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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN

From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu


Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

any right over such property. But there are two or more
NOTE: Please read this together with your codal.
persons claiming a right over the property in his possession.
The Special Civil Actions begin with Interpleader, Rule 62 all
Hindi sya ordinaryo. You do not see this in the ordinary civil
the way to Rule 71 which is Contempt. All in all, in the Rules
procedure whereby a person has a cause of action against
of Court there are 10 Special Civil Actions.
another. Meron syang right na ini-enforce. Dito wala, he just
So, why do you say that these are Special Civil Actions happened to be a mere holder of the thing. So, what is he to
(SCA)? How different are they from Ordinary Civil Actions do? Kanino nya ibibigay ang property? Wala naman syang
(OCA)? What makes them special in the first place? They are interest sa property? That is the peculiarity of this particular
special because each of them has certain uniqueness, a SCA. So, the remedy of the person is to file an interpleader
certain peculiarity that is not found in any of the OCAs. action.
Meaning they are governed by a certain set of rules not
Who can file?
necessarily covered ng OCA. Kaya nga may specific rule
assignment ang bawat isa sa kanila and these rules govern Any person who possesses personal or real property
the proceedings of these SCAs. or has an obligation to render wholly or partially
without claiming a right thereto.
Ano nang mangyayari sa ordinary civil rules natin? They
apply in so far as they do not conflict or contradict the So, its very important that the person who files a complaint
special rules for SCA. So, suppletory character ang in interpleader does not assert any claim or right over the
application ng rules of OCA. property subject matter of the case.
So, how many Special Civil Actions do we have? What is the purpose?
1. Interpleader (Rule 62) To spare that person, the complainant-in-interpleader
be risked of being held liable twice for the same
2. Declaratory Relief (Rule 63)
subject matter; to afford protection against double
3. Review of Judgments and Final Orders of the vexation in respect to ones liability.
COMELEC and COA (Rule 64)
Meaning to say, yung taong yan na confronted with two
4. Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus (Rule 65) conflicting claims should not be the one to make that
decision kanino nya ibibigay ang property. Let them litigate
5. Quo Warranto (Rule 66) their respective claims in court. Whoever wins ibibigay ko or
6. Expropriation (Rule 67) pending litigation i-deposit ko na yan sa korte bahala na ang
korte mag-award sa inyo. In other words, you do not take
7. Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage (Rule 68) the matter in your hands of deciding who among the
8. Partition (Rule 69) conflicting claimants is entitled. You are not a court of law
who can make that decision, it is beyond your capability. And
9. Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer (Rule 70) so, the proper thing for you to do is go to court, file a
complaint-in-interpleader, implead the claimants and let
10. Contempt (Rule 71)
them file their own answer-in-interpleader and sila ngayon
So, when you speak of any of these SCAs, you have to ang magli-litigate with respect to their rights and claims over
consult their respective set of rules, when you file an action the property.
that is categorized as a SCA. You just dont go to the civil
When is it proper?
procedure to govern the proceedings of these cases.

Section 1. When interpleader proper. Whenever


conflicting claims upon the same subject matter are or may
INTERPLEADER be made against a person who claims no interest whatever in
Rule 62 the subject matter, or an interest which in whole or in part is
not disputed by the claimants, he may bring an action
Interpleader A legal remedy where a person possesses a against the conflicting claimants to compel them to
personal or real property or an obligation to render wholly or interplead and litigate their several claims among
partially but does not claim any right thereto and he comes themselves.
to court and ask that the claimants to said property or to
such obligation be required to litigate among themselves to
Elements:
determine finally who is entitled to one or the other.
1. The plaintiff must claim no interest in the subject
So, ano ang peculiarity ng ganitong remedy? Well, you do
matter or his interest/claim is not disputed.
not see the party here who initiates the interpleader
proceeding to be a party interested in the subject matter of 2. There must be at least 2 or more conflicting
the action which is a real property, personal or an obligation, claimants upon the same subject matter.
kasi wala syang kini-claim na interest. That person is a mere
3. The parties to the interpleader must make effective
holder of such subject matter but does not claim interest or
claims.
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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

4. The subject matter must be one and the same. There was a suit here filed by Planters Devt. Bank and there
was an answer which incorporated a counterclaim, cross
When do you file?
claim in interpleader. In other words, the stakeholder has
Within a reasonable time after the dispute has arisen already been sued. Ang stakeholder mismo, inassert nya in
without waiting to be sued by either one of the the answer by way of counter-complaint for interpleader ang
contending parties. kanyang complaint-in-interpleader, is that allowed? In this
case it was allowed. The SC said that:
So, dapat hindi ka muna i-sue, otherwise you will be barred
by laches for undue delay or if the judgment has already Interpleader is a civil action made special by the
been obtained by one claimant then the plaintiff in an action existence of particular rules to govern the uniqueness
for interpleader becomes liable to the former. So, before pa of its application and operation. Under Section 2, Rule 6
nag-file ng case against you, unahan mo na. Ikaw dapat ang of the Rules of Court, governing ordinary civil actions, a
ma-una mag-file. partys claim is asserted "in a complaint, counterclaim, cross-
claim, third (fourth, etc.)-party complaint, or complaint-in-
Wack Wack vs Won (March 26, 1976): In the case of intervention." In an interpleader suit, however, a claim is not
Wack Wack vs. Won, the SC held that interpleader would no required to be contained in any of these pleadings but in the
longer be available to a person who has become answer-(of the conflicting claimants)-in-interpleader. This
independently liable to any of the claimants by virtue of the claim is different from the counter-claim (or cross-claim, third
judgment. A stakeholder should use reasonable diligence to party-complaint) which is separately allowed under Section 5,
hale the contending claimants to court. He need not await par. 2 of Rule 62.
actual institution of independent suits against him before
filing a bill of interpleader. What does that mean? When you assert a complaint-in-
interpleader in an answer, it is not in the real sense a
Another term for the plaintiff in interpleader is the counterclaim because a complaint-in-interpleader does not
stakeholder. Dapat siya ang mag-initiate ng action. As much assert any claim because the one who makes it is a mere
as possible, dapat na-una syang mag-file before he is sued holder who claims no right/interest over the subject matter
by anyone of the claimants. of the case. Therefore, since there is no assertion of a claim
Where do you file? Who has jurisdiction? over that particular property that is the subject matter of the
case, it cannot be subject of a counter complaint for
Depends on the value of the property. It follows the interpleader. And that cannot be considered as a
jurisdictional amounts. counterclaim in the real sense of the word in the ordinary
MTC civil procedure.

Real property: not more than 20,000; in Metro There is a separate treatment here, ang ginawa lang dito
Manila not more than 50,000 hinybrid siya. May answer siya denying liability and asserting
at the same time his right to file a complaint-in-interpleader
Personal property: not more than 300,000; in Metro so that those conflicting claimants can litigate among
Manila not more than 400,000 themselves as to who should be entitled to the property.
They can ventilate their respective rights/claims over the
RTC
property before the proper court. And by filing the complaint-
Real property: assessed value exceeds 20,000; in in -interpleader, it is not a counterclaim. Cause when you
Metro Manila exceeds 50,000 say a counterclaim, what do you mean by a counterclaim? It
is a complaint that the defendant makes in response to the
Personal property: more than 300,000; in Metro
complaint that was filed against him by the plaintiff in your
Manila more than 400,000
ordinary rules of procedure. But since you are not asserting a
What are the pleadings allowed? claim here over the subject matter of the case then all you
have to do is make a counter complaint-in-interpleader and
1. Motion to dismiss that will not considered as a counterclaim. So, pwede siya.
2. Answer Docket fees? Who will be liable? (Section 7)
3. Counterclaims
Section 7. Docket and other lawful fees, costs and litigation
4. Cross claims expenses as liens. The docket and other lawful fees paid
5. Third-party complaints by the party who filed a complaint under this Rule, as well as
the costs and litigation expenses, shall constitute a lien or
You have to plead your counterclaim in your answer change upon the subject matter of the action, unless the
otherwise any claim that you make will be barred by res court shall order otherwise.
judicata.
Now, the question here is: Is there such a thing as a So, all cost that the plaintiff or the complainant in
counterclaim/cross claim in interpleader? That was the case interpleader spent shall be charged as a lien on the property
of Bank of Commerce vs Planters Devt. Bank (2012) subject matter of the case. So, kung sino yung nagclaim ng

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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

right over the property subject matter of the case, sila yung interpleader action because wala na sa kanya ang property.
ultimately liable to pay the docket fees. Pwede na nya ideposit sa court and from then on hindi na
sya ang guguluhin ng mga claimants over the said property.
Bank of Commerce vs Planters Devt. Bank (2012):
One of the issues raised was: Assuming that it is indeed a Then, you have service of summons and the copies of the
complaint-in-interpleader, and it is proper even if it was complaint and order to the claimants. The defendants in
raised in an answer, dapat hindi pa rin yan nag-prosper interpleader will, either, move to dismiss on the ground of
because there was no payment of docket fees. Dapat impropriety or some other grounds like lack of jurisdiction or
dinismiss pa rin yon. Sabi ng SC, it does not follow. file an answer or if there is no answer, the claimants can
either be defaulted on motion and judgment barring his/her
In a compulsory counterclaim you are not required to pay
claim.
docket fees, thats true kasi nga compulsory counterclaim sya
but this is a counter complaint-in-interpleader, dapat nga What happens if there is an answer filed? So if one of the
naman may payment of docket fees. But sabi ng SC, since interpleaded claimants failed to file an answer, then they are
Sec. 7 says that the docket fees and the cost shall be defaulted upon motion and there can be judgment entered
charged as lien on the subject matter of the action, it should barring their claims. And if they file any answer, it must be
be interpreted to mean that the plaintiff-in-interpleader who filed within 15 days or 5 days from notice of denial of motion
is a mere stakeholder and doesnt claim any right over the to dismiss.
property subject matter of the case should not be the one to
Their answer must contain the cross-claim, counter-claim,
bear the costs. Kaya nga sinasabi ichacharge siya as lien
third party claim if there is any. After the answer, you go to
because the one who pays it, the stakeholder who initiates
pre-trial or if there is counter-claim then there will be a reply
the complaint-in-interpleader should be reimbursed. Kaya
or an answer to the counter-claim then pre-trial.
siya chinacharge as lien subject to reimbursement ng mga
claimants. And after pre-trial, the court will determine the parties rights
and adjudicate their claims during the trial. Then on trial,
Section 7 aims to actually compensate the complainant-in-
there is presentation of evidence then after, judgment.
interpleader, who happens to be the stakeholder unfortunate
Afterwards, thats when the court will determine docket fees,
enough to get caught in a legal crossfire between two or
costs and expenses as lien on the subject matter. So
more conflicting claimants, for the faultless trouble it found
whoever gets the property, the same will be subject to
itself into. Since the defendants-in-interpleader are actually
payment of docket fees, costs and expenses as lien. That's
the ones who make a claim - only that it was extraordinarily
the summary.
done through the procedural device of interpleader - then to
them devolves the duty to pay the docket fees prescribed
under Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, as amended.
Flow Chart DECLARATORY RELIEF &
OTHER SIMILAR REMEDIES
Rule 63

Section 1.Who may file petition. Any person interested


under a deed, will, contract or other written instrument, or
whose rights are affected by a statute, executive order or
regulation, ordinance, or any other governmental regulation
may, before breach or violation thereof bring an action in the
appropriate Regional Trial Court to determine any question of
construction or validity arising, and for a declaration of his
rights or duties, thereunder.
An action for the reformation of an instrument, to quiet title
to real property or remove clouds therefrom, or to
consolidate ownership under Article 1607 of the Civil Code,
may be brought under this Rule.

What do you mean by declaratory relief? How is it


made special?
The basic concept of Rule 63 is that wala syang execution
phase. There is no such thing as writ of execution issued for
this particular type of civil action. Is that all? Is that the only
You have the complaint, file it in Court. The court will order
peculiarity of this rule? No, meron pa. The concept itself.
the parties to interplead and the subject matter be paid or
delivered to the court pending litigation. So that is one The concept of declaratory relief is permitted on the
benefit on the stakeholder kapag nag-file na siya ng theory that the courts should be allowed to act not
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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

only when the harm is actually done and right It is only proper when there is no other adequate
jeopardized by physical wrong or physical attack relief available. If you have other actions that can
upon existing legal relations but also when answer/resolve the uncertainty then that should be
challenged, refusal, dispute, or denial thereof is made prevail because a petition for declaratory relief
amounting to a live controversy. There is yet no cannot be made a substitute for all existing legal
actual violation but there is already live controversy remedies and should be used with caution. Relief
by virtue of a refusal or denial of a right. from declaratory judgment is sui generis and not
strictly legal or equitable yet its historical affinity is
The insecurity and uncertainty which may be avoided
equitable. The remedy is not designed to supplant
or hampered or disturb the freedom of the parties to
exiting remedies. It is basically an action of last
transact business or to make improvements on their
resort.
property rights. A situation is thus created when a
judicial declaration may serve to prevent a dispute It should be used sparingly because the court should not be
from ripening into violence or destruction. a giver of legal opinion, as much as possible, hindi dapat
hinihingan lang ng legal opinion ang korte. But if it cannot be
Ano ang ibig sabihin nyan? It means that there is no actual
avoided that there is a live controversy that could lead to an
violation of your right. In an ordinary civil action, you need to
actual violation of right and if you are able to meet all the
have a cause of action. When you say a cause of action, you
requirements for an action for declaratory relief then by all
have a right and there is a violation of that right. Eto, walang
means, go ahead file a case.
actual violation of right. That makes it a special civil action.
What is the purpose of a declaratory relief?
Parang malabo ata yun. How do you go to court if wala
namang actual violation of right? How do you argue your One purpose of a declaratory action is to ask the
case kung hindi ka naman injured, wala kang damage court to make a proper interpretation of a contract
suffered. How do you convince the court to rule on your and not to ask forinjunction, execution or other relief
favor? Ano ang minimum requirement dito if not a cause of beyond the adjudication of the legal rights which are
action? This is where the broadened concept of a cause of the subject of the controversy between the parties.
action comes in. Expanded/broadened ang concept natin ng
So, merely to interpret a contract.
cause of action when it comes to declaratory relief.
The relief is confined to the actual controversy within
It is not, as an ordinary civil action, the wrong or
the courts jurisdiction and it also adjudicates the
delict by which the plaintiffs rights are violated but is
legal rights, duties, and status of the parties.
extended to a mere denial, refusal or challenge
raising at least an uncertainty which is injurious to What is Subject matter of declaratory relief?
plaintiffs rights. (Exclusive list)
Example you have a contract to sell. There is one particular Deed, will, contracts or other written instrument
provision na hindi kayo magka-intindihan. Okay, the basic Statutes, executive orders or regulations, ordinance
condition for me subject to the contract to sell is babayaran or any other governmental regulations.
ko lang in full payment. Sabi nung isa, meron pa ibang
kondisyon kahit fully paid ka na you still dont get the title. Take note it is Exclusive meaning ejusdem generis principle
No actual violation yet. Sabi-sabi pa lang pero meron ng live applies. Whatever is not included is deemed excluded. So be
controversy. Can you go to court and file for specific familiar with it.
performance? No. What do you do? Declaratory relief. Go to When is declaratory relief not proper?
court, what is it that you were not able to agree on, ask an
opinion kung sino ba ang tama then you prevent an actual Issuances of the SC on administrative matters? Can
violation later on of your right. Hindi pa na viviolate na-settle that be subject of declaratory relief action?
na ang issue na yan. That is the peculiarity. No. In the case of Salazar vs Comelec[2011], Rules such
Origin of Declaratory Relief as Rule 10 Adm. Matter No. 10-4-1-SC promulgated by the
SC are not included in the enumeration. Like I said, the
The SC traced the origin and nature of a declaratory relief enumeration is exclusive.
action in the case Mejia vs. Gabayan (April 12, 2005). It
originated in the classic Roman law, has been used in How about court orders?
Scotland for 4 centuries and adopted in England and other No, Reyes vs Ortiz (G.R. No. 137794, August 11,
European countries. So it's origin is basically from Roman 2010): Subject matters to be tested in a petition for
Law and European in character not the US or American. The declaratory relief are exclusive xxx Any other matter not
remedy is purely statutory in nature and origin. The remedy mentioned therein is deemed excluded. This is under
is an extension of the ancient quia timet. A declaratory the principle of expressio unius est exclussio alterius.
judgment does not create or change substantial rights or
modify any relationship or alter the character of How about the SC decision? It cannot be the proper
controversies. subject of declaratory relief.

