order o the court at the 'lainti :s instance. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 d. Dismissed u'on motion o the de endant or u'on the court:s own motion i the 'lainti ails to a''ear at the trial$ or 'rosecute his action or an unreasonable len!th o time$ or to com'ly with the Rules o )ourt$ or any order o the court. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 e. Decided a ter declaration o de ault or ailure o the de endin! 'arty to ile an answer unless the court in its discretion re,uires the claimant to submit evidence. 8%ec. C$ Rule <$ RO)5 . Decided on a motion or "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s. 8Rule CA$ RO)5 !. Decided or ailure o the 'arties and their counsel to a''ear at the 're*trial. 8%ec. D$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 h. Decided a ter the court inds durin! the 're*trial the 'ro'riety o renderin! "ud!ment on the 'leadin!s$ or summary "ud!ment$ or o dismissin! the action should a valid !round there ore be ound to e(ist. 8%ec. 6 ?!@$ Rule 4>$ RO)5 i. Decided on a motion to dismiss or "ud!ment by de ault by wil ul ailure or re usal o a 'arty to have his de'osition taken or to answer interro!atories. 8%ec. D$ Rule 6<$ RO)5 ". Decided a ter the 'arties have a!reed in writin!$ u'on the acts involved in the liti!ation and submit the case or "ud!ment on the acts a!reed u'on$ without the introduction o evidence. 8%ec. 9$ Rule CB$ RO)5 14B. When may trial by commissioner be conducted ?

<6

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 Trial by commissioner may be conducted u'on re erence throu!h mutual consent o both 'arties$ u'on motion o either 'arty or u'on the courtKs own motion. a. There may be re erence by consent. B. 7%&++"' #o'!"'+ o ?o+8 ,)%+&"!, +8" #o$%+ 5). o%-"% )'. o% )66 o +8" &!!$"! &' ) #)!" +o ?" %" "%%"- +o ) #o55&!!&o'"% +o ?" )(%""- $,o' ?. +8" ,)%+&"! o% +o ?" ),,o&'+"- ?. +8" #o$%+. A! $!"- &' +8"!" R$6"!, +8" 7o%- K#o55&!!&o'"%L &'#6$-"! ) %" "%"", )' )$-&+o% )'- )' "/)5&'"%. 8%ec. 4$ Rule C6$ RO)5 b. There mau also be re ered ordered by the court on motion. W8"' +8" ,)%+&"! -o 'o+ #o'!"'+, +8" #o$%+ 5)., $,o' ),,6&#)+&o' o "&+8"% o% o &+! o7' 5o+&o', -&%"#+ ) %" "%"'#" +o ) #o55&!!&o'"% &' +8" o66o7&'( #)!"!: )D W8"' +8" +%&)6 o )' &!!$" o )#+ %"E$&%"! +8" "/5&')+&o' o ) 6o'( )##o$'+ o' "&+8"% !&-", &' 78&#8 #)!" +8" #o55&!!&o'"% ). ?" -&%"#+"- +o 8"%)% )'- %",o%+ $,o' +8" 78o6" &!!$" o% )'. !,"#& &# E$"!+&o' &'0o60"- +8"%"&'H ?D W8"' +8" +)C&'( o )' )##o$'+ &! '"#"!!)%. o% +8" &' o%5)+&o' o +8" #o$%+ ?" o%" *$-(5"'+, o% o% #)%%.&'( ) *$-(5"'+ o% o%-"% &'+o " "#+H #D W8"' ) E$"!+&o' o )#+, o+8"% +8)' $,o' +8" ,6")-&'(!, )%&!"! $,o' 5o+&o' o% o+8"%7&!", &' )'. !+)(" o ) #)!", o% o% #)%%.&'( ) *$-(5"'+ o% o-"% &'+o " "#+. 8%ec. 6$ Rule C6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Co$%+ 'o+ ?o$'- ?. +8" #o55&!!&o'"%. 1ltimately the trial court in the e(ercie o its sound discretion$ may either ado't$ modi y$ or re"ect in whole or in 'art the commissionerGs re'ort or it may recommit the same with instructions$ or re,uire the 'arties to 'resent additional evidence be ore the commissioner o be ore the court. 8Lao v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. A=B4C$ )o v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 9B9A=$ and The Associated An!lo*American Tobacco )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 9B<D>*D<$ 'rom. /ebruary 4=$ 6BBB5

DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE
111141. What is a motion for jud#ment on demurrer to evidence and what are its effects ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A motion to dismiss iled by the de endin! 'arty a ter the claimant has rested his case$ on the !round o insu iciency o evidence. E ects o ilin! a motion or "ud!ment on demurrer to evidence2 a. The de endin! 'arty does not thereby waive his ri!ht to o er evidence in the event that his motion is denied. 8%ec. 4$ Rule CC$ RO)5 b. & the motion is !ranted and the order o dismissal is reversed on a''eal$ the de endant waives his ri!ht to 'resent evidence in his behal . 8Ibid.5 c. &n case 8b5 above$ the a''ellate court shall orthwith render "ud!ment or the claimant on the basis o his evidence alone. 8Atun v. Nune-$ <= .hil. =965

DISMISSALS
111142. When are dismissals with prejudice ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ollowin! are dismissals with 're"udice2 a. Dismissal u'on mere notice without order o the court when iled by a 'arty who has once dismissed in a com'etent court an action based on or includin! the same claim. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 b. Dismissal by order o the court u'on a 'arty:s motion which s'eci ies that the same shall be with 're"udice o the ilin! o a subse,uent action based on or includin! the same claim. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 c. Dismissal u'on motion o a de endant or on the court:s own motion u'on a ailure by the 'lainti to 'rosecute his claim. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 d. Dismissal as a result o the 'lainti Ks absence durin! the 're*trial$ unless otherwise ordered by the court. 84st and 6nd sentences$ Rule 4>$ RO)5

<C

111142. What dismissals are without prejudice ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Dismissal or the irst time by the 'lainti u'on mere notice without order o the court. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 b. Dismissal by order o the court u'on the 'lainti :s motion. 8sec. 6$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 c. Dismissal u'on motion o the de endant or u'on the court:s own motion u'on ailure to 'rosecute by the 'lainti and the court s'eci ies that the same shall be without 're"udice. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4=$ RO)5 143. When may an action be dismissed upon motion of the defendant or motu proprio by the court ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 I o% 'o *$!+& &)?6" #)$!" +8" ,6)&'+& )&6!: a. To ),,")% o' +8" -)+" o +8" ,%"!"'+)+&o' o 8&! "0&-"'#" &' #8&" o' +8" #o5,6)&'+H o% b. To ,%o!"#$+" 8&! )#+&o' o% )' $'%")!o')?6" 6"'(+8 o +&5", o% c. To #o5,6. 7&+8 +8" R$6"! o Co$%+, o% d. To #o5,6. 7&+8 )'. o%-"% o +8" #o$%+. T8" -&!5&!!)6 !8)66 ?" 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#" +o +8" %&(8+ o +8" -" "'-)'+ +o ,%o!"#$+" +8" #o$'+"%#6)&5 &' +8" !)5" o% &' ) !",)%)+" )#+&o'. T8" -&!5&!!)6 !8)66 8)0" +8" " "#+ o )' )-*$-&#)+&o' $,o' +8" 5"%&+!, $'6"!! o+8"%7&!" -"#6)%"- ?. +8" #o$%+. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4=$ RO) numbein! and arran!ement su''lied55 144. When is an action dismissed for failure to prosecute ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. & the 'lainti ails to a''ear at the time o trialG or b. & he ails to 'rosecute the action or an unreasonable len!th o timeG or c. & he ails to com'ly with the Rules o )ourt or any order o the court. 8De Lnecht$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>B4D and De Lnecht$ et al. v. 7on. %ayo$ et al$ 0.R. No. 4B<6CA$ 'rom. May 6B$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E "#+ o -&!5&!!)6 o% )&6$%" +o ,%o!"#$+" 2 Once a case is dismissed or ailure to 'rosecute$ this has the e ect o an ad"udication on the merits and is understood to be with 're"udice to the ilin! o another action unless otherwise 'rovided or in the order o dismissal. 8De Lnecht$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>B4D and De Lnecht$ et al. v. 7on. %ayo$ et al$ 0.R. No. 4B<6CA$ 'rom. May 6B$ 4<<>5 &n other words$ unless there be a ,uali ication in the order o dismissal that it is without 're"udice$ the dismissal should be re!arded as an ad"udication on the merits and is with 're"udice. 8Lnecht5 b. E/)5,6"! o -&!o?"-&"'#" o #o$%+ o%-"%! 78&#8 5). %"!$6+ &' -&!5&!!)6: 45 An order directin! the 'lainti to amend his com'laint so as to indicate the re'resentative o the deceased de endant. 8%unico v. Jilla'ando$ 4C .hil. CD65 65 An order to ile a bill o 'articulars. 8Bautista v. Teodoro$ 4B4 .hil. =BB45 8C5 An order to 'resent his witnesses anew in view o the act that the "ud!e was not the one who ori!inally tried the case. 8)astillo v. %ebullina$ C4 .hil. D4>5

PLAINTIFF!S AND DEFENDANT!S COMMON MOTIONS, NOTICES, ETC. MOTION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A SUBPOENA
149. What are some of the valid #rounds for refusal to comply with a subOoena ?

<A

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. +here the witness resides more than one hundred 84BB5 kilometers rom his residence to the 'lace where is to testi y by the ordinary course o travel$ or b. +here the witness is a detention 'risoner i no 'ermission o the court in which his case is 'endin! was obtained. 8%ec. 4B$ Rule 64$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

MOTION FOR AMENDMENT TO CONFORM TO EVIDENCE

14;. <ow may the pleadin#s be amended to conform to evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 ). W8"' &!!$"! 'o+ %)&!"- ?. +8" ,6")-&'(! ?. )%" +%&"- 7&+8 +8" "/,%"!! o% &5,6&"- #o'!"'+ o +8" ,)%+&"!, #. +8". !8)66 ?" +%")+"- &' )66 %"!,"#+! )! & +8". 8)- ?""' %)&!"- &' +8" ,6")-&'(!. -. S$#8 )5"'-5"'+ o +8" ,6")-&'(! )! 5). ?" '"#"!!)%. +o #)$!" +8"5 +o #o' o%5 +o +8" "0&-"'#" )'". +o %)&!" +8"!" &!!$"! 5). ?" . 5)-" $,o' 5o+&o' o )'. ,)%+. 1D )+ )'. +&5", "0"' ) +"% *$-(5"'+H ?$+ 2D )&6$%" +o )5"'- -o"! 'o+ ) "#+ +8" %"!$6+ o +8" +%&)6 o +8"!" &!!$"!. 84st two sentences$ %ec. D$ Rule 4B$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 14A. When may the court authori9e amendment of the pleadin#s ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. & evidence is ob"ected to at the trial on the !round that it is not within the issues made by the 'leadin!s$ b. the court may allow the 'leadin!s to be amended and shall do so with liberality c. i the 'resentation o the merits o the action and the ends o substantial "ustice will be subserved thereby. d. The court may !rant a continuance to enable the amendment to be made. 8last two sentences$ %ec. D$ Rule 4B$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

JUDGMENT AND AFTER JUDGMENT

JUDGMENT
19B. What is a jud#ment ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Eud!ment is the inal consideration and determination o a court o com'etent "urisdiction u'on the matters submitted to it$ in an action or 'roceedin!. &t is also the conclusion o the law u'on the matters contained in the record the a''lication o the law o the 'leadin!s and to the acts$ as ound by the court or admitted by the 'arties$ or deemed to e(ist u'on their de ault in a course o "udicial 'roceedin!s. 80otamco v. )han %en!$ A9 .hil. DDB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E "#+ o *$-(5"'+. Eud!ment is not con irmed to what a''ears on the ace o the decision$ but also to those Hnecessarily included therein or necessary thereto.I ?%ec. A= 8c5$ rule C<$ RO) cited in Na-areno v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C49A9$ 'rom. /ebruary 6C$ 6BBB5 b. E'+%. o *$-(5"'+. The %u'reme )ourt throu!h a %e'tember 4A$ 4<<< 0n 8anc Resolution ordered that entry o "ud!ment shall be made in cases where resolutions have been issued denyin! e(tensions to time to ile 'etitions or declarin! cases closed and terminated or ailure to ile 'etition. +ith more reason should entry o "ud!ment be ordered where 'etitioners reely and voluntarily withdraw their 'etition. The 0n 8anc resolution reads in ull2

<D

HRe2 Re,uest or 1ni orm 0uidelines in Entries o Eud!ment &nvolvin! Denial o E(tension o Time to /ile .etition or )ases Decalred )loased and Terminated or /ailure to /ile a .etition M The )ourt Resolved that rom hereon ENTRF O/ E1D0MENT shall be made in cases where resolutions have been issued denyin! e(tensions o time to ile 'etition or declarin! cases closed and terminated or ailure to ile a 'etition.I 87eirs o .ael$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDA=G Destura v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB5 c. S+%)'("%! +o +8" #)!" 'o+ ?o$'- ?. *$-(5"'+. A 'erson not included as a 'arty to aa case cannot be bound by a decision made by a court. A 'erson who is not im'leaded in the com'laint could not be bound by the decsions rendered thereon or no man shall be a ected bya 'roceedin! to which he is a stran!er. 0enerally acce't'ed is the 'rinci'le that no man shall be a ected by any 'roceedin! to which he is a stran!er and stran!ers to a case are not bound by "ud!ment rendered by the case. 87eirs o .ael$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDA=G Destura v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB5 191. What are the effects of a jud#ment upon a compromise ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &t is not a''ealable and is immediately e(ecutory 8Reyes v. 1!arte. =D .hil. DBD5$ unless such a motion is iled to set aside the com'romise on the !round o raud$ mistake or duress$ in which case an a''eal may be taken rom the order denyin! the motion. 8De 0u-man$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4C= %)RA =C95 b. &t cannot be annulled unless it is vitiated by error$ deceit$ violence or or!ery o documents. 8Morales v. /ontanos$ 9A .hil. 4<5 c. &t constitutes res ad3udicata. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. =$-(5"'+ $,o' #o5,%o5&!" -" &'"-. A "ud!ment u'on a com'romise is a "ud!ment rendered with the consent o the 'arties or the 'ur'ose o e ectin! a com'romise or settlement o an action. 8C4 Am. Eur. 4BD*4B>5 b. G%o$'-! o% ),,")6&'( ) *$-(5"'+ o' #o5,%o5&!": 45 On the !round o raud$ mistake or duressG 65 On the !round o error$ deceit$ violence or or!ery o documents.. 111192. What is the effect of forei#n jud#ments or forei#n final orders ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" " "#+ o ) *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% o ) +%&?$')6 o ) o%"&(' #o$'+%., 8)0&'( *$%&!-&#+&o' +o %"'-"% +8" *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% &! )! o66o7!: ). I' #)!" o ) *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% $,o' ) !,"#& &# +8&'(, +8" *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% &! #o'#6$!&0" $,o' +8" +&+6" +o +8" +8&'(H )'?. I' #)!" o ) *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% )()&'!+ ) ,"%!o', +8" *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% &! ,%"!$5,+&0" "0&-"'#" o ) %&(8+ )! ?"+7""' +8" ,)%+&"! )'- +8"&% !$##"!!o%! &' &'+"%"!+ ?. ) !$?!"E$"'+ +&+6". 8 4st 'ar.$ %ec. A>$ Rule C<$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G%o$'-! o% %","66&'( o%"&(' *$-(5"'+!2 45 E0&-"'#" o 7)'+ o *$%&!-&#+&o', 7)'+ o 'o+&#" +o +8" ,)%+., 65 #o66$!&o', %)$-, o% C5 #6")% 5&!+)C" o 6)7 o% )#+. 8%ec. A>$ Rule C<$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5

PLAINTIFF!" AND DEFENDANT!" COMMON MOTIONS, PETITIONS ETC., AFTER JUDGMENT

a. Motion 45 /or reconsideration. 65 /or new trial. b. .etition or relie rom "ud!ment

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MOT&ON /OR RE)ON%&DERAT&ON OR NE+ TR&AL

111192. What are the #rounds of a motion for new trial ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 O'" o% 5o%" o +8" o66o7&'( #)$!"! 5)+"%&)66. ) "#+&'( +8" !$?!+)'+&)6 %&(8+! o +8" )((%&"0"- ,)%+.: ). F%)$-, )##&-"'+, 5&!+)C" o% "/#$!)?6" '"(6&("'#" 78&#8 o%-&')%. ,%$-"'#" #o$6- 'o+ 8)0" ($)%-"- )()&'!+ )'- ?. %")!o' o 78&#8 !$#8 )((%&"0"- ,)%+. 8)! ,%o?)?6. ?""' &5,)&%"- &' 8&! %&(8+!H o% ?. N"76. -&!#o0"%"- "0&-"'#", 78&#8 8" #o$6- 'o+, 7&+8 %")!o')?6" -&6&("'#", 8)0" -&!#o0"%"- )'- ,%o-$#"- )+ +8" +%&)6, )'- 78&#8 & ,%"!"'+"- 7o$6- ,%o?)?6. )6+"% +8" %"!$6+. 84st three 'ars.$ %ec. 4$ Rule C=$ RO) 'ara'hrasin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G%o$'-! o 5o+&o' o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o': 45 The dama!es awarded are e(cessiveG 65 that the evidence is insu icient to "usti y the decision or inal order$ or C5 that the decision or inal order is contrary to law. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule C=$ RO)5 b. D&!+&'#+&o'! ?"+7""' '"7 +%&)6 )'- ,"+&+&o' o% %"6&" %o5 *$-(5"'+: 45 0rounds2 A motion or new trial is based on raud$ accident$ mistake$ e(cusable evidence and newly discovered evidence +7&LE a 'etition or relie is based on the !rounds that the 'etitioner has been un"ustly de'rived o a hearin! therein$ or that he has 'revented rom takin! an a''eal$ in either case$ by reason o raud$ accident$ mistake or e(cusable ne!li!ence. 65 As to time o ilin!. A motion or new trial should be iled within the 'eriod or takin! an a''eal +7&LE a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is iled within si(ty 89B5 days a ter the 'etitioner learns o the "ud!ment$ inal order$ or other 'roceedin! to be set aside and not more than si( 895 months a ter such "ud!ment or inal order was entered. C5 E ect on the "ud!ment i !ranted. No distinction. 111193. What are the various modes of attac.in# final and e ecutory jud#ments ? E plain each briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. D&%"#+ )#+&o' or 'roceedin! to annul the same$ or by motion in another case i $ in the latter case$ the court had no "urisdiction to enter the order or to 'ronounce the "ud!ment. &t is not incidental to$ but is the main ob"ect o the 'roceedin!. b. Co66)+"%)6 )++)#C$ in which the 'ur'ose o the 'roceedin!s is to obtain some relie $ other than the vacation or settin! aside o the "ud!ment and the attack is only incidental. 84 /reemen on Eud!ments$ %ec. CB9$ ''. 9B=*9B>5 c. P"+&+&o' o% %"6&" rom "ud!ment or order as authori-ed by statutes or by the rules$ in the same action or 'roceedin! in which the "ud!ment or order was entered. 8A!ustin v. Bocalan$ 4CD %)RA CA95 111194. State the #rounds for annulment of jud#ment. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Joid or want o "urisdiction or lack o due 'rocess o lawG and b. 7as been obtained by e(trinsic raud. 8%trait Times$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4699=C$ 'rom. Au!ust 6>$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o %)$-. /raud may assume di erent sha'res and may be committed in as many di erent ways and here lies the dan!er o attem'tin! to de ine raud. or man in his in!enuity and ertile ima!ination will always contrive new schemes to oo the unwary. 87eirs o .ael$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDA=G Destura v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB citin! )osmic Lumber )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals5 b. K&'-! o %)$-:

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45 E(trinsic raud which &! ?)!&! or annulment o "ud!ment. 65 &ntrinsic raud which &! 'o+ ?)!&! or annulment o "ud!ment. 8%alon!a$ et al$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44A=>$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<=5 c. M")'&'( o "/+%&'!&# %)$-. &t also known as collateral raud. /raud is e(trinsic when it is committed to de'rive a 'arty o his day in court$ thereby 'reventin! him rom asssertin! his ri!hts to 'ro'erty. /raud is re!arded as e(trinsic when it 'revents a 'arty rom havin! a rtrial or rom 're'sentin! his entire case to the court$ or where it o'erates u'on matters 'ertainin! not to the "ud!ment itsel but to the manner in which it is 'rocure. 8Alarcon v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469>B6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5 &t re ers to any raudulent act o the 'revailin! 'arty which is committed outside the trial o the case$ the e ect o which 'revents a 'arty rom havin! a trial$ a real contest$ or rom 'resentin! all o his case to the court$ or where it o'erates u'on matters 'ertainin!$ not to the "ud!ment itsel $ but to the manner in which it was 'rocured so that there is not a air submission o the controversy. 8%trait Times$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4699=C$ 'rom. Au!ust 6>$ 4<<>5 &n other words$ e(trinsic raud re ers to any raudulent act o the 'revailin! in the liti!ation which is committed outside o the trial o the case$ whereby the de eated 'arty has been 'revented rom e(hibitin! ully his side o the case by raud or dece'tion 'rac(ticed on him by his o''onent. 87eirs o .ael$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDA=G Destura v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB5 %ome act or conduct o the 'revailin! 'arty which has 'revented the a!!rieved 'arty rom havin! a trial or 'resentin! his case to the court$ or was used to 'rocure "ud!ment without a air submission o the controversy. 8%alon!a$ et al$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44A=>$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<=5 d. C&%#$5!+)'#"! 78"%" "/+%&'!&# %)$- ,%"!"'+: 45 +here the unsuccess ul 'arty had been 'revented rom e(hibitin! ully his case by raud or dece'tion 'racticed on him by his o''onent$ as by kee'in! him away rom court$ a alse 'romise o a com'romiseG or 65 +here the de endant never had knowled!e o the suit$ bein! ke't in i!norance by the acts o the 'lainti G or where an attorney raudulently or without authority assumes to re'resent a 'arty and connives at his de eatG or C5 +here the attorney re!ularly em'loyed corru'tly sells out his client:s interest to the other side. 8%traits Times$ &nc. etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4699=C$ 'rom. Au!ust 6>$ 4<<>5 e. M")'&'( o &'+%"&'!&# %)$-. These are acts o a 'arty at a trial which 'revented a air and "ust determination o the case and which could have been liti!ated and determined at the trial or ad"udication o the case. &t is not a basis or annulment o a "ud!ment. 8%alon!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44A=>$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<=5 . W8"' ,"+&+&o' &6"-. A 'etition or annulment o "ud!ment on the !round o raud may be iled within our 8A5 years rom discovery o the same. 8Alarcon v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469>B6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBBG 7eirs o .ael$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDA=G Destura v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CC>AC$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB5

PETITION FOR RELIEF FROM =UDGMENT.

111199. What are the #rounds for filin# a petition for relief from jud#ment% order or other proceedin#s ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"' ) *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% &! "'+"%"-, o% )'. o+8"% ,%o#""-&'( &! 8"%") +"% +)C"' )()&'!+ ) ,)%+. &' )'. #o$%+ +8%o$(8 %)$-, )##&-"'+, 5&!+)C", o% "/#$!)?6" '"(6&("'#", 8" 5). &6" ) ,"+&+&o' &' !$#8 #o$%+ )'- &' +8" !)5" #)!" ,%).&'( +8)+ +8" *$-(5"'+, o%-"% o% ,%o#""-&'( ?" !"+ )!&-". 8%ec. 4$ Rule C>$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

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a. N)+$%" o ,"+&+&o'. A 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is an e,uitable remedy that is allowed only in e(ce'tional cases when therre is no other available or ade,uate remedy. +hen a 'arty has another remedy available to him$ which may be either a motion or new trial or a''eal rom an adverse decision o the trial court and he was not 'revented by raud accident$ mistake or e(cusable ne!li!ence rom ilin! such motion or takin! such a''eal$ he cannot avail himsel o this 'etition. 8Mercury Dru! )or'oration v. )A$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C>D=4$ 'rom. Euly 4C$ 6BBBG Basco v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 'rom. Au!ust <$ 6BBB citin! %amoso v. )A$ 4=> %)RA 9DAG Ri-al )ommercial Bankin! )or'oration v. Lood$ 44B %)RA 6BDG &babao v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ 4DB %)RA =95 Relie o "ud!mentG a uni,ue remedyG allowed only in e(ce'tional cases.* The issue o "urisdiction aside$ the %u'reme )ourt has em'hasi-ed that a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is a uni,ue remedy in the sense that it is based on the 'rinci'le o e,uity and constitutes the 'etitionerKs inal chance to 'rosecute or de end his cause. Bein! an act o !race$ a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is usually not re!arded with avor and thus$ is allowed only in e(ce'tional cases where there are no other ade,uate and available remedies. 8Basco y %alao v. )ourt o A''eals and the .eo'le o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 46D6<B$ 'rom. Au!ust <$ 6BBB5 b. G%o$'-! o% &6&'( ) ,"+&+&o' o% %"6&" %o5 -"'&)6 o ),,")6: W8"' ) *$-(5"'+ o% &')6 o%-"% &! %"'-"%"- ?. )'. #o$%+ &' ) #)!", )'- ) ,)%+. +8"%"+o, ?. 45 %)$-, )##&-"'+, 5&!+)C", o% "/#$!)?6" '"(6&("'#", 65 8)! ?""' ,%"0"'+"- %o5 +)C&'( )' ),,")6, 8" 5). &6" ) ,"+&+&o' &' !$#8 #o$%+, )'- &' +8" !)5" #)!" ,%).&'( +8)+ +8" ),,")6 ?" (&0"' -$" #o$%!". 8%ec. 6$ Rule C>$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 c. W8"%" ,"+&+&o' &! +o ?" &6"-. The 'etition or relie must be iled in the same court and in the same case irres'ective o whether the court is an MT)$ RT)$ the )A or even the %u'reme )ourt in case o a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment$ order or other 'roceedin!. 8%ecs. 4 and 6$ Rule C>$ RO)5 d. W8"' ,"+&+&o' &6"-. The 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment$order o 'roceedin! must be iled within si(ty 89B5 days a ter the 'etitioner learns o the "ud!ment$ inal order$ or other 'roceedin! to be set aside$ and not more than si( 895 months a ter such "ud!ment or inal order was entered$ or such 'roceedin! was taken. 8%ec. C$ Rule C>$ RO)5 e. E "#+! o (%)'+&'( +8" ,"+&+&o' o% %"6&" %o5 *$-(5"'+, o%-"% o% ,%o#""-&'(: 45 The court shall set aside the "ud!ment or inal order or other 'roceedin! com'lained o u'on such terms as may be "ust. 65 Therea ter the case shall stand as i such "ud!ment$ inal order or other 'roceedin! had never been rendered$ issued or taken. C5 The court shall then 'roceed to hear and determine the case as i a timely motion or a new trial or reconsideration had been !ranted by it. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule C>$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 . E "#+! o (%)'+&'( ,"+&+&o' o% %"6&" %o5 -"'&)6 o ),,")6: W8"%" +8" -"'&)6 o )' ),,")6 &! !"+ )!&-", +8" 6o7"% #o$%+ !8)66 ?" %"E$&%"- +o (&0" -$" #o$%!" +o +8" ),,")6 )'- +o "6"0)+" +8" %"#o%- o +8" ),,")6"- #)!" )! & ) +&5"6. )'- ,%o,"% ),,")6 8)- ?""' 5)-". 8%ec. =$ Rule C>$ RO)5

A P P E A L S
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
11119;. Distin#uish the #rounds from appeal from the #rounds for certiorari. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & the error is in the wisdom o the trial court:s indin!s and not o "urisdiction$ the 'ro'er remedy would be a''eal and not certiorari. 8.hili''ine National Bank v. 7on. %ayo$ et al.$ 0.R. No.46<<4>$ 'rom. Euly <$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

<<

a. T8"%" 5). ?" #"%+&o%)%& "0"' & ),,")6 )0)&6)?6". Availability o an a''eal does not oreclose recourse to the e(traordinary remedies o certiorari or 'rohibition where a''eal is not ade,uate$ or e,ually bene icial$ s'eedy and su icient 8.hili''ine National Bank v. 7on. %ayo$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<<4>$ 'rom. Euly <$ 4<<> citin! various cases5$ and will not 'rom'tly relieve a 'arty rom the in"urious e ects o the order com'lained o $ or where the a''eal is ine ective. 8A rica v. %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46AA=>$ 'rom. March 44$ 4<<>5 7owever$ aside rom the bare$ stereoty'e alle!ation in the 'leadin! o #no a''eal$ nor any 'lain$ s'eedy$ and ade,uate remedy in the ordinary course o law$# there must be showin! that the a''eal would be inade,uate$ slow$ insu icient$ or ine ective. 8A rica$ supra5 b. F&')6 o%-"% -" &'"-. one which dis'oses o the sub"ect matter in its entirety or terminates a 'articular 'roceedin! or action$ leavin! nothin! else t be done but to en orce by e(ecution what has been determined by the court. As distin!uished there rom$ )' &'+"%6o#$+o%. o%-"% is one which does not dis'ose o a case com'letely$ but leaves somethin! more to be ad"udicated u'on. An interlocutory order is always under the control o the court and may be modi ied or rescinded u'on su icient !rounds shown by any time be ore inal "ud!ment. This 'rescinds rom a courtKs inherent 'ower to control its 'rocess and orders so as to make them con ormable to law and "ustice. &t is immaterial that the "ud!e who e(ercises such 'owers is di erent rom the one who issued the rescinded or amended order since the ormer is not le!ally 'revented rom revokin! the interlocutory order o another "ud!e in the very liti!ation subse,uently assi!ned to him or "udicial action. The only limitation is that the "ud!e can not act with !rave abuse o discretion$ or that no in"ustice results thereby. 8Ley )onstruction and Develo'ment )or'oration$ %'s. Manuel T. Ley and Eanet T. Ley v. 1nion Bank o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 4CC>B4$ 'rom. Eune 6=$ 6BBB5 c. O%-"% -&!5&!!&'( ) #)!" 7&+8o$+ ,%"*$-&#" &! ) &')6 o%-"% . An order dismissin! a case without 're"udice is a inal order i no motion or reconsideration or a''eal there rom is timely iled. &n we stated thus$ The dismissal without 're"udice o a com'laint does not however mean that said dismissal or der was any less inal. %uch order o dismissal is com'lete in all details$ and thou!h without 're"udice$ nonetheless inally dis'osed o the matter. &t was not merely an interlocutory order but a inal dis'osition o the com'laint. 8Banares &&$ et al.$ v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB citin! Olym'ia &nternational v. )ourt o A''eals5 d. W8"' o%-"% ?"#o5"! &')6 )'- "/"#$+o%.. The law !rants an a!!rieved 'arty a 'eriod o i teen 84D5 days rom his recei't o the courtKs decision or order dis'osin! o the action or 'roceedin! to a''eal or move to reconsider the same. A ter the la'se o the i teen*day 'eriod$ an order becomes inal and e(ecutory and is beyond the 'ower or "urisdiction o the court which rendered it to urther amend or revoke. A inal "ud!ment or order cannot be modi ied in any res'ect$ even i the modi ication sou!ht is or the 'ur'ose o correctin! an erroneous conclusion by the court which rendered the same. 8Banares &&$ et al.$ v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB citin! Olym'ia &nternational v. )ourt o A''eals5 e. R"5"-. 78"' o%-"% )6%")-. &')6 )'- "/"#$+o%.. A ter the order o dismissal o a case without 're"udice has become inal$ and there ore becomes outside the courtKs 'ower to amend and modi y$ a 'arty wishes to reinstate the case has no other remedy but to ile a new com'laint. The dismissal o the case$ and the la'se o the re!lementary 'eriod to reconsider or set aside the dismissal$ e ectively o'erated to remove the case rom the )ourtKs docket. Even assumin! the dismissal to be without 're"udice$ the case could no lon!er be reinstated or HrevivedI by mere motion in the ori!inal docketed action$ but only by the ilin! o another com'laint sccom'anied$ o course$ by the 'ayment o the corres'ondin! ilin! ees 'rescribed by law. %ince theoretically every inal dis'osition o an action does not attain inality until a ter i teen 84D5 days there rom$ and conse,uently within that time the action still remain within the control o the court$ the 'lainti may move and set aside his notice o dismissal and revive his action be ore that 'eriod la'ses. But a ter dismissal has become inal a ter the

4BB

la'se o the i tee*day re!lementary 'eriod$ the only way by which the action may be resuscitated or HrevivedI is by the institution o a subse,uent action throu!h the ilin! o another com'laint and the 'ayemnt o ees 'rescribed by law. This is so because u'on attainment o inality o the dismissal throu!h the la'se o said re!lementary 'eriod$ the )ourt loses "urisdiction and control over it and can no lon!er make a dis'osition in res'ect thereo inconsistent with such dismissal. 8Banares &&$ et al. v. Balisin!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C696A$ 'rom. March 4C$ 6BBB citin! Orti!as Q )om'any Limited .artnershi' v. Jelasco5 111 . A,,"66)+" #o$%+ 8)! -&!#%"+&o' +o #o'!&-"% "%%o%! 'o+ )!!&('"-. 0enerally$ an a''ellate court may only 'ass u'on errors assi!ned. 7owever$ this rule is not without e(ce'tions. &n the ollowin! instances$ the %u'reme )ourt ruled that an a''ellate court is accorded a broad discretionary 'ower to waive the lack o assi!nment o errors and consider errors not assi!ned2 45 0rounds not assi!ned as errors but a ectin! the "urisdiction o the court over the sub"ect matterG 65 Matters not assi!ned as errors on a''eal but evidently 'lain or clerical errors within contem'lation o lawG C5 Matters not assi!ned as errors on a''eal but consideration o which is necessary in arrivin! at a "ust decision and com'lete resolution o the case or to serve the interests o "ustice or to avoid dis'ensin! 'iecemeal "usticeG A5 Matters not s'eci ically assi!ned as errors on a''eal but raised in the trial court and are matters o record havin! some bearin! on the issue submitted which the 'arties ailed to raise or which the lower court i!noredG D5 Matters not assi!ned as errors on a''eal but closely related to an error assi!nedG 95 Matters not assi!ned as errors on a''eal but u'on which the determination o a ,uestion 'ro'erly assi!ned$ is de'endent. There is no reason why this rule should not a''ly to administrative bodies as well. 8Diamonon v. De'artment o Labor and Em'loyment$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B><DB$ 'rom. March =$ 6BBB5 19@. What is the effect of a pro forma motion for reconsideration ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A motion or reconsideration interru'ts the runnin! o the 'eriod to a''eal$ unless the motion is pro forma. 8Marina .ro'erties )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DAA= and 7.L. )arlos )onstruction$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DA=D$ 'rom. Au!ust 4A$ 4<<>5 A pro forma motion or new trial or reconsideration shall not toll the re!lementary 'eriod o a''eal. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 6$ Rule C=$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. (ro forma 5o+&o' o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o', -" &'"-. One that does not s'eci y the indin!s or conclusions in the "ud!ment which are not su''orted by evidence or contrary to law$ makin! e('ress re erence to the 'ertinent evidence or le!al 'rovisions 8Marina .ro'erties )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DAA= and 7.L. )arlos )onstruction$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DA=D$ 'rom. Au!ust 4A$ 4<<>5$ alle!ed to be contrary to such indin!s or conclusions. 8Crd 'ar.$ %ec. 6$ Rule C=$ RO)5 b. No+ pro forma "0"' & 5o+&o' %"&+"%)+"! &!!$"! )6%")-. ,)!!"- $,o' ?. +8" #o$%+: 45 Althou!h a motion or reconsideration may merely reiterate issues already 'assed u'on by the court$ that by itsel does not make it pro forma and is immaterial because what is essential is com'liance with the re,uisites o the Rules. FMarina .ro'erties )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DAA= and 7.L. )arlos )onstruction$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46DA=D$ 'rom. Au!ust 4A$ 4<<>5 65 Amon! the ends to which a motion or reconsideration is addressed is 'recisely to convince he court that its rulin! is erroneous and im'ro'er$ contrary to law or the evidence$ and in doin! so$ the movant has to dwell o necessity u'on the issues 'assed u'on by the court. & a motion or reconsideration may not discuss

4B4

these issues$ the conse,uence would be that a ter a decision is rendered$ the losin! 'arty would be con ined to ilin! only motions or reo'enin! and new trial. %uch is not the intendment o the Rules. 8Marina$ supra5 C5 +here the circumstances o a case do not show an intent on the 'art o the 'leader to merely delay the 'roceedin!s$ and his motion reveals a bona fide e ort to 'resent additional matters or to reiterate his ar!uments in a di erent li!ht$ the courts should be slow to declare the same outri!ht as pro forma. The doctrine relatin! to pro forma motions has a direct bearin! u'on the movant:s valuable ri!ht to a''eal. &t would be in the interest o "ustice to accord the a''ellate court the o''ortunity to review the decision o the trial court on the merits rather than to abort the a''eal by declarin! the motion pro forma$ such that the 'eriod to a''eal was not interru'ted and had conse,uently la'sed. 8Marina$ supra citin! 4 /loren- D. Re!alado$ Remedial Law )om'endium C>B 89th ed.$ 4<<=5. A5 1nder %u'reme )ourt )ircular No. 4*<4 dated 6= /ebruary 4<<4 and Revised Administrative )ircular No. 4*<D dated 49 May 4<<D$ which took e ect on 4 Eune 4<<D$ an a!!rieved 'arty is allowed one motion or reconsideration o the assailed decision or inal order be ore he may ile a 'etition or review with the )ourt o A''eals. 8Marina$ supra+ 11119A. <ow is appeal perfected ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. & by notice o a''eal. A 'arty:s a''eal by notice o a''eal is deemed 'er ected as to him u'on the ilin! o the notice o a''eal in due time. The court loses "urisdiction over the case u'on the 'er ection o the a''eals iled in due time and the e('iration o the time to a''eal o other 'arties. b. & by record on a''eal. A 'arty:s a''eal by record on a''eal is deemed 'er ected as to him with res'ect to the sub"ect matter thereo u'on the a''roval o the record on a''eal iled in due time. The court loses "urisdiction only over the sub"ect matter o the a''eal u'on the a''roval o the records on a''eal iled in due time and the e('iration o the time to a''eal o the other 'arties. 8%ec. <$ Rule A4$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P).5"'+ o ),,"66)+" -o#C"+ "" 5)'-)+o%.. The Rules o )ourt$ as amended$ s'eci ically 'rovides that a''ellate court docket and other law ul ees should be 'aid within the 'eriod or takin! an a''eal. 7ence$ %ection A o Rule A4. The 'ayment o the docket and other le!al ees within the 'rescribed 'eriod is both mandatory and "urisdictional. %ection 4 8c5$ Rule DB o the Rules o )ourt 'rovides2 H/ailure o the a''ellant to 'ay the docket and other ees as 'rovided in %ection A o Rule A4I is a !round or the dismissal o the a''eal. &ndeed$ it has been held that ailure o the a''ellant to con orm with the rules on a''eal renders the "ud!ment inal and e(ecutory. Jerily$ the ri!ht to a''eal is a statutory ri!ht and one who seeks to avail o that ri!ht must com'ly with the statute or the rule. The bare invocation o Hthe interest o substantial "usticeI is not a ma!ic wand that will automatically com'el the %u'reme )ourt to sus'end 'rocedural rules. H.rocedural rules are not to be belittled or dismissed sim'ly because their non*observance may have resulted in 're"udice to a 'artyKs substantive ri!ht. Like all rules$ they are re,uired to be ollowed e(ce't only or the most 'ersuasive o reasons when they may be rela(ed to relieve a liti!ant o an in"ustice not commensurate with the de!ree o his thou!htlessness in not com'lyin! with the 'rocedure 'rescribed.I Rules o 'rocedure$ es'ecially those 'rescribin! the time within which certain acts must be done$ Hhave o t been held as absolutely indis'ensable to the 'revention o needless delays and to the orderly and s'eedy dischar!e o business. ( ( ( The reason or rules o this nature is because the dis'atch o business by courts would be im'ossible$ and intolerable delays would result$ without rules !overnin! 'ractice ( ( (. %uch rules are a necessary incident to the 'ro'er$ e icient and orderly dischar!e o "udicial unctions. The said rules may be rela(ed only in He(ce'tionally meritorious cases. 8La-aro$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C==94 'rom$ A'ril 9$ 6BBB5

4B6

&t is well established doctrine that the 'ayment o docket ees within the 'rescribed 'eriod is mandatory or the 'er ection o an a''eal. This is so because a court ac,uires "urisdiction over the sub"ect matter o the action only u'on the 'ayment o the correct amount o docket ees re!ardless o the actual date o ilin! o the case in court. &n :egare v. Court of Appeals the %u'reme )ourt u'held the a''ellate courtKs dismissal o an a''eal or ailure o 'etitioner to 'ay the docket ees within the re!lementary 'eriod des'ite a notice rom the )ourt o A''eals in ormin! him that such ees had to be 'aid within i teen 84D5 days rom recei't o such notice. 8Baran!ay 6A o Le!a-'i )ity re'resented by B!y$ )hairman Ricardo Abunda v. Elias &m'erial$ 0.R. No. 4ABC64$ 'rom. Au!ust 6A$ 6BBB5 b. L&+&()'+! #)''o+ %)&!" &!!$" o% +8" &%!+ +&5" o' ),,")6, "/#",+&o': Althou!h liti!ants cannor raise an issue or the irst time on a''eal as this would contravene the basic rules o air 'lay and "ustice$ in a number o instances$ the %u'reme )ourt has rela(ed observance o 'rocedural rules$ notin! that technicalities are not ends in themselves but e(ist to 'rotect and 'romote substantive ri!hts o liti!ants. )ertain rules ou!ht to be a''lied with severity and ri!idity i by so doin!$ the very reason or their e(istence would be de eated. 7ence$ when substantial "ustice 'lainly re,uires$ e(em'tin! a 'articular case ro the o'eration o technicalities should not be sub"ect to cavil. 8%y v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=69C$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 6BBB5 c. M)+"%&)6 -)+) %$6". The rule to the e ect that Hthe 'etition shall state the s'eci ic material dates showin! that it was iled within the 'eriod i(ed herein$I should be taken to re er more 'articularly to the date o recei't o the award$ "ud!ment$ inal order or resolution a''ealed rom or the 'ur'ose o determinin! whether or not the a''eal or 'etition was reasonably brou!ht u' to the a''ellate body or tribunal. 8Romero v. )ivil %ervice )ommission$ 0.R. No. 4C<6>>$ 'rom.$ /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 d. A,,")6 &' #o'+"5,+ -o"! 'o+ %"E$&%" %"#o%- o' ),,")6. &n the case o %oman Cat.olic Arc.bis.op of <anila v. Court of Appeals $ multi'le a''eals are allowed Hin s'ecial 'roceedin!s$ in actions or recovery o 'ro'erty with accountin!$ in the s'ecial civil action o eminent domain and oreclosure o mort!a!e$I contem't 'roceedin!s is not one o those instances where a record on a''eal is re,uired to 'er ect an a''eal. 8)ortes v. Eud!e Ban!alan$ etc. A.M. No. MTE*<=*446<$ 'rom. Eanuary 4<$ 6BBB5 e. C"%+& &"- +%$" #o,. o E$"!+&o'"- *$-(5"'+, &')6 o%-"% o% %"!o6$+&o'. 1nder Rule AD$ o the Rules o )ourt 8!overnin! A''eals by )ertiorari to the %u'reme )ourt5$ only the "ud!ment or inal order or resolution accom'anyin! the 'etition must be a clearly le!ible du'licate ori!inal or a certi ied true co'y thereo certi ied by the clerk o court o the court a ,uo. Even under Rule 9D !overnin! certiorari and 'rohibition$ 'etitions need be accom'anied by certi ied true co'ies o the ,uestioned "ud!ment$ it bein! su icient that co'ies o all other relevant documents should accom'any the 'etition. Numerous resolutions issued by this court em'hasi-e that in a''eals by certiorari under Rules AD and ori!inal civil actions or certiorari under Rule 9D in relation to Rules A9 and D9$ what is re,uired to be a certi ied true co'y is the co'y o the ,uestioned "ud!ment$ inal order or resolution. No 'lausible reason su!!ests itsel why a di erent treatment$ i.e. a stricter re,uirement$ should be !iven to 'etitions under Rule AC$ which !overns a''eals rom the )ourt o Ta( A''eals and ,uasi*"udicial a!encies to the )ourt o A''eals. None could have been intended by the ramers o the Rules. A contrary rulin! would be too harsh and would not 'romote the underlyin! ob"ective o securin! a "ust$ s'eedy and ine('ensive dis'osition o every action and 'roceedin!. &t must be conceded that obtainin! certi ied true co'ies necessarily entails additional e('enses that will make liti!ation more onerous to the liti!ants. Moreover$ certi ied true co'ies are not easily 'rocurable and 'arty liti!ants must wait or a 'eriod o time be ore the certi ied true co'ies are released. At any rate$ the entire records o the case will eventually be elevated to the a''ellate court. 8)adayona v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>==6$ 'rom. /ebruary C$ 6BBB5 . A +"% ,"% "#+&o' o +8" ),,")6 )'- +8" +%)'!5&++)6 o +8" %"#o%-! $ the trial court loses "urisdiction over the case. 7ence orth$ it may no lon!er !rant a motion or$ or issue a writ o immediate e(ecution. To do so would be an abuse o discretion. 8%ec. 6 and C$ Rule C< cited in Diesel )onstruction )o. &nc. v. Eollibee /oods )or'.$ 0.R. No. 4C9>BD$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5

