lOMoARcPSD|10164137 reviewer-in-civil-procedureCriminal Law (Ateneo de Davao University) Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo CIVIL PROCEDURE REVIEWER AARON LANCE C. MORILLO 2B Civil Procedure (LPU College of Law) I. General Principles Q: Distinguish substantive law from procedural law: A: A substantive law creates, defines or regulates rights concerning life, liberty or property, or the powers of agencies or instrumentalities for the administration of public affairs, whereas rules of procedure are provisions prescribing the method by which substantive rights may be enforced in courts of justice. (Primicias vs. Ocampo, GR no. L6120, June 30, 1953) Q: What is the Constitutional Basis of the Supreme Court to make its own rules? A: The Supreme Court have the power to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged. (Sec. 5(5), Art. VIII, 1987 Constitution) Q: What are the limitations on the rule-making power of the Supreme Court? A: 1. The rule shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of cases; 2. The rules shall be uniform for courts of the same grade; and 3. The rules shall not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights. (Sec. 5(5), Art. VIII, 1987 Constitution) Q: What is the power of the Supreme Court to amend and suspend procedural rules? A: The Supreme Court has the power to amend, repeal or even establish new rules for a more simplified and inexpensive process, and the speedy disposition of cases. (Neypes vs. CA 469 SCRA 633). The rule-making power of the SC was expanded. This Court for the first time was given the power to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights. The Court was also granted for the first time the power to disapprove rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies. (Echegaray vs. Secretary of Justice, GR no. 13260, January 19,1999) Q: What is the nature of the Philippine Courts? A: Philippine courts are courts of both law and equity. Therefore, both legal and equitable jurisdiction is dispensed with in the same tribunal. (US vs. Tamparong, 31 Phil. 321). As a rule, when supported by substantial evidence, the findings of the CA are conclusive and binding on the parties and are not reviewable by the SC. However, there are times when the SC finds the need to reevaluate and re-examine the factual findings of the CA, as when the same contradict the findings of a lower tribunal. When the SC makes such reevaluation, it does so in the exercise of its equity jurisdiction. (Torres vs. Rural Bank of San Juan, 693 SCRA 357, March 12, 2013) Q: What is the meaning of a court? A: A court is an organ of government belonging to the judicial department the function of which is the application of the laws to controversies brought before it as well as the public administration of justice. (Black’s Law Dictionary) Q: Distinguish court from a judge: A: A court is an organ of the government with a personality separate and distinct from the person or judge who sits on it. (People vs. Carlos, 78 Phil. 535) Q: Distinguish: Courts of Original, Appellate, General and Special Jurisdiction. A: Courts of Original Jurisdiction When actions or proceedings are originally filed with it. Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction When the court has the power of review over the decisions or orders of a lower court. Courts of General Jurisdiction Courts of Special Jurisdiction Those courts with competence to decide on their own jurisdiction and take cognizance of all cases of a particular nature. Those courts with has special jurisdiction only for a particular purpose or are clothed with special powers for the performance of specified duties beyond which they have no authority of any kind. 1 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Q: Distinguish Constitutional and statutory courts. A: A constitutional court is one created by a direct constitutional provision such as the Supreme Court. On the other hand, A statutory court is one created by a law other than the constitution such as the RTC, MTCs, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Appeals. (See Sec. 1, Art. VIII, 1987 Constitution; BP blg. 129) Q: What is the Principle of Judicial Hierarchy? A: General Rule: A case must be filed before the lowest court possible having the appropriate jurisdiction, except if one can advance a special reason which would allow a party a direct resort to a higher court. (Riano, Civil Procedure, Vol. I, The Bar Lectures Series, p. 57). Exceptions: (a) When there are special and important reasons clearly stated in the petition; (b) When dictated by public welfare and the advancement of public policy; (c) When demanded by the broader interest of justice; (d) When the challenged orders were patent nullities; or (e) When analogous exceptional and compelling circumstances called for and justified the immediate and direct handling by the Court. (Republic vs. Caguioa, 691 SCRA 306, February 20, 2013) Q: What is the Doctrine of non-interference or judicial stability? A: It holds that courts of equal and coordinate jurisdiction cannot interfere with each other’s orders. (Lapu-Lapu Development and Housing Corp. vs. Group Management Corp., 388 SCRA 493). The Doctrine of Non-interference is with equal force to administrative bodies. When the law provides for an appeal from the decision of an administrative body to the SC or CA, it means that such body is co-equal with the RTC in terms of rank and stature, and logically beyond the control of the latter. (Philippine Sinter Corporation vs. Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co., Inc., 381 SCRA 582) II. General Jurisdiction Special Jurisdiction Jurisdiction to decide on their own and take cognizance of all cases of a particular cases. Jurisdiction is one with a particular purpose or clothed with special powers for the performance of specified duties beyond which they have no authority of any kind. Exclusive Jurisdiction Concurrent Jurisdiction The idea of coexistence and refers to jurisdiction possessed to the exclusion of others. The power of different courts to take cognizance of the same subject matter. Q: What is the Doctrine of Hierarchy of courts and continuity of jurisdiction? A: General Rule: A case must be filed before the lowest court possible having the appropriate jurisdiction, except if one can advance a special reason which would allow a party a direct resort to a higher court. (Riano, Civil Procedure, Vol. I, The Bar Lectures Series, p. 57). Exceptions: (a) When there are special and important reasons clearly stated in the petition; (b) When dictated by public welfare and the advancement of public policy; (c) When demanded by the broader interest of justice; (d) When the challenged orders were patent nullities; or (e) When analogous exceptional and compelling circumstances called for and justified the immediate and direct handling by the Court. (Republic vs. Caguioa, 691 SCRA 306, February 20, 2013) Aspects of Jurisdiction: a. Jurisdiction over the subject matter; b. Jurisdiction over the parties; c. Jurisdiction over the issues of the case; and d. Jurisdiction over the res or thing involved in the litigation (Boston Equity Resources, Inc. vs. CA, GR no. 173946, June 19, 2013) Jurisdiction Q: Distinguish: Original, Appellate, General, Special, Exclusive and Concurrent Jurisdiction. A: Original Jurisdiction Jurisdiction to take cognizance of a case at its inception, try it and pass judgment upon the law and facts. JURISDICTION: MEANING HOW ACQUIRED OR CONFERRED? Appellate Jurisdiction Jurisdiction or the power to review over a decisions or orders of a lower court. 2 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Over the Subject Matter The power or authority to hear and determine cases of the general class to which the proceeding in question belongs. This is conferred by law which may be either the Constitution or a statute. Over the Person The power of the court to render a personal judgment against a party to an action or proceeding. It is also the power which a court has over the defendant’s person which is required before a court can enter a personal judgment. If over the plaintiff, it is acquired by his or her filing of the complaint or petition. (Davao Light vs. CA, 204 SCRA 343) If over the defendant in civil cases, it is acquired by his voluntary appearance in court or by service of summons. The power of the court to try and decide the issues raised in the pleadings of the parties. This is conferred and determined by the allegations in the pleadings of the parties, or during pre-trials, or by waiver or failure to object to the presentation of evidence on a matter not raised in the pleadings. Over the Issue Over the Res Refers to the court’s jurisdiction over the thing or the property which is the subject of the action. By placing the property or thing under the custody of the court of constructive seizure. Source: Riano (2014), Civil Procedure Volume 1 (The Bar Lecture Series)) Q: Distinguish jurisdiction from exercise of jurisdiction. A: Jurisdiction refers to the authority to decide a case, not the orders or the decision rendered therein. Accordingly, where a court has jurisdiction over the person and the subject matter, the decision on all questions arising from the case is but an exercise of such jurisdiction. (Platinum Tours and Travel, Inc. vs. Panlilio, GR no. 133365, September 16, 2003) Q: Distinguish: Doctrine of primary administrative jurisdiction and Doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies. A: Courts cannot and will not resolve a controversy involving a question within the jurisdiction of an administrative tribunal, especially when the question demands the sound exercise of administrative discretion requiring special knowledge, experience and services of the administrative tribunal to determine technical and intricate matters of fact. The court cannot arrogate unto itself the authority to resolve a controversy, the jurisdiction of which is initially lodged with the administrative body of special competence. (BF Homes, Inc vs. Manila Electric Company, 636 SCRA 495) Q: What is the doctrine of adherence of jurisdiction? A: This doctrine means that once jurisdiction has attached, it cannot be ousted by subsequent happenings or events, although of a character which would have prevented jurisdiction from attaching in the first instance. The court, once jurisdiction has been acquired, retains that jurisdiction until it finally disposes of the case. (San Miguel Corporation vs. Sandiganbayan, GR no. 104637038, September 14, 2000) Q: Distinguish: Error of jurisdiction and error of judgment. A: An “error of judgment” is one which the court may commit in the exercise of its jurisdiction, and which error is reviewable only by an appeal. On the other hand, an “error of jurisdiction” is one where the act complained of was issued by the court, officer or a quasi-judicial body without or in excess of jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion which is tantamount to lack or in excess of jurisdiction. This error is correctible only by the extraordinary writ of certiorari. (Donato vs. CA, GR no. 129638, December 8, 2003) Q: Distinguish: Jurisdiction and Venue. A: 3 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo JURISDICTION VENUE The authority to hear and determine a case; The place where the case is to be heard or tried; This is a matter of substantive law This is a matter of procedural law Establishes a relation between the court and the subject matter Establishes a relation between plaintiff and defendant (or petitioner and respondent); Fixed by law and cannot be conferred by the parties. May be conferred by the act or agreement of the parties. Cannot be waived May be waived The court may dismiss an action motu proprio in case of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter. The court may not dismiss an action motu proprio because of improper venue. Sources: Nocum vs. PDI (GR no. 145022, Sept. 23, 2005); Hiers of Lopez vs. De Castro (324 SCRA 591); Rudolf Lietz Holdings, inc. vs. Registry of Deeds (344 SCRA 680) Q: How jurisdiction is determined? A: Jurisdiction of the court to hear and decide a case is conferred by the law in force at the time of the institution of the action, unless such statute provides for a retroactive application thereof. (Dayap vs. Sendiong, GR no. 177960, January 29, 2009) III. Civil Procedure A. Actions: Q: What is the meaning of ordinary civil actions? A: An ordinary civil actions is one by which a A party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong. (Sec. 3(a), Rule 1, ROC) Q: What is the meaning of special civil actions? A: There are certain rules that are applicable only to specific civil actions. The fact that an action is subject to certain special rules, other than those applicable to ordinary civil actions, is what makes a civil action special. Q: What is the meaning of criminal actions? A: A criminal action is One which the State prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishable by law. (Sec. 3(b), Rule 1, ROC) Q: Distinguish: Civil actions and Special proceedings. A: A civil actions is one by which a A party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong. On the other hand, a special proceeding is a remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, a right, or a particular fact. (Sec. 3, Rule 1, ROC) Q: What are personal and real actions? A: An action in real when it affects title to or possession of real property, or an interest therein while all other actions are personal actions. (Secs. 1-2, Rule 4, ROC) Q: Distinguish: Actions in rem, in personam and quasi in rem. A: An action in personam is lodged against a person based on personal liability; An action in rem is directed against the thing itself instead of the person; while an action quasi in rem, names a person as defendant, but its object is to to subject that Person’s interest in a property to a corresponding lien or obligation. (Lucas vs. Lucas, 650 SCRA 667) B. Cause of Actions: Q: What is the meaning of a cause of action? A: It is the act or omission by which a party violates the rights of another. (Sec. 2, Rule 2) Q: Distinguish: Right of action and Cause of Action. A: A right of action refers to the right od the plaintiff to bring an action and to prosecute that action to final judgment. (Marquez vs. Varela, 92 Phil. 373). On the other hand, a Cause of action is the act or omission by which a party violates the rights of another. (Sec. 2, Rule 2, ROC) 4 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Q: Distinguish: Failure to state a cause of action and Lack of cause of action. A: FAILURE TO STATE A CAUSE OF ACTION: LACK OF A CAUSE OF ACTION: An insufficiency in the allegations in the complaint. Refers to the failure to prove or establish by evidence that one has a cause of action. Ground for dismissal Not ground for dismissal Q: What is the test of the sufficiency of a cause of action? A: The test is whether or not admitting the facts alleged, the court could render a valid verdict in accordance with the prayer in the complaint. (Misamis Occidental II Cooperative vs. David, 468 SCRA 63). A complaint is said to assert a sufficient cause of action if, admitting what appears solely on its face to be correct, the plaintiff would be entitled to the relief prayed for. Q: What is the effect of splitting a single cause of action? A: Splitting a single cause of action is It is the act of instituting two or more suits on the basis of the same cause of action. (Sec. 4, Rule 2, ROC). In splitting a cause of action, the pleader divides a single cause of action, claim or demand into two or more parts and brings a suit for one of such parts with the intent to reserve the rest for another separate action. (Quadra vs. CA, 497 SCRA 221). The filing of one or a judgment upon the merits in any one is available as a ground for the dismissal of the others”. Q: What is the difference between a joinder and misjoinder of causes of action? A: A misjoinder of causes of action is not a ground of dismissal of an action. A misjoined cause of action may, on motion of a party or on the initiative of the court, be severed and proceeded with separately. (Sec. 6, Rule 2, ROC). On the other hand, A party may in one pleading assert, in the alternative or otherwise, as many causes of action as he may have against an opposing party, subject to the following conditions: 1. 2. 3. 4. The party joining the causes of action shall comply with the rules on joinder of parties; The joinder shall not include special civil actions or actions governed by special rules; Where the causes of action are between the same parties but pertain to different venues or jurisdictions, the joinder may be allowed in the RTC provided one of the causes of action falls within the jurisdiction of said court and the venue lies therein; and Where the claims in all the causes of action are principally for recovery of money, the aggregate amount claimed shall be the test of jurisdiction. (Sec. 5, Rule 2, ROC) C. Parties to Civil Actions: Q: What is a Real Party in Interest? A: The party who stands to be benefited or injured by the judgment in the suit; or the party entitled to the avails of the suit. (Sec. 2, Rule 1) Q: Distinguish: Necessary party. A: indispensable party INDISPENSABLE PARTIES NECESSARY PARTIES Must be joined under any and all conditions; Presence not mandatory because his interest is separable There can be no final decree without joining an indispensable party; There can be final decree even without a necessary party; and Source: Borlasa vs. Polistico, 47 Phil. 345; Chua vs. Torres, 468 SCRA 358 Q: Who can be representatives as parties? A: Where the action is allowed to be prosecuted or defended by a representative or someone acting in a fiduciary capacity (like a trustee of an express trust, a guardian, an executor or administrator, or a party authorized by law), the beneficiary shall be included in the title of the case and shall be deemed to be the real party in interest. Likewise, an agent acting in his own name and for the benefit of an undisclosed principal may sue or be sued without joining the principal except when the 5 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo contract involves things belonging to the principal. (Sec. 3, Rule 3) Q: Who are Indigent Parties? A: A party may be authorized to litigate as an indigent if the court is satisfied that the party is one who has no money or property sufficient and available for food, shelter and basic necessities for himself and his family. If one is authorized to litigate as an indigent, such authority shall include an exemption from the payment of docket fees, other lawful fees; and transcripts of stenographic notes, which the court may order to be furnished him. However, the amount of the docket and other lawful fees, which the indigent was exempted from paying, shall be lien on the judgment in the case favorable to the indigent. A lienon the judgment shall not arise if the court provides otherwise. (Sec. 21, Rule 3) Q: What is the rule on Compulsory and Permissive joinder of parties? A: Generally, a joinder of parties is permissive (under Sec. 6, Rule 3). However, the joinder of a party become compulsory when the one involved is an indispensable party. (Sec. 7, Rule 3; Crisologo vs. JEWN Agro-Industrial Corporation, GR no. 196894, March 3, 2014). The joinder of indispensable parties is mandatory and courts cannot proceed without their presence (De Castro vs. CA, 384 SCRA 607) A: When two or more persons not organized as an entity with juridical personality enter into a transaction, they may be sued under the name by which they are generally or commonly known. In the answer of such defendant, the name and addresses of the persons composing said entity must all be revealed. (Sec. 15, Rule 3) Q: What is the rule on Alternative Defendants? A: Where the plaintiff is uncertain against who of several persons he is entitled to relief, he may join any or all of them as defendants in the alternative, although a right to relief against one may be inconsistent with a right of relief against the other. (Sec. 13, Rule 3) Q: What is the Effect of Death of a party litigant? A: The death of the client extinguishes the attorney-client relationship and divests the counsel of his authority to represent the client. Accordingly, a dead client has no personality and cannot be represented by an attorney (Lavina vs. CA, 171 SCRA 691). Whenever a party to a pending action dies, and the claim is not thereby extinguished, it shall be the duty of his counsel to inform the court within thirty (30) days after such death of the fact thereof, and to give the name and address of his legal representative or representatives. Failure of counsel to comply with his duty shall be a ground for disciplinary action. (Sec. 16, Rule 3) D. Venue: Q: What is the rule on Misjoinder and NonJoinder of parties? A: Neither misjoinder nor non-joinder of parties is ground for dismissal of an action. Parties may be dropped or added by order of the court on motion of any party or on its own initiative at any stage the action and on such terms as are just. Any claim against a misjoined party may be severed and proceeded with separately. (Sec. 11, Rule 3) Q: What is a class suit? A: It is an action where one or more may sue for the benefit of all if the requisites for said action are complied with. The ‘subject matter’ of the action is meant the physical, the things real or personal, the money, lands, chattels, and the like, in relation to the suit which is prosecuted and not the delict or wrong committed by the defendant. (Mathay vs. Consolidated Bank & Trust Company, 58 SCRA 559) Q: What are the rules on suits against entitles without judicial personality? Q: What is the meaning of venue? A: It is the place, or the geographical area in which a court with jurisdiction may hear and determine a case or the place where a case is to be tried. (Nocum vs. Tan, 470 SCRA 639) Q: What is the Venue in Real Actions? A: Generally, actions affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein, shall be commenced and tried in the proper court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated. However, actions for forcible entry and unlawful detainer shall be commenced and tried in the municipal court of the municipality or city wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated. (Sec. 1, Rule 4) Q: What is the Venue in Personal Actions? A: The venue in personal action is where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs resides, or where the defendant or any of the principal 6 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo defendants resides, at the election of the plaintiff. If the defendant is a non-resident, the venue is where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs resides, or where the non- resident defendant may be found, at the election of the plaintiff. (Sec. 2, Rule 4) Q: What is the venue of actions for nonresidents? A: If any of the defendants does not and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff, or any property of the said defendant located in the Philippines, the action may be commenced and tried in the court of the place where the plaintiff resides, or where the property or any portion thereof is situated or found. (Sec.3, Rule 4, ROC) Q: What are the instances where the rules on venue do not apply? A: 1. Where the parties have validly agreed in writing before the filing of the action on the exclusive venue thereof; 2. In those cases where a specific rule or law provides: (Examples:) a. A quo warranto proceeding commenced by the Solicitor General and filed in the RTC of Manila. This particular rule does not consider the residence of the respondent. (Sec. 7, Rule 66); b. A petition for a continuing writ of mandamus filed with the RTC exercising jurisdiction over the territory where the actionable neglect or omission occurred. (Sec. 2, Rule 8) Q: Can parties stipulate the venue? If so, what are its effects? A: Yes, Parties may agree in a specific venue which could be in a place where neither of them resides. (Universal Robina vs. Lim, 535 SCRA 95). In real actions, the parties may stipulate on a venue other than the place where the real property is situated. (Union Bank vs. Maunlad Homes, 678 SCRA 539) E. Pleadings: Q: What are the kinds of pleadings by the rules of courts? A: 1. Complaint; 2. Answer; 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Counterclaim; Cross-claim; Third (fourth, etc.)