When is it proper?
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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

The simple reason that the Rules of Court already provide[s] made parties; and no declaration shall, except as otherwise
for the ways by which an ambiguous or doubtful decision provided in these Rules, prejudice the rights of persons not
may be corrected or clarified without need of resorting to the parties to the action.
expedient prescribed by Rule 66 [now Rule 64] case: CJH
Development Corporations vs BIR (G.R. No. 172457, All persons who have or claim any interest which
December 24, 2008) would be affected by the declaration shall be made
How about land titles? Is that a subject of declaratory parties.
relief? Lahat ng apektado sa declaration should be impleaded as
Yes. Diba may deed doon? An action for Declaratory Relief parties. And because of that, those who were not made
presupposes that there would be no actual breach of the parties that are supposed to be affected cannot be bound by
instruments involved. Since the purpose of Declaratory Relief the declaratory relief judgment. Its very clear in Section 2. If
is to secure an authoritative statement of the rights and you are the plaintiff, you have to enumerate sino yung mga
obligations of the parties under a statute, deed, or contract apektado sa kasong yan and all of them should be impleaded
and not to settle issues arising from the alleged breach of as parties to the case. Failure to do so will mean that the
contract. It may be entertained before the breach of violation unimpleaded parties will not be bound by the judgment.
of the statute, deed, or contract. So land titles are example [2014 TSN: Let's say you file a petition to question EO39,
of deeds. how do you establish that you're a real party in interest? Is
When do you file it? mere being a taxpayer enough? No. Dapat sabihin mo na you
own a vehicle and you're being affected by EO39. You cannot
Before any breach or violation of the deed, will, rush wherever you want to go kasi you have to observe the
contracts or other written instrument, statutes, speed limits or you can say na as a riding public, your rights
executive orders or regulations, ordinance or any are being hampered. You have to allege that to become a
other governmental regulations. real party in interest. Mere allegation is insufficient.]
Kapag kontrata yan bago pa nagkaroon ng breach on that Who should you notify? Who should be given copies of
contract, dapat nag-file ka na ng declaratory relief. Because the petition?
if there is already a violation, then there is now an available
remedy na pwede nyong gamitin. Kasi declaratory relief will Section 3.Notice on Solicitor General. In any action which
only comes in when theres no available remedy. When involves the validity of a statute, executive order or
theres already a breach then you go for specific regulation, or any other governmental regulation, the
performance, an ordinary civil action. Solicitor General shall be notified by the party assailing the
Who may file? same and shall be entitled to be heard upon such question.

Any person who is interested in under a deed, will, Section 4.Local government ordinances. In any action
contract or other written instrument or a person involving the validity of a local government ordinance, the
whose rights are affected by a statute, executive corresponding prosecutor or attorney of the local
order or regulation, ordinance or any other governmental unit involved shall be similarly notified and
governmental regulation. entitled to be heard. If such ordinance is alleged to be
unconstitutional, the Solicitor General shall also be notified
Hindi lahat ng tao pwede mag-file nito. Kailangan may right, and entitled to be heard.
meron kang right affected by the will, or by the statute for
that matter. If you're questioning a statute, executive order or any other
[2014 TSN: An example is the Executive Order 39 of Davao governmental regulation then you have to notify the SolGEn.
City, the speed limit. A lot of people are questioning whether (Sec. 3) If it is an ordinance that is alleged to be
it's valid or does it run counter under RA4136, the traffic unconstitutional, then, you also notify the SolGen. But when
code. So far nobody is brave enough to file declaratory relief the action involves the validity of a local government
to question the validity. But if somebody is brave enough to ordinance (not its constitutionality), you only notify the
do that, I think the petitioner would win because it runs prosecutor/LGU lawyer required. (Sec. 4)
contrary to the express speed limits specified under RA4136. Where do you file it?
There is a provision in the law that no ordinance or
resolution can run in conflict with the provisions of the Act. RTC has original jurisdiction. Meaning to say, you can't file it
So you will use this action, declaratory relief, but make sure to MTC neither CA or SC.
na wala kayong violation of that ordinance or statute Are there exceptions? [File directly to SC]
because the moment that there's violation, eh you're
precluded from filing.] 1. SC will entertain if it involves the legality of the
imposition of VAT on toll fees and consider it one for
Who may be parties? prohibition though it's captioned as Declaratory Relief.
It's converted or treated as prohibition under Rule 65
Section 2.Parties. All persons who have or claim any because it has far-reaching implications and raises
interest which would be affected by the declaration shall be questions that need to be resolved for the public good.
Page 5 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

(Case: G.R. No. 193007, Diaz and TIMBOL, vs. The Because the various remedies provided by the
Secretary of Finance and The CIR) Rules will have to be availed of
2. SC treated a case involving the definition of capital in 3. Actions to resolve a political law, question or issue
Sec. 11, Art. XII of the Constitution as one for
4. Actions to try or determine issues
mandamus under Rule 65 because of its far-reaching
implications to the national economy. (Case: Gamboa 5. Terms of assailed ordinance are not ambiguous or
vs. Teves; G.R. No. 176579) of doubtful meaning
Requisites for declaratory relief: 6. Contract or statute on which the action is based has
been breached
1. There must be a justiciable controversy
Because after the breach, the regular remedies may
2. The controversy must be between persons
be obtained
whose interests are adverse
7. Actions seeking an advisory opinion from the court
3. The party seeking declaratory relief must have
on a moot question
interest in the controversy.
8. No showing that the plaintiff has any business or
Must show legal interest, that you're a real
interest that would be affected by the questioned
party in interest
law or ordinance
4. The issue involved must be ripe for judicial
You cannot show proof of legal interest; must be a
determination.
real party in interest
What do you mean by Justiciable Controversy?
If you file a petition of declaratory relief, what will
Real parties in interest assert adverse claims and the court do? (Section 5 & 6)
present a ripe issue.
There is an adverse claim but there is no yet actual Section 5.Court action discretionary. Except in actions
violation falling under the second paragraph of section 1 of this Rule,
the court, motu proprio or upon motion, may refuse to
The petition must show an active antagonistic exercise the power to declare rights and to construe
assertion of a legal right on one side and a denial instruments in any case where a decision would not
thereon on the other concerning the real, not a terminate the uncertainty or controversy which gave rise to
mere theoretical question or issue. the action, or in any case where the declaration or
construction is not necessary and proper under the
Hanggang assertion and denial pa lang, wala pang
circumstances.
actual violation of rights
Section 6.Conversion into ordinary action. If before the
Wala pang actual violation, pero meron ng live controversy
final termination of the case, a breach or violation of an
such that one decides to do this at sinabi ng isa na hindi
instrument or a statute, executive order or regulation,
because that's the a violation then it gives rise to an actual
ordinance, or any other governmental regulation should take
controversy in an ordinary civil action. And pwede ng
place, the action may thereupon be converted into an
pumunta ang isa sa kanila sa court for declaratory relief on
ordinary action, and the parties shall be allowed to file such
whether or not pwede nyang gawin yun; that's the essence.
pleadings as may be necessary or proper.
Wala pang actual violation pero may threat of violation.
You're asking the court for an opinion. The court can
entertain it and render a declaratory relief judgment. 1. The court can dismiss the petition motu propio or upon
motion.
Cases where Declaratory Relief are NOT appropriate:
(few of the enumeration) What are the grounds? (1) Where the decision will not
terminate the uncertainty of the controversy; or (2) the
1. Actions to obtain judicial declaration of citizenship declaration or construction is not necessary and proper under
the circumstances.
You have a proceeding for that like naturalization
because declaratory relief can only be availed if 2. The court can also, other than dismissing it, grant the
there are no other remedies available. It's a last petition and issue declaratory judgment when the judgment
resort and there's no violation yet would serve a useful purpose in clarifying and settling the
legal relation and issue and it would terminate and afford
2. Actions to establish illegitimate filiation and
relief on the uncertainty, insecurity and controversy giving
determine hereditary rights
rise to the proceeding.
Suffice is the procedure on ordinary civil action
3. The court may also convert the action into an
Subject of action is a court decision ordinary civil action if prior to the termination of the case,
a breach or violation of the instrument, statute, executive
order, regulation, ordinance or any governmental regulation
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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

should take place. In which case the parties will be required become apparent immediately after the execution; only years
to file pleadings as may be necessary. later. There was already a refusal or challenge to an
intended exercise. So there's already a live controversy.
So, magkakaroon ng conversion from an action of
What was really the intention of the parties? There was a
declaratory relief to some other ordinary action if a breach/
claim of mistake.
violation has already been committed.
When do you reckon or file a case for action for reformation
Judgments: distinction
of instrument based on mistake? From the execution of
agreement or upon discovery?
Declaratory Relief Ordinary Case
In the case of Multi realty Development Corporation vs.
The distinctive characteristic of a Ordinary judgments are Makati Condominium Corporation (2006):
declaratory judgment is that the primarily intended to remedy or
The prescription will have to be reckoned from the
declaration stands by itself, that to make compensation for
is, no executory process follows injury already suffered and, for discovery of the mistake and not from the execution of
as of course. In other words such that reason must, in addition to the instrument: A party to an instrument is under no
a judgment does not involve determining the rights involved, obligation to seek a reformation of an instrument
executory or coercive relief. grant consequential or curative while he is unaware that any opposition will be made
relief in some form. to carry out the actual agreement. The statute of
limitation does not begin to run against an equitable
Declaratory judgments involve a cause of action for the reformation of an instrument
real controversy and are res (That is why in ordinary cases because of mistake until the mistake has been
judicata and binding upon the you have the executory or discovered or ought to have been discovered. The
parties and those in privity with execution process. You have to
mere recording of a deed does not charge the grantor
them. file a motion for execution.)
with constructive notice of a mistake therein, but is to
be considered with other facts and circumstances in
What are the similar actions?
determining whether the grantor be charged with
1. Reformation of instrument (Article 1359 1369, CC) notice actual or constructive.

2. Quieting of title (Article 476-481, CC) So, for purposes of prescription it should be reckoned from
the date of discovery of the mistake.
3. Consolidation of ownership (Article 1607, CC)
So under Rule 63, there are actually 4 distinct civil actions.
What is the common denominator? QUIETING OF TITLE
Their similarity lies in the fact that these remedies result in Again what is the concept of quieting of title?
the adjudication of the legal right and obligations of the
litigants without need of execution to carry the judgment in It is a common remedy for removal of any cloud upon, or
good faith. There is no execution process, that's why they doubt or uncertainty affecting the title to real property.
are lumped together in Rule 63. What is the purpose?
To determine respective right of the complainant and other
claimants not only the place thing in their proper place, to
REFORMATION OF INSTRUMENT make the one who has no rights to said immovable respect
and not disturb the other, but also for the benefit of both, so
What is the purpose? that he who has the right would see every cloud of doubt
The purpose of this action is to reflect the intention of the over the property dissipated, and he could afterwards
parties when such intent is not reflected in the written without fear introduce the improvements he may desire,
agreement on the grounds of mistake, fraud, inequitable even use, and abuse the property. (Build Development
conduct and accident. Housing Corporation vs Bonifacio)

When do you file it? [2014 TSN: You introduced an improvement to your
property and it turns out there's an adverse claim, someone
One has a right to file a complaint or petition when a else is claiming ownership or interest. So there's a doubt, do
persons legal right is denied, challenge, or refuse by another you really have a right over the property given the
or where there is antagonistic assertion of his legal right or annotation of the property; that's an example of a doubt or a
denial thereof concerning a real question or issue. There is cloud. And you want to settle the cloud, file for a quieting of
real, definitive, substantive controversy between the parties, title. If the adverse claimant does not have a right, the
touching on the legal relation having adverse legal adverse claim will be cancelled and then that's the only time
pavements. you'll be confident in introducing improvements. Whereas if
In the case of Multi Reality Corporation vs. Makati you don't remove the adverse claim and you already put
Condominium Corp [2006]: Here the ambiguity did not improvements like buildings then forever you will live in

Page 7 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

doubt so as to whether or not mapupunta saiyo ang


improvements na nilagay mo.]
Review of Judgments, Final Orders and
Resolutions of the COMELEC and COA
[Take note, when an adverse claim is annotated on a title Rule 64
then it is constructive notice to everybody. And if you're the
one who introduced the improvement, you'll become a What is the scope of rule 64?
builder in bad faith. All of your investment, goodbye. Before
you venture into such multi billion investment, might as well We have three constitutional commissions under the
remove the cloud over your property.] Constitution: COMELEC, COA and CSC. Rule 64 only pertains
to judgments, final orders and resolutions of COMELEC and
What is the legal basis for this? The substantive law: COA, hindi kasali ang CSC. Therefore, any decision,
order/ruling of the CSC should not be brought to the SC
Article 476. Whenever there is a cloud on title to real under this rule.
property by reason of any instrument, record, claim,
The review of judgment or resolution issued by COA and
encumbrance or proceeding, which is apparently valid or
COMELEC should be brought within 30 days from receipt of a
effective, but is in truth and in fact invalid, ineffective,
copy thereof.
voidable or unenforceable and may be prejudicial to said
title, an action may be brought to remove such cloud or to The mode of review here is certiorari pa rin and that is still
quiet the title. governed by Rule 65 except those that conflict with the
provisions of Rule 64. And because it is by nature a certiorari
An action may also be brought to prevent a cloud from being
action then the grounds you can invoke here would be lack
case upon title to real property or any interest therein.
of jurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack
or excess of jurisdiction.
[Ex. Cloud/doubt is adverse claim or encumbrance or any
record/instrument which at first blush it is apparently valid or What is the basis of this rule? [Actually this is an
effective but is in truth and in fact, ineffective, voidable, or amendment introduced by the 1997 Revised rules of court.]
unenforceable. If you want to challenge or make it go away
You have article 9, section7 of the 1987 Constitution:
then file action to quiet title.]
What are the requisites? ...unless otherwise provided by the Constitution or by law,
any decision, order or ruling of each Commission may be
1. You have to show proof that the plaintiff has legal
brought to the Supreme Court on Certiorari by the aggrieved
or equitable title or interest in the real property
party within 30 days from receipt of a copy thereof.
subject of the action.
2. The deed, claim, encumbrance, proceeding claimed What is the caption of your petition?
to be casting cloud on his title must be shown to be
in fact invalid or inoperative despite its prima facie Petition for certiorari or petition for review on certiorari?
appearance of validity or legal efficacy. Petition for certiorari.

This usually happens when you have a property whose title is Even though you are asking for a review of judgments
annotated with an adverse claim. Hindi ka sigurado, youre or final orders or resolutions of the Comelec or COA?
saying that the adverse claim is in fact not valid. But because The answer can be found in the case of Benguet State
of that adverse claim you cannot do anything with respect to University vs. COA. June 8, 2007. G.R. No. 169637.
that property. If you want to sell it, the buyer will investigate Justice NACHURA ang ponente and hindi niya pinalampas
and finds out na meron pa lang naka-annotate na adverse ang caption ng petition. So check the decision.
claim, aatras yong buyer. Ayaw nila ng gulo, they dont want
to be involved in a legal controversy later on. So anong What is the subject of the petition? You have final
gagawin mo with that adverse claim? You file an action to orders, rulings and decisions of the COMELEC and COA.
quiet title. Once and for all, ask the court to determine the Take note that if it's a COMELEC, it should be exercising its
validity of the adverse claim and if its not valid, have it adjudicatory or quasi-judicial power and not its rule-making
removed. Ask the registry of deeds to remove that power. They must be final decision and resolution issued by
annotation. And once that is done then you can move on. the COMELEC en banc; that's the proper subject matter
Pwede mo nang ibenta, pwede mo nang i-improve ang under rule 64.
property without fear that somebody later on will question
your action. So, a resolution issued by a COMELEC division, hindi siya
pwedeng subject of a certiorari under Rule 64 in relation to
Who has jurisdiction? Rule 65. Kailangan dumaan ka muna sa COMELEC en banc.
When it comes to quieting of title, [unlike declaratory relief Where do you file it?
which is exclusive to RTC], the jurisdiction is the RTC or
MTC, depending on the value of the property. Again, you go Supreme Court.
back to the basic on jurisdictional amount.
When to file?