4BC

1;B. Spouses Morales filed a complaint a#ainst (olicarpio assertin# that he surreptitiously too. possession of their lots and prepared them for plantin#% thereby alterin# its residential outline and appearance. Defendant countered with the alle#ation that reclassification of the land was not approved by the proper authorities and that he was duly constituted as tenant thereof by the previous owner. $he municipal trial court received evidence on the issue of ri#ht of possession and he land8s proper classification. 7indin# the land to be a#ricultural and the fact that tenancy was in issue% the municipal trial court dismissed the case for lac. of jurisdiction. $he plaintiffs appealed to the Re#ional $rial Court who heard the case and found that the municipal trial court had jurisdiction because the land was duly reclassified from a#ricultural to residential and that tenancy was not involved. )f you were the R$C jud#e how will you proceed ? Should you decide the issues on the merits or should you remand the case to the municipal trial court for further proceedin#s ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The case should be decided on the merits and should not be remanded to the munici'al trial court. +here the 'arties have 'resented their res'ective evidence be ore the MT)$ a remand becomes a useless su'er luity$ an undue im'osition on the time and dockets o courts. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 A %"5)'- &! '"#"!!)%. o'6. 78"' +8"%" 8)! ?""' 'o +%&)6 o' +8" 5"%&+! . A remand would unnecessarily im'ose on the 'arties the concomitant di iculties and e('enses o another 'roceedin! where they would have to 'resent the same evidence a!ain. This clearly runs counter to %ection 9$ Rule 4 o the Rules o )ourt$ which mandates liberal construction o the Rules to attain "ust$ s'eedy and ine('ensive dis'osition o every action or 'roceedin!. 8%'ouses Morales v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4694<9$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 4<<>5

APPEAL FROM MTC TO RTC APPELLATE =URISDICTION OF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

1;1. <ow may decisions of Re#ional $rial Courts rendered in aid of its appellate jurisdiction be appealed ? % 100E%TED AN%+ER2 The decision o Re!ional Trial )ourts on such cases shall be a''ealable by 'etition or review to the )ourt o A''eals which Nay !ive it due course only when the 'etition shows prima facie that the lower court has committed an error o act or law that will warrant a reversal or modi ication o the decision or "ud!ment sou!ht to be reviewed. 8last sentence$ %ec. 66$ B... Bl!. 46<5

MODES AND PERIODS OF APPEAL

MODES AND PERIODS OF APPEAL. a. A,,")6 %o5 M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+ +o R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+ 45 A''eal in o%-&')%. #)!"!: a5 /ilin! notice o a''eal with the Munici'al Trial )ourt that rendered the "ud!ment or order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. C$ Rule AB$ RO)5 b5 .ayment o the ull amount o the a''ellate docket ee and other law ul ees. 8%ec. D$ Rule AB$ RO)5 c5 +ithin i teen 84D5 days a ter notice to the a''ellant o the "ud!ment or inal order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. 6$ Rule AB$ RO)5 65 A''eal in !,"#&)6 ,%o#""-&'(! and other cases wherein multi'le a''eals are allowed2

4BA

a5 /ilin! o notice o a''eal and a record on a''eal with the Munici'al Trial )ourt that rendered the "ud!ment or order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. C$ rule AB$ RO)5 b5 .ayment o the ull amount o the a''ellate docket ee and other law ul ees. 8%ec. D$ Rule AB$ RO)5 c5 +ithin thirty 8CB5 days a ter notice o the "ud!ment or inal order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. 6$ Rule AB$ RO)5 C5 A''eal in cases decided under -"6"()+"- *$%&!-&#+&o'. &n the same manner as decisions o the Re!ional Trial )ourt. 8%ec. CA$ B... Bl!. 46<5 1111;2. What procedure should the R$C follow where it finds that the M$C had no jurisdiction in a case appealed to it from the said M$C ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &n case o a irmance o the decision or "ud!ment a''ealed rom and the !round o dismissal is lack o "urisdiction over the sub"ect matter$ the Re!ional Trial )ourt$ i it has "urisdiction thereover$ shall try the case on the merits as i the case was ori!inally iled with it. 86nd sentence$ 4st 'ar.$ %ec. >$ Rule AB$ RO) words not in bold su''lied5 b. & the case was tried on the merits by the lower court without "urisdiction over the sub"ect matter$ the Re!ional Trial )ourt on a''eal shall not dismiss the case i it has ori!inal "urisdiction thereo but shall decide the case on the merits as o the case was ori!inally iled with it$ without 're"udice to the admission o amended 'leadin!s and additional evidence in the interest o "ustice. 86nd 'ar.$ in relation to the 4st 'ar.$ %ec. >$ Rule AB$ RO)5 1111;2. Conchita sued 'eltran et al.% for unlawful detainer. $he M$C rendered jud#ment in her favor orderin# 'eltran et al.% to vacate% pay reasonable rental and attorneyBs fees. 'eltran% et al.% appealed to the R$C. $he M$C jud#ment was e ecuted pendin# appeal because 'eltran% et al. failed to file supersedeas bond. 'eltran% et al.% moved the R$C to admit additional evidences consistin# of a contract to sell between them and its Nue9on City #overnment coverin# the lot in dispute% and some receipts of payment% which the R$C #ranted. $he R$C also conducted seven Iclarificatory hearin#sJ durin# which the parties presented testimonial evidences% as well as conducted an ocular inspection of the disputed premises. $hereafter% the R$C rendered jud#ment reversin# the M$C decision% rulin# that Conchita has no interest to the disputed property. $he R$C then dismissed her complaint. Conchita filed a petition for certiorari with the Court of &ppeals which denied the petition and restored possession to 'eltran% et al. Was the R$C correct in reversin# the M$C? What about the C& in restorin# possession to 'eltran% et al.? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER%2 No$ the RT) was in error. RT) in e(ercise o a''ellate "urisdiction could not hear cases de novo. RT) in the e(ercise o its a''ellate "urisdiction$ cannot hear the case de novo in the !uise o clari icatory hearin!s durin! which additional evidence is to be 'resented by the 'arties and on ocular ins'ection conducted. The )ourt o A''eals erred in !rantin! 'rivate res'ondentsK motion or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal. /or$ indeed$ the case was not with said court on a''eal but on a 'etition or certiorari. Thus$ the a''ellate court:K "urisdiction was only to 'ass u'on the validity o the orders o the RT) in the conduct o clari icatory hearin!s and ocular ins'ection. %ince the RT) has yet to act on 'rivate res'ondent:K motion or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal$ this matter should have been le t or resolution by the trial court$ not by the )ourt o A''eals. 8Abellera v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=A>B$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Althou!h Re!ional Trial )ourts should decide cases on a''eal on the basis solely o the record o the 'roceedin!s in Munici'al Trial )ourts and other courts o e,ual rank$ nonetheless$ the 'rinci'le o esto''el may bar a 'arty rom ,uestionin! the rece'tion o additional evidence$ as in this case. &n /i3am v. $ibong.anoy this court ruled2 A 'arty can not invoke the "urisdiction o a court to secure a irmative relie a!ainst his o''onent and$ a ter obtainin! or ailin! to obtain such relie $ re'udiate or ,uestion that same "urisdiction 8Dean v. Dean$ 4C9 Or. 9<A$

4BD

>9 A.L.R. =<5. &n the case "ust cited$ by way o e('lainin! the rule$ it was urther said that the ,uestion whether the court had "urisdiction either o the sub"ect*matter o the action or o the 'arties was not im'ortant in such cases because the 'arty is barred rom such conduct not because the "ud!ment or order o the court is valid and conclusive as an ad"ustment$ but or the reason that such a 'ractice can not be tolerated M obviously or reasons o 'ublic 'olicy. /urthermore$ it has been held that a ter voluntarily submittin! a cause and encounterin! an adverse decision on the merits$ it is too late or the loser to ,uestion the "urisdiction or 'ower o the court 8.ease v. Rathbun*Eones etc.$ 6AC 1.%. 6=C$ 94 L. Ed. =4D$ C= %. )t. 6>CG %t. Louis etc. v. McBride$ 4A4 1.%. 46=$ CD L. Ed. 9D<5 And in Littleton v. Bur!ess$ 49 +yo. D>$ the )ourt said that it is not ri!ht or a 'arty who has a irmed and invoked the "urisdiction o a court in a 'articular matter to secure an a irmative relie $ to a terwards deny that same "urisdiction to esca'e a 'enalty. 1'on the 'rinci'le stated in %ibon!hanoy$ we hold that 'etitioner cannot be 'ermitted to ,uestion at this sta!e the rece'tion o additional evidence and ocular ins'ection o 'ro'erty a ter she 'artici'ated but eventually lost in what she now calls the irre!ular 'roceedin!s o the trial court. 8Abellera v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=A>B$ 'rom. /ebruary 6>$ 6BBB5 I'*$'#+&o' !8o$6- 'o+ &!!$" +o %"!+%)&' +8" -"#&!&o' &' $'6)7 $6 -"+)&'"%. &n Le!as'i$ the %u'reme )ourt held2 +here the action V is one o ille!al detainer V and the ri!ht o the 'lainti to recover the 'remises is seriously 'laced in issue in a 'ro'er "udicial 'roceedin!$ it is more e,uitable and "ust and less 'roductive o con usion and disturbance o 'hysical 'ossession$ with all its concomitant inconvenience and e('ense or the court in which the issue o le!al 'ossession$$ whether involvin! ownershi' or not$ is brou!ht to restrain$ should a 'etition or 'reliminary in"unction be iled with it$ the e ects o any order or decision in the unlaw ul detainer case in order to await the inal "ud!ment in the more substantive case involvin! le!al 'ossession or ownershi'. 8A-nar Brothers Realty )o. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>4B6$ 'rom.$ March =$ 6BBB5 1111;2-A. )n Republic v. :arcellano% /+* (hil. 5*/% the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the C7) of Lamboan#a City e propriatin# 51+%11, s!. m. of land that is now part of the Lamboan#a )ntl. &irport. -n 7ebruary /2% /00C% actin# on the basis of a reconstituted title% the alle#ed heirs of Aun ;edesma% a defendant in e propriation case =Republic v. :arcellano> forcibly entered the property and caused the buildin# of a concrete wall separatin# the property from the rest of the airport. Conse!uently% the #overnment filed a complaint for forcible entry% but the M$C dismissed the case. -n appeal% R$C% 'ranch /2% reversed the decision. Since the defendants did not appeal% the R$C decision became final. )n the meantime% the heirs"defendants filed a complaint for accion publiciana% alle#ed that the #overnment did not pay them just compensation% the property was not bein# used for the purpose for which they were e propriated% they were in possession% titles to same were in their names% no res judicata because there are other parties% etc. $he case was raffled to R$C% 'ranch /*. $he #overnment moved to dismiss the complaint. )nstead of resolvin# that motion% 'ranch /* issued a $R- dated 4ovember /1% /002 directin# the M$C to cease and desist from enforcin# the forcible entry case decision. -n December /C% /002% the court issued a writ of of preliminary injunction e plainin# that while the forcible entry case had become final and e ecutory% the claim of ownership of the land and actual occupation thereof by the heirs =aside from the fact that they had not yet been compensated for the appropriated land>% demanded stay of e ecution. Was R$C% 'ranch /* correct in issuin# the injunctive writ? )f not% what should be the remedy of the heirs"defendants? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. Althou!h the in"unctive writs issued by RT)$ Branc 4C were directed to the MT)$ the same had the ultimate e ect o 'reventin! the e(ecution o the decision o the RT)$ Branch 4=$ a court o e,ual rank and "urisdiction. The remedy o the heirs*de endants should have been to o''ose the issuance o a writ o e(ecution by the MT) on these !rounds$ instead o askin! RT)$ Branch 4C to issue a

4B9

TRO or a writ o 'reliminary in"unction. 8Act!. %ol!en de la )ru- v. Eud!e Eisma$ etc. A.M. No. RTE*BB*4DAA$ 'rom. March 4D$ 6BBB5

APPEAL FROM THE RTC TO CA APPELLATE =URISDICTION OF COURT OF APPEALS

1;3. What is the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of &ppeals over decisions of Re#ional $rial Courts ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The )ourt o A''eals shall e(ercise 2 a. E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over actions or annulment o "ud!ments o Re!ional Trial )ourtsG and b. E(clusive a''ellate "urisdiction over all inal "ud!ments$ decisions$ resolutions$ orders$ or awards o Re!ional Trial )ourts. 8%ec. <$ B... Bl!. 46< 'ara'hrasin! su''lied5 1;4. What may not be appealed ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 8a5 An order denyin! a motion or new trial or reconsiderationG 8b5 An order denyin! a 'etition or relie or any similar motion seekin! relie rom "ud!mentG 8c5 An interlocutory orderG 8d5 An order disallowin! or dismissin! an a''ealG 8e5 An order denyin! a motion to set aside a "ud!ment by consent$ con ession or com'romise on the !round o raud$ mistake or duress$ or any other !round vitiatin! consentG 8 5 An order o e(ecutionG 8!5 A "ud!ment or inal order or or a!ainst one or more o several 'arties or in se'arate claims$ counterclaims$ cross*claims and third*'arty com'laints$ while the main case is 'endin!$ unless the court allows an a''eal there romG and 8h5 An order dismissin! an action without 're"udice . 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule A4$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R"5"-. 78"%" +8" *$-(5"'+, o%-"%, "+#., &! 'o+ ),,")6)?6" 2 +here the "ud!ment or inal order is not a''ealable$ the a!!rieved 'arty may ile an a''ro'riate s'ecial civil action under Rule 9D. 8last sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule A4$ RO)5 b. W8)+ 5). ?" ),,")6"-: An a''eal may be taken rom a "ud!ment or inal order that com'letely dis'oses o the case$ or o a 'articular matter herein when declared by the Rules o )ourt to be a''ealable. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule A4$ RO) A "ud!ment or order denyin! relie under Rule C> is inal and a''ealable$ unlike an order !rantin! such relie which is interlocutory. 7ence$ "urisdiction then 'ro'erly belon!ed to the )ourt o A''eals. 8%ervice %'ecialists$ &nc. v. %heri o Manila $ 4AD %)RA 4C<5 Relie o "ud!mentG a uni,ue remedyG allowed only in e(ce'tional cases.* The issue o "urisdiction aside$ the %u'reme )ourt has em'hasi-ed that a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is a uni,ue remedy in the sense that it is based on the 'rinci'le o e,uity and constitutes the 'etitionerKs inal chance to 'rosecute or de end his cause. Bein! an act o !race$ a 'etition or relie rom "ud!ment is usually not re!arded with avor and thus$ is allowed only in e(ce'tional cases where there are no other ade,uate and available remedies. 8Basco y %alao v. )ourt o A''eals and the .eo'le o the .hili''ines$ 0.R. No. 46D6<B$ 'rom. Au!ust <$ 6BBB5 111c. D"'&)6 o 5o+&o' o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o' 'o+ ),,")6)?6". The ailure to 'er ect an a''eal within the re!lementary 'eriod is not a mere technicality. &t raises a "urisdictional 'roblem as it de'rives the a''ellate court o "urisdiction over the a''eal. The ailure to ile the notice o a''eal within the re!lementary 'eriod is akin to the ailure to 'ay the a''eal ee within the 'rescribed 'eriod. &n both cases$ the a''eal

4B=

1111;9. <ow are appeals ta.en from the Re#ional $rial Court to the Court of &ppeals ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 45 A''eal in o%-&')%. #)!"!: a5 /ilin! o notice o a''eal with the Re!ional Trial )ourt that rendered the "ud!ment or order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. 6 ?a@$ Rule A4$ RO)5 b5 .ayment o the a''ellate docket ee and other law ul ees to the Re!ional Trial )ourt. 8%ec. A$ Rule A4$ RO)5 c5 +ithin i teen 84D5 days rom notice o the "ud!ment or inal order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. C$ Rule A4$ RO)5 65 A''eals in !,"#&)6 ,%o#""-&'(! and other cases wherein multi'le a''eals are allowed2 a5 /ilin! o a notice o a''eal and record on a''eal with the Re!ional Trial )ourt that rendered the "ud!ment or order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. 6 ?a@$ Rule A6$ RO)5 b5 .ayment o the a''ellate docket ee and other law ul ees. 8%ec. A$ Rule A4$ RO)5 c5 +ithin thirty 8CB5 days a ter notice o the "ud!ment or inal order a''ealed rom. 8%ec. C$ Rule A4$ RO)5 C5 A''eals o "ud!ments &' "/"%#&!" o ),,"66)+" *$%&!-&#+&o'2 a5 /ilin! o veri ied 'etition or review with the )ourt o A''eals. 8%ec. 4$ Rule A6$ RO)5 b5 .ayment o docket and other law ul ees and de'osit o .DBB.BB or costs. 8%ec. 4$ Rule A6$ RO)5 c5 +ithin i teen 84D5 days rom notice o the decision sou!ht to be reviewed or o the denial o the 'etitioner:s motion or new trial or reconsideration iled in due time a ter "ud!ment. d5 Additional 'eriod o i teen 84D5 days$ only a ter motion or e(tension$ 'ayment o docketin! and other law ul ees and urther e(tension o i teen 84D5 days only or the most com'ellin! reasons. 8%ec. 4$ Rule A6$ RO)5

APPEAL FROM CTA, QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES TO CA

1;;. <ow are appeals ta.en from the Court of $a &ppeals and !uasi"judicial a#encies to the Court of &ppeals ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A,,")6! %o5 +8" Co$%+ o T)/ A,,")6! )'- E$)!&*$-&#&)6 )("'#&"! like the )ivil %ervice )ommission$ )entral Board o Assessment A''eals$ %ecurities and E(chan!e )ommission$ O ice o the .resident$ Land Re!istration Authority$ %ocial %ecurity )ommission$ )ivil Aeronautics Board$ Bureau o .atents$ Trademarks and Technolo!y Trans er$ national Electri ication Administration$ Enter!y Re!ulatory Board$ National Telecommunications )ommission$ De'artment o A!rarian Re orm under Re'ublic Act No. 99D=$ 0%&%$ Em'loyees com'ensation commission$ .hili''ine Atomic Ener!y )ommission$ Board o &nvestments$ )onstruction &ndustry Arbitration )ommission and voluntary arbitrators authori-ed by law +o +8" Co$%+ o A,,")6!2 45 A''eal throu!h veri ied 'etition or review iled with the )ourt o A''eals. 8%ec. D$ Rule AC$ RO)5 65 .ayment to clerk o court o the )ourt o A''eals the docketin! and other law ul ees and .DBB.BB de'osit or costs. 8%ec. D$ Rule AC$ RO)5 C5 +ithin i teen 84D5 days rom notice o award$ "ud!ment$ order or date o last 'ublication i re,uired. 8%ec. A$ Rule AC$ RO)5 A5 Additional time o i teen 84D5 days only may be !ranted a ter motion or e(tension$ 'ayment o docket and other law ul ees and de'osit or costs and urther e(tension or the most com'ellin! reasons and in no case to e(ceed i teen 84D5 days. 8%ec. A$ Rule AC$ RO)5

4B>

APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

1111;@. <ow is an appeal by certiorari ta.en to the Supreme Court ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A''eal rom the Co$%+ o A,,")6!, +8" S)'-&()'?).)', +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+ or other courts whenever authori-ed by law +o +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+2 45 A''eal only throu!h veri ied 'etition or review on certiorari raisin! only ,uestions o law and iled with the %u'reme )ourt. 8%ec. 4$ Rule AD$ RO)5 65 .ayment o docket ee and other law ul ees to the clerk o court o the %u'reme )ourt with de'osit o .DBB.BB or costs. C5 +ithin i teen 84D5 days rom notice o the "ud!ment or order a''ealed rom$ or o denial o 'etitioner:s motion or new trial or reconsideration iled in due time a ter notice o "ud!ment. A5 E(tension to ile 'etition or a 'eriod o thirty 8CB5 days only may be !ranted or "usti iable reasons$ on motion duly served and with ull 'ayment o docket and other law ul ees and de'osit or costs. 8%ec. 6$ Rule AD$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S#o," o +8" %"0&"7 ?. +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+ &' ) ,"+&+&o' o% %"0&"7 o' certiorari as a mode o a''eal under Rule AD o the Rules o )ourt. Only those errors committed by the )ourt o A''eals and not by the trial court. /uthermore$ only ,uestions o law may be raised and 'assed u'on. Absent any whimsical or ca'ricious e(ercise o "ud!ment$ and unless the lack o any basis or the conclusions made by the lower courts be am'ly demonstrated$ the %u'reme )ourt will not disturb their indin!s. 8Tanedo$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4BAA>6$ 'rom. Eanuary 66$ 4<<95 1;A. $he #eneral rule is that factual findin#s of the lower courts are final and conclusive and not subject to review by the Supreme Court under Rule 3, of the Rules of Court. State the e ceptions to this #eneral ruleD %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ollowin! are the e(ce'tions2 a. +hen the in erence made is mani estly mistaken$ absurd or im'ossibleG b. +here there us !rave abuse o discretionG c. +hen he indin! is !rounded entirely on s'eculation$ surmises or con"ecturesG d. +hen the "ud!ment o the )ourt o A''eals is based on misa''rehension o actsG e. +hen the indin!s o act are con lictin!G . +hen the )ourt o A''eals$ in makin! its indin!s went beyond the issues o the case and the same is contrary to the admissions o the a''ellant and the a''elleeG !. +hen the indin!s o acts are conclusions without citation o s'eci ic evidence on which they are basedG h. +hen the )ourt o A''eals mani estly overlooked certain relevant acts not dis'uted by the 'arties and which$ i 'ro'erly considered$ would "usti y a di erent conclusionG and i. +hen the indin!s o act o the )ourt o A''eals are 'remised on the absence o evidence and are contradicted by the evidence on record. 8Jillanueva v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=<<=$ 'rom. Au!ust =$ 4<<>5

EXECUTIONS, IN GENERAL E>ECUTIONS, IN GENERAL

1@B. )n Civil Case 4o. D"11*,% (acita entered into a judicially approved compromise a#reement with the spouses (inlac% whereby the spouses bound themselves to pay (/C+%+++.++ in ei#hty =1+> e!ual installments of (5%+++.++ subject to the condition that failure to pay two =5> installments would render the outstandin# amount due and payable.

4B<

Subse!uently% for failure of the (inlac spouses to pay two installments as stipulated in the compromise a#reement% (acita filed with the court a motion for the issuance of a writ of e ecution alle#in# that the spouses paid her only (5%,++.++ and then failed to pay the remainin# amounts. She then demanded e ecution in the amount of (,2%,++.++ as unpaid balance% which motion was #ranted. Subse!uently% (acita re!uested the Cler. of Court for the amendment of the writ to e ecution to show the correct amount of ( /,2%,++.++. $he Cler. of Court without prior order of from the court #ranted the re!uest and issued an amended writ increasin# the amount from(,2%,++.++ to (/,2%,++.++. Comment on the actuation of the Cler. of Court in issuin# the amended writ. %100E%TED AN%+ERD By amendin! the writ o e(ecution the )lerk o )ourt clearly usur'ed a "udicial unction. No one but the court can amend what was !ranted$ and its )lerk o )ourt has no other duty but to issue the writ in accordance with the !rant. &t is settled 'rinci'le that a writ o e(ecution should con orm strictly with the very essential 'articulars o the 'romul!ated "ud!ement 8E(*Bataan Jeterans %ecurity A!ency$ &nc. v. NLR)$ 6DB %)RA A4>5 or$ in the 'resent case$ with the order !rantin! e(ecution o a "ud!ment based on a com'romise a!reement. Only the "ud!e is vested with authority to amend such order. 8Jiray v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46B=9B$ 'rom. /ebruary 6A$ 4<<>5 There was no such amendment o the order in the case at bar which would 'rovide a solid basis or the alteration o the writ. 8Jiray$ supra5 1@1. Does the court have authority to amend jud#ments which are not yet final ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. A court has the inherent 'ower to amend and control its 'rocess and orders so as to make them con ormable to law and "ustice 8%ec. D ?!@$ Rule 4CD$ RO)5$ and when it inds that the ends o "ustice would be better served$ the court may disre!ard technicalities and amend its order or 'rocess that has not become inal. Jillanueva v. )/& o Oriental Mindoro$ 44< %)RA 6>>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. I'!+)'#"! 78"%" ) #o$%+ 8)! )$+8o%&+. +o )5"'- *$-(5"'+! +8)+ )%" )6%")-. &')6: )lerical errors or mistakes or omissions 'lainly due to inadvertence or ne!li!ence may be corrected or su''lied a ter the "ud!ment has been entered. 8.resbiterio v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 46< %)RA ADB$ AD45 +here there is an ambi!uity caused by an omission or mistake in the dis'ositive 'ortion o a decision the court may clari y such ambi!uity by an amendment even a ter the "ud!ment had become inal$ and or this 'ur'ose it may resort to the 'leadin!s iled by the 'arties$ the court:s indin!s o acts and conclusions o law as e('ressed in the body o the decision. 8.resbiterio v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 46< %)RA ADB$ AD45 b. Mo-" o% "6"0)+&'( 0)6&-&+. o "/"#$+&o' o &')6 )'- "/"#$+o%. *$-(5"'+! 2 &n e(ce'tional circumstances$ considerations o "ustice and e,uity dictate that there be some mode available to the 'arty a!!rieved o elevatin! the ,uestion to a hi!her court. That mode o elevation may either be by a''eal$ writ o error or certiorari$ or by a s'ecial civil action o certiorari$ 'rohibition or mandamus. 8Lim'in$ Er.$ et al.$ v. &ntermediate A''ellate )ourt$ et al.$ 4A= %)RA D66$ D6C5 1111@2. What is the remedy where an e ecuted jud#ment was reversed but the funds were already #arnished ? E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n case the e(ecuted "ud!ment is reversed$ the %u'reme )ourt instead o orderin! the "ud!ment creditor to return unds that have been im'ro'erly !arnished 'ursuant to an order o e(ecution 'endin! a''eal$ directed the "ud!ment debtor to 'roceed a!ainst the bond iled by the "ud!ment creditor. 8B/ )or'oration v. E%DA %han!ri* La 7otel$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C69DD$ 'rom. Au!ust 44$ 4<<>5 This is su''orted by Rule C<$ %ec. D o the 4<<= Rules o )ivil .rocedure which 'rovides that$ where the e(ecuted "ud!ment is reversed totally or 'artially$ or annulled$ on a''eal or otherwise$ the trial court may$ on motion$ issue such orders o restitution or re'aration o dama!es as e,uity and "ustice may warrant under the circumstances.

44B

As !arnishment is a s'ecie o attachment$ the 'rocedure 'rovided in Rule D=$ %ection 6B o the Rules o )ourt or the recovery o dama!es a!ainst a bond in case o irre!ular attachment should be a''lied. This means that notice should be !iven to the surety and that there should be a hearin! be ore it is held liable on its bond. 8B/ )or'oration$ supra 5

E>ECUTION AS A MATTER OF RIGHT

1111@2. When shall e ecution issue upon jud#ments or final orders ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. E(ecution shall issue as a matter o ri!ht$ on motion u'on a "ud!ment or order that dis'oses o the action or 'roceedin! u'on the e('iration o the 'eriod to a''eal there rom i no a''eal has been duly 'er ected. b. & the a''eal has been duly 'er ected and inally resolved$ the e(ecution may orthwith be a''lied or in the court o ori!in$ on motion o the "ud!ment obli!ee$ submittin! therewith certi ied true co'ies o the "ud!ment or "ud!ments or inal order or orders sou!ht to be en orced and o the entry thereo $ with notice to the adverse 'arty. c. The a''ellate court may$ on motion in the same case$ when the interest o "ustice$ direct the court o ori!in to issue the writ o e(ecution. 8%ec. 4$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. I'!+)'#"! 78"' "/"#$+&o' &!!$"! )! ) 5)++"% o %&(8+: 45 E(ecution shall issue as a matter o ri!ht$ on motion u'on a "ud!ment or order that dis'oses o the action or 'roceedin! u'on the e('iration o the 'eriod to a''eal there rom i no a''eal has been duly 'er ected. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule C<$ RO)5 65 & the a''eal has been duly 'er ected and inally resolved$ the e(ecution may orthwith be a''lied or in the court o ori!in$ on motion o the "ud!ment obli!ee$ submittin! therewith certi ied true co'ies o the "ud!ment or "ud!ments or inal order or orders sou!ht to be en orced and o the entry thereo $ with notice to the adverse 'arty. 86nd 'ar.$ Ibid.5 C5 Eud!ments in actions or in"unction$ receivershi'$ accountin! and su''ort$ and such other "ud!ments as are now or may herea ter be declared to be immediately e(ecutory$ shall be en orceable a ter their rendition and shall not be stayed by an a''eal taken there rom$ unless otherwise ordered by the trial court. 84st sentence$ 4st 'ar. %ec A$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 A5 &n orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer$ & "ud!ment is rendered a!ainst the de endant$ e(ecution shall issue immediately u'on motion unless the de endant com'lies with the re,uisites or stayin! e(ecution. 8%ec. 4<$ Rule =B$ RO)5 D5 &n orcible entry and unlaw ul detainer$ The "ud!ment o the Re!ional Trial )ourt in aid o its a''ellate "urisdiction a!ainst the de endant shall be immediately e(ecutory$ without 're"udice to a urther a''eal to the )ourt o A''eals or %u'reme )ourt that may be taken there rom. 8%ec. 64$ Rule =B5 b. W8"' &'+"%6o#$+o%. o%-"% 5). ?" "' o%#"- ?. "/"#$+&o': An order !rantin! su''ort pendente lite$ althou!h interlocutory$ may be en orced by e(ecution. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 94$ RO)5 1111@3. Distin#uish a final jud#ment from a jud#ment that has become final and e ecutory. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A # inal "ud!ment# becomes inal $,o' +8" "/,&%)+&o' o +8" ,"%&o- +o ),,")6 +8"%" %o5 & 'o ),,")6 8)! ?""' -$6. ,"% "#+"- 8%ec. 4$ Rule C<$ RO)5$ or an a''eal there rom havin! been taken$ the "ud!ment o the a''ellate tribunal in turn becomes inal and the records o the case are returned to the court o ori!in. The # inal "ud!ment# is then correctly cate!ori-ed as a # inal and e(ecutory "ud!ment# in res'ect to which$ as the law e('licitly 'rovides$ E/"#$+&o' !8)66 &!!$" )! ) 5)++"% o %&(8+ 8%ec. 4$ Rule C<$ RO)5$. &t bears stressin! that only a inal "ud!ment or order$ i.e. ) *$-(5"'+ o% o%-"% +8)+ -&!,o!"! o +8" )#+&o' o ,%o#""-&'( can become inal and e(ecutory. 8&nvestments$ &nc. v$ )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4A= %)RA CA45

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DISCRETIONARY E>ECUTION
1111@4. <ow may discretion e ecution or e ecution pendin# appeal be availed of ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. On motion o the 'revailin! 'arty with notice to the adverse 'arty iled in the trial court while it has "urisdiction over the case and is in 'ossession o either the ori!inal record or the record on a''eal$ as the case may be$ at the time o the ilin! o such motion$ said court may$ in its discretion$ order e(ecution o a "ud!ment or inal order even be ore the e('iration o the 'eriod to a''eal. b. A ter the trial court has lost "urisdiction$ the motion or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal may be iled in the a''ellate court. c. Discretionary e(ecution may only issue u'on !ood reasons to be stated in a s'ecial order a ter due hearin!. 8%ec. 6 ?a@$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/"#$+&o' o !"0"%)6, !",)%)+" o% ,)%+&)6 *$-(5"'+! 2 A several$ se'arate or 'artial "ud!ment may be e(ecuted under the same terms and conditions as e(ecution o a "ud!ment or inal order 'endin! a''eal. 8%ec. 6 ?b@$ Rule C$ RO)5 b. W8"' 5o+&o' o% "/"#$+&o' ,"'-&'( ),,")6 o -&!#%"+&o')%. "/"#$+&o' &6"-: 45 +hile the trial court has "urisdiction over the case and is in 'ossession o either the ori!inal record or the record on a''eal$ as the case may be$ at the time o the ilin! o such motion$ said court may$ in its discretion$ order e(ecution o a "ud!ment or inal order even be ore the e('iration o the 'eriod to a''eal. 65 A ter the trial court has lost "urisdiction$ the motion or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal may be iled in the a''ellate court. 84st and 6nd 'ars.$ %ec. 6 ?a@$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 c. G%o$'-! o% &!!$&'( "/"#$+&o' ,"'-&'( ),,")6 o% -&!#%"+&o')%. "/"#$+&o': Discretionary e(ecution may only issue u'on !ood reasons to be stated in a s'ecial order a ter due hearin!. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 6 ?a@$ Rule C<$ RO)5 111d. Goo- %")!o'! o% "/"#$+&o' ,"'-&'( ),,")6: 45 +here the "ud!ment is or the necessary su''ort o an heir 8.eo'le:s Bank v. %an Eose$ <9 .hil. ><D5G b. +here the education o the 'erson to be su''orted would be unduly delayed i inancial assistance is to be rendered only a ter termination o the a''eal. 8Eavier v. Lucero$ <A .hil. 9CA5 c. when the a''eal is bein! taken or the 'ur'ose o delay 8.resbiterio v. Rodas$ =C .hil. CBB5G d. +hen there is dan!er o the "ud!ment becomin! ine ectual because the "ud!ment debtor$ a orei!n cor'oration$ is withdrawin! its business rom the country 8%cottish 1nion etc.$ v. Macadae!$ et al.$ <4 .hil. ><45G and e. +hen advance e(ecution o an order authori-in! the removal o a re!ular administrator is necessary to 'rotect the estate rom mismana!ement. 8)otia v. .ecson$ <C .hil. >>45 e. G%o$'-! +8)+ #o$6- NOT =USTIFY &!!$)'#" o "/"#$+&o' ,"'-&'( ),,")6: 45 Actual and immediate dan!er o insolvency. 8B/ )or'oration v. ED%A %han!ri*La 7otel$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C69DD$ 'rom. Au!ust 44$ 4<<>5 Even the dan!er o e(tinction o 'revailin! the cor'oration will not per se "usti y a discretionary e(ecution unless there are showin!s o other !ood reasons$ such as or instance$ im'endin! insolvency o the adverse 'arty or the a''eal bein! 'atently dilatory. But even so$ it is not or the trial "ud!e to determine the merit o a decision he rendered as this is the role o the a''ellate court. 7ence it is not within the com'etence o the trial court$ in resolvin! a motion or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal$ to rule that the a''eal is 'atently dilatory and rely on the same as its basis or indin! !ood reasons to !rant the motion. Only an a''ellate court can a''reciate the dilatory

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intent o an a''eal as an additional !ood reason in u'holdin! an order or e(ecution 'endin! a''eal. 8B/ )or'oration$ supra5 65 .ostin! o a bond to answer or dama!es is not alone a su icient reason or orderin! e(ecution 'endin! a''eal. 8B/ )or'oration$ supra5 The ilin! o a bond does not constitute a !ood reason. 8Ramas$ et al.$ v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB>C4$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 4<<>5 Nevertheless$ the trial court may re,uire the ilin! o a bond as a condition or the issuance o a corres'ondin! writ o e(ecution to answer or the 'ayment o dama!es which the a!!rieved 'arty may su er by reason o the e(ecution 'endin! a''eal. 8Ramas$ et al.$ supra5 . R"5"-. & "/"#$+&o' ,"'-&'( ),,")6 &! &5,%o,"%. Certiorari is the 'ro'er remedy where the !rant o e(ecution 'endin! a''eal is not ounded u'on !ood reasons. A''eal is not a s'eedy and ade,uate remedy that can relieve the losin! 'arty rom the immediate e ects o an im'rovident e(ecution 'endin! a''eal. 8B/ )or'oration v. E%DA %han!ri*La 7otel$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C69DD$ 'rom. Au!ust 44$ 4<<>5 !. S+). o -&!#%"+&o')%. "/"#$+&o': 45 Discretionary e(ecution issued 65 may be stayed u'on a''roval by the 'ro'er court o a su icient su'ersedeas bond C5 iled by the 'arty a!ainst whom it is directed$ a5 conditioned u'on the 'er ormance o the "ud!ment or order allowed to be e(ecuted b5 in case it shall be inally sustained in whole or in 'art. c5 The bond thus !iven may be 'roceeded a!ainst on motion with notice to the surety. 8%ec. C$ Rule C<$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 1@9. What should be done to stay the e ecution in unlawful detainer or forcible entry cases durin# the pendency of an appeal before the Re#ional $rial Court ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 An a''eal is 'er ected and the de endant to stay e(ecution iles a su icient su'ersedeas bond$ a''roved by the Munici'al Trial )ourt and e(ecuted on avor o the 'lainti to 'ay the rents$ dama!es$ and costs accruin! down to the time o the "ud!ment a''ealed rom. 8%ec. 4<$ Rule =4$ RO)5

PROCEDURE =UDGMENT

FOR

E>ECUTION

AND

SATISFACTION

OF

1111@;. When may a jud#ment be e ecuted by mere motion ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A inal and e(ecutory "ud!ment or order may be e(ecuted on motion within ive 8D5 years rom the date o its entry. 84st sentence$ %ec. 9$ Rule C<$ RO)5 1@;-A. What is the concept of a dormant jud#ment ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A dormant "ud!ment is one which has not been en orced by action within ive 8D5 years a ter its entry and is$ there ore$ reduced to a mere ri!ht o action in avor o the "ud!ment*creditor. &t may be en orced by action. 8%alvante v. 1bi )ru-$ >> .hil. 6C95 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/#",+&o'! +o +8" -o%5)'+ *$-(5"'+ %$6" o% &'!+)'#"! 78"%" "/"#$+&o' 5). ?" 8)- o' 5"%" 5o+&o' -"!,&+" +8" 6),!" o +8" &%0" .")% ,"%&o-. 45 Eud!ment or su''ort which does not become dormant$ nor does it 'rescribe$ e(ce't as to installments not collected durin! the 'eriod i(ed by the statute o limitations$ and it is en orceable by motion at any time. 8/lorendo v. Or!ano$ <B .hil. A>C5 /urthermore$ since the obli!ation is a continuin! one$ the court never loses "urisdiction to en orce the same. 8)anoni-ado v. Benite-$ et al.$ 46= %)RA 9495

44C

65 1'on meritorious !rounds or u'on e,uity. Thus$ i the delays were throu!h no ault o the 'revailin! 'arty$ the delays should not be included in com'utin! the ive 8D5 year 'eriod. 8)amacho v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44>CC<$ 'rom. March 4<$ 4<<>5 The e(ce'tions have one common denominator$ and that is the delay is caused or occasioned by actions o the "ud!ment debtor andOor is incurred or his bene it or advanta!e. 8Ibid5 1@@. When a jud#ment be e ecuted by action ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A ter the la'se o ive 8D5 years rom date o its entry$ and be ore it is barred by the statute o limitations$ a "ud!ment may be en orced by action. 86nd sentence$ %ec. 9$ Rule C<$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o )#+&o'. The action or en orcement o a dormant "ud!ment is an ordinary civil action$ the ob"ect o which is two* old$ namely2 45 To revive the dormant "ud!mentG and 65 To e(ecute the "ud!ment revivin! it$ i it !rants the 'lainti any relie . 7ence$ the ri!hts o the "ud!ment*creditor de'end u'on the second "ud!ment. Bein! an ordinary civil action$ it is sub"ect to all de enses$ ob"ections and counterclaims which the "ud!ment*debtor may have e(ce't that no in,uiry can be made as to the merits o the irst "ud!ment. There ore$ de enses that do not !o to the merits o the irst "ud!ment$ such as lack o "urisdiction$ collusion$ raud$ 'rescri'tion$ or satis action o the "ud!ment$ may be set*u' by the "ud!ment*debtor. 8%alvante v. 1bi )ru-$ >> .hil. 6C95 The revived "ud!ment may also be en orced by motion within ive 8D5 years rom the date o its entry and therea ter by action be ore it is barred by the statute o limitations. 8last sentence$ %ec. 9$ Rule C<$ RO)5

E>ECUTION IN CASE OF DEATH OF PARTY

1@A. <ow is e ecution effected in case of the death of a party ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 8a5 &n case o the death o the "ud!ment obli!ee$ u'on the a''lication o his e(ecutor or administrator$ or successor in interestG 8b5 &n case o the death o the "ud!ment obli!or$ a!ainst his e(ecutor or administrator or successor in interest$i the "ud!ment be or the recovery o real or 'ersonal 'ro'erty$ or the en orcement o a lien thereonG 8c5 &n case o the death o the "ud!ment obli!or$ a ter e(ecution is actually levied u'on any o his 'ro'erty$ the same may be sold or the satis action o the "ud!ment obli!ation$ and the o icer makin! the sale shall account to the corres'ondin! e(ecutor or administrator or any sur'lus in his hands. 8%ec. =$ Rule C<$ RO)5

E>ECUTION OF =UDGMENTS FOR MONEY

1AB. <ow is e ecution of jud#ments for money enforced ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &mmediate 'ayment on demandG or b. %atis action by levyG or c. 0arnishment o debts and credits. 8%ec. <$ Rule C<$ RO)5

E>ECUTION OF =UDGMENTS FOR SPECIFIC ACTS

1A1. <ow are jud#ments for specific acts e ecuted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a.. )onveyance$ delivery o deeds$ or other s'eci ic acts vestin! titleG b. %ale o real or 'ersonal 'ro'ertyG c. Delivery or restitution o real 'ro'ertyG

44A

d. Removal o im'rovements on 'ro'erty sub"ect o e(ecutionG e. Delivery o 'ersonal 'ro'erty. 8%ec. 4B$ Rule C<$ RO)5

E>ECUTION OF SPECIAL =UDGMENTS

1A2. <ow are special jud#ments e ecuted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A certi ied co'y o the "ud!ment shall be attached to the writ o e(ecution and shall be served by the o icer u'on the 'arty a!ainst whom the same is entered$ or u'on any other 'erson re,uired thereby$ or by law$ to obey the same$ and such 'arty or 'erson may be 'unished or contem't i he disobeys such "ud!ment. 8%ec. 44$ Rule C<$ RO)5

PROCEEDINGS WHERE PROPERTY CLAIMED BY THIRD PERSON

RRR1A2. What proceedin#s are to be underta.en where the property is claimed by a third person ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & the 'ro'erty levied on is claimed by any 'erson other than the "ud!ment obli!or or his a!ent$ and such 'erson makes an a idavit o his title thereto or ri!ht to the 'ossession thereo $ statin! the !rounds o such ri!ht or title$ and serves the same u'on the o icer makin! the levy and a co'y thereo u'on the "ud!ment obli!ee$ the o icer shall not be bound to kee' the 'ro'erty$ unless such "ud!ment obli!ee$ on demand o the o icer iles a bond a''roved by the court to indemni y the third*'arty claimant in a sum not less than the value o the 'ro'erty levied on. &n case o disa!reement as to such value$ the same shall be determined by the court issuin! the writ o e(ecution. No claim or dama!es or the takin! or kee'in! o the 'ro'erty may be en orced a!ainst the bond unless he action there or is iled within one hundred twenty 846B5 days rom the date o the ilin! o the bond. The o icer shall not be liable or dama!es or the takin! or kee'in! o the 'ro'erty $ to any third*'arty claimant i such bond is iled. Nothin! herein contained shall 'revent such claimant or any third 'erson rom vindicatin! his claim to the 'ro'erty in a se'arate action$ or 'revent the "ud!ment obli!ee rom claimin! dama!es in the same or a se'arate action a!ainst a third*'arty claimant who iled a rivolous or 'lainly s'urious claim. 84st and 6nd 'ars.$ %ec. 49$ Rule C<$ RO)5

REDEMPTION OF PROPERTY SOLD ON E>ECUTION

1A3. What is meant by the ri#ht of redemption ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ri!ht o a "ud!ment debtor or redem'tioner to buy back rom the 'urchaser o the 'ro'er sold at 'ublic auction by virtue o a writ o e(ecution at anytime within the re!lementary 'eriod. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Redem'tion may be made in by the ollowin! 'ersons2 8a5 The "ud!ment obli!or$ or his successor in interest in the whole or any 'art o the 'ro'ertyG 8b5 A creditor havin! a lien by virtue o an attachment$ "ud!ment or mort!a!e on the 'ro'erty sold$ or on some 'art thereo $ subse,uent to the lien under which the 'ro'erty was sold. %uch redeemin! creditor is termed as a redem'tioner.