-party complaints; Complaint-in-Intervention; and Reply (Sec. 2, Rule 6, AM no. 19-10-20SC) Q: What is a Complaint? A: The complaint is the pleading alleging the plaintiff’s or claiming party’s cause or causes of action. (Sec. 3, Rule 6, AM no. 19-10-20-SC)The filing of the original complaint in court signifies the commencement of the civil action. (Sec. 5, Rule 1, ROC) Q: What is an Answer? A: The answer is a pleading in which a defending party sets forth his or her defenses. (Sec. 4, Rule 6, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). An answer contains the defenses of the answering party. These defenses may either be negative or affirmative. (Sec. 5, Rule 6) Q: What is a Negative Defense? A: It is the specific denial of the material fact or facts alleged in the pleading of the claimant essential to his or her cause or causes of action. (Sec. 5, Rule 6, AM no. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is a Negative Pregnant? A: A negative pregnant is a negative implying also an affirmative and which, although is stated in a negative form, really admits the allegations to which it relates. (Black’s Law Dictionary). A negative pregnant does not qualify as a specific denial. It is conceded to be actually an admission. It refers to a denial which implies its affirmative opposite by seeming to deny only a qualification or an incidental aspect of the allegation but not the allegation itself. Q: What is a Counterclaim? A: A counterclaim is any claim which a defending party may have against an opposing party. (Sec. 6, Rule 6). It partakes of a complaint by the defendant against the plaintiff. Q: Distinguish: Compulsory and Permissive Counterclaim. A: COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM PERMISSIVE COUNTERCLAIM 7 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Shall be contained in the answer at the time of filing, otherwise it is barred May be set up as an independent action and will not be barred if not contained in the answer of the complaint. Not an initiatory pleading Considered as an initiatory pleading It does not required to be accompanied by a Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping and a Certificate to file an action issued by the Lupong Tagapamayapa. Must be accompanied by a certificate of nonforum shopping as well as a certificate to file action issued by the Lupong Tagapamayapa because it is an initiatory pleading. Failure to answer this is not a cause for a default declaration because it is deemed automatically joined by the allegations in the complaint. Must be answered by the party against whom it is interposed, otherwise, he may be declared in default as to the counterclaim. Source: Ponciano vs. Parentela, 331 SCRA 605; Gojo vs. Goyala, 35 SCRA 557; GSIS vs. Heirs of Caballero, 632 SCRA 5 Q: What is a Cross-claim? A: It is any claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or a counterclaim therein. (Sec. 8, Rule 6). Such crossclaim may cover all or part of the original claim. (Sec. 8, Rule 6, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is a Third (fourth, etc.)-party complaints? A: It is a claim which a defending party may, with leave or court, file against a person who is not yet a party to the action for contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any other relief, in respect of his or her opponent's claim. (Sec. 11, Rule 6, AM no. 1910-20-SC) Q: What is a Reply? A: A reply is a pleading, the function of which is to deny, or allege facts in denial or avoidance of new matters alleged by way of defense in the answer and thereby join or make issue as to such new matters. (Sec. 10, Rule 6, ROC) Q: What are the pleadings allowed in small claims and cases covered by the Rules on Summary Procedure? A: Summary Procedure ● ● ● ● Complaint; Compulsory Counterclaim pleaded in the answer; Cross-claim pleaded in the answer; and Answers thereto Small Claims Cases Forms provided under AM no. 08-8-7-SC. Q: What are the parts and contents of a pleading? A: 1. Caption; 2. Signature and address; 3. Verification; 4. Certification against forum shopping; Q: What is the body of the pleading? A: The body of the pleading set forth its designation, the allegations of the party’s claims or defenses, the relief prayed for, and the date of the pleading. (Sec. 2, Rule 7) Q: Can a pleading be submitted without a signature? If not, what is the effect of a signed pleading? A: No, Every pleading and other written submissions to the court must be signed by the party or counsel representing him or her. (Sec. 3(a), Rule 7, AM no. 19-10-20-SC). The signature of the counsel constitutes a certificate by him or her that (a) he or she has read the pleading and document; and (b) that to the best of his or her knowledge, information and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances: 1. It is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; 2. The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions are warranted by existing law or jurisprudence, or by a non-frivolous argument for extending jurisprudence; 8 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 3. 4. The factual contentions have support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after availment of the modes of discovery under these rules; and The denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on belief or a lack of information. (Sec. 3, Rule 7, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is a verification in a pleading? How is a pleading verified? A: Pleadings need not be under oath, verified or accompanied by affidavit, except when so required by law or rule. A pleading is verified by an affidavit of an affiant duly authorized to sign said verification. (Sec. 4, Rule 7, AM no. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the effect of lack of a verification? A: The lack of a proper verification is cause to treat the pleading as unsigned and dismissible. (Chua vs. Torres, 468 SCRA 358). A verification is not proper when the verification does not comply with the requirement of the rule. For instance, a pleading required to be verified but which contains a verification based on “information and belief” or upon “knowledge, information and belief,” shall be treated as an unsigned pleading. (Sec. 4, Rule 7) Q: What is a certification against forum shopping? A: This is a sworn statement in which the plaintiff or principal party certifies in a complaint or initiatory pleading to the following matters: a. that he has not commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of his knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein; b. that if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of the present status thereof; and c. that if he should thereafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, he shall report that fact within 5 calendar days therefrom to the court wherein his aforesaid complaint or initiatory pleading has been filed. (Sec. 5, Rule 7, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What are three ways of committing forum shopping? A: 1. 2. 3. Filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action and with the same prayer, the previous case not having been resolved yet (where the ground is litis pendentia); Filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action and the same prayer, the previous case having been resolved (where the ground for dismissal is res judicata); and Filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action, but with different prayers (splitting of causes of action, where the ground for dismissal is also either litis pendentia or res judicata). (Chua vs. Metrobank, 596 SCRA 524) Q: What is the reason for the prohibition on forum shopping? A: A party should not be allowed to pursue simultaneous remedies in two different fora. Filing multiple petitions or complaints constitutes abuse of court processes. which tends to degrade the administration of justice, wreaks havoc upon orderly judicial procedure, and adds to the congestion of the heavily burdened dockets of the courts. (Huibonhoa vs. Concepcion, 497 SCRA 562) Q: What is the effect of non-compliance with the rule on certification against forum shopping? What is the Exception? A: Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements shall not be curable by mere amendment of the complaint or other initiatory pleading but shall be cause for the dismissal of the case without prejudice, unless otherwise provided, upon motion and after hearing. (Sec. 5, Rule 7). However, Non-compliance with the rule requiring a certification against forum shopping or defect therein is generally not curable by its subsequent submission or correction thereof, unless there is a need to relax the rule on the ground of ‘subsequential compliance’ or there is the presence of special circumstances or compelling reasons. (Vda. De Formoso vs. PNB, GR no. 154704, June 1, 2011) Q: What is the rule on the contents in the pleadings? A: Every pleading stating a party’s claims or defenses shall, in addition to those mandated by Section 2, Rule 7, state the following: a. Names of witnesses who will be presented to prove a party’s claim or defense; 9 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo b. c. Summary Of The Witnesses Intended testimonies, provided that the judicial affidavits of said witnesses shall be attached to the pleading and form an integral part thereof. Only witnesses whose judicial affidavits are attached to the pleading shall be presented by the parties during trial. Except if a party presents meritorious reasons as basis for the admission of additional witnesses, no other witness or affidavit shall be heard or admitted by the court; and Documentary and object evidence in support of the allegations contained in the pleading. (Sec. 6, Rule 7, AM No. 19-1020-SC) Q: What is the manner of making allegations in pleadings? A: Every pleading shall contain in a methodical and logical form, a plain, concise and direct statement of the ultimate facts, including the evidence on which the party pleading relies for his or her claim of defense, as the case may be. If a cause of action or defense relied on is based on law, the pertinent provisions thereof and their applicability to him or her shall be clearly and concisely stated. (Sec. 1, Rule 8, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is a condition precedent? A: Generally, these are matters which must be complied with before a cause of action arises. When a claim is subject to a condition precedent, the compliance of the same must be alleged in the pleading. In all pleading, a general averment of the performance or occurrence of all conditions precedent shall be sufficient. (Sec. 3, Rule 8) Q: What is the rule when pleading a fraud, mistake, malice, knowledge and other conditions of the mind; pleading a judgment; and pleading on official document or act? A: When making averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting such fraud or mistake must be stated with particularity. (Sec. 5, Rule 8). In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, judicial or quasijudicial tribunal, or of a board or officer, it is sufficient to aver the judgment or decision without setting forth matter showing jurisdiction to render it. (Sec. 6, Rule 8). An authenticated copy of the judgment or decision shall be attached to the pleading. (Sec. 6, Rule 8, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). In pleading an official document or official act, it is sufficient to aver that the document was issued or the act was done in compliance with law. (Sec. 9, Rule 8, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q; What is the rule when pleading an actionable document? A: Whenever an action or defense is based upon a written instrument or document, the substance of such instrument or document shall be set forth in the pleading, and the original or a copy thereof shall be attached to the pleading as an exhibit, which shall be deemed to be a part of the pleading. (Sec. 7, Rule 8) Q: What is the rule on specific denial? A: A defendant must specify each material allegation of fact the truth of which he or she does not admit and, whenever practicable, shall set forth the substance of the matters upon which he or she relies to support his or her denial. Where a defendant desires to deny only a part of an averment, he or she shall specify so much of it as is true and material and shall deny only the remainder. Where a defendant is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of a material averment made to the complaint, he or she shall so state, and this shall have the effect of a denial. (Sec. 10, Rule 8, ROC) Q: What is the effect of failure to make specific denial? A: Under Sec. 11, Rule 8, material avernments in the complaint (other than those as to the amount of unliquidated damages) not specifically denied shall be deemed admitted. If the allegations are deemed admitted, there is no more triable issue between the parties and if the admissions appear in the answer of the defendant, the plaintiff may file a motion for judgment on the pleadings pursuant to Rule 34. An admission in a pleading cannot be controverted by the party making such admission because the admission is conclusive as to him. All proofs submitted by him contrary thereto or inconsistent therewith should be ignored whether an objection is interposed by a party or not. (Republic vs. Sarabia, 468 SCRA 142). Q: When does a specific denial requires an oath? A: When the action is founded upon a document pleaded in the manner required by Sec. 7, Rule 8, the party, who has no intent of admitting the genuineness and due execution of the document, must contest the same by (1) specifically denying the genuineness and due execution of the document under oath; and (2) setting forth what he 10 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo claims to be the facts. A mere specific denial of the actionable document is insufficient. The denial must be coupled with an oath. In current usage, this means that the denial must be verified. The absence of an oath will result in the implied admission of the due execution and genuineness of the document. (Sec. 8, Rule 8) Q: What is an Affirmative Defense? A: It is an allegation of a new matter which, while hypothetically admitting the material allegations in the pleading of the claimant, would nevertheless prevent or bar recovery by him or her. (Sec. 5, Rule 6) Q: What is a Default? A: Default is a procedural concept that occurs when the defending party fails to file his or her answer within the reglementary period. (Riano (2014), Civil Procedure Vol. 1, p. 362). A declaration or order of default is issued as a punishment for unnecessary delay in joining issues. (Vlason Enterprises Corp. vs. CA, GR no. 121662-64, July 6, 1999) Q: When is a declaration of default proper? A: The rule on default clearly establishes the “failure to answer within the time allowed therefor” as the Q: What are the grounds of the defendant for raising affirmative defenses? A: 1. That the court has no jurisdiction over the person of the defending party; 2. That venue is improperly laid; 3. That the plaintiff has no legal capacity to sue; 4. That the pleading asserting the claim states no cause of action; and 5. That a condition precedent for filing the claim has not been complied with. (Sec. 12(a), Rule 8, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) ground for a declaration of default. (Sec. 3, Rule 9). Default does not technically occur from the failure of the defendant to attend either the pre-trial or the trial. (Sec. 3, Rule 9). Therefore, the failure to of the defendant to appear at the pre-trial while a cause for the court to order the plaintiff to present his evidence ex parte and for the court to render judgment on the basis thereof → is not a ground for a declaration of default as the term is contemplated under Sec. 3, Rule 9. While the effect of the failure Q: What is the remedy if the affirmative defense is denied? A: Affirmative defenses, if denied, shall not be the subject of a motion for reconsideration or petition for certiorari, prohibition or mandamus, but may be among the matters to be raised on appeal after a judgment on the merits. (Sec. 12(e), Rule 8, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the effect of failure to plead defenses and objections? A: Defenses and objections not pleaded either in a motion to dismiss or in the answer are deemed waived. However, when it appears from the pleadings or the evidence on record that the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter, that there is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause, or that the action is barred by a prior judgment or by statute of limitations, the court shall dismiss the claim. (Sec. 1, Rule 9) Q: What is the effect of failure to plead a compulsory counterclaim and cross-claim? A: A compulsory counterclaim, or a cross-claim, not set up shall be barred. (Sec. 2, Rule 9) of the defendant to appear at the pre-trial is similar to that of default, under the Rules, this consequence is not to be called a declaration of default. Q: What is the effect of an order of default? A: The party declared in default loses his standing in court. The loss of such standing prevents him from taking part in trial. While the defendant can no longer take part in the trial, he is entitled to notices of subsequent proceedings. (Sec. 3(a), Rule 9). A declaration of default is not tantamount to an admission of the truth or the validity of the plaintiff’s claims. (Monarch Insurance vs. CA, 333 SCRA 71) Q: What are the reliefs from an order of judgment? A: 1. Remedy after notice of order and before judgment; A party declared in default may, at any time after notice thereof and before judgment, file a motion under oath to set aside the other of default and properly 11 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 2. 3. 4. show that: (a) the failure to answer was due to fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence; and (b) He has a meritorious defense. (ie. there must be an affidavit of merit. Remedy after judgment and before judgment becomes final and executory; If the judgment has already been rendered when the defendant discovered the default, but before the same has become final and executory, he may file a motion for new trial under Rule 37. He may also appeal from the judgment as being contrary to the evidence or the law. (Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, 540 SCRA 431) Remedy after the judgment becomes final and executory: The defendant may file a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38. (Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, supra) Remedy when defendant was improperly declared in default: The defendant must file a petition for certiorari. (Viacrusis vs. Estenzo, GR no. L-18457, June 30, 1962) Q: What is the effect of a partial default? A: When a pleading asserting a claim states a common cause of action against several defending parties, some of whom answer and the others fail to do so, the court shall try the case against all upon the answers thus filed and render judgment upon the evidence presented. (Sec. 3(c), Rule 9) Q: What is the rule on the extent of relief in a judgment by default? A: The reliefs that may be granted in default situations are restricted by Sec. 3(d), Rule 9, ROC. Thus, if the complaint seeks to recover P1Million but the evidence of the complaint seeks to recover P1.5Million, the court has no authority to grant the latter amount despite the evidence. This is because, under the Rules, “A judgment rendered against a party in default shall not exceed the amount or be different in kind from that prayed for nor award unliquidated damages”. (Sec. 3(d), Rule 9) Q: What are cases where a declaration/order of default cannot be made? A: Default is not allowed in the following actions: a. Annulment of marriage; b. Declaration of nullity of Marriage; and c. Legal Separation (Sec. 3(e), Rule 9 If no answer is filed in any of the above actions, the court shall order the Solicitor-General or any of his or her deputized public prosecutors to investigate whether or not collusion exists between the parties. (Sec. 3(e), Rule 9, AM No. 10-10-20-SC) If there is no collusion, the court shall order the Solicitor-General or any or his or her public prosecutors to intervene for the State in order to see to it that the evidence submitted is not fabricated. (Sec. 3(e), Rule 9, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule on payment of docket fees? A: General Rule: Court acquires jurisdiction over the claim of damages upon payment of the correct docket fees. (Nestle Philippines, Inc. vs. FY Sons, Inc., 489 SCRA 624). Any defect in the original pleading resulting in underpayment of the docket fee cannot be cured by amendment since there is no original complaint over which the court has acquired jurisdiction. (Manchester Development Corp. vs. CA, 149 SCRA 562). Exceptions: While the payment of the required docket fee is a jurisdictional requirement, its nonpayment at the time of filing does not automatically cause the dismissal of the case as long as the fee is paid within the applicable prescriptive or reglementary period. (Sun Insurance Office vs. Asuncion, 170 SCRA 274). If the amount of the docket fees is insufficient considering the amount of the claim, the party filing the case will be required to pay the deficiency but jurisdiction is not automatically lost. (Rivera vs. Del Rosario, 419 SCRA 626). Q: Distinguish: Filing and Service of pleadings: A: Filing is the act of submitting the pleading or other paper to the court. On the other hand, Service is the act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading or any other court submission. (Sec. 2, Rule 13, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What are the manner of filing? A: The filing of pleadings and other court submissions shall be made by: 1. Submitting personally the original thereof, plainly indicated as such, to the court; 2. Sending them by registered mail; 3. Sending them by accredited courier; or 4. Transmitting them by electronic mail or other electronic means as may be authorized by the Court in places where the court is electronically equipped. (Sec. 3, Rule 13, AM no. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What are the modes of service? 