Page 8 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Within 30 days from notice of judgment or final order or decisions of the COMELEC and the COA under Rule 64, you
resolution sought to be reviewed. cannot entirely adopt the rules provided under Rule 65}
If there is a motion for new trial or motion for So, the question there is bakit hindi na lang uniform yan,
reconsideration is filed, that will interrupt the 30 day period, more favorable ang 60 days. Why do we have to count a
provided that the procedure for filing of the new trial or MR separate period to file eh pareho lang naman yan Rule 65 din
is allowed in the rules of the Commission. Kung wala, then yan. The answer is it cannot be done. You cannot avail of the
30 days upon the receipt of the decision. 60 day period of Rule 65 for a Rule 64 petition because the
30 day period is the one provided in the Constitution. That is
And if the motion is denied, let's say the Commission allows
the express language of the Constitution, when you appeal
the remedy of new trial or reconsideration, and the motion
you only have 30 days. You cannot extend it to 60 days. That
will be denied later on, the aggrieved party may file a
will require an amendment of the Constitution for you to be
petition within the remaining period. It's automatic to be
able to extend that. Wala ka nang magagawa. Even the rule
5days minimum. So, kung ano na lang ung sobra, which shall
making power of the SC cannot amend the Constitution to
not be less than 5 days, reckoned from the notice of denial.
extend the 30 day period to 60 days under Rule 65.
So if he filed his MR in the 29th day, may default siya na
5days. [Section 3] General rule:
Filing of a prior motion for reconsideration is required before
Section 3.Time to file petition. The petition shall be resorting to a petition for certiorari.
filed within thirty (30) days from notice of the judgment or
final order or resolution sought to be reviewed. The filing of Take note that under Rule 64 because it is also governed by
a motion for new trial or reconsideration of said judgment or Rule 65, you have to comply with the requirements. One of
final order or resolution, if allowed under the procedural rules the requirement is the filing of a motion for reconsideration.
of the Commission concerned, shall interrupt the period But there are instances when you may dispense with the
herein fixed. If the motion is denied, the aggrieved party filing of a MR.
may file the petition within the remaining period, but which
Exceptions:
shall not be less than five (5) days in any event, reckoned
from notice of denial. The filing of a MR can be dispensed with in order to prevent
miscarriage of justice.
Will the FRESH PERIOD RULE apply?
- Even if the rules of the commission [COMELEC/COA]
NO. That is the specific pronouncement of the SC in Pates provides for MR, you can forego with it provided it falls under
vs COMELEC, as early as 2009. the exception.
Even if the procedure for filing the petition under 1. When the issue involves the principle of social
Rule 64 is that of Rule 65, it cannot simply be justice or protection of labor.
equated to Rule 65 because they exist as separate
2. When the decision or resolution sought to be set
rules for substantive reasons.
aside is a nullity.
In your ordinary civil procedure, you have the fresh period
3. When the need for the relief is extremely urgent
rule, right? Neypes ruling. For Rule 64 Pates vs COMELEC, SC
and the certiorari is the only adequate and speedy
says, you do not apply the fresh period rule.
remedy available.
The exception that Section 2 Rule 64 refers to is
Docket fees?
Section 3 which provides for a special period for the
filing of certiorari of decisions of the COMELEC En Do you have to pay the docket fees upon the filing of the
banc. The period is 30 days from the notice of the petition? Yes and if you fail to pay it then your petition is not
decision or ruling (instead of 60 days; take note under validly filed.
Rule 65 dapat 60 days. But if you are questioning a
What are the formal requirements?
resolution of a COMELEC en banc, that 60 day period is
reduced to 30 days because of Rule 64), with the intervening 1. You have to verify the petition.
period used for the filing of any motion for reconsideration
deductible from the originally-granted 30 days (instead of the 2. You have to file it in 5 legible copies which used to
fresh period of 60 days that Rule 65 provides). be 18 but now it has been reduced by virtue of the
Efficient Use of Paper Rule.
If the resolution or decision that you want to question is not
issued by COMELEC or COA under Rule 64, meaning hindi In the Supreme Court, one original (properly
siya covered ng Rule 64, then the 60 day period under Rule marked) and four copies, unless the case is referred
65 will govern as the reckoning period for you to file the to the Court En Banc, in which event, the parties
petition, otherwise, you follow the shortened period of 30 shall file ten additional copies.
days provided under Rule 64. 3. You have to state
[So that is where you draw the line. While the procedure to a. the name of the petitioner
follow is Rule 65, when you resort to filing petitions of
Page 9 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Aggrieved party the grounds and brief arguments relied upon for review, and
pray for judgment annulling or modifying the questioned
b. the name of the respondent
judgment, final order or resolution. Findings of fact of the
The Commission concerned and the person Commission supported by substantial evidence shall be final
or persons interested in sustaining the and non-reviewable.
judgment, final order or resolution quo
The petition shall be accompanied by a clearly legible
4. Your petition shall have to state: duplicate original or certified true copy of the judgment, final
order or resolution subject thereof, together with certified
a. the specific material dates true copies of such material portions of the record as are
To determine whether your petition has referred to therein and other documents relevant and
been filed on time. So if you received the pertinent thereto. The requisite number of copies of the
resolution of COMELEC en banc on June petition shall contain plain copies of all documents attached
15, then you have until July 15 to file in SC to the original copy of said petition.
kasi 30days yan. You have to alleged that The petition shall state the specific material dates showing
youve received it on June 15. that it was filed within the period fixed herein, and shall
Ex. I file an MR on June 16 then I contain a sworn certification against forum shopping as
received the resolution denying my MR on provided in the third paragraph of section 3, Rule 46.
July10. Today is July 15, the petition has The petition shall further be accompanied by proof of service
been timely filed So yun ang ilalagay mo. of a copy thereof on the Commission concerned and on the
b. The facts, the grounds, the issue, and brief adverse party, and of the timely payment of docket and
arguments relied upon for review and your other lawful fees.
prayer for judgment. Remember the The failure of petitioner to comply with any of the foregoing
material dates should be when you requirements shall be sufficient ground for the dismissal of
received the order, when you filed your the petition.
MR, when you received your resolution for
your MR, etc.
- You have to attach legible duplicate original or certified true
Contents of Petition: copy of the judgment. So its important that it must be a
certified true copy of the judgment, final order or resolution.
Statement of specific material dates showing its
Failure to do that is fatal, unless the SC will give you a
timely filing
chance to submit a certified true copy.
Facts
- Certified True copy of material portions of the record
Issues involved referred in the petition. This is similar to Rule 43 but under
said rule there are several SC decisions that this is not strictly
Grounds and brief arguments relied upon for review followed. Mere photocopy will suffice. So far, I have not
Prayer for judgment encountered a decision pertaining to this. Under Rule 43, it
can be dispensed because it has to be consistent with the
Accompanying documents: submission of copies regarding pertinent records. There are
1. Clearly legible duplicate original or certified true copy of other documents that needed to be attached such as
the judgment, final order or resolution certification of non forum shopping.

2. Certified true copies of the material portions of the record So if youre from the province, how will you prove
referred to in the petition that you paid the docket fees?

3. Other documents relevant and pertinent to the petition Unless you personally go there, you usually do it through
money order. And to prove that, we photocopy it and attach
4. Sworn Certification against forum shopping to the petition. The original postal money orders are
appended to the original petition so that the clerk of court
5. Proof of service on commission & adverse party
can extract the original postal money orders. Parang check
6. Proof of timely payment of docket fees and other lawful yan eh.
fees. (Sec 5)
What is the effect when you file a petition under Rule
64? Will it stay the execution of judgment sought to
Section 5.Form and contents of petition. The petition be reviewed?
shall be verified and filed in eighteen (18) legible copies. The
petition shall name the aggrieved party as petitioner and It will not stay the execution of the judgment or the final
shall join as respondents the Commission concerned and the order (because it is not an appeal) unless the SC issues an
person or persons interested in sustaining the judgment, final injunction or TRO. The exception is when the SC itself will
order or resolution aquo. The petition shall state the facts direct under such terms it may deem just.
with certainty, present clearly the issues involved, set forth

Page 10 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

When the petition is filed what will be the court


action? What will the SC do? There are 2 options:
Certiorari, Prohibition & Mandamus
Rule 65
1. It can motu proprio dismiss the petition when it
failed to comply with the formal requirements, when There are 3 distinct petitions under this rule. 64, isa lang, 63:
the petition is manifestly intended for delay, and 4, 62: 1.
when the questions raised are unsubstantial to So at first blush, there are 10 rules under special civil action
warrant further proceedings. but actually there are more than 10 because under 1 rule,
2. Or instead of dismissing the case outright, it will madami rin yan.
require the respondent to comment. Can you combine CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION &
CA is very strict, if there are formal defects in the petition, MANDAMUS?
they dismiss it. Mere absence of MCLE compliance certificate Yes as long as all the requisites are met.
would warrant dismissal of the petition; so you have to
attach it. They also have a checklist and the non-compliance CERTIORARI
will result to dismissal or they can give you a chance to
comply. What is certiorari?
Now what should be the comment of your - It is a writ issued by the superior court to any
respondent? How should you file it? inferior court, board, officer exercising judicial or
The respondent is either the COMELEC or COA. The quasi-judicial functions, whereby the records of a
comment will be in 5 or 10 legible copies [depending on what particular case is ordered to be elevated up for
court hears the petition; SC division or en banc] and should review and correction in matters in law.
be accompanied by certified true copies of the material - It is a prerogative writ and issued in the exercise
portions of the record as referred to in the comment and as of Judicial Discretion. For it prosper, there must
well as other supporting documents. Take note, after the be a capricious, arbitrary and whimsical exercise
pleading has already been filed, no other pleading may be of power.
filed by any party unless required by the court.
What are the requisites?
Flow Chart
(Review on Certiorari of Comelec/COA) (1) The writ is directed against a tribunal, a board
or any officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial
functions;
(2) That tribunal, board or officer must have acted
without or in excess of jurisdiction, or with grave
abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of
jurisdiction; and
(3) There is no appeal or any plain, speedy and
adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law
Rarang remedy of last resort.
Regarding requisite #1: Tribunal. Does it include a
sangguniang panglungsod?
Yusay vs ca G.R. No. 156684 April 6, 2011, the issue
whether or not the resolution of sanggunian panglusod
authorizing the local chief executive, in behalf of the LGU, to
You have the verified petition, then you go to the SC. The SC
exercise the power of eminent domain or pursue
may either dismiss it outright or require comment. SC will
expropriation proceedings over a particular private property
issue a notice requiring the respondent COMELEC or COA to
can be subject of certiorari. Will certiorari lie against the
file their comment within 10 days. If they file their comment,
sanggunian? SC said NO! Certiorari does not lie to assail the
the court will either resolve it on the merits or require the
issuance of a resolution by the Sanggunian Panglungsod
parties for oral argument or submit their respective
because the latter was not exercising a judicial or quasi-
memorandum.
judicial functions;
Same thing, if there is no comment filed, the court can
If you say judicial, it is a duly constituted court. It
require an oral argument or submit their respective
belongs to the judiciary.
memorandum then after that the case will be submitted for
decision. The proper caption is petition for review on quasi-judicial: its an agency under the executive
certiorari. e.g. NLRC, DOLE, DOJ
How about the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC)? Yes.
Page 11 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

In the latest Case of Jardeleza [August 19, 2014, g.r. Does that mean that certiorari will not lie against other
213181], SC & JBC said that: were not exercising judicial or parties?
quasi-judicial functions function. Kasi tinanggal siya sa
The rule of thumb is to determine whether that particular
shortlist submitted to the president; only 4 were submitted.
government agency exercise a judicial or quasi-judicial
There was an objection by Sereno and Jardelezas name was
functions? If it does, no question, certiorari will lie if you can
omitted even though he had majority votes in the JBC. So he
show grave abuse of discretion. And the courts review of that
filed a petition for certiorari and will it lie? SC: YES!
administrative body is not an encroachment because of the
Did the JBC exercised judicial or quasi-judicial functions when SCs power of review. That is the justification, that is the very
it submitted the names? No. how will you reconcile it now? reason why the SC can review of administrative bodies even
The SC justified it under the expanded power under Section if they are not within the judicial department but are within
1, Article 8 of the Constitution. the executive department.
According to the SC: It is judicially settled that a And take note under Rule 64, kahit na independent
petition for certiorari is a proper remedy to question constitutional bodies like COMELEC, COA still subject to the
the act of any branch or instrumentality of the review of the SC precisely because of the SCs power of
government on the ground grave abuse of discretion review, that is the inherent power of the SC. And part of that
amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction by any power of judicial review is to check on whether each and
branch or instrumentality of the government even if every department of the government is exercising their
the latter doesnt exercise judicial or quasi-judicial or functions within the bounds of law. There is no excess or
ministerial functions. abuse of their jurisdiction.
In a case like this, where constitutional bearings are Grave abuse of discretion
too blatant to ignore, the Court does not find
If you dont allege it, should your petition for certiorari be
passivity as an alternative. The impasse must be
dismissed outright? No, because the omission of this is not
overcome.
fatal. Kahit hindi mo pa na-articulate yang phrase na yan as
In this case, even if the JBC was not exercising a quasi- long as there is a clear showing of grave abuse discretion.
judicial function when it deliberated upon the nominees for a
Grave abuse of discretion is a mere conclusion of law,
SC justice, their disregard of the basic procedure can be a
deducible from the facts alleged in the petition. What is
subject of a certiorari petition. There was grave abuse of
important is that you are able to adduce all the facts that
discretion when after Jardeleza obtained majority vote, they
would show grave abuse of discretion.
did not include his name in the shortlist given to the
president. There was a virtual refusal to perform a duty Kaya siya grave abuse of discretion kasi you have to
required by law. What is the basis required by law? Its in the overcome eh. In every resolution, decision or final order
JBC rules itself. issued by the court or quasi judicial body, there is a
presumption of regularity in the performance of duty. Para
How did the court justify the PDAF, etc even if not judicial or
magkaroon ng basis for review under Rule 65, there must be
quasi-judicial functions? Under this expanded rule as long as
a showing of grave abuse of discretion such that any
there is grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
presumption of regularity, every presumption of justice and
excess of jurisdiction.
fair play is automatically negated; for you to have a case that
What are the QJ bodies? will prosper under Rule 65.
o NLRC Who has the burden?
o DOLE
Petitioner.
o DOJ
o NCIP and Abuse of discretion must be patent and grave as to
o All other government agencies not under the amount to:
judiciary
1. An evasion of positive duty ;
Why is certiorari available remedy against quasi-
judicial bodies? Like there was a denial of due process; or there was
a duty of the court to hear the parties but it did not
To keep the administrative bodies within their do so
jurisdiction and protect substantial rights of the
parties affected by their decision. 2. A virtual refusal to perform a duty required by law;

So the review of the decisions of the administrative bodies is 3. Act in an arbitrary and despotic manner by reason
part of the check and balances of the branches of the of passion and hostility.
government which is a limitation on the separation of powers If you are able to show facts along this line even without
that forestalls arbitrary and unjust adjudications. mentioning grave abuse of discretion then you can establish
Take note, normally certiorari will lie against judicial and grave abuse of discretion.
quasi-judicial bodies when they render or adjudicate cases.

Page 12 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Also includes acts done in violation of the Constitution, the Distinguish Certiorari Rule under Rule 45 vs. Rule 65
law, or jurisprudence.
Lack of Jurisdiction Rule 45 Rule 65

Error in jurisdiction: theres no authority to hear the case like 1. Appeal by certiorari Petition for certiorari
jurisdiction belongs to the RTC, and its the MTC that hears
It brings up [purpose] review Issues to correct errors of
it, very clear. How will you determine if there is no
errors in judgment committed jurisdiction and grave abuse of
jurisdiction? You look at the law that confers jurisdiction, its by the court in the exercise of its discretion amounting to lack or in
statutory. jurisdiction. excess of jurisdiction.
The court acted with absolute want of jurisdiction
(Jurisdiction is the authority to hear and decide a case). 2. Involves review of It may be directed against an
st judgments, awards of interlocutory order prior to
- Court has no jurisdiction in the 1 place when it final orders. appeal, or where there is no
shouldve been filed in the DOLE because of the appeal, speedy or adequate
jurisdictional amount involved. Or it should've been filed remedy
before the NLRC but it was filed in DOLE and the latter
(so you can avail of certiorari
took cognizance of it even though it doesn't have
under rule 65 involving an
jurisdiction on termination of cases. So, that's GAD, very interlocutory order and not
apparent. necessarily a final order.)
Error in the exercise of jurisdiction: Its different when we
say that there is an error in the exercise of jurisdiction.When 3. Filed within the Filed not later than 60 days from
reglementary period to notice of the judgment or order
you say error in the exercise of jurisdiction, its in the
appeal 15 days or from the denial of the MFR.
appreciation of evidence, on how the case was decided etc.
Its so grave that it ousts you of your jurisdiction. Kaya 4. Effect: Stays the Does not stay the challenged
nga in excess. execution of the proceeding unless a TRO or
Judgment, awards or injunction is issued.
So when you say exercise of jurisdiction, what does it final orders appealed
mean? from

It is the act of deciding all other questions arising in the


5. Petitioner and The parties are the aggrieved
case. That's how you exercise your jurisdiction and if there's respondent who were party (as petitioner) against the
error in that, the remedy is by ordinary appeal. You don't the original parties are lower court or quasi-judicial
resort to certiorari. While when you say GAD, there's the same parties to the agencyand the prevailing party
jurisdiction but the person exceeded the same. And you can petition, the lower (as respondents).
only say that there's excess when there's GAD. court is not impleaded.

Excess of jurisdiction, what does that mean? (There is a change in the caption
There is jurisdiction, no question about it. The case was filed in the case)
to the court that has jurisdiction but the court exceeded its The lower court or quasi-judicial
jurisdiction. agency impleaded as a nominal
party.
[2014 TSN: Lets say in an unlawful detainer case, the court
awarded damages. What is allowed damages in unlawful 6. Prior filing of a MFR is MFR is a condition precedent
detainer, back rentals lang but he awarded moral damages, not required. subject to certain exceptions.
etc. Is that a mere error in the exercise of jurisdiction or is it
an excess? Technically there's grave abuse of discretion, Why? Because you need to
comply with the requirement that
wala syang jurisdiction to award damages other than back
there is no plain, adequate,
rentals. So, there's excess. speedy remedy available. If
So it could be tricky but the rule of thumb there is, even if theres MR available, by all
there's excess or grave abuse of discretion, if the remedy of means go for it because youre
giving the tribunal the chance to
appeal is available, go for it. For certiorari will only lie if correct itself.
there's no plain, speedy and adequate remedy.
IF, it doesnt require for an MR
So, kahit pang klarong-klaro na grave abuse of discretion, it's then you go for rule65 because
a no. Even if you have a ground under Rule 65 but if there's you fall under the exception. Like
adequate remedy, better go for ordinary appeal.] in the case of Ombudsman,
admin case, some cases dont
provide for MR.