REMEDIES OF =UDGMENT CREDITOR IN AID OF E>ECUTION

1111A4. What remedies may be availed of by a jud#ment creditor in aid of e ecution ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2

44D

a. & e(ecution is returned unsatis ied$ he may cause e(amination o the "ud!ment* debtor as o his 'ro'erty and income 8%ec. C9$ Rule C<$ RO)5G b. 7e may cause e(amination o the debtor o the "ud!ment*debtor as to any debt owed by him to the "ud!ment*debtor or as to any other 'ro'erty o the "ud!ment*debtor in his 'ossession 8%ec. C=$ Ibid.5G c. & a ter e(amination the court inds that there is 'ro'erty o the "ud!ment*debtor either in his own hands or in that o any other 'erson$ the court may order the 'ro'erty a''lied to the satis action o the "ud!ment 8%ec. AB$ Ibid.5G d. & the court inds that the earnin!s o the "ud!ment*debtor are more than su icient or his amily:s needs$ it may order 'ayment o the "ud!ment in installments 8Ibid.5G e. The court may a''oint a receiver or 'ro'erty o the "ud!ment*debtor not e(em't rom e(ecution$ or orbid a trans er or other dis'osition o or inter erence with such 'ro'erty 8%ec. A4$ Rule C<$ RO)5G . & the court inds that the "ud!ment*debtor has an ascertainable interest in real 'ro'erty either as mort!a!or$ mort!a!ee$ or otherwise$ and his interest can be ascertained without controversy$ the court may order the sale o such interest 8%ec. A6$ Ibid.8G !. & the 'erson alle!ed to have 'ro'erty o the "ud!ment*debtor or to be indebted to him claims an adverse interest in the 'ro'erty$ or denies the debt$ the court may authori-e the "ud!ment*creditor to institute action to recover the 'ro'erty$ orbid trans er o the 'ro'erty until the action can be commenced and 'rosecuted to "ud!ment$ and may 'unish disobedience o such order as contem't 8%ec. AC$ Ibid.5

%AT&%/A)T&ON O/ E1D0MENT
1A9. <ow shall the writ of e ecution be returned ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The writ o e(ecution shall be returnable to the court issuin! it immediately a ter the "ud!ment has been satis ied in 'art or in ull. & the "ud!ment cannot be satis ied in ull within thirty 8CB5 days a ter his o the writ$ the o icer shall re'ort to the court and state the reason there or. %uch writ shall continue in e ect durin! the 'eriod within which the "ud!ment may be en orced by motion$. the o icer shall make a re'ort to the court every thirty 8CB5 days on the 'roceedin!s taken thereon until the "ud!ment is satis ied in ull$ or its e ectivity e('ires. The returns or 'eriodic re'orts shall set orth the whole o the 'roceedin!s taken and shall be iled with the court and co'ies thereo 'rom'tly urnished the 'arties. 8%ec. 4A$ Rule C<$ RO)5

PROVISIONAL REMEDIES
THE PROVISIONAL REMEDIES
PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT PRELIMINARY IN=UNCTION RECEIVERSHIP REPLEVIN SUPPORT (E4DE4$E ;)$E

PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT
1111A;. M sued K for a sum of money. K is leavin# the (hilippines with intent to defraud creditors. <ence% M applied for and was #ranted e "parte a writ of preliminary attachment which was immediately implemented by the sheriff. K now moves to dischar#e the attachemtn because it was issued and implemented prior to service of summons. -n the other hand% M !uotes Sec. 5% Rule ,2% which provides that% Ian order of attachment may be issued either e "parte or upon motion with notice and hearin# by the court in which the action is pendin# J <e li.ewise adverts to Sec. / of the same Rule which provides that% I&t the commencement of the action or at any time before entry of

449

jud#ment% a plaintiff or any proper party may have the property of the adverse party attached as security for the satisfaction of any jud#ment that may be recovered J 7inally% he contends that the subse!uent service of summons cured any infirmatiies that may have attended the issuance and implementation of the writ. Rule on the motion to dischar#e the attachment. E plain briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The motion to dischar!e the attachment is !ranted. The issuance o the writ o attachment 'rior to service o summons was valid$ but the same must be im'lemented to!ether with or a ter service o the summons. The subse,uent service o summons does not cure the de ect o ailure to serve the sumons at the time o the im'lementation o the writ. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. G%o$'-! $,o' 78&#8 )++)#85"'+ 5). &!!$". A+ +8" #o55"'#"5"'+ o +8" )#+&o' o% )+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" "'+%. o *$-(5"'+, ) ,6)&'+& o% )'. ,%o,"% ,)%+. 5). 8)0" +8" ,%o,"%+. o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+. )++)#8"- )! !"#$%&+. o% +8" !)+&! )#+&o' o )'. *$-(5"'+ +8)+ 5). ?" %"#o0"%"- &' +8" o66o7&'( #)!"!: )D I' )' )#+&o' o% +8" %"#o0"%. o ) !,"#& &"- )5o$'+ o 5o'"., o+8"% +8)' 5o%)6 )'- "/"5,6)%., o' ) #)$!" o )#+&o' ")%&!&'( %o5 6)7, #o'+%)#+, E$)!-#o'+%)#+, -"6&#+ o% E$)!&--"6&#+ )()&'!+ ) ,)%+. 78o &! )?o$+ +o -",)%+ %o5 +8" P8&6&,,&'"! 7&+8 &'+"'+ +o -" %)$- 8&! #%"-&+o%!H ?D )O.F 8%ec. 4$ Rule D=$ Rules o )ourt5

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION RECEIVERSHIP REPLEVIN

&t is su icient to 'rove the 'lainti Ks entitlement to the le!al 'ossession only and not necessarily ownershi'. 8National .ower )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4664<D$ 'rom. Euly 6C$ 4<<>5 To detain in re'levin cases means$ #To hold or kee' in custody.# There is tortious takin! whenever there is an unlaw ul meddlin! with the 'ro'erty$ or an e(ercise or claim o dominion over it$ without manual sei-in! o the 'ro'erty. 8.aat v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 699 %)RA 4>D5 1111A@. I&J owns an anti!ue wood carvin# valued at (*,+%+++.++ which he lent to I'J for e hibition durin# the inau#uration of the latterBs art #allery. &fter the inau#uration% I'J brou#ht the paintin# to his house in Nue9on City where he hun# it in his sala. Despite I&BsJ numerous demands for the return of the paintin# I'J refused. )f you were I&BsJ attorney% what le#al steps would you ta.e to protect the interest of I&J and in what court should you brin# the suit ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & would brin! a suit or the recoveru o the wood carvin! with a 'rayer or an order or the delivery o the 'ro'erty to HAI. & would ile the case be ore the RT) since the action is one which not ca'acble o 'ecuniary estimation. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R"E$&%"5"'+! +o !$,,o%+ )' ),,6&#)+&o' o% %",6"0&' . T8" ),,6&#)'+ 5$!+ !8o7 ?. 8&! o7' ) &-)0&+ o% +8)+ o !o5" o+8"% ,"%!o' 78o ,"%!o')66. C'o7! +8" )#+!: )D T8)+ +8" ),,6&#)'+ &! +8" o7'"% o +8" ,%o,"%+. ,)%+&#$6)%6. -"!#%&?&?( &+, o% &! "'+&+6"- +o +8" ,o!!"!!&o' +8"%"o H ?D T8)+ +8" ,%o,"%+. &! 7%o'(6. -"+)&'"- ?. +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+., )66"(&'( +8" #)$!" o -"+"'+&o' +8"%"o )##o%-&'( +o +8" ?"!+ o 8&! C'o76"-(", &' o%5)+&o' )'- ?"6&" H #D T8)+ +8" ,%o,"%+. 8)! 'o+ ?""' -&!+%)&'"- o% +)C"' o% ) +)/ )!!"!!5"'+ o% ) &'" ,$%!$)'+ +o 6)7, o% !"&G"- $'-"% ) 7%&+ o "/"#$+&o' o%

44=

,%"6&5&')%. )++)#85"'+, o% o+8"%7&!" ,6)#"- $'-"% custodia le#is, o% & !o !"&G"-, +8)+ &+ &! "/"5,+ %o5 !$#8 !"&G$%" o% #$!+o-.H )'-D T8" )#+$)6 5)%C"+ 0)6$" o +8" ,%o,"%+.. T8" ),,6&#)'+ 5$!+ )6!o (&0" ) ?o'-, "/"#$+"- +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+. &' -o$?6" +8" 0)6$" o +8" ,%o,"%+. )! !+)+"- &' +8" ) &-)0&+ ) o%"5"'+&o'"-, o% +8" %"+$%' o +8" ,%o,"%+. +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+. & !$#8 %"+$%' ?" )-*$-("-, )'o% +8" ,).5"'+ +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+. o !$#8 !$5 )! 8" 5). %"#o0"% %o5 +8" ),,6&#)'+ &' +8" )#+&o'. ) 8%ec. 6$ Rule 9B$ RO)5

SUPPORT PENDENTE LITE

SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
GENERAL CONCEPTS SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSONS GENERAL GUARDIANS AND GUARDIANSHIP TRUSTEES ADOPTION AND CUSTODY OF MINORS PROCEEDINGS FOR HOSPITALI#ATION PERSONS HABEAS CORPUS CHANGE OF NAME VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATIONS JUDICIAL APPROVAL OF VOLUNTARY RECOGNITION OF MINOR NATURAL CHILDREN CONSTITUTION OF FAMILY HOME ABSENTEES CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTER APPEALS IN SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS OF INSANE

SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

THE SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

44>

INTERPLEADER DECLARATORY RELIEF AND SIMILAR REMEDIES REVIEW OF =UDGMENTS AND FINAL ORDERS OR RESOLUTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND THE COMMSSION ON AUDIT CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION AND MANDAMUS QUO WARRANTO E>PROPRIATION FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE PARTITION FORCIBLE ENTRY AND UNLAWFUL DETAINER CONTEMPT

INTERPLEADER DECLARATORY RELIEF AND SIMILAR REMEDIES REVIEW OF JUDGMENTS AND FINAL ORDERS OR RESOLUTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT CERTIORARI
1111AA. Distin#uish certiorari as a special civil action under Rule C, from certiorari as a mode of appeal under Rule 3, of the Rules of Court. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The ollowin! are the distinctions2 a. )ertiorari as a s'ecial civil action is within the "urisdiction o the su'reme )ourt$ the )ourt o A''eals and the Re!ioal Trial )ourts +7&LE certiorari as a mode o a''eal is within the "urisdiction only o the %u'reme )ourt. b. The !rounds or certiorari under Rule 9D are lack or e(cess o "urisdiction or !rave abuse o discretion +7&LE the !rounds or certiorari under Rule AD are errors o law. c. 1nder Rule 9D the 'ublic res'ondents should be h"oined +7&LE under Rule AD$ they need not be "oined.

PROHIBITION MANDAMUS QUO WARRANTO EXPROPRIATION FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE PARTITION FORCIBLE ENTRY AND UNLAWFUL
2BB. What is the basic issue in a suit for unlawful detainer ?

44<

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 %olely the issue o 'hysical or material 'ossession over the 'ro'erty or 'ossession de facto$ that is$ who between the 'lainti and the de endant has a better ri!ht to 'ossess the 'ro'erty in ,uestion. 8Arcal$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=>DB 'rom. Eanuary 69$ 4<<>5 1112B1. )n case of several demands in a suit for unlawful detainer when should the jurisdictional date of one year be counted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 /rom the last demand. 8Labastida v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44B4=A$ 'rom. March 6B$ 4<<>5 2B2. Could there be ejectm%ent of possessors by mere tolelrance ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. .ossession by tolerance is law ul$ but such 'ossession becomes unlaw ul u'on demand to vacate made by the owner and the 'ossessor by tolerance re uses to com'ly with such demand. A 'erson who occu'ies the land o another at the latter:s tolerance or 'ermission$ without any contract between them$ is necessarily bound by an im'lied 'romise that he will vacate u'on demand$ ailin! which$ a summary action or e"ectment is the 'ro'er remedy a!ainst him. The 'ossessor:s status is analo!ous to that o a lessee or tenant whose term o lease has e('ired but whose occu'ancy continued by tolerance o the owner. &n sauch case$ the unlaw ul de'rivation or withholdin! o 'ossession is to be counted rom the date o the demand to vacate. 8Arcal$ et al.$ )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=>DB$ 'rom. Eanuary 69$ 4<<>5 2B3. Why is jud#ment in an unlawful detainer case immediate e ecutory ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 To 'revent urther dama!e to the 'lainti arisin! rom the loss o 'ossession o the 'ro'erty in ,uestion. 8%'ouses )hua v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44C>>9$ 'rom. /ebruary 6A$ 4<<>5 2B4. What are the re!uisites to stay the immediate e ecution of a jud#ment in an unlawful detainer case ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The de endant 'er ects his a''ealG b. 7e iles a su'ersedeas bondG c. 7e 'eriodically de'osits the rentals which become due durin! the 'endency o the a''eal. 8%ec. >$ Rule =B 2B9. What is a supersedeas bond ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 This is a bond iled to stay the immediate e(ecution o a "ud!ment$ in an unlaw ul detainer case$ in avor o the 'lainti . &t is e,uivalent to the amount o rentals$ dama!es and costs stated in the "ud!ment. 8%'ouses )hua v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44C>>9$ 'rom. /ebruary 6A$ 4<<>5

CONTEMPT

46B

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
86BBB Rules o )riminal .rocedure5 GENERAL CONCEPTS FLOW OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
BEFORE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION. DETERMINE a. The o ense 45 Desi!nation o the o ense 65 .lace o commission o the o ense C5 Date o commission o the o ense b. )ause o the accusation c. %ubsistence o ri!ht o action 45 .rescri'tion 65 Double "eo'ardy d. .arties 45 Res'ondent 65 .rivate o ended 'arty e. Arrests$ searches and sei-ures . Ri!hts o the accused !. E(istence o cause o action 45 .rescri'tion 65 Double "eo'ardy PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION a. +hen conducted .enalty 'rescribed is at least our 8A5 years$ two 865 months and one 845 day without re!ard to ine BEFORE FILING WITH THE COURT a. Doctrine o 'rior resort b. Alternative dis'ute resolution and 'recondition 45 Re erral under Katarrungang Pambarangay c. %election o court 45 Eurisdiction 65 Jenue C5 %ummary 'rocedure d. .leadin!s 45 )om'laint Oin ormation a5 +ho iles b5 /orm c5 Du'licity 65 Amendments C5 E(tinction o criminal liability A5 Double "eo'ardy D5 +itnesses 95 Bail recommended =5 )ivil liability >5 .rovisional remedies

464

FILING WITH THE COURT a. &ntervention o the 'rivate o ended 'arty AFTER FILING WITH COURT BEFORE TRIAL a. Arrest b. Bail c. Motion to ,uash d. Arrai!nment and 'lea e. .re*trial . E(amination o witnesses TRIAL a. Order o trial b. )onsolidation c. Dischar!e o accused or use as state witness d. E(clusion o 'ublic e. Act!. 'ublic 'rosecutor AFTER TRIAL a. Motion or "ud!ment on demurrer to evidence b. Eud!ment c. Motion or new trial d. Motion or reconsideration APPEAL PROBATION SERVICE OF SENTENCE

BEFORE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

IS THERE A VIOLATION OF SUBSTANTIVE PENAL LAW : /amiliar is the conce't o nullum crimen nulla peoena sine lege. There is no crime unless there is a law that 'unishes it. Be ore 'reliminary investi!ation there must irst be a determination o whether or not there is a crime. Otherwise$ there is no need to 'roceed to the 'reliminary investi!ation to determine the cul'ability o a 'erson so he could be held or trial. Other considerations would be to determine the 'articular desi!nation o the o ense$ the 'lace and time where it was committed. /inally$ there must be a determination o how the res'ondent committed the crime. DOES THE RIGHT OF ACTION SUBSIST : &t is likewise at this 'oint where a determination is made whether the ri!ht to ile the criminal action still subsists. +hether the crime or the 'enalty has already 'rescribed$ or whether or not the conce't o double "eo'ardy inds a''lication. WHO ARE THE PARTIES : +ho is the accused and who is the 'rivate o ended 'arty$ i any 3 These ,uestions must be resolved in order to know whom to call durin! the 'reliminary investi!ation.

SEARCH AND SEI#URE

1. What are the re!uisites for issuin# a search warrant ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A !")%#8 7)%%)'+ !8)66 'o+ &!!$" ?$+ $,o' ,%o?)?6" #)$!" &' #o''"#+&o' 7&+8 o'" !,"#& &# o "'!" +o ?" -"+"%5&'"- ,"%!o')66. ?. +8" *$-("

466

) +"% "/)5&')+&o' $'-"% o)+8 o% ) &%5)+&o' o +8" #o5,6)&')'+ )'- +8" 7&+'"!!"! 8" 5). ,%o-$#", )'- ,)%+&#$6)%6. -"!#%&?&'( +8" ,6)#" +o ?" !")%#8"- )'- +8" +8&'(! +o ?" !"&G"- 78&#8 5). ?" )'.78"%" &' +8" P8&6&,,&'"!. 8%ec. A$ Rule 469$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 RRR a. I'!+)'#"! o 0)6&- 7)%%)'+6"!! !")%#8"! )'- !"&G$%"!: 45 %earch incident to a law ul arrest. A ,"%!o' 6)7 $66. )%%"!+"- 5). ?" !")%#8"- o% -)'("%o$! 7"),o'! o% )'.+8&'( 78&#8 5). 8)0" ?""' $!"- o% #o'!+&+$+" ,%oo &' +8" #o55&!!&o' o )' o "'!" 7&+8o$+ ) !")%#8 7)%%)'+. 8%ec. 4C$ Rule 469$ RO)5 65 %ei-ure o evidence in #'lain view.# C5 %earch o a movin! vehicle. 7i!hly re!ulated by the !overnment$ the vehicle:s inherent mobility reduces e('ectations o 'rivacy es'ecially when its transit in 'ublic thorou!h ares urnishes a hi!hly reasonable sus'icion amountin! to 'robable cause that the occu'ant committed a criminal activity. A5 )onsented warrantless search. D5 )ustoms searches. 8.eo'le v. Escano$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 46<=D9*D>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5 95 T"%%. !")%#82 #%to' and risk# is a #limited 'rotective search o outer clothin! or wea'ons.# +hile 'robable cause is not re,uired to conduct a #sto' and risk$# mere sus'icion or a hunch will not invalidate it. 8Malacat v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 46CD<D$ 'rom. December 46$ 4<<=G .eo'le v. Escano$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 46<=D9*D>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5 b. I'0)6&- !")%#8 o 0"8&#6" #$%"- ?. #o'!"'+ o o7'"% . 8.eo'le v. Escano$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 46<=D9*D>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5 Not all check'oints are ille!al. Those which are warranted by the e(i!encies o 'ublic order and are conducted in a way least intrusive to motorists are allowed. /or$ admittedly$ routine check'oints do intrude$ to a certain e(ent$ on mororistsK ri!ht to H ree 'assa!e without interru'tion$I but it cannot be denied that$ as a rule$ it involves only a brie detention o travelers durin! which the vehicleKs occu'ants are re,uired to answer a brie ,uestion or two. /or as lon! as the vehicle is nbeither searched nor its occu'ants sub"ected to a body search$ and the ins'ection o the vehicle is limited to a visual search$ siad routine chekcs cannot be re!arded as violative o an individualKs ri!ht a!ainst unreasonable search. &n act$ these routine checks$ when conducted in a i(ed area$ are even less intrusive. 8Ibid.5 c. P6)&' 0&"7 -o#+%&'". Ob"ectss allin! within the 'lain view o an o icer who has a ri!ht to be in the 'osition to have that view are sub"ect to sei-ure even without a search warrant and may be introduced in evidence. The H'lain viewI doctrine a''lies when the ollowin! re,uisites concur2 45 the law en orcement o icer in search o the evidence has a 'rior "usti ication or an instrusion or is in a 'osition rom which he can view a 'articular areaG 65 the discovery o the evidence in 'lain view is inadvertentG C5 it is immediiaely a''ratent to the o icer that the item he observes may be evidence o a crime$ contrabannd or otherwise sub"ect to sei-ure. The law en orcemenrt o icer must law ully make an initial intrusion or 'ro'erly be in a 'osition rom which he can 'articularly view the area. &n the course o such law ul intrusion$ he came inadvertently across a 'iece o evidence incriminatin! the accused. The ob"ect must be o'en to eye and hand and its discovery inadvertent. 8.eo'le v. Doria$ CB4 %)RA 99>$ =4B*=44 cited in .eo'le v. Elam'aro$ 0.R. No. 464D=6$ 'rom. March C4$ 6BBB5 d. S")%#8 &'#&-"'+ +o 6)7 $6 )%%"!+. A 'erson law ully arrested may be searched or dan!erous wea'ons or anythin! which may be used as 'roo o the commissiono the o ense. The search may e(tend beyond the 'erson o the one arrested to include the 'ermissible area or surroundin!s within his immediate control. The law ul arrest bein! the sole "usti ication or the validity o the warrantless search under the e(ce'tion$ the same must be limited to and circumscribed by the sub"ect$ time and 'lace o the arrest. As to sub"ect$ the warrantless search is sanctioned only with res'ect to the 'erson o the sus'ect$ and thin!s that may be sei-ed rom hom are limited to Hdan!erous wea'onsI or Hanythin! which may be used as 'roo o the commission o the o ense.I

46C

+ith res'ect to time and 'lace o the warrantless search$ it must be contem'oraneous with the law ul arrest. %tated otherwise$ to be valid the search must be conducted at about the time o the arrest or immediately therea ter and only at the 'lace where the sus'ect was arrested$ or the 'remises or surroundin!s under his immediate control. 8.eo'le v. Tin!$ etc.$ 0.r. Nos. 4CBD9>*9<$ 'rom. March 64$ 6BBB5 e. A$+8o%&+. +o &!!$" !")%#8 7)%%)'+ &'8"%"'+ &' )66 #o$%+!. A search warrant is merely a 'rocess issued by the court in the e(ercise o its ancillary "urisdiction and not a criminal action which it may entertain 'ursuant to its ori!inal "urisdiction. The authority to issue search warrants is inherent in all courts and may be e ected outside their territorial "urisdiction. 8%ava!e$ etc. v. Tay'in$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CA64= 'rom. May 44$ 6BBB5 The Rules o )ourt as amended re,uires the certi ication o no orum sho''in! only rom initiatory 'leadin!s$ omittin! any mention o Ha''lications.I The old %u'reme )ourt )ircular BA*<A$ the old rule on the matter$ re,uired such certi ication even rom Ha''lications.I The absence o such certi ication will not result in the dismissal o an a''lication or search warrant. 8Ibid.5 111 2. What are the re!uisites to be complied with before a warrantless search be considered as valid because consent was #iven ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n case o consented searches or waiver o the constitutional !uarantee$ a!ainst obtrusive searches$ it is undamental that to constitute a waiver$ it must irst a''ear that2 a. The ri!ht e(istsG b. The 'erson involved had knowled!e$ either actual or constructive$ o the e(istence o such ri!htG and c. The said 'erson had an actual intention to relin,uish the ri!ht. 8.eo'le v. /i!ueroa$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46ABD9$ 'rom. Euly 9$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 There was valid consented search where the accused accm'anied 'olice o icers to his house in order to surrender his share o the ransom money. 7e even brou!ht them to his room u'stairs. The consent o the owner o the house to the search e ectively removed any bad!e o ille!ality$ 8.eo'le v. Dean!$ et al$ 0.R. No. 46>BAD$ 'rom. Au!ust 6A$ 6BBB5 2. & police patrol team% respondin# to a bomb threat received earlier% accosted a #roup persons standin# on a corner street. $hey were alle#edly actin# suspiciously with @their eyes movin# fast.@ &s they were approached the #roup fled and were chased by the police. Malacat was amon# these persons who was chased and when cau#ht% was searched. Durin# the search the police reportedly found a fra#mentation #renade tuc.ed inside his front waist line. )s the sei9ure an incident to a lawful arrest ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. There is a di erence between the conce'ts o #sto' and risk# search and o search incidental to a law ul arrest where a 'recedent arrest determines the validity o the incidental search. 7ere there could be no valid warrantless arrest in flagrante delicto nor a #hot 'ursuit# arrest 'recedin! the search because o the lack o 'ersonal knowled!e on the 'art o the arrestin! o ice or an overt 'hysical act on the 'art o the accused$ indicatin! that a crime had "ust been committed$ was bein! committed$ or was !oin! to be committed. 8Malacat v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 46CD<D$ 'rom. December 46$ 4<<=5

RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED

111 3. While &ndan was in custody% he was visited by the mayor and in the presence of the media confessed to havin# raped and .illed the victim. )s the confession to the mayor and the media admissible in evidence ? Reason out your answer briefly. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. The con ession to the mayor is not one made under custodial investi!ation but a s'ontaneous statement$ not elicited throu!h ,uestionin! by the authorities but !iven in an ordinary manner. +hat the )onstitution bars is the com'ulsory disclosure o incriminatin! acts or con essions. The 'rohibition a!ainst sel *incrimination

46A

are !uaranteed to 'reclude the sli!htest use o coercion by the state as would lead the accused to admit somethin! alse$ not to 'revent him rom reely and voluntarily tellin! the truth. The media con essions were !iven ree rom any undue in luence rom the 'olice authorities. There was no coercive atmos'here in the interview made by the re'orters$ neither were they actin! under the direction and control o the 'olice. /inally$ the Bill o Ri!hts does not concern itsel with the relation between a 'rivate individual and another individual. &t lays down limitations on !overnmental 'ower to 'rotect the individual a!ainst a!!ression and unwarranted inter erence by any de'artment o the !overnment and its a!encies. 8.eo'le v. Andan$ 0.R. No. 449AC=$ 'rom. March C$ 4<<=G .eo'le v. Ordono$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C64DA$ 'rom. Eune 6<$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T)C&'( o ,&#+$%"! o )' )##$!"- "0"' 7&+8o$+ +8" )!!&!+)'#" o #o$'!"6, bein! 'urely a mechanical act$ is not a violation o the constitutional ri!ht a!ainst sel * incrimination. The ri!ht 'roscribes the use o 'hysical or moral com'ulsion to estort communications rom the accused and not the inclusion o his body in evidence when it may be material. .urely mechanical acts are not included in the 'rohibition as !the accused does not thereby s'eak his !uilt$ hence the assistance and !uidin! hand o counsel is not re,uired. 8.eo'le v. 0allarde$ 0.R. No. 4CCB6D$ 'rom. /ebruary 4=$ 6BBB5 b. R"E$&%"5"'+ o% 7)&0"% o %&(8+ +o %"5)&' !&6"'+ )'- +o #o$'!"6. Any 'erson under investi!ation or the commission o an o ense shall have the ri!ht to be in ormed o his ri!ht to remain silent and to have com'etent and inde'endent counsel 're erably o his own choice. & the 'erson cannort a ord the services o counsel$ he must be 'rovided with one. These ri!hts cannot be waived e(ce't in writin! and in the 'resence o counsel. Authoritative inter'retations o the Miranda rule as embodied in the above Art. &&&$ %ec. 46 845 re,uire$ however$ that the crucial ,uestion is whether the accused has e ectively waived the e ectuation o these ri!hts. Accused should be asked whether he was willin! to testi y even without the assistance o counsel. & he was willin! to testi y only with the assistance o counsel$ he should be asked i he has one. & he said he wanted to have counsel but could not a ord one$ he should be asked i he wanted one a''ointed or him. & these ,uestions are not asked there is no e ective waiver o the ri!hts to remain silent and to counsel. 8.eo'le v. Naa!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46C>9B$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBB5 b. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- M&%)'-) 7)%'&'(. An uncounseled statement is 'reseumed to be 'sycholi!ically coerced. %we't into an un amiliar enviroment and surrounded by intimidatin! i!ures ty'ical o the atmos'here o 'olic interro!ation$ the sus'ect really needs the !uidin! hand o counsel. 8.eo'le v. Obrero$ 0.R. No. 4664A6$ 'rom. May 4=$ 6BBB5 c. N)+$%" o M&%)'-) 7)%'&'(. The )ourt has condemned as unsatis actory advice !iven 'er uncntorily and belon!ed to the stereoty'ed class M a lon! ,uestion by the investi!ator in ormin! the ccused o his ri!ht ollowed by a monosyllabic answer. The desired role o coiunsel in the 'rocess o cusodial invensto!ation is rendered meanin!less i the lawyer !ives an advice in a cursory manner as o''osoed to a meanin! ul advocacy o the rio!hts o the 'erson under!oin! ,uestionin!. & advice is !iven casually and tritely as to be useless$ understandin! on the 'art o the accused is sacr icied and the unconstrained vbivin! u' o a ri!ht becomes im'aired. The warnin! contem'lates Hthe transmission o meanin! ul in ormation rather than "ust the ceremonial and 'er unctory recitation o an abostact constitutional 'rionci'le.I &t is not enou!h or the interro!aotor to merely enumerate to the 'erson his ri!hts as 'rovided in %ec. 46$ Art. &&&$ o the )onstitution$ the interro!ator must also e('lain the e ect o such 'rovision in 'ractical terms$ e.!. what the 'erson under interro!ation may or may not do$ and in a lan!aua!e the sub"ect airly understands. 8.eo'le v. Ordono$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C64DAm 'rom. Eune 6<$ 6BBB5 d. Co$'!"6 -$%&'( #$!+o-&)6 &'0"!+&()+&o' 5$!+ ?" #o5,"+"'+ )'- &'-","'-"'+. &deally$ a lawyer en!a!ed or an individual acin! custodial investi!ation 8i the latter could not a ord one5 should be en!a!ed by the accused 8himsel 5$ or by the latterKs relatives or 'erson authori-ed by him to en!a!e an attorney or by the court$ u'on 'ro'er 'etition o the accused or 'erson authori-ed by the accused to ile such 'etition. Laeyrs en!a!ed by the 'olice$ whatever testimonials are !ven as 'roo their 'robity and su''osed inde'endence$

46D

are !enerally sus'ect$ as in many cases$ the relationshi' between lawyers and law en orcement authorities can be symbiotic. 8.eo'le v. Euanario$ cited in .eo'le v. Obrero$ 0.R. No. 4664A6$ 'rom. May 4=$ 6BBB5 The inde'endent counsel cannot be a s'ecial counsel$ 'ublic or 'rivate 'rosecutor$ munici'al attorney or counsel o the 'olice whose interest is admittedly adverse to the accused. To allow a %tation )ommander o the +.D$ a 'art o the 'olice orce would render illusory the 'rotection !iven to the sus'ect durin! custodual investi!ation. 8.eo'le v. Bedula$ 6C6 %)RA D99 cited in .eo'le v. Obrero$ 0.R. No. 4664A6$ 'rom. May 4=$ 6BBB5 e. C8o&#" o 6)7."%. +hile the initial choice o the lawyer in cases where a 'erson under custodial investi!ation cannot ord the services o a lawyer is naturally lod!ed in the 'olice investi!ators$ the accused really has the inal choice as he may re"ect the counsel chosen or him and ask or another one. A lawyer 'rovided by the investo!at'ors is deemed en!a!ed by the accused where he never raised any ob"ection a!ainst the ormerKs a''ointment durin! the course o the ivnesti!ation and the accused therea ter subscribes to the veracity o his srtatement be ore the swearin! o icer. 8.eo'le v. 0allardo$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44C9>A$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5 . W)&0"% o %&(8+ 5$!+ ?" &' 7%&+&'(. The ri!ht to counsel durin! custodial investi!ation is not waived by reason o ailure to make a timely ob"ection be ore 'lea. There can only be a valid waiver o the ri!ht i such waiver is in writin! and in the 'resence o counsel as mandated by Article &&&$ %ection 46 o the 4<>= )onsitution and the 'ertinent 'rovisions o Re'ublic Act No. =AC>. 8.eo'le v. Buluran$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44C<AB$ 'rom. /ebruary 4D$ 6BBB5 !. Po6&#" 6&'"-$, 'o+ #$!+o-&)6 &'0"!+&()+&o'. )ustodial investi!ation commences when a 'erson is taken into custody and ius sin!led ot as a sus'ect in the commission o the crime under investi!ation and the 'olice o icers be!in to ask w,uestions on the sus'ectKs 'artici'ation therein and which tend to eleicut an admission. The sta!e o an investi!ation wherein a 'erson is asked to stand in a 'olice line*u' has been held to be outside the mantle o 'rotection o the ri!ht to counsel because it involves a !eneral in,uiry into an unslved crime and is 'urely investo!atory in nature. &t has also been held than an uncounselled identi rication at the 'olice line*u' does not 'reclude the admissibility o an in*court identi ication. 8.eo'le v. .avillare$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<<=B$ 'rom. A'ril D$ 6BBB5 h. W8"' 5"%" &'0&+)+&o' 'o+ #o'!&-"%"- )! ,)%+ o #$!+o-&)6 &'0"!+&()+&o'. &nvitin! certain individuals without sin!lin! them out as the 'er'etrators o the crime is not considered custodial investi!ation. %o also$ askin! a sin!le ,uestion as to whereabouts is not custodial investi!aton as the ,uery was merely 'art o the H!eneral e('loratory sta!e.I 8.eo'le v. Le!as'i$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=>B6$ 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 6BBB5 7owever$ where the ,uestionin! is not a H!eneral in,uiry into an unsolved crimeI but already ocused on the individual as a H'articular sus'ectI there was already custodial investi!ation and he must be accorded his Miranda ri!hts. 8.eo'le v. 0amer$ 0.R. No. 44D<>A$ 'rom. /ebruary 6<$ 6BBB5 i. P$%,o!" o %&(8+ +o #o$'!"6 -$%&'( #$!+o-&)6 &'0"!+&()+&o'. The 'rotection covers the 'eriod rom the time a 'erson is taken into custody or the investi!ation o his 'ossible 'artici'ation in the commission o a crime or rom the time he is sin!led out as a sus'ect in the commission o the o ense althou!h not yet in custody. The e(clusionary rule is 'remised on the 'esum'tion that the de endant is thrust into an un amiliar atmos'here runnin! throu!h menacin! 'olice interro!ation 'rocedures where the ootentiality or com'ulsion$ 'hysical or 'sycholi!ical is orce ully a''arent. 7owever$ the rule is not intended as a deterrent to the accused rom con ession !uilt i he voluntarily ad intelli!ently so desires but to 'rotect the accused rom admittin! what he is coerced to admit althou!h untrue. The 'resence o a lawyer is not intended to sto' an accused rom sayin! anythin! which mi!ht incriminate him but$ rather$ it was ado'ted in our )onstitution to 'reclude the slu!hest coercion as would lead the accused to admit somethin! alse. The counsel$ however$ should never 'revent an accused rom reely and voluntarily tellin! the truth. 8.eo'le v. Base$ 0.r. No. 4B<==C$ 'rom. March CB$ 6BBB5

469

4. :allarde was char#ed with the special compole crime of rape with homicide without any !ualifyin# circumstance. Durin# the arrai#nment he pleaded not #uilty. &fter trial he was convicted of the crime of murder only% not of the co.ple crime of rape with homicide because of the lac. of proof of carnal .nowled#e. Was :allarde properly convicted ? REason out your answer. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. Althou!h the term HhomicideI as used in s'ecial com'le( crom o ra'?e with homicide is to be unbderstood in its !enerric sense$ and includes murder and sli!ht 'hysical in"uries committed by reason or on the occasion o ra'e$ it is settled itat where a c'm'le( crime is char!ed and the evidence ails to su''ort the char!e o ra'e$ the ,uali yin! cirumstance must be su iciently alle!ed and 'rovided$ Otherwise it would be a denial o the ri!ht o the accused to be in ormed o the nautre o the o ense with which he is cha!ed. An accused cannot be convicted o an o ense hi!her thatn that which he is char!ed in the com'laint or in ormation or which he is tried$ or necessarily incluyded in that which is char!ed. 7e has a ri!ht to be in ormed o the nature o the o ense with which he is char!ed be ore he is 'ut on trial. to convict an accused o a hi!her o o ense than that char!ed in the com'laint or in ormation under which he is ctried would be an unbauthori-ed denial o that ri!ht. 8.eo'le v. 0allarde$ 0.R. No. 4CCB6D$ 'rom. /ebruary 4=$ 6BBB5

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
111 9. What is preliminary investi#ation ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 P%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' &! )' &'E$&%. o% ,%o#""-&'( +o 78"+8"% +8"%" &! !$ &#&"'+ (%o$'- +o "'("'-"% ) 7"66- o$'-"- ?"6&" +8)+ ) #%&5" 8)! ?""' #o55&++"- )'- +8" %"!,o'-"'+ &! ,%o?)?6. ($&6+. +8"%"o , )'- !8o$6- ?" 8"6- o% +%&)6. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule 446$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o': &t is a statutory ri!ht in those instances where it is re,uired$ and to withhold it would violate the constitutional ri!ht to due 'rocess. 8.eo'le v. Oandasa$ 6D %)RA 6==5 &t is 'art o the !uarantees o reedom and air'lay. 8La )hemise Lacoste$ %.A. v. /ernande-$ 46< %)RA C<45 A 'reliminary investi!ation is Hmerely in,uisitorial$ and it is o ten the only means o discoverin! the 'ersons who may reasonably be char!ed with a crimne$ to enable the 'rosecutor to 're'are his com'laint or in ormation. &t is not a trial o the case on the meritsI and does not 'lace the 'ersons a!ainst whom it is taken in "eo'ardy. &t His not the occasion or the ull and e(haustive dis'lay o the 'artiesK evidence$ it is or the 'resentation o such evidence as may en!ender a well*!rounded belie that an o ense has been committed and that the accused is 'robably !uillty thereo .I 8Raro v$ %abdi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )ru-$ Er. v. .eo'leG .eo'le v. Dean!$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 46>BAD$ 'rom. Au!ust 6A$ 6BBB5 b. P$%,o!"! o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o': A 'reliminary investi!ation takes on an adversarial ,uality. This must be so because the 'ur'ose o a 'reliminary investi!ation or a 'revious in,uiry o some kind$ be ore an accused 'erson is 'laced on trial$ is to 45 %ecure the innocent a!ainst hasty$ malicious and o''ressive 'rosecutionG and to 65 .rotect the innocent rom an o'en and 'ublic accusation o crime$ rom the trouble$ and e('ense and an(iety o a 'ublic trial 8Duterte$ et al.$ v. %andi!anbayan$ 0.R. No. 4CB4<4$ 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 4<<>5G as well as to C5 .rotect the state rom useless and e('ensive trials. 8Duterte$ supra5 &t Hhas no other 'ur'ose e(ce't that o determinin! whether a crime has been committed and whether there is 'robable cause to believe that the accused is !uilty thereo $ and it does not 'lace the 'ersons a!ainst whom it is taken in "eo'ardy.I 8Raro v$ %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )ru-$ Er. v. .eo'le5 c. P%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' 8)! o'6. o'" !+)(". .resieential Decree No. <44$ u'on which the 'resent rule is based$ removed the 'reliminary e(amination sta!e and