12 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Personal Service (see Sec. 6, Rule 13); Service by mail (see Sec. 7, Rule 13); Accredited Courier; Electronic Mail (see Sec. 9, Rule 13); Facsimile transmission (see Sec. 9, Rule 13); Other electronic means authorized by Court; or Other means as provided by for in international conventions to which the Philippines is a party; Q: What is the Rule on service of judgments, final orders or resolutions? A: Judgments, final orders, or resolutions shall be served either personally or by registered mail. Upon ex parte motion of any party in the case, a copy of the judgment, final order, or resolution may be delivered by accredited courier at the expense of such party. When a party summoned by publication has failed to appear in the action, judgments, final orders or resolutions against him or her shall be served upon him or her also by means of publication at the expense of the prevailing party. (Sec. 13, Rule 13, AM No. 19-1020-SC) Q: What is the conventional service or filing of orders, pleadings, and other documents? A: THE ORDERS, PLEADINGS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MUST BE SERVED OR FILED PERSONALLY OR BY REGISTERED MAIL: a. Initiatory pleadings and initial responsive pleadings, such as an answer; b. Subpoenae, protection order, and writs; c. Appendices and exhibits to motions or other documents that are not readily amenable to electronic scanning may, at the option of the party filing such, be filed and served conventionally; and d. Sealed and confidential documents or records; (Sec. 14, Rule 13, AM No. 19-1020-SC) The Sec. 14, Rule 13 tenor; “Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following orders, pleadings, and other documents must be served or filed personally or by registered mail when allowed, and shall not be served or filed electronically, unless express permission is granted by the Court x x x.” Q: When is service deemed completed? A: MODE OF SERVICE HOW COMPLETED? Personal Service Upon Actual Delivery Service by Ordinary Mail Upon the expiration of 10 calendar days after mailing, unless the court otherwise provides. Service by Registered Mail Upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after 5 calendar days from the date he or she received the first notice of the postmaster, whichever date is earlier. Service by Accredited Courier Upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after at least two (2) attempts to deliver by the courier service, or upon the expiration of five (5) calendar days after the first attempt to deliver, whichever is earlier. Electronic Service At the time of the electronic transmission of the document, or when available, at the time that the electronic notification of service of the document is sent. Service by Facsimile Transmission Upon receipt by the other party, as indicated in the facsimile transmission printout. Q: How is filing proven? A: HOW FILING IS PROVEN? 13 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo MODE OF FILING HOW PROVEN? Personally Filed (Not on record) (Sec. 16 (a), Rule 13) By the written or stamped acknowledgment of its filing by the clerk of court on a copy of the pleading or court submission. By other authorized electronic means (Sec. 16, par. 2, Rule 13) By an affidavit of electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by a copy of the electronic acknowledgment of its filing by the court. Q: How is service proven? A: By Mail (Sec. 13) Registered 16(b), Rule By Accredited Courier Service (Sec. 16(c), Rule 13) By Electronic Mail (Sec. 16(d), Rule 13) By the registry receipt and by the affidavit of the person who mailed it, containing a full statement of the date and place of deposit of the mail in the post office in a sealed envelope addressed to the court, with postage fully prepaid, and with instructions to the postmaster to return the mail to the sender after ten (10) calendar days if not delivered. By an affidavit of service of the person who brought the pleading or other document to the service provider, together with the courier’s official receipt and document tracking number. By an affidavit of electronic filing of the filing party accompanied by a paper copy of the pleading or other document transmitted or a written or stamped acknowledgement of its filing by the clerk of court. If the paper the paper copy sent by electronic mail as filed by registered mail, par. b of this section applies. HOW SERVICE IS PROVEN? MODE OF SERVICE HOW PROVEN? Personal Service By a written admission of the party served, or the official return of the server, or the affidavit of the party serving, containing a statement of the date, place, and manner of service. Ordinary Mail By an affidavit of the person mailing stating the facts showing compliance with Section 7, Rule 13. Registered Mail By the affidavit of the person mailing stating the facts showing compliance with Sec. 7, Rule 13; and the registry receipt issued by the mailing office. The registry return card shall be filed immediately upon its receipt by the sender, or in lieu thereof, the unclaimed letter together with the certified or sworn copy of the notice given by the postmaster to the addressee. 14 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Courier By an affidavit of service executed by the person who brought the pleading or paper to the service provider, together with the courier’s official receipt or document tracking number. Electronic Mail, facsimile, or other authorized electronic means of transmission By an affidavit of service executed by the person who sent the email, facsimile, or other electronic transmission, together with a printed proof of transmittal. Accredited Service Q: Can pleadings be amended? A: Pleadings may be amended by adding or striking out an allegation or the name of any party, or by correcting a mistake in the name of a party or a mistaken or inadequate allegation or description in any other respect, so that the actual merits of the controversy may speedily be determined, without regard to technicalities, in the most expeditious and inexpensive manner. (Sec. 1, Rule 10) Q: When is an amendment a matter of right? A: A plaintiff has the right to amend his complaint once at (a) any time before a responsive pleading is served by the other party or (b) in case of a reply to which there is no responsive pleading, at any time within 10 calendar days after it is served. (Sec. 2, Rule 9, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). Therefore, before an answer is served on the plaintiff, the latter may amend his complaint as a matter of right. The defendant may also amend his complaint as a matter of right, before a reply is served upon him. Q: When is an amendment made by leave of court? A: Leave of Court is required for an amendment made after service of a responsive pleading. For example, the plaintiff cannot amend his complaint by changing his cause of action or adding a new one after the defendant’s answer without leave of court. (Sec. 3, Rule 10; Calo and San Jose vs. Roldan, 76 Phil. 445). Orders of the court upon the matters provided in this Section shall be made upon motion filed in court, and after notice to the adverse party, and an opportunity to be heard. (Sec. 3, Rule 10). After a responsive pleading is filed, an amendment to the complaint may be substantial and will correspondingly require a substantial alteration in the defenses of the adverse party. The amendment of the complaint is not only unfair to the defendant but will cause unnecessary delay in the proceedings. Leave of court is required. On the other hand, where no responsive pleading has yet been served, no defenses would be altered. The amendment of the pleading will not then require leave of court. (Siasco vs. CA, 303 SCRA 186) Q: What is a formal amendment? A: A defect in the designation of the parties and other clearly clerical or typographical errors may be summarily corrected by the court at any stage of the action, at its initiative or on motion, provided no prejudice is caused thereby to the adverse. (Sec. 4, Rule 10) Q: What is the effect of an amended pleading? A: An amended pleading supersedes the pleading that it amends. However, admissions in superseded pleadings may be offered in evidence against the pleader, and claims or defenses alleged therein not incorporated in the amended pleading shall be deemed waived. (Sec. 8, Rule 10, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). Q: What is a supplemental pleading? A: A supplemental pleading is one which sets forth transactions, occurrences, or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. The filing of supplemental pleadings requires leave of court. The court may allow the pleading only upon such terms as are just. This leave of court is sought by the filing of a motion with notice to all parties. (Sec. 6, Rule 10) F. Summons: Q: What is the meaning of Summons? A: It is the writ by which the defendant is notified of the action brought against him. (Republic vs. Domingo, 657 SCRA 621) Q: What is the purpose of summon in Personal Actions (actions in personam? A: In an action in personam, the purpose of summons is; (1) to comply with due process and also (2) to acquire jurisdiction over the person of the defendant. Mere filing of the complaint and the payment of docket fees, the Court acquires jurisdiction only over the person of the plaintiff, and 15 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo not over the person of the defendant. (Ellice AgroIndustrial Corp. vs. Young, 686 SCRA 51) Q: What is the purpose of summons in Real Actions (Actions in rem and quasi-in rem)? A: In an action ‘In Rem’ or ‘Quasi-In Rem’, jurisdiction over the person of the defendant is not a prerequisite to confer jurisdiction on the court provided that the court acquires jurisdiction over the ‘Res’ or the ‘Thing’ itself. However, this does not mean that the service of summons may be dispensed with. The Court adds that summons must still be served upon the defendant in order to satisfy the due process requirements. (Asiavest Limited vs. CA, 296 SCRA 539; PCI Bank vs. Alejandro, 533 SCRA 738) Q: When should summons be issued? A: Unless the complaint is on its face dismissible under Section 1, Rule 9, the court shall, within five (5) calendar days from receipt of the initiatory pleading and proof of payment of the requisite legal fees, direct the clerk of court to issue the corresponding summons to the defendants. (Sec. 1, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC Q: What are the contents of summons? A: 1. The name of the court and the names of the parties to the action; 2. When authorized by the court upon ex parte motion, an authorization for the plaintiff to serve summons to the defendant; 3. A direction that the defendant answer within the time fixed by these Rules; and 4. A notice that unless the defendant so answers, plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for. (Sec. 2, Rule 14, AM No. 1910-20-SC) Q: What is the duty of counsel of record in summons? A: Where the summons is improperly served and a lawyer makes a special appearance on behalf of the defendant to, among others, question the validity of service of summons, the counsel shall be deputized by the court to serve summons on his or her client. (Sec. 13, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is a “Return”? A: Within thirty (30) calendar days from issuance of summons by the clerk of court and receipt thereof, the sheriff or process server, or person authorized by the court, shall complete its service. Within five (5) calendar days from service of summons, the server shall file with the court and serve a copy of the return to the plaintiff’s counsel, personally, by registered mail, or by electronic means authorized by the Rules. (Sec. 20, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20SC). Should substituted service have been effected, the return shall state the following: (a) The impossibility of prompt personal service within a period of thirty (30) calendar days from issue and receipt of summons; (b) The date and time of the three (3) attempts on at least (2) two different dates to cause personal service and the details of the inquiries made to locate the defendant residing thereat; and (c) the name of the person at least eighteen (18) years of age and of sufficient discretion residing thereat, name of competent person in charge of the defendant’s office or regular place of business, or name of the officer of the homeowners’ association or condominium corporation or its chief security officer in charge of the community or building where the defendant may be found. (Sec.20, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20SC) Q: What is Voluntary Appearance? A: The defendant's voluntary appearance in the action shall be equivalent to service of summons. The inclusion in a motion to dismiss on other grounds aside from lack of jurisdiction over the person of the defendant shall be deemed a voluntary appearance. (Sec. 23, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC Q: Who may serve summons? A: General Rule: The summons may be served by the sheriff, his or her deputy, or other court officer. Exception: In case of failure of service of summons by them, the court may authorize the plaintiff - to serve the summons - together with the sheriff. (Sec. 3, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule on substituted service of summons? A: If, for justifiable reasons, the defendant cannot be served personally after at least 3 attempts on 2 different dates, service may be effect: a. By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's residence to a person at least eighteen (18) years of age and of sufficient discretion residing therein; b. By leaving copies of the summons at the defendant's office or regular place of business with some competent person in charge thereof; 16 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo c. d. By leaving copies of the summons, if refused entry upon making his or her authority and purpose known, with any of the officers of the homeowners’ association or condominium corporation, or its chief security officer in charge of the community or the building where the defendant may be found; and By sending an electronic mail to the defendant’s electronic mail address, if allowed by the court. (Sec. 6, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding service of summons upon a defendant where his identity is unknown or where his whereabouts are unknown? A: In any action where the defendant is designated as an unknown owner, or the like, or whenever his or her whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, within ninety (90) calendar days from the commencement of the action, service may, by leave of court, be effected upon him or her by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and in such places and for such time as the court may order. Any order granting such leave shall specify a reasonable time, which shall not be less than sixty (60) calendar days after notice, within which the defendant must answer. (Sec. 16, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding service of summons upon residents temporarily outside in the Philippines? A: When any action is commenced against a defendant who ordinarily resides within the Philippines, but who is temporarily out of it, service may, by leave of court, be also effected out of the Philippines, as under Sec. 17, Rule 14.. (Sec. 18, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: When is Extraterritorial service of summons allowed? A: When the defendant is a non-resident wherein he or she is not found in the Philippines; and that the action against him is either in rem or quasi-in rem. (Jose vs. Boyon, 414 SCRA 216) Q: What is the rule regarding service of summons upon prisoners and minors as well as upon spouses? A: When the defendant is a prisoner confined in a jail or institution, service shall be effected upon him or her by the officer having the management of such jail or institution who is deemed as a special sheriff for said purpose. The jail warden shall file a return within five (5) calendar days from service of summons to the defendant. (Sec. 8, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). When the defendant is a minor, insane or otherwise an incompetent person, service of summons shall be made upon him or her personally and on his or her legal guardian if he or she has one, or if none, upon his or her guardian ad litem whose appointment shall be applied for by the plaintiff. In the case of a minor, service shall be made on his or her parent or guardian. (Sec. 10, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). When spouses are sued jointly, service of summons should be made to each spouse individually. (Sec. 11, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding service of summons upon domestic or foreign private juridical entities? A: When the defendant is a corporation, partnership or association organized under the laws of the Philippines with a juridical personality, service may be made upon the following persons: (a) President; (b) Managing Partner; (c) General Manager; (d) Corporate Secretary; (e) Treasurer; (f) In-House Counsel of the corporation whenever they may be found; or (g) In-House Counsel’s secretaries, in the absence or unavailability of the In-House Counsel. (Sec. 12, Rule 14, AM No. 1910-20-SC). When the defendant is a foreign private juridical entity which has transacted or is doing business in the Philippines, as defined by law, service may be made on its resident agent designated in accordance with law for that purpose, or, if there be no such agent, on the government official designated by law to that effect, or on any of its officers, agents, directors or trustees within the Philippines. (Sec. 14, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). When a foreign corporation has designated a person to receive summons on its behalf pursuant to the Corporation Code, that designation is exclusive and service of summons on any other person is inefficacious. (H.B. Zachry Company vs. CA, 232 SCRA 329) Q: What is the proof of Service of Summons? A: The proof of service of a summons shall be made in writing by the server and shall set forth the manner, place, and date of service; shall specify any papers which have been served with the process and the name of the person who received the same; and shall be sworn to when made by a person other than a sheriff or his or her deputy. If summons was served by electronic mail, a printout of said e-mail, with a copy of the summons as 17 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo served, and the affidavit of the person mailing, shall constitute as proof of service. (Sec. 21, Rule 14, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) G. Motions: Q: What is the meaning of a motion? A: A motion is an application for relief other than by a pleading. (Sec. 1, Rule 15) Q: Distinguish: Motions and pleadings. A: A motion is an application for relief other than by a pleading, while a pleading is a written statement of the respective claims and defenses of the parties submitted to the court for appropriate judgment. (Sec. 1, Rule 6, ROC). Q: What are the contents and form of a motion? A: A motion must be in writing except those (a) made in open court; and (b) in the course of hearing or trial. (Sec. 2, Rule 15). On the other hand, a motion should contain (a) a statement of the relief sought to obtained; (b) the grounds upon which the motion is based; and (c) The supporting affidavits and other papers (applies only when so mandated by the ROC or when necessary to prove facts stated in the motion). [Sec. 3, Rule 15] Q: What is the nature of a litigious and nonlitigious motions and when notice of hearing is necessary? A: A non-litigious motion is are motions which the court may act upon without prejudicing the rights of the adverse parties are non-litigious motions. (Sec. 4, Rule 15, AM no. 19-10-20-SC). A litigious motion is are motions which the court may not act upon without prejudicing the rights of the adverse parties are non-litigious motions. All motions shall be served by personal service, accredited private courier or registered mail, or electronic means so as to ensure their receipt by the other party. (Sec. 5(b), Rule 15, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). The court may, in the exercise of its discretion, and if deemed necessary for its resolution, call a hearing on the motion. (Sec. 6, Rule 15, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). The notice of hearing shall be addressed to all parties concerned, and shall specify the time and date of the hearing. (Sec. 6, Rule 15, AM No. 1910-20-SC). A motion without a notice of hearing is considered ‘pro forma’ and does not affect the reglementary period for the appeal or the filing of the requisite pleading. (Flores vs. People, 692 SCRA 127) A: General Rule: A motion attacking a pleading, order, judgment, or proceeding shall include all objections then available, and all objections not so included shall be deemed waived. (Sec. 9, Rule 15, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). Exception: Under Sec. 1, Rule 9, the following defenses are not deemed waived even if not raised in the motion to dismiss: a. The court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter; b. There is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause (Litis pendentia); c. The action is barred by a prior judgment (Res judicata); or d. The action is barred by the statute of limitations (Prescription). Q: What are prohibited motions? A: WHAT ARE PROHIBITED MOTIONS (OR MOTIONS THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED)? KINDS: 1. Motion dismiss EXCEPTIONS: to ● When the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter; ● There is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause (Litis pendentia); ● The action is barred by a prior judgment (Res judicata); 2. Motion to hear affirmative defenses (None) 3. Motion for reconsideration of the court’s action on the affirmative defenses (None) Q: What is the Omnibus Motion Rule? 18 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 4. Motion to suspend proceedings without a temporary restraining order or injunction issued by a higher court (None) 5. Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other papers A motion for extension to file an answer as provided under Sec. 11, Rule 11 6. Motion for postponement intended for delay if it is based on acts of God, force majeure or physical inability of the witness to appear and testify. Source: Sec. 12, Rule 15, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the purpose of a Motion for a bill of particulars? When should a motion for a bill of particular be apply for? A: Before responding to a pleading, a party may move for a definite statement or for a bill of particulars of any matter, which is not averred with sufficient definiteness or particularity, to enable him or her properly to prepare his or her responsive pleading. If the pleading is a reply, the motion must be filed within ten (10) calendar days from service thereof. Such motion shall point out the defects complained of, the paragraphs wherein they are contained, and the details desired. (Sec. 1, Rule 12, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). The purpose is to seek an order from the court directing the pleader to submit a bill of particulars which avers matters with “sufficient definiteness or particularity” to enable the movant to properly prepare his responsive pleading. (Sec. 1, Rule 12) Q: What is the action of the court after the filing of a motion for a bill of particular? A: Upon the filing of the motion, the clerk of court must immediately bring it to the attention of the court, which may either deny or grant it outright, or allow the parties the opportunity to be heard. (Sec. 2, Rule 12). Q: What is the rule regarding compliance with the order? A: If the motion is granted, either in whole or in part, the compliance therewith must be effected within ten (10) calendar days from notice of the order, unless a different period is fixed by the court. The bill of particulars or a more definite statement ordered by the court may be filed either in a separate or in an amended pleading, serving a copy thereof on the adverse party. (Sec. 3, Rule 12, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the effect on the period to file a responsive pleading? A: A motion for bill of particulars is not a pleading, therefore, not a responsive pleading. Whether or not his motion is granted, the movant may file his responsive pleading. When he files a motion for bill of particulars, the period to file the responsive pleading is stayed or interrupted. (Riano (2014), Civil Procedure Vol. 1, p. 472). After service of the bill of particulars or of a more definite pleading, or after notice of denial of his or her motion, the moving party may file his or her responsive pleading within the period to which he or she was entitled at the time of filing his or her motion, which shall not be less than five (5) calendar days in any event. (Sec. 5, Rule 12, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) H. Dismissal of Actions: Q: What is Dismissal with prejudice? A: The dismissal under Sec. 3, Rule 17, shall have the effect of an adjudication on the merits, unless otherwise declared by the court. Therefore, as a rule, it is a dismissal with prejudice. (AFP Retirement Benefits System vs. Republic, 694, SCRA 118) Q: What is the rule on dismissal without prejudice? A: General Rule: A dismissal made by filing of a notice of dismissal is a dismissal without prejudice. (i.e. the complaint can be refiled). Exception: The dismissal will be one with prejudice in any of the following situations: a. The notice of dismissal by the plaintiff provides that the dismissal is with prejudice; or b. the plaintiff has previously dismissed the same case in a court of competent jurisdiction based on or including the same claim. (Sec. 1, Rule 17) Q: What is dismissal by mere notice of dismissal? A: Before the service of an answer or a motion for summary judgment, a complaint may be dismissed by the plaintiff by filing a notice of dismissal. Upon the filing of the notice of dismissal, the court shall 19 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo b. issue an order confirming the dismissal. (Sec 1. Rule 17) Q: What is dismissal due to the fault of the plaintiff? A: The dismissal due to the fault of the plaintiff may be done by the court on its own motion (motu proprio) or upon a motion filed by the defendant. (Sec. 3, Rule 17; AFP Retirement Benefit System vs. Republic, 694 SCRA 118, March 20, 2013). When there are not justifiable reasons that explain the plaintiff’s absence during the presentation of his evidence in chief, the court may dismiss the complaint. The use of the word “may” denotes its directory nature and operates to confer upon the court the discretion to decide between the dismissal of the case on this technicality. (Republic vs. DiazEnriquez, 694 SCRA 102) Q: What is dismissal of counterclaim, crossclaim, or third party complaint? A: A voluntary dismissal by the claimant by notice as in Section 1 of this Rule, shall be made before a responsive pleading or a motion for summary judgment is served or, if there is none, before the introduction of evidence at the trial or hearing. (Sec. 4, Rule 17) I. Pre-Trial: Q: What is the nature of a pre-trial? A: The pre-trial is mandatory and should be terminated promptly. (Sec. 2, Rule 18, AM No. 1910-20-SC) Q: What are the purposes of pre-trial? A: 1. The possibility of an amicable settlement or of a submission to alternative modes of dispute resolution; 2. The simplification of the issues; 3. The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions of facts and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof; 4. The limitation of the number and identification of witnesses and the setting of trial dates; 5. The advisability of a preliminary reference of issues to a commissioner; 6. The propriety of rendering judgment on the pleadings, or summary judgment, or of dismissing the action should a valid ground therefor be found to exist; 7. The requirement for the parties to: a. Mark their respective evidence if not yet marked in the judicial affidavits of their witnesses; 8. Examine and make comparisons of the adverse parties' evidence vis-avis the copies to be marked; c. Manifest for the record stipulations regarding the faithfulness of the reproductions and the genuineness and due execution of the adverse parties' evidence; d. Reserve evidence not available at the pre-trial, but only in the following manner: i. For testimonial evidence, by giving the name or position and the nature of the testimony of the proposed witness; ii. For documentary evidence and other object evidence, by giving a particular description of the evidence. No reservation shall be allowed if not made in the manner described above. Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the action. (Sec. 2, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding notice of pre-trial? A: The notice of pre-trial shall include the dates respectively set for the following (a) Pre-trial: (b) Court-Annexed Mediation; and (c) Judicial Dispute Resolution, if necessary. The notice of pre-trial shall be served on the counsel, or on the party if he or she has no counsel. The counsel served with such notice is charged with the duty of notifying the party represented by him or her. (Se. 3, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding appearance of parties during pre-trial? A: General Rule: It shall be the duty of the parties and their counsel to appear at Pre-trial (Sec. 4, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). Mediation is a part of pre-trial and failure to appear therein merits sanction on the part of the absent party. (Senarlo vs. Judge Paderanga, 617 SCRA 247). Exception: The non-appearance of a party and counsel may be excused only for acts of God, force majeure, or duly substantiated physical inability. (Sec. 4, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) 20 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Q: What is the effect when parties failed to appear during pre-trial? A: When duly notified, the failure of the plaintiff and counsel to appear without valid cause when so required, pursuant to the next preceding Section (Section 3), shall cause the dismissal. (Sec. 5, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). On the other hand, When duly notified, the failure of the defendant and counsel to appear without valid cause when so required, pursuant to the next preceding Section (Section 3), shall cause to allow the plaintiff to present his or her evidence ex-parte within 10 calendar days from the termination of the pre-trial, and the court to render judgment on the basis of the evidence offered. (Sec. 5, Rule 18, AM No. 1910-20-SC). Q: What is the rule regarding pre-trial brief? A: The parties shall file with the court their respective pre-trial briefs which should be received at least 3 calendar days before the date of the pretrial. (Sec. 6, Rule 18). This pre-trial brief shall be served on the adverse party in such manner that will ensure his receipt also at least 3 calendar days before the date of the pre-trial. (Sec. 6, Rule 18). Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as failure to appear at the pre-trial. (Sec. 6, Rule 18) Q: What is the rule regarding pre-trial order? A: Upon the termination of the pre-trial, the court shall issue an (pre-trial) order within 10 calendar days which shall recite in detail the matters taken up. (Sec. 7, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). A pretrial order is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of each and every issue that is to be taken during the trial, for it is unavoidable that there are issues that are impliedly included among those listed or that may be inferable from those listed by necessary implication which are as much integral parts of the pre-trial order as those expressly listed. (Phil. Export and Foreign Loan vs. Amalgamated Management, 658 SCRA 273) Q: Distinguish pre-trial in civil cases and pretrial in criminal cases. A: PRE-TRIAL IN CIVIL CASES PRE-TRIAL IN CRIMINAL CASES It is set when the plaintiff moves ex parte to set the case for pre-trial. It is ordered by the court and no motion to set the case for pretrial is required for either parties. The motion to set the case for pre-trial is made after the last responsive pleading has been served and filed. Pre-trial is ordered by the court after arraignment and within 30 days from the date the court acquires jurisdiction over the person of the accused. It considers the possibility of an amicable settlement as an important objective It does not include considering the possibility of amicable settlement of criminal liability as one of its purposes. Pre-trial required Pre-trial brief required brief is is not Source: Rule 7 and Rule 118, Rules of Court J. Intervention: Q: What are the requisites for a valid intervention? A: 1. He or she must not be a party to the case; 2. There must be a motion for intervention filed before rendition of judgment by the trial court. (A motion is necessary because leave of court is required before a person may be allowed to intervene); 3. The movant must show in his motion that he has a: a. Legal interest in the following: i. The matter in litigation; ii. The success of either of the parties in the action; or iii. Against both parties; b. The isso situated as to be adversely affected by a distribution or other disposition of property in the custody of the court or of an officer thereof; c. The intervention must not unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties; and 21 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo d. The intervenor’s rights may not be fully protected in a separate proceeding. (Mabayo Farms vs. CA, 385 SCRA 110; Acenas II vs. CA, 247 SCRA 773) Q: When is the time for intervention? A: The motion to intervene may be filed at any time before the rendition of judgment by the trial court. (Sec. Rule 2, Rule 19). Hence, Intervention after trial and decision can no longer be permitted. (Yau vs. manila Banking Corp., 384 SCRA 340) Q: What is the remedy for the denial of motion to intervene? A: The remedy of the aggrieved party is to appeal. This Court has on occasion held that an order denying a motion for intervention is appealable. Where the lower court's denial of a motion for intervention amounts to a final order, an appeal is the proper remedy, as when the denial leaves the intervenor without further remedy or resort to judicial relief. (Foster-Gallego vs. Sps. Galang, GR no. 130228, July 24, 2004) K. Subpoena: Q: What is Subpoena Duces Tecum? A: It is a process directed to a person requiring him or her to bring with him or her any books, documents, or other things under his or her control. Sec. 1, Rule 21, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is Subpoena Ad Testificandum? A: In this jurisdiction, there are two (2) kinds of subpoena, to wit: subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum. The first is used to compel a person to testify, while the second is used to compel the production of books, records, things or documents therein specified. (Roco vs. Contreras, GR no. 158275, June 28, 2005) Q: What is the rule regarding service of subpoena? A: Service of a subpoena shall be made in the same manner as personal or substituted service of summons. The original shall be exhibited and a copy thereof delivered to the person on whom it is served. The service must be made so as to allow the witness a reasonable time for preparation and travel to the place of attendance. Costs for court attendance and the production of documents and other materials subject of the subpoena shall be tendered or charged accordingly. (Sec. 6, Rule 21, AM No. 19-10-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding compelling attendance and contempt? A: In case of failure of a witness to attend, the court or judge issuing the subpoena, upon proof of the service thereof and of the failure of the witness, may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the province, or his or her deputy, to arrest the witness and bring him or her before the court or officer where his or her attendance is required, and the cost of such warrant and seizure of such witness shall be paid by the witness if the court issuing it shall determine that his or her failure to answer the subpoena was willful and without just excuse. (Sec. 8, Rule 21, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). On the other hand, Failure by any person without adequate cause to obey a subpoena served upon him or her shall be deemed a contempt of the court from which the subpoena is issued. If the subpoena was not issued by a court, the disobedience thereto shall be punished in accordance with the applicable law or Rule. (Sec. 9, Rule 21). However, The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Rule shall not apply to a witness who resides more than one hundred (100) kilometers from his or her residence to the place where he or she is to testify by the ordinary course of travel, or to a detention prisoner if no permission of the court in which his or her case is pending was obtained. (Sec. 10, Rule 21, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding the quashal of subpoena? A: In case of failure of a witness to attend, the court or judge issuing the subpoena, upon proof of the service thereof and of the failure of the witness, may issue a warrant to the sheriff of the province, or his or her deputy, to arrest the witness and bring him or her before the court or officer where his or her attendance is required, and the cost of such warrant and seizure of such witness shall be paid by the witness if the court issuing it shall determine that his or her failure to answer the subpoena was willful and without just excuse. (Sec. 8, Rule 21, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) L. Computation of Time: Q: How to compute time? A: In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these Rules, or by order of the court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is to be excluded and the date of performance included. If the last day of the period, as thus computed, falls on a Saturday, a 22 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Sunday, or a legal holiday in the place where the court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day. (Sec. 1, Rule 22) Q: What is the effect of interruption? A: Should an act be done which effectively interrupts the running of the period, the allowable period after such interruption shall start to run on the day after notice of the cessation of the cause thereof. The day of the act that caused the interruption shall be excluded in the computation of the period. (Sec. 2, Rule 22). M. Modes of Discovery: Q: What is the meaning of deposition? A: It is the taking of the testimony of any person, whether he be a party or not, but at the instance of a party to the action. This testimony is taken out of court. Q: What are the methods for taking a deposition? A: 1. By an oral examination; or 2. By a written interrogatory. (Sec. 1, Rule 23) DEPOSITION RULE 23 DEPOSITION RULE 24 Deposition “De benne esse” Deposition perpetuam memoriam” “In rei If the deposition is for use during a pending action If the deposition perpetuates a testimony for use in future proceedings, as when it is sought before the existence of an action, or for cases on appeal. Q: What is the scope of examination? A: Unless otherwise ordered by the court as provided by Section 16 or 18 of this Rule, the deponent may be examined regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject of the pending action, whether relating to the claim or defense of any other party, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts. (Sec. 2, Rule 23) Q: What are the uses of deposition? A: 1. Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of deponent as a witness; 2. The deposition of a party or of any one who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing agent of a public or private corporation, partnership, or association which is a party may be used by an adverse party for any purpose; 3. The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any purpose if the court finds: (1) that the witness is dead, or (2) that the witness resides at a distance more than one hundred (100) kilometers from the place of trial or hearing, or is out of the Philippines, unless it appears that his absence was procured by the party offering the deposition, or (3) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment, or (4) that the party offering the deposition has been unable to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or (5) upon application and notice, that such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open court, to allow the deposition to be used; and 4. If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, the adverse party may require him to introduce all of it which is relevant to the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts. (Sec. 4, Rule 23, ROC) Q: When may objections to admissibility be made? A: Objections may be made at the trial or hearing to receiving in evidence any deposition or part thereof for any reason which would require the exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and testifying. (Sec. 6, Rule 23) Q: When may taking of deposition be terminated or its scope limited? A: At any time during the taking of the deposition, on motion or petition of any party or of the 23 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo deponent and upon a showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the court in which the action is pending or the Regional Trial Court of the place where the deposition is being taken may order the officer conducting the examination to cease forthwith from taking the deposition, or may limit the scope and manner of the taking of the deposition, as provided in Section 16 of this Rule. If the order made terminates the examination, it shall be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the court in which the action is pending. Upon demand of the objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a notice for an order. In granting or refusing such order, the court may impose upon either party or upon the witness the requirement to pay such costs or expenses as the court may deem reasonable. (Sec. 18, Rule 23) Q: What is the purpose of interrogatories of parties? A: This is available by a party to the action for the purpose of eliciting material and relevant facts from any adverse party. (Sec. 1, Rule 25). Existing rules consider this mode of discovery as important because within one day from receipt of the complaint, the rule mandates not only the preparation of the summons but also the issuance of an order requiring the parties Rule 25 and request for admission by adverse party under Rule 26. However, the parties may use (at their discretion) depositions under Rule 23 or other measures under Rule 27 and 29 within 5 days from the filing of the answer. (AM No. 03-1-09-SC, IA, 1) Q: What is the effect of failure to serve written interrogatories? A: Unless thereafter allowed by the court for good cause shown and to prevent a failure of justice, a party not served with written interrogatories may not be compelled by the adverse party to give testimony in open court, or to give a deposition pending appeal. (Sec. 6, Rule 25) Q: What is the purpose of admission by adverse party? A: To allow one party to request the adverse party, in writing, to admit certain material and relevant matters which will not be disputed during the trial. To avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the parties in going through the rigors of proof before the trial, a party may request the other to (a) admit the genuineness of any material and relevant document described in and exhibit with the request; or (b) admit the truth of any material and relevant matter of fact set forth in the request. (Sec. 1, Rule 26) Q: What are the consequences of failure to answer request for admission? A: Unless otherwise allowed by the court for good cause shown and to prevent a failure of justice, a party who fails to file and serve a request for admission on the adverse party of material and relevant facts at issue which are, or ought to be, within the personal knowledge of the latter, shall not be permitted to present evidence on such facts. (Sec. 5, Rule 26) Q: What is the effect of admission? A: Any admission made by a party as a consequence of the failure to comply with the request is only for the purpose of the pending action and shall not be deemed an admission for any other purpose. Likewise, the admission cannot be used against the admitting party in any other proceeding. (Sec. 3, Rule 26) Q: What is the effect of failure and serve request for admission? A: It is advisable for the party to whom the written request is directed to file and serve upon the party requesting the admission a sworn statement either (a) specifically denying the matters of which admission is requested, or (b) if he does not deny the same, to set forth in detail the reasons why he cannot truthfully admit or deny those matters. This sworn statement shall be filed and served within the period designated in the request but which shall not be less than 15 calendar days from the service of such request, or within such further time as the court may allow. (Sec. 2, Rule 26, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). If the party to whom the written request for admission is directed does not file the required sworn statement, each of the matters of which an admission is requested shall be deemed admitted. (Sec. 2, Rule 26) Q: What is the purpose of production or inspection of documents or things? A: Order any party to produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing, by or on behalf of the moving party, of any any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things, not privileged, which constitute or contain evidence material to any matter involved in the action and which are in his possession, custody or control; and Order any party to permit entry upon 24 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo designated land or other property in his possession or control for the purpose of inspecting, measuring, surveying, or photographing the property or any designated relevant object or operation thereon. (Sec. 1, Rule 27) Q: What are privileged documents? A: Rule 27 provides that the documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things that may be produced and inspected should not be privileged. The document may be produced and inspected should not be privileged. The documents must not be privileged against disclosure. On the ground of public policy, the rules providing for production and inspection of books and papers do not authorize the production or inspection of privileged matter; that is, books and papers which, because of their confidential and privileged character, could not be received in evidence. Such a condition is in addition to the requisite that the items be designated and must constitute or contain evidence material to any matter involved in the action and which are in the party’s possession, custody or control. (Sec. 1, Rule 27). Q: What is the application of Rule 28 (Physical and mental examination of person? A: This mode of discovery applies to an action in which the mental or physical condition of a party is in controversy. (Sec. 1, Rule 28) Q: What is a waiver of privilege? A: By requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so ordered or by taking the deposition of the examiner, the party examined waives any privilege he or she may have in that action or any other involving the same controversy, regarding the testimony of every other person who has examined or may thereafter examine him or her in respect of the same mental or physical examination. (Sec. 4, Rule 28) Q: What are the consequences of refusal to comply with modes of discovery? A: 1. If a party refuses to answer any question upon oral examination, the proponent may apply to the proper court, for an order to compel an answer. The same procedure may be availed of when a party or witness refuses to answer any interrogatory submitted pursuant to the rules on the modes of discovery. (Sec. 1, Rule 29). 2. 3. 