7. Nature of Appeal: Original.

Page 13 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Appellate. The higher court exercises 1. Where the tribunal acted without or in excess
original jurisdiction under its of jurisdiction;
The appellate court is in the power of control and supervision
exercise of its appellate over the proceedings of lower 2. It does not conform to the essential
jurisdiction or power of review. courts. requirements of the law and may reasonably
cause material injury; or
General Rule: Certiorari is not a substitute for appeal.
3. There is clear or serious abuse of discretion.
Certiorari and appeal are two different remedies that are
In Jardelezas case, the JBC has been considered as
mutually exclusive. They are not alternative or successive.
exercising a discretionary function when they were
Supposing you forgot regarding the appeal, you didnt take deliberating on who are to be nominated or included in the
note of the reglementary period, di pwedeng substitute ang short list to be given to the president. And even if its a
certiorari. discretionary function, itdid not conform to the essential
requirements of the law (yung rules nila mismo na if you got
G.R. No. 156067. August 11, 2004] MADRIGAL the majority vote, your name has to be included in the list
TRANSPORT, INC. vs. LAPANDAY HOLDINGS that will be submitted to the president). Hence, the certiorari
CORPORATION; MACONDRAY AND COMPANY, INC.; can lie.
and LUIS P. LORENZO JR: Certiorari and appeal are two
different remedies that are mutually exclusive; they are not General Rule:
alternative or successive. Where appeal is available,
Certiorari is not a proper remedy for interlocutory orders.
certiorari will not prosper, even if the ground therefore is
grave abuse of discretion. Now, generally when you speak of certiorari it is not a proper
remedy for interlocutory orders like orders resolving a motion
You will encounter this when you become lawyers that in
to quash, admissibility of evidence, motion to dismiss etc.
some pleadings in an appeal brief for instance, some say that
These are interlocutory orders. So, you should wait for the
the lower court committed grave abuse of discretion but it is
entire case to be finished and raise that issue on appeal later
not presented in a petition for certiorari but in ordinary
on.
appeal. Because even if grave abuse of discretion exists,
when the remedy of appeal is available, you go for that. Exceptions:
Exceptions: 1. When it involves violations of the constitutional
rights of the accused.
1. If the appeal is not the speedy, adequate remedy.
2. When the broader interest of justice principle will
2. If the orders were issued in excess or without jurisdiction.
apply.
3. When there are special considerations such as the public
3. Existence of a special circumstances
welfare or public policy.
demonstrating inadequacy of appeal.
4. In criminal actions, if there is acquittal of the accused,
then there is no other remedy of the aggrieved party but to
file a petition for certiorari especially there is denial of due
process.
PROHIBITION
5. When the order is of patent nullity, you can avail of It is a writ by virtue of which a superior court
certiorari without filing an appeal. prevents the inferior courts, corporations, boards or
persons from usurping or exercising jurisdiction or
6. When the decision of the certiorari case will avoid future power within which they have not been vested or
litigation. entitled by law.
In the case MADRIGALTRANSPORT, theres a distinction If the tribunal doesnt have jurisdiction over a certain case
made between certiorari and appeal. Basically theyre the and it assumes jurisdiction, then theres GAD on the ground
same under rule 65: petition and appeal by certiorari. of lack of jurisdiction. Should you go for certiorari or
Test in resorting to certiorari in lieu of appeal prohibition? The correct remedy is petition for prohibition
because the tribunal has no jurisdiction. In order to prevent
It is not enough that the remedy of appeal exists or said tribunal from further conducting its proceeding on that
is possible. It is indispensable that taking all the case then you have to file petition for prohibition.
relevant circumstances of the given case, appeal
would better serve the interest of justice. The writ is one that commands the person or tribunal
to whom it is directed not to do something which he
General Rule: or she is about to do.
Certiorari will not lie to review discretionary actions of any The writ is also commonly defined as one to prevent a
tribunal. tribunal possessing judicial or quasi-judicial powers
Exceptions: from exercising jurisdiction over matters not within

Page 14 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

its cognizance or exceeding its jurisdiction in matters - Can you have a prohibition case against a Mayor? So, the
of which it has cognizance. question here is does the Mayor exercise a judicial or quasi-
judicial function? Or a ministerial function for that matter? In
When you say prohibition, it is a negative remedy. You want
the case of City Mayor of Baguio vs Baniqued, the SC said
to prevent somebody from doing something.
yes.
City Mayor of Baguio vs Baniqued:
City Mayor of Baguio vs Baniqued: What is involved here
SC traced the origin of prohibition: is the issuance of a demolition order. There was a prohibition
case filed against the mayor and the SC said that it is the
Prohibition is a remedy of ancient origin, and has been said proper remedy.
to be as old as the common law itself. It was one of the
prerogative writs of the king, having for its function the The office of the mayor is given powers not only relative to
preservation of the right of the kings crown and courts. The its function as the executive official of the town. It has also
process originated in conflict of jurisdiction between the royal been endowed with authority to hear issues involving
courts and those of the church, and was most frequently property rights of individuals and to come out with an
employed in early times against the ecclesiastical courts to effective order or resolution thereon. In this manner, it
restrain them from acting without jurisdiction. exercises quasi-judicial functions. This power is obviously a
truism in the matter of issuing demolition notices and/or
Anciently, a writ of prohibition was an original, as orders against squatters and illegal occupants through some
distinguished from a judicial writ, and could issue only out of of its agencies or authorized committees within its respective
chancery. In later times writs of prohibition became judicial municipalities or cities.
writs out of a court of law, and do not appear to have issued
from a court of chancery in any case in which a court of law There is no gainsaying that a city mayor is an executive
might issue them, except during vacation, when the courts of official nor is the matter of issuing demolition notices or
common law were not open, and in this country [i.e., the orders not a ministerial one. But then, it cannot be denied as
United States] these writs have never been issued except by well that in determining whether or not a structure is illegal
a court of common-law jurisdiction. In accordance with, and or it should be demolished, property rights are involved
subject to, general rules, the remedy of prohibition has been thereby needing notices and opportunity to be heard as
accepted in the United States as part of the common-law provided for in the constitutionally guaranteed right of due
system and employed in practice wherever it is suited to the process. In pursuit of these functions, the city mayor has to
arrangement of the judicial system. Like other common law exercise quasi-judicial powers. Moreno, in his Philippine Law
remedies, it is generally recognized as existing in this country Dictionary, 3rd Edition, defines quasi-judicial function as
unless abolished by positive statutory enactment. applying to the action discretion, etc. of public administrative
officers or bodies, who are required to investigate facts or
What are the requisites? ascertain the existence of facts, hold hearings, and draw
- Basically the same with certiorari petition. conclusions from them, as a basis for their official action, and
to exercise discretion of a judicial nature.
- Nadagdagan lang ng parties. Instead of tribunal alone or
quasi judicial body, kasali na dito ang corporation, board - When it comes to demolition orders, that is a quasi-judicial
officer and persons exercising judicial, quasi-judicial or function na pwedeng maging subject ng prohibition order
ministerial functions. A little broader lang ang coverage ng under Rule 65.
prohibition in terms of functions as well as the persons Distinctions:
subject thereof.
- But the main ground is the same: there is without or excess Prohibition Certiorari
of jurisdiction or grave of abuse of discretion amounting to
lack or excess of jurisdiction. 1. Prays that respondent 1. Seeks to annul or
be ordered to desist modify the
- And there that element of no appeal or no other adequate from further proceedings of any
remedy in the ordinary course of law. proceeding in the tribunal.
action or matter
What is the function or prohibition?
It is a preventive remedy. It is to prevent or restrain 2. Preventive remedy 2. Corrective remedy
usurpation by inferior tribunals and to compel them which restrain the and refers to acts
to observe the limitation of their jurisdictions. It is doing of an act about already consummated
to be done
not intended to provide a remedy for acts already
accomplished.
3. The private party is 3. The private party is
- Like I said, it is a preventive remedy. Main purpose of included as not required to be
prohibition is to prevent encroachment, usurpation or respondent. included as
assumption of jurisdiction on the part of the inferior court or respondent.
tribunal.
Similarities

Page 15 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

1. Both are original or independent action and not a participation ang Congress on how to spend the funds. But
continuation or part of the trial resulting in the rendition of what happened there was kahit tapos na ang batas may
judgment complained of; participation pa rin ang Congress on how they spend the
2. The grounds under both actions are basically the same money and that is already on the execution of the law which
excess of jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction properly belongs to the executive department. Nagkaroon na
nang encroachment kaya nagkaroon ng massive corruption
Prohibition Mandamus hence the Napoles issue. That was ruled under Rule 65,
prohibition. Because the SC has the power to ensure that
A negative remedy which forbids An affirmative remedy each branch of the government should perform their
the doing of certain things which commanding certain things to be functions within the bounds of their limitations set forth in
out not to be done done the Constitution. That is the power of judicial review.If youre
act is unconstitutional, that is clearly a grave abuse of
Object is to prevent one from Object is to compel compliance discretion. Kaya sya nahulog na prohibition kasi dapat i-stop
executing or continuing to with a function prescribed by law yan and di na dapat gawin yan.
execute an act
Again, kahit pa rule-making power yan, if there is violation of
the Constitution, you can still make out a case of grave
Prohibition Injunction
abuse of discretion that is a proper subject of certiorari or
prohibition under Rule 65.
Strikes at the very jurisdiction of Usually recognizes the
the court. jurisdiction of the court where
the action is pending
(You are prohibiting the court
from acting because it has no (It presupposes the jurisdiction MANDAMUS
jurisdiction.) of the court where the action is
pending) What is mandamus?
A writ issued in the name of the State, to an inferior
Directed to the court itself. Directed only to the parties
tribunal, corporation board officer or person,
litigants without in any manner
interfering with the court
commanding the performance of an act which the
law enjoins as a duty resulting from an office, trust
or station.
There was a question in the report whether Rule 65 can
apply against the legislature or congress for that matter. The writ lies to require the execution of a ministerial
When Congress passes a law, can that be a subject of a duty.
petition under Rue 65? Obviously, Congress does not
exercise judicial or quasi-judicial function. But it can be. Available to compel action, when refused, in matters
involving judgment and discretion, but not to direct
Under Rule 65, you have certiorari directed against tribunals, the exercise of judgment or discretion in a particular
quasi-judicial bodies, in case of prohibition you have board, way or the retraction or reversal of an action
officer, not necessarily exercising judicial or quasi-judicial already taken in the exercise of either.
functions but ministerial. But in the passage of a law for
instance, how will you question it? And how come there are Here, the indispensable requirement is the existence of a
cases decided by the SC ruling on the validity of a law. Paano Ministerial duty. It is available to compel action with
yan napunta sa SC, paano yan na-resolba? Anong remedy matters involving discretion but not directly in the exercise of
ang inavail? You have Rule 65. Pwede din declaratory relief, judgment or discretion, one way or the other. If you're
nagsimula yan sa RTC all the way to the SC. Pwede rin sya asking the tribunal to rule on a certain matter because it has
under Rule 65. How? Paano mo yan ma-justify ang act of been remiss in its duty to resolve certain cases, can a
Congress in passing the law? Take note of the case of PDAF. mandamus prosper in that regard? YES, if you want the court
Ang kini-question is the validity of the general appropriations to act on a certain action. But if you want the court to act
act. The GAA, there is a provision there na may post this or that way, mandamus will not lie because that will
legislative participation ang members of Congress in the involve discretionary function.
identification of projects ng kanilang PDAF. Sa paglagay nila What is Ministerial duty?
nung provision na yun, post legislative participation, is that a
judicial/quasi-judicial act? No, it is a legislative act but One that requires neither the exercise of official discretion
dinecide ng SC. Was it under certiorari? No, but it was under nor judgment. It connotes an act in which nothing is left to
Rule 65, on prohibition. Kasi kung certiorari dapat the discretion of the person executing it. It is a simple,
judicial/quasi-judicial function. Pero bakit na-justify sya under definite duty arising under conditions admitted or proved to
Rule 65 on prohibition? Because there was a deviation from exist one way or the other.
the constitutional provisions on the separation of powers on Purpose
the executive, legislative and judiciary.
To compel the performance of a ministerial duty but not the
When congress makes a GAA, thats purely a legislative performance of a contractual obligation or to compel a
function. Pero once naipasa na ang batas na yan wala nang

Page 16 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

course of conduct or to control or review the exercise of 4. Pay docket fees


discretion.
What are the accompanying documents?
Requisites for Filing
The petition shall be accompanied by a certified true copy of
1. A Tribunal Corporation, board, officer or person who the judgment, order or resolution subject thereof, copies of
Neglects the performance of an act which the law all pleadings and documents relevant and pertinent thereto,
specifically enjoins as a duty resulting from an and a sworn certification of non-forum shopping as provided
office, trust, or station in the third paragraph of section 3, Rule 46.
2. Excludes another from the use and enjoyment of So what are the specific reliefs you pray for in your petition?
right or office to which the relator is entitled
For CERTIORARI, you are asking the court to annul or
3. You have to allege that There is no plain, speedy, modify the proceedings of such tribunal, board or
and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law officer, and granting such incidental reliefs as law and
justice may require.
In order for this petition to prosper, petitioner must
show clear performance and the respondent has In PROHIBITION, you are praying that judgment be
mandatory duty to do the act. rendered commanding the respondent to desist from
further proceedings in the action or matter specified
In 2008, the SC came out with a decision regarding the duty
therein, or otherwise granting such incidental reliefs as
of MMDA to clean up Manila Bay.
law and justice may require.
Does mandamus lie against MMDA to clean up Manila
In MANDAMUS, you are praying for the issuance of an
Bay? Yes. CASE: MMDA vs CONCERNED RESIDENTS OF
order commanding the respondent, immediately or at
MANILA BAY [G.R. Nos. 171947-48, December 18,
some other time to be specified by the court, to do the
2008]
act required to be done to protect the rights of the
MMDA has ministerial duty. MMDA has duty in the solid petitioner, and to pray for the damages sustained by the
waste disposal is set forth in PD 1152 (Environmental Code) petitioner by reason of the wrongful acts of the
and RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and respondent. It is only in Mandamus thatpetitioner can
RA7924 (Act creating the MMDA) ask for damages by reason of the wrongful acts.
Does mandamus lie against other line agencies When do you file?
[under their respective charters that created them] to
Not later than sixty (60) days from notice of the judgment,
clean up Manila Bay? Yes.
order or resolution. In case a motion for reconsideration or
1. DENR new trial is timely filed, whether such motion is required or
not, the sixty (60) day period shall be counted from notice of
2. MWSS
the denial of said motion.
3. LWUA
Can you extend the 60 day period?
4. DA
In the case of:
5. DPWH
LAGUNA METTS CORPORATION V. CA, G.R. No.
6. PCG 185220 July 27, 2009 NO.

7. PNP Maritime group But in the case of DOMDOM V. SANDIGANBAYAN, G.R.


Nos. 182382-83 February 24, 2010 - YES.
8. PPA
So pwede siyang ma-extend.
How about JDC, would mandamus lie?
Where do you file it? Who has the jurisdiction to hear
No, because it exercises discretionary function. petitions under Rule 65. There are several courts that have
How about the fact that a vote has already been concurrent jurisdiction under Rule 65.
obtained? 1. Supreme court
The court agrees with the JDC that mandamus is not 2. Court of appeals
available.
3. Sandiganbayan
Forms and contents of petition:
4. Regional trial court
1. Petition must be verified
5. COMELEC for election cases
2. State the facts, issues, and arguments, and the prayer for
relief Take note that in petitions under Rule 65 in relation
with Rule 64, only the Supreme Court has exclusive
3. Show material dates jurisdiction.
Page 17 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Under Special Laws pwede din the Shariah Appellate court Who will be the respondents in a Rule 65 petition?
and Shariah district courts, you can also file a petition for
It will be the usual parties but it will now include the public
certiorari.
respondents that rendered the judgment or resolution
Now because there is concurrence of jurisdiction here, what subject of the case but only as nominal parties. It will be the
is the rule? private respondents who are charge with the duty to actively
defend the case as well as the public respondents. They will
The first court that takes jurisdiction shall exercise exclusive be the ones to bear the costs that may be awarded to the
jurisdiction of the petition to the exclusion of all other courts. petitioner.
Can you go directly to the SC? The role of the public respondent is merely nominal. They
Normally, No, because you have to observe the hierarchy of are silent parties unless they are required by the court to
courts principle. You start with the lower court. submit their own comments or required pleadings to shed
further light on the case. The judgment under rule 65 can be
What is the effect of filing a petition under Rule 65? Unlike enforced, normally rule 65, if it is to nullify the order, prohibit
an appeal, that stays the proceedings, a petition under Rule or to command the performance of an act. If there is non
65 will not stay the proceedings. If you have an interlocutory compliance, the prevailing party may avail of contempt in
order subject of a certiorari, then the case continues with order to compel or execute the judgment.
respect with the proceedings in the lower court.
I have a case na medyo bading ang ruling ng CA. What
The public respondent, meaning the tribunal below will happened was I filed a motion to dismiss on the ground that
proceed with the principal case within 10 days from filing of there was non-payment of docket fees. I attacked the
the petition for certiorari if there is no TRO issued. Pag nag- jurisdiction, if there was non-payment of the correct docket
file kang petition for certiorari, maghihintay muna ng 10 days fees then the court did not acquire jurisdiction. Therefore,
ang lower court/tribunal. Kung walang TRO, the case should be dismissed on the ground of lack of
patuloysiyasapag-hear ng case. jurisdiction. So I cited the case of Sun Life Insurance. My
What happpened before was that the lower court, the motion to dismiss was denied, it was an interlocutory order
moment na nagkaroon nang certiorari, in one of the orders but since I was raising the issue on jurisdiction, inakyatko on
issued by the court, hindi na gagalawin ang kaso, patutulugin certiorari. That was the case na nag muni muniako. Baka
na ang case. There is delay. That shouldnt be the case makabayad akong treble costs and baka magka-disciplinary
because a petition for certiorari is an original action; it is not action against me. But nevertheless, the client said yes so
an appellate recourse. Therefore, it has no effect whatsoever umakyat kami. True enough dinismiss ang CA, it denied
in the proceedings below. The proceedings below should my petition but directing the respondents to pay.
continue as it should, unless there is an injunctive relief Nung natanggap na naming ang order, ayaw parin magbayad
issued. ng respondents. Paano na ito ngayon? Nag-manifestation
ako na there was receipt but there was non-compliance. I
So ngayon, para mawala na ang practice na iyan, was asking for a show cause order. Ang sabi ko the
napatutulugin ng tribunal ang kaso whenever it is subject to appropriate sanctions be granted in lieu of the non-
a petition for certiorari, there is here an amendment compliance of that specific order in the decision requiring
introduced by the Supreme Court, that the failure of them to pay docket fees.
the public respondent or the tribunal to proceed with
the principal case may be a ground for an Ang ginawang CA show cause order, why the lower court
administrative charge. So lahat ng mga courts ngayon should not be ordered to dismiss the case for non-payment
when there is a certiorari petition filed in one of the orders of docket fees. In other words, pwedeng idismiss since there
issued in that case, they cannot anymore stay the was deliberate refusal to pay the correct docket fees. Only
proceedings of that case. They have to continue hearing the then nanagbayadang respondents. So eto yun, that particular
case. point in the case nahumihingina akong appropriate sanction,
pwedeng mahulog sa contempt.
What If the petition for certiorari is outrightly
dismissed? What is the effect? Flow chart

The court may award in favor of the respondent treble costs


Filing of Verified
solidarily against the petitioner and counsel
Petition
If you are the counsel, you better think twice before
availing of the Rule 65 petition. Aside from that the counsel Outright dismissal if
may be subjected to administrative sanctions under Rules Order to Comment
insufficient in form (if sufficient)
139 and 139-B of the Rules of Court. (disbarment case) The
or substance
Court may impose motu proprio, based on res ipsa loquitur,
(what is that? CONTEMPT!) other disciplinary sanctions or Require filing of a reply
measures on erring lawyers for patently dilatory and and other pleadings as it
unmeritorious petitions for certiorari. may deem necessary

If you are the counsel, you need to weigh things properly.