46=

inte!rated it into the 'reliminary investi!atin 'ro'er. 1mder the old rules$ the 'reliminary investi!ation conducted by a munici'al "ud!e had two sta!es2 845 the 'reliminary e(amination state durin! which the investi!atin! "ud!e dtermines whether there is reasonable !round to believe that an o ense has been committed and the accused ir 'robably !uilty thereo $ so that a warrant o arrest may be issued and the accused held or trialG and 865 the 'reliminary investi!ation 'ro'er where the com'laint or in ormation is read to the accused a ter his arrest and he is in ormed o the sbstance o the vdence adduced a!ainst him$ a ter which he is allowed to 'r'esent evidence in his avor i he so desires. 8Jillanueva v. Eud!e Alma-an$ A.M. No. MTE*<<*4664$ 'rom. March 49$ 6BBB citin! Ba!unas v. /abillar$ 6>< %)RA C>C$ C<A5 d. F$'#+&o' o (o0"%'5"'+ ,%o!"#$+o% -$%&'( ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. H8M5erely to determine the e(istence o 'robable cause$ and to ile the corres'ondin! in ormation i he inds it to be so.I 8Raro v. %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )ru-$ Er. v. .eo'le5 &n determinin! 'robable cause$ an in,uiry into the su iciencey o evidence to wearrant conviction is not re,uired. &t is enou!h that it is believed that the act or omission com'lained o constitutes the o ense char!ed. The trial o a case is conducted 'recisely or the rece'tion o evidence o the 'rosecution in su''ort o the char!e. 8Raro$ supra5 e. P%o!"#$+o%I! -&!#%"+&o' &' -"+"%5&'&'( ,%o?)?6" #)$!" &! ,)%)5o$'+ . The %u'reme )ourt has Hado'ted a 'olicy o non*inter erence in the conduct o 'reliminary investi!ations$ and leaves to the investi!atin! 'rosecutor su icient latitude o discretion in the e(ercise o determination o what constitutes su icient evidence as will establish N'robable causeK or ilin! o in ormation a!ainst the su''osed o ender. 8Raro v$ %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )amana! v. 0uerrero5 111 . P%o?)?6" #)$!", -" &'"-. H8T5he e(istence o such acts and circumstances as would e(cite the belie $ in a reasonable mind$ actin! on the acts within the knowled!e o the 'rosecutor$ that the 'erson char!ed was !uilty o the crime or which he was 'rosecuted.I 8Raro v$ %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )ru-$ Er. v. .eo'le5 .robable cause is based neither on clear and convincin! evidence o !uilt nor evidence establishin! absolute certainty o !uilt. &t is merely based on o'inion and reasonable belie $ and so it is enou!h that there e(ists such state o acts as would lead a 'erson o ordinary caution and 'rudence to believe$ or entertain an hones or stron! sus'icion$ that a thin! is so. 8.imentel$ Er.$ v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CCDB<$ 'rom. /ebruary <$ 6BBB5 The term does not connote absolute certainty. Neither does it re,uire an in,uiry into the su iciency o the evidence to obtain a conviction. ?Jillanaueva v. 1nited )oconut .lanters Bank 81.)B5$ etc.$ 0.R. No. 4C>6<4$ 'rom. March =$ 6BBB@ 111 !. O "'!"! 78"%" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' &! %"E$&%"- 2 +here the 'enalty 'rescribed by law is at least our 8A5 years$ two 865 months and one 845 day without re!ard to the ine. 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule 446$ RO)5 The absence o a 'reliminary investi!ation does not a ect the courtKs "urisdiction nor does it im'air the validity o the in ormation or otherwise render it de ective. 8Lian!$ etc. v. .eo'le$ 0.R. No. 46D>9D$ 'rom. Eanuary 6>$ 6BBB5 h. W)&0"% o %&(8+ +o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. The absence o a 'reliminary investoi!ation does not im'air the validity o the criminal in ormation or render it de ective. There is waiver o the ri!ht where the accused enteres his 'lea durin! arrai!nment. 8.eo'le v. Dean!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>BAD$ 'rom. Au!ust 6A$ 6BBB5 i. P%"!"'#" o )##$!"- 'o+ ) #o'-&+&o' !&'" E$) 'o' +o +8" 0)6&-&+. o ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. The 'resence o the accused is not re,uired or as lon! as e orts to reach him were made$ and an o'oortunity to controvert the evidence or the com'lainant is accorded him. The obvious 'ur'ose o the rule is to block attem'ts o unscru'ulous res'ondents to thrwart the 'rosecution o o enses by hidin! themselves or by em'loyin! dilatory tactics. 8.eo'le v. Arlee$ etc.$ 0.R. No. 44CD4>$ 'rom. Eanuary 6D$ 6BBB5 ". Fo% "6"#+&o' #)!"! &+ &! +8" COMELEC +8)+ #o'-$#+! +8" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. N& the com'laint is initiated motu proprio by the )ommission$ or is iled

46>

with the )ommission by any a!!rieved 'arty$ it shall be re erred to the Law De'artment or investi!ation. 1'on direction o the )hirman o the )ommission$ the 'reliminary investi!ation may be dele!ated to any lawyer o said De'artment$ or to any o the Re!ional Election Directors or .rovincial Election su'ervisors$ or any lawyer o the )ommssion.I 8%ec. D$ Rule CA$ )OMELE) Rules o .rocedure5 4. -n September /,% /002% members of the (4( went to Nue9on City to arrest ;arrana#a% albeit without warrant for .idnappin# with serious ille#al detention. $he char#es stemmed from an alle#ed .idnappin# that was committed on Auly /C% /002. ;arrana#a resisted the arrest and immediately phoned his sister and brother"in"law% who in turn sou#ht the aid of &tty. &rnovit. -ver the phone% &tty. &rnovit was able to dissuade the police officers from carryin# out the warrantless arrest and proposed to meet them at the (4( head!uarters in Camp Crame% Nue9on City. ;arrana#a% to#ether with his sister and brother"in"law also went to Camp Crame aboard their own vehicle. &fter some discussion% ;arrana#a was allowed to #o home on &tty. &rnovit8s underta.in# in writin# that he and ;arana#a would appear before the Cebu City (rosecutor on September 52% /002 for preliminary investi#ation. $he prosecutors now contend that ;arrana#a is entitled only to an in!uest investi#ation under Section 2 of Rule //5 since he was lawfully arrested without a warrant under Section ,% Rule //* of the Rules of Court. $he prosecutors li.ewise ar#ue that ;arrana#a was actually committin# a crime at the time of his arrest since .idnappin# with serious ille#al detention is a continuin# crime. )s ;arrana#a entitled to re#ular preliminary investi#ation ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. &n,uest investi!ation under %ection =$ Rule 446 o the Rules o )ourt a''lies only to 'ersons law ully arrested without a warrant. The acts show that Larrana!a was not arrested as there was no restraint u'on his 'erson$ neither was de'rived o his own will and liberty. 0rantin! that Larrana!a was arrested such arrest would be ille!al because o the absence o a warrant. &t does not a''ear that Larrana!a has "ust committed$ is actually committin! or is attem'tin! to commit an o ense when the 'olice o icers tried to arrest him on %e'tember 4D$ 4<<=. The case o .arulan v. Director o .risons$ 66 %)RA 9C> which considered kidna''in! with ille!al detention as a continuin! crime does not ind a''lication. &n .arulan$ the de'rivation o liberty is 'ersistent and continuin! rom one 'lace to another. There is no showin! in the acts that the victim Eac,ueline was bein! detained by Larrana!a who was then residin! in ;ue-on )ity. 8The minor Larrana!a$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E'+&+6"5"'+ +o &'E$"!+: B" o%" +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' &! &6"-, +8" ,"%!o' )%%"!+"- 5). )!C o% ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' &' )##o%-)'#" 7&+8 +8&! R$6" 446 o the Rules o )ourt on .reliminary &nvesti!ation$ ?$+ 8" 5$!+ !&(' ) 7)&0"% o +8" ,%o0&!&o'! o A%+&#6" 124 o +8" R"0&!"- P"')6 Co-", )! )5"'-"-, &' +8" ,%"!"'#" o 8&! #o$'!"6. No+7&+8!+)'-&'( +8" 7)&0"%, 8" 5). ),,6. o% ?)&6 )'- +8" &'0"!+&()+&o' 5$!+ ?" +"%5&')+"- 7&+8&' & +""' F14D -).! %o5 &+! &'#",+&o'. 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. =$ Rule 446$ RO) words not in bold su''lied5 b. E'+&+6"5"'+ +o %"($6)% ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'2 .erson not law ully arrested should be sub"ect to the re!ular 'reliminary investi!ation. Thus$ a 'erson who has been arrested without a warrant or a crime alle!edly committed some two months be ore was not law ully arrested hence entitled to the re!ular 'reliminary investi!ation. REA%ON2 .reliminary investi!ation is not in,uisitorial but ,uasi*"udicial. /airness dictates that the ri!ht should be considered not a mere ormal or technical ri!ht but a substantive ri!ht. 8The minor Larrana!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 Note the case o Raro v$ %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )ru-$ Er. v. .eo'le which considered a 'reliminary investi!ation as merely in,uisitorial. /or Bar 'ur'oses$ the author su!!ests that the Larrana!a doctrine is the better view because it adheres more to the libertarian inter'retation o criminal law and 'rocedure.

46<

9. When is preliminary investi#ation not re!uired ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. +here accused law ully arrested without warrant and he does not ask or a 'reliminary investi!ation. b. +here the 'enalty 'rescribed by law is lower than our 8A5 years$ two 865 months and one 845 day without re!ard to ineG c. )ases covered by the Rule on %ummary .rocedure. 8There may be no need to state this because cases covered by the Rule on summary .rocedure include criminal cases where the 'enalty 'rescribed is im'risonment not above 9 months5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P"%!o' 6)7 $66. )%%"!+"- 7&+8o$+ 7)%%)'+ 'o+ !$?*"#+ +o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. W8"' ) ,"%!o' &! 6)7 $66. )%%"!+"- 7&+8o$+ ) 7)%%)'+ o% )' o "'!" 78&#8 %"E$&%"! ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o', +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' 5). ?" &6"?. ) ,%o!"#$+o% 7&+8o$+ '""- o !$#8 &'0"!+&()+&o' ,%o0&-"- )' &'E$"!+ 8)! ?""' #o'-$#+"- &' )##o%-)'#" 7&+8 "/&!+&'( %$6"!. I' +8" )?!"'#" o% $')0)&6&)?&6&+. o )' &'E$"!+ ,%o!"#$+o%, +8" #o5,6)&'+ 5). ?" &6"- ?. +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. o% ) ,")#" o &#"% -&%"#+6. 7&+8 +8" ,%o,"% #o$%+ o' +8" ?)!&! o +8" ) &-)0&+ o +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. o% )%%"!+&'( o &#"% o% ,"%!o'. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. =$ Rule 446$ RO)5 b. T8o$(8 'o+ "'+&+6"- ?$+ 5). )!C o% ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o': A +"% +8" &6&'( o +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' &' #o$%+ 7&+8o$+ ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o', +8" )##$!"- 5)., 7&+8&' &0" F4D -).! %o5 +8" +&5" 8" 6")%'! o &+! &6&'(, )!C o% ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' 7&+8 +8" !)5" %&(8+ +o )--$#" "0&-"'#" &' 8&! -" "'!" )! ,%o0&-"- &' +8&! R$6" 446 on .reliminary &nvesti!ation 8Crd 'ar.$ %ec. =$ Rule 446$ RO) words not in bold su''lied5 c. C)!"! #o0"%"- ?. +8" R$6" O' S$55)%. P%o#"-$%" 78"%" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' &! 'o+ %"E$&%"-: a. Jiolation o tra ic laws$ rules and re!ulationsG b. Rental lawG c. OrdinancesG d. )riminal cases2 45 .enalty 'rescribed is im'risonment not above 9 months 65 Or not above .4$BBB.BB ine C5 Or both$ irres'ective o other im'osable 'enalties$ accessory or otherwise A5 Ne!li!ence where the im'osable ine does not e(ceed .4B$BBB.BB. 8%ec. 4 ?B@$ Revised Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 ;. What are the sta#es of procedure for preliminary investi#ation ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The &%!+ 'hase or sta!e o the investi!ation consists o an ex parte in,uiry o the su iciency o the com'laint and the a idavits and other documents o ered in su''ort thereo $ and ends with the determination by the "ud!e either2 a. that there is no !round to continue with the in,uiry$ in which case he dismisses the com'laint and transmits the order o dismissal$ to!ether with the records o the case$ to the .rovincial .rosecutorG or b. that the com'laint and the su''ortin! documents show su icient cause to continue with the in,uiry$ which indin! ushers in the second 'hase. The !"#o'- 'hase or sta!e is desi!ned to a ord the res'ondent notice o the com'laint$ access to com'lainant:s evidence and an o''ortunity to submit counter*a idavits and su''ortin! documents. &n such a scenario$ the Eud!e may conduct a hearin! and 'ro'ound to the 'arties and their witnesses ,uestions on matters that$ in his view$ should be clari ied. The second 'hase concludes with the Eud!e renderin! his resolution$ either or dismissal o the com'laint or indin! a prima facie case$ and holdin! the res'ondent or trial which shall be transmitted$ to!ether with the 'ertinent records$ to the 'rovincial 'rosecutor or a''ro'riate action. 8.en v. 7on. de )astro$ etc.$ 0.R. No. 4BA9AD$ 'rom. Euly 6C$ 4<<>5 @. )s preliminary investi#ation a substantive ri#ht ? E plain briefly.

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%100E%TED AN%+ER2 +hile the ri!ht is statutory rather than constitutional in its undament$ it is a com'onent 'art o due 'rocess in criminal "ustice. The ri!ht to have a 'reliminary investi!ation conducted be ore bein! bound over to trial or a criminal o ense and hence ormally at risk o incarceration or some other 'enalty$ is not a mere ormal or technical ri!htG it is a substantive ri!ht. To deny the accused:s claim to a 'reliminary investi!ation would be to de'rive him o the ull measure o his ri!ht to due 'rocess. 8Duterte$ et al.$ v. %andi!anbayan$ 0.R. No. 4CB4<4$ 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R&(8+ +o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' 5). ?" 7)&0"-. The rule is that the ri!ht to 'reliminary investi!ation is waived when the accused ails to invoke it be ore or at the time o enterin! a 'lea at arrai!nment. 8The minor Larrana!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 The ri!ht to 'reliminary investi!ation is not a undamental ri!ht and may be waived e('ressly or by silence. /ailure o an accused to invoke this ri!ht constitutes a waiver o such ri!ht and any irre!ularity that attends it. The ri!ht may be or eited by inaction and can no lon!er be invoked or the irst time at the a''ellate level. 8.eo'le v. La!ao$ Er.$ 0.R. No. 44>AD=$ 'rom. A'ril >$ 4<<=5 .reliminary investi!ation is 'art o 'rocedural due 'rocess. &t cannot be waived$ unless the waiver a''ears to be clear and in ormed. There is no waiver i the accused has been actively and consistently demandin! a re!ular 'reliminary investi!ation even be ore he was char!ed in court. Also$ accused re used to enter a 'lea durin! the arrai!nment because there was 'endin! a case in the %u'reme )ourt re!ardin! his ri!ht to avail o a re!ular 'reliminary investi!ation. )learly the acts o the accused and his counsel are inconsistent with a waiver. 8The minor Larrana!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 b. T8" )?!"'#" o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'! -o"! 'o+ ) "#+ +8" #o$%+<! *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" #)!". Nor do they im'air the validity o the in ormation or otherwise render it de ectiveG but$ i there were no 'reliminary investi!ations and the de endants$ be ore enterin! their 'lea$ invite the attention o the court to their absence$ the court$ instead o dismissin! the in ormation$ should conduct it$ or remand the case to the in erior court so that the 'reliminary investi!ation may be conducted. 8The minor Larrana!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<> 5 A. May courts interfere with the conduct of a preliminary investi#ation ? E plain briefly. May an injunctive writ issue to enjoin the conduct of a preliminary investi#ation ? )f% so upon what #rounds ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 As a !eneral rule$ courts may not inter ere with the conduct o a 'reliminary investi!ation as this is an e(ercise by the e(ecutive de'artment o its ,uasi*"udicial unctions. Even the %u'reme )ourt has Hado'ted a 'olicy o non* inter erence in the conduct o 'reliminary investi!ations$ and leaves to the investi!atin! 'rosecutor su icient latitude o discretion in the e(ercise o determination o what constitutes su icient evidence as will establish N'robable causeK or ilin! o in ormation a!ainst the su''osed o ender. 8Raro v$ %andi!anbayan$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>AC4$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! )amana! v. 0uerrero5 7owever$ courts may en"oin the conduct o a 'reliminary under the ollowin! circumstances2 a. To a ord 'rotection to the constitutional ri!hts o the accused. b. +hen necessary or the orderly administration o "ustice or to avoid o''ression or multi'licity o actions. c. +hen there is a 're"udicial ,uestion which is sub 3udice. d. +hen the acts o the o icer are without or in e(cess o authority. e. +hen the 'rosecution is under an invalid law$ ordinance or re!ulation. . +hen double "eo'ardy is clearly a''arent. !. +here the court has no "urisdiction over the o ense. h. +here it is a case o 'ersecution rather than 'rosecution. i. +here the char!es are mani estly alse and motivated by the lust or ven!eance.

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". +hen there is clearly no prima facie case a!ainst the accused and a motion to ,uash on that !round has been denied. 8)ommissioner o &nternal Revenue$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<C66$ 'rom. Eune A$ 4<<95 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 S$,%"5" Co$%+ 5). %"0&"7 -"#&!&o' o% &'-&'( o O5?$-!5)' o'6. o' ,$%" E$"!+&o' o 6)7. %ec. 4A$ R.A. No. 9==B$ the Ombudsman Act o 4<><$ 'rovides that$ H8n5o court shall hear nay a''eal or a''lication or remedy a!ainst the decision or indin!s o the Ombudsman$ e(ce't the %u'reme )ourt on 'ure ,uestions o law.I Moreover$ %ec. 6= o the same Act 'rovides urther that$ H8 5indin!s o act by the O ice o the Ombudsman when su''orted by substantial evidence are conclusive.I 8Moron! +ater District v. O ice o the De'uty Ombudsman$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 449=DA$ 'rom. March 4=$ 6BBB5 1B. @$@ filed a complaint for libel a#ainst @;@ which ripened into an information filed by the prosecutor8s office with the Re#ional $rial Court. @;@ filed a petition for review of the prosecutor8s resolution with the Department of Austice% which #ave due course to the petition and directed the prosecutor to move for deferment of further proceedin#s and to elevate the entire records of the case. $he court approved the motion and deferred the petitioner8s arrai#nment until the final termination of the petition for review. $he Secretary of Austice reversed the prosecutor8s findin#s% as a conse!uence of which the prosecutor filed a motion to withdraw information. $he trial court denied the motion usin# as authority Crespo v. Mo#ul. )f you were to review the order of the trial court% how would you decide ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & would reverse the order o the trial court. %ole and bare reliance on )res'o is not su icient basis or the denial. The trial court should have conducted an inde'endent and com'etent assessment o the issue8s5 'resented in the motion to dismiss because !rant or denial o the motion is e,uivalent to e ectin! a dis'osition o the case itsel . Once a com'laint or in ormation is iled in court$ any dis'osition o the case such as its dismissal or its continuation rests on the sound discretion o the court. Trial "ud!es are re,uired to make their own assessment o whether the %ecretary o Eustice committed !rave abuse o discretion in !rantin! or denyin! the a''eal$ se'arately and inde'endently o the 'rosecution:s or the secretary:s evaluation that such evidence is insu icient or that no 'robable cause to hold the accused or trial e(ists. They should embody such assessment in their written order dis'osin! o the motion. 8Ledesma v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 44C649$ 'rom. %e'tember D$ 4<<=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. RECONCILIATION BETWEEN CRESPO 0. MOGUL, 141 SCRA 392H MARCELO 0. COURT OF APPEALS, 224 SCRA 2AH MARTINEM 0. COURT OF APPEALS, 22; SCRA 4;4H ROBERTS, =R. 0. COURT OF APPEALS, 243 SCRA 2B;. &n C%"!,o the %ecretary was advised to restrict such review to e(ce'tionally meritorious cases. Rule 446$ %ection A$ o the Rules o )ourt which reco!ni-es such 'ower$ does not$ however$ allow the trial court to automatically dismiss the case or !rant the withdrawal o the resolution o the %ecretary o Eustice. M)%#"6o ruled that 'rudence and wisdom dictate that the court should hold in abeyance the 'roceedin!s and wait or a inal resolution o a motion or review or reinvesti!ation rom the %ecretary o Eustice be ore actin! on a motion to dismiss or a motion to withdraw the in ormation. 7owever$ a ter the %OE has the resolved the matter$ the trial court should make its own study and evaluation o said motion and not rely merely on the awaited action o the secretary. 8reiterated in Dimatulac v. Jillon and %olar Team Entertainment$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. 7ow$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4AB>9C$ 'rom. Au!ust 66$ 6BBB5 &n M)%+&'"G the trial court:s !rant o the motion to dismiss iled by the 'rosecutin! iscal u'on the recommendation o the %ecretary o Eustice was overruled because such !rant was based u'on considerations other than the "ud!e:s own assessment o the matter. Relyin! solely on the conclusion o the 'rosecution to the e ect that there was no su icient evidence a!ainst the accused to sustain the alle!ation in the in ormation$ the trial "ud!e did not

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'er orm his unction o makin! an inde'endent evaluation or assessment o the merits o the case. &n Ro?"%+! the authority o the %ecretary o Eustice to review resolutions o the 'rosecutors u'on 'etition by a 'ro'er 'arty even while the criminal case is already 'endin! with the courts was sustained. SUMMARY: +hile the %ecretary o Eustice has the 'rero!ative to review and could direct the e(clusion o an accused rom the in ormation$ such is not bindin! u'on the court since the court is mandated to inde'endently evaluate or assess the merits o the case$ and may either a!ree or disa!ree with the recommendation o the %ecretary o Eustice. Reliance alone on the resolution o the %ecretary o Eustice would be an abdication o the trial courtKs duty and "urisdiction to determine a prima facie case. 8%olar entertainment$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. 7ow$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4AB>9C$ 'rom. Au!ust 66$ 6BBB5 The inal rulin! on the e(clusion o the accused rests u'on the trial court who has already obtained "urisdiction over the case. b. A,,"66)+" )$+8o%&+. o S"#%"+)%. o =$!+&#" o0"% ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'!. The %ecretary o Eustice has the 'ower to review resolutions or decisions o 'rovincial or city 'rosecutors or the )hie %tate .rosecutor u'on 'etition by a 'ro'er 'arty. 1nder the Revised Administrative )ode$ the %ecretary o Eustice e(ercises the 'ower o direct control and su'ervision over said 'rosecutors. 7e may thus a irm$ nulli y$ reverse or modi y their rulin!s as he may deem it. This same 'ower is !ranted under %ection 4 8d5 o ..D. No. <44. 8Ealandoni v. %ecretary o Eustice$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44D6C<*AB$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBB5 I $,o' ,"+&+&o' ?. ) ,%o,"% ,)%+. $'-% !$#8 %$6"! )! +8" D",)%+5"'+ o =$!+&#" 5). ,%"!#%&?" o% motu proprio, +8" S"#%"+)%. o =$!+&#" %"0"%!"! o% 5o-& &"! +8" %"!o6$+&o' o +8" ,%o0&'#&)6 o% #&+. ,%o!"#$+o% o% #8&" !+)+" ,%o!"#$+o%, 8" !8)66 -&%"#+ +8" ,%o!"#$+o% #o'#"%'"- "&+8"% +o &6" +8" #o%%"!,o'-&'( &' o%5)+&o' 7&+8o$+ #o'-$#+&'( )'o+8"% ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o', o% +o -&!5&!! o% 5o0" o% -&!5&!!)6 o +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' 7&+8 'o+&#" +o +8" ,)%+&"!. T8" !)5" %$6" !8)66 ),,6. &' ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'! #o'-$#+"- ?. +8" o &#"%! o +8" O &#" o +8" O5?$-!5)'. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. A$ Rule 446$ RO)5

BEFORE FILING WITH THE COURT

DOCTRINE OF PRECONDITION, PRIOR RESORT AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION There is need or a determination o whether certain 'reconditions have been met$ or e(am'le whether there is a 're"udicial ,uestion that mi!ht a ect the 'rosecution o the o ense. 11. What are the elements of a prejudicial !uestion ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" "6"5"'+! o ) ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o' )%": F)D +8" ,%"0&o$!6. &'!+&+$+"- #&0&6 )#+&o' &'0o60"! )' &!!$" !&5&6)% o% &'+&5)+"6. %"6)+"- +o +8" &!!$" %)&!"- &' +8" !$?!"E$"'+ #%&5&')6 )#+&o'H )'F?D +8" %"!o6$+&o' o !$#8 &!!$" -"+"%5&'"! 78"+8"% o% 'o+ +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' 5). ,%o#""-. 8%ec. =$ Rule 444$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- ,%&'#&,6" o ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o'. To avoid con lictin! decisions. a. F&6&'( ,"+&+&o' o% !$!,"'!&o' o #%&5&')6 )#+&o' -$" +o ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o'. A ,"+&+&o' o% !$!,"'!&o' o +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' ?)!"- $,o' +8" ,"'-"'#. o ) ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o' &' ) #&0&6 )#+&o' 5). ?" &6"- &' +8" o &#" o +8" ,%o!"#$+o% o% +8" #o$%+ #o'-$#+&'( +8" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'. W8"' +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' 8)! ?""' &6"- &' #o$%+ o% +%&)6, +8" ,"+&+&o' +o !$!,"'- !8)66 ?" &6"- &' +8" !)5" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' )+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' %"!+!. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 444$ RO)5 b. I!!$" o ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o' 5). ?" 7)&0"-. REA%ON2 &t is a 'rocedural matter the waiver o which is not contrary to law$ 'ublic order$ 'ublic 'olicy$ morals$or !ood

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customs$ or 're"udicial to a third 'erson with a ri!ht reco!ni-ed by law. 8Alano v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4446AA$ 'rom. December 4D$ 4<<=5 111 12. -n -ctober 5/% /01,% )sa#ani contracted a first marria#e with Dulce. Without hsaid marria#e havin# been annulled or terminated% )sa#ani contracted a second marria#e with )meldla on Aanuary 5,% /00C and a subse!uent third marria#e with Aulia. 6pon complaint of Dulce% )sa#ani was char#ed with bi#amy. )sa#ani then initiated a civil action for the judicial declaration of absolute nullity of his first marria#e to Dulce on the #round that it was celebrated without a marria#e license. <e then filed a motion to suspend the proceedin#s in the criminal case for bi#amy invo.in# the pendency of the civil suit for nullity as a prejudicial !uestion. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. Assumin! that the irst marria!e was null and void on the !round alle!ed by &sa!ani$ that act would not be material to the outcome o the criminal case. .arties to the marria!e should not be 'ermitted to "ud!e or themselves it nullity$ or the same must be submitted to the "ud!ment o the com'etent courts and only when the nullity o the marria!e is so declared can it be held as void$ and so lon! as there is no such declaration the 'resum'tion is that the marria!e e(ists. There ore$ he who contracts a second marria!e be ore the "udicial declaration o nullity o the irst marria!e assumes the risk o bein! 'rosecuted or bi!amy. 8Marbella*Bobis v. Bobis$ 0.R. No. 4C>DB<$ 'rom. Euly C4$ 6BBB citin! Landicho v. Relova$ 66 %)RA =C4$ =CD5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. A%+&#6" 3B o +8" F)5&6. Co-" %"E$&%"! ,%&o% -"#6)%)+&o' o '$66&+. o &%!+ 5)%%&)(" ?" o%" #o'+%)#+&'( !"#o'- 5)%%&)(". Not every de ense raised in the civil action may be used as a 're"udicial ,uestion to obtain the sus'ension o the criminal action. The burden o 'roo to show the dissolution o the irst marria!e be ore the second marria!e was contracted rests u'on the de ense$ but that is a matter that can be raised in the trial o the bi!amy case. 8Marbella*Bobis v. Bobis$ 0.R. No. 4C>DB<$ 'rom. Euly C4$ 6BBB citin! Landicho v. Relova$ 66 %)RA =C4$ =CD5 b. A#+&o' o% '$66&+. o 5)%%&)(" 'o+ ,%"*$-&#&)6 E$"!+&o' +o #o'#$?&')(" . /or a civil case to be considered 're"udicial to a criminal action as to cause the sus'ension o the latter 'endin! the inal determination o the civil case$ it must a''ear not only that the said civil case involves the same acts u'on which the criminal 'roseuction would be based$ but also that in the resolution o the issue or issues raised in the a oresaid civil action$ the !uilt or innocence o the accused would be necessarily be determined. 8Beltran v. .eo'le$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C=D9=$ 'rom. Eune 6B$ 6BBB5 12. ;una filed a criminal comlaint a#ainst Co for estafa and perjury. )t appears that (roducers 'an. authori9ed Co to purchase a proprietary share of Manila (olo Club to be placed in his name bein# the Director of the 'an. and to be held by him on behalf of the corporation. &fter separation as 'an. Director% Co% despite demand% refused to surrender to the 'an. the Manila (olo Club certificate. )nstead% he e ecuted a false affidavit of loss and was able to secure a replacement certificate% despite the e istence of the ori#inal certificate in the 'an.Bs possession. Durin# the pendency of the criminal action% Co filed a civil action for dama#es a#ainst ;una and claimed ownership over the !uestioned certificate. Co now moves for a suspension of the criminal proceedin#s claimin# that the civil action he filed raises a prejudicial !uestion. )s the motion meritorious ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The motion is bere t o merit. The trial court hearin! the criminal case can resolve the ,uestion o ownershi'. The civil action or recovery o civil liability is im'liedly instituted with the ilin! o the criminal action. hence$ )o may invoke all de enses 'ertainin! to his civil liability in the criminal action. 7e is not 'rohibited rom airin! e(haustively the ,uestion o ownershi'. A ter all$ the trial court has "urisdiction to hear the said de ense. 8/irst .roducers 7oldin!s )or'oration v. )o.$ 0.R. No. 4C<9DD$ 'rom. Euly 6=$ 6BBB5 13. -n +3 7ebruary /005% Chin# was char#ed before the Re#ional $rial Court" Ma.ati with four counts of estafa punishable under &rticle */, par. / =b> of the R.(.C.% in

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relation to (.D. 4o. //,% the I$rust Receipts ;aw.J -n +, Maerch /005% Chin#% to#ether with (hilippine 'loomin# Mills Co.% )nc.% filed a case before another branch of the R$C" Manila% for declaration of nullity of documents and for dama#es. -n +2 &u#ust /005% Chin# filed a petition before the R$C"Ma.ati% for the supsension of the criminal proceedin#s on the #round of prejudicial !uestion in a civil action. Rule on the petition. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The alle!ed 're"udicial ,uestion in the civil case or declalration o nullity o documents and or dama!es does not "uris et de "ure dtermine the !uilt or innocence o the accused in the criminal action or esta a. Assumin! ar!uendo that the court hearin! the civil as'?ect o the case ad"udicates that the transaction entered into between the 'arties was not a rtrust recei't a!reement$ noetheless the !uilt o the accused could still be established and his cul'ability under 'enal laws determined by other evidence. To 'ut it di erently$ even on the assum'tion that the documents are declared null$ it does not i'so acto ollow that such declaration o nulllity shall e(onerate the accused rom criminal 'rosecution and liability. 8)hin! v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.r. NB. 44B>AA$ 'rom. Aoril 6=$ 6BBB5

G&$&R64::&4: (&M'&R&4:&K
14. What criminal cases should be referred to the K)+)%$'(()'( P)5?)%)'(). ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The lu'on o each baran!ay shall have authority to brin! to!ether the 'arties actually residin! in the same city or munici'ality or amicable settlement o all dis'utes "/#",+2 a. O enses 'unishable by im'risonment e(ceedin! one 845 year or ine e(ceedin! /ive thousand 'esos 8.D$BBB.BB5G and b. O enses where there is no 'rivate o ended 'arty. 8Wsec. AB> ?c@ and ?d@$ R.A. No. =49B5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 )ases where the 'arties may !o directly to court2 a. +here the accused is under detentionG b. +here the action may otherwise be barred by the statute o limitations. 8%ec. A46 ?b@ X4Y and XAY$ R.A. No. =49B5

SELECTION OF COURT JURISDICTION OF COURTS

19. What law determines the jurisdiction of a court to try a criminal case. )s there any e ception to this rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The "urisdiction o a court to try a criminal case is determined by the law in orce at the time o the institution o the action. Once the court ac,uires "urisdiction over a controversy$ it shall continue to e(ercise such "urisdiction until the inal determination o the case and it is not a ected by subse,uent le!islation vestin! "urisdiction over such 'roceedin!s in another tribunal. A reco!ni-ed e(ce'tion to this rule is when the statute e('ressly 'rovides$ or is construed to the e ect that it isintended to o'erate u'on actions 'endin! be ore its enactment. 7owever$ where such retroactive e ect is not 'rovided or$ statutes alterin! the "urisdiction o a court cannot be a''lied to cases already 'endin! 'rior to their enactment. 8Alarilla v. $andiganbayan etc.$ 0.R. No. 4C9>B9$ 'rom. Au!ust 66$ 6BBB5 1;. What is the jurisdiction of Metropolitan $rial Courts% Municipal $rial Courts and Municipal Circuit $rial Courts ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 E(ce't in cases allin! within the e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction o Re!ional Trial )ourts and o the %andi!anbayan$ the Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts$ and Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts shall e(ercise2 845 E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over all violations o city or munici'al ordinances committed within their res'ective territorial "urisdictionG and

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65 E(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over all o enses 'unishable with im'risonment not e(ceedin! si( 895 years irres'ective o the amount o ine and re!ardless o other in'osable accessory 'enalties$ includin! the civil liability arisin! rom such o ensesG or 'redicated thereon$ irres'ective o kind$ nature$ value or amount thereo 2 .rovided$ however$ That in o enses involvin! dama!e to 'ro'erty throu!h criminal ne!li!ence$ they shall have e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction thereo . 8%ec. C6$ B... Bl!. 46< as amended by R.A. No. =9<45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. MTC! -o 'o+ 8)0" *$%&!-&#+&o' 78"%" +8" 6)7 !,"#& &#)66. 0"!+! +8" *$%&!-&#+&o' &' o+8"% #o$%+!. By virtue o the e(ce'tion 'rovided or in the o'enin! sentence o %ec. C6 o B... Bl!. 46< as amended by %ec. 6 o R.A. No. =9<4$ the e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction o the three lower trial courts does not cover those criminal cases which by s'eci ic 'rovisions o law all within the e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction o Re!ional Trial )ourts and o the %andi!anbayan$ re!ardless o the 'enalty 'rescribed there or. Otherwise stated$ even i those e(ce'ted cases are 'unishable by im'risonment o not e(ceedin! si( 895 years 8i.e.prision correccional arresto mayor or arresto menor5$ "urisdiction thereon is retained by the Re!ional Trial )ourts or the %andi!anbayan$ as the case may be. Amon! the e(ce'tions 'rovided or in the o'enin! sentence o %ec. C6 are cases under 845 %ection 6B o B... Bl!. 46<G 865 Article C9B o the Revised .enal )ode$ as amended$ and 8C5 the Dan!erous Dru!s Act o 4<=6$ as amended. 8)ommission on Elections v. 7on. Noynay$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4C6C9D$ 'rom. Euly <$ 4<<>5 1ndoubtedly$ 'ursuant to %ection 69> o the Omnibus Election )ode$ election o enses also all within the e(ce'tion. 8Ibid> Euan$ et al.$ v. .eo'le$ 0.r. No. 4C6C=>$ 'rom. Eanuary 4>$ 6BBB5 1@. What is the jurisdiction of Re#ional $rial Courts in criminal cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Re!ional Trial )ourts shall e(ercise e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction in all criminal cases not within the e(clusive "urisdiction o any court$ tribunal or body$ e(ce't those now allin! under the e(clusive and concurrent "urisdiction o the %andi!anbayan which shall herea ter be e(clusively taken co!ni-ance o by the latter.#8%ec. 6B$ B... Bl!. 46< 5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+! 'o+ M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+! 8)0" *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% 6&?"6 #)!"!. +hile libel is 'unishable by im'risonment o si( months and one day to our years and two months 8Art. C9B$ Revised .enal )ode5 which im'osable 'enalty is lod!ed within the Munici'al Trial )ourts: "urisdiction under R.A. No. =9<4 8%ec. C6 ?6@5$ said law however$ e(cludes there rom cases allin! within the e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction o the Re!ional Trial )ourts. REA%ON2 Althou!h R.A. No. =9<4 was enacted to decon!est the clo!!ed dockets o the Re!ional Trial )ourts by e('andin! the "urisdiction o irst level courts$ said law is o a !eneral character. Even i it is a later enactment$ it does not alter the 'rovision o Article C9B o the R.)$ a law o a s'ecial nature. 8Man-ano v. 7on. Jalera$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 466B9>$ 'rom. Euly >$ 4<<>5 1A. What is the jurisdiction of the S)'-&()'?).)' ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 =$%&!-&#+&o' o +8" Sandi#anbayan. The $andiganbayan shall e(ercise2 8a5 E(lcusive ori!inal "urisdiction in all cases involvin!2 845 Jiolations o Re'ublic Act No. CB4<$ as amended$ otherwise known as the Anti*0ra t and )orr'u't .ractices Act$ Re'ublic Act No. 4C=<$ and )ha'ter &&$ %ection 6$ Title J&&$ o the Revised .enal )ode as amended$ where one or more o the accused are o icials occu'yin! 'ositions in the !overnment classi ied as 0rade 6= or hi!her whether in a 'ermanent$ actin! or interim ca'acity at the time o the commission o the o ense. 865 Other o enses or elonies committed by 'ublic o icers and em'loyees in relation to their o ice$ includin! those em'loyed in !overnment*owned or controlled cor'orations$w hether sim'le or com'le(ed with other crimes$ where the 'enalty 'rescribed by law is hi!her than prision correccional or im'risonment or si( 895

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years or a ine o .9$BBB.BBG .ROJ&DED$ 7O+EJER$ that o enses or elonies mentioned in this 'ara!ra'h where the 'enalty 'rescribed by law does not e(ceed prision correccional or im'risonment or si( 895 years or a ine o .9$BBB.BB shall be tried by the 'ro'er Re!ional Trial )ourt$ Metro'olitan Trial )ourt$ Munici'al Trial )ourt and Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourt. 8b5 E(clusive a''ellate "urisdiction2 845 On a''eal$ rom the inal "ud!ments$ resolutions or orders o the Re!ional Trial )ourts in cases ori!inally decided by them in their res'ective territorial "urisdictionsG 865 By 'etition or review$ rom the inal "ud!ments$ resolutions or orders o the Re!ional Trial )ourts in the e(ercise o their a''ellate "urisdiction over cases ori!inally decided by the Metro'olitan Trial )ourts$ Munici'al Trial )ourts and Munici'al )ircuit Trial )ourts$ in their res'ective "urisdiction ((( 8c5 The $andiganbayan shall have e(clusive ori!inal "urisdiction over 'etitions or the issuance o the writs o mandamus 'rohibition$ certiorari .abeas corpus$ in"unction$ and other ancillary writs and 'rocesses in aid o its "urisdiction2 Provided? That the "urisdiction over these 'etitions shall not be e(clusive o the %u'reme )ourt. 8%ec. A$ ..D. No. 49B9$ as amended by R.A. No. =<=D5 8d5 Re'ublic Act No. =<=D$ an ac!t amendin! ..D. No. 49B9$ 'rovides that the %andi!anbayan shall have ori!inal "urisdiction over all civil and criminal cases iled 'ursuant to and in connection with E(ecutive Order Nos. 4$ 6$ 4A and 4A*A$ or the so*called ill*!otten wealth cases. The %andi!anbayan has "urisdiction to annul the "ud!ment o the Re!ional Trial )ourt in a se,uestration*related case. The %andi!anbayan has ori!inal and e(clusive "risdiction not only over 'rinci'al causes o actiuon involvin! recovery o ill* !otten wealth$ but also over all incidents arisin! rom$ incidental to$ or related to such cases. 8.r esidential )ommission on 0ood 0overnment v. %andi!anbayan 84st Div.5$ et al.$ 0.r. No. 4C6=C>$ 'rom. /ebruary 6C$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P%&0)+" &'-&0&-$)6! )! #o-,%&'#&,)6! 7&+8 ,$?6&# o &#"%!. +here 'rivate individuals are char!ed as co*'rinci'als with the 'ublic o icers or em'loyees$ includin! those em'loyed in !overnment*owned or controlled cor'orations shall be tried "ointly with said 'ublic o icers and em'loyees in the 'ro'er courts which shall e(ercise e(clusive "urisdiction over them. b. S)'-&()'?).)' 8)! *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% 0&o6)+&o'! o R.A. No. 2B1A, )! )5"'-"-, )()&'!+ 5$'&#&,)6 5).o%!. There is no merit to the averment that the salary received by a 'ublic o icial dictates his alary !rade. HOn the contrary$ it is the o icialKs !rade that determinies his or her salary$ not the other way round.I To determine whether an o icial is within the e(clusive "urisdiction o the %andi!anayan$ there or$ re erence should be made to Re'ublic Act No. 9=D> and the &nde( o Occu'ational %ervices$ .osition titles and %alary 0rades$ An oi icialKs !rade is not a matter o 'roo $ but a matter o law which the court must ake "udicial notice. %ec. AAA8d5 o the Local 0overnment )ode 'rovides that Hthe munici'al mayor shall receive a minimum monthly com'ensatin corres'ondin! to %alary 0rade twenty*seven 86=5 as 'rescribed under Re'ublic Act No. 9=D> and the im'lementin! !uidelines issued 'ursuant thereto.I Additionally$ both the 4<>< and the 4<<= versions o the &nde( o' Occu'ational %ervices$ .ostion Titles and %allary 0rades ist the munici'al mayor under %alary 0rade 6=. 8Llorente$ Er. v. %andi!anabayn$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 4666<=*<>$ 'rom. Eanuaury 4<$ 6BBB5 %andi!anbayan has no "urisdiction i the accused is occu'yin! the 'ostion o Director && with %alary 0rade H69I under the )om'enation and .osition )lassi ication Act o 4<>< 8Re'ublic Act No. 9=D>5. 8)uyco v.$ the 7onorable %andi!anbayan$ etc$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. 4C=B4=*4>$ 'rom. /ebruary >$ 6BBB5

V E N U E
1112B. Where should criminal cases be filed ? What is the venue of criminal cases ?