4. The court may order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses or prohibiting him or her from introducing in evidence designated documents or things or items of testimony, or from introducing evidence of physical or mental condition (Sec. 3(b), Rule 29); A refusal of a party to be sworn after being directed by the court may be considered a contempt of that court. (Sec. 2, Rule 29); If a party or an officer or managing agent of a party wilfully fails to appear before the officer who is to take his or her deposition, after being served with a proper notice, or fails to serve answers to interrogatories submitted under Rule 25 after proper service of such interrogatories, the court on motion and notice, may strike out all or any part of any pleading of that party, or dismiss the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or enter a judgment by default against that party, and in its discretion, order him or her to pay reasonable expenses incurred by the other, including attorney's fees. (Sec. 5, Rule 29); N. Trial: Q: What is the rule regarding adjournments and postponements? A: General Rule: A court may adjourn a trial from day to day, and to any stated time, as the expeditious and convenient transaction of business may require. (Sec. 2, Rule 30). Exception: Court has no power to adjourn a trial for a period longer than 1 month for each adjournment, nor more than 3 months in all, except when authorized in writing by the Court Administrator. (Sec. 2, Rule 30). A motion for postponement should not be filed on the last hour especially when there is no reason why it could not have been presented earlier. (Republic vs. Sandiganbayan, 301 SCRA 237) Q: What are the requisites of a motion to postpone trial for illness of a party or counsel? A: 1. A motion to postponement must be filed; 2. The motion must be supported by an affidavit or sworn certification that the presence of such party or counsel at the trial is indispensable and that the character of his or her illness is such as to render his or her non-attendance 25 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo excusable. (Sec. 4, Rule 30, AM No. 1910-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding the order of trial? A: 1. The plaintiff shall adduce evidence in support of his complaint; 2. The defendant shall then adduce evidence in support of his defense, counterclaim, cross-claim and third-party complaint; 3. The Third-party defendant, if any, shall adduce evidence of his defense, counterclaim, cross-claim and fourthparty complaint; 4. The fourth-party, and so forth, if any, shall adduce evidence of the material facts pleaded by them; 5. The parties against whom any counterclaim or cross-claim has been pleaded, shall adduce evidence in support of their defense, in the order to be prescribed by the court; and 6. Upon admission of the evidence, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision, unless the court directs the parties to argue or to submit their respective memoranda or any other pleadings. If several defendants or third-party defendants, and so forth, having separate defenses appear by different counsel, the court shall determine the relative order of presentation of their evidence. (Sec. 5, Rule 30) Q: What is the rule regarding the agreed statement of facts? A: The parties to any action may agree, in writing, upon the facts involved in the litigation, and submit the case for judgment on the facts agreed upon, without the introduction of evidence. If the parties agree only on some of the facts in issue, the trial shall be held as to the disputed facts in such order as the court shall prescribe. (Sec. 7, Rule 30, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is Consolidation? A: It is a procedural device, granted to the court as an aid in deciding how cases in its docket are to be tried, so that the business of the court may be dispatched expeditiously while providing justice to the parties. (Republic vs. Heirs of Oribello, Jr., 692 SCRA 645) Q: What are the kinds of consolidation? A: 1. 2. 3. Quasi-Consolidation - Where all, except one of several of actions are stayed until one is tried, in which case the judgment in the one trial is conclusive as to the others. (This is not actually consolidation) Actual Consolidation - Where several actions are combined into one, lose their separate identity, and become a single action in which a single judgment is rendered. This is illustrated by a situation where several actions are pending between the same parties stating claims which might have been set out originally in one complaint. Consolidation for Trial - Where several actions are ordered to be tried together, but each retains its separate character, and requires the entry of a separate judgment. This type of consolidation does not merge the suits into a single action, or cause the parties to one action to be parties to the other. (Republic vs. Heirs of Oribello, Supra; Neri vs. Sandiganbayan, GR no. 202243, August 7, 2013) Q: What is reference by consent regarding trial by commissioner? A: By written consent of both parties, the court may order any or all of the issues in a case to be referred to a commissioner to be agreed upon by the parties or to be appointed by the court. (Sec. 1, Rule 32) Q: What are the powers of the commission? A: Subject to the specifications and limitations stated in the order, the commissioner has and shall exercise the power to regulate the proceedings in every hearing before him or her and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of his or her duties under the order. He or she may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, swear witnesses, and unless otherwise provided in the order of reference, he or she may rule upon the admissibility of evidence. The trial or hearing before him or her shall proceed in all respects as it would if held before the court. (Sec. 3, Rule 32) Q: What is the report of the commissioner? A: Upon the completion of the trial or hearing or proceeding before the commissioner, he or she shall file with the court his or her report in writing upon the matters submitted to him or her by the order of reference. When his or her powers are not specified or limited, he or she shall set forth his or 26 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo her findings of fact and conclusions of law in his or her report. He or she shall attach thereto all exhibits, affidavits, depositions, papers and the transcript, if any, of the testimonial evidence presented before him or her. (Sec. 9, Rule 32) Q: What is the rule regarding the notice to parties of the filing or report? A: Upon the filing of the report, the parties shall be notified by the clerk, and they shall be allowed ten (10) calendar days within which to signify grounds of objections to the findings of the report, if they so desire. Objections to the report based upon grounds which were available to the parties during the proceedings before the commissioner, other than objections to the findings and conclusions therein set forth, shall not be considered by the court unless they were made before the commissioner. (Sec. 10, Rule 32 O. Demurrer to Evidence: Q: What is the ground for a demurrer to evidence? A: The defendant may move for dismissal on the ground that upon the facts and the law, the plaintiff has shown no right to relief. (Sec. 1, Rule 33) Q: What is the effect of denying a demurrer to evidence? A: The order denying the demurrer to evidence shall not be subject of an appeal or petition for certiorari, prohibition or mandamus before judgment. (Sec. 2, Rule 33, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). If the demurrer to evidence is denied, he or she shall have the right to present evidence. Where a court denied a demurrer to evidence, it should set the date for the reception of the defendant’s evidence in chief. It should not proceed to grant the relief demanded by the plaintiff. (Northwest Airlines, Inc. vs. CA, 284 SCRA 408) Q: What is the effect of granting the demurrer to evidence? A: If the demurrer is granted, the case shall be dismissed. However, if (on appeal the order granting the motion is reversed) the defendant loses his right to present evidence. (Sec. 1, Rule 33). It is not correct for the appellate court reversing the order granting the demurrer to remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings. The appellate court should, instead of remanding the case, render judgment on the basis of the evidence submitted by the plaintiff. “A remand is not only frowned upon by the ROC, it is also logically unnecessary on the basis of the facts on record.” (Radiowealth Finance Corp. vs. Del Rosario, 335 SCRA 288) Q: What is the rule regarding the action on the demurrer to evidence? A: Under Sec. 2, Rule 33, A demurrer to evidence shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 15. (Sec. 2, Rule 33, AM No. 19-10-20-SC). Rule 15 provides for the rules on Motions, which provides that a demurrer to evidence must be in writing and shall state the relief sought to be obtained and the grounds upon which it is based, and if required by these Rules or necessary to prove facts alleged therein, shall be accompanied by supporting affidavits and other papers. Q: Distinguish: Demurrer to evidence in civil and criminal cases. A: DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE IN CIVIL CASES: DEMURRER TO EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL CASES: Leave of court is not required before its filing. It is filed with or without leave of court. If granted, the order of dismissal is appealable. the order of dismissal is not appealable because of the constitutional policy against double jeopardy. If denied, the defendant may proceed to present his evidence. The accused may adduce his evidence only if the demurrer is filed with leave of court. He cannot present his evidence if he filed the demurrer without leave of court. The cannot cannot, on its own, make a demurrer. The court can make the demurrer on its own. Source: Sec. 1, Rule 33; Sec. 23, Rule 119) P. Judgments and Final Orders: Q: What is the rule regarding judgment after pre-trial? 27 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: Should there be no more controverted facts, or no more genuine issue as to any material fact, or an absence of any issue, or should the answer fail to tender an issue, the court shall, without prejudice to a party moving for judgment on the pleadings under Rule 34 or summary judgment under Rule 35, motu proprio include in the pre-trial order that the case be submitted for summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings, without need of position papers or memoranda. In such cases, judgment shall be rendered within ninety (90) calendar days from termination of the pre-trial. The order of the court to submit the case for judgment pursuant to this Rule shall not be the subject to appeal or certiorari. (Sec. 10, Rule 18, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What is the rule regarding judgment on the pleadings? A: Judgment on the pleadings is appropriate when an answer fails to tender an issue, or otherwise admits the material allegations of the adverse party’s pleading. As such, it is a judgment that is exclusively based on the submitted pleadings, without the introduction of evidence as the factual issue remains uncontroverted. (GSIS vs. Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc., GR no. 165585, November 20, 2013) Q: What are cases where judgment on the pleadings will no apply? A: 1. Actions for the declaration of nullity of a marriage; 2. Actions for annulment of marriage; and 3. Actions for legal separation. (Sec. 1, Rule 34) Q: What is the nature of a summary judgment? A: A summary judgment is granted to settle expeditiously a case if, on motion of either party, there appears from the pleadings, depositions, admissions, and affidavits that no important issues of fact are involved, except the amount of damages. (Ybiernas vs. Tanco-Gabaldon, 650 SCRA 154) Q: What is the rule regarding summary judgment for claimants? A: A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory relief may, at any time after the pleading in answer thereto has been served, move with supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for a summary judgment in his or her favor upon all or any part thereof. (Sec.1, Rule 35) Q: What is the rule regarding summary judgment of defending party? A: A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is asserted or a declaratory relief is sought may, at any time, move with supporting affidavits, depositions or admissions for a summary judgment in his or her favor as to all or any part thereof. (Sec. 2, Rule 35) Q: What is the rule when the case is not fully adjudicated on the motion? A: If on motion under this Rule, judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the reliefs sought and a trial is necessary, the court may, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and direct such further proceedings in the action as are just. The facts so ascertained shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted on the controverted facts accordingly. (Sec. 4, Rule 35, AM No. 19-10-20-SC) Q: What are the forms of affidavit and supporting papers needed? A: Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Certified true copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in the affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. (Sec. 5, Rule 35) Q: Distinguish: Judgment on the pleadings and summary judgments. A: A judgment on the pleadings is a judgment that is exclusively based on the submitted pleadings, without the introduction of evidence as the factual issue remains uncontroverted., while a summary judgment is a judgment granted to settle expeditiously a case if, on motion of either party, there appears from the pleadings, depositions, admissions, and affidavits that no important issues of fact are involved, except the amount of damages. Q: What are the contents of a judgment? A: 1. The judgment or final order shall be in writing personally and directly prepared by the judge; 28 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 2. 3. 4. It must state clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on which it is based; It must be signed by him (the judge); and It must be filed with the clerk of court. (Sec. 1, Rule 36) Within the period for taking an appeal either by: (a) “Notice of Appeal” → within 15 days after notice to the applicant of the judgment or final order appealed from. (Sec. 2, Rule 40; Sec. 3, Rule 40; Sec. 2, Rule 45); Q: What is the rule regarding rendition of judgments and final orders? A: Rendition of a judgment is the filing of the same with the clerk of court. It is not the pronouncement of the judgment in open court that constitutes the rendition. (Ago vs. CA, 6 SCRA 530; Castro vs. Malazo, 99 SCRA 164) Q: What is the rule regarding entry of judgment and final order? A: If no appeal or motion for new trial or reconsideration is filed within the time provided in these Rules, the judgment or final order shall forthwith be entered by the clerk in the book of entries of judgments. The date of finality of the judgment or final order shall be deemed to be the date of its entry (in the book of entries of judgment). (Sec. 2, Rule 36) Q. Post-Judgment Remedies: Q: Distinguish: Motion for New trial and Motion for Reconsideration. A: RECONSIDERATION NEW TRIAL As to Nature or Objective: One that is directed against a judgment or a final order. A remedy that seeks to temper the severity of a judgment or prevent a failure of justice. (b) “Record on Appeal” → within 30 days from notice of the judgment or final order. (Sec. 2, Rule 40; Sec. 3, Rule 41). [Note: This is required only in special proceedings and in other cases of multiple or separate appeals. (Sec. 3, Rule 40)] Effect of the filing of motion on the period to appeal: Interrupts the period of appeal Grounds (What to allege): a. That the damages awarded are excessive; b. The the evidence is insufficient to justify the decision or final order;or c. That the decision or final order is contrary to law. a.Fraud, Accident, Mistake or Excusable negligence which ordinary prudence could not have guarded against and, by reason of which, such aggrieved party has probably been impaired in his rights; or b. Newlydiscovered evidence, which he could not, with reasonable diligence, have diligence and produced at the trial , and which, if presented, would probably alter the results. When to file? Period of resolving the motion: Within 30 days from the time it is submitted for resolution. Remedy when the motion is denied: 29 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Appeal from the judgment or final order itself subject of the motion for reconsideration. Appeal from the judgment or final order. Effect of granting such motion: The court may amend such judgment or final order accordingly, which will be in the nature of a new judgment which supersedes the original judgment. The original judgment or final order shall be vacated, and the action shall stand for trial de novo. The recorded evidence taken upon the former trial shall be used at the new trial without retaking the same if the evidence is material and competent. Source: Rule 37; Rule 40, Rule 41; Ybiernas vs. TancoGabaldon, GR no. 178925, June 1, 2011) Q: What is the concept of appeal (in general)? A: The right to appeal is not a part of due process but a mere statutory privilege that has to be exercised only in the manner and in accordance with the provisions of law. (Stolt-Nielsen vs. NLRC, 477 SCRA 516) Q: What are the judgments or orders that are not appealable? A: 1. An order denying a petition for relief or any similar motion seeking relief from judgment; 2. An interlocutory order; 3. An order disallowing or dismissing an appeal; 4. An order denying a motion to set aside a judgment by consent, confession or compromise on the ground of fraud, mistake or duress, or any other ground vitiating consent; 5. An order of execution; 6. A judgment or final order for or against one or more of several parties or in separate claims, counterclaims, crossclaims and third-party complaints, while the main case is pending, unless the court allows an appeal therefrom; and 7. An order dismissing an action without prejudice. (AM No. 07-7-12-SC, December 1, 2007) Q: What is the remedy in case the judgment or final order is not appealable? A: In those instances where the judgment or final order is not appealable, the aggrieved party may file the appropriate special civil action under Rule 65. (Sec. 1, Rule 41; Crisologo vs. JEWN AgroIndustrial Corp., GR no. 196894, March 3, 2014) Q: What are the modes of appeal? A: 1. An ordinary appeal: The appeal to the Court of Appeals in cases decided by the Regional Trial Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction shall be taken by filing a notice of appeal with the court which rendered the judgment or final order appealed from and serving a copy thereof upon the adverse party. No record on appeal shall be required except in special proceedings and other cases of multiple or separate appeals where law on these Rules so require. In such cases, the record on appeal shall be filed and served in like manner. (Sec. 2(a), Rule 41) 2. Petition for review: The appeal to the Court of Appeals in cases decided by the Regional Trial Court in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction shall be by petition for review in accordance with Rule 42. (Sec. 2(b), Rule 41) 3. Appeal by certiorari: In all cases where only questions of law are raised or involved, the appeal shall be to the Supreme Court by petition for review on certiorari in accordance with the Rule 45. (Sec. 2(c), Rule 41) Q: How is an appeal perfected? A: A party’s appeal by notice is deemed perfected as to him upon the filing of the notice of appeal in due time. A party’s appeal by record on appeal is deemed perfected as to him with respect to the subject matter thereof upon the approval of the record on appeal filed in due time. (Sec. 4, Rule 40 in relation to Sec. 9, Rule 41) Appeal from Judgments or final orders of the MTCs, MeTCs, and MCTCs: WHERE TO APPEAL FROM A JUDGMENT OR FINAL ORDER OF A MUNICIPAL COURT: An appeal from a judgment or final order of a MTC mat be taken to the RTC exercising 30 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo jurisdiction over the area to which the former pertai. (Sec. 1, Rule 40) WHEN TO APPEAL: Within 15 days after notice to the appellant of the judgment or final orde appealed from (Sec. 2, Rule 40) Where a record on appeal is required, the appellant shall file a notice of appeal and a record on appeal within 30 days after notice of the judgment or final order. (sec. 2, Rule 40). A record on appeal shall be required only in special proceedings and in cases of multiple or separate appeals. (Sec. 3, Rule 40) CONTENTS OF NOTICE OF APPEAL: a. Indicate the parties to the appeal; b. The judgment or final order or part thereof appealed from; and c. State the material dates showing the timeliness of the appeal (Sec. 3, Rule 40) HOW TO APPEAL: Appeal is taken by the following: (a) By filing a notice of appeal and record of appeal, where appropriate, with the court that rendered the judgment or final order appealed from; and (b) By serving a copy of the notice and record on the adverse party. (Sec. 3, Rule 40) Therefore, if the judgment was rendered by the MeTC, the notice of appeal must be filed with said court, not with the RTC. (Sec. 3, Rule 40) Within the period for taking an appeal, the appellant shall pay to the clerk of the court which rendered the judgment or final order appealed from the full amount of the appellate court docket and other lawfl fees. Proof of payment thereof shall be transmitted to the appellate court together with the original record or the record on appeal, as the case may be. (Sec. 5, Rule 40) Within 15 days from the perfection of the appeal, the clerk of court of the lower court shall transmit the original record or the record on appeal, together with transcripts and exhibits, which he shall certify as complete, to the proper RTC. (Sec. 6, Rule 40) PERFECTION OF THE APPEAL: A party’s appeal by notice is deemed perfected as to him upon the filing of the notice of appeal in due time. A party’s appeal by record on appeal is deemed perfected as to him with respect to the subject matter thereof upon the approval of the record on appeal filed in due time. (Sec. 4, Rule 40 in relation to Sec. 9, Rule 41) The notice of appeal does not require the approval of the court. The function of the notice of appeal is merely to notify the trial court that the appellate was availing of the right to appeal, and not to seek the court’s permission that he be allowed to pose an appeal. The trial court’s only duty with respect to a timely notice of appeal is to transmit the original record of the case to the appellate court. (Crisologo vs. Daray, 562 SCRA 382) DUTY OF THE CLERK OF COURT OF THE RTC: Upon receipt of the complete record or the record on appeal, the clerk of court of the RTC shall notify the parties of such fact. (Sec. 7(a), Rule 40) SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUM: Within 15 days from such notice, it shall be the duty of the appellant to submit a memorandum, copy of which shall be furnished to the appellee. (Sec. 7(b), Rule 40) For the appellant, the filing of a memorandum is vital to his appeal. Failure to file shall be ground for the dismissal of the appeal. The memorandum shall briefly discuss the errors imputed to the lower court. The appellee may (if he so desires) file his memorandum within 15 days from receipt of the appellant’s memorandum. (Sec. 7(b), Rule 40) WHEN CASE IS DEEMED SUBMITTED FOR DECISION: The case shall be considered submitted for decision upon the filing of the memorandum of the appellee, or the expiration of the period to do so. (Sec. 7(c), Rule 40) BASIS OF THE DECISION: The RTC shall decide the case on the basis of the entire record of the proceedings had in the court of origin and such memoranda as are filed. (Sec. 7(c), Rule 40) APPEAL FROM AN ORDER DISMISSING A CASE FOR LACK OF JURISDICTION: If an appeal is taken from an order of the lower court dismissing the case without a trial on the merits, the Regional Trial Court may affirm or reverse it, as the case may be. In case of affirmance and the ground of dismissal is lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, the Regional Trial Court, if it has jurisdiction thereover, shall try the case on the merits as if the case was originally filed with it. In case of reversal, the case shall be remanded for further proceedings. (Sec. 8, Rule 40). If the case was tried on the merits by the lower court without jurisdiction over the subject matter, the Regional Trial Court on appeal shall not dismiss the case if it has original jurisdiction thereof, but shall decide the case in accordance with the preceding section, without prejudice to the admission of amended pleadings and additional evidence in the interest of justice. (Sec. 8, Rule 40) 31 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Appealsfrom judgments or final orders of the RTCs: MODES OF APPEAL FROM THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TO THE COURT OF APPEALS: a. By writ of error (ordinary appeal) → where the appealed judgment was rendered in a civil or criminal action by the RTC in the exercise of its - original jurisdiction; or b. By petition for review → where the judgment was rendered by the RTC in the exercise of its - appellate jurisdiction. (Leynes vs. Former Tenth Division of the CA, GR no. 154462, January 19, 2011) APPLICATION OF RULE 41 ON ORDINARY APPEAL: Rule 41 applies to appeals from the judgment or final order of the RTC in the exercise of its original jurisdiction. This appeal is called “Ordinary Appeal” (Sec. 2(a), Rule 41) WHEN TO APPEAL: The appeal shall be taken within 15 days from notice of the judgment or final order appealed from. Where a record on appeal is required, the appellant shall file a notice of appeal and a record on appeal within 30 days from notice of the judgment or final order. (Sec. 3, Rule 41) In habeas corpus cases, the appeal shall be taken within 48 hours from notice of judgment or final order. (Sec. 3, Rule 41) APPELLATE COURT DOCKET AND OTHER LAWFUL FEES: Within the period for taking an appeal, the appellant shall pay to the clerk of the court which rendered the judgment or final order appealed from, the full amount of the appellate court docket and other lawful fees. (Sec. 4, Rule 41) Proof of payment of said fees shall be transmitted to the appellate court together with the original record or the record on appeal. (Sec. 4, Rule 41) NOTICE OF APPEAL: The notice of appeal shall indicate the parties to the appeal, specify the judgment or final order or part thereof appealed from, specify the court to which the appeal is being taken, and state the material dates showing the timeliness of the appeal. (Sec. 5, Rule 41) RECORD ON APPEAL; FORM AND CONTENTS THEREOF: The full names of all the parties to the proceedings shall be stated in the caption of - - the record on appeal and it shall include the judgment or final order from which the appeal is taken and, in chronological order, copies of only such pleadings, petitions, motions and all interlocutory orders as are related to the appealed judgment or final order for the proper understanding of the issue involved, together with such data as will show that the appeal was perfected on time. (Sec. 6, Rule 41) If an issue of fact is to be raised on appeal, the record on appeal shall include by reference all the evidence, testimonial and documentary, taken upon the issue involved. (Sec. 6, Rule 41) The reference shall specify the documentary evidence by the exhibit numbers or letters by which it was identified when admitted or offered at the hearing, and the testimonial evidence by the names of the corresponding witnesses. (Sec. 6, Rule 41) If the whole testimonial and documentary evidence in the case is to be included, a statement to that effect will be sufficient without mentioning the names of the witnesses or the numbers or letters of exhibits. (Sec. 6, Rule 41) Every record on appeal exceeding twenty (20) pages must contain a subject index. (Sec. 6, Rule 41) APPROVAL OF RECORD ON APPEAL: Upon the filing of the record on appeal for approval and if no objection is filed by the appellee within five (5) days from receipt of a copy thereof, the trial court may approve it as presented or upon its own motion or at the instance of the appellee, may direct its amendment by the inclusion of any omitted matters which are deemed essential to the determination of the issue of law or fact involved in the appeal. (Sec. 7, Rule 41) If the trial court orders the amendment of the record, the appellant, within the time limited in the order, or such extension thereof as may be granted, or if no time is fixed by the order within ten (10) days from receipt thereof, shall redraft the record by including therein, in their proper chronological sequence, such additional matters as the court may have directed him to incorporate, and shall thereupon submit the redrafted record for approval, upon notice to the appellee, in like manner as the original draft. (Sec. 7, Rule 41) JOINT RECORD ON APPEAL: Where both parties are appellants, they may file a joint record on appeal within the time fixed by section 3 of this Rule, or that fixed by the court. (Sec. 8, Rule 41) EFFECT OF PERFECTION OF APPEAL: A party's appeal by notice of appeal is deemed perfected as to him upon the filing of the notice of appeal in due time. A party's appeal by 32 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo record on appeal is deemed perfected as to him with respect to the subject matter thereof upon the approval of the record on appeal filed in due time. In appeals by notice of appeal, the court loses jurisdiction over the case upon the perfection of the appeals filed in due time and the expiration of the time to appeal of the other parties. In appeals by record on appeal, the court loses jurisdiction only over the subject matter thereof upon the approval of the records on appeal filed in due time and the expiration of the appeal of the other parties. In either case, prior to the transmittal of the original record or the record on appeal, the court may issue orders for the protection and preservation of the rights of the parties which do not involve any matter litigated by the appeal, approve compromises, permit appeals of indigent litigants, order execution pending appeal in accordance with 2 of Rule 39, and allow withdrawal of the appeal. (Sec. 9, Rule 41) DUTY OF CLERK OF COURT OF THE LOWER COURT UPON PERFECTION OF APPEAL: a. To verify the correctness of the original record or the record on appeal, as the case may be aid to make certification of its correctness; b. To verify the completeness of the records that will be, transmitted to the appellate court; c. If found to be incomplete, to take such measures as may be required to complete the records, availing of the authority that he or the court may exercise for this purpose; and d. To transmit the records to the appellate court. (Sec. 10, Rule 41) ADDITIONAL NOTES: Within 30 days after the perfection of all the appeals in accordance with Sec. 9, Rule 41, it shall be the duty of the clerk of court to perform the above-mentioned duties. If the efforts to complete the records fail, he shall indicate in his letter of transmittal the exhibits or transcripts not included in the records being transmitted to the appellate court, the reasons for their non-transmittal, and the steps taken or that could be taken to have them available. The clerk of court shall furnish the parties with copies of his letter of transmittal of the records to the appellate court. (Sec. 10, Rule 41) TRANSCRIPT: Upon the perfection of the appeal, the clerk shall immediately direct the stenographers concerned to attach to the record of the case five (5) copies of the transcripts of the testimonial evidence referred to in the record on appeal.The stenographers concerned shall transcribe such testimonial evidence and shall prepare and affix to their transcripts an index containing the names of the witnesses and the pages wherein their testimonies are found, and a list of the exhibits and the pages wherein each of them appears to have been offered and admitted or rejected by the trial court. The transcripts shall be transmitted to the clerk of the trial court who shall thereupon arrange the same in the order in which the witnesses testified at the trial, and shall cause the pages to be numbered consecutively. (Sec. 11, Rule 41) TRANSMITTAL: The clerk of the trial court shall transmit to the appellate court the original record or the approved record on appeal within thirty (30) days from the perfection of the appeal, together with the proof of payment of the appellate court docket and other lawful fees, a certified true copy of the minutes of the proceedings, the order of approval, the certificate of correctness, the original documentary evidence referred to therein, and the original and three (3) copies of the transcripts. Copies of the transcripts and certified true copies of the documentary evidence shall remain in the lower court for the examination of the parties. (Sec. 12, Rule 41) DISMISSAL OF APPEAL: Prior to the transmittal of the original record or the record on appeal to the appellate court, the trial court may motu propio or on motion dismiss the appeal for having been taken out of time. (Sec. 13, Rule 41) Appeals and Review from judgments or final orders of the Court of Appeals (Rule 42, ROC): APPLICATION OF RULE 42: It applies to an appeal from the judgment or final order of the RTC to the CA in cases decided by the former in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction. (Guzman vs. Guzman, 693 SCRA 318) WHEN TO APPEAL: Appeal shall be made within 15 days from the notice of the decision sought to be reviewed or of the denial of the petitioner’s motion for new trial or reconsideration filed in due time after judgment. The court may grant an additional period of 15 days only provided the extension is sought (a) upon proper motion, and (b) payment of the full amount of the docket and other lawful fees and the deposit for costs before the expiration of the reglementary period. No further extension shall be granted except for the most compelling reason and in no case to exceed 15 days. (Sec. 1, Rule 42, Go vs. BPI Finance, GR no. 199354, June 26, 2013) 33 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo HOW TO APPEAL: The appeal is made by filing a verified petition for review with the CA, paying at the same time to the clerk of said court the corresponding docket and other lawful fees, depositing the amount of P500.00 for costs, and furnishing the RTC and the adverse party with a copy of the petition. (Sec. 1, Rule 42) The appeal is perfected as to the petitioner upon the timely filing of a petition for review and thepayment of the corresponding docket and other lawful fees. (Sec. 8(a), Rule 42) The petition shall be filed in the proper form required in Sec. 2, Rule 42 stating a concise statement of the metters involved, the issues raised, the specification of errors of law or fact, or both, allegedly committed by the trial court and the reasons or arguments relied upon for the allowance of the appeal. The petitioner shall also indicate the specific material dates showing that the petition was filed on time (Sec. 2, Rule 42). The failure to comply with any of the requirements in Sec. 2, Rule 42 regarding the payment of the docket and other lawful fees, the deposit for costs, proof of service of the petition, and the contents of and the documents which should accompany the petition shall be sufficient ground for the dismissal of the petition. (Sec. 3, Rule 42)\The CA may dismiss the petition if it finds the same to be patently without merit, prosecuted merely for delay, or that the questions raised are too unsubstantial to require consideration. (Sec. 4, Rule 42) If the Court does not dismiss the petition, it may require the respondent to file a comment on the petition within 10 days from notice. The respondent shall file a comment, not a motion to dismiss. (Sec. 4, Rule 42) If the CA finds a prima facie that the lower court has committed an error of fact or law that will warrant a reversal or modification of the appealed decision, it may, accordingly, give due course to the petition. (Sec. 6, Rule 42) If the petition is given course, the CA may set the case for oral argument or require the parties to submit memoranda within a period of 15 days from notice. The case shall be deemed submitted for decision upon the filing of the last pleading or memorandum required. (sec. 9, Rule 42) EFFECT OF PERFECTION OF APPEAL: (a) Upon the timely filing of a petition for review and the payment of the corresponding docket and other lawful fees, the appeal is deemed perfected as to the petitioner. The Regional Trial Court loses jurisdiction over the case upon the perfection of the appeals filed in due time and the expiration of the time to appeal of the other parties. - - However, before the Court of Appeals gives due course to the petition, the Regional Trial Court may issue orders for the protection and preservation of the rights of the parties which do not involve any matter litigated by the appeal, approve compromises, permit appeals of indigent litigants, order execution pending appeal in accordance with section 2 of Rule 39, and allow withdrawal of the appeal. (b) Except in civil cases decided under the Rule on Summary Procedure, the appeal shall stay the judgment or final order unless the Court of Appeals, the law, or these Rules shall provide otherwise. (Sec. 8, Rule 42) SUBMISSION FOR DECISION: If the petition is given due course, the Court of Appeals may set the case for oral argument or require the parties to submit memoranda within a period of fifteen (15) days from notice. The case shall be deemed submitted for decision upon the filing of the last pleading or memorandum required by these Rules or by the court itself. (Sec. 9, Rule 42) Appeals and Review from judgments or final orders of CTA and other Quasi-Judicial Agencies (rule 43, ROC): SCOPE OF RULE 43: Rule 43 shall apply to appeals from judgments or final orders of the CTA and from awards, judgments, final orders or resolutions of or authorized by any quasi-judicial functions. (Sec. 1, Rule 43) QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES WHERE RULE 43 APPLY: a. Civil Service Commission; b. Central Board of Assessment Appeals; c. Securities and Exchange Commission; d. Office of the President; e. Land Registration Authority; f. Social Security Commission; g. Civil Aeronautics Board; h. Bureau of Patents; i. Trademarks and Technology Transfer; j. National Electrification Administration; k. Energy Regulatory Board; l. National Telecommunications Commission; m. Department of Agrarian Reform under Republic Act No. 6657; n. Government Service Insurance System; o. Employees Compensation Commission; p. Agricultural Invention Board; q. Insurance Commission; r. Philippine Atomic Energy Commission; s. Board of Investments; t. Construction Industry Arbitration Commission; and u. Voluntary arbitrators authorized by law. (Sec. 1, Rule 43) 34 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo WHEN RULE 43 DOES NOT APPLY: Rule 43 does not apply to judgments or final orders issued under the Labor Code of the Philippines. (Sec. 2, Rule 43) REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF THE NLRC: The remedy of a party aggrieved by the decision of the NLRC is to promptly move for the reconsideration of the decision and, if denied, to timely file a special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65 within 60 days from notice of decision. In observance of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts, the petition for certiorari should be filed with the CA. (St. Martin Funeral Homes vs. NLRC, GR no. 130866, September 16, 1988) REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF VOLUNTARY ARBITRATORS IN LABOR CASES: Decisions of voluntary arbitrators issued pursuant to the Labor Code do not come within the ambit of Sec. 2, Rule 43. A petition for review under Rule 43 is the proper remedy “just like those of the quasi-judicial agencies, boards and commissions enumerated therein, and consistent with the original purpose to provide a uniform procedure for the appellate review of adjudications of all quasi-judicial entities. (Royal Plant Workers Union vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phil. - Cebu, GR no. 198783, April 15, 2013) APPEALS FROM THE SANDIGANBAYAN: Decisions and final orders of the Sandiganbayan shall be appealable to the SC by petition for review on certiorari raising pure questions of law in accordance with Rule 45 of the ROC. Whenever, in any case decided by the Sandiganbayan, the penalty of reclusion perpetua, life imprisonment or death is imposed, the decision shall be appealable to the Supreme Court in the manner prescribed in the ROC. (Sec. 7, RA 8249) REVIEW OF THE RULINGS OF THE OMBUDSMAN: a. In Administrative Cases: Appeals from decisions of the Ombudsman in administrative disciplinary actions should be brought to the CA under Rule 43. (Enemecio vs. Office of the Ombudsman, 419 SCRA 82) b. In Criminal Cases: The ruling of the Ombudsman shall be elevated to the SC by way of Rule 65. APPEALS FROM JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF TAX APPEAL: A party adversely affected by a resolution of a Division of the CTA on a motion for reconsideration or new trial may file a petition for review with the CTA En Banc (Sec. 11, RA 9282) REVIEW OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE: The CA is clothed with jurisdiction to review the resolution issued by the Secretary of the DOJ through a petition for certiorari under Rule 65, ROC, solely on the ground of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction. (Alcaraz vs. Gonzales, 533 Phil 796; Tan vs. Matsuura, GR no. 179003, January 9, 2013) WHERE TO APPEAL: An appeal under this Rule may be taken to the Court of Appeals within the period and in the manner herein provided, whether the appeal involves questions of fact, of law, or mixed questions of fact and law. (Sec. 3, Rule 43) PERIOD OF APPEAL: The appeal shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from notice of the award, judgment, final order or resolution, or from the date of its last publication, if publication is required by law for its effectivity, or of the denial of petitioner's motion for new trial or reconsideration duly filed in accordance with the governing law of the court or agency a quo. Only one (1) motion for reconsideration shall be allowed. Upon proper motion and the payment of the full amount of the docket fee before the expiration of the reglementary period, the Court of Appeals may grant an additional period of fifteen (15) days only within which to file the petition for review. No further extension shall be granted except for the most compelling reason and in no case to exceed fifteen (15) days. (Sec. 4, Rule 43) HOW APPEAL TAKEN: Appeal shall be taken by filing a verified petition for review in seven (7) legible copies with the Court of Appeals, with proof of service of a copy thereof on the adverse party and on the court or agency a quo. The original copy of the petition intended for the Court of Appeals shall be indicated as such by the petitioner. Upon the filing of the petition, the petitioner shall pay to the clerk of court of the Court of Appeals the docketing and other lawful fees and deposit the sum of P500.00 for costs. Exemption from payment of docketing and other lawful fees and the deposit for costs may be granted by the Court of Appeals upon a verified motion setting forth valid grounds therefor. If the Court of Appeals denies the motion, the petitioner shall pay the docketing and other lawful fees and deposit for costs within fifteen (15) days from notice of the denial. (Sec. 5, Rule 43) CONTENTS OF THE PETITION: The petition for review shall: a. State the full names of the parties to the case, without impleading the court or agencies either as petitioners or respondents; 35 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo b. c. d. e. Contain a concise statement of the facts and issues involved and the grounds relied upon for the review; Be accompanied by a clearly legible duplicate original or a certified true copy of the award, judgment, final order or resolution appealed from, together with certified true copies of such material portions of the record referred to therein and other supporting papers; and Contain a sworn certification against forum shopping as provided in the last paragraph of section 2, Rule 42. The petition shall state the specific material dates showing that it was filed within the period fixed herein. (Sec. 6, Rule 43) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS: The failure of the petitioner to comply with any of the foregoing requirements regarding the payment of the docket and other lawful fees, the deposit for costs, proof of service of the petition, and the contents of and the documents which should accompany the petition shall be sufficient ground for the dismissal thereof. (Sec. 7, Rule 43) ACTION ON THE PETITION: The Court of Appeals may require the respondent to file a comment on the petition not a motion to dismiss, within ten (10) days from notice, or dismiss the petition if it finds the same to be patently without merit, prosecuted manifestly for delay, or that the questions raised therein are too unsubstantial to require consideration. (Sec. 8, Rule 43) TRANSMITTAL OF RECORD: Within fifteen (15) days from notice that the petition has been given due course, the Court of Appeals may require the court or agency concerned to transmit the original or a legible certified true copy of the entire record of the proceeding under review. The record to be transmitted may be abridged by agreement of all parties to the proceeding. The Court of Appeals may require or permit subsequent correction of or addition to the record. (Sec. 11, Rule 43) EFFECT OF APPEAL: The appeal shall not stay the award, judgment, final order or resolution sought to be reviewed unless the Court of Appeals shall direct otherwise upon such terms as it may deem just. (Sec.12, Rule 43) SUBMISSION FOR DECISION: If the petition is given due course, the Court of Appeals may set the case for oral argument or require the parties to submit memoranda within a period of fifteen (15) days from notice. The case shall be deemed submitted for decision upon the filing of the last pleading or memorandum required by these Rules or by the court of Appeals. (Sec. 13, Rule 43) Q: What is the nature of the petition for relief from judgments, orders or other proceedings? A: It is a legal remedy whereby a party seeks to set aside a judgment rendered against him by a court whenever he was unjustly deprived of a hearing or was prevented from taking an appeal because of fraud, accident, mistake or excusable neglect. (Quelnan vs. VHF Philippines, 470 SCRA 73) Q: What are the grounds for a petition for relief? A: 1. When a judgment or final order is entered, or any other proceeding is thereafter taken against the petitioner in any court through fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence (Sec. 1, Rule 38); or 2. When the petitioner has been prevented from taking an appeal by fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence. (Sec. 2, Rule 38 Q:When is the Period to file the petition? A: The petition shall be filed within 60 days after the petitioner learns of the judgment, final order or proceeding and not more than 6 months after such judgment or final order was entered, or such proceeding was taken (Sec. 3, Rule 38) Q: What are the grounds for annulment of judgments or final orders and resolution? A: 1. Extrinsic Fraud; and 2. Lack of Jurisdiction (Sec. 2, Rule 47) 3. Denial of due process (Diona vs. Balangue, 688 SCRA 22) Q: What is the period for filing the annulment? A: If based on extrinsic fraud, the action must be filed within 4 years from its discovery. If based on lack of jurisdiction, the action must be brought before the action is barred by laches or estoppel. (Sec. 3, Rule 47) Q: What is the effect of judgment of annulment? A: A judgment of annulment shall set aside the questioned judgment or final order or resolution and render the same null and void, without prejudice to the original action being refiled in the proper court. However, where the judgment or final 36 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo order or resolution is set aside on the ground of extrinsic fraud, the court may on motion order the trial court to try the case as if a timely motion for new trial had been granted therein. (Sec. 7, Rule 47). The prescriptive period for the refiling of the aforesaid original action shall be deemed suspended from the filing of such original action until the finality of the judgment of annulment. However, the prescriptive period shall not be suspended where the extrinsic-fraud is attributable to the plaintiff in the original action. (Sec. 8, Rule 47). The judgment of annulment may include the award of