Page 18 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

So kapag private individual hindi enough


Hearing or Submission of nawalasiyang right to the position, you must be able
Memoranda to show your own entitlement to that position.

Judgment The law allows a private individual to question the regularity


of the incorporation of an entity. This is with respect with the
creation of a juridical person.
Execution
Who may be respondents?
(a) A person who usurps, intrudes into, or
Verified petition. The court can: unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position
or franchise;
Outrightly dismiss the petition for formal defects or
Tinanggal na yung office in a corporation because
It will require the submission of comment by the that is now covered by the rules on intra-corporate
respondent. disputes. Una na-transfer yan sa SEC na jurisdiction,
later on binalik sa RTC. That is now removed from
In the meantime it can also issue injunctive relief.
the coverage of Quo Warranto under Rule 66.
Then after the comment is filed, the other party or the
(b) A public officer who does or suffers an act
petitioner can make a reply if allowed by the court.
which, by the provision of law, constitutes a ground
Afterwhich, they may have oral arguments or submission for the forfeiture of his office; or
of memoranda.
(c) An association which acts as a corporation within
It will be submitted for decision. the Philippines without being legally incorporated or
without lawful authority so to act.
The procedure seems simple enough, especially in the
proceedings before the CA. In the appellate court, wala ng When do you file?
hearing2x yan. Wala ng presentation of evidence yan. All
written arguments lang ang isu-submit. One year from the cause of ouster or the right of petitioner
to hold office or position arose.If beyond the 1year period,
Given the simplicity of the procedure here and the absence the action is barred by prescription. So the one year is
of a trial and the submission or presentation of evidence, prescriptive period.
gaano ito katagal? In my experience 5 years average.
Ganoon katagal. Even if you have submitted all your Why is there a 1 year prescriptive period?
arguments, swerte ka na pag na resolve yan in two or three Title to public office cannot be subject of continued
years. uncertainty and peoples interest requires that such be
determined as speedily as practicable.
So hindi kailangan patagalin. In the case of yung may mga
QUO WARRANTO terms, dapat ma-resolve kaagad yung issue on who is
Rule 66 entitled to the position as fast as possible.

What do you mean by quo warranto? There is an exception to the one-year period. It is
when the petitioner is not guilty of inaction or when
QUO WARRANTO its a latin term which means by what with the assurance of the government, the petitioner
authority. Its another prerogative writ by the government to was made to wait longer than 1yr. Like when he was
call upon any person to show what authority or what warrant made to believe by the assurances of some people in the
he holds a public office or exercises a public franchise. government that time is not of the essence and the petitioner
Who should file it? was able to delay the filing of the action because of that. In
this case pwedemahulogsa exception.
1. The State-Action must be brought in the name of the
Republic of the Philippines and commenced by the Solicitor Where do you file it?
General or Public Prosecutor (Sec. 2 & 3) Original and concurrent jurisdiction:
2. The Private individual 1. SC
ONLY when: 2. CA
) He claims entitlement to a public office or
a
3. RTC exercising jurisdiction over the territorial area where
position usurped or unlawfully held or exercised by the respondent or any of the respondents resides.
another. (Sec. 5)
But if it is the Solgen who will file the action, it may be
b) The law allows a private person to question the brought in a RTC in Manila, in the CA, or in the SC.
regularity of the incorporation of an entity.

Page 19 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

4. SB also has jurisdiction in action arising under Eos 1, 2, 14 2. After the comment, the court will either deny the
and 14-A and must be in aid of its appellate jurisdiction and application or grant it, furnishing all copies to
is not exclusive of the SC interested parties.
What are the forms and contents? 3. If it grants the application, then the application will
be filed by the Solgen within the period fixed by the
1. Petition must be verified.
court.
2. When brought by the government: it should be in the Difference between quo warranto filed by the state and filed
name of the Republic of the Philippines as the petitioner. by an individual
3. When brought by an individual: it should be in the
individuals name as the petitioner. STATE PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL

4. When the action is for usurpation: [these must be clearly Not necessary that there be a It is necessary for the petitioner to
STATED] person claiming to be entitled prove his right to the office in
to the office alleged to have dispute, otherwise the court shall
must allege the name of the person claiming
been usurped, thus the duty of not pass on the right of the
entitlement and the defendant is unlawfully in the court is to pass upon the defendant in office
possession thereof. right of the defendant only
must implead all other persons claiming the position
There are two types of quo warranto. These are the If the Solgen files, no need to show entitlement to the
following: position but if its a Private Individual, theres a need to
allege and show the right to entitlement.
1. Compulsory quo warranto
If there is usurpation, the order or judgment ousting the
It is commenced by SolGen or the Public Prosecutor: occupant of the public office concerned, as well as recovery
When directed by the President of the Philippines, or of costs of the petitioner. The ousted defendant will be
required to turn over the office to the rightful occupant
When upon complaint or otherwise he has good reason to together with the books and papers in his possession. Failure
believe that he can establish by proof that the case is under to do so will be sanctioned by contempt as well as payment
Sec 1 of Rule 66. of damages.
2. Discretionary quo warranto If the quo warranto judgment is against the public officer, it
does not bind the successor in office even thought such
It is commenced by the TheSolGen or the Public Prosecutor
successor may trace his title to the same source. It is never
may, with the permission of the court in which the
directed to an officer as such but always against the person -
action is to be commenced, bring an action upon the request
to determine whether he is legally and constitutionally
and relation of another person known as the relator .
authorized to perform the act or exercise any function of the
The SolGen or the Public Prosecutor may ask for the deposit office to which he lays his claim.
in court of money in an amount approved by it for the
Supposing reinstatement is not possible, what happens?
expenses and costs.
The public officer entitled to the office may be entitled to
Flow chart
back salaries.
When do you file an action for damages?
The action for damages must be commenced within one year
from the entry of the judgment establishing the petitioners
right to the office in question. Before you file for damages in
a quo warranto petition, you must first have a judgment
granting your petition. After that, you have one year to file
your action for damages.
Who will be liable for the costs?
1. Petitioner
2. Relator
1. You have to file an application for permission to file 3. Respondent
a quo warranto action filed with the court and the
court will direct the respondent to comment. 4. Persons claiming to be a corporation
Or all of them as may be apportioned by the court.

Page 20 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Quo Warranto Mandamus Appointive Office Elective Office

Proper remedy if the respondent The proper remedy when the Issue is legality of appointment Issue is eligibility of candidate (in
claims any right to the office respondent unlawfully excludes the case of Poe, yung kanyang
and usurps, intrudes into, or the petitioner from an office to pagiging Filipino citizen)
unlawfully holds it against the which the latter is entitled
petitioner WITHOUT usurping, intruding Court determines who was If declared winner is found
into, or unlawfully holding the legally appointed & declares ineligible, court cannot declare
office. who is entitled to occupy office second placer to take his place
If youre preventing somebody to
hold an office but youre not the Generally, jurisdiction is with Action could be filed in the proper
one in usurpation of that office, the courts or CSC in proper electoral tribunal or COMELEC or
then mandamus will lie; If you cases RTC
have the ministerial duty.
Should be filed within one (1) Should be filed within 10 days
Directed against the PERSON Directed against the PERSON year from the date the person from date of proclamation (in the
ACTUALLY holding the office UNLAWFULLY EXCLUDING assumes office case of Poe 3 yrs after she was
petitioner from office in question proclaimed a senator- way beyond
the 10 day period)

TESTS title to ones office AVAILS to enforce clear legal


Take note in the case of Soriano vs Estrada, way back in
claimed by another duties and not to try disputed
titles
2001, this is a consolidated case involving the oath taking of
GMA.
In the first petition, it seeks to enjoin Estrada from exercising
Take note that the case before Senator Poe right now in the
the powers of the president and to yield the presidency to his
Electoral Tribunal is a quo warranto petition filed by Atty.
constitutional successor.
David who was a senatorial candidate so pwede. We can say
na entitled siya kasi senatorial candidate siya noon The 2nd petition is to declare the occupation of Arroyo to be
questioning the qualification of Poe. But when Poe filed her Constitutional and legal with the full support of the Filipino
COC meron na namang nag-file ng disqualification case sa People and other foreign countries because that was by
kanya. Ang tanong, anong petition yun? It may be a quo virtue of EDSA 2.
warranto petition but under the COMELEC Rules not under
Rule 66. Kasi pag Rule 66, applicable kasi eto sa The 3rd petition asks for a definitive ruling on whether
appointive positions hindi elective. Yung nangyayari Estrada is still president, hence exempt from all criminal
ngayon, its based on the election. It is an elective position. suits.
Its basically governed by the Election Code as well as the The 4th petition prays that GMAs proclamation and oath-
COMELEC Rules, although Quo warranto ang tawag. I do not taking be declared void.
want to confuse my students pagsinabing quo warranto
under Rule 66. Kasi pagsinabi mong quo warranto under All of these have something to do with the ouster of Estrada
rule 66 do not confuse it with issues about election. and the assumption of the presidency by GMA.
Kasi hindi talaga sila tugma. Hindi sila pareho. You What was the ruling of the SC?
must be able to make that distinction.
The SC said that the 4 petitions are essentially for
Quo Warranto under the Election Code vs. Election declaratory relief over which the SC has no original
Protest jurisdiction. Remember that declaratory relief is within the
In quo warranto under the Omnibus Election Code, the exclusive jurisdiction of the RTC. Petitioners admit that it is
dispute refers to the ineligibility to hold public office and one for declaratory relief and they have no locus standi
disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines. On the other because ethey cannot show any direct or personal injury as a
hand in election protest the dispute refers to the conduct of result of GMAs oath- takling. SC said kibitzers, however well-
election. In quo warranto, the second placer does not take meaning, have no locus standi.
the place of the ousted or disqualified winner. The law on The petitions cannot be treated as quo warranto, non of the
succession on public office applies (i.e. Vice Mayor becoming petitioners was able to quality to commence the petition for
the Mayor) In protest If protestant wins, protestee is ousted qw. They cannot show that they are entitled to the position
and protestant takes over. of president.
Quo Warranto in Elective Position vs. Quo Warranto in In the case of Liban vs Gordon, this one was a qw
Appointive Position proceeding instituted by a private individual against Gordon
QW under Election Code is for elective office whereas under questioning the continued occupancy of Gordon as a Senator
rule 66, Appointive Office. Thats why pag elections na ang in view of his position with the Philippine Red Cross. It was
pinag-uusapan, out na ang 66. dismissed because the petitioner was not able to show his
own entitlement to the position of Senator.
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SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Here the person instituting quo warranto in his own behalf proof. He even concedes that he was never entitled to
must claim and be able to show that he is entitled to the assume the office of an Associate Justice of the
office in dispute. Otherwise, the action may be dismissed at Sandiganbayan.
any stage. The petitioners do not claim to be entitled to the
Now Justice Ong has already been removed for some
Senate office of the respondent. Clearly, petitioners have no
irregularities. He was subjected to an administrative case and
standing to file the present petition.
found guilty.
In the case of Topacio v. Ong and OSG, this was a petition
against Justice Ong from exercising the duties and
responsibilities of of a SB Associate Justice. There was a
complaint against Justice Ong here via a verified letter EXPROPRIATION
request, requesting the Solgen to initiate a qw proceeding Rule 67
against Ong as Associate Justice of Sandiganbayan.
Actually Rules 67, 68 and 69 are special civil actions
What was the reply of the OSG? that have something in common. They involve two
stages.
It said that it cannot favorably act on the request until the
case, the pending case in the RTC shall have been Lets start on Rule 67 on expropriation or the exercise of the
terminated with finality. right of eminent domain. As you know the right of eminent
domain is one of the inherent powers of the state. That is
What is that RTC case? basically the taking of property for public use even without
It is the petition for amendment, correction, supplementation the consent of the owner but with just compensation. The
of entries in his certificate of birth. exercise of such right is what we call expropriation. The
procedure for such proceeding is found under Rule 67.
Nireject siya because Ong has a prior petition with the RTC
for correction of his birth record. The basis kasi for the quo In your constitutional law you already know the limits to the
warranto is about his citizenship. So there was no declaration exercise of the power of eminent domain. Like those found in
the he is not a natural born Filipino citizen, he was just made the Bill of Rights:
to fix it first. And that is why, there was that decision. On the
basis of that decision , here comes Topacio asking the OSG Article III, Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life,
to institute a quo warranto proceeding. liberty, or property without due process of law. Nor shall any
person be denied of equal protection of the law.
Did the OSG committed GAOD in refusing the request of
Topacia? NO
You also have,
The Solgen in the exercise of sound discretion may suspend
or turn down the institution of quo warranto where there are Article III, Section 9. Private property shall not be take
just and valid reason. So here the just and valid reason is for public use without just compensation.
there is that pendency of the RTC case and the consequent
risk of forum shopping. We also have other provision of the Constitution that limits
In other words, there was a relator asking the Solgen to the exercise of the power of eminent domain.
institute a qw and SC said in agreeing in the request of the The basic requisites are due process, just
relator thatis in the exercise of the sound discretion of the compensation and the purpose of the taking must be
Solgen. for public use.
Can certiorari and prohibition lie against Ong? How do you initiate the complaint?
The SC said NO, while denominated as a petition for 1) Verifiedcomplaint
certiorari and prohibition, the petition partakes of the nature
of a qw proceeding with respect to Ong. It effectively seeks 2) Must allege:
to declare null and void his appointment as an Associate
The right and purpose of expropriation This
Justice of the SB for being unconstitutional. Again, the
means that the expropriating entity has the right to
petitioner failed to prove that he is entitled to that position.
expropriate as well as the taking is for public
Also, the SC said that there can be no collateral attack on a
purpose
public officers title. Hindi pwede na through certiorari and
prohibition aatakehin mo na ang title of a public officer to his Description of the real and personal property sought
position. It must be a direct proceeding and that proceeding to be expropriated
is what you call the quo warranto proceeding.
The circumstances relating to the ownership of the
Supposing quo warrantonga, pwedeba? property. The fact that title to property sought to be
expropriated appears to be in the Republic of the
Hindi pa rin because there is no sufficient proof of a clear
Philippines but occupied by private individuals, or
and individual franchise to the office of Associate Justice of
that title is otherwise obscure or doubtful so that
the Sandiganbayan shown by the petitioner.So wala siyang

Page 22 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

plaintiff cannot with accuracy or certainty specify 1) pre-payment of value of property, if finally an order of
who are the real owners. expropriation and
3) M
ust implead all persons owning or claiming to 2) indemnify for any damage in the event the proceedings
own, or occupying, any part thereof or interest fail to consummate: if the expropriation has been dismissed.
therein, showing, so far as practicable, the
separate interest of each
defendant.

There are 2 Basic Stages in


Expropriation:
1) Determination of plaintiffs
authority to exercise the power
of eminent domain and the
propriety of its exercise in the
context of facts involved in the
suit.
2) Determination of just
compensation with the
assistance of 3 commissioners

Now upon the filing of the complaint, the


plaintiff can already gain immediate
possession of the property to be
expropriated upon payment of the FLOW CHART
preliminary deposit. What is that preliminary deposit?
1) Complaint, and together with the preliminary
It is in an amount equivalent to the assessed value of the deposit, you file it in court,
property for purposes of taxation. Anong ibig sabihin niyan?
Its the BIR zonal valuation. That is the basis for your 2) Then the court will cause the service of summons
preliminary deposit. and the complaint to the defendants.

Where will you make the deposit? 3) The defendants can appear, either by manifesting in
court that they have no objection or defense if they
It will be held by the government authorized depositaries. dont object. Otherwise, they will file an answer
You do not have to deposit it with the court. Pwede na sa interposing his objections or affirmative defenses.
government authorized depositary or the court will require
that you deposit it with the clerk of court. 4) Then after filing of answer. No filing of
counterclaim, cross-claim or third party complaint
Now what is the exception to this? and other subsequent pleading is allowed. You are
Under a special law, under RA 8974, where you are supposed NOT allowed to file a motion to dismiss. You have to
to deposit 100 percent of the BIR zonal value of the land and file an answer. If you have grounds to dismiss, then
the value of the improvements. But this only applies when allege them as affirmative defenses in your answer.
the projects or acquisition is for the right of way, site for Why is it that there is no counter-claim
government infrastructure projects. Outside of that you do allowed when you file an answer?
not have to deposit 100 percent of the BIR zonal value, only
the assessed value. It is because the procedure prescribed in Rule 67
already provides how you can claim damages
In what form should you pay the deposit? against the plaintiff. There is still a second stage
It should be in money or in cash unless the court allows the where the value of just compensation will be
deposit of a certificate of deposit of a government bank, determined. It should include the claim for damages
payable to the authorized bank or depositary. against the plaintiff. This is one of the peculiarities
of this rule.
For personal property, the value shall be provisionally
determined and the amount to be deposited fixed by the 5) And then, there will be a trial of hearing to
court. determine the propriety of the expropriation.