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%100E%TED AN%+ER2 S$?*"#+ +o "/&!+&'( 6)7!, +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' !8)66 ?" &'!+&+$+"- )'- +%&"a. &' +8" #o$%+ o +8" 5$'&#&,)6&+. o% +"%%&+o%. b. 78"%" +8" o "'!" 7)! #o55&++"- o% c. 78"%" )'. o &+! "!!"'+&)6 &'(%"-&"'+! o##$%%"-. ?%ec. 4D 8a5$ Rule 44B$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 RRRa. E/#",+&o'! o% &'!+)'#"! 78"%" ) #)!" 5). ?" &'!+&+$+"- )+ ) ,6)#" o+8"% +8)' 78"%" +8" o "'!" 7)! #o55&++"-2 45 )ontinuin! o enses at any 'lace where the essential elements o the crime was committedG 65 Libel where !enerally the venue is the 'lace o 'ublication or where any o the o ended 'arties actually reside at the time o the commission o the o enseG C5 +here a chan!e o venue was ordered by the %u'reme )ourtG A5 )ases co!ni-able by the %andi!anbayan where cases are always iled where the %andi!anbayan is locatedG D5 E(traterritorial crimes or crimes committed outside o the .hili''ines. S,"#& &# 0"'$" o% #%&5&')6 )#+&o'!: F)D S$?*"#+ +o "/&!+&'( 6)7!, +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' !8)66 ?" &'!+&+$+"- )'- +%&"- &' +8" #o$%+ o +8" 5$'&#&,)6&+. o% +"%%&+o%. 78"%" +8" o "'!" 7)! #o55&++"- o% 78"%" )'. o &+! "!!"'+&)6 &'(%"-&"'+! +ooC ,6)#"H F?D W8"%" )' o "'!" &! #o55&++"- &' ) +%)&', )&%#%) +, o% o+8"% ,$?6&# o% ,%&0)+" 0"8&#6" 78&6" &' +8" #o$%!" o &+! +%&,, +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' !8)66 ?" &'!+&+$+"- )'+%&"- &' +8" #o$%+ o )'. 5$'&#&,)6&+. o% +"%%&+o%. 78"%" !$#8 +%)&', )&%#%) +, o% o+8"% 0"8&#6" ,)!!"- -$%&'( &+! +%&,, &'#6$-&'( +8" ,6)#" o -",)%+$%" )'- )%%&0)6. F#D W8"' )' o "'!" &! #o55&++"- o' ?o)%- ) 0"!!"6 &' +8" #o$%!" o &+! 0o.)(", +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' !8)66 ?" &'!+&+$+"- )'- +%&"- &' +8" ,%o,"% #o$%+ o +8" &%!+ ,o%+ o "'+%. o% o )'. 5$'&#&,)6&+. o% +"%%&+o%. +8%o$(8 78&#8 +8" 0"!!"6 ,)!!"- -$%&'( !$#8 0o.)(" !$?*"#+ +o +8" ("'"%)66. )##",+"- ,%&'#&,6"! o &'+"%')+&o')6 6)7. F-D C%&5"! #o55&++"- o$+!&-" o +8" P8&6&,,&'"! ?$+ ,$'&!8)?6" $'-"% A%+&#6" 2 o +8" R"0&!"- P"')6 Co-" !8)66 ?" #o('&G)?6" ?. +8" #o$%+ 78"%" +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' &! &%!+ &6"-. 8%ec. 4D$ Rule 44B$ RO)5

SUMMARY PROCEDURE IN CRIMINAL CASES

21. W8)+ #%&5&')6 #)!"! )%" (o0"%'"- ?. +8" !$55)%. ,%o#"-$%" : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Jiolations o tra ic laws$ rules and re!ulations. b. Jiolations o the rental laws. c. Jiolations o munici'al or city ordinances. d. All other criminal cases where the 'enalty 'rescribed by law or the o ense char!ed2 45 Does not e(ceed si( 895 months im'risonment$ or 65 A ine o one thousand 'esos 8.4$BBBB.BB5$ or C5 Both$ irres'ective o other im'osable 'enalties$ accessory or otherwise or o the civil liability arisin! there rom A5 .rovided$ however$ that in o enses involvin! dama!e to 'ro'erty throu!h criminal ne!li!ence$ this Rule shall !overn where the im'osable ine does not e(ceed ten thousand 'esos 8.4B$BBB.BB5. 8Nos. 4 to A$ %ec. 4 ?B@$ Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Outline o 'rocedure or criminal cases allin! under the Rule on %ummary .rocedure2 a. )om'laint or in ormation iled directly in Munici'al Trial )ourt without need o 'rior 'reliminary e(amination or investi!ation.

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45 Must be accom'anied by a idavits o the com'lainant and o his two witnesses in such number o co'ies as there are accused 'lus two 865 co'ies or the court iles. a5 & the above re,uirement is not com'lied with$ the case is dismissed within ive 8D5 days rom date o ilin!. b5 &n Metro Manila and chartered cities$ only in ormations may be iled. c5 +hen the o ense cannot be 'rosecuted de oficio$ the com'laint shall be si!ned and sworn to be ore the 'ublic 'rosecutor by the 'rivate o ended 'arty. b. The court makes a 'reliminary determination2 45 whether to dismiss the case or 'atently without basis or meritG or 65 Re,uire urther 'roceedin!s. c. & urther 'roceedin!s re,uired2 45 Accused under custody or the crime char!ed2 a5 Eud!e orders immediate arrai!nmentG b5 Accused 'leads2 845 0uilty$ he shall orthwith be sentenced. 865 0uilty to a lesser o ense to which he shall be sentenced. 8C5 Not !uilty$ the court issues an order.... d. Directin! accused to a''ear and submit their counter a idavits and those o their witnesses at a s'eci ied date not later than ten 84B5 days rom recei't o order 45 & the de endant does not a''ear the court shall issue a warrant or his arrest i the court shall ind that a 'robable cause e(ists a ter an e(amination in writin! and under oath or a irmation o the com'lainant and his witnesses. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 4B$ Rule on %ummary .rocedure5 65 1'on consideration o the com'laint or in ormation and the a idavits submitted by both 'arties and the )ourt a5 /inds no cause or !round to hold the accused or trial * the case is dismissed. b5 /inds cause2 e. .arties are called or a 'reliminary con erence or2 45 %ti'ulation o actsG 65 /or accused to 'lead to a lesser o enseG C5 Other matters to clari y the issues and to ensure a s'eedy dis'osition o the case. . Arrai!nment2 Accused 'leads2 45 0uilty$ he shall orthwith be sentenced. 65 0uilty to a lesser o ense$ he shall orthwith be sentenced. C5 Not !uilty$ the .... !. Trial is set which must be inished on the same day set. 45 Only witnesses who submitted a idavits shall be 'resented or cross* e(amination. No other witnesses allowed. h. Eud!ment * same as in civil cases. i. A''eal * same as in civil cases. ". .etition or review * same as in civil cases.

PLEADINGS PROSECUTION OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES

22. <ow are criminal offenses instituted ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 C%&5&')6 )#+&o'! !8)66 ?" &'!+&+$+"- )! o66o7!: F)D Fo% o "'!"! 78"%" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' &! %"E$&%"- ,$%!$)'+ +o !"#+&o' 1 o R$6" 112 8where the 'enalty 'rescribed by law is at least our 8A5 years$ two 865 months

4C<

and one 845 day without re!ard to the ine5 ?. &6&'( +8" #o5,6)&'+ 7&+8 +8" ,%o,"% o &#"% o% +8" ,$%,o!" o #o'-$#+&'( +8" %"E$&!&+" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' +8"%"&'H F?D Fo% )66 o+8"% o "'!"!, ?. &6&'( +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' -&%"#+6. 7&+8 +8" M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+! )'- M$'&#&,)6 C&%#$&+ T%&)6 Co$%+!, o% +8" #o5,6)&'+ 7&+8 +8" o &#" o +8" ,%o!"#$+o%. I' M)'&6) )'- o+8"% #8)%+"%"- #&+&"!, +8" #o5,6)&'+ !8)66 ?" &6"- 7&+8 +8" o &#" o +8" ,$?6&# ,%o!"#$+o% $'6"!! o+8"%7&!" ,%o0&-"- &' +8"&% #8)%+"%!. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule 44B$ RO)$ words not in bold su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 INTERRUPTION OF PRESCRIPTIVE PERIODS. T8" &'!+&+$+&o' o +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' !8)66 &'+"%%$,+ +8" %$''&'( o +8" ,"%&o- o ,%"!#%&,+&o' o +8" o "'!" #8)%("- $'6"!! o+8"%7&!" ,%o0&-"- &' !,"#&)6 6)7!. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 4$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 22. What is a complaint in criminal procedure ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A #o5,6)&'+ &! ) !7o%' 7%&++"' !+)+"5"'+ #8)%(&'( ) ,"%!o' 7&+8 )' o "'!", !$?!#%&?"- ?. +8" o "'-"- ,)%+., )'. ,")#" o &#"% o% o+8"% ,$?6&# o &#"% #8)%("- 7&+8 +8" "' o%#"5"'+ o +8" 6)7 0&o6)+"-. 8%ec. C$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 23. When is a complaint or information considered as sufficient ? A #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' &! !$ &#&"'+ & &+ !+)+"! +8" ')5" o +8" )##$!"-H +8" -"!&(')+&o' o +8" o "'!" (&0"' ?. +8" !+)+$+"H +8" )#+! o% o55&!!&o'! #o5,6)&'"- o )! #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" o "'!"H +8" ')5" o +8" o "'-"- ,)%+.H +8" ),,%o/&5)" -)+" o +8" #o55&!!&o' o +8" o "'!"H )'- +8" ,6)#" 78"%" +8" o "'!" 7)! #o55&++"-. W8"' )' o "'!" &! #o55&++"- ?. 5o%" +8)' o'" ,"%!o', )66 o +8"5 !8)66 ?" &'#6$-"- &' +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o'. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P$%,o!" o +8" %$6". &n a criminal 'rocsecution$ it is the undamental rule that every element o the crime char!ed must be alle!ed in the com'laint or in ormation. The main 'ur'ose o this re,uirement is to enable the accused to 'ro'erly 're'are his de ense. 7e is 'resumed to have no inde'endent knowled!e o the acts that constitute the o ense. 8.eo'le v. Medina$ CBB %)RA <>$ 44> cited in .eo'le v. Bayona$ 0.R. Nos. 4CCCAC*AA$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBB5 This doctrine is not a mere technicality$ it rests on the constitutional 'rinci'le that an accused is entitled Hto be in ormed o the nature and causeI o the accusation a!ainst him$ as stated in the in ormation. 8.eo'le v. Bayona$ 0.R. Nos. 4CCCAC*AA$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBB5 The ob"ectives o the de endantKs ri!ht Hto be in ormedI are2 45 To urnish the accused with such a descri'tion o the char!e a!ainst him as will enable him to make the de enseG 65 To avail himsel o his conviction or ac,uittal or 'rotection a!ainst a urther 'rosecution or the same cusaeG and C5 To in orm the court o the acts alle!ed$ so that it may decide whetherr they are su icient in law to su''ort a conviction$ i one should be had. 8.echo v. .eo'le cited in .eo'le v. Bayya$ 0.R. No. 46=>AD$ 'rom. March 4B$ 6BBB5 &t is thus im'erative that the in ormation iled with the trial court be com'lete M to the end that the accused may suitably 're'are his de ense. )orollary to this$ an indictment must ully state the elements o the s'eci ic o ense alle!ed to have been committed as it is the recital o the essentials o a crime which delineates the nature and cause o accusation aainst the accused. 8.eo'le v. Bayya$ 0.R. No. 46=>AD$ 'rom. March 4B$ 6BBB citin! .echo v. .eo'le5 b. S$ &#&"'#. o )66"()+&o'! &' #o5,6)&'+. The alle!ations in the com'laint that the accused had carnal knowled!e with the o ended woman Ha!ainst her willI or Hwithout her consentI is insu icient to warrant conviction or ra'e$ althou!h the evidence 'roves the commission o the crime. 8.eo'le v. Mende-$ 0.R. No. 4C6DA9$ 'rom. Euly D$ 6BBB citin! .eo'le v. Oso5 c. I' #)!" o 0)%&)'#" ?"+7""' +8" 0&#+&5I! #o5,6)&'+ )'- +8" &' o%5)+&o' &' #%&5"! )()&'!+ #8)!+&+., the com'laint controls. The aiure o the in ormation to state that

4AB

the ra'e was committed Hthrou!h orce or intimidationI is not a atal omission where the com'alint alle!ed the ultimate act that the accused ra'ed the victim Hby means o orce.I %o$ at the outset$ the accused could have readily ascertained that he was bein! accused o ra'e committed throu!h orce. . 8.eo'le v. Mende-$ 0.R. No. 4C6DA9$ 'rom. Euly D$ 6BBB citin! .eo'le v. Oso5 d. S,"#&)6 E$)6& .&'( #&%#$5!+)'#"! &' %)," 5$!+ ?" )66"("- &' +8" &' o%5)+&o' o+8"%7&!" +8" -")+8 ,"')6+. 5). 'o+ ?" &5,o!"-. The seven additional attendant circumstances intorduced by %ec. = o Re'ublic Act No. =9D<$ 8such as victimKs minority and her ilial relationshi' with the accused$ amon! others5 should be considered as s'ecial ,uali yin! circumstances s'eci ically a''licable to the crime o ra'e considerin! that they have chan!ed the natiure o sim'le ra'e by increasin! the 'enalty one de!ree hi!her throu!h the im'osition o the death 'enalty. These attendant circumstances are considered as e,uivalent to ,uali yin! circumstances since they increase the 'enalties by de!rees$ and not merely as a!!ravatin! circumstances which a ect only the 'eriod o the 'enalty but do not increase it to a hi!her de!ree. These circumstances must be s'eci ically 'leaded or alle!ed with certainty in the in ormation$ otherwise$ the death 'enalty cannot be im'osed. &t would be a denial o the ri!ht o the accused to be in ormed o the char!es a!ainst him and$ subse,uently$ a denial o due 'rocess$ i he is char!ed with sim'le ra'e and be convicted o its ,uali ied orm 'unishable with death$ althou!h the attendant circumstance ,uali yin! the o ense and resultin! in ca'ital 'unishment was not alle!ed in the indictment on which he was arrai!ned. 8.eo'le v. Jillar$ 0.R. No. 46=D=6$ 'rom. Eanuary 4<$ 6BBB citin! .eo'le v. Dela )usta$ 0.R. No. 4694CA$ 'rom. March 6$ 4<<<G .eo'le v. Bayona$ 0.R. Nos. 4CCCAC*AA$ 'rom. March 6$ 6BBBG .eo'le v. /erolino$ etc.$ 0.R. Nos. 4C4=CB*C4$ 'rom. A'ril D$ 6BBBG .eo'le v. Traya$ 0.R. No. 46<BD6$ 0.R. No. 46<BD6$ 'rom. May C4$ 6BBBG .eo'le v. Baybado$ 0.R. No. 4C64C9$ 'rom. Euly 4A$ 6BBB citin! .eo'le v. 0arcia$ 6>4 %)RA A9CG .eo'le v. Ramos$ 6<9 %)RA DD<5 e. P"')6+. o% o'" #%&5" o'6. & &' o%5)+&o' )66"("! o'6. o'" !$#8 #%&5" "0"' & ,%o!"#$+&o' ,%o0"! +7o #%&5"!. The accused could only be convicted o a crime committed as shown in the in ormation and not as 'roven by the 'rosecution. An accused cannot be convicted o an o ense$ unless it is clearly char!ed in the com'laint or in ormation. )onstitutionally$ he has a ri!ht to be in ormed o the nature and cause o the accusation a!ainst him. To convict him o an o ense other than that char!ed in the com'laint or in ormation would be violative o this constiturtional ri!ht. &ndeed$ the accused cannot be convicted o a crime$ even i duly 'roven$ unless it is alle!ed or necessarily included in the in ormation iled a!ainst him. 8.eo'le v. .ambid$ 0.R. No. 46AADC$ 'rom. March 4D$ 6BBB5 e. E%%o% &' #),+&o' 'o+ #o'+%o66&'(. Error in the ca'tion is not atal. +hat is controllin! are the actual recital o acts in the body o the in ormation and not the ca'tion or 'reamble o the crime. 8.eo'le v. /abro$ 0.R. No. 44AA694$ 'rom. /ebruary 4B$ 6BBB5 24. Define an information. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A' &' o%5)+&o' &! )' )##$!)+&o' &' 7%&+&'( #8)%(&'( ) ,"%!o' 7&+8 )' o "'!" !$?!#%&?"- ?. +8" ,%o!"#$+o% )'- &6"- 7&+8 +8" #o$%+. 8%ec. A$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 29. <ow many offenses may be char#ed in a complaint or information ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' 5$!+ #8)%(" o'6. o'" o "'!", "/#",+ 78"' +8" 6)7 ,%"!#%&?"! ) !&'(6" ,$'&!85"'+ o% 0)%&o$! o "'!"!. 8%ec. 4C$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 2;. )s it necessary to state the date and time of commission of the felony in the complaint or information ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 I+ &! 'o+ '"#"!!)%. +o !+)+" &' +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' +8" ,%"#&!" -)+" +8" o "'!" 7)! #o555&++"- "/#",+ 78"' &+ &! ) 5+"%&)6 &'(%"-&"'+ o +8" o "'!". T8" o "'!" 5). ?" )66"("- +o 8)0" ?""' #o55&++"- o' ) -)+" )! '")% )! ,o!!&?6" +o +8" )#+$)6 -)+" o &+! #o55&!!&o'. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 44B$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

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a. A66"()+&o' o "/)#+ +&5" )'- -)+" o #o55&!!&o' o %)," 'o+ &5,o%+)'+. This is because the 'recise time o the commission o the crime is not an essential element o ra'e and it has no substantial bearin! on its commission. &t is e,ually settled that a variance o edw months between the time set out in the indictment and that established by the evidence durin! the trial has neen held not to constitute an error so serious as to warrant reversal o a conviction volely on that score. 8.eo'le v. Alvero$ etc.$ 0.R. Nos. 4CADC9*C>$ 'rom. A'ril D$ 6BBB5 2;. $an% Ar.% 6rbi% Ma9a% &vendano and dela Cru9 were char#ed with havin# violated the &nti":raft ;aw throu#h conspiracy. 6pon reinvesti#ation% all the accused were dropped from the information e cept $an% Ar <e now moves to !uash the information ar#uin# that there bein# no conspiracy as a result of the dischar#e of his co"accused% the char#e a#ainst him of @conspirin# and confederatin#@ with others in committin# the crime has no more basis. he further contends that there can be no conspiracy if only one person remains char#ed under the same information. Rule on the motion. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion denied. )ons'iracy is not an element o the crime. The subse,uent dismissal o the char!es a!ainst Tan$ Er.:s co*accused 'remised on the non*e(istence o cons'iracy did not render the in ormation de ective. The alle!ation o cons'iracy in the in ormation becomes a mere sur'lussa!e as a conse,uence o the outcome o the reinvesti!ation. &n any case$ an in ormation alle!in! cons'iracy can stand even i only one 'erson is char!ed e(ce't that the court cannot 'ass verdict on the co*cons'irators who were not char!ed in the in ormation. 8Tan$ Er. v. %andi!anbayan$ 0.R. No. 46>=9A$ 'rom. Euly 4B$ 4<<>5

PROSECUTION OF CIVIL ACTIONS

1112@. & passen#er bus owned by San )ldefonso ;ines% )nc. =S);)> driven by Eduardo collided with the $oyota ;ite &ce Fan driven by &nnie% totally wrec.in# the van and injurin# &nnie and her two passen#ers in the process. & criminal case was filed with the (asi# R$C char#in# Eduardo with rec.less imprudence resultin# to dama#e to property with multiple physical injuries. 7our months later% (ioneer )nsurance and Surety Corporation =()SC>% as insurer of the van and subro#ee filed a civil case for dama#es a#ainst S);) before the Manila R$C. &fter joinder of issues% S);) filed a Manifestation and Motion to Suspend Civil (roceedin#s #rounded on the pendency of the criminal case a#ainst Eduardo in the (asi# R$C and the failure of ()SC to ma.e a reservation to file a separate dama#e suit in said criminal action. Decide the motion ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Motion !ranted. Reservation is re,uired in order to avoid multi'licity o suits$ !uard a!ainst o''ression and abuse and 'revent delays$ to clear con!ested dockets$ sim'li y the work o the trial courtG in short$ the attainment o "ustice with the least e('ense and ve(ation to the 'arties*liti!ants. 8%an &lde onso Lines$ &nc.$et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<==4$ 'rom. A'ril 6A$ 4<<>5 )learly .&%) as subro!ee under Article 66B= o the )ivil )ode is not e(em't rom the reservation re,uirement with res'ect to its dama!es suit based on ,uasi*delict arisin! rom the same act or omission o Eduardo com'lained o in the criminal case. .&%) merely ste''ed into the shoes o Annie 8as owner o the van5$ hence it is bound to observe the 'rocedural re,uirements which Annie ou!ht to ollow has she hersel instituted the suit. 8Ibid.5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 0eneral rule2 .rior reservation re,uired or inde'endent civil act!ions2 There is no dis'ute that the so*called #inde'endent civil actions# based in Articles C6$ CC$ CA and 64=9 o the )ivil )ode o the .hili''ines are the e(ce'tions to the 'rimacy o the criminal action over the civil action as set orth in %ection 6 o Rule 444$ Rules o )ourt.

4A6

This is deducible rom the 'hrase in %ection C$ #which has been reserved# that the #inde'endent# character o these civil actions does not do away with the reservation re,uirement. &n other words$ 'rior reservation is a condition sine qua non be ore any o these inde'endent civil actions can be instituted and therea ter have a continuous determination a'art rom or simultaneous with the criminal action. & no reservation is made then the civil actions are im'liedly instituted with the criminal action unless the ormer are waived or iled ahead o the criminal action. 8%an &lde onso Lines$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44<==4$ 'rom. A'ril 6A$ 4<<>5 2A. )s civil liability based on !uasi"delict e tin#uished with the ac!uittal of the accused ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. A se'arate civil action lies a!ainst the o ender in a criminal act$ whether or not he is criminally 'rosecuted and ound !uilty or ac,uitted$ 'rovided that the o ended 'arty is not allowed$ i he is actually also char!ed criminally$ to recover dama!es on both scores$ and would be entitled in such eventuality only to the bi!!er award o the two assumin! the awards made in the two cases vary. &n other words$ the e(tinction o civil liability re erred to in Rule 444$ %ec. 6 8b5$ o the Rules o )ourt re ers e(clusively to civil liability ounded on Article 4BB o the Revised .enal )ode whereas the civil liability or the same act considered as a quasi-delict only and not as a crime is not e(tin!uished even by a declaration in the criminal case that the criminal act char!ed has not ha''ened or has never been committed by the accused. 87eirs o 0uarin!$ Er. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B>C<D$ 'rom. March =$ 4<<=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 0eneral Rule2 The death o the accused 'rior to conviction e(tin!uishes his civil liabiity arisin! rom delict. E(ce'tion2 )ivil liability arisin! rom ,uasi*delict is not e(tin!uished. Thus$ even i the se'arate civil action under Article CC$ o the )ivil )ode had not been e('ressly reserved it may still be en orced se'arately. REA%ON2 The civil action was terminated without inal ad"udication as a result o the death o the accused. 8Jille!as v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. Nos. >6D96 Q 0.R. No. >6D<6$ 'rom. A'ril 44$ 4<<=5 2B. May moral dama#es be awarded to rape victims ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. 1ndoubtedly$ ra'e victims su er mental an!uish$ irh!t$ serious an(iety$ besmirched re'utation$ wounded eelin!s$ moral shock$ social humiliation and other emotional in"uries that entitle them to moral dama!es. Thus$ in .eo'le v. .rades$ 6<C %)RA A44$ the %u'reme )ourt resolved to !rant moral ama!es to ra'e victims$ in such amount as the )ourt deems "ust$ without the necessity or 'leadin! or 'roo o the basis threreo . The conventional re,uirement o allegata et probata in civil 'rocedure is dis'ensed with in criminal 'rosecutions or ra'e as no a''ro'riate 'leadin!s are iled wherein such alle!ations can be made. &n ra'e cases$ 'roo o mental and 'hysical su erin! 'rovided under Article 664= o the )ivil )ode can be dis'ensed with because it is reco!ni-ed that the vicrtimKs in"ury is concommitant with and necessarily resultls rom the odious crime o ra'e to warrant 'er se the award o moral dama!es. 8.eo'le v. Man!ila$ 0.R. Nos. 4CB6BC*BA$ 'rom. /ewbruary 4D$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. C&0&6 &'-"5'&+. -& "%"'+ %o5 5o%)6 -)5)("!. )ivl indemnity is di erent rom the award o moral dama!es. . 8.eo'le v. Man!ila$ 0.R. Nos. 4CB6BC*BA$ 'rom. /ewbruary 4D$ 6BBB5 The award authori-ed by criminal law as civil indemnity e( delicto o the o ended 'arty is mandatory u'on the indin! o the act o ra'eG it is distinct rom and should not be denominated as moral dama!es which are based on di erent "ural oundations and assessed by the court in the e(ercise o sound discretion. 8.eo'le v. Mendiona$ etc.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<BD9$ 'rom. /ebruary 64$ 6BBB citin! .eo'le v. .rades$ 6<C %)RA A445 21. When is there an award of e emplary dama#es in criminal cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +here therre is an attendance o a!!ravatin! circumstances 'ursuant to Article 66CB o the )ivil )ode. 8.eo'le v. Rendo,ue$ %r.$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B96>6$ 'rom. Eanuary 6B$ 6BBB5

4AC

22. Where an employer is found to be subsidiarily liable under &rticle /+* of the Revised (enal Code% what should be determined at a hearin# prior to e ecution ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Be ore e(ecution a!ainst an em'loyer ensues$ there must be a determination$ in a hearin! set or the 'ur'ose2 a5 the e(istence o an em'loyer*em'loyee relationshi'G b5 that the em'loyer is en!a!ed in some kind o industryG c5 that the em'loyee is ad"ud!ed !uilty o the wron! ul act and ound to have comitted theo ense in the dischar!e o his duties 8not necessarily any o ensed he commits HwhileI in the dischar!e o such dutiesG and d5 that said em'loyee is insolvent. 8Basilio v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44CACC$ 'rom. March 4=$ 6BBB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. V&#)%&o$! #&0&6 6&)?&6&+. o "5,6o."% o% )$6+ o% '"(6&("'#" o "5,6o."". 1nder the law$ the vicarious liability o the em'loyer is ounded on at least two s'eci ic 'rovisions o law2 45 Article 64=9 in relation to Article 64>B o the )ivil )ode$ which would allow an action 'redicated on quasi-delict to be instituted by the in"ured 'arty a!ainst the em'loyer or tan act or omission o the em'loyee and would necessitate only a 're'ondrance o evidence to 'revail. 7ere the liability o the em'loyer or the ne!li!ent conduct o the subordinate is direct and 'rimary$ sub"ect to the de ense o due dili!ence in the selection o su'ervision o the em'loyee. The en orcement o the "ud!ment a!ainst the em'loer in such an action does not re,uire the em'loyee to be insolvent since the nature o the liability o the em'loyer with that o the em'loyee 8the two bein! statutorily considered "oint tort easors5$ is solidary. 65 Article 4BC o the Revised .enal )ode which 'rovides or the subsidiary liability o the em'loyer or a elony committed by his em'loyee in the dischar!e o his duty. This liability attached when the em'loyee is convicted o a crime doen in the 'er ormance o his work and is ound to be insolvent that renders him unable to 'ro'erly res'ond to the civil liability ad"u!ed. 8Ra ael Reyes Truckin! )or'oration v. .eo'le$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<B6<$ 'rom. A'ril C$ 6BBB5 b. I'!+)'#"! 78"' "/&!+"'#" o "5,6o."%-"5,6o."" %"6)+&o'!8&, ?"+7""' )##$!"- -%&0"% )'- )66"("- 0"8&#6" o7'"% &! -"+"%5&'"-. 45 Durin! the criminal 'roceedin!$ and 65 Durin! the 'roceedin! or the e(ecution o the "ud!ment. &n both instances$ the alle!ed vehicle owner should be !iven the o''ortunity to be heard$ which is the essence o due 'rocess. 8Basilio v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44CACC$ 'rom. March 4=$ 6BBB5 22. -n -ctober /+% /010% the (rovincial (rosecutor filed with the R$C and amended information char#in# a driver with rec.less imprudence resultin# to double homicide and dama#e to property. 6pon arrai#nment% the accused entered a plead of not #uilty. $he private offended parties made a reservation to file a separate civil action a#ainst the accused arisin# from the offense char#ed. -n 4ovember 50% /010% the offended parties actually filed with the R$C a complaint a#ainst the employer of the accused based on !uasi"delict. $he private offended parties opted to pursue the criminal action but did not withdraw the civil case !uasi e delicto they filed a#ainst the employer. -n December /,% /010% the private offendned parties withdrew the reservation to file a separate civil action a#ainst the accused and manifested that they would prosecute the civil aspect e delicto in the criminal case. <owever% they did not withdraw the separate civil action based on e!uasi delicto a#ainst the employer arisin# from the same act or omission of the accused driver.

PROVISIONAL REMEDIES IN CRIMINAL CASES

23. &re provisional remedies available in criminal cases ?

4AA

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. T8" ,%o0&!&o')6 %"5"-&"! &' #&0&6 )#+&o'!, &'!o )% )! +8". )%" ),,6&#)?6", 5). ?" )0)&6"- o &' #o''"#+&o' 7&+8 +8" #&0&6 )#+&o' -""5"&'!+&+$+"- 7&+8 +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o'. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 46=$ RO)5

FILING WITH THE COURT AFTER FILING WITH THE COURT BEFORE TRIAL ARREST
24. What is arrest ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A%%"!+ &! +8" +)C&'( o ) ,"%!o' &'+o #$!+o-. &' o%-"% +8)+ 8" 5). ?" ?o$'- +o )'!7"% o% +8" #o55&!!&o' o )' o "'!". 8%ec. 4$ Rule 44C$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. I!!$)'#" o 7)%%)'+ o )%%"!+ ?. RTC *$-(" ,%"!$,,o!"! #o5,6"+&o' o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'2 W&+8&' +"' F1BD -).! %o5 +8" &6&'( o +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o', +8" *$-(" !8)66 ,"%!o')66. ")6$)+" +8" %"!o6&+o' o +8" ,%o!"#$+o% )'- &! !$,,o%+&'( "0&-"'#". H" 5). &55"&-)+"6. -&!5&!! +8" #)!" & +8" "0&-"'#" o' %"#o%#6")%6. )&6! +o "+)?6&!8 ,%o?)?6" #)$!". IO 8" &'-! ,%o?)?6" #)$!", 8" !8)66 !!$" ) 7)%%)'+ o )%%"!+, o% ) #o55&+5"'+ o%-"% & +8" )##$!"- 8)! )6%")-. ?""' )%%"!+",$%!$)'+ +o ) 7)%%)'+ &!!$"- ?. +8" *$-(" 78o #o'-$#+"- +8" ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' o% 78"' +8" #o5,6)&'+ o &' o%5)+&o' 7)! &6"- ,$%!$)'+ +o !"#+&o' o +8&! R$6". 8+hen accused law uly arrested without warrant5 I' #)!" o -o$?+ o' +8" "/&!+"'#" o ,%o?)?6" #)$!", +8" *$-(" 5). o%-"% +8" ,%o!"#$+o% +o ,%"!"'+ )--&+&o')6 "0&-"'#" 7&+8&' &0" F4D -).! %o5 +8" &6&'( o +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o'. 8%ec. 9 ?a@$ Rule 446$ RO) words in 'areenthesis su''lied5 b. I!!$" ?. )' MTC *$-(" o ) 7)%%)'+ o )%%"!+ -o"! 'o+ %"E$&%" #o5,6"+&o' o ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o'2 The Rules do not re,uire that 'reliminary investi!ation be irst concluded be ore a warrant o arrest may issue. Ho7"0"%, 7&+8o$+ 7)&+&'( o% +8" #o'#6$!&o' o +8" &'0"!+&()+&o', +8" *$-(" 5). &!!$" ) 7)%%)'+ o )%%"!+, & 8" &'-! ) +"% )' "/)5&')+&o' &' 7%&+&'( )'- $'-"% o)+8 o +8" #o5,6)&')'+ )'- 8&! 7&+'"!!"! &' +8" o%5 o !")%#8&'( E$"!+&o'! )'- )'!7"%!, +8)+ ) ,%o?)?6" #)$!" "/&!+! )'- +8)+ +8"%" &! ) '"#"!!&+. o ,6)#&'( +8" %"!,o'-"'+ $'-"% &55"-&)+" #$!+o-. &' o%-"% 'o+ +o %$!+%)+" +8" "'-! o *$!+&#". 8%ec. 9 ?b@$ Rule 446$ RO)5. c. D" &'&+&o' o ,%o?)?6" #)$!" o% &!!$)'#" o 7)%%)'+ o )%%"!+ 2 .robable cause to warrant arrest re,uires such acts and circumstances which would lead a reasonably discreet and 'rudent man to believe that an o ense has been committed by the 'erson sou!ht to be arrested. 8.en v. 7on. de )astro$ etc.$ 0.R. No. 4BA9AD$ 'rom. Euly 6C$ 4<<>5 d. E0&-"'#" '""-"- +o -"+"%5&'" ,%o?)?6" #)$!": 45 &n the determination o 'robable cause$ the avera!e man wei!hs acts and circumstances without resortin! to the calibrations o technical rules o evidence which his 8the avera!e man5 knowled!e is nil. +hat is necessary is not 'roo beyond reasonable doubt but "ust a 'robable cause. #Evidence re,uired to establish !uilt is not necessary.# 8.en v. 7on. de )astro$ etc.$ 0.R. No. 4BA9AD$ 'rom. Euly 6C$ 4<<>5 65 A indin! o 'robable cause needs only to rest on evidence showin! that more likely than not a crime has been committed and was committed by the sus'ects. .robable cause need not be based on clear and convincin! evidence o !uilt$ neither on evidence establishin! !uilt beyond reasonable doubt and de initely$ not on evidence establishin! absolute certainty o !uilt. As well 'ut in Brin!er v. 1nited %tates$ while 'robable cause demands more than #bare sus'icion$# it re,uires #less

4AD

than evidence which would "usti y ... conviction. A indin! o 'robable cause merely binds over the sus'ect to stand trial. &t is not a 'ronouncement o !uilt.# 8.en$ supra5 11129. When is arrest without warrant lawful ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A ,")#" o &#"% o% ) ,%&0)+" ,"%!o' 5)., 7&+8o$+ 7)%%)'+, )%%"!+ ) ,"%!o': F)D W8"' &' 8&! ,%"!"'#", +8" ,"%!o' +o ?" )%%"!+"- 8)! #o55&++"-, &! )#+$)66. #o55&++&'( o% &! )++"5,+&'( +o #o55&+ )' o "'!" F?D W8"' )' o "'!" 8)! &' )#+ *$!+ ?""' #o55&++"-, )'- 8" 8)! ,%o?)?6" #)$!" +o ?"6&"0" ?)!"- o' ,"%!o')6 C'o76"-(" o )#+! o% #&%#$5!+)'#"! +8)+ +8" ,"%!o' +o ?" )%%"!+"- 8)! #o55&++"- &+H )'F#D W8"' +8" ,"%!o' +o ?" )%%"!+"- &! ) ,%&!o'"% 78o 8)! "!#),"- %o5 ) ,"')6 "!+)?6&!85"'+ o% ,6)#" 78"%" 8" &! !"%0&'( &')6 *$-(5"'+ o% &! +"5,o%)%&6. #o' &'"78&6" 8&! #)!" &! ,"'-&'(, o% 8)! "!#),"- 78&6" ?"&'( +%)'! "%%"- %o5 o'" #o' &'"5"'+ +o )'o+8"%. I' #)!"! )66&'( $'-"% ,)%)(%),8! F1D )'- F?D )?o0", +8" ,"%!o' )%%"!+"- 7&+8o$+ ) 7)%%)'+ !8)66 ?" o%+87&+8 -"6&0"%"- +o +8" '")%"!+ ,o6&#" !+)+&o' o% *)&6 )'- !8)66 ?" ,%o#""-"- )()&'!+ &' )##o%-)'#" 7&+8 !"#+&o' ; o R$6" 112. 8%ec. D$ Rule 44C$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. D&!,o!&+&o' o ,"%!o' )%%"!+"- 7&+8o$+ 7)%%)'+: . W8"' ) ,"%!o' &! 6)7 $66. )%%"!+"- 7&+8o$+ ) 7)%%)'+ &'0o60&'( )' o "'!" 78&#8 %"E$&%"! ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o', +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% & o%5)+&o' 5). ?" &6"- ?. ) ,%o!o"#$+o% 7&+8o$+ '""o !$#8 &'0"!+&()+&o' ,%o0&-"- )' &'E$"!+ 8)! ?""' #o'-$#+"- &' )##o%-)'#" 7&+8 "/&!+&'( %$6"!. I' +8" )?!"'#" o% $')0)&6&)?&6&+. o )' $'E$"!+ ,%o!"#$+o%, +8" #o5,6)&'+ 5). ?" &6"- ?. +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. o% ) ,")#" o &#"% -&%"#+6. 7&+8 +8" ,%o,"% #o$%+ o' +8" ?)!&! o +8" ) &-)0&+ o +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. o% )%%"!+&'( o &#"% o% ,"%!o'. B" o%" +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' &! &6"-, +8" ,"%!o' )%%"!+"- 5). )!C o% ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!%+&()+&o' &' )##o%-)'#" 7&+8 +8&! R$6", ?$+ 8" 5$!+ !&(' ) 7)&0"% o +8" ,%o0&!&o'! o A%+&#6" 124 o +8" R"0&!"- P"')6 Co-", )! )5"'-"-, &' +8" ,%"!"'#" o 8&! #o$'!"6. No+7&+8!+)'-&'( +8" 7)&0"%, 8" 5). ),,6. o% ?)&6 )'- +8" &'0"!+&()+&o' 5$!+ ?" +"%5&')+"- 7&+8&' & +""' F14D -).! %o5 &+! &'#",+&o'. A +"% +8" &6&'( o +8" #o5,)6&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' &' #o$%+ 7&+8o$+ ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o', +8" )##$!"- 5)., 7&+8&' &0" F4D -).! %o5 +8" +&5" 8" 6")%'! o &+! &6&'(, )!C o% ) ,%"6&5&')%. &'0"!+&()+&o' 7&+8 +8" !)5" %&(8+ +o )--$#" "0&-"'#" )! ,%o0&-"&' 8&! -" "'!" )! ,%o0&-"- &' +8&! R$6". 8%ec. =$ Rule 446$ RO)5 b. K&'-! o 7)%%)'+6"!! )%%"!+: 45 Arrest #in flagrante delito# under %ec. D 8a5$ Rule 44C$ RO)G 65 Arrest in #hot 'ursuit# under %ec. D 8b5$ and 8c5$ Rule 44C$ RO). c. I'!+)'#" 78"%" +8"%" &! 'o 0)6&- in fla#rante delito o% 8o+ ,$%!$&+ )%%"!+: +here there is lack o 'ersonal knowled!e on the 'art o the arrestin! o icer$ or an overt 'hysical act on the 'art o the accused$ indicatin! that a crime had "ust been committed$ was bein! committed or was !oin! to be committed. 8Malacat v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 46CD<D$ 'rom. December 46$ 4<<=5 /or warrantless arrest to be valid there must be com'liance with the element o immediacy between the time o the commission o the o ense and the time o the arrest. +arrantless arrests made within shorter 'eriods like ten 84B5 days rom commission considered as ille!al. 8.eo'le v. %alvariera$ 0.R. No. 4BA99C$ 'rom. Euly 6A$ 4<<=5 2;. What is the remedy for unlawful arrest ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Motion or the ,uashal o the warrantG b. Motion or reinvesti!ation. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 I'!+)'#"! #o'!&-"%- )! 7)&0"% o &66"()6 )%%"!+: a. /ailure to challen!e the validity o the arrest and search$ as well as the admission o the evidence obtained thereby$ is considered a waiver o the constitutional ri!hts$

4A9

'articularly a!ainst unreasonable searches and sei-ures. 8.eo'le v. )uison$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<6>=$ 'rom. A'ril 4>$ 4<<95 b. Any irre!ularity attendant to the arrest was cured by voluntary submission to the "urisdiction o the trial court u'on enterin! a 'lea and 'artici'ation durin! the trial. 8.eo'le v. Tumanen!$ 0.R. No. 44=96A$ 'rom. December A$ 4<<=5 c. The ilin! o char!es and the subse,uent issuance o a warrant o arrest a!ainst a 'erson invalidly detained will cure the de ect o that detention or at least deny him the ri!ht to be released because o such de ect. 8The minor Larrana!a$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 d. /ailure to ,uestion the le!ality o the arrest be ore arrai!nment is deemed a waiver o such de ense. 8.eo'le v. Dean!$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>BAD$ 'rom. Au!ust 6A$ 6BBB5

BAIL
2@. When is bail a matter of ri#ht ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A66 ,"%!o'! &' #$!+o-. !8)66 ?" )-5&++"- +o ?)&6 )! ) 5)++"% o %&(8+, 7&+8 !$ &#&"'+ !$%"+&"!, o% ?" %"6")!"- o' %"#o('&G)'#" )! ,%"!#%&?"?. 6)7 o% +8&! R$6" 44A o the Rules o )ourt. )D ?" o%" #o'0&#+&o' ?. +8" M"+%o,o6&+)' T%&)6 Co$%+, M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+, M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+ &' C&+&"!,o% M$'&#&,)6 C&%#$&+ T%&)6 Co$%+, )'?D ?" o%" #o'0&#+&o' ?. +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+ o )' o "'!" 'o+ ,$'&!8)?6" ?. -")+8, reclusion perpetua o% 6& " &5,%&!o'5"'+. 8%ec. A$ Rule 44A$ RO) words not in bold su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. T8" #o'#",+ o -&!#%"+&o')%. ?)&6: U,o' #o'0&#+&o' ?. +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+ o )' o "'!" 'o+ ,$'&!8)?6" ?. -")+8, reclusion perpetua o% 6& " &5,%&!o'5"'+, +8" #o$%+, o' ),,6&#)+&o', )-5&!!&o' +o ?)&6 &! -&!#"+&o')%. . ((( S8o$6- +8" #o$%+ (%)'+ +8" ),,6&#&)+&o', +8" )##$!"- 5). ?" )66o7"- ,%o0&!&o')6 6&?"%+. -$%&'( +8" ,"'-"'#. o +8" ),,")6 $'-"% +8" !)5" ?)&6 !$?*"#+ +o +8" #o'!"'+ o +8" ?o'-!5)'. 84st two 'ars.$ %ec. D$ Rule 44A$ RO) 'ara'hrasin! su''lied5 b. &nstances when the court shall deny bail or cancel i already 'osted2 I +8" ,"')6+. &5,o!"- ?. +8" +%&)6 #o$%+ &! &5,%&!o'5"'+ "/#""-&'( !&/ F9D .")%!, +8" )##$!"!8)66 ?" -"'&"- ?)&6, o% 8&! ?)&6 !8)66 ?" #)'#"66"-, $,o' ) !8o7&'( ?. +8" ,%o!"#$+&o', 7&+8 'o+&#" +o +8" )##$!"-, o +8" o66o7&'( o% o+8"% !&5&6)% #&%#$5!+)'#"!: F)D +8)+ 8" &! ) %"#&-&0&!+, E$)!&-%"#&-&0&!+, o% 8)?&+$)6 -"6&'E$"'+, o% 8)! #o55&++"- +8" #%&5" )((%)0)+"- ?. +8" #&%#$5!+)'#" o %"&+"%)+&o'H F?D T8)+ 8" 8)! ,%"0&o$!6. "!#),"- %o5 6"()6 #o' &'"5"'+, "0)-"!"'+"'#", o% 8)! 0&o6)+"- +8" #o'-&+&o'! o 8&! ?)&6 7&+8o$+ 0)6&- *$!+& &#)+&o'H F#D T8)+ 8" #o55&++"- +8" o "'!" 78&6" $'-"% ,%o?)+&o', ,)%o6", o% $'-"% #o'-&+&o')6 ,)%-o'H F-D T8)+ +8" #&%#$5!+)'#"! o 8&! #)!" &'-&#)+" +8" ,%o?)?&6&+. o 6&(8+ & %"6")!"- o' ?)&6H o% F"D T8)+ +8"%" &! $'-$" %&!C +8)+ 8" 5). #o55&+ )'o+8"% #%&5" -$%&'( +8" ,"'-"'#. o +8" ),,")6. T8" ),,"66)+" #o$%+ 5)., motu proprio o% o' 5o+&o' o )'. ,)%+., %"0&"7 +8" %"!o6$+&o' o +8" R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, o' 5o+&o' 'o+&#" +o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+.. 8Crd and Ath 'ars.$ %ec. D$ Rule 44A$ RO)5 c. B)&6 -" &'"-. B)&6 &! +8" !"#$%&+. (&0"' o% +8" %"6")!" o ) ,"%!o' &' #$!+o-. o +8" 6)7, $%'&!8"- ?. 8&5 o% ) ?o'-!5)', +o ($)%)'+"" 8&! ),,")%)'#" ?" o%" )'. #o$%+ )! %"E$&%"- $'-"% +8" #o'-&+&o'! 8"%"&') +"% !,"#& &"-. 84st sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 44A$ RO)5 d. Fo%5! o ?)&6: 45 )or'orate suretyG 65 .ro'erty bondG C5 )ash de'ositG or A5 R"#o('&G)'#". 86nd sentence$ %ec. 4$ Rule 44A$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5