damages, attorney's fees and other relief. (Sec. 9, Rule 47) R. Execution, Satisfaction, and Effect of Judgments: Q: When shall execution (as a matter right) be issued? A: Execution is a matter of right upon the expiration of the period to appeal and no appeal was perfected from a judgment or order that disposes of the action or proceeding. (Sec. 1, Rule 39). Once judgment becomes final and executory, the prevailing party can have it executed as a matter of right, and the issuance of a writ of execution becomes the ministerial duty of the court. (Buaya vs. Stronghold Insurance, 342 SCRA 576) Q: When shall execution (discretionary) be issued? A: Discretionary execution constitutes an exception to the general rule that a judgment cannot be executed before the lapse of the period for appeal or during the pendency of an appeal. Under Sec.1, Rule 39, execution shall issue only as a matter of right upon a judgment or final order that finally disposes of the action or proceeding upon the expiration of the period to appeal therefrom if no appeal has been duly perfected. Good reasons must exists and the compelling grounds for the issuance of the writ must be stated in a special order after due hearing. (Bangkok Bank Public Company vs. Lee, 479 SCRA 267) Q: What is the rule regarding stay of execution of a judgment? A: General Rule: An appeal perfected in due tie stays the execution of a judgment. Exceptions: There are judgments that the execution of which is not stayed by a pending appeal, classified under the following categories; (a) Those judgments which by express provision of the rules are immediately executory and are not stayed by an appeal. (Sec. 4, Rule 39) and (b) Those judgments that have become the object of discretionary execution. (Sec. 2, Rule 39) Q: What is the rule regarding the execution in case the judgment obligee (creditor) dies? A: The death of the judgment obligee will not prevent the execution of the judgment. In case the judgment obligee dies, the execution may issue upon the application of his executor, administrator or successor in interest. (Sec. 7(a), Rule 39) Q: What is the rule on execution in case the judgment obligor (debtor) dies? A: It will not prevent execution of the judgment. In case the judgment obligor dies, execution shall still go on because under the ROC, execution shall issue against his executor or administrator or successor in interest, if the judgment be for the recovery of real or personal property, or the enforcement of a lien thereon. (Sec. 7(b), Rule 39). If the death occurs after the execution is actually levied upon any of his property, the same may be sold for the satisfaction of the judgment obligation. If there is any surplus after the sale, the officer making the sale shall account to the corresponding executor or administrator. (Sec. 7(c), Rule 39) Q: How to execute judgment for money? A: 1. Demand from the judgment obligor the immediate payment of the full amount stated in the judgment including the lawful fees in cash, certified check payable to the judgment obligee or any other form of payment acceptable to him. (Sec. 9(a), Rule 39); 2. If the judgment obligor cannot pay all or part of the obligation in cash, certified check or other mode of payment, the officer shall levy upon the properties of the judgment obligor. The judgment obligor shall have the option to choose which property or part thereof may be levied upon. If the judgment obligor does not exercise the option, the officer shall first levy on the personal properties, if any, and then on the real properties if the personal properties are insufficient to answer for the personal judgment but the sheriff shall set only so much of the property that is sufficient to satisfy the judgment and lawful fees. (Sec. 9(b), Rule 39) 3. The officer may levy on the debts due the judgment debtor including bank deposits, 37 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo financial interests, royalties, commissions and other personal property not capable of manual delivery in the possession or control of third parties. The process of effecting this form of levy is called “garnishment” Q: What is the rule regarding enforcement of money judgments? A: The sheriff cannot and should not be the one to determine which property to levy of the judgment obligor cannot immediately pay because it is the judgment obligor who is given the option to choose which property or part thereof may be levied upon to satisfy the judgment. In case where the judgment obligor is not the owner of the subject vehicle that the sheriff levied on, it was improper for him to have enforced the writ of execution on a property that did not belong to the judgment debtor/obligor. Respondent Sheriff evidently failed to perform his duty with utmost diligence. (Sarmiento vs. Mendiola, 638 SCRA 345) Q: What is the rule regarding garnishment of debts and credits? A: Garnishment shall be made by (a) serving notice upon the third person having in possession or control of the credits in favor of the judgment obligor/debtor; (b) the third person or garnishee shall make a written report to the court within 5 days from service of the notice of garnishment stating whether or not the judgment obligor has sufficient funds to satisfy the judgment. If sufficient, the garnishee shall deliver the amount in cash or certified check directly to the judgment obligee/creditor within 10 working days from service of notice on said garnishee. The lawful fees shall be directly paid to the court. If the amount is insufficient, the garnishee shall make a report as to the amount he holds for the judgment obligor/debtor. (Sec. 9, Rule 39) Q: What is the rule regarding levy of encumbered property? A: In determining properties to be levied upon, the ROC requires the sheriff to levy only on those “properties of the judgment debtor” which are “not otherwise exempt from judgment debtor”. For purposes of the levy, a property is deemed to belong to the judgment debtor if he holds a beneficial interest in such property that he can sell or otherwise dispose of for value. In a contract of mortgage, the debtor retains beneficial interest over the property notwithstanding the encumbrance, since the mortgage only serves to secure the fulfillment of the principal obligation. Indeed, even if the debtor defaults, this fact does not operate to vest in the creditor the ownership of the property; the creditor must still resort to foreclosure proceedings. Thus, a mortgaged property may still be levied upon by the sheriff to satisfy the judgment debtor’s obligations” (Golden Sun Finance Corp. vs. Albano, AM No. P-11-2888, July 27, 2011) Q: What is the effect of levy and sale of property? A: Execution is enforced by the fact of levy and sale. The result of such execution was that title over the subject property is vested immediately in the purchaser subject only to the right to redeem the property within the period provided for by law. The right acquired by the purchaser at an execution sale is inchoate and does not become absolute until after the expiration of the redemption period without the right of redemption having been exercised. But inchoate though it be, it is entitled to protection and must be respected until extinguished by redemption. If there is failure to redeem the subject property within the period allowed by law, the redemptioner is divested of his rights over the property. (Ching vs. Family Savings banks, 634 SCRA 585) Q: What is the rule regarding execution of judgment for the performance of a specific act? A: If the judgment requires a person to perform a specific act, said act must be performed but if the party fails to comply within the specified time, the court may direct the act to be done by someone at the cost of the disobedient party and the act when so done shall have the effect as if done by the party. If the judgment directs a conveyance of real or personal property, and said property is in the Philippines, the court in lieu of directing the conveyance thereof, may by an order divest the title of any party and vest it in others, which shall have the force and effect of a conveyance executed in due form of law. (Sec. 10(a), Rule 39) Q: What is the rule on execution for a judgment for the delivery or restitution of real property? A: An example of this kind of judgment is one rendered in an action for ejectment. In such a case, the officer shall demand from the judgment obligor/debtor to vacate peaceably within 3 working days, and restore possession of the property to the judgment obligee/creditor. (Sec. 10(c), Rule 39). When a decision is immediately executory it does not mean dispensing with the 38 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo required 3-day notice. A sheriff who enforces the writ without the required notice is running afoul with the rules. The requirement of a notice to vacate is based on the rudiments of justice and fair play. The rule requires that notice be served on the “person against whom the judgment for the delivery or restitution of real property is rendered and all persons claiming rights under him”. (Calaunan vs. Madolori, 642 SCRA 1) Q: What are properties that are exempted from execution? A: 1. The judgment obligor/debtor’s family home as provided by law, or the homestead in which he resides, and the ;and necessarily used in connection therewith; 2. Ordinary tools and implements personally used by him in his trade, employment, or livelihood; 3. Three horses, or three carabaos, or other beasts of burden, such as the judgment obligor/debtor may select necessarily used by him in his ordinary occupation; 4. His necessary clothing and articles for ordinary personally use, excluding jewelry; 5. Household furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping, and used for that purpose by the judgment obligor and his family, such as the judgment obligor may select, of a value not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos; 6. Provisions for individual or family use sufficient for four months; 7. The professional libraries and equipment of judges, lawyers, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, engineers, surveyors, clergymen, teachers, and other professionals, not exceeding three hundred thousand pesos in value; 8. One fishing boat and accessories not exceeding the total value of one hundred thousand pesos owned by a fisherman and by the lawful use of which he earns his livelihood; 9. So much of the salaries, wages, or earnings of the judgment obligor for his personal services within the four months preceding the levy as are necessary for the support of his family; 10. Lettered gravestones; 11. Monies, benefits, privileges, or annuities accruing or in any manner growing out of any life insurance; 12. The right to receive legal support, or money or property obtained as such support, or any pension or gratuity from the Government; 13. Properties specially exempted by law. (Sec. 13, Rule 39) IV. Provisional Remedies Q: What is the nature of provisional remedies? A: Provisional remedies are temporary, auxiliary, and ancillary remedies available to a litigant for various purposes like the protection and preservation of his rights while the main action is pending or until final disposition of a matter in litigation can occur. (Riano (2012), Civil Procedure Vol. 2, p. 3). They are not causes of action in themselves but merely adjuncts to a main suit. They are provisional because they constitute temporary measures availed of during the pendency of the action and ancillary because they are mere incidents in and are dependent upon the results of the main ation. (Estares vs. CA, 459 SCRA 604; Buyco vs. Baraquia, 608 SCRA 699). Q: What are the purposes of provisional remedies? A: 1. To preserve or protect their rights or interests while the main action is pending; 2. To secure the judgment; 3. To preserve the status quo; or 4. To preserve the subject matter of the action. (Riano (2012), Civil Procedure Vol. 2, p. 3) Q: What is the Jurisdiction over provisional remedies? A: The court which grants or issues a provisional remedy is the court which has jurisdiction over the main action. The ancillary and provisional remedy of preliminary injunction cannot exist except only as an incident of an independent action or proceeding. (BF Homes vs. Manila Electric Company, 636 SCRA 495). The authority to grant a provisional remedy is not the sole prerogative of superior courts. Even inferior courts may grant a provisional remedy in an action pending with it and within its jurisdiction. (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129) A. Preliminary Attachment: Q: What are the grounds for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment? 39 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. In an action for the recovery of a specified amount of money or damages, other than moral and exemplary, on a cause of action arising from law, contract, quasi-contract, delict or quasi-delict against a party who is about to depart from the Philippines with intent to defraud his creditors; In an action for money or property embezzled or fraudulently misapplied or converted to his own use by a public officer, or an officer of a corporation, or an attorney, factor, broker, agent, or clerk, in the course of his employment as such, or by any other person in a fiduciary capacity, or for a willful violation of duty; In an action to recover the possession of property unjustly or fraudulently taken, detained or converted, when the property, or any part thereof, has been concealed, removed, or disposed of to prevent its being found or taken by the applicant or an authorized person; In an action against a party who has been guilty of a fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon which the action is brought, or in the performance thereof; In an action against a party who has removed or disposed of his property, or is about to do so, with intent to defraud his creditors; or In an action against a party who does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, or on whom summons may be served by publication. (sec.1, Rule 57, ROC). Q: What is the rule on the issuance of the order of attachment, affidavit and bond? A: The order of preliminary attachment may be granted upon motion and notice and hearing by the court in which the action is pending, and may even be issued by the CA, or the SC. (Sec. 2, Rule 57). It may also be issued ex part and even before summons is served upon the defendant. However the writ may not be enforced and validly implemented unless preceded or simultaneously accompanied by service of summons, copy of the complaint, application for attachment, order of attachment and the attachment bond. (Davao Light & power vs. CA, 204 SCRA 343; Mangila vs. CA, 387 SCRA 162) Q: What are the requisites for the issuance of an order of preliminary attachment? A: An order of attachment shall be granted only upon the filing of the requisite affidavit and bond. These must be duly filed with the court before the order of attachment is issued. The required affidavit need not be executed by the applicant. It may be executed by some other person who personally knows the facts. (Sec. 3, Rule 57). Aside from the affidavit executed, the party applying for an order of preliminary attachment must post a bond in the amount fixed by the court and executed to the adverse party. (This is called an attachment bond). [Secs. 3 & 4, Rule 57] Q: What is the rule on prior or contemporaneous service of summons? A: The writ of attachment is implemented by the sheriff who shall make a levy on attachment pursuant to the writ issued under Sec. 2, Rule 57. However, under the ROC, the sheriff is not allowed to make a levy on attachment if such levy is not preceded or contemporaneously accompanied, by the service on the defendant within the Philippines, of the following: (a) Service of Summons; (b) Copy of the complaint; (c) Application for attachment; (d) Applicant’s affidavit and bond; and (d) Order and writ of attachment. (Sec. 5, Rule 57) Q: What are instances when the requirement of prior or contemporaneous service shall not apply? A: 1. When the summons could not be served personally despite diligent efforts; 2. When the summons could not be served by substituted service despite diligent efforts; 3. When the defendant is a resident of the Philippines temporarily absent therefrom; 4. When the defendant is a non-resident of the Philippines; and 5. When the action is one in Rem or Quasi In Rem. (Sec. 5, Rule 57 Q: What is the manner of attaching real and personal property? A: 1. Real property, or growing crops thereon, or any interest therein, standing upon the record of the registry of deeds of the province in the name of the party against whom attachment is issued, or not appearing at all upon such records, or belonging to the party against whom attachment is issued and held by any other person, or standing on the records of the registry of deeds in the name of any other person, by filing with the registry of 40 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo deeds a copy of the order, together with a description of the property attached, and a notice that it is attached, or that such real property and any interest therein held by or standing in the name of such other person are attached, and by leaving a copy of such order, description, and notice with the occupant of the property, if any, or with such other person or his agent if found within the province. Where the property has been brought under the operation of either the Land Registration Act or the Property Registration Decree, the notice shall contain a reference to the number of the certificate of title, the volume and page in the registration book where the certificate is registered, and the registered owner or owners thereof. 2. 3. 4. The registrar of deeds must index attachments filed under this section in the names of the applicant, the adverse party, or the person by whom the property is held or in whose name it stands in the records. If the attachment is not claimed on the entire area of the land covered by the certificate of title, a description sufficiently accurate for the identification of the land or interest to be affected shall be included in the registration of such attachment; Personal property capable of manual delivery, by taking and safely keeping it in his custody, after issuing the corresponding receipt therefor. Stocks or shares, or an interest in stocks or shares, of any corporation or company, by leaving with the president or managing agent thereof, a copy of the writ, and a notice stating that the stock or interest of the party against whom the attachment is issued is attached in pursuance of such writ; Debts and credits, including bank deposits, financial interest, royalties, commissions and other personal property not capable of manual delivery, by leaving with the person owing such debts, or having in his possession or under his control, such credits or other personal property, or with his agent, a copy of the writ, and notice that the debts owing by him to the party against whom attachment is issued, and the credits and other personal property in his possession, or 5. under his control, belonging to said party, are attached in pursuance of such writ; The interest of the party against whom attachment is issued in property belonging to the estate of the decedent, whether as heir, legatee, or devisee, by serving the executor or administrator or other personal representative of the decedent with a copy of the writ and notice that said interest is attached. A copy of said writ of attachment and of said notice shall also be filed in the office of the clerk of the court in which said estate is being settled and served upon the heir, legatee or devisee concerned. (Sec. 7, Rule 57, ROC) Q: What is the rule on discharge of attachment and the counter-bond? A: The party whose property has been ordered attached may file a motion with the court in which he action is pending, before or after levy or even after the release of the attached property, for an order to set aside or discharge the attachment on the ground that the same was improperly or irregularly issued or enforced, or that the bond is insufficient. If the attachment is excessive, the discharge shall be limited to the excess. If the motion be made on affidavits on the part of the movant but not otherwise, the attaching party may oppose the motion by counter-affidavits or other evidence in addition to that on which the attachment was made. After due notice and hearing, the court shall order the setting aside or the corresponding discharge of the attachment if it appears that it was improperly or irregularly issued or enforced, or that the bond is insufficient, or that the attachment is excessive, and the defect is not cured forthwith. (Sec. 13, Rule 57, ROC) Q: What are the manners of satisfying the judgment out of the property attached? A: 1. By paying to the judgment obligee the proceeds of all sales of perishable or other property sold in pursuance of the order of the court, or so much as shall be necessary to satisfy the judgment; 2. If any balance remains due, by selling so much of the property, real or personal, as may be necessary to satisfy the balance, if enough for that purpose remain in the sheriff's hands, or in those the clerk of the court; 3. By collecting from all persons having in their possession credits belonging to the 41 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo judgment obligor, or owing debts to the latter at the time of the attachment of such credits or debts, the amount of such credits and debts as determined by the court in the action, and stated in the judgment, and paying the proceeds of such collection over to the judgment obligee/creditor. (Sec. 15, Rule 57) B. PRELIMINARY PROHIBITORY INJUNCTION When it requires one to refrain from a particular act or acts When it requires the performance of a particular act or acts because it commands the performance of some positive act to correct a wrong in the past The act has not yet been performed because it is restrained or prevented by the injunction The act has already been performed and this act has violated the rights of another. Purpose: To prevent a future or threatened injury Purpose: To restore the Status Quo and then preserve it. The Status Quo is preserved; The consummated acts cannot be enjoined The Status restored; Preliminary Injunction: Q: What is the definition of a preliminary injunction? A: It is an order granted at any stage of an action or proceeding prior to the judgment or final order, requiring a party of a court, agency or a person to refrain from a particular act or acts. It may also require the performance of a particular act or acts, in which case it shall be known as a preliminary mandatory injunction. (Sec. 1, Rule 58) Q: Distinguish: Preliminary Mandatory Injunction and Petition for mandamus. A: PRELIMINARY MANDATORY INJUNCTION PETITION FOR MANDAMUS Provisional Remedy, Not Main or Independent Action Special Civil Action and a Main Action Generally directed against a party litigant, it may also be issued against a court, agency or person Directed against a tribunal, board, officer or person. Issued to require a party to perform an act in order to restore the last peaceable and uncontested status preceding the controversy Seeks a judgment commanding a tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person to perform a duty which the law specifically enjoins as a duty or a person was unlawfully excluded from the use and enjoyment of an office to which such person is entitled PRELIMINARY MANDATORY INJUNCTION Quo is Source: Sec. 1, Rule 58; City Government of Butuan vs. Consolidated broadcasting System, 636 SCRA 320) Source: Sec. 1, Rule 58; Sec. 3, Rule 65) Q: What are the kinds of preliminary injunction? A: Q: What are the grounds for the issuance of preliminary injunction? A: 1. That the applicant is entitled to the relief demanded, and the whole or part of such relief consists in restraining the commission or continuance of the act or acts complained of, or in requiring the performance of an act or acts either for a limited period or perpetually; 2. That the commission, continuance or nonperformance of the act or acts complained of during the litigation would probably work injustice to the applicant; or 3. That a party, court, agency or a person is doing, threatening, or is attempting to do, or is procuring or suffering to be done some act or acts probably in violation of the rights of the applicant respecting the subject of the action or proceeding, and tending to render the judgment ineffectual. (Sec. 3, Rule 58, ROC) Q: What are the requisites for issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order? 