What is the use of the preliminary deposit? 6) And then after the hearing or the trial, you have the
judgment whether granting order of expropriation

Page 23 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

or deny it. The order of expropriation or dismissal is property. The owner may show any advantage that his
subject to appeal since it is a final order. property possesses present and prospective in order that the
price will be satisfactorily determined. Lahat ng basehan mo
The order of expropriation meaning pag nag-issue ang court
for you to justify the price that you are asking, ipresentmo na
ng order of expropriation, granted nayung prayer ng plaintiff
sa commissioners.
to expropriate. What does an order of expropriation state? It
should clearly state that the plaintiff has the right or What is the basis?
authority to expropriate. It should confirm that the plaintiff
It should be the market value. Ano ang ibig sabihin ng
has the right to expropriate and that the taking is for public
market value? It is the price paid by the buyer to the seller in
use as stated in the complaint. With the issuance of the
the open market in the usual and ordinary course of legal
order of expropriation, that terminates stage 1. That can now
trade and competition. So it is the fair value of the property
be elevated to the higher court for appeal.
as between one who desires to purchase and one who
The power to expropriate is basically lodged in the legislative desires to sell without any compulsion on either side. It is
branch. We will no longer take that up. Let us go to stage 2, basically the current price.The general and ordinary price for
the determination of just compensation. Is the payment of which the property may be bought in the locality.
just compensation a condition sine qua non in the in the
So what do you consider in determining just compensation?
issuance of order of expropriation? No, because the order of
expropriation should come before the determination of just The cost of acquisition, the current value of the property,
compensation. You cannot proceed to stage 2 which is the actual and potential uses, the size, shape and location.
determination of just compensation kung hindi ka pa nakaka-
determine ng authority to expropriate and the purpose is for The question now is when do you reckon the just
public use. When you say determination of just compensation? When do you start computing?
compensation or payment of just compensation that At the time of taking which usually coincides with the time of
presupposes natapos na ang stage 1 mo. May order of the filing. Where the institution of the complaint precedes
expropriation kana. entry into the property, the just compensation should be
The requirement of the payment of just compensation is for ascertained as of the time of the filing of the complaint.
you to be able to transfer title to the property and not for So pagnauna yung complaint, then upon the filing of the
you to have the order of expropriation. After the rendition of complaint, except when grave injustice would result when
the order of expropriation, the court shall appoint the expropriator entered the property and instituted
commissioners to ascertain the just compensation for the expropriation proceedings only decades later. Masyado
property. naming sineswerto yung expropriator. Therefore, the
What do you mean by just compensation? reckoning point would be upon the filing of the action, even
though the entry to the property occurred much earlier. It
The full and fair equivalent of the property to be will be to the benefit of the owner.
expropriated.
In the determination of just compensation, the appointment
How do you measure the just compensation? of commissioners is mandatory. This means that the court on
its own cannot determine just compensation. Kailangan
It is not the takers gain but the owners loss. You look
talaga niyang mag-appoint ng commissioners. There has to
primarily ano yung mawawala sa may-ari as a main
be trial by commissioner. The trial by commissioner here
consideration in determining just compensation. So to be
is a substantive right which may not be dispensed
just, it must be fair not only to the owner but also to the
with, mandatory yan. If you are denied the opportunity to
taker. The full and fair equivalent of the loss sustained which
present evidence before the commissioners, then you can
is the measure of the indemnity should be considered and
claim denial of your right to due process. The trial by
not whatever gain of the taking entity.
commissioner is separate and independent of the ocular
Ang formula natin for just compensation is the fair and full inspection made by the commissioners. The commissioners
value of the lot at the time of actual taking plus have the power to view, examine and measure the property
consequential damages plus attorneys fees less in question for them to be able to determine the just
consequential benefits. compensation of the property, especially if the testimony of
the witnesses are conflicting. However, the ocular inspection
Just Compensation (JC) = Fair Market Value (FMV) +
cannot be the sole basis for determining just compensation.
Attorneys Fees + Consequential Damages Consequential
Benefits The commissioners after hearing the parties can come up
with a partial report if required by the court with respect to
So if you are the landowner, tapos ka na sa stage 1. Na
a particular portion of the property.
overrule ka tapos may order of expropriation. Is it the end of
it for the landowner?
Hindi pa, pwede pa siyang makipaglaban on just
compensation. Doon ngayon an labanan. The landowner
should now aim for the highest value he can get from his

Page 24 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

If the estate or the property


so large na ang tagal nilang
matapos, then the court can
order the commissioner to
submit a partial report kung
ano na yung natapos nila.
On the basis of such partial
report, the court can render
partial judgment without
prejudice to the conduct of
subsequent proceedings by
the commissioners as to the
rest of the property which
may be subject of another
partial report to be
submitted to the court and
for the latters approval.
After the commissioner shall
have finished the
proceedings then they will
present a full and accurate
report of the proceedings
(final report) and the
same can only be considered effectual if accepted by the 3 commissioners and will designate the time and
court. Normally the commissioner should finish their work place of first session of hearing and also specify the
within 60 days from the date the commissioners were time for the submission of their report.
notified of their appointment, which time may be extended in The order will have to be furnished to all the
the discretion of the court. The parties will be furnished parties.
copies of the report with notice that they are allowed ten
(10) days within which to file objections to the findings of the The parties then may object to the appointment
report, if they so desire. within 10 days from receipt.

Commissioners Findings The court will resolve the objections within 30 days
from the receipt by commissioners.
a) Must be based on evidence presented.
The commissioners will be tasked to receive
b) Must be given great weight. Such valuation is not to be evidence from the parties; View, examine
lightly set aside and will not be set aside if there is properties; assess consequential damages.
substantial testimony to support it. (Manila Railroad Co.
vs Velasquez) The commissioners can give partial/final reports and
copy furnish the parties who may object 10 days
Exceptions:
from the receipt.
Error is plainly manifesta. Ex if the sole basis is
Afterwards, there will be hearing on the report
the ocular inspection.
together with objections from the parties. So theres
It is apparent that injustice has been done: notice of hearing
collusion as to the value of the property.
After the hearing, the court can either:
The commissioners have clearly gone astray or
adopted erroneous principles 1. Accept in full, render judgment based thereon,

The commissioners acted upon wrong principles, 2. Return


or their award is grossly inadequate 3. Reject all and appoint new commissioners or
The award is palpably excessive or inadequate 4. Partially accept or reject the report.
The award is grossly inadequate or unequal
What is the effect of non-payment of just
In this cases the court may disregard the report of compensation?
the commissioners.
The Republics failure to pay will preclude the
Stage 2 Flow chart perfection of its title. (Visayan vs. Camus)
After the court orders or issues expropriation, it will
now issue another order appointing NOT more that
Page 25 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Owners of property may not recover possession if is (2) the loss resulting from the deprivation of the use and
only on the ground of non- payment (valdehueza occupation of the land;
vs. rep 1966)
(3) the expenses incurred during the pendency of this action,
Where government fails to pay within 5 years form including attorneys fees, etc.;
finality of judgment in the expropriation
proceedings, the owner concerned shall have the (4) the destruction of buildings, canals and growing crops at
right to recover possession of their property. This is the time of the occupation of the land by the petitioner; and
under the principle that the government cannot (5) all of the damages of whatever kind or character which
keep the property and dishonor the judgment. the defendants may be able to prove and which have been
(Republic vs Lim, 2005) Based on this case there occasioned by virtue of the institution of the present action.
is a five year period for the judgment for the
government to pay just compensation otherwise the THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU DO NOT HAVE TO
owner has the right to recover possession of the STATE ANY COUNTERCLAIM. In the determination of just
property. compensation, you can actually adduce whatever damage
you suffered. Part nayan ng proceeding. Nandyannaiyan,
Now if there is conflicting or uncertain ownership, the Court anoyung interest, damages, ano yung nawala sayo at ano
may order any sum or sums awarded as compensation for ang mawawala sayo. So there is no need to include a
the property to be paid to the court for the benefit of the counterclaim in your answer. The same thing with third party
person adjudged in the same proceeding to be entitled complaint, cross-claim, with respect to ownership of the
thereto. property because the complaint is supposed to include and
The judgment will include: implead all persons who claim any right or title to the
property so lahatlahat na, pasok na dapat. Everything will be
It should state the particular property or interest covered and adjudicated by the court. Minsan pag mag-
therein expropriated and the nature of the public use or kacounter claim ka pa, pampagulo lang iyan and meron
purpose for which it is expropriated. The judgment entitles namang state 2 precisely to determine ano yung dapat
the plaintiff to acquire the right over the property upon icompensate saiyo. Normally ang counterclaim mo lang
payment of compensation fixed by the judgment. So eto na, naman is damages diba.
ditto na mag-mamatter yung payment of just compensation.
The acquisition or the transfer of the title to the plaintiff If you appeal the judgment, what is the effect?
upon payment of just compensation. The just compensation The right of the plaintiff to enter upon the property of the
should include legal interest form the time of the taking or defendant and appropriate the same for public use or
after the tender of the amount so fixed and the payment of purpose shall not be delayed. (Rven if there is already an
the costs. The judgment in expropriation proceedings entitles appeal the taking can proceed.)
also the plaintiff to enter the property and to appropriate it
for public use and retain it. Supposing there is already a But if the appellate court determines that plaintiff has no
judgment and there is a determination of just compensation, right of expropriation, judgment shall be rendered:
but the defendant are not in court to receive the payment, 1) Ordering the Regional Trial Court to forthwith
then the plaintiff can deposit the amount in court. So the enforce the restoration to the defendant of the
judgment would include interest and damages. possession of the property, and
a) Interest - runs as a matter of law and follows as a 2) To determine the damages which the defendant
matter of course from the right of the landowner to sustained and may recover by reason of the
be placed in as good a position as money can possession taken by the plaintiff. (Sec. 11)
accomplish, as of the date of the taking'. Stated
otherwise: 'Where the payment of compensation In other words Rule 67, already presuppose na ang
does not accompany the taking of property for defendant talagang magsu-suffer ng damages. That is why
public use but is postponed to a later date, the there are already provisions in the rule that provide the
owner of the property is ordinarily entitled to the mechanism for the defendants determination of damages.
award of an additional sum which will compensate So you do not need to assert any damage in a counterclaim.
for delay (cases cited) or which was in other words,
Appeal will NOT bar defendant from receiving just
produce the full equivalent of the value of the
compensation. If the expropriation is granted, then there will
property paid contemporaneously with the taking'.
be registration.
(Benguet Consolidated Inc. vs Republic)
How do you register?
b) Damages
When real estate is expropriated:
For the purpose of determining the amount of damages, the
following are the factors: a) A certified copy of such judgment shall be recorded in the
registry of deeds of the place in which the property is
(1) the loss resulting from the dispossession of the land;
situated, and

Page 26 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

b) The EFFECT of such registration shall be to vest in the the property should be included to satisfy the
plaintiff the title to the real estate so described for such deficiency of the judgment.
public use or purpose. (Sec. 13)
So if there is a second mortgage, there is a second
EFFECT of NON-Registration mortgagee, he should also be impleaded otherwise the
foreclosure is ineffective against the subordinate lien holder
Transferees of the expropriated property cannot be said to
and there remains equity of redemption.
have notice of the Republics adverse claim sufficient to
consider it in bad faith. So there is no constructive notice. Can you apply Rule 68 to chattel mortgage?
Therefore, yung vendee or transferee can claim good faith.
Under the 1964 Rules, YES, BUT in the 1997 Rules NO
Flowchart for stage 1 and 2 MORE. The foreclosure a the chattel mortgage under Act
1508 is now governed by AM 99-10-05-0 as per SC Circular
Either way itong order of expropriation and determination of 1-00. There is now a separate procedure for the foreclosure
just compensation, these are final orders subject of an of chattel mortgage under ACT 1508.
appeal. In both stages you can avail the remedy of an
appeal. Therefore, multiple appeals are allowed so the mode What should be the form and content of the
of appeal here will not be a simple notice of appeal but the complaint?
filing of a record on appeal.
You have there the basic allegations. Ano yung utang,
collateral and any transfer, the description of the property,
the basis of the loan, etc.
FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE You file a complaint which must be verified
Rule 68
Allege the date when you executed the chattel
Again, this involves 2 stages. What do you mean by mortgage
mortgage?
Names and Residences of the parties
It is an interest in land created by a written instrument
providing security for the performance of a duty or payment Description of the property
of a debt. So mortgage is actually a collateral, a security for Date of Documentary evidence pertaining to the
a particular debt. obligation secured by the mortgage.
Foreclosure on the other hand is a remedy to the Amount paid or amount left to be paid. Attach the
mortgagee subjecting the property to satisfy the obligation. latest of statement of account.
Literally it means in Blacks Law Dictionary, to shut out, to
bar, to destroy an equity of redemption. The termination of Names of persons having interest or claim over the
all rights of the mortgagor in the property covered by the property.
mortgage.A procedure by which mortgaged property is sold
in default of mortgagor in satisfaction of the mortgage debt. The first stage will terminate after the court renders
judgment. Ano ang purpose ng first stage? It is the
There are 2 kinds of foreclosure: determination of the existence of the loan and the amount
due to the plaintiff including interest and other charges and
1. Judicial- governed by the Rule 68
costs. Ano yung amount ng utang? May utang ba talaga?
2. Extrajudicial- Real Estate Mortgage Law (Act 3135)
That is the main purpose of the first stage. Together with
and Act 1508 of the Chattel Mortgage Law.
that is the judgment directing the defendant to pay the sum
Who are the parties? within a period of not less that 90-120 days from entry of
judgment. Otherwise, there will be a sale by public auction of
Creditor-Mortgagee
the property subject of the case. Itong 90-120 days this is
Debtor Mortgagee what we call the equity of redemption. So kapag walang
bayad within the equity of redemption period, then proceed
Other parties to stage 2 which is the auction sale. The provisions of Rule
Persons obligated to pay the mortgage debt. 39 will govern the sale of the property. After the sale, the
Guarantors, sureties. court will confirm it and when there is confirmation, it will
now divest the mortgagor of the rights in the property and
Those who are in possession of the mortgage would now vest the right to the purchaser, subject to such
properties, lessees and sublessees can be parties to rights of redemption as may be allowed by law.
the action.
The confirmation of sale will entitle the purchaser to possess
Transferee or grantees of the properties. Second the property, unless a third party is actually holding the
mortgagees/encumbrancers. same, adverse to the judgment debtor. It also allows the
Any person claiming right over the mortgage purchaser or last redemptioner to secure a writ of possession
properties. The mortgagor even if not the owner of from the court so that he can gain possession of the
foreclosed property. The confirmation of sale will now bar the