4A=

2A. When may the Court of &ppeals deny bail on a case elevated for review ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A 'erson who a''ealed his conviction o homicide on a murder char!e to the )ourt o A''eals$ may be denied bail by the )ourt o A''eals because he could be convicted o a ca'ital o ense. 8Obosa v. )ourt o A''eals$ 699 %)RA 6>45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 G"'"%)6 %$6": No ?)&6 !8)66 ?" )66o7"- ) +"% ) *$-(5"'+ o #o'0&#+&o' 8)! ?"#o5" &')6. 84st sentence$ %ec. 6A$ Rule 44A$ RO)5 E/#",+&o' 78"' ?)&6 5). ?" (%)'+"- "0"' ) +"% &')6 *$-(5"'+: I ) +"% !$#8 &')6&+., +8" )##$!"- ),,6&"! o% ,%o?)+&o', 8" 5). ?" )66o7"- +"5,o%)%. 6&?"%+. $'-"% 8&! ?)&6. W8"' 'o ?)&6 7)! &6"- o% +8" )##$!"- &! &'#),)?6" o &6&'( o'", +8" #o$%+ 5). )66o7 8&! %"6")!" o' %"#o('&G)'#" +o +8" #$!+o-. o ) %"!,o'!&?6" 5"5?"% o +8" #o55$'&+.. I' 'o #)!" !8)66 ?)&6 ?" )66o7"- ) +"% +8" )##$!"- 8)! #o55"'#"- +o !"%0" !"'+"'#". 8%ec. 6A$ Rule 44A$ RO)5 3B. &ccused Ro#er filed a petition for bail. $he hearin# of the petition was set for May */% /001% but was not heard because the Aud#e was then on leave. )t was reset to Aune 1% /001% but on said date% the Aud#e reset it to Aune 55% /001. $he hearin# did not materiali9e% and a reset was made to Auly /2% /001. )n the meantime% a Aune 50% /001 -rder was issued #rantin# bail based on a mar#inal note dated Aune 55% /001% at the bottom of the bail petition which statedD @4o objectionD(1+%+++.++%@ si#ned and approved by the public prosecutor and the Aud#e. $he Aud#e averred that when the prosecution chose not to oppose the petition for bail% he had the discretion on whether to approve it or not. Did the Aud#e act properly ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. &t is mandatory or a "ud!e to re,uire a hearin! in a 'etition or bail even i the 'rosecution re uses to adduce evidence or ails to inter'ose an ob"ection to the motion or bail. The determination o whether or not the evidence o !uilt is a matter o "udicial discretion and not re'osed u'on the 'rosecutor. &t is thus$ mandatory or the court to conduct a hearin! or ask searchin! ,uestions rom which it may in er the stren!th o the evidence o !uilt$ or the lack o it$ as well as the ade,uacy o the amount o bail. 8Basco v. Eud!e Ra'atalo$ etc.$ A.M. No. RTE*<9*4CCD$ 'rom. March D$ 4<<=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 D$+&"! o +8" +%&)6 *$-(" 78"%" )' ),,6&#)+&o' o% ?)&6 &! &6"-: a. (&0" %")!o')?6" 'o+&#" +o +8" ,%o!"#$+o% o% %"E$&%" 8&5 +o !$?5&+ 8&! %"#o55"'-)+&o'. 8%ec. 4>$ Rule 44A$ RO) 'ara'hrasin! su''lied5 b. )onduct a hearin! o the a''lication or bail re!ardless o whether or not the 'rosecution re uses to 'resent evidence to show that the !uilt o the accused is stron! or the 'ur'ose o enablin! the court to e(ercise its sound discretion 8%ecs. = and >$ supra5 c. Decide whether the evidence o !uilt o the accused is stron! based on the summary o evidence o the 'rosecution. d. & the !uilt o the accused is not stron!$ dischar!e the accused u'on the a''roval o the bailbond. 8%ec. 4<$ supra5 8Basco v. Eud!e Ra'atalo$ etc.$ A.M. No. RTE*<9*4CCD$ 'rom. March D$ 4<<=5 MOTION TO QUASH 11131. What are the #rounds for motion to !uash ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" )##$!"- 5). 5o0" +o E$)!8 +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' o' )'. o +8" o66o7&'( (%o$'-!: F)D T8)+ +8" )#+! #8)%("- -o 'o+ #o'!+&+$+" )' o "'!"H F?D T8)+ +8" #o$%+ +%.&'( +8" #)!" 8)! 'o *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" o "'!" #8)%("-H F#D T8)+ +8" #o$%+ +%.&'( +8" #)!" 8)! 'o *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" ,"%!o' o +8" )##$!"-H F-D T8)+ +8" o &#"% 78o &6"- +8" &' o%5)+&o' 8)- 'o )$+8o%&+. +o -o !oH F"D T8)+ &+ -o"! 'o+ #o' o%5 !$?!+)'+&)66. +o +8" ,%"!#%&?"- o%5H F D T8)+ 5o%" +8)' o'" o "'!" &! #8)%("- "/#",+ 78"' ) !&'(6" ,$'&!85"'+ o% 0)%&o$! o "'!"! &! ,%"!#%&?"- ?. 6)7H F(D T8)+ +8" #%&5&')6 )#+&o' o% 6&)?&6&+. 8)! ?""' "/+&'($&!8"-H

4A>

F8D T8)+ &+ #o'+)&'! )0"%5"'+! 78&#8, & +%$", 7o$6- #o'!+&+$+" ) 6"()6 "/#$!" o% *$!+& &#)+&o'H )'F&D T8)+ +8" )##$!"- 8)! ?""' ,%"0&o$!6. #o'0&#+"- o% &' *"o,)%-. o ?"&'( #o'0&#+"-, o% )#E$&++"- o +8" o "'!" #8)%("-, o% +8" #)!" )()&'!+ 8&5 7)! -&!5&!!"- o% o+8"%7&!" +"%5&')+"- 7&+8o$+ 8&! "/,%"!! #o'!"'+. 8%ec. C$ Rule 44=$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%: A+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" "'+"%&'( 8&! ,6"), +8" )##$!"5). 5o0" +o E$)!8 +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o'. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 44=$ RO)5 & the accused ob"ects to the "urisdiction o the court over his 'erson$ he may move to ,uash the in ormation$ but only on that !round. & the accused raises other !rounds in the motion to ,uash$ he is deemed to have waived that ob"ection and to have submitted his 'erson to the "urisdiction o the court. 8The minor Larrana!a$ etc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4CB9AA$ 'rom. March 4C$ 4<<>5 11132. $he #eneral rule is that failure to move to !uash or to alle#e any #round in a motion to !uash is considered as a waiver of the #round not alle#ed. =Sec. 0% Rule //2% R-C> &re there e ceptions to this #eneral rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ the e(ce'tions are the ollowin!2 8a5 That the acts char!ed do not constitute an o enseG 8b5 That the court tryin! the case has no "urisdiction over the o ense char!edG 8!5 That the criminal action or liability has been e(tin!uishedG 8i5 That the accused has been 'reviously convicted or in "eo'ardy o bein! convicted$ or ac,uitted o the o ense char!ed$ or the case a!ainst him was dismissed or otherwise terminated without his e('ress consent. 8%ec. <$ Rule 44>$ RO)5 32. M). ) -"'&)6 o ) 5o+&o' +o E$)!8 ?" +8" !$?*"#+ o ) !,"#&)6 #&0&6 )#+&o' o certiorari : I 'o+ 5). &+ ?" ),,")6"- : I &+ #o$6- '"&+8"% ?" +8" !$?*"#+ o ) certirorari 'o% ),,")6, 78)+ +8"' &! +8" %"5"-. )0)&6)?6" +o +8" 5o0)'+ : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Certiorari is not the remedy where a motion to dismiss 8,uash5 an in ormation is denied. 8Tan$ Er. v. %andi!anbayan$ 0.R. 46>=9A$ 'rom. Euly 4B$ 4<<>5 REA%ON2 An order denyin! a motion to ,uash is interlocutory and there ore not a''ealable$ nor can it be the sub"ect o a 'etition or certiorari. 8Tan$ Er.$ supra+ 7owever$ the e(traordinary remedy o certiorari can be availed o i the denial o the motion constitutes !rave abuse o discretion. . 8Tan$ Er.supra5 An order denyin! a motion to ,uash may only be reviewed in the ordinary course o law by a''eal rom the "ud!ment a ter trial. The ordinary 'rocedure to be ollowed in that event is to enter a 'lea$ !o to trial$ and i the decision is adverse$ reiterate the issue on a''eal rom the inal "ud!ment. 8Tan$ Er.$ supra5 11133. E plain the concept of double jeopardy ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"' )' )##$!"45 8)! ?""' #o'0&#+"- o% )#E$&++"-, o% 65 +8" #)!" )()&'!+ 8&5 -&!5&!!"- o% o+8"%7&!" +"%5&')+"a5 7&+8o$+ 8&! #o'!"'+ b5 ?. ) #o$%+ o #o5,"+"'+ *$%&!-&#+&o', c5 $,o' ) 0)6&- #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' o% o+8"% o%5)6 #8)%(" !$ &#&"'+ &' o%5 )'- !$?!+)'#" +o !$!+)&' ) #o'0&#+&o' )'C5 ) +"% +8" )##$!"- 8)- ,6")-"- ($&6+. +o +8" #8)%(", A5 +8" #o'0&#+&o' o% )#E$&++)6 o +8" )##$!"- o% +8" -&!5&!!)6 o +8" #)!" !8)66 ?" ) ?)% +o )'o+8"% ,%o!"#$+&o' a5 o% +8" o "'!" #8)%("-, o% b5 o% )'. )++"5,+ +o #o55&+ +8" !)5" o% %$!+%)+&o' +8"%"o , o% c5 o% )'. o "'!" 78&#8 '"#"!!)%&6. &'#6$-"! o% &! '"#"!!)%&6. &'#6$-"- &' +8" o "'!" #8)%("- &' +8" o%5"% #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o'. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. =$ Rule 44=$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

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a. R"E$&!&+"! o% -o$?6" *"o,)%-.: 45 The irst "eo'ardy must have attached 'rior to the second. 65 The irst "eo'ardy must have been validly terminated. C5 The second "eo'ardy must be or the same o ense$ or the second o ense includes or is necessarily included in the o ense char!ed in the irst in ormation$ or is an attem't to commit the same or is a rustration thereo . 8)udia v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44BC4D$ 'rom. Eanuary 49$ 4<<>5 ?. P%oo +8)+ &%!+ *"o,)%-. 8)! )++)#8"-: 45 )ourt o com'etent "urisdictionG 65 Jalid com'laint or in ormationG C5 Arrai!nmentG A5 Jalid 'leaG and D5 The de endant was ac,uitted or convicted or the case was dismissed or otherwise terminated without the e('ress consent o the accused. 8)udia v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44BC4D$ 'rom. Eanuary 49$ 4<<>5 11134. When are the instances where the conviction of the accused shall not be a bar to another prosecution for an offense which necessarily includes the offense char#ed in the former complaint or information ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 F)D +8" (%)0"% o "'!" -"0"6o,"- -$" +o !$,"%0"'&'( )#+! )%&!&'( %o5 +8" !)5" )#+ o% o5&!!&o' #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" o%5"% #8)%("H F?D +8" )#+! #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" (%)0"% #8)%(" ?"#)5" C'o7' o% 7"%" -&!#o0"%"o'6$ ) +"% ) ,6")- 7)! "'+"%"- &' +8" o%5"% #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o'6 o% F#D +8" ,6")- o ($&6+. +o +8" 6"!!"% o "'!" 7)! 5)-" 7&+8o$+ +8" #o'!"'+ o +8" ,%o!"#$+o% )'- o +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. "/#",+ when more than one o ense is char!ed unless a sin!le 'unishment or various o enses is 'rescribed by law$ )! ,%o0&-"- &' !"#+&o' 1 F D o R$6" 119. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. =$ rule 44=$ words not in bold su''lied5

ARRAIGNMENT AND PLEA

11139. What is the concept of invalid improvident plea ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The court must ully dischar!e its duty to conduct the re,uisite searchin! in,uiry in such a way as would indubitably show that the accused had made not only a clear$ de inite and unconditional 'lea$ but that he did so with a well* in ormed understandin! and ull reali-ation o the conse,uences thereo . The bottom line o the rule is that a 'lea must be based on a ree and in ormed "ud!ment$ otherwise it is an im'rovident 'lea which does not meet the re,uirements o the law. 8.eo'le v. Estomaca$ 0.R. Nos. 44=A>D*>9$ 'rom. A'ril 66$ 4<<95 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The ocus o the courtKs in,uiry in order to determine whether the 'lea is im'rovident2 a. The voluntariness o the 'lea$ and b. The ull com'rehension o the conse,uences o the 'lea. 8.eo'le v. Estomaca$ 0.R. Nos. 44=A>D*>9$ 'rom. A'ril 66$ 4<<95 W8)+ +8" #o$%+ 5$!+ -o +o )0o&- )' &'0)6&- &5,%o0&-"'+ ,6"): a. A mere warnin! to the accused that he could 'ossibly ace e(treme retribution in the orm o death or ace a li e sentence in "ail &! 'o+ "'o$(8. b. The trial "ud!e should ascertain and be totally convinced that$ or all intents and 'ur'oses$ the 'lea recorded has all the earmarks o a valid and acce'table con ession u'on which an eventual "ud!ment o conviction can stand. /or instance$ the court may re,uire the accused to ully narrate the incident that s'awned the char!es a!ainst him$ or by makin! him reenact the manner in which he 'er'etrated the crime$ or by causin! him to urnish and e('lain to the court missin! details o si!ni icance. c. The trial court should also be convinced that the accused has not been coerced or 'laced under a state o duress either by actual threats o 'hysical harm comin! rom

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malevolent or aven!in! ,uarters by ascertainin! rom the accused himsel the manner in which he was subse,uently brou!ht into the custody o the law$ or whether he had the assistance o com'etent counsel durin! the custodial and 'reliminary investi!ationsG and ascertainin! rom him the conditions under which he was detained and interro!ated durin! the a oresaid investi!ations. d. The trial court could direct ,uestions at the de ense counsel as to whether or not counsel had con erred with$ and com'letely e('lained to the accused the meanin! o a 'lea and its conse,uences. e. ;uestions relative to the 'ersonality 'ro ile o the accused 8his a!e$ socio* economic status$ educational back!round$ etc.5$ which can serve as a trustworthy inde( o his ca'acity to !ive a ree and in ormed 'lea o !uilt. 8.eo'le v. Estomaca$ 0.R. No. 44=A>D*>9$ 'rom. A'ril 66$ 4<<95 No valid "ud!ment can be rendered u'on an invalid arrai!nment and this includes an im'rovident 'lea. The case should be remanded to the trial court or urther 'roceedin!s. 8.eo'le v. Estomaca$ 0.R. Nos. 44=A>D*>9$ 'rom. A'ril 66$ 4<<95 3;. What is the rule for arrai#nment under Speedy $rial &ct of /001 ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The arrai!nment o the accused shall be held within thirty 8CB5 days rom the ilin! o the in ormation$ or rom the date the accused has a''eared be ore he "ustice$ "ud!e or court in which the char!e is 'endin!$ whichever date last occurs. 84st 'ar.$ R.A. No. >A<C5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Therea ter$ where a 'lea o not !uilty is entered$ the accused shall have at least i teen 84D5 days to 're'are or trial. Trial shall commence within thirty 8CB5 days rom arrai!nment as i(ed by the court. & the accused 'leads not !uilty to the crime char!ed$ heOshe shall state whether heOshe inter'ose a ne!ative or a irmative de ense. A ne!ative de ense shall re,uire the 'rosecution to 'rove the !uilt o the accused beyond reasonable doubt$ while an a irmative de ense may modi y the order o trial and re,uire the accused to 'rove s uch de ense by clear and convincin! evidence. 8last sentence o the 4st 'ar.$ and the 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. =$ R.A. No. >A<C5

PRE-TRIAL
RRR3@. )s pre"trial mandatory in criminal procedure ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. I' )66 #%&5&')6 #)!"! #o('&G)?6" ?. +8" Sandi#anbayan% R"(&o')6 T%&)6 Co$%+, M"+%o,o6&+)' T%&)6 Co$%+, M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+ &' C&+&"!, , M$'&#&,)6 T%&)6 Co$%+ )'- M$'&#&,)6 C&%#$&+ T%&)6 Co$%+, +8" #o$%+ !8)66, ) +"% )%%")&('5"'+ )'- 7&+8&' +8&%+. F2BD -).! %o5 +8" -)+" +8" #o$%+ )#E$&%"! *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" ,"%!o' o +8" )##$!"-, $'6"!! ) !8o%+"% ,"%&o- &! ,%o0&-"- o% &' !,"#&)6 6)7! o% #&%#$6)%! o +8" S$,%"5" #o$%+, o%-"% ) ,%"-+%&)6 #o' "%"'#" +o #o'!&-"% +8" o66o7&'(: !8)66 ) +"% )%%)&('5"'+, o%-"% ) ,%"-+%&)6 #o' "%"'#" +o #o'!&-"% +8" o66o7&'(: F)D ,6") ?)%()&'&'(H F?D !+&,$6)+&o' o F)#+!H F#D 5)%C&'( o% &-"'+& &#)+&o' o "0&-"'#" o ,)%+&"!H F-D 7)&0"% o o?*"#+&o'! +o )-5&!!&?&6&+. o "0&-"'#"H F"D 5o-& &#)+&o' o +8" o%-"% o +%&)6 & +8" )##$!"- )-5&+! +8" #8)%(" ?$+ &'+"%,o!"! ) 6)7 $6 -" "'!"H )'F D !$#8 5)++"%! )! 7&66 ,%o5o+" ) )&% )'- "/,"-&+&o$! +%&)6 o +8" #%&5&')6 )'#&0&6 )!,"#+! o +8" #)!". 8%ec. 4$ Rule 44>$ RO)5

T R I A L RIGHTS OF ACCUSED AT THE TRIAL

4D4

3A. :ive some e amples of violation of the ri#ht of the accused to be presumed innocent. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &t is incumbent u'on the 'rosecution durin! the trial$ to 'rove that 'rior to ,uestionin!$ the con essant was warned o his constitutionally 'rotected ri!hts because the 'resum'tion o re!ularity o o icial acts does not a''ly durin! in*custody investi!ation. 8.eo'le v. )amat$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4466696$ 'rom. A'ril 6$ 4<<95 b. The si!natures o the accused on the bo(es and on the 'lastic ba!s are tantamount to uncounselled e(tra"udicial con essions which is not sanctioned by the Bill o Ri!hts and are$ there ore inadmissible as evidence. The act that all o the accused are orei!n nationals does not 'reclude a''lication o the #e(clusionary rule# because the constitutional !uarantee embodied in the Bill o Ri!hts are !iven and e(tends to all 'ersons$ both aliens and citi-ens. 8.eo'le v. +on! )huen Min!$ et al.$ 0.r. Nos. 446>B4*44$ 'rom. A'ril 46$ 4<<95 4B. What is the ri#ht to speedy trial #uaranteed under the Speedy $rial &ct of /001 ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 I +8" )##$!"- &! 'o+ ?%o$(8+ +o +%&)6 7&+8&' +8" +&5" 65&+ %"E$&%"- ?. S"#+&o' 1 F(D, R$6" 119 )'- S"#+&o' 1, )! "/+"'-"- ?. S"#+&o' 9 o +8&! %$6", +8" &' o%5)+&o' 5). ?" -&!5&!!"- o' 5'o+&o' o +8" )##$!"- o' +8" (%o$'- o -"'&)6 o 8&! %&(8+ +o !,""-. +%&)6. T8" )##$!"- !8)66 8)0" +8" ?$%-"' o ,%o0&'( +8" 5o+&o' ?$+ +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' !8)66 8)0" +8" ?$%-"' o (o&'( o%7)%- 7&+8 +8" "0&-"'#" +o "!+)?6&!8 +8" "/#6$!&o' o +&5" $'-"% !"#+&o' 2 o +8&! %$6". T8" -&!5&!!)6 !8)66 ?" !&*"#+ +o +8" %$6"! o' -o$?6" *"o,)%-.. F)&6$%" o +8" )##$!"- +o 5o0" o% -&!5&!!)6 ,%&o% +o +%&)6 !8)66 #o'!+&+$+" ) 7)&0"% o +8" %&(8+ +o -&!5&!! $'-"% +8&! !"#+&o'. 8%ec. <$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P"%&o- o% )%%)&('5"'+ $'-"% S"#. 1 F(D, R$6" 119. U'6"!! ) !8o%+"% ,"%&o- &! ,%o0&-"- ?. !,"#&)6 6)7 o% S$,%"5" Co$%+ #&%#$6)%, +8" )%%)&('5"'+ !8)66 ?" 8"67&+8&' +8&%+. F2BD -).! %o5 +8" -). +8" #o$%+ )#E$&%"! *$%&!-&#+&o' o0"% +8" ,"%!o' o +8" )##$!"-. T8" +&5" o +8" ,"'-"'#. o ) 5o+&o' o+ E$)!8 o% o% ) ?&66 o ,)%+&#$6)%! o% o+8"% #)$!"! *$!+& .&'( +8" !$!,"'!&o' o +8" )%%)&('5"'+ !8)66 ?" "/#6$-"- &' #o5,$+&'( +8" ,"%&o-. b. Co55"'#"5"'+ o +%&)6 $'-"% S"#+&o' 1, R$6" 11A. A +"% ) ,6") o 'o+ ($&6+. &! "'+"%"-, +8" )##$!"- !8)66 8)0" )+ 6")!+ & +""' F14D -).! +o ,%",)%" o% +%&)6. T8" +%&)6 !8)66 #o55"'#" 7&+8&' +8%&+. F2BD -).! %o5 %"#"&,+ o +8" ,%"-+%&)6 o%-"%. c. E/+"'-"- +&5" $'-"% S"#. 9, R$6" 11A. The time limit rom arrai!nment to trial is as ollows2 /irst twelve*calendar month 'eriod a ter %e'tember 4D$ 4<<> or until %e'tember 49$ 4<<< S 4>B daysG %econd twelve*calendar month 'eriod a ter %e'tember 4D$ 4<<> or until %e'tember 49$ 6BBB S 46B daysG and Third twelve*calendar month 'eriod a ter %e'tember 4D$ 4<<> or startin! %e'tember 49$ 6BBB S >B days. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 d. T&5" 6&5&+ o% +%&)62 &n criminal cases involvin! 'ersons char!ed o a crime$ e(ce't those sub"ect to the Rules on %ummary .rocedure$ or where the 'enalty 'rescribed by law does not e(ceed si( 895 months im'risonment$ or a ine o One thousand 'esos 8.4$BBB.BB5 or both$ irres'ective o other im'osable 'enalties$ the "ustice or "ud!e shall$ a ter consultation with the 'ublic 'rosecutor and the co unsel or the accused$ set the case or continuous trial on a weekly or other short*term trial calendar at the earlies 'ossible time so as to ensure s'eedy trial. 8%ec. 9$ R.A. No. >A<C5 I' 'o #)!" !8)66 +8" "'+&%" +%&)6 ,"%&o- "/#""- o'" 8$'-%"- "&(8+. F1@BD -).! %o5 +8" &%!+ -). o +%&)6, "/#",+ )! o+8"%7&!" )$+8o%&G"- ?. +8" S$,%"5" Co$%+. 8last sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. 6$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 41. :ive some e amples where the ri#ht to counsel was violated. %100E%TED AN%+ER2

4D6

a. Even i the con ession o the accused is !os'el truth$ i it was made without the assistance o counsel$ it is inadmissible in evidence re!ardless o the absence o coercion$ or even it had been voluntarily !iven. 8.eo'le v. )amat$ et al$. 0.R. No. 446696$ 'rom. A'ril 6$ 4<<95 This re ers to custodial investi!ation only. b. Accused who was a orei!n national was e ectively denied his ri!ht to counsel$ as he was 'rovided with one he could not understand and communicate with concernin! his de ense. 7e was likewise denied his ri!ht to com'ulsory 'rocess to !uarantee the availability o witness and the 'roduction o evidence on his own behal $ includin! the services o a ,uali ied and com'etent inter'reter to enable him to 'resent his testimony. 8.eo'le v. )uison$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<6>=$ 'rom. A'ril 4>$ 4<<95 42. ;anie was char#ed by Elenita% )melda and Rosamar with lar#e scale ille#al recruitment in the Re#ional $rial Court. -nly Elenita testified in court as )melda and Rosamar were then abroad. )n lieu of the testimonies of the absent complainants the prosecution presented as witnesses% )melda8s mother% ;ilia and Rosamar8s sister% Fictoria. ;anie was convicted by the R$C of lar#e scale ille#al recruitment by adoptin# a previous decision of the Metropolitan $rial Court where ;anie was convicted of estafa involvin# the same circumstances upon complaint of )melda and Rosamar. Was the conviction proper ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No. Lanie was de'rived o her constitutional ri!ht to con ront witnesses a!ainst her. A 'revious decision or "ud!ment$ while admissible in evidence$ may only 'rove that an accused was 'reviously convicted o a crime. &t may not be used to 'rove that the accused is !uilty o a crime char!ed in a subse,uent case$ in lieu o the re,uisite evidence 'rovin! the commission o the crime$ as said 'revious decision is hearsay. Every conviction must be based on the indin!s o act made by a trial court accordin! to its a''reciation o the evidence be ore it. A conviction may not be based merely on the indin!s o act o another court$ es'ecially where what is 'resented is only its decision without the transcri't o the testimony o the witnesses who testi ied therein and u'on which the decision is based. 8.eo'le v. Orti-*Miyake$ 0.R. No. 44DCC>*C<$ 'rom. %e'tember 49$ 4<<=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 .ur'ose o the ri!ht to con ront witnesses2 a. To secure the o''ortunity o cross*e(aminationG and b. To allow the "ud!e to observe the de'ortment and a''earance o the witness while testi yin!. 8.eo'le v. Orti-*Miyake$ 0.R. No. 44DCC>*C<$ 'rom. %e'tember 49$ 4<<=5 32. What are the re!uisites for a trial &' )?!"'+&) : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The accused was already arrai!nedG b. 7e was 'ro'erly noti ied o the date o trial c. 7e ailed to a''ear without any "usti iable reason. 8%ec. 4A ?6@$ Art. &&&$ 4<>= )onstitution5

CONSOLIDATION DISCHARGE OF ACCUSED FOR USE AS STATE WITNESS

111 43. What are the re!uisites for the dischar#e of an accused to be a state witness ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"' +7o o% 5o%" ,"%!o'! )%" *o&'+6. #8)%("- 7&+8 +8" #o55&!!&o' o )'. o "'!", $,o' 5o+&o' o +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' ?" o%" %"!+&'( &+! #)!", +8" #o$%+ 5). -&%"#+ o'" o% 5o%" o +8" )##$!"- +o ?" -&!#8)%("- 7&+8 +8"&% #o'!"'+ !o +8)+ +8". 5). ?" 7&+'"!!"! o% +8" !+)+" 78"' ) +"% %"E$&%&'( +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' +o ,%"!"'+ "0&-"'#" )'- +8" !7o%' !+)+"5"'+! o ")#8 ,%o,o!"- !+)+" 7&+'"!! )+ ) 8")%&'( &'!$,,o%+ o +8" -&!#8)%(", +8" #o$%+ &! !)+&! &"- +8)+: F)D T8"%" &! )?!o6$+" '"#"!!&+. o% +8" +"!+&5o'. o +8" )##$!"- 78o!" -&!#8)%(" &! %"E$"!+"-H

4DC

F?D T8"%" &! 'o o+8"% -&%"#+ "0&-"'#" )0)&6)?6" o% +8" ,%o,"% ,%o!"#$+&o' o +8" o "'!" #o55&++"-, "/#",+ +8" +"!+&5o'. o !)&- )##$!"-H F#D T8" +"!+&5o'. o !)&- )##$!"- #)' ?" !&?!+)'+&)66. #o%%o?o%)+"- &' &+! 5)+"%&)6 ,o&'+!H F-D S)&- )##$!"- -o"! 'o+ ),,")% +o ?" +8" 5o!+ ($&6+.H )'F"D S)&- )##$!"- 8)! 'o+ )+ )'. +&5" ?"' #o'0&#+"- o )'. o "'!" &'0o60&'( 5o%)6 +$%,&+$-". 84st 'ar.$ %ec. <$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T%")+5"'+ o "0&-"'#" )--$#"- &' !$,,o%+ o -&!#8)%(". E0&-"'#" )--$#"&' !$,,o%+ o +8" -&!#8)%(" !8)66 )$+o5)+&#)66. o%5 ,)%+ o +8" +%&)6. 84st sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. 4=$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 b. E "#+ o #o$%+ -"'&)6 o 5o+&o' o% -&!#8)%(". I +8" #o$%+ -"'&"! +8" 5o+&o' o% -&!#8)%(" o +8" )##$!"- )! !+)+" 7&+'"!!, 8&! !o7%' !+)+"5"'+ !8)66 ?" &')-5&!!&?6" &' "0&-"'#". 86nd sentence$ 6nd 'ar.$ %ec. 4=$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 RRR c. E "#+ o o%-"% -&!#8)%(&'( )' )##$!"- +o ?" ) !+)+" 7&+'"!!. The order dischar!in! an accused to a state witness 45 !8)66 )5o$'+ +o )' )#E$&++)6 o +8" -&!#8)%("- )##$!"- )'65 !8)66 ?" ) ?)% +o $+$%" ,%o!"#+&o' o% +8" !)5" o "'!", C5 $'6"!! +8" )##$!"- )&6! o% %" $!"! +o +"!+& . )()&'!+ 8&! #o-)##$!"- &' )##o%-o)'#" 7&+8 &! !7o%' !+)+"5"'+ #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" ?)!&! o% 8&! -&!#8)%(". 8%ec. 4>$ Rule 44<$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5

E>CLUSION OF PUBLIC AFTER TRIAL JUDGMENT MOTION FOR =UDGMENT ON DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE
11144. When may a court render jud#ment on demurrer to evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A +"% +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' 8)! %"!+"- &+! #)!", +8" #o$%+ 5). -&!5&!! +8" #)!" o' +8" (%o$'- o &'!$ &#&"'#. o "0&-"'#" F1D o' &+! o7' &'&+&)+&0" ) +"% (&0&'( +8" ,%o!"#$+&o' )' o,,o%+$'&+. +o ?" 8")%-H o% F2D $,o' -"5$%%"% +o "0&-"'#" &6"- ?. +8" )#$!"- &6"- 7&+8 o% 7&+8o$+ 6")0" o #o$%+. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 46C$ Rule 44<$ RO) arran!ement su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E "#+! o -"'&)6 o -"5$%%"% +o "0&-"'#". I +8" #o$%+ -"'&"! +8" -"5$%%"% +o "0&-"'#" &6"- 7&+8 6")0" o #o$%+, +8" )##$!"- 5). )--$#" "0&-"'#" &' 8&! -" "'!". +8"' +8" -"5$%%"% +o "0&-"'#" &! &6"- 7&+8o$+ 6")0" o #o$%+, +8" )##$!"- 7)&0"! +8" %&(8+ +o ,%"!"'+ "0&-"'#" )'- !$?5&+! +8" #)!" o% *$-(5"'+ o' +8" ?)!&! o +8" "0&-"'#" o% +8" ,%o!"#$+&o'.$86nd 'ar.$ %ec. 6C$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 T8" o%-"% -"'.&'( +8" 5o+&o' o% 6")0" o #o$%+ +o &6" -"5$%%"% +o "0&-"'#" o% +8" -"5$%%"% &+!"6 !8)66 'o+ ?" %"0&")?6" ?. ),,")6 o% ?. #"%+&o%)%& ?" o%" *$-(5"'+. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 6C$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 111 b. I'!+)'#" 78"%" +8" %$6"! o' 7)&0"% o %&(8+ +o ,%"!"'+ "0&-"'#" !$!,"'-"- 2 The accused were convicted o murder without 'resentin! evidence because their lawyer iled leave to ile a motion or "ud!ment on demurrer to evidence$ but at the same time e('ressly waivin! the ri!ht to 'resent evidence. The %u'reme )ourt set aside the conviction and remanded the case to the lower court or its 'ro'er dis'osition. The )ourt ruled that the court should have been 'ut on !uard that the counsel may not entirely com'rehend the conse,uences o the waiver and should have e(ercised 'rudence by warnin! him about the 're"udicial e ects o the waiver. There is thus$ doubt as to the voluntariness o the waiver and ull com'rehension o the e ects o the waiver. 8.eo'le v. /lores$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B9D>4$ 'rom. March C$ 4<<=5

=UDGMENT

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49. May an accused be convicted upon a duplicitous information =one which char#eds more than one crime> ? E plain briefly% %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. W8"' +7o o% 5o%" o "'!"! )%" #8)%("- &' ) !&'(6" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' b. ?$+ +8" )##$!"- )&6! +o o?*"#+ +o &+ ?" o%" +%&)6, c. +8" )##$!"- 5). #o'0&#+ 8&5 o )! 5)'. o "'!"! )! )%" #8)%("- )'- ,%o0"-, )'- &5,o!" o' 8&5 +8" ,"')6+. o% ")#8 o "'!", !"++&'( o$+ !",)%)+"6. +8" &'-&'(! o )#+ )'- 6)7 &' ")#8 o "'!". 8%ec. C$ Rule 46B$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 4;. <ow should a court render jud#ment in a criminal case where there is a variance between the alle#ations in the complaint or information and the evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 W8"%" +8"%" &! ) ) 0)%&)'#" ?"+7""' +8" o "'!" #8)%("- )'- +8)+ ,%o0"-, )'a. +8" o "'!" #8)%("- &! &'#6$-"- &' o% '"#"!!)%&6. &'#6$-"! +8" o "'!" ,%o0"-, b. +8" )##$!"- !8)66 ?" #o'0&#+"- o 45 +8" o "'!" ,%o0"- 78&#8 &! &'#6$-"- &' +8" o "'!" #8)%("-, o% o 65 +8" o "'!" #8)%("- 78&#8 &! &'#6$-"- &' +8" o "'!" ,%o0"-. 8%ec. A$ rule 46B$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 4@. When does an offense include or is included in another ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A' o "'!" #8)%("- '"#"!!)%&6. &'#6$-"! +8" o "'!" ,%o0"- 78"' !o5" o +8" "!!"'+&)6 "6"5"'+! o% &'(%"-&"'+! o +8" o%5"%, )! )66"("- &' +8" #o5,6)&'+ o% &' o%5)+&o' #o'!+&+$+" +8" 6)++"%. A'- )' o "'!" #8)%("- &! '"#"!!)%&6. &'#6$-"- &' +8" o "'!" ,%o0"-, 78"' +8" "!!"'+&)6 &'(%"-&"'+! o +8" o%5"% #o'!+&+$+" o% o%5 ,)%+ o +8o!" #o'!+&+$+&'( +8" 6)++"%. 8%ec. D$ Rule 46B$ RO) arran!ement su''lied5 4A. May a court reopen a jud#ment of conviction ? )f not why not ? )f so% how may the jud#ment be reopened ? E plain your answers briefly% %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes$ a court may reo'en a "ud!ment o conviction. a. A+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" &')6&+. o +8" *$-(5"'+ o #o'0&#+&o', b. +8" *$-(" 5)., motu proprio, o% $,o' 5o+&o', c. 7&+8 8")%&'( &' "&+8"% #)!", d. %"o,"' +8" ,%o#""-&'(! +o )0o&- ) 5&!#)%%&)(" o *$!+&#". T8" ,%o#""-&'( !8)66 ?" +"%5&')+"- 7&+8&' +8&%+. F2BD -).! %o5 +8" o%-"% (%)'+&'( &+. 8%ec. 6A$ Rule 44<$ RO) numberin! and arran!ement su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Do not con use reo'enin! o a "ud!ment o conviction with modi ication o a "ud!ment o conviction. A *$-(5"'+ o #o'0&#+&o' 5)., $,o' 5o+&o' o +8" )##$!"-, ?" 5o-& &"- o% !"+ )!&-" ?" o%" &+ ?"#o5"! &')6 o% ?" o%" ),,")6 &! ,"% "#+"-. 84st sentence$ %ec. =$ Rule 46B$ RO)5

NEW TRIAL OR RECONSIDERATION

9B. May the convicted accused file a motion for new trial ? )f so upon what #rounds ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. A+ )'. +&5" ?" o%" ) *$-(5"'+ o #o'0&#+&o' ?"#o5"! &')6, +8" #o$%+ 5)., o' 5o+&o' o +8" )##$!"-, o% o' &+! o7' &'!+)'#", ?$+ 7&+8 +8" #o'!"'+ o +8" )##$!-, (%)'+ ) '"7 +%&)6 o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o'. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 464$ RO)5 T8" #o$%+ !8)66 (%)'+ ) '"7 +%&)6 o' )'. o +8" o66o7&'( (%o$'-!: F)D T8)+ "%%o%! o 6)7 o% &%%"($6)%&+&"! ,%"*$-&#&)6 +o +8" !$?!+)'+&)6 %&(8+! o +8" )##$!"- 8)0" ?""' #o5&++"- -$%&'( +8" +%&)6H F?D T8)+ '"7 )'- 5)+"%&)6 "0&-"'#" 8)! ?""' -&!#o0"%"- 78&#8 +8" )##$!"#o$6- 'o+ 7&+8 %")!o')?6" -&6&("'#" 8)0" -&!#o0"%"- )'- ,%o-$#"- )+ +8" +%&)6, )'-

4DD

78&#8 & &'+%o-$#"- )'- )-5&++"-, 7o$6- ,%o?)?6. #8)'(" +8" *$-(5"'+ . 8%ec. 6$ Rule 464$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 T8" #o$%+ !8)66 (%)'+ %"#o'!&-"%)+&o' o' +8" (%o$'- o "%%o%! o 6)7 o% )#+ &' +8" *$-(5"'+, 78&#8 %"E$&%"! 'o $%+8"% ,%o#""-&'(!. 8%ec. C$ Rule 464$ RO)5 91. Discuss briefly but comprehensively the effects of #rantin# a new trial or reconsideration. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 T8" " "#+! o (%)'+&'( ) '"7 +%&)6 o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o' )%" +8" o66o7&'(: F)D W8"' ) '"7 +%&)6 &! (%)'+"- o' +8" (%o$'- o "%%o! o 6)7 o% &%%"($6)%&+&"! #o55&++"- -$%&'( +8" +%&)6, )66 +8" ,%o#""-&'(! )'- "0&-"'#" ) "#+"- +8"%"?. !8)66 ?" !"+ )!&-" )'- +)C"' )'"7. T8" #o$%+ 5)., &' +8" &'+"%"!+ o *$!+&#", )66o7 +8" &'+%o-$#+&o' o )--&+&o')6 "0&-"'#". F?D W8"' ) '"7 +%&)6 &! (%)'+"- o' +8" (%o$'- o '"76.--&!#o0"%"- "0&-"'#", +8" "0&-"'#" )6%")-. )--$#"- !8)66 !+)'- )'- +8" '"76.--&!#o0"%"- )'- !$#8 o+8"% "0&-"'#" )! +8" #o$%+ 5)., &' +8" &'+"%"!+ o *$!+&#", )66o7 +o ?" &'+%o-$#"- !8)66 ?" +)C"' )'- #o'!&-"%"- +o("+8"% 7&+8 +8" "0&-"'#" )6%")-. &' +8" %"#o%-. F#D I' )66 #)!"!,, 78"' +8" #o$%+ (%)'+! '"7 +%&)6 o% %"#o'!&-"%)+&o', +8" o%&(&')6 *$-(5"'+ !8)66 ?" !"+ )!&-" o% 0)#)+"- )'- ) '"7 *$-(5"'+ %"'-"%"- )##o%-&'(6.. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 464$ RO)5

A P P E A L
92. What is the nature of the ri#ht to appeal ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Althou!h the ri!ht to a''eal is a statutory and not a natural ri!ht$ it is an essential 'art o the "udicial system and courts should 'roceed with caution so as not to de'rive a 'arty o this 'rero!ative$ but instead a ord every 'arty*liti!ant the am'lest o''ortunity or the 'ro'er and "ust dis'osition o his cause ree rom the consraints o technicalities. 8Moslares v. Third Division$ )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=AA$ 'rom. Eune 69$ 4<<>5 92. &n accused escaped from detention% tried in absentia% was deemed to have waived his ri#ht to appeal =Mapalao% /02 SCR& 20> while another who was absent durin# the promul#ation was considered as not havin# lost his ri#ht to appeal. =Moslares% prom. Aune 5C% /001>. Distin#uish between the two. %100E%ED AN%+ER2 &n Ma'alao$ the accused esca'ed rom detention and trial in absentia continued a!ainst him. 7e remained at lar!e even at the time o the 'romul!ation o "ud!ment$ and thus$ was to have waived his ri!ht to a''eal. &n Moslares$ the accused was not a u!itive rom "ustice. 7e has been seekin! redress under the law as he has iled various 'leadin!s and motions with the courts. There ore$ he cannot be considered as one who has lost his standin! in court and thus$ cannot be de'rived o his ri!ht to seek "udicial relie . 8Moslares v. Third Diivisions$ )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46<=AA$ 'rom. Eune 69$ 4<<>5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Mere absence o the accused$ des'ite due notice to him and his bondsman or counsel$ durin! the 'romul!ation o the sentence is not considered a waiver o ri!ht to a''eal. I +8" *$-(5"'+ &! o% #o'0&#+&o' )'- +8" )&6$%" o +8" )##$!"- +o ),,")% 7)! 7&+8o$+ *$!+& &)?6" #)$!", 8" !8)66 6o!" +8" %"5"-&"! )0)&6)?6" &' +8"!" %$6"! )()&'!+ +8" *$-(5"'+ )'- +8" #o$%+ !8)66 o%-"% 8&! )%%"!+. W&+8&' & +""' F14D -).! %o5 ,%o5$6()+&o' o 8*$-(5"'+, 8o7"0"%, +8" )##$!"- 5). !$%%"'-"% )'- &6" ) 5o+&o' o% 6")0" o #o$%+ +o )0)&6 o +8"!" %"5"-&"!. 8" !8)66 !+)" +8" %")!o'! o% 8&! )?o!"'#" )+ +8" !#8"-$6"- ,%o5$6()+&o' )'- & 8" ,%o0"! +8)+ 8&! )?!"'#" 7)! o% ) *$-+& &)?6" #)$!", 8" !8)66 ?" )66o7"- +o )0)&6 o !)&- %"5"-&"! 7&+8&' & +""' F14D -).! %o5 'o+&#". 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 9$ Rule 46B$ RO)5

4D9

The %u'reme )ourt must still review the death 'enalty des'ite the convictKs esca'e. Reason2 Li e is too valuable to be !iven away "ust because the convict esca'ed. F.eo'le v. Es'ar!as$ 69B %)RA DC<5 93. What is the effect of appeal by several accused ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 F)D A' ),,")6 +)C"' ?. o'" o% 5o%" o !"0"%)6 )##$!"- !8)66 'o+ ) "#+ +8o!" 78o -&- 'o+ ),,")6, "/#",+ &'!o )% )! +8" *$-(5"'+ o +8" ),,"66)+" #o$%+ &! )0o%)?6" )'- ),,6&#)?6" +o +8" 6)++"%. F?D T8" ),,")6 o +8" o "'-"- ,)%+. %o5 +8" #&0&6 )!,"#+ !8)66 'o+ ) "#+ +8" #%&5&')6 )!,"#+ o +8" *$-(5"'+ o% o%-"% ),,")6"- %o5. F#D U,o' ,"% "#+&o' o +8" ),,")6, +8" "/"#$+&o' o +8" *$-(5"'+ o% o%-"% ),,")6"- %o5 !8)66 ?" !+)."- )! +o +8" ),,")6&'( ,)%+.. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 466$ RO)5

EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE IN GENERAL
1. What are the facts that do not need introduction of evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. /acts which a court shall or may take "udicial notice. 8%ecs. 4 and 6$ Rule 46<$ RO)5 b. Eudicial admissions. 8%ec. A$ Rule 46<$ RO)5 c. /acts which may be 'resumed rom 'roven acts. =UDICIAL NOTICE 1112. Distin#uish mandatory judicial notice from discretionary judicial notice. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. /or mandatory "udicial notice the court is com'elled to take "udicial notice because o the use o the word #shall# in %ec. 4$ Rule 46<$ RO) +7&LE or discretionary "udicial notice the court is not com'elled because o the use o the word #may# in %ec. 6$ Rule 46<$ RO). b. Mandatory "udicial notice takes 'lace at the court:s own initiative +7&LE discretionary "udicial notice may take 'lace at the court:s initiative$ or on re,uest o a 'arty. c. Discretionary "udicial notice re,uires a hearin! and 'resentation o evidence +7&LE mandatory "udicial notice does not re,uire hearin! and 'resentation o evidence. 2. )s there judicial notice of forei#n laws ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n !eneral$ courts may not take "udicial notice o orei!n laws$ EU)E.T in a ew instances where$ in the e(ercise o sound discretion$ they may take "udicial notice o such orei!n laws o which they are evidently amiliar. 8Del!ado v. Re'ublic$ L*6DA9$ Eanuary 6>$ 4<DBG .ardo v. Re'ublic$ >D .hil. C6C5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. W8"' o%"&(' 6)7! 5). ?" +8" !$?*"#+ o *$-&#&)6 'o+&#". a. +hen the local court is evidently amiliar with the orei!n law. b. +hen the orei!n law re ers to the law o nations. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 46<$ RO)5 c. +hen the court takes "udicial notice o a 'ublished treatise$ 'eriodical or 'am'hlet on a sub"ect o law as a learned treartise. 8%ec. A9$ Rule 4CB$ Ibid.5 d. +hen the orei!n statute is ace'ted by the .hili''ine !overnemnt. 8Re'ublic v. 0uan-on$ 94 %)RA C9B5

4D=

e. +hen a orei!n "ud!men containin! orei!n law is reco!ni-ed or en orcement. 8%ec. A>$ Rule C<$ RO)5 . & the orei!n law re ers to common law doctrines and rules rom which many o our laws were derived. 8Al-ua v. Eohnson$ 64 .hil. CB>5 1113. )s evidence obtained from ille#al search and sei9ure admissible ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Any evidence in violation o %ection 6$ Article &&&$ shall be inadmissible or any 'ur'ose in any 'roceedin!. ?%ec. C 865$ Article &&&$ 4<>= )onstitution5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The ri!ht o the 'eo'le to be secure in their 'ersons$ houses$ 'a'ers and e ects a!ainst unreasonable searches and sei-ures o whatever nature and or any 'ur'ose shall be inviolable$ abnd no search warrant or warant o arrest shall issue e(ce't u'on 'robable cause to be determined by the "ud!e a ter e(amination under oath or a irmation o the com'lainant and the witnesses he may 'roduce$ and 'articularly describin! the 'lace to be searched and he 'esons or thin!s to be sei-ed. 8%ec. 6$ Article &&&$ 4<>= )onstitution5 1114. E plain the ri#ht a#ainst self"incrimination. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 No 'erson shall be com'elled to be a witness a!ainst himsel . 8%ec. 4=$ Article &&&$ 4<>= )onstitution5 This ri!ht is reco!ni-ed under he Rules on Evidence$ which 'rovides that$ it is the ri!ht o a witness not to !ive an answer which will tend to sub"ect him to a 'enalty or an o ense unless otherwise 'rovided by law. ?%ec. C 8A5$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The human body could be used as evidence without violatin! the ri!ht. Mechanical acts without the use o intelli!ence do not all within the sco'e o the 'rotection. %ome o the acts which are not covered by the ri!ht o sel * incrimination are the ollowin!2 a. /in!er'rintin!$ 'hoto!ra'hin! nd 'ara in testin!$ 'hysical e(amination. 81.%. v. Tan!$ 6C .hil. 4ADZ5 b. .hysical e(amination o a woman accused o adultery to determine i she is 're!nant. 81.%. v. On %uy 7on$ C9 .hil. =CDG Jilla lor v. %ummers$ A4 .hil. 965 c. 1nder!oin! ultra*violet rays e(amination to determine 'resence o lourescent 'owder on the hands. 8.eo'le v. Tranca$ CD %)RA ADD5 d. %ub'oena directin! !overnment o icials to 'roduce o icial documents or 'ublic records in their custody. e. /ittin! the accused oot over a oot 'rint$ 'uttin! on a 'air o trousers$ etc.

OBJECT EVIDENCE
9. &re photo#raphs admissible as evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 .hoto!ra'hs may be admissible u'on 'roo o their e(actness and accuracy by the 'hoto!ra'her himsel who can testi y o his 'ersonal knowled!e o the correctness o the re'resentation. 8Tan &t v. %un &nsurance O ice$ D4 .hil. 6465 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. P8o+o(%),8!. The 'hoto!ra'her is not the only witness who can identi y the 'ictures. The aith ul r'resentation o the 'hotio!ra'h may be 'roved prima facie by the testimony o those who were 'resent at the time it was taken$ or by any other com'etent witness who can testi y as to its e(actness and accuracy. Once 'roved$ the court may admit it sub"ect to im'eachment as to its accuracy. The value o a 'hoto!ra'h lies in its bein! a correcrt re'resentation or re'roduction o the ori!inal$ and its admissibility is determined by its accuracy in 'rotrayin! the scene at the time the 'icture was taken. 8%ison v. .eo'le$ 6DB %)RA D>$ =D*=95 .hotoco'ies or (ero( co'ies o si!ned documents are not du'licate ori!inals because thy are not si!ned. 8Mahilum v. )ourt o A''eals$ 4= %)RA A>65

4D>

b. T%")+5"'+ o #o5,$+"% ,%&'+o$+!. & the data are stored in a com'uter or similar device$ any 'rintout or other out'ut readable by si!ht$ shown to re lect the data accurately$ is an ori!inal. 8Evidence )ode o )ali ornia$ Added by %tats. 4<==$ %ec. 45 &n a labor case$ &BM .hili''ines$ &nc.$ et al.$ v. NLR)$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44=664$ 'rom. A'ril 4C$ 4<<<$ the %u'reme )ourt held that com'uter 'rintouts which were not si!ned because they are unsi!ned. The )ourt went on urther to say that its decisions$ while adherin! to a liberal view in the conduct o 'roceedin!s be ore administrative a!encies$ have nonetheless consistently re,uired some 'roo o authenticity or reliability as condition or the admission o documents. Not one o the 4> 'rint*out co'ies submitted by &BM was ever si!ned$ either by the sender or the receiver. There is thus no !uarantee that the messa!e sent was the same messa!e received. Neither were the 'rint*outs certi ied or authenticated by any com'any o icial who could 'ro'erly attest that these came rom &BMKs com'uter system or that the data stored in the system were not andOor could not haved been tam'ered with be ore the same were 'rinted out.

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE BEST EVIDENCE RULE

111;. What is the best evidence rule and how is it applied to documents ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 & $ 'ossible$ the best evidence which the nature o the case is susce'tible shall always be re,uired$ i not available$ then the best evidence that can be had shall be allowed. 8Lneedler v. .aterno$ >D .hil. 4>CG 6B Am. Eur. C9A5 +hen the sub"ect o in,uiry is the contents o a document no evidence shall be admissible other than the ori!inal itsel . 8%ec. C$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R")!o' o% %$6": The reason or the best evidence rule is to 'revent raud. 8An!lo*American$ etc.$ v. )annon$ C4 /ed. C4A5. The best evidence rule is a misnomer because it merely re,uires the best evidence that is available$ and i not available$ secondary evidence shall be allowed. b. A,,6&#)+&o' o ?"!+ "0&-"'#" %$6": The best evidence rule a''lies only to contents o a writin!$ when those contents are the acts in issue$ and not to its e(ecution which may be 'roved by 'arol testimony or e(trinsic 'a'ers. 87ernae- v. Mc!arth$ <B .hil. D9D5 c. Do#$5"'+! -" &'"-. Documents as evidence consist o writin!s or any material containin! letters$ words$ numbers$ i!ures$ symbols or other modes o written e('ression o ered as 'roo o their contents. 8%ec. 6$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 d. T8" -& "%"'+ %$6"! o' )-5&!!&?&6&+. o -o#$5"'+)%. "0&-"'#" )%" +8": 45 Best evidence ruleG 65 Rules or admission o secondary evidenceG C5 .arol evidence ruleG and A5 Rules on inter'retation o documents. 111@. What are the e ceptions to the best evidence rule or instances where the ori#inal need not be presented or instances where secondary evidence is admissible ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. +hen the ori!inal has been lost or destroyed$ or cannot be 'roduced in court$ without bad aith on the 'art o the o erorG b. +hen the ori!inal is in the custody or under the control o the 'arty a!ainst whom the evidence is o ered$ and the latter ails to 'roduce it a ter reasonable noticeG c. +hen the ori!inal consists o numerous accounts or other documents which cannot be e(amined in court without !reat loss o time and he act sou!ht to be established rom them is only the !eneral results o the wholeG and

4D<

d. +hen the ori!inal is a 'ublic record in the custody o a 'ublic o icer or is recorded in a 'ublic o ice. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4CB$ RO) rearran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. P%o#"-$%" o% o%-"% o ,%oo $!&'( !"#o'-)%. "0&-"'#": 45 .roo o e(ecutionG 65 .roo o loss or unavailabilityG 65 .roo o contents. 8+i!more$ %ec. 44><5 111b. .rocedure or 'rovin! contents o writin! where ori!inal document is not available or 8o7 !"#o'-)%. "0&-"'#" &! ,%"!"'+"- 78"%" o%&(&')6 -o#$5"'+ &! 'o+ )0)&6)?6". 45 +hen the ori!inal document a5 has been lost or b5 destroyed$ or c5 cannot be 'roduced in court$ 65 the o eror$ a5 u'on 'roo 845 o its e(ecution or e(istence 865 and the cause o its unavailability 8C5 without bad aith on its 'art$ b5 may 'rove its contents 845 by a co'y$ or 865 by recital o its contents in some authentic document$ or 8C5 by the testimony o witnesses 8A5 in the order stated. 8%ec. D$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 111c. .rocedure or 'rovin! contents o writin! where ori!inal documents is in the adverse 'artyKs 'ossession or control or 8o7 !"#o'-)%. "0&-"'#" &! ,%"!"'+"- 78"%" o%&(&')6 &! &' +8" #$!+o-. o% #o'+%o6 o +8" )-0"%!" ,)%+.. 45 & the document is 65 in the custody or under the control C5 o the adverse 'arty$ a5 he must have reasonable notice b5 to 'roduce it. A5 & a ter such notice and a5 a ter satis actory 'roo o its e(istence$ b5 he ails to 'roduce the document$ D5 secondary evidence may be 'resented 95 as in the case o its loss. 8%ec. 9$ Rule 4CB$ RO) rearra!ement and numberin! su''lied5 111 d. .rocedure or 'rovin! the contents o o%&(&')6 &' +8" #$!+o-. o ) ,$?6&# o &#"%: 45 +hen the ori!inal o a document 65 is in the custody o a 'ublic o icer or C5 is recorded in a 'ublic o ice A5 its contents may be 'roved a5 by a certi ied co'y b5 issued by the 'ublic o icer c5 in custody thereo . 8%ec. =$ Rule 4CB$ RO) rearran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

PAROL EVIDENCE RULE

111A. What is meant by parol evidence and what is the rule re#ardin# this concept ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 .arol evidence is oral or verbal testimony o a witness. &t is also known as e(trinsic evidence or evidence aliunde.

49B

+hen the terms o an a!reement have been reduced to writin!$ it is considered as containin! all the terms a!reed u'on and there can be between the 'arties and their successors in interest no evidence o such terms other than the contents o the written a!reement. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. <$ Rule 4CB$ RO) rearran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. N)+$%" o ,)%o6 "0&-"'#" %$6"2 &t is not a rule o evidence but o substantive law. &t is 'art o the law o contracts$ the law o ne!otiable instruments$ and the law o wills. &t is ounded u'on the substantive ri!hts o the 'arties. &t was made 'art o the rules o evidence in order that it may be considered in all its 'hases in one 'lace. 8=B A.L.R. Anno. =D6G Tracy:s 7andbook$ 96 Ed.$ '. <=G 6B Am. Eur. <9C5 b. R")!o'! o% +8" ,)%o6 "0&-"'#" %$6": 45 +hen the 'arties have reduced their a!reement in writin!$ 65 it is 'resumed that they have made the writin! C5 the only re'ository and memorial o the truth$ and A5 whatever is not ound in the writin! must be understood to have been waived or abandoned. 8Jan %ychel v. Dalrym'le$ C6 N. E.$ E;. 6CC5 c. B"!+ "0&-"'#" %$6" -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 ,)%o6 "0&-"'#" %$6": 45 1nder the best evidence rule$ the issue is contents o a writin! 8%ec. C$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 +7&LE under the 'arol evidence rule$ there is no issue as to contents o a writin! 8%ec. <$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5G 65 1nder the best evidence rule$ secondary evidence is o ered to 'rove the contents o a writin!$ which is not allowed unless the case alls under any o the e(ce'tions 8%ec. C$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 +7&LE under the 'arol evidence rule$ the 'ur'ose o the o er o 'arol evidence is to chan!e$ vary$ modi y$ ,uali y$ or contradict the terms o a com'lete written a!reement$ which is not allowed unless the case alls under any o the e(ce'tions. 8%ec. <$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 Only the 'arties and their successors in interest$ and not stran!ers may invoke the 'rotection o the 'arol evidence rule. 8%ec. <$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 1111B. What are the e ceptions to the parol evidence rule or when are the instances when testimonial evidence may be used to prove the terms of a written a#reement ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A 'arty may 'resent evidence to modi y$ e('lain or add to the terms o the written a!reement i he 'uts into issue in his 'leadin!2 a. An intrinsic ambi!uity$ mistake or im'er ection in the written a!reement. b. The ailure o the written a!reement to e('ress the true intent and a!reement o the 'arties thereto. c. The validity o the written a!reement. d. The e(istence o other terms a!reed to by the 'arties or their successors in interest a ter the e(ecution o the written a!reement. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4CB$ RO) rearran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 11111. What is the covera#e of the parol evidence rule and what are the e ceptions to the parol evidence rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Co0"%"-. Only 'rior and contem'oraneous a!reements which are deemed to have been mer!ed in the writin! con ormably to the #inte!ration o the a!reement rule.# 8+oodhouse v. 7alili$ <C .hil. D695 b. No+ #o0"%"-. 45 %ubse,uent a!reements$ notwithstandin! that such a!reements may have the e ect o addin! to$ chan!in!$ modi yin!$ or even alto!ether abro!atin! the contract o the 'arties as evidenced by the writin!. 65 )ollateral a!reements which althou!h oral and contem'oraneous with the writin! are se'arate and distinct a!reements. 8.NB v. %eeto$ <4 .hil. =D95 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

494

a. Co'+"5,o%)'"o$! )(%""5"'+. A contem'oraneous a!reement is one entered into at the same time as the a!reement which has been redued to writin!. b. T"!+! +o -"+"%5&'" 78"+8"% ) #o'+"5,o%)'"o$! o%)6 )(%""5"'+ &! !",)%)+" )'- -&!+&'#+ %o5 +8" 7%&++"' )(%""5"'+ )'- +8"%" o%" ,%o0)?6" ?. ,)%o6 "0&-"'#": 45 The irst test is the sub"ect*matter o the two a!reements. & the sub"ect* matter o the written a!reement is -& "%"'+ rom that o the contem'oraneous oral a!reement$ then the latter is a se'arate and distinct a!reement and$ there ore$ 'rovable by 'arol evidence. 65 & the two a!reements re er to the same sub"ect*matter$ the test is to determine whether or not the contem'oraneous oral a!reement is !",)%)?6"$ then the contem'oraneous oral a!reement is se'arate and distinct and$ there ore$ 'robable by 'arol evidence. 8Lese v. Lam'recht$ 4<9 N.F. C65 c. E/)5,6" o )(%""5"'+ 78&#8 CANNOT ?" ,%o0"' ?. ,)%o6 "0&-"'#" 2 E('ress trusts concernin! real 'ro'erty cannot be 'roven by 'arol evidence because title and 'ossession cannot be de eated by oral evidence which can easily be abricated and contradicted. 8%inaon$ et al.$ v. %oron!on$ et al.$ 4C9 %)RA A4B5 d. E/)5,6"! o #o66)+"%)6 )(%""5"'+! 78&#8 CAN ?" ,%o0"- ?. ,)%o6 "0&-"'#": 45 An a!reement o reconveyance is a distinct a!reement$ se'arate rom the sale itsel $ althou!h the two a!reements are usually contained in one and the same document. 8Laureano v. Lilayco$ CA .hil. 4A>G Faca'in v. Neri$ AB .hil. 945 65 &nducements and re'resentations which led to the e(ecution o an a!reement may be 'roven by 'arol evidence because they do not vary the terms o the a!reement. 8+oodhouse v. 7alili$ <C .hil. D69G Bou!h v. )antiveros$ AB .hil. 6B<5 C5 .arol evidence is admissible to 'rove an inde'endent and collateral a!reement which constitutes an inducement to the makin! o the sale or 'art o the consideration thereo . 8Robles v. Li-arra!a 7nos.$ DB .hil. C>=5 A5 A condition 'recedent not sti'ulated in writin! is 'rovable by oral evidence. REA%ON2 Be ore the ha''enin! o the condition$ there is no written a!reement yet to which the 'arol evidence may a''ly. D5 Jerbal assurances !iven by the indorser o an out*o *town check to the em'loyees o the bank where it was 'resented or encashment that he would re und the amount i the check should be dishonored by the drawee bank is a collateral a!reement se'arate and distinct rom the indorsement$ by virtue o which the irst bank was induced to cash the same$ and there ore$ 'rovable by 'arol evidence. 8.NB v. %eeto$ <4 .hil. =D95 95 Any 'rior or contem'oraneous conversaion in connection with a note or its indorsement may be 'roved by 'arol evidence. 8.NB v. %eeto$ <4 .hil. =D9G .hili's v. .reston$ D 7ow. ?1.%.@ 6=>5 =5 An e(trinsic a!reement between indorser and indorsee which cannot be embodied in the instrument without im'airin! its credit may be 'roved by 'arol evidence. 8.NB v. %eeto$ <4 .hil. =D9G < +i!more 4A>5 h. The act that 'arties who a''ear to have si!ned as 'rinci'als did so as merely sureties is 'rovable by 'arol evidence. 8Tan Machan v. De la Trinidad$ C .hil. 9>A5

INTERPRETATION OF DOCUMENTS AUTHENTICATION AND PROOF OF DOCUMENTS

12. <ow are alterations in documents e plained ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The 'arty 'roducin! a document as !enuine whuich has ben altered and a''ears to have been altered a ter its e(ecution$ in a 'art material to the ,uestion in dis'ute$ must account or the alteration. he may show that the alteratuion was made by another$ without his concurrence$ or was made with the consent o the 'arties a ected by it$ or was otherwise 'ro'erly or & nnocently made$ or that the alteration did not

496

chan!e the meanin! or lan!ua!e o the instrument. & he ails to do that$ the documen shall not be admissible in evidence. 8%ec. C4$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 12. &s a #eneral rule there is need to prove the authemticity of private documents. &re there e ceptions to this #eneral rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Fes. There may be no need to 'rove the a uthenticity o 'rivate documents2 a. +hen the document is ancient. 8%ec. 64$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 b. +hen the e(ecution and enuineness o the document is admitted by the adverse 'arty. 8Tria v. )ru-$ 4A .hil. DD45G and c. +hen the enuineness and due e(ecution o the document is immaterial. 87icks v. )oleman$ 6D )al.$ 4665 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T8" )'#&"'+ -o#$5"'+ %$6": +here a 'rivate document is more than thirty years old$ is 'roduced rom a custody in which it would naturally be ound i !enuine$ and is unblemished by any alterations or circumsmtances o sus'icion$ no other evidence o its authenticity need be !iven. 8%ec. 64$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 b. Ho7 ("'$&'"'"!! o 8)'-7%&+&'( ,%o0"-: The handwritin! o a 'erson may be 'roved by any witness who believes it to be the handwritin! o s uch 'erson because he has seen the 'erson write$ or has seen handwritin! 'ur'ortin! to be his u'on which the witness has acted or been char!ed$ and has thus ac,uired knowled!e o the handwritin! o such 'erson. Evidence res'ectin! the handwritin! may also be !iven by a com'arison made by the witness in court$ with writin!s admitted or treated as !enuine by the 'arty a!ainst whom the evidence is o ered$ or 'roved to be !enuinbe to the satis action o the "ud!e. 8%ec. 66$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 c. No+ 5$#8 7"&(8+ &! (&0"' +o 8)'-7%&+&'( "/,"%+! . 1nless$ there ore$ there is$ in a !iven case$ absolute absence$ or mani est dearth$ or direct or circumstantial com'etent evidence o the character o a ,uestioned handwritin!$ much wei!ht should not be !iven to characteristic similarities$ or dissimilarities$ between the ,uestioned handwritin! and an authentic one. 8.un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46999<G Meneses v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=<BBG .un-alan v. )ommission on Elections et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>>BG and .un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ 0.R. No. 4C6ACD 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 4<<> citin! Loren-o v. Dia-$ DC O.0. A44B*A444$ cited in /rancisco on Evidence$ Jol. J&&$ .art &$ 4<<= Edition$ '. 9=A5 ;uestions involvin! the mere similarity or dissimilarity o handwritin!s could be determined by the court itsel as authori-ed under %ec. 66$ Rule 4C6 o the Rules o )ourt by makin! a com'arison o the dis'uted handwritin! #with writin!s admitted or treated as !enuine by the 'arty a!ainst whom the evidence is o ered$ or 'roved to be !enuine to the satis action o the "ud!e.# 8.un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ supra5

EVIDENCE TO BE PRESENTED MUST BE ADMISSIBLE

11113. When is evidence admissible ? What is meant by relevancy and are there instances when evidence that is not relevant is admissible ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Evidence is admissible when it is relevant to the issue and is not e(cluded by the law or these rules. 8%ec. C$ Rule 46>$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 Relevant evidence is that evidence that has such a relation to the act in issue as to induce belie in its e(istence or non*e(istence. 84st sentence$ %ec. A$ Rule 46>$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 Only relevant evidence is admissible and evidence on collateral matter is not allowed. 7owever$ it may be allowed 78"' &+ +"'-! &' )'. %")!o')?6" -"(%"" +o "!+)?6&!8 +8" ,%o?)?&6&+. o% &5,%o?)?&6&+. o +8" )#+! &' &!!$". 86nd sentence$ %ec. A$ Rule 46>$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

49C

NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 To determine whether evidence is admissible look or the 'ur'ose. The reason behind the above statement is that evidence may be admissible or one 'ur'ose and not or another 'ur'ose. &LL1%TRAT&ON2 +hile Leon was sittin! in ront o his house$ he saw Mi!uel runnin! and heard him shoutin!$ #Euan stabbed .edro.# & Leon is 'resented as a witness$ durin! the trial o Euan or havin! stabbed .edro$ and his testimony is o ered to 'rove that Euan stabbed .edro$ his 8Leon:s5 testimony would not be admissible because it is e(cluded by the rules or bein! hearsay. 8%ec. C$ Rule 46> in relation to %ec. C9$ Rule 4CB$ both o the RO)5 Leon did not have 'ersonal knowled!e o the act that Euan stabbed .edro. 7is knowled!e that Euan stabbed .edro was not derived rom his own 'erce'tion but rom that o Mi!uel. On the other hand$ i Leon:s testimony is o ered to 'rove that he heard that Mi!uel shouted$ #Euan stabbed .edro$# then this would be admissible. &t could not be e(cluded under the hearsay rule because his testimony is derived rom his own 'erce'tion o what Mi!uel said. Leon:s testimony is likewise admissible because it is relevant under the conce't o inde'endent relevant statement$ a statement that +"'-! &' a %")!o')?6" -"(%"" +o "!+)?6&!8 +8" ,%o?)?&6&+. o% &5,%o?)?&6&+. o +8" )#+ &' &!!$". 8%ec. A$ Rule 46>$ RO)5 7is testimony would tend in a reasonable de!ree to establish the 'robability that Euan stabbed .edro.

QUALIFICATION OF WITNESSES
11114. Who are !ualified to be witnesses or who may be witnesses ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A66 ,"%!o'! 78o #)' ,"%#"&0", )'- ,"%#"&0&'(, #o$65)C" C'o7' +8"&% ,"%#",+&o' +o o+8"%!, 5). ?" 7&+'"!!"!. 84st 'ar.$ %ec. CB$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5$ 'rovided they are not dis,uali ied under the Rules o )ourt. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The ollowin! are dis,uali ied to be witnesses2Those who are dis,uali ied by reason o 2 a. Mental inca'acity or immaturity 8%ec. 64$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5G b. Marria!e 8%ec. 66$ Ibid+G c. Death or insanity o adverse 'arty 8%ec. 6C$ Ibid.5 d. .rivile!ed communication 8%ec. 6A$ Ibid.5 45 Marital 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?a@$ Ibid.5G 65 Lawyer*client 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?b@$ Ibid.5G C5 Doctor*'atient 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?c@$ Ibid.5G A5 .riest*'enitent 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?d@$ Ibid.5G and D5 .ublic o icer 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?e@$ Ibid.5. e. .arental and ilial testimonial 'rivile!e rule 8%ec. 6D$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 )onviction o a crime does not dis,uali y a 'erson rom testi yin! but may dis,uali y him rom bein! dischar!ed as a state witness. 8%ec. < ?e@$ Rule 44<$ RO)5 11119. What is the marital dis!ualification rule ? Distin#uish the marital dis!ualification rule from the marital privile#ed communication rule. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 Durin! their marria!e$ neither the husband nor the wi e may testi y or or a!ainst the other without the consent o the a ected s'ouse$ e(ce't in a civil case by one a!ainst the other$ or in a criminal case committed a!ainst the other or the latter:s direct descendants or ascendants. 8%ec. 66$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 The -&!+&'#+&o'! ?"+7""' +8" 5)%&+)6 -&!E$)6& &#)+&o' %$6" )'- +8" 5)%&+)6 ,%&0&6"("- #o55$'&#)+&o'! rule are the ollowin!2 a. The marital dis,uali ication rule a''lies to any act +7&LE the marital 'rivile!ed communications rule re ers only to con idential communications made durin! the marria!e. b. The marital dis,uali ication rule is claimable only durin! the marria!e +7&LE the marital 'rivile!ed communications rule is claimable durin! or a ter the marria!e. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 111a. R"E$&!&+"! o% &'0oC&'( +8" 5)%&+)6 -&!E$)6& &#)+&o' %$6".

49A

45 The s'ouses are le!ally marriedG 65 The marria!e is subsistin! at the time o the testimonyG C5 The s'ouse is bein! made to testi y or or a!ainst the otherG A5 The s'ouse who is testi yin! was not !iven the consent to testi y by the other s'ouseG D5 The case is not a civil case iled by one s'ouse a!ainst the other or a criminal case or a crime committed by one a!ainst the other or the latter:s direct descendants or ascendants. 8%ec. 66$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement$ re'hrasin! and numberin! su''lied5 b. Do 'o+ #o' $!" +8" 5)%&+)6 -&!E$)6& &#)+&o' %$6" under %ec. 66$ Rule 4CB$ RO) with the marital 'rivile!ed communication rule under %ec. 6A ?a@$ Rule 4CB$ RO). c. T8" %)+&o')6" behind the marital dis,uali ication rule is to 'reserve the marria!e relation as one o ull con idence$ a ection and concord. 81.%. v. )once'cion$ C4 .hil. 4>65 d. The ri!ht to invoke this dis,uali ication belon!s to the s'ouse*'arty 8Orti- v. Arambulo$ > .hil. <>5 a!ainst or or whom the testimony is bein! 'ro erred. &t may be waived 45 By a ailure to inter'ose timely ob"ection$ or 65 By callin! the other s'ouse as witness 8Ibid. .eo'le v. /rancisco$ => .hil. 9<A5 The 'rivile!e could be invoked even i the s'ouse is testi yin! in avor o the s'ouse* 'arty because dama!in! testimony may be elicited durin! the cross*e(amination. 1111;. What is the marital privile#ed communication rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The husband or the wi e$ b. durin! or a ter the marria!e$ c. cannot be e(amined d. without the consent o the other e. as to any communication 45 received in con idence 65 by one rom the other C5 durin! the marria!e . e(ce't 45 in a civil case by one a!ainst the other$ or 65 in a criminal case committed by one a5 a!ainst the other or b5 the latter:s direct descendants or descendants . 8%ec. 6A?a@. Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. T8" %"E$&!&+"! o% +8" 5)%&+)6 ,%&0&6"("- #o55$'&#)+&o' %$6" )%" +8" o66o7&'(2 45 The 'arties are or were le!ally married. 65 The communication$ oral or written$ was made durin! the marria!eG C5 The communication was received in con idenceG A5 The e(amination is done durin! the marria!e. D5 The consent o the other s'ouse was not !iven. 95 The case is not a civil case iled by one a!ainst the other or a criminal case or a crime committed by one a!ainst the other or the latter:s direct ascendants or descendants. b. T8" %)+&o')6 ?"8&'- +8" 5)%&+)6 ,%&0&6"("- #o55$'&#)+&o' %$6" is to 'reserve the 'eace o amilies and maintain the sacred institution o marria!e. c. A,,6&#)+&o'! o +8" 5)%&+)6 ,%&0&6"("- #o55$'#&)+&o' %$6"2 45 Every communication between s'ouses is 'resumed to be con idential. 8%e(ton v. %e(ton$ 46< &a. A>=G +i!more$ %ec. 6CC95 65 )ommunications made in the 'resence o third 'arties are not con idential$ unless the third 'erson may be considered as an a!ent o the s'ouses. 8/loyd v. Miller$ 94 &nd. 66A5

49D

C5 )ommunications overheard by third 'ersons remain con idential as between the s'ouses$ but the third 'erson who overheard may be called u'on to testi y. 8.eo'le v. )arlos$ A= .hil. 9695 A5 )ommunications comin! into the hands o third 'ersons$ whether le!ally or ille!ally$ remain con idential as between the s'ouses$ but the third 'erson may be called u'on to testi y. 8.eo'le$ and 7ammons$ supra5 But i the third 'erson ac,uired knowled!e o the communication by collusion and voluntary disclosure on the 'art o either o the s'ouses$ he thereby becomes an a!ent o such s'ouses so that the 'rivile!e is claimable a!ainst him. 8Ibid.5 D5 )ommunications intended or transmission to third 'ersons are not con idential. 81.%. v. Anti'olo$ C= .hil. =695 NOTE2 The above rules may a''ly by analo!y to other 'rivile!ed communications. d. W)&0"% o +8" 5)%&+)6 ,%&0&6"("- #o55$'&#)+&o' %$6" 2 The 'rivile!e is claimable by the s'ouse not called as witness$ so that it its waivable only by him or herG and it is waivable by any act o such s'ouse which mi!ht be considered as an e('ress or im'lied consent to the disclosure o the communication. 8.eo'le v. 7ayes$ 4AB N.F. A>A5 1@. What is meant by the survivorBs dis!ualification rule or the dead manBs statute ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. .arties or assi!nors o 'arties to a case$ or b. 'ersons on whose behal a case is 'rosecuted$ c. a!ainst an e(ecutor or administrator or other re'resentative d. o a deceased 'erson$ or a!ainst a 'erson o unsound mind$ e. cannot testi y as to any matter o act . occurrin! be ore the death o such 'erson or !. be ore such 'erson became o unsound mind. %ec. 6C$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R)+&o')6", o?*"#+ )'- ,$%,o!" o D")- M)'I! S+)+$+". 45 To discoura!e alse testimony or 'er"ury on the 'art o the survivorG and 65 To 'rotect the deceased a!ainst alse and un"ust claims. 80oni$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4AA %)RA 6C45 111T8" o?*"#+ )'- ,$%,o!" o +8" %$6" is to !uard a!ainst the tem'tation to !ive alse testimony in re!ard o the transaction in ,uestion on the 'art o the survivin! 'arty$ and urther to 'ut the two 'arties to a suit u'on terms o e,uality in re!ard o the o''ortunity to !ivin! testimony. & one 'arty to the alle!ed transaction is 'recluded rom testi yin! by death$ insanity$ or other mental disabilities$ the other 'arty is not entitled to the undue advanta!e o !ivin! his own uncontradicted and une('lained account o the transaction. 8Tan$ et al$. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46D>94$ 'rom. %e'tember <$ 4<<>5 111b. E/#",+&o'! +o +8" !$%0&0o%I! -&!E$)6& &#)+&o' %$6": 45 Ordinary witnesses$ who are not the 'lainti $ assi!nor o 'lainti $ or 'erson in whose behal the case is 'rosecuted may testi y. 8/rancia v. 7i'olito$ <C .hil. <9>5 65 +hen the 'lainti is a cor'oration$ the o icers or stockholders thereo are not dis,uali ied. 8Lichauco v. Atlantic 0ul $ et c.$ >A .hil. CCB5 C5 +hen there is an im'utation o raud a!ainst the deceased$ the 'lainti is not barred rom testi yin! to such raud. 80o )hi 0un v. )o )ho$ <9 .hil. 9665 A5 +hen the 'lainti is the e(ecutor$ administrator or le!al re'resentative o the deceased$ or the 'erson o unsound mind$ the de endant or de endants are ree to testi y a!ainst the 'lainti . 8Ton!co v. Jian-on$ DB .hil. 9<>5 D5 +hen the de endant or de endants$ thou!h heirs o the deceased$ are sued in their 'ersonal and individual ca'acities$ the 'lainti may testi y a!ainst them. 80o )hi 0un v. )o )ho$ <9 .hil. 9665 95 +hen the survivor:s testimony re ers to a ne!ative act. 8Mende-ona v. vda. de 0oitia$ DA .hil. DD=5

499

=5 +hen the survivor:s testimony is avorable to the deceased. 8&card v. Marasi!an$ =4 .hil. A4<5 >5 The adverse 'arty is com'etent to testi y to transactions or communications with the deceased or incom'etent 'erson which were made with an a!ent o such 'erson in cases in which the a!ent is still alive and com'etent to testi y. But the testimony o the adverse 'arty must be con ined o those transactions or communications which were had with the a!ent. 80oni$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4AA %)RA 6C45 c. Ho7 ,%o+"#+&o' o +8" -")- 5)'I! !+)+$+" &! 7)&0"-: 45 By not ob"ectin! to 'lainti :s testimony on 'rohibited matters. 8Marella v. Reyes$ 46 .hil. 45 65 By cross*e(aminin! the 'lainti on 'rohibited matters. 8Ton!co v. Jian-on$ DB .hil. 9<>5 C5 By callin! witnesses to testi y on 'rohibited matters. 8Arroyo v. A-ur$ =9 .hil. A<C5 A5 +hen the 'lainti :s de'osition is taken by the re'resentative o the estate or when counsel or the re'resentative cross*e(amined the 'lainti as to matters occurrin! durin! the deceased:s li etime. 80oni$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4AA %)RA 6C45 1A. E plain what is meant by the parental and filial testimonial privile#e rule. %100E%TED AN%+ER No 'erson may be com'elled to testi y a!ainst his 'arents$ other direct ascendants$ children or other direct descendants. 8%ec. 6D$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. W8o 5). 'o+ ?" #o5,"66"- +o +"!+& . )()&'!+ #"%+)&' ,)%+&"! $'-"% +8" ,)%"'+)6 )'- &6&)6 +"!+&5o'&)6 ,%&0&6"(" %$6"2 45 .erson a!ainst his 'arents.. 65 .erson a!ainst his other direct ascendants like !rand'arents$ !reat !rand'arents$ !reat !reat !rand'arents. C5 .erson a!ainst his children. A5 .erson a!ainst his other direct descendants like !randchildren$ !reat !reat !randchildren. b. W8o )%" 'o+ #o0"%"- )'- 5). ?" #o5,"66"- +o +"!+& .: 45 Relatives by a inity. 65 Brothers and sisters. C5 Aunts$ uncles$ ne'hews$ nieces. A5 )ousins o whatever de!ree. D5 Other collateral relatives. .arental and ilial testimony dies not 'rohibit voluntary testimony or com'elled testimony a!ainst relatives by a inity or collateral relatives. c. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- ,)%"'+)6 )'- &6&)6 +"!+&5o'&)6 ,%&0&6"(" %$6" 2 To 'reserve harmonious relations between 'arent and child which could be ru'tured throu!h testi yin! in court. /urthermore$ 'er"ury may result because the 'arent or the child may !ive alse testimony to 'rotect the other. The author believes that the ado'ted and ado'ter are covered by the 'arental and ilial testimonial 'rivile!e rule but only inso ar as the 'arent and child is concerned. &t does not e(tend to the direct ascendants o the ado'ter because the ado'tive relation is between the ado'ter and the ado'ted only. The reason or this o'inion is the rationale behind the 'rivile!e. 2B. What is meant by dis!ualification by reason of the privile#ed communication rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 1nder this rule$ a 'erson is dis,uali ied to +"!+& . )! +o 5)++"%! 6")%'"- &' #o' &-"'#" 8%ec. 6A$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5. &t should be noted that the 'erson 8other than a s'ouse under %ec. 6A?a@$ Rule 4CB5 is not otherwise 'rohibited to testi y. 7e could testi y but not on the matters learned in con idence. There are ive kinds o 'rivile!ed communications that could not be the sub"ect o testimony2

49=

a. b. c. d. e.

Marital 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?a@$ Ibid.5G Lawyer*client 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?b@$ Ibid.5G Doctor*'atient 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?c@$ Ibid.5G .riest*'enitent 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?d@$ Ibid.5G .ublic o icer 'rivile!ed communication rule 8%ec. 6A ?e@$ Ibid.5.