Page 27 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

exercise of equity of redemption. The order of confirmation is A successor-in-interest may be also be one to whom the
a final order, hence it can be appealed and if you have that debtor has conveyed his interest in the property for the
order of confirmation you can now seek for the issuance of purpose of redemption, or one who succeeds to the said
the writ of possession. interest by operation of law, like the heirs.
When you ask the court for confirmation of sale, you have to So what is redemption price? It is the amount the as
file a motion and set it for hearing with notice to the other declared by the court to be the judgment debt. When it is
parties. This is important, the notice and hearing is important sold at an auction, ang babayaran mo will be the price it was
because it would enable the interested parties to resist the sold in the said auction sale. It is no longer the judgment
motion and to inform them of the time when the right of debt as declared by the court prior to the auction sale.
redemption is cut offed? (3:21:31).
So kapag meron kang auction sale, how do you apply the
What is that equity of redemption and how is it different proceeds?
from right of redemption?
1. Pay it to the creditor after deducting the
Equity of redemption is the right of the mortgagor to expenses or costs of the sale
extinguish the mortgage and retain ownership of the
2. Any balance, it is to be paid to any junior
property by paying the secured debt within 90-120 days after
encumbrancers
entry of judgment or even after foreclosure but prior to
confirmation of the sale. 3. If there is no balance, you give it back to the
debtor.
The right of redemption on the other hand, is the right
granted to the debtor or his successor in interest or any Does this rule on preference apply to extrajudicial
judgment creditor having a lien over the property subsequent foreclosure? In Suico vs. PNB, the Supreme Court said YES.
to the mortgage or deed of trust under which the property is But in Munzon vs. Spouses Perez, the Supreme Court
sold and to redeem the property within 1 year the ruled differently.
registration of the sheriffs certificate of sale. Redemption is
governed Sections 29, 30 and 31 of rule 39 of the Rules of Take note that the remedy of foreclosure are also applicable
Court. even if the debts are not all due. If it is possible if the
property can be sold portion by portion, depending on when
The equity of redemption is exercised basically prior to any the debts become due.
auction sale. Ano ang ireredeem mo ditto? Yung utang
bayaran mo na. That is the equity of redemption, before any Can we go after deficiency judgment? Yes. The value of
auction sale. Although sinasabi pwede pa magbayad before the property after it was sold at an auction is not enough,
the confirmation of the sale which is after the auction sale. then the court may grant deficiency judgment upon motion.
But the right of redemption, strictly speaking commences After the auction sale, there will be registration of the
from the registration of the provisional certificate of sale. proceedings so the order confirming the sale is necessary
One year lang, hanggang doon lang. Basically the right of before you can go to the registration of the proceedings.
redemption exists after the auction sale. Not even on the day There will be no transfer of title unless you have that order
of the auction sale, it is on the day of registration of the confirming the sale.
provisional certificate of sale. So kung matagal na-register So technically, there is no right of redemption in judicial
automatically, ma-eextend ang redemption period mo. foreclosure. It is only the equity of redemption. But the
Right of redemption will always follow the auction exception is, when the judicial foreclosure is taken in favor of
sale. The exercise of such should always be after the auction a bank or trust entity, then the mortgagor is given the right
sale. The equity of redemption, on the other hand, may even of redemption within one year from the date of sale.
be exercised even before the auction sale. When the property sold is not enough to satisfy the debt. In
Who may exercise the equity of redemption? One having the order of preference, the assumption there is sufficiency
privity in title with the mortgagor and the successors-in- of the sale proceeds to answer the debts, supposing di nga
interest. siya sufficient. You go to deficiency judgment that is when
you collect the balance. How?
If for instance, the mortgagor sold it to a 3rd party and then
there is already a judgment for foreclosure and payment, as You file a motion in court. Since the property has been sold
well as the 90-day and 130-day period. Nung binenta na already.
niya, pwede na siya ang mag exercise ng equity of What will now be used to pay the balance? The
redemption para hindi ma-auction sale yung property na defendant now will be asked to pay with his other properties.
binili niya. He is now personally made liable. If defendant refuses to
Also, the successors-in-interest, to whom the debtor pay, there will be execution proceedings.
transferred his statutory right of redemption. Yung right ang Take note that a non-resident defendant cannot be
trinansfer, hindi mismo yung property. So the transferee will made liable to deficiency judgment.
be the one who may exercise the equity of redemption.
No 3rd party mortgagor will be made liable to the
deficiency judgment because he only gave his property.
Page 28 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Now if the debtor dies, then the deficiency may be filed Who must you implead? All co-owners are indispensable
against his estate. parties. All persons interested must also be impleaded.
There has to be registration of the judgment, what is When? Anytime. The right to demand partition is
that particular order that need to be registered? Order of imprescriptible. For as long as there is co-ownership.
confirmation of sale, submit it to the registry of deeds.
Exceptions: The moment one of the co-owners will
If there is a deed of redemption, that should also be claimadverse title to the property. Ang tanong ilang taon?
registered. That is the time you have to review your provisions in your
Trusts. If it is an Express Trust --- 30 years or in Implied
If there is no redemption, then the title of the sale must
Trust --- 10 years.
be submitted the ROD in order to effect the transfer of
title Only when there is repudiation by one of the co-owners. As
long as one of the co-owners repudiates, by claiming adverse
The general rule is that there is no Right of redemption in
title, that is the time prescription begins. That is the rule in
judicial foreclosure. The exception is when the mortgagee is
prescription
a bank, quasi bank or a trust entity or a financial institution.
In this particular case, the General banking Act of 2000 Who can intervene? Creditors, assignees can intervene.
grants the mortgagor a 1 year redemption period within
There are two (2) principal issues that the court needs to
which to redeem the property sold at auction. Will this also
determine in this remedy.
apply to extrajudicial foreclosure? Exception to exception: IF
the mortgagor is a corporation, the redemption period is only The First Issue is WON there is co-ownership or WON
3 months. the plaintiff is a co-owner.
The Second Issue is How to partition the property
Judicial Foreclosure Extrajudicial Foreclosure
where trial by commissioner comes in.
Requires Court Intervention Does not require Court If after the finding of existence of co-ownership and the
Intervention parties cannot agree on how to partition the property, then
you proceed to the second stage. The order of court finding
There is Equity of Redemption Right of Redemption Exists for co-ownership terminates the first stage and shall then
except on banks which provide proceed to the second stage. That order is a final one, which
for a ROR is then appealable. If the court finds no co-ownership in the
first stage, the action is automatically dismissed and can no
Governed by Rule 68 Governed by Act 3135 longer proceed to the second stage. To proceed to the
second stage, there must be express declaration of co-
Decisions are Appealable Not Appealable, Immediately ownership.
Executory
You only proceed in the second stage if the parties do not
Order of the court cuts off all Foreclosure does not cut off right agree how to divide the property. If the parties agree how to
rights of the parties impleaded of all parties involved divide, they can already dispense the second stage.
The Commissioners in the second stage shall have the same
Period of redemption starts from Period to redeem starts from the
powers and duties as those Commissioners in Expropriation.
the finality of the judgment until date of registration of certificate
order of confirmation of sale Before making such partition, Commissioners shall:

No need for a special power of Special power of attorney in Take and subscribe an oath that they will faithfully
attorney in the contract of favor of mortgage is needed in perform their duties
mortgage the contract
Oath shall be filed in court with the other
proceedings in the case
In making the partition, the commissioners shall:
PARTITION Give due notice to the parties to attend at the
Rule 69 viewing and examination of the real estate
Now lets go to partition. Again, this is a SCA which consists View and examine the real estate
of 2 stages. Basically, this is a remedy to divide the property
owned in common by 2 or more persons. Partition could be Hear the parties as to their preference in the portion
judicial or extrajudicial. of the property

So you have to allege in your complaint the right of the Set apart the property to the parties in lots and
plaintiff to compel for partition. The nature and extent of the their value thereof
plaintiffs title and the right or lien. If the property could not really be divided, there are other
ways as well. The parties may assign the property to one of
Page 29 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

them, subject to payment or reimbursement. It can be sold So what is forcible entry? It consists in depriving a person
to a 3rd party and the proceeds be divided amongst from the possession of land or building for a period of not
themselves. These are alternatives if physical partition is not exceeding 1 year by FISTS (Force, Intimidation, Strategy,
possible. Threat, or Stealth).
Part of the partition proceedings is accounting of the rents Unlawful Detainer, on the other hand, consists in the
and profits earned thereto. The share of each party shall be unlawful withholding by a person from another, for not more
stated in the judgment or order. How about the cost and than 1 year, of the possession of any land or building after
expenses? Who will shoulder? It will be equitably apportioned the expiration or termination of the right to hold such
between the co-owners. possession by virtue of a contract, express, or implied.
Can you include personal property in the partition under How do we distinguish the two? In forcible entry, the
Rules 69? YES it covers both real and personal. Yan ang possession is unlawful from the very beginning and prior
pinagkaiba, out of the 3 similar actions. Because it also physical possession must be alleged and proven by the party.
covers personal property. In unlawful detainer, possession is lawful from the start.
There must be demand to vacate in order for the possession
to become unlawful.
Forcible Entry andUnlawful Detainer Why do you have to file unlawful detainer cases? Because if
Rule 70 you have been deprived of your property, you cannot just go
there with an army and forcibly remove these persons who
What is the peculiarity of Rule 70? These are all possessory usurp your property. You cannot take the law into your own
actions and again, it has a peculiar set of rules that will suit hands. The owners of the property cannot use force to eject
the peculiar nature of these actions. Nothing to do with these usurpers.
ownership, only possession. This is a real action. This is
coined as interdictal. You cannot take the law in your hands. You have to proceed
with the proper process. You cannot correct the wrong with
These are also called time procedures because they are another wrong. Otherwise, there will be chaos.
summary in nature. Thus, they should be resolved as
promptly and timely as possible. The Rules that govern these In the case of Banes vs. the Lutheran Church of the
remedies will be that of the Rules of Summary Procedure. Philippines, the SC said that regardless of the condition of
the property, the person in actual possession of the property
To distinguish to other possessory actions: should not be thrown out by violence. The real owner should
not recover the property by his own hands. He should go to
Accion publiciana: recovery of possession.
court.
Here you have title over the land but do not have
That is also based on Art. 536 of the Civil Code. Simply
possession over it. For the possession of the land,
put, you cannot enforce force and violence to recover
this is based on your claim of ownership. This is
possession of the property. You cannot take matters in your
possession by virtue of title whereas accion
own hand. This is true even if the property is yours in the
interdictal is mere physical possession, nothing to
first place.
do with title. So kahit mga squatters may right
when you talk about accion interdictal Who are the parties in forcible entry case?
Accion reinvindicatoria: Recovery of The plaintiff would definitely be the one deprived of
ownership possession by FISTS. The defendant shall be the person who
unlawfully withholds the possession, even persons under
You are supposed to be the lawful owner of the
them.
land and yet the title of the property is with
another. So you want to recover ownership by In the case of Sy vs. Spouses Valenciano. There was an
cancelling the title of that person. This is the earthquake in 1990 that destroyed the house of the
highest. Pinakalisod, pangalawa ang publiciana, the petitioner constructed in a public land. Then Gloria Baruca
least would be interdictal. leveled the area and demolished the house. In August 1,
1998 Baruca invited the spouses Valenciano. So who should
Now accion interdictal had been considered as
be the plaintiff? Who should be the defendant? Is it Baruca
time procedures. Similar to quo warranto. There is a
or Valenciano? An action of forcible entry may be maintained
time period, otherwise barred na ang action mo.
against one in possession at the commencement of the
Unless you go for publiciana and reinvindicatoria.
action. Kung sino nakapwesto doon, siya i-implead mo.
These actions are summary in nature and
Actual possessor or occupant of the land.
disturbance of the social order which should be
restored as promptly as possible. They are governed So who can be plaintiffs in an unlawful detainer? They are
by the rules of summary procedure. the lessor, assignor, or one claiming interests.
What is the purpose of the action? If you are the vendor, you already sold the land. How come
magiging plaintiff ka, eh nabenta mo na? What is the basis of
It is to restore possession and to award damages.
Page 30 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

the vendor as plaintiff of an unlawful detainer case? The In Barnachea vs. CA decided in 2008, the 1 year period is
vendor in a contract to sell, for him to be a plaintiff in an both jurisdiction and prescriptive. Meaning, after 1 year the
unlawful detainer, must comply with the following requisites: action prescribes and after 1 year, MTC no longer has
jurisdiction.
1.) There is failure on the part of the vendee to pay
the installments due. Being prescriptive, the manner of reckoning must be in
accordance with Art. 1155 of the Civil Code.
2.) There must be a demand to pay and vacate the
property, which must be alleged and is a In forcible entry, it will be counted from the date of entry or
jurisdictional requirement. taking possession. But in the case of stealth, it is not the
date of entry but from the date of discovery of such entry
This is the situation where you have a contract to sell and in
through stealth.
the meantime the vendee is given possession of the property
pending full payment of the purchase price. In a contract to In unlawful detainer, the one year period must be counted
sell, there is yet immediate transfer of ownership. The from the demand to vacate. Since, as we said, the
vendor remains the owner of the property. Here you should possession is initially lawful, the only way that you can say
not only show that the possession is unlawful, you should that possession is unlawful when you give out demand. What
also show the vendees failure to pay the installment due or makes it unlawful is the defiance of the demand to vacate.
comply with the conditions of the contract to sell, that there Ergo, the demand to vacate is a mandatory requirement for
is demand to pay and to vacate within 1 year upon non- unlawful detainer cases.
payment. If you do not allege this, your action for Unlawful
Supposing you filed a conciliation proceeding before the
Detainer will not prosper.
barangay. What happens to the one (1) year period? It is
If the vendee is the plaintiff, what would be the basis of the deemed interrupted. There will be suspension of the 1 year
said right? The vendees right shall be based on Arts. 1477 period.
and 1498.
Who has jurisdiction? All the lower courts --- MTCs, MeTCs,
MTCCs, MCTCs. You cannot have it before the RTC, it is
Art. 1477. The ownership of the thing sold shall be unlawful.
transferred to the vendee upon the actual or constructive
delivery thereof. The exception would be if the FE/UD case is covered by the
Agricultural Tenancy Act. In this case, the jurisdiction shall
Art. 1498. When the sale is made through a public be with the DARAB. Also if the property is being developed
instrument, the execution thereof shall be equivalent to the into a subdivision or where a condominium is being
delivery of the thing which is the object of the contract, if constructed, the jurisdiction shall be with the HLURB.
from the deed the contrary does not appear or cannot clearly
be inferred. Supposing there is allegation in the answer that the
defendant is a tenant, does that mean the outright dismissal
With regard to movable property, its delivery may also be of the case by virtue of lack of jurisdiction? No. the averment
made by the delivery of the keys of the place or depository of tenancy does not automatically operate to oust jurisdiction
where it is stored or kept. from the MTC. The MTC is duty bound to conduct a
preliminary conference to receive evidence regarding
The situation here is that the property is sold, there is tenancy. Then, there could be dismissal.
transfer of title or ownership, but there is an existing lessee
occupying the property. The vendee may file a case against Take note that the jurisdiction here of the MTC on UD/FE is
the lessee, the basis of which is Art. 1676 of the Civil Code as exclusive and not based on the value of the property. Yet
decided in the case of Lao vs. Lao. MTC has jurisdiction. Even though this is a real action. That
is one of the peculiarities of this rule. It is also limited only to
The vendee can actually file an Unlawful Detainer case the issue of material and physical possession. It has nothing
against a lessee. An exception would be when the contract of to do with ownership issues.
lease has been registered. There being a constructive notice,
the vendee is duty bound to respect the lease. What if there is issue on ownership?

Check out the case of Oronce vs. CA. If it is immaterial, then the issue on ownership may
be disregarded. If needed, the issue on ownership
How about a sub-lessee as a plaintiff? A sub-lessee can only will be resolved provisionally by the MTC, in order to
invoke the right of a sub-lessor. Generally, a lessor has no determine the issue on possession. It can only rule
right against sub-lessee there being no privity in the provisionally.
contract.
Take note that in UD/FE cases, there are jurisdictional
When do you file the action for unlawful detainer? Within 1 requirements, to wit:
year from the time when the possession becomes unlawful.
Forcible Entry:
When do you reckon that 1 year period? What is the nature
of the 1 year period? Is it prescriptive or jurisdictional? 1. Prior physical possession
2. There was deprivation by means of FISTS
Page 31 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

3. The action is filed within 1 year period from the ouster or In David vs. Cordova, the SC said, if a trespasser enters
discovery of stealth upon a land in open daylight under the open eyes of the
person already clothed with lawful possession but without
What is prior physical possession? What do you mean
the consent of the latter and there planted himself and
with it? Visiting property on holidays or weekends, SC said
excludes the prior possessor of the property, the action of
YES. The law does not require that there must be continuous
forcible entry can be had even though no force is used by
occupation. Fencing is also an evidence of prior physical
the trespasser other than such as necessarily implied in the
possession.
mere act of planting himself on the ground and excluding the
In the case of Gonzaga vs. CA, this is a case in Davao City. other.
The petitioners here owned a vacant lot in Ecoland, Davao
So pupunta ka sa isang area, andun ang may ari, naglagay
City and they decided to construct a house thereon which
ka na ng tent diyan, tapos diyan kana, ayaw mo ng umalis,
they begun on June 1995.
that is forcible entry. Pwede na magfile si owner ng case for
When they settled in, they discovered a shanty, may nag forcible entry. So do not be too literal with the word force
squat na, belonging to the defendants. They made a demand because there might be no actual violence. The mere
to vacate but went unheeded, so they filed a forcible entry planting of oneself in open daylight before the eyes of the
citing stealth and strategy. Did they win? Was it granted? No. owner can be considered entry.
The SC ruled that there was no prior physical possession,
Now, in the case of Benguet Corp. vs. Cordillera
they equate possession as attribute of ownership to the fact
Caraballo Mission, Inc., the corporation planted pine trees
of actual possession, so the proper action should be accion
in compliance with DENR directive and build roads, buildings
publiciana.
and security gates in the covered area. They discovered
Why? Ano ang pinagkaiba nito sa iba? Because in this case, representatives of Cordillera Caraballo Mission, Inc. to have
the property was not fenced. Had they fenced the area, then bulldozed and leveled the ground within its Pilo mineral
they can say they have prior physical possession. But if you claim. Is there force?
remain your area open for everybody to enter, there is no
Mayroon silang claim, bigla nalang may nagpasok at nag-
prior physical possession, that's why in this case, forcible
bulldozed ng kanilang area. Can you say there is force and
entry was not proper, they should have filed accion
there is a cause of action for forcible entry? The SC said,
publiciana. Meaning they recover possession based on their
nothing in the complaint before the MTC would show how
title, not based on material physical possession. So you see,
the entry was effected nor how dispossession took place.
very crucial ang prior physical possession. So pag may
The complaint merely stated that petitioners caretaker
mga properties kayo dyan, bakuran niyo na kaagad para noticed an ongoing bulldozing and leveling activities. The
masabi na meron kayong prior physical possession. allegations that these activities were illegal and that
Otherwise, the squatters will get away with it and you cannot respondents entry was unlawful are not statements of bare
file an action for forcible entry. facts but conclusions of law.

What do you mean by force? Now, in the case of Spouses The complaint should have specified what made the activities
Banes vs. Lutheran Church, the presence of guards in the illegal and the entry unlawful. Without these ultimate facts,
subject property restricting the mobility of the persons the MTC did not acquire jurisdiction over the case. So mere
residing therein constitute force contemplated in section 1. allegations na may nag bulldozed diyan at nagli-level ng
ground is not enough, so you must be able to demonstrate
So the mere presence ha, kahit pa walang actual force or how the entry was made and for your case to prosper, you
violence employed, the mere fact na may mga security have to show that the entry was illegal.
guards na nakaposte dyan, that would prevent you from
leaving or coming in and out of a certain place, that is For all we know, the Mission might have its own permit diba,
already considered force. or might have its own claim over the property. And that was
what was missing, wala silang right over the property.
The act of going to the property and excluding the lawful
possessor therefrom by creating a structure, so yung mga Jurisdictional Requirements for Unlawful Detainer:
squatter, overnight ang bilis, nakalagay na ng kanilang mga
1. The allegations required would be that the defendants are
shanty.
unlawfully withholding from the plaintiff the possession of
Remember, who's that guy? Na andami niyang naengganyo, certain real property; and
they just entered the area and before you know it, the
2. There is demand to vacate. Demand is necessary to
following day, andami na nilang structure doon. And they are
render the possession to be unlawful.
already creating the exact metes and bounds of the portions
of the property that they are going to occupy. Wala namang In Caniza vs. Munoz, the provisions of Rule 70, Sec. 2 will
giyerang nangyari, wala namang violence but there is force. only apply where there is a lessor-lessee relationship under a
That is considered force. The mere fact that they entered an lease contract. So the notice to vacate in a lease
area without permission, build a structure there, then that is arrangement is crucial and it is a pre-requisite to an action
considered force. So pag sinabing force, hindi kailangan ng for unlawful detainer. Unless if the lease is on a month to
actual violence or may kaguluhang nangyayari. month basis.