21. What is the physician and pa tient privile#ed commmunication rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A 'erson authori-ed to 'ractice medicine$ sur!ery or obstetrics b. cannot in a civil case$ c. without the consent o the 'atient$ d. be e(amined as to 45 any advice or treatment !iven by him or 65 any in ormation a5 which he may have ac,uired in attendin! such 'atient in a 'ro essional ca'acity$ b5 which in ormation was necessary to enable him to act in that ca'acity$ and c5 which would blacken the re'utation o the 'atient . 8%ec. 6A ?c@$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 T8" ,8.!&#&)' 5). ?" #o5,"66"- +o +"!+& . &' ) #%&5&')6 #)!". NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- +8" ,%&0&6"("2 The reason is to acilitate and make sa e$ ull and con idential disclosure by a 'atient to the 'hysician o all sym'toms$ untrammeled by a''rehension o their subse,uent and en orced disclosure and 'ublication on the witness stand. 8+ill o Bruendl$ 4B6 +is. A=5 b. W)&0"% o +8" ,%&0&6"("2 This 'rivile!e belon!s to the 'atient$ so that it is only he that can claim or waive it. &t is waivable e('ressly or im'liedly. &t is im'liedly waived like any other 'rivile!e rule. 8.enn. Mutual Li e &ns. )o. v. +iler$ 4BB &nd. <65

ADMISSIONS AND CONFESSIONS

11122. What is self"servin# evidence ? )s it admissible in evidence ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 An admission avorable to the 'arty makin! it. 8Lichauco v. Atlantic 0ul Q .aci ic )o.$ >A .hil. CA65 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S"6 -!"%0&'( o% )0o%)?6" )-5&!!&o'! 5)-" o$+ o #o$%+ 'o+ )-5&!!&?6": REASONS2 45 A man may be sa ely believed i he declares a!ainst his own interest$ but not i he advocates his interest. 8Lichauco v. Atlantic 0ul Q .aci ic )o.$ >A .hil. CA65 65 &t is e(cluded on the same !round as any hearsay evidence$ that$ the lack o o''ortunity or cross*e(amination by the adverse 'arty. 8National Develo'ment )o.$ v. +orkmen:s )om'ensation )ommission$ 4< %)RA >9D5 b. W8"' !"6 -!"%0&'( o% )0o%)?6" )-5&!!&o'! )%" )-5&!!&?6"2 45 & made in o'en court 65 !ivin! ull o''ortunity to the adverse 'arty C5 to e(ercise his ri!ht o cross*e(amination. 22. State the rule on admission by silence. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. An act or declaration made 45 in the 'resence and 65 within the hearin! or C5 observation

49>

b. o a 'arty who does or says nothin! c. when the act or declaration 45 is such as naturally to call or action or comment i not true$ and 65 when 'ro'er and 'ossible or him to do so$ d. may be !iven in evidence a!ainst him. 8%ec. C6$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R"E$&!&+"! o% ),,6&#)+&o' o %$6" o' )-5&!!&o' ?. !&6"'#" 2 Be ore the silence o a 'arty can be taken as an admission o what is said$ it must a''ear that2 45 he heard and understood the statementG 65 he was at liberty to inter'ose a denialG C5 the statement was in res'ect to some matter a ectin! his ri!hts$ or in which he was then interested$ and callin!$ naturally$ or an answerG A5 the acts were within his knowled!eG and D5 the act admitted or the in erence to be drawn rom his silence would be material to the issue. 8.eo'le v. .ara!asa$ >A %)RA 44C5 b. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- %$6" o' )-5&!!&o' ?. !&6"'#"2 The reason is the reco!ni-ed rule that i a man remains silent when he ou!ht to s'eak$ he will be debarred rom s'eakin! later. @ui tacet consitere videtur or silence means consent. 80abriel v. Baens$ D9 .hil. C4A5 c. E/#",+&o'! +o +8" %$6" o' )-5&!!&o' ?. !&6"'#" o% &'!+)'#"! 78"%" +8"%" &! 'o )-5&!!&o' ?. !&6"'#"2 45 +here no !ood reason e(ists or the 'arty to comment on the act or declaration 8Jeil v. %tron!$ 4B Jt. ADD5$ as when the act or declaration was not s'eci ically directed to the 'arty who remained silent. 8>B A.L.R.$ Anno.$ 46=65 65 +hen the 'arty had no o''ortunity to comment on the act or declaration. 8.eo'le v. Ranario$ A< .hil. 66B5 C5 +here the act or declaration was made in the course o an o icial investi!ation. 8.eo'le v. Tia /on!$ <> .hil. 9B<5 A5 +hen silence is u'on advice o counsel. 8.eo'le v. Lo-lowski$ 44D A.L.R. 4DBD5 11123. Distin#uish e trajudicial confessions from admissions. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A con ession$ as distin!uished rom admission$ is a declaration made at any time by a 'erson$ voluntarily and without com'ulsion or inducement$ statin! or acknowled!in! that he had committed or 'artici'ated in the commission o a crime. The term$ admission$ on the other hand$ is usually a''lied in criminal cases to statements o act by the accused which do not directly involve an acknowled!ment o the !uilt o the accused or o criminal intent to commit the o ense with which he is char!ed. 81.%. v. )orrales$ 6> .hil. C9D5 11124. When is an offer of compromise not admissible in evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &n civil cases$ an o er o com'romise is not an admission o any liability$ and is not admissible in evidence a!ainst the o eror . 84st 'ar.$ %ec. 6=$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. A' o "% +o ,). o the 'ayment o medical$ hos'ital$ or other e('enses$ occasioned by an in"ury is not admissible in evidence as 'roo o civil or criminal liability or the in"ury. 8last 'ar.$ %ec. 6=$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 b. R)+&o')6" o% 'o'-)-5&!!&?&6&+. o o "% +o #o5,%o5&!" &' #&0&6 #)!"! 2 To encoura!e the 'arties to settle their suits amicably resultin! to decon!estion o the courts: clo!!ed dockets. c. Co5,%o5&!" is a contract whereby the 'arties$ by makin! reci'rocal concessions$ avoid a liti!ation or 'ut an end to one already commenced . 8Article 6B6>$ )ivil )ode o the .hili''ines5

49<

29. When is an offer to compromise admissible in evidence ? &re there any e ceptions ? E plain. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &n criminal cases$ e(ce't 45 those involvin! ,uasi*o enses 8criminal ne!li!ence5 or 65 those allowed by law to be com'romised$ b. an o er o com'romise by the accused c. may be received in evidence as an im'lied admission o !uilt . 86nd 'ar.$ %ec. 6=$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 1112;. What is meant by res inter alios acta alteri nocere non debet or res inter alios acta ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 %tatements made or matters accom'lished between two 'arties cannot 're"udice a third 'arty. 8Blan-a v. Arcan!el$ 64 %)RA A5 The ri!hts o a 'arty cannot be 're"udiced by an act$ declaration$ or omission o another$ e(ce't as hereina ter 'rovided. 8%ec. 6>$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Rational for res inter alios acta2 This evidentiary rule !uards a!ainst the 'ractical inconvenience o tryin! collateral issues and 'rotractin! the trial and 'revents sur'rise or other mischie 're"udicial to liti!ants. 8)ru-$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469=4C$ 'rom. Euly 6=$ 4<<> citin! /rancisco5 b. E/#",+&o'! +o %"! &'+"% )6&o! )#+): 45 +hen there is a rational similarity or resemblance between the conditions !ivin! rise to he act o ered and the circumstances surroundin! the issue or act to be 'roved. 8)ru-$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 469=4C$ 'rom. Euly 6=$ 4<<>5 65 &n actions based on raud and deceit$ because it sheds li!ht on the state o mind or knowled!e o a 'ersonG it 'rovides insi!ht into such 'erson:s motive or intentG it uncovers a scheme$ desi!n or 'lanG or it reveals a mistake. 8)ru-$ supra5 C5 The ri!hts o a 'arty may be 're"udiced by the act$ declaration or omission o another when between the 'arty makin! the admission and a!ainst whom it is o ered there e(ists a relation o 2 a5 'artnershi'G b5 a!encyG c5 "oint interestG d5 cons'iracyG or e5 'rivity. c. R$6" o' )-5&!!&o' ?. #o-,)%+'"% o% )("'+: 45 The act or declaration o a 'artner or 65 a!ent within the sco'e o his authority and durin! the e(istence o the 'artnershi' or a!ency$ C5 may be !iven in evidence a!ainst such 'arty A5 a ter the 'artnershi' or a!ency a5 is shown by evidence b5 other than such act or declaration. D5 The same rule a''lies to the act or declaration o a "oint owner$ "oint debtor$ or other 'erson "ointly interested with the 'arty . 8%ec. 6<$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 d. R$6" o' )-5&!!&o' ?. #o'!,&%)+o%: 45 The act or declaration o a cons'irator 65 relatin! to the cons'iracy and durin! its e(istence$ C5 may be !iven in evidence a!ainst the co*cons'irator A5 a ter the cons'iracy a5 is shown by evidence b5 other than such act or declaration. 8%ec. CB$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 e. R"E$&!&+"! o% ),,6&#)+&o' o +8" )-5&!!&o' ?. #o'!,&%)+o%:

4=B

45 The cons'iracy must be established by inde'endent evidence. 65 The statement re ers to the 'ur'ose or ob"ect o the cons'iracy. C5 The statement must be made durin! the e(istence o the cons'iracy. 8.eo'le v. Da!undon!$ L*4BC<>$ Eune CB$ 4<9B5 This re ers to e(tra"udicial acts and declarations o a cons'irator and not to his testimony as a witness in the trial. 8.eo'le v. Atencio$ L*666D4>$ Ean. 4=$ 4<9>5 1112@. What is the probative value of a confession ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &t de'ends on whether the con ession is "udicial or e(tra"udicial. a. A "udicial con ession$ like a 'lea o !uilty$ is in act evidence o !uilt o the most trustworthy kind$ is conclusive u'on the court and is su icient to sustain a "ud!ment o conviction. 8.eo'le v. %ta. Rosa$ >> .hil. A>=5 b. An e(tra"udicial con ession made by an accused$ shall not be su icient !round or conviction$ unless corroborated by evidence o corpus delicti. 8%ec. C$ Rule 4CC$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. Co' "!!&o', -" &'"-. The declaration o an accused acknowled!in! his !uilt o the o ense char!ed$ or o any o ense necessarily included therein. 8%ec. CC$ Rule 4CB$ RO) 5 A con ession made by an accused 5). ?" (&0"' &' "0&-"'#" )()&'!+ 8&5. 8%ec. CC$ Rule 4CB$ RO) 'ara'hrasin! su''lied5 b. Co' "!!&o' &! "0&-"'#" o 8&(8 o%-"%: 45 There is no evidence o a hi!her ,uality than a con ession$ &t re'resents the outward mani estation o a man. 1nless$ there ore$ the con ession is nulli ied by evidence o duress$ the same is admissible as an evidence o !uilt o a hi!h ,uality. 8.eo'le v. 0arcia$ DA .hil. C6<$ CD>5 65 & a con ession be true and voluntary$ the deliberate act o the accused with a ull com'rehension o its si!ni icance$ there is no im'ediment to its admission as evidence and it then becomes evidence o a hi!h order$ since it is su''orted by the 'resum'tion$ a very stron! one$ that no 'erson o normal mind will deliberately and knowin!ly con ess himsel to be the 'er'etrator o a crime$ es'ecially i it be a serious crime$ unless 'rom'ted by truth and conscience. 8.eo'le v. Pea$ et al.$ 4CB %)RA >=$ >>5 c. P%o?)+&0" 0)6$" o %"#)'+)+&o'!2 They are looked u'on with dis avor as recantations are usually secured throu!h intimidation or or a monetary consideration. 8Molina v. .eo'le$ 6D< %)RA 4C>5 d. G"'"%)6 %$6" o' )-5&!!&?&6&+. o #o' "!!&o': A con ession is admissible only a!ainst the accused who made it and not a!ainst his co*accused$ or as a!ainst the latter$ the con ession would be hearsay and res inter alios acta. 8.eo'le v. Talledo$ >D .hil. DCC5 e. E/#",+&o'!: 78"' ) #o' "!!&o' &! )-5&!!&?6" )()&'!+ #o-)##$!"-: 45 +hen the con ession o an accused im'licatin! his co*accused is made "udicially at a "oint trial 81.%. v. Macamay$ C9 .hil. ><C5 or when the e(tra"udicial statements im'licatin! a co*accused are re'eated in o'en court 8.eo'le v. Ola$ 0.R. No. L*A=4A=$ Euly C$ 4<>=5$ because the co*accused as a chance to cross*e(amine. 65 +hen the o er in evidence o an e(tra"udicial con ession a!ainst a co* accused is not ob"ected to. 8.eo'le v. Atien-a$ >9 .hil. D=95 C5 +hen the co*accused a!ainst whom an e(tra"udicial con ession is o ered had$ by his acts$ conducts and declarations ado'ted he con ession as his own. 8.eo'le v. Atien-a$ supraG .eo'le v. Orencia$ A= .hil. <=B5 A5 +here several accused$ without collusion$ made e(tra"duicial con essions which are identical in essential details and corroborated by other evidence$ such con ession is admissible a!ainst the others. 8.eo'le v. .elonia$ L*4A96A$ Euly 6A$ 4<9B5 D5 The con ession o a cons'irator is admissible a!ainst his co*cons'irator 'rovided it was made durin! the e(istence o the cons'iracy. 8%ec. CB$ Rule 4CB$ RO)G .eo'le v. Ramire-$ L*D>=D$ May 4D$ 4<DC5

4=4

95 +hen the recitals in the e(tra"udicial con ession o an accused is corroborated in its im'ortant details by other 'roo s in the record$ it may be admitted a!ainst the other accused. 8.eo'le v. Jillanueva$ L*469>=$ Euly C4$ 4<965 . E/+%)*$-&#&)6 #o' "!!&o'! &-"'+&#)6 &' 5)+"%&)6 %"!,"#+! F)6!o C'o7' )! &'+"%6o#C&'( #o' "!!&o'!D )-5&!!&?6" )()&'!+ )66 -"#6)%)'+!2 45 A! #&%#$5!+)'+&)6 "0&-"'#". E(tra"udicial con essions inde'endently made without collusion and are identical with each other in their material res'ects and con irmatory o the other are admissible as circumstantial evidence a!ainst co* accused im'licated therein to show the 'robability o the latter:s actual 'artici'ation in the commission o the crime. 8.eo'le v. Enci'ido$ et al.$ 4A9 %)RA A<65 65 A! #o%%o?o%)+&0" "0&-"'#". They are admissible as corroborative evidence a!ainst the other accused$ i it is clear rom other acts and circumstances 'resented that 'ersons other than the declarants themselves 'artici'ated in the commission o the crime char!ed and 'roved. 8Ibid.5 They are what is commonly known as interlockin! con ession and constitute an e(ce'tion to the !eneral rule that e(tra"udicial con essionsOadmissions are admissible in evidence only a!ainst the declarants thereo . 8Ibid.5 The invocation o amnesty is in the nature o a 'lea o con ession and avoidance$ which means that the 'leader admits the alle!ations a!ainst him$ but disclaims liability there or on account o intervenin! acts which$ i 'roved$ would brin! the crime char!ed within the sco'e o the amnesty 'roclamation. 8.eo'le v. %ali!$ et al.$ 4CC %)RA 9< citin! Jera v. .eo'le$ = %)RA 4DC5 1112A. What is meant by corpus delicti ? :ive e amples. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. &t re ers to a 'articular crime and si!ni ies that the s'eci ic o ense had been actually committed by someone$ bein! com'osed o two elements2 45 certain results were 'roduced$ and 65 someone is criminally res'onsible. 8.eo'le v. Mar,ue-$ == .hil. >C5 b. &t also means actual commission o the crime char!ed. 8.eo'le v. Madrid$ >> .hil. 4G .eo'le v. %anche-$ >< .hil. A6C5$ or the s'eci ic act o loss or in"ury. 8.eo'le v. 0arcia$ << .hil. C>45 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/)5,6"! o corpus delicti: a. &n murder or homicide$ the corpus delicti is the act o death 8.eo'le v. 0arcia$ << .hil. C>45$ which may be 'roved even circumstantially. 8.eo'le v. %asota$ <4 .hil. 444G .eo'le v. Moro Ansan!$ <C .hil. AA5. b. &n robbery or the t$ the act o loss. 8.eo'le v. Niem$ =D .hil. 99>5 c. &n arson$ the act o burnin!$ 8.eo'le v. Mar,ue-$ == .hil. >CG .eo'le v. Mones$ D> .hil. A95 d. &n an a ray$ the act that 'istol shots were heard and a bystander was killed by one o the shots constitute evidence o corpus delicti$ which is the violent death o a 'erson$ whether eloniously caused or not. 8.eo'le v. Nocum$ == .hil. 4B4>5 Co'0&#+&o' o% 5$%-"% ,%o,"% "0"' & 0&#+&5I! ?o-. &! 'o+ ,%o-$#"- 2 &n all crimes a!ainst 'ersons in which the death o the victim is an essential element o the o ense$ there must be satis actory evidence o the act o death and the identity o the victim that a crime has been committed which is what corpus delicti really means. The ailure o the 'rosecution to 'roduce the body o the victim does not im'ly the absence o corpus delicti or the term does not re er to the body o the murdered 'erson. 8.eo'le v. )enteno$ et al.$ 4CB %)RA 6B<5

PREVIOUS CONDUCT AS EVIDENCE

1112B. )s previous conduct admissible in evidence ? E plain.

4=6

%100E%TED AN%+ER2 Evidence that one did or did not do a certain thin! at one time is not admissible to 'rove that he did or did not do the same thin! or a similar thin! at another time. 8%ec. CA$ Rule4CB$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- +8" ,%o8&?&+&o'2 Evidence o similar acts or occurrences com'els the de endant to meet alle!ations that are not mentioned in the com'laint$ con uses him in his de ense$ raises a variety o irrelevant issues$ and diverts the attention o the court rom the issues immediately be ore it. 8)ru-$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ 0.R. No. 469=4C$ 'rom. Euly 6=$ 4<<> citin! %ec. CA$ Rule 4CB o the Rules o )ourt5 b. E/#",+&o' o% 78"' ,%"0&o$! #o'-$#+ )-5&!!&?6" &' "0&-"'#"2 45 Evidence that one did or did not do 65 a certain thin! at one time C5 may be received in evidence to 'rove a5 a s'eci ic intent or knowled!e$ b5 identity$ 'lan$ system$ scheme$ c5 habit$ custom or usa!e$ and the like. 8%ec. CA$ Rule 4CB$ RO) re'hrasin!$ arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

HEARSAY RULE
11121. E plain the meanin# of the hearsay rule. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A witness can testi y b. only to those acts c. which he knows o his 'ersonal knowled!eG d. that is which are derived rom his own 'erce'tion$ e. e(ce't as otherwise 'rovided in these rules 8%ec. C9$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 o )ourt. )onse,uently$ acts which are not derived rom the 'erce'tion o the witness is hearsay$ and not admissible. The rule is not limited to oral testimony$ it also includes writin!s. 86B Am. Eur. ABB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. E/)5,6"! o 8")%!). "0&-"'#": 45 The testimony o a witness as to what he has heard another 'erson say about the acts in dis'ute. 8.eo'le v. Reyes$ =9 .hil. CDAG Aldecoa Q )o.$ v. +Arner Barnes Q )o.$ CB .hil. 4DC5 NOTE2 %ee conce't o inde'endent relevant statement. 65 A idavits. 8Maris os,ue v. Luna$ L*<B<D$ May 6D$ 4<D=G .eo'le v. .a!kaliwa!an$ =9 .hil. AD=5 C5 A letter o ered in evidence to establish the acts in issue. 8.astor v. 0as'ar$ 6 .hil. D<6G .eo'le v. )arlos$ A= .hil. 9695 A5 A medical certi icate to the e(tent o the in"uries ound by the doctor on the o ended 'arty:s body. 8De 0uia v. Meralco$ AB .hil. =B95 D5 A resolution o the munici'al council o a certain munici'ality as to the character o an accused in a criminal case. 81.%. v. Tan"uatco$ 4 .hil. C=A5 b. T8"o%. o +8" 8")%!). %$6"2 +hen a human utterance is o ered as evidence o the truth o the act asserted in it$ the credit o the assertor becomes the basis o in erence$ and there ore the assertion can be received as evidence only when made on the witness stand$ sub"ect to the test o cross*e(amination. c. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- +8" 'o'-)-5&!!&?&o&+. o 8")%!). "0&-"'#"2 45 A witness can testi y only to those acts which he knows o his own knowled!eG and 65 To 'reserve the ri!ht o 'arties to cross*e(amine the ori!inal witness or 'erson claimin! to have knowled!e o the transaction or occurrence. 8.eo'le v. .a!kaliwa!an$ =9 .hil. AD=5 The ri!ht to cross*e(amine he adverse 'arty:s witnesses is essential in the administration o "ustice or it is the only means o testin! the credibility o witnesses

4=C

and their testimony$ and this ri!ht is not available in res'ect o hearsay evidence since he declarant is not in court. 8Donnelly v. 1.%.$ 66> 1.%. 6AC5 d. G"'"%)6 %$6": A &-)0&+! 7&+8o$+ ,%"!"'+&'( ) &)'+ &' #o$%+ &! 5"%" 8")%!). 2 The constitutional ri!ht to con rontation 'recludes reliance on a idavits. %uch a constitutional sa e!uard cannot be satis ied unless the o''ortunity is !iven to the accused to test the credibility o any 'erson$ who$ by a idavit or de'osition would im'ute the commission o an o ense to him. &t would be to disre!ard one o the most valuable !uarantees o a 'erson accused i solely on the a idavits 'resented$ his !uilt could be 'redicated. 8.eo'le v. %antos$ et al.$ 4C< %)RA D>9*D>= citin! .eo'le v. Lavare-$ 6C %)RA 4CB45 e. E/#",+&o'!: 78"' ) &-)0&+! )%" (&0"' 7"&(8+: 45 +here said a idavits are overwhelmin!$ uncontroverted by com'etent evidence and not inherently im'robable. 8To'*+eld Manu acturin!$ &nc. v. E)ED$ %.A.$ et al.$ 4C> %)RA 4C65 65 1nder the Rule on %ummary .rocedure or civil casesG C5 +hen a motion is based on acts not a''earin! o record the court may hear the matter on a idavits or de'ositions 'resented by the res'ective 'arties$ but the court may direct hat the matter be heard wholly or 'artly on oral testimony or de'ositions. 8%ec. =$ Rule 4CC$ RO)5

E>CEPTIONS TO THE HEARSAY RULE

22. What are the e ceptions to the hearsay rule ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 There are certain instances$ where by reasons o convenience and 'ublic 'olicy$ matters usually considered as hearsay are admissible in evidence. Amon! such e(ce'tional instances are2 a. Dyin! declaration 8%ec. C=$ Rule 4CB$ RO)5G b. Declaration a!ainst interest 8%ec. C>$ Ibid.5 c. Act or declaration about 'edi!ree 8%ec. C<$ Ibid.5G d. /amily re'utation or tradition re!ardin! 'edi!ree 8%ec. AB$ Ibid.5 e. )ommon re'utation 8%ec. A4$ Ibid.5G . .art o the res gestae 8%ec. A6$ Ibid.5G !. Entries in the course o business 8%ec. AC$ Ibid.5G h. Entries in o icial records 8%ec. AA$ Ibid.5G i. )ommercial lists and the like 8%ec. AD$ Ibid.5G ". Learned treatises 8%ec. A9$ Ibid.5G k. Testimony or de'osition at a ormer 'roceedin! 8%ec. A=$ Ibid.5 11122. E plain and illustrate the concept of an independent relevant statement. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &t is a statement intended not to establish the truth o the acts asserted in that statement$ but to establish only the tenor o the statement$ not the truth o the acts therein asserted. &llustration2 &n a libel case$ i the 'rosecution witness testi ies that he heard the accused say that the com'lainant was a ra'ist$ this testimony is admissible not to 'rove that the com'lainant was really a ra'ist$ but merely to show what the accused uttered. &nde'endent relevant statements are hearsay in character but not le!al hearsay. hence they are not considered as e(ce'tions to the hearsay rule. 11123. E plain the concept of dyin# declaration as an e ception to the hearsay rule. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The declaration o a dyin! 'erson$ b. made under consciousness o an im'endin! death$ c. may be received in any case wherein his death is the sub"ect o in,uiry$ d. as evidence o the cause and surroundin! circumstances o such death. 8%ec. C=$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2

4=A

a. R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- )-5&++&'( -.&'( -"#6)%)+&o' o% 78. -.&'( -"#6)%)+&o' &! )' "/#",+&o' +o +8" 8")%!). %$6"2 45 Necessity$ because the declarant:s death makes it im'ossible to obtain testimony in court and$ usually$ in crimes a!ainst 'ersons$ the victim:s testimony is the best evidence o the crime. 81.%. v. Jirrey$ C= .hil. 94>5 65 Trustworthiness$ because it is made at the 'oint o death$ a situation so solemn and aw ul as creatin! an obli!ation e,ual to that created by a 'ositive oath administered in a court o "ustice. 81.%. v. 0il$ 4C .hil. DCB5 b. R"E$&!&+"! o ante"mortem !+)+"5"'+: a. &t must concern any case involved in and the circumstances surroundin! the declarant:s deathG b. At the time o the declaration$ the declarant must be conscious o im'endin! deathG c. The declarant must be com'etent as a witnessG d. The declaration must be o ered in any case wherein the death o the declarant is the sub"ect o in,uiryG and e. The declarant actually died$ otherwise$ the declaration may be admitted as 'art o the res gestae and not as a dyin! declaration c. V&#+&5 '""- 'o+ !+)+" +8)+ 8" 8)! 6o!+ )66 8o," o %"#o0"%. . &t is su icient that circumstances are such as to inevitably lead to the conclusion that at the time the declaration was made$ the declarant would not e('ect to survive the in"ury rom which he actually died. The de!ree and seriousness o the wounds and the act that death su'ervened therea ter constitute substantial evidence o the victim:s consciousness o his im'endin! death. 8.eo'le v. Tanaman$ et al.$ 0.R. No. =4=9>$ Euly 6>$ 4<>=5 d. D.&'( -"#6)%)+&o' 8)! 7"&(8+ "0"' & -"#6)%)'+ -&- 'o+ -&" &55"-&)+"6. ) +"% 8&! -"#6)%)+&o': The act that the declarant died our 8A5 hours a ter his statement does not diminish the 'robative value o the dyin! declaration since it is not indis'ensable that the a declarant e('ires immediately therea ter. &t is the belie o im'endin! death and not the ra'id succession o death that renders the dyin! declaration admissible. 8.eo'le v. Bautista$ 0.R. No. 4444A<$ 'rom. %e'tember D$ 4<<=5 Mere !esture o dyin! victim inconclusive2 The !esture o a dyin! woman in 'ointin! to a direction$ when asked or the identity o her assailant$ is too va!ue to be !iven such 'robative value in determinin! the cul'ability o the accused. REA%ON2 1nlike an oral or a written declaration$ a sim'le !esture o the hand unaccom'anied by words$ is o'en to various inter'retations by the witness who testi ies To its e(istence. Thus$ the evidence comes to the court couched in the witness: second hand 'erce'tion and 'ossibly$ imbued with his 'ersonal meanin!s and biases. This is what makes hearsay evidence ob"ectionable. The second hand evidence is 'laced be ore the court without the bene it o cross*e(amination by the 'arty a!ainst whom it is brou!ht$ nor o any other means o assessin! the com'etence and credibility o the source. 8.eo'le v. Ola$ 0.R. No. L*A=4A=$ Euly C$ 4<>=5 24. What are the re!uisites for admissibility of declaration a#ainst interest ? Distin#uish declaraltion a#ainst interest from admission. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The declaration is made by 45 a 'erson deceased$ or 65 unable to testi y$ b. a!ainst the interest o the declarant$ c. i the act asserted in the declaration 45 was at the time it was made 65 so ar contrary to declarant:s own interest$ C5 that a reasonable man in his 'osition a5 would not have made the declaration b5 unless he believed it to be true. 8%ec. C>$ Rule 4CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5

4=D

NOTE% AND )OMMENT2 a. D"#6)%)+&o' )()&'!+ &'+"%"!+ -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 )-5&!!&o'2 45 An admission is not necessarily a!ainst the interest o the admitter +7&LE the declaration must be a!ainst the declarant:s own interestG 65 An admission may be received even i the admitter is alive +7&LE the declarant must be dead or is unable to testi yG C5 An admission may be received in evidence only a!ainst the admitter and those identi ied with him in le!al interest +7&LE the declaration may be received even a!ainst third 'ersons. 8%mith v. Moore$ 4A6 N.). 6==5 b. W8"' -"#6)%)+&o' )()&'!+ &'+"%"!+ %"#"&0"- &' "0&-"'#": 45 A!ainst the declarantG 65 A!ainst his successors in interestG and C5 A!ainst third 'ersons. 8%ec. C>$ Rule 4CB$ RO)$ arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 11129. E plain the concept of res #estae. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A matter incidental to the main act and e('lanatory o it$ includin! acts and words which are so closely connected therewith as to constitute a 'art o the transaction$ and without a knowled!e o which the main act mi!ht not be 'ro'erly understood. 6B Am. Eur. DDC5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 +hat is admissible as 'art o res gestae is not the details o an occurrence$ but the human assertions or statements about those details. 86B Am. Eur. DDC*DD95 R)+&o')6" ?"8&'- )-5&!!&?&6&+. o res #estae o% 78. res #estae &! )' "/#",+&o' +o +8" 8")%!). %$6"2 45 Necessity because such natural and s'ontaneous utterances are more convincin! than the testimony o the same 'erson on the stand. 8Mobile v. Ascra t$ A> Ala. C45 65 Trustworthiness because these statements are made instinctively. 8+esley v. %ate$ DC Ala. 4>65 1112;. What are the re!uisites for spontaneous e clamations as part of the res #estae : %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The res gestae is an e,uivocal act. b. The e,uivocal act must be material to the issue. c. The statement or ,uestion must be necessary or the understandin! o the e,uivocal act. d. The statement must accom'any the e,uivocal act. 8Tracy:s 7andbook$ 96 Ed.$ '. 6665 1112@. :ive e amples of spontaneous e clamations as part of the res #estae. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. A conversation between two accused immediately a ter the commission o the crime overheard by 'rosecution witnesses. 8.eo'le v. Reyes$ >6 .hil. D9C5 b. A statement made by a wounded 'erson shortly a ter a violent occurrence heard by another. c. The statement made by a shootin! victim to 'ersons who answered his cries or hel' that the accused shot him. 2A. What is the nature of e pert opinions ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 E('ert o'inions are not ordinarily conclusive in the sense that they must be acce'ted as true on the sub"ect o their testimony$ but are !enerally re!arded as 'urely advisoryG the courts may 'lace whatever wei!ht they choose u'on such testimony and may re"ect it$ i they ind that it is inconsistent with the acts in the case or otherwise unreasonable. 88.un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46999<G Meneses v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=<BBG .un-alan v. )ommission on

4=9

Elections et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>>BG and .un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ 0.R. No. 4C6ACD 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 4<<> citin! /rancisco on Evidence$ Jol. J&&$ .art 4$ '. 9965 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Testimony o handwritin! e('ert not indis'ensable to )OMELE). 7andwritin! e('erts$ while 'robably use ul$ are not indis'ensable in e(aminin! or com'arin! handwritin!G this can be done by the )OMELE) itsel . &t was ruled by the %u'reme )ourt that evidence aliunde is not allowed to 'rove that a ballot is marked$ an ins'ection o the ballot itsel bein! su icient. 88.un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46999<G Meneses v. )ommission on Elections$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 46=<BBG .un-alan v. )ommission on Elections et al.$ 0.R. No. 46>>BG and .un-alan v. )ommission on Elections$ 0.R. No. 4C6ACD 'rom. A'ril 6=$ 4<<> citin! Bocobo v. )OMELE)$ 4<4 %)RA D=9 in turn citin! .enson v. .arun!ao$ D6 .hil. =4>5 CHARACTER EVIDENCE PRESUMPTIONS 3B. What are the re!uisites for adverse presumption from suppression of evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The su''ression is wil ul. 8%ec. C*e$ Rule 4C4$ RO)5 continue b. The su''ression is not in the e(ercise o a 'rivile!e. c. The evidence su''ressed is not merely corroborative. d. The evidence is at the dis'osal only o the su''ressin! 'arty. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 &nstances where adverse 'resum'tion rom su''ression o evidence does not a''ly2 a. & the evidence is at the dis'osal o both 'arties. 8.eo'le v. Ducay$ 66D %)RA 45 b. The su''ression was not will ul. c. The su''ressed evidence is merely corroborative or cumulative. d. The su''ression is an e(ercise o a 'rivile!e. 8.eo'le v. Nava"a$ 66B %)RA 96A5 31. What is burden of proof ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. Burden o 'roo is b. the duty o a 'arty c. to 'resent evidence d. on the acts in issue e. necessary to establish his claim or de ense . by the amount o evidence !. re,uired by law. 8%ec. 4$ Rule 4C4$ RO)$ arran!ement and numberin! su''lied. NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. R&!C o 'o'-,"%!$)!&o' is another term or burden o 'roo . The burden o 'roo lies u'on the 'arty who would be de eated i no evidence were !iven on either side. b. B$%-"' o "0&-"'#" the duty restin! u'on a 'arty$ by means o evidence$ to create or meet a prima facie case. 8Mc)loskey v. Lo'lar$ <6 .A.L.R. 9A45 Each 'arty must 'rove his a irmative alle!ation. %ince the burden o evidence lies with the 'arty who asserts an a irmative alle!ation$ the 'lainti or com'lainant has to 'rove his a irmative alle!ations in the com'laint and the de endant or res'ondent has to 'rove the a irmative alle!ations in his a irmative de enses and counterclaims. 8Eimene-$ et al$ v. NLR)$ et al.$ 0.R. No$. 449<9B$ 'rom. A'ril 6$ 4<<95 c. D$+. o (o&'( o%7)%- 7&+8 +8" "0&-"'#" o% ?$%-"' o (o&'( o%7)%- is another term or burden o evidence. 8Demeules v. %ewel Tea )o.$ 4BC Minn. 4DB5 &llustration o !oin! orward with the evidence2 /or e(am'le a ter the e(istence o a debt has been 'roven by the creditor the burden o 'rovin! 'ayment devolves u'on the debtor. +here the debtor introduces evidence o 'ayment$ the burden o !oin! orward with the evidence * as distinct rom the !eneral burden o 'roo * shi ts to the creditor who is then

4==

under the duty o 'roducin! evidence to show non*'ayment. 8Eimene-$ et al$ v. NLR)$ et al.$ 0.R. No$. 449<9B$ 'rom. A'ril 6$ 4<<95 &n short$ the burden o !oin! orward is the burden o 'roducin! evidence. 32. What is the doctrine of e!uipose ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 +here the evidence on an issue o act is in e,ui'oise or there is doubt on which side the evidence 're'onderates$ the 'arty havin! the burden o 'roo ails u'on that issue. 8Rivera v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44D96D$ 'rom. Eanuary 6C$ 4<<> citin! /rancisco$ Evidence$ '. DDD$ second edition5 There ore$ as neither 'arty was able to make out a case$ neither side could establish its cause o action and 'revail with the evidence it had. They are thus no better o than be ore they 'roceeded to liti!ate$ and$ as a conse,uence thereo $ the courts can only leave them as they are. 8Rivera$ supra citin! Munici'ality o )andi"ay$ Bohol v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6D4 %)RA DCB5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. B$%-"' o ,%oo -&!+&'($&!8"- %o5 ?$%-"' o "0&-"'#" 2 Burden o 'roo does not shi t durin! the course o the trialG it remains with the 'arty u'on whom the law cast it at the be!innin! o the trial. 8%outhern R. )o. v. .rescott$ 6AB 1.%. 9C65 On the other hand$ burden o evidence shi ts or 'asses rom side to side as the trial 'ro!resses and evidence is introduced. 8Ibid.5 b. T8" ,6)&'+& 8)! +8" ?$%-"' o ,%oo &' #&0&6 #)!"!: 45 &n civil cases$ the burden o 'roo is on the 'arty who would be de eated i no evidence is !iven on either side. The 'arty who alle!es a act has the burden o 'rovin! it. 8.aci ic Bankin! )or'oration Em'loyees Or!ani-ation$ et al.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4B<C=C and The .resident o the .hili''ine De'osit &nsurance )or'oration$ etc.$ v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 446<<4$ 'rom. March 6=$ 4<<> citin! Trans*.aci ic %u''lies$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6CD %)RA A<A5 65 &n civil cases$ the burden o 'roo rests u'on the 'arty who$ as determined by the 'leadin!s or the nature o the case asserts a irmative alle!ations o an issue. 8Rodri,ue- v. Jalencia$ >4 .hil. =>=5 REA%ON2 7e who asserts and not he who denies$ must 'rove. 8La!asca v. De Jera$ =< .hil. C=95 The 'arty who asserts the a irmative would lose as to a 'articular issue or the entire case$ i no evidence were !iven on either side. 8Ibid. citin! %ec. 4$ Rule 4C4$ RO)5 c. P%o!"#$+&o' 8)! ?$%-"' o ,%oo &' #%&5&')6 #)!"! 2 &n criminal cases the burden o 'roo as to the o ense char!ed lies on the 'rosecution. A ne!ative act alle!ed by the 'rosecution need not be 'roved unless it is an essential in!redient o the o ense char!ed. REA%ON2 The accused has in his avor the 'resum'tion o innocence. d. B$%-"' o ,%oo &' &' %&'("5"'+ #)!"!2 The burden o 'roo to substantiate a char!e o in rin!ement is with the 'lainti . But where he 'lainti introduces the 'atent in evidence$ and the same is in due orm$ there is created a prima facie 'resum'tion o its correctness and validity. The decision o the )ommissioner o .atent 8now the Director o the &ntellectual .ro'erty O ice5$ in !rantin! the 'atent is 'resumed to be correct. The burden o !oin! orward with the evidence 8burden o evidence5 then shi ts to the de endant to overcome by com'etent evidence this le!al 'resum'tion. 8Ma!uan v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 4A9 %)RA 449$ 44=5 ORDER OF PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE 32. State the order of presentation of evidence if trial is to be heard in order to adduce evidence. %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. The 'lainti shall adduce evidence in su''ort o his com'laintG b. The de endant shall then adduce evidence$ in su''ort o his de ense$ counterclaim$ cross*claim and third*'arty com'laintG

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c. The third*'arty de endant$ i any$ shall adduce evidence o his de ense$ counterclaim$ cross*claim and ourth*'arty com'laintG d. The ourth*'arty$ and so orth$ i any$ shall adduce evidence o the material acts 'leaded by themG e. The 'arties a!ainst whom any counterclaim or cross*claim has been 'leaded$ shall adduce evidence in su''ort o their de ense$ in the order to be 'rescribed by the courtG . The 'arties may then res'ectively adduce rebuttin! evidence only$ unless the court$ or !ood reasons and in the urtherance o "ustice$ 'ermits them to adduce evidence u'on their ori!inal caseG and !. 1'on admission o the evidence$ the case shall be deemed submitted or decision$ unless the court directs the 'arties to ar!ue or to submit their res'ective memoranda$ or any urther 'leadin!s. & several de endants or third*'arty de endants$ and so orth$ havin! se'arate de enses a''ear by di erent counsel$ the court shall determine he relative order o 'resentation o their evidence. 8%ec. D$ Rule CB$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 a. S#o," o *$-("I! ,)%+&#&,)+&o' )+ +%&)6 2 A "ud!e who 'resides at a trial is not a mere re eree. 7e must actively 'artici'ate therein by directin! counsel to the acts in dis'ute$ by askin! clari yin! ,uestions$ and by showin! an interest in a ast a air trial. 8)larin v. Fatco$ D9 O.0. =BA6$ Nov. 4A$ 4<9B5 7e can interro!ate witnesses to elicit the truth$ to obtain clari ication$ or to test their credibility. 8.eo'le v Moreno$ >C .hil. 6>95 7owever$ this 'ower must be e(ercised by the court s'arin!ly and "udiciously. 8.eo'le v. /errer$ AA O.0. 4465. O course$ the "ud!e cannot curtail counsel:s ri!ht to interro!ate witnesses. 8.eo'le v. Bedia$ >C .hil. <B<5 b. Po7"% o #o$%+ +o !+o, $%+8"% "0&-"'#"2 45 The court may sto' 65 the introduction o urther testimony C5 u'on any 'articular 'oint A5 when the evidence u'on it is already so ull D5 that more witnesses to the same 'oint 95 cannot be reasonably e('ected =5 to be additionally 'ersuasive. But this 'ower should be e(ercised with caution . 8%ec. 9$ Rule 4CC$ RO) arran!ement and numberin! su''lied5 +hen the evidence already 'resented on one 'oint is su icient and the 'arty merely seeks to 'resent cumulative evidence which cannot 'roduce additional 'ersuasive e ect or that he is not sure o what the other witnesses would testi y$ the court may in its sound discretion sto' the introduction o such urther evidence. 8.eo'le v. Reyes$ et al.$ 4CC %)RA D45 c. Ro6" o )++o%'". -$%&'( ,%"!"'+)+&o' o "0&-"'#"2 An attorney has a dual role to 'er orm relative to 'rovin! the truth res'ectin! a matter o act. 7e must ensure that all evidence su''ortin! the material alle!ations$ whether raised in the 'leadin!s or not are admitted by the court. 7is other role is to block the admission o evidence su''ortin! his o''onents: material alle!ations whether raised in the 'leadin!s or not. &n order to 'er orm this dual role the attorney should ensure that the evidence he o ers are admissible in accordance with the Rules o )ourt and those o his o''onent are 'ro'erly ob"ected to or bein! inadmissible 33. What is the rationale for re!uirement of offer of evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The o er is necessary because it is the duty o a "ud!e to rest his indin!s o acts and his "ud!ment only and strictly u'on the evidence o ered by the 'arties to the suit. 8Mr. )hie Eustice Moran cited in .eo'le v. /ranco$ 0.R. No. 44>9B=$ 'rom. March A$ 4<<=5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 Evidence not ormally o ered not considered on a''eal. Evidence is not ormally o ered be ore the trial court cannot be considered on

4=<

a''eal. To consider them at this sta!e will deny the other 'arties their ri!ht to rebut them. 8%ervicewide %'ecialists$ &nc. v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 44==6>$ 'rom. Eune 69$ 4<<95 PPP34. What is meant by present recollection revived ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 A witness may be allowed to re resh his memory res'ectin! a matter o at by re errin! to anythin!2 a. +ritten or recorded by himsel or under his directionG b. At the time when the act occurred$ or immediately therea ter$ or at any other time when the act was resh in his memoryG c. 7e knew that the same was correctly written or recorded. But in such case the writin! must be 'roduced and may be ins'ected by the adverse 'arty who may$ i he chooses$ cross*e(amine the witness u'on it$ and may read it in evidence. 8%ec. 49$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 The conce't o 'ast recollection recorded. A witness may testi y rom such writin! or record thou!h he retains no recollection o the 'articular acts$ i he is able to swear that the writin! or record correctly stated the transaction when made$ but such evidence must be received with caution. 8%ec. 49$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 39. What is the effect of inadmissible evidence that has not been properly objected to ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 &t is a well*settled doctrine that where the 'ro'onent o ers evidence deemed by counsel o the adverse 'arty to be inadmissible or any reason$ the latter has the ri!ht to ob"ect. A 'rotest or ob"ection a!ainst the admission o any evidence must be made at the 'ro'er time$ and that i not so made it will be understood to have been waived. The 'ro'er time to make a 'rotest or ob"ection is when$ rom the ,uestion addressed to the witness$ or rom the answer thereto$ or rom the 'resentation o 'roo $ the inadmissibility o evidence is$ or may be in erred. 8British Airways v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 464>6A$ Eanuary 6<$ 4<<> citin! Abrenica v. 0onda$ CA .hil. =C<5 )ross*e(amination conducted to the inadmissble evidence may constitute waiver. 8British Airways$ supra5 3;. <ow is the adverse partyBs witnesses impeached ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. By contradictory evidence. b. By evidence that his !eneral re'utation or truth$ honesty$ or inte!rity is bad. c. By evidence that he has made at other times statements inconsistent with his 'resent testimony. B$+ 'o+ by evidence o 'articular wron! ul acts$ "/#",+ that it may be shown by the e(amination o the witnesses$ or the record o the "ud!ment that he has been convicted o an o ense. 8%ec. 44$ Rule 4C6$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 T8" #o'#",+ o 6).&'( +8" ,%"-&#)+". &t is the duty o the 'arty tryin! to im'u!n the testimony o a witness by means o 'rior or$ or that matter$ subse,uent inconsistent statements$ whether oral or in writin!$ to !ive the witness a chance to reconcile his con lictin! declarations$ such that it is only when no reasonable e('lanation is !iven by him that he should been deemed im'eached. 8.eo'le v. Relucio$ >9 %)RA 6A65 3@. What is the evidence re!uired in civil cases ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 The 'arty havin! the burden o 'roo must establish his case by a 're'onderance o evidence. 8%ection 4$ Rule 4CC$ RO)5 NOTE% AND )OMMENT%2 .re'onderance o evidence is evidence which is o !reater wei!ht$ or more convincin! that that which is o ered in o''osition to it. 8National .ower )or'oration v. )ourt o A''eals$ et al.$ 0.R. No. 4664<D$ 'rom. Euly 6C$ 4<<> citin! New Testament o 0od v. )ourt o A''eals$ 6A9 %)RA 6995

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3A. What are the re!uisites for sufficiency of circumstantial evidence ? %100E%TED AN%+ER2 a. There is more than one circumstance. b. The acts rom which the in erences are derived are 'roven. c. The combination o all the circumstances is such as to 'roduce a conviction beyond reasonable doubt. 8%ec. A$ Rule 4CC$ RO)5