Page 32 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

In this case, there is an expiration of the lease every month, What was certified to by the Barangay Captain was that no
the demand to vacate becomes unnecessary because you settlement was reached at the barangay level and it did not
can just alleged termination of the lease period. certify that all requisites for filing of the unlawful detainer
case was complied. Therefore, it cannot cure the lack of
So if it is a month to month lease, then in every expiration of
demand.
the lease at the end of the month, you can actually file a
case without sending a notice to the lessee for demand, Now, there are instances that there are several demand to
because the ground there would be the termination of the vacate like some Filipinos, bigyan siya ng chance, sige huwag
lease. na munang paalisin, then later on wala pa ring bayad, nag-
demand na naman siya. How do you compute the one-year
What are the other instances where you need to
period?
demand for the possessor to vacate?
From the 1st, 2nd, or the 3rddemand to vacate? In Spouses
1. Contract to sell - it is not enough that you have
Penas vs. CA, here there was a demand to vacate. Take
issued a demand to vacate, one must also have to
note that there was a favorable action on the part of the
show that there was failure to pay installment or
lessee because he did not vacate the premises or execute
there was violation of the contract to sell
the lease contract, but he made a payment based on the old
2. Possession by tolerance- the possession is lawful rent in a bank account. So that was in 1990. Now, 2 years
because it is tolerated by the owner and it only later, a second letter was sent containing demand to vacate
becomes unlawful if there is a demand to vacate, and to pay back rentals. So it is clear and definite. A month
and that is why you need to send a demand to later, a complaint for unlawful detainer was filed, so when do
vacate if it is by tolerance. you recon the demand to vacate? 2years pa or 1 month prior
to the filing of the case? SC said, it is to be counted from the
What constitutes a valid demand to vacate? It must be actual last demand.
and definite and must be served prior to the filing of the
action. What was being deposited for rentals in the old rate which
the lessor was not bound to accept or withdraw. When the
In La Campana Food Products vs. CA, the demand states lessee opted to remain in the premises after receiving the
that, In this connection, demands are hereby repeated again 1990 demand letter, he assumed a new rental rate and could
made to you for the full payment of your above rentals in be ejected from the premises solely upon default and by the
arrears and unpaid water bill in the total sum of P73, 902.00 proper demand from the petitioners, which was made on
within a period of three (3) days from your receipt hereof, august 10, 1992.
otherwise upon your failure, we may forward this matter to
our legal counsel for proper action thereof. Is that a valid In Leonin vs. CA, there was a demand to vacate sent on
demand to vacate? Is that clear and definite? No! It is in fact July 3, 1995. A year later, another demand letter was sent
vague. Theletter is ambiguous. The warning that "we may reiterating the termination of the possession by tolerance. On
forward this matter to our legal counsel for proper action
February the following year, the complaint for UD was filed,
thereof" is not an unequivocal or even an implied demand on
when do you recon the 1 year period? Last demand to vacate
the defendant to vacate the leased premises. It has to be
according to the SC, because the lessor has the right to
clear and unambiguous.
waive his right of action based on the previous demands.
Now, supposing the demand to vacate is invalid, the defense And yet the lessee remained meanwhile in the premises.
of lack of prior valid demand must be timely raised because
In Padre vs. Malabanan, the complaint itself states that
like we said, the demand to vacate is a jurisdictional
starting 1983, the plaintiffs have repeatedly demanded that
requirement.
the defendants vacate the subject premises. The last
So in your answer you also have to allege that as your demand was around July 1998, so 15 years, puro demand
affirmative defense. Now the demand here is that the lessor siya ng demand.
gave the lessee 5-days to pay back rentals, failing which, a
15 years pa siya after nag-file ng case, so is there a valid
case for ejectment would be filed against them. Is that valid?
demand? Did they comply with the 1 year period of demand?
Yes.
The SC said No! There is no jurisdiction. It should be filed
The owner is giving a strong notice that you have to pay within 1 year of unlawful deprivation. So if the demand was
your unpaid rentals or I will file a case to have you thrown made 15years ago, then it was 15 years ago that the
out in my property. The word vacate is not a talismanic word possession became unlawful, and so you cannot therefore
that must be employed in all notices. So if implied by the avail of UD because that only requires 1 year from the
words used, but it must be clearly stated that you want him unlawful possession.
out of your property.
A verified complaint is filed in court. The court will issue
Now, if there is no demand to vacate, can it be cured by the summons or dismiss the case based on the allegations
certification to file action issued by the barangay? That is the therein and if there is no compliance with jurisdictional
case of Bandoy vs. CA. SC said that the certification issued requirements. But if there is an answer filed within 10 days
bythe barangay is not conclusive as to the jurisdiction of the with counterclaim, the court will now set the case for
court. preliminary conference.
Page 33 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

After preliminary conference and all parties are present, Yes. Under Section 20, before the appellate court, within 20
there will be submission of position papers. After which, the days from the perfection of appeal.
court canrequire clarificatory affidavits, after which it will
Who are bound by the judgment? It is binding against:
render judgment within the period. It could also be after the
preliminary conference, the court will render judgment. 1. all parties and all persons claiming under them;
How? When one of the parties fail to appear during the 2. trespassers, squatters, or agents of the defendants
preliminary conference, so parang nagkaroon ng default. In occupying the property;
which case the party who is present will be given favorable
judgment. So there will be judgment on the complaint, if 3. Transferees pendent lite;
there is no defendant who appears during the preconference 4. Sub-lessees;
or judgment on the counterclaims whenthe plaintiff fails to
appear during the preconference. 5. Members of the family and other relatives; and

So there are only limited pleadings allowed here, to wit: 6. Other privies to the contract

1. Complaint; Take note that the judgment shall only be conclusive as to


the issue of possession and not to ownership.
2. Answer;
Now, if the allegations on the complaint are true then the
3. Compulsory counterclaim; and judgment shall be in favor of the plaintiff, granting the
4. Cross-claim possession of the premises and the sum due by way of rent
and other reasonable compensation for the use and
Prohibited pleadings are the same as that found occupation, attorneys fees, and other costs. Moral damages
under the Rule on Summary Procedures, to wit: are not allowed, or any other damages other than for
reasonable compensation for the use of the premises.
1. Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the
ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject Now supposing the allegations on the complaint are not true,
matter, or failure to comply with section 12; the judgment shall be rendered in favor of the defendant.
The counterclaim shall also be granted by the court,
2. Motion for a bill of particulars;
requiring the plaintiff to pay the costs.
3. Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a
Like I said, if you talk on damages, these are only damages
judgment, or for reopening of trial;
in relation to the deprivation of the possession of the
4. Petition for relief from judgment; property.
5. Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, Damages recoverable in ejectment cases arise from the loss
affidavits or any other paper; of the use and occupation of the property and not the
damages which the private respondents may have suffered
6. Memoranda;
but which have no direct relation to their loss of material
7.Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition possession. Damages in Sec. 8 is limited to rent
against any interlocutory order issued by the court;
or fair market value for the use and occupation of the
8. Motion to declare the defendant in default; property. (Car Cool vs Ushio Realty)

9. Dilatory motions for postponement; So hindi pwede ang moral damages, only those damages
arising from the loss of material possession. Meaning, it will
10. Reply; only pertain to rental in arrears and other reasonable
11. Third-party complaints; and compensation. If you want to seek other damages, you need
to file a separate action.
12. Interventions.
Lets go to appeal.
Affidavits submitted to the court must be based on the
personal knowledge of the affiants or witnesses. Where do you appeal? You go to the RTC.

Can you avail preliminary injunction in ejectment What happens if you appeal the case? There will be
cases? immediate execution or execution pending appeal.

Yes. Under Rule 58, you can avail. It can be granted to If the judgment is against the defendant, then execution
prevent the defendant from committing further acts of shall be made immediately upon a motion.
dispossession against the plaintiff. If there was already What is the remedy of the defendant if there is now a motion
dispossession, then you can avail of preliminary mandatory for execution pending appeal? The defendant may perfect an
injunction, to restore the plaintiff to his possession. appeal at the same time file a timely supersedeas bond, and
Can you avail of the preliminary injunction pending regularly remit to the court the monthly rent, for him not to
appeal? be ousted from the property, or to stay the execution of the
adverse judgment.
Page 34 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Failure to do so, to perfect an appeal within the reglementary 2. As to Intent. Civil contempt intent is immaterial.
period will not stay the execution. So the filing of appeal, In criminal contempt, intent is a necessary element,
posting of supersedeas bond, and paying of monthly rent and no one can be punished for criminal contempt
shall be made within the reglementary period. Otherwise, unless it is clear that he intended to commit it.
pwede nang i-execute ang judgment.
3. As to the initiator. In criminal contempt, the
state is the prosecutor. In civil contempt, the
aggrieved party or someone who has pecuniary
CONTEMPT interest to the right to be protected.
Rule 71
4. As to presumption. There is no presumption of
Lets go to contempt. (OMG!) innocence in civil contempt. Although the burden
proof is on the complainant, and the proof needed
Under Rule 71, there are two kinds of contempt. is not proof beyond reasonable doubt but more than
preponderance of evidence. In criminal contempt,
1. Contempt arising from court proceedings; and
there is presumption of innocence of the defendant.
2. Contempt arising from proceedings in quasi- It is for the prosecution to discharge the burden to
judicial agencies having no contempt powers prove the guilt of the defendant beyond reasonable
doubt.
Pertaining to the 2nd one, Rule 71 applies. But there are
quasi-judicial bodies having contempt powers. In this case, How do you characterize whether it is criminal or civil? It is
their proceedings shall be governed by their respective rules. actually determined by the relief sought to be awarded or by
the purpose. The proceedings are to be regarded to be
So if these agencies dont have contempt powers, one may
criminal in nature when the purpose is primarily for
go to court and avail the remedy of contempt under Rule 71.
punishment and it is civil when the purpose is for
As defined, contempt is actually an inherent power of a compensating or remedial.
court. It is for the preservation of order in the judicial
So to determine the character of contempt, you look for the
proceedings and to the enforcement of judgments, orders,
remedy sought by the plaintiff.
and mandates of the court, and consequently to the due
administration of justice. So two (2) types of contempt,
So there are two (2) aspects of contempt, namely: 1. Direct Contempt; and
1. To punish; and 2. Indirect Contempt
2. To Compel Performance Grounds for Direct Contempt
There are also two (2) kinds of contempt, we have: It is misbehavior in the presence of or so near a court as to
obstruct or interrupt the proceedings before the same,
1. Civil; and
including:
2. Criminal
1. disrespect toward the court;
1. Criminal Contempt is usually declared against a conduct
2. offensive personalities toward others; or
directed against the authorityand the dignity of the court or
the judge acting judicially, as in unlawfully restraining the 3. refusal to be sworn or to answer as a witness;
authority or dignity of the court or a judge or doing a duly
4. to subscribe an affidavit or deposition when lawfully
forbidden act.
required to do so
Hence, it is not an offense against public justice which is an
Penalty for Direct Contempt
issue of the public and the accused and so the punishment is
punitive because it is directed against the dignity of the If committed against the RTC: Php2,000 maximum, or
court. imprisonment of 10 days maximum, or both.
So you see, contempt is criminal in nature if it punishes. If committed againstMTC: Php200 maximum, or
imprisonment of 1 day, or both
2. Civil Contempt is when there is a failure to do something
ordered by the court to be done in a civil case for the benefit Take note that in Direct Contempt, there is no appeal. The
of the opposing party. remedy however is to file a petition for certiorari or
prohibition and file a bond fixed by the court.
Its purpose is for the preservation of the right of particular
persons, hence, remedial in nature. It is not punitive. When do you file petition for certiorari? You are given 60
days. But time is of the essence here to avoid one being
Let us distinguish Criminal vs. Civil Contempt
jailed. One day, you should already file the certiorari and the
1. As to Purpose. Civil Contempt is compensatory bond.
or remedial. Criminal contempt is punitive.
Grounds for Indirect Contempt
Page 35 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

a) Misbehavior of an officer of a court in the performance So the General Rule is that there can be no contempt in
of his official duties or in his official transactions; those publications. You can criticize the decisions rendered
by the court, however criticism should be distinguished from
b) Disobedience of or resistance to a lawful writ, process,
insult. Personal abuse of a judge is not appropriate. As long
order, or judgment of a court, including the act of a
as you do not become personal in your criticism against a
person who, after being dispossessed or ejected from
particular judge or justice, then that is allowed. But if you are
any real property by the judgment or process of any
already hitting him below the belt, then that is already
court of competent jurisdiction, enters or attempts or
contempt.
induces another to enter into or upon such real property,
for the purpose of executing acts of ownership or If the publication tends to bring the court to disrespect,
possession, or in any manner disturbs the possession pasok ka sa contempt. Or if there is clear and present danger
given to the person adjudged to be entitled thereto; that the administration of justice will be impeded.
c) Any abuse of or any unlawful interference with the Like what I have said, sa Direct Contempt, wala ng
processes or proceedings of a court not constituting procedure diyan. Automatic. There is only procedure required
direct contempt under section 1 of this Rule; if it is Indirect Contempt.
d) Any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to How? What is the procedure for Indirect Contempt? There
impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of must be a written charge.
justice;
What is that written charge? It is an order requiring the
e) Assuming to be an attorney or an officer of a court, and respondent to show cause, why he should not be cited for
acting as such without authority; contempt for having committed such contemptuous act.
Another form of written charge is when you prepare a
f) Failure to obey a subpoena duly served;
verified petition by way of special civil action under Section 4
g) The rescue, or attempted rescue, of a person or of Rule 71.
property in the custody of an officer by virtue of an
How do you initiate? If it is through written order issued by
order or process of a court held by him
the court, it is motu propio. If it is by verified petition,
So court may issue processes to bring defendant or hold him usually it is by another person or by a party (Sec. 4 Rule 71).
in the custody of the court during pendency of the
Where do you file it? If it arose of or is related to a principal
proceedings.
action, then the petition shall be docketed with the clerk of
So in indirect contempt, there is due process. court. You will pay separate fees for that but it will be
assigned to the same court where the contemptuous act
There will be an opportunity to present evidence. arose. It could not be assigned to other courts. It will be
Penalties in Indirect Contempt are higher than direct heard by the same court where the contemptuous act was
contempt. committed. Now the court can now decide to consolidate it
with the main case (if expeditious) or to hear it separately.
If committed against RTC: Php30,000, or
imprisonment of 6 months or both. EXCEPT: If the contempt is committed against an inferior
court or a quasi-judicial agency with no contempt powers,
If committed against MTC: Php5,000, or the Supreme Court may cause the investigation of contempt
imprisonment of 1 month, or both. by a prosecuting officer and charged right by the RTC, or
where the same act is contempt against two or more courts,
DIRECT INDIRECT CONTEMPT in which case, the contempt charge may be filed and heard
in any of the involved courts.
Direct contempt proceeding is While in indirect contempt there
summary in nature, no hearing must have a written charge, as Now, when the trial court will loses jurisdiction upon the
required. well as notice and hearing. perfection of the appeal, the contempt proceeding may now
be heard by the appellate court.
Penalties also differ as discussed above. The rules under R-71 may be supplied by the ordinary rules.
So the ordinary rules will be applied suppletorily. Also, special
As to the remedy, you have You have appeal for indirect rules governing contempt proceedings like in Criminal
certiorari and prohibition for contempt.
contempt, is governed by the Rules on Criminal Procedure
direct contempt.
such as the right to counsel, habeas corpus may be available
if due process is not observed and then right on appeal,
Take note of Section 3(d) of Rule 71 as a ground for where the judgment of the appellate court will benefit even
Indirect Contempt --- Any improper conduct tending, directly those who did not appeal.
or indirectly, to impede, obstruct, or degrade the
administration of justice. This usually applies to publication Procedure for indirect contempt initiated by a party
and commentaries as to decisions made by the Court. on the case
1. Verified Petition.

Page 36 of 37
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS TSN
From the lectures of Atty. Geraldine Tiu
Ateneo de Davao College of Law | Tres Manresa 2015

Since the contempt arose from an existing case then the


verified petition will be filed in court at the same time and
served on the defendant. That is again the peculiarity of this
rule because Take note there is no service of summons
unlike in the previous rules na pag-file mo sa court, issue
summons, answer etc. Ito pag-file mo sa court copy-
furnished kay defendant, hindi na magsi-serve ng summons.
That is why service of copy of your pleadings is necessary. In
all other special civil actions, service of summons is
necessary. In contempt proceedings, there is no need to
serve summons.
2. Then the defendant may automatically file an Answer.
3. After that there will be a Hearing or trial to prove the
allegations.
4. Defendant can be arrested if he does not appear. The
remedy shall either beposting bail or may be released
without bail if there is no prejudice to public interest.
5. After the hearing and both parties appeared, then
Judgment can be rendered based on the evidence adduced
by the parties. The judgment can be appealed.
6. If no appeal, after which it can be subject to execution. If
there is appeal execution will have to await the resolution of
the appeal.
Now, in petition for Indirect Contempt initiated by the Court,
there must be a show-cause order with notice of hearing.
And then the defendant files an Answer, and there will be a
Hearing. Should the defendant will not appear in the hearing,
he shall be arrested and has the right to post bail.

Trancribed By: SAbapo, CJBonifacio and HLarosa


Godbless! KJavier

Page 37 of 37

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