42 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: 1. 2. 3. 4. The application in the action or proceeding is verified, and shows facts entitling the applicant to the relief demanded; and Unless exempted by the court the applicant files with the court where the action or proceeding is pending, a bond executed to the party or person enjoined, in an amount to be fixed by the court, to the effect that the applicant will pay to such party or person all damages which he may sustain by reason of the injunction or temporary restraining order if the court should finally decide that the applicant was not entitled thereto. Upon approval of the requisite bond, a writ of preliminary injunction shall be issued. When an application for a writ of preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order is included in a complaint or any initiatory pleading, the case, if filed in a multiple-sala court, shall be raffled only after notice to and in the presence of the adverse party or the person to be enjoined. In any event, such notice shall be preceded, or contemporaneously accompanied, by service of summons, together with a copy of the complaint or initiatory pleading and the applicant's affidavit and bond, upon the adverse party in the Philippines. However, where the summons could not be served personally or by substituted service despite diligent efforts, or the adverse party is a resident of the Philippines temporarily absent therefrom or is a nonresident thereof, the requirement of prior or contemporaneous service of summons shall not apply. The application for a temporary restraining order shall thereafter be acted upon only after all parties are heard in a summary hearing which shall be conducted within twenty-four (24) hours after the sheriff's return of service and/or the records are received by the branch selected by raffle and to which the records shall be transmitted immediately. (Sec. 4, Rule 58) Q: What are the grounds for objection to, or motion of dissolution of, injunction or restraining order? A: The application for injunction or restraining order may be denied, upon a showing of its insufficiency. The injunction or restraining order may also be denied, or, if granted, may be dissolved, on other grounds upon affidavits of the party or person enjoined, which may be opposed by the applicant also by affidavits. It may further be denied, or if granted, may be dissolved, if it appears after hearing that although the applicant is entitled to the injunction or restraining order, the issuance or continuance thereof, as the case may be, would cause irreparable damage to the party or person enjoined while the applicant can be fully compensated for such damages as he may suffer, and the former files a bond in an amount fixed by the court conditioned that he will pay all damages which the applicant may suffer by the denial or the dissolution of the injunction or restraining order. If it appears that the extent of the preliminary injunction or restraining order granted is too great, it may be modified. (Sec. 6, Rule 58) C. Receivership: Q: What is the meaning of a receiver? A: It refers to a person appointed by the court in behalf of all the parties to the action for the purpose of preserving and conserving the property in litigation and prevent its possible destruction or dissipation, if it were left in the possession of any of the parties. (Commodities Storage & Ice Plant vs. CA, 274 SCRA 439) Q: What are the cases when a receiver may be appointed? A: 1. When it appears from the verified application, and such other proof as the court may require, that the party applying for the appointment of a receiver has an interest in the property or fund which is the subject of the action or proceeding, and that such property or fund is in danger of being lost, removed, or materially injured unless a receiver be appointed to administer and preserve it (Sec. 1(a), Rule 59); 2. When it appears in an action by the mortgagee for the foreclosure of a mortgage that the property is in danger of being wasted or dissipated or materially injured, and that its value is probably insufficient to discharge the mortgage debt, or that the parties have so stipulated in the contract of mortgage (Sec. 1(b), Rule 59); 3. After judgment, to preserve the property during the pendency of an appeal, or to 43 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 4. dispose of it according to the judgment, or to aid execution when the execution has been returned unsatisfied or the judgment obligor refuses to apply his property in satisfaction of the judgment, or otherwise to carry the judgment into effect (Sec. 1(c), Rule 59); Whenever in other cases it appears that the appointment of a receiver is the most convenient and feasible means of preserving, administering, or disposing of the property in litigation (Sec. 1(d), Rule 59). Q: What are the requisites for the appointment of a receiver? A: 1. A verified application must be filed by the party applying for the appointment of a receiver; 2. The applicant must have an interest in the property or funds subject of the action; That he must show that the property or fund is in danger of being lost, removed,materially altered, wasted or dissipated or there is a need to preserve or administer the property, or that all the grounds justifying the appointment of a receiver exist (Sec. 1, Rule 59); 3. The application must be with notice and set for hearing. A hearing is necessary because the grounds for a receivership require the resolution of factual issues; 4. Before issuing the appointment of a receiver, the court shall require the applicant to post a bond executed to the party against whom the application is presented. (Sec. 2, Rule 59); and 5. Before entering upon his duties, the receiver must be sworn to perform his duties faithfully and shall file a bond. (Sec. 4, Rule 59). Q: What are the general powers of a receiver? A: 1. To bring and defend actions in his own name in his capacity as receiver; 2. To take and keep possession of the property subject of the controversy; 3. To receive rents; 4. To collect debts due to himself as receiver or to the fund, property, estate, person, or corporation of which he is the receiver; 5. To compound for and compromise the same; 6. 7. 8. 9. To make transfer; To pay outstanding debts; To divide the money and property that shall remain among the persons legally entitled to receive the same; and Generally, to do such acts respecting the property as the court may authorize. (Sec. 6, Rule 59) Q: What are the kinds of Bonds? A: 1. The bond required before the appointment of a receiver (Sec. 2, Rule 59); and 2. The bond required of a receiver before entering upon his duties (Sec. 4, Rule 59). Q: What is the rule on termination of receivership? A: Whenever the court, motu proprio or on motion of either party, shall determine that the necessity for a receiver no longer exists, it shall, after due notice to all interested parties and hearing, settle the accounts of the receiver, direct the delivery of the funds and other property in his possession to the person adjudged to be entitled to receive them and order the discharge of the receiver from further duty as such. The court shall allow the receiver such reasonable compensation as the circumstances of the case warrant, to be taxed as costs against the defeated party, or apportioned, as justice requires. (Sec. 9, Rule 59) D. Replevin: Q: What is the nature of a Replevin? A: Replevin is a possessory action, the gist of which is the right of possession in the plaintiff. The primary relief sought therein is the return of the property in specie wrongfully detained by another person. It is an ordinary statutory proceeding to adjudicate rights to the title or possession of personal property. (Basaya vs. Militante, 156 SCRA 299) Q: When does a writ of replevin be applied for? A: The writ may be applied for at the commencement of the action, or any time before the answer. (Sec. 1, Rule 60) Q: What are the duties of the sheriff in the implementation of the writ of replevin? A: 1. Upon receiving such order, the sheriff must serve a copy thereof on the adverse party, together with a copy of the 44 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 2. 3. 4. application, affidavit and bond, and must forthwith take the property, if it be in the possession of the adverse party, or his agent, and retain it in his custody. If the property or any part thereof be concealed in a building or enclosure, the sheriff must demand its delivery, and if it be not delivered, he must cause the building or enclosure to be broken open and take the property into his possession. After the sheriff has taken possession of the property as herein provided, he must keep it in a secure place and shall be responsible for its delivery to the party entitled thereto upon receiving his fees and necessary expenses for taking and keeping the same. (Sec. 4, Rule 60) If within five (5) days after the taking of the property by the sheriff, the adverse party does not object to the sufficiency of the bond, or of the surety or sureties thereon; or if the adverse party so objects and the court affirms its approval of the applicant's bond or approves a new bond, or if the adverse party requires the return of the property but his bond is objected to and found insufficient and he does not forthwith file an approved bond, the property shall be delivered to the applicant. If for any reason the property is not delivered to the applicant, the sheriff must return it to the adverse party. (Sec. 6, Rule 60) Q: What is a Redelivery Bond? A: If the adverse party objects to the sufficiency of the applicant's bond, or of the surety or sureties thereon, he cannot immediately require the return of the property, but if he does not so object, he may, at any time before the delivery of the property to the applicant, require the return thereof, by filing with the court where the action is pending a bond executed to the applicant, in double the value of the property as stated in the applicant's affidavit for the delivery thereof to the applicant, if such delivery be adjudged, and for the payment of such sum, to him as may be recovered against the adverse party, and by serving a copy of such bond on the applicant. (Sec. 5, Rule 60) Q: What are the requirements for the adverse party to effect the return of his property under the custody of the sheriff? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. V. He should post a redelivery bond in an amount double the value of the property; The bond is executed to the applicant; He should serve a copy of the bond to the applicant; He must perform the above acts before the delivery of the property to the applicant. This means within 5 days from the taking of the property by the sheriff; The bond is sufficient. (Secs. 5 & 6, Rule 60) Special Civil Actions Q: What is the nature of a Special Civil Action? A: Both ordinary and special civil actions are governed by the rules for ordinary civil actions, subject to the specific rules prescribed for a specific civil action. (Sec. 3(a), Rule 1). Although both types of actions are governed by the rules for ordinary civil actions, there are certain rules that are applicable only to specific civil actions. The fact that an action is subject to certain special rules, other than those applicable to ordinary civil actions, is what makes a civil action special. Q: Distinguish ordinary and special civil action. A: The Code of Civil Procedure, 1901, has divided into two parts — Part I relating to civil actions and Part II to special proceedings. The difference between the procedure in civil actions and in special proceedings relates, principally, to the powers of the judge or court. Under this classification various proceedings have been denominated as special proceedings, such as the appointment of guardians, trusts and trustees, wills and allowances thereof, the settlement of estates of deceased persons, etc., and among them proceedings in habeas corpus. All civil actions are brought to this court by bill of exceptions, while special proceedings are brought here by the procedure denominated "appeals in special proceedings. (Domingo vs. Warden of Bilibid Prison, GR no. L-891, December 11, 1902) Q: What is the rule regarding the jurisdiction and venue of special civil actions? A: The subject matter of a petition for declaratory relief raises issues which are not capable of pecuniary estimation and must be filed with the Regional Trial Court (Sec. 19[1], BP 129; Sec. 1, Rule 63). It would be error to file the petition with the Supreme Court which has no original jurisdiction to entertain a petition for declaratory 45 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo relief (Untied Residents of Dominican Hill vs. Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems, 353 SCRA 782; Ortega vs. Quezon City Government, 469 SCRA 388). A. Interpleader: Q: What are the requisites for an interpleader? A: 1. There must be two or more claimants with adverse or conflicting interests upon a subject matter; 2. The conflicting claims involve the same subject matter; 3. The conflicting claims are made against the same person (Plaintiffs); 4. The plaintiff has no claim upon the subject matter of the adverse claims or if he has an interest at all, such interest is not disputed by the claimant. (Sec. 1, Rule 62) Q: When to file an interpleader? A: The action of interpleader is a remedy whereby a person who has property whether personal or real, in his possession, or an obligation to render wholly or partially, without claiming any right in both, or claims an interest which in whole or in part is not disputed by the conflicting claimants, comes to court and asks that the persons who claim the said property or who consider themselves entitled to demand compliance with the obligation, be required to litigate among themselves, in order to determine finally who is entitled to one or the other thing. The remedy is afforded not to protect a person against a double liability but to protect him against a double vexation in respect of one liability. When the court orders that the claimants litigate among themselves, there arises in reality a new action and the former are styled interpleaders, and in such a case the pleading which initiates the action is called a complaint of interpleader and not a cross-complaint. (Ocampo vs. Tiroma, GR no. 147812, April 6, 2005) Q: When to file a motion to dismiss? A: Within the time for filing an answer, each claimant may file a motion to dismiss on the ground of impropriety of the interpleader action or on other appropriate grounds specified in Rule 16. The period to file the answer shall be tolled and if the motion is denied, the movant may file his answer within the remaining period, but which shall not be less than five (5) days in any event, reckoned from notice of denial. (Sec. 4, Rule 62). Note that AM No. 19-10-20-SC (2019 Amended Rules of Civil Procedure) removed Rule 16. B. Declaratory Reliefs and Similar Remedies: Q: Who may file action? A: 1. 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 other governmental regulation may before breach or violation thereof, bring an action in the RTC to determine any question of construction or validity arising and for a declaration of his rights or duties, thereunder (Sec. 1, Rule 63, ROC). 2. Those who may sue under the contract should be those with interest under the contract like the parties, the assignees and the heirs as required by substantive law (Art. 1311, Civil Code). 3. If it is a statute, executive order, regulation or ordinance, the petitioner is one whose rights are affected by the same (Sec. 1, Rule 63). The other parties are all persons who have or claim any interest which would be affected by the declaration. The rights of person not made parties to the action do not stand to be prejudiced by the declaration (Sec. 2, Rule 63, ROC). Q: What are the requisites of action for declaratory relief? A: 1. The subject matter of the controversy must be a deed, will, contract or other written instrument, statute, executive order or regulation, or ordinance; 2. The terms of said documents and the validity thereof are doubtful and require judicial construction; 3. There must have been no breach of documents in question; 4. There must be an actual justiciable controversy or the “ripening seeds” of one between persons whose interests are adverse; 5. The issue must be ripe for judicial determination; and 6. Adequate relief is not available through other means or other forms of action or proceeding. (Almeda vs. Bathala Marketing, 542 SCRA 470) 46 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo Q: When can a court refuse to make judicial declarations? A: 1. An action for declaratory relief to ask the court to declare his filliation and consequently his hereditary rights is improper (Edades vs. Edades, 99 Phil. 675) 2. An action for declaratory relief is not proper to resolve doubts concerning one’s citizenship (Lim vs. Republic, 37 SCRA 78) 3. A petition for declaratory relief cannot properly have a court decision as its subject matter. A court decision cannot be interpreted as included within the purview of the words “other written instrument” because the provisions of the ROC already provide for the ways by which an ambiguous or doubtful decision may be corrected or clarified without need of resorting to the expedient prescribed by a petition for declaratory relief. (Reyes vs. Dizon, 628 SCRA 1) Q: How Special action for Declaratory reliefs and similar remedies converted to ordinary action? A: If before final termination of the case, a breach should take place, the action may be converted into ordinary action to avoid multiplicity of suits (Republic vs. Orbecido, G.R. No. 154380, Oct. 5, 2005). Q: What are similar remedies? A: 1. Action for the reformation of an instrument; 2. Action for quieting of title to real property; and 3. Action for consolidation of ownership. Q: What is reformation of an instrument? A: An action for reformation is not one brought to reform a contract but “to reform the instrument” evidencing the contract. The instrument is to be reformed because despite the meeting of minds of the parties as to the object and cause of the contract, the instrument which is supposed to embody the agreement of the parties does not reflect their tre agreement by reason of mistake, fraud, inequitable conduct or accident. The action is brought so the true intention of the parties may be expressed in the instrument (Art. 1359, NCC) Q: What is consolidation of ownership? A: The concept of consolidation of ownership under Art. 1607, NCC has its origins in the substantive provisions of the law on sales. Under the law, a contract of sale may be extinguished either by (a) Legal redemption (Art.. 1619, NCC); or (b) Conventional redemption (Art. 1601, NCC). The action brought to consolidate ownership is not for the purpose of consolidating the ownership of the property in the person of the vendee or buyer but for the registration of the property. The lapse of the redemption period without the seller ‘a retro’ exercising his right of redemption consolidates ownership or title upon the person of the vendee by operation of law. Q: What is quitting of title to real property? A: This action is brought to remove a cloud on title to real property or any interest therein. The action is called one to quiet title to real property. Whenever there is a cloud on title to real property or any interest therein, by reason of any instrument, record, claim, encumbrance or proceeding which is apparently valid or effective but is in truth and in fact invalid, ineffective, voidable, or unenforceable, and may be prejudicial to said title, an action may be brought to remove such cloud or to quiet the title. An action may also be brought to prevent a cloud from being cast upon title to real property or any interest therein. (Art. 476, NCC) C. Review of Judgments and final Orders or Resolution of the Comelec and COA: Rule 64 Directed only to the Rule 65 Directed to any tribunal, judgments, final orders or board or officers resolutions of the exercising judicial or COMELEC and COA; quasi-judicial functions; Filed within 30 days from Filed within 60 days from notice of the judgment; notice of the judgment; The filing of a motion for The period within which reconsideration or a to filed the petition if the motion for new trial if motion for allowed, interrupts the reconsideration or new period for the filing of the trial is denied, is 60 days petition for certiorari. If from notice of the denial the motion is denied, the of the motion aggrieved party may file the petition within the remaining period, but 47 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 3. which shall not be less than 5 days reckoned from the notice of denial. D. Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus: Q: Distinguish: Certiorari, prohibition and mandamus. A: Certiorari, as a special civil action, is an original action invoking the original jurisdiction of a court to annul or modify the proceedings of a tribunal, board or officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions. It is an original and independent action that is not a part of the trial or the proceedings on the complaint filed before the trial court. (Siok Ping Tang vs. Subic Bay Distribution, 638 SCRA 457). Prohibition is an extraordinary writ of commanding a tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person, whether exercising functions that are judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial, to desist from further proceedings when such are conducted without or in excess of its jurisdiction, or with grave abuse of its discretion, there being no appeal or any other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. (Sec. 2, Rule 65). A writ of mandamus is a command issuing from a court of law of competent jurisdiction, in the name of the state or sovereign, directed to an inferior court, tribunal, or board, or to some corporation or person, requiring the performance of a particular duty therein specified, which duty results from the official station of the party to whom the writ is directed, or from operation of law. It is employed to compel the performance, when refused, of a ministerial duty which, as opposed to a discretionary one, is that which an officer or tribunal performs in a given state of facts, in a prescribed manner, in obedience to the mandate of legal authority, without regard to or the exercise of his or its own judgment upon the propriety or impropriety of the act done. (National Home Mortgage vs. Abayari, 602 SCRA 242). Q: What are the essential requisites for a Petition for certiorari under Rule 65? A: 1. The petition is directed against a tribunal, board or officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions;\ 2. Such tribunal, board or officer has acted without or in excess of jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction; There is neither appeal nor any plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law for the purpose of annulling or modifying the proceeding. There must be capricious, arbitrary and whimsical exercise of power for it to prosper. (Sec. 1, Rule 65; Aggabao vs. COMELEC, 449 SCRA 400; Milwaukee Industries Corp. vs. CTA, 636 SCRA 70) Q: What are the requisites of a petition for prohibition? A: 1. The impugned act must be that of a tribunal, corporation, board or person exercising judicial, quasi-judicial, or ministerial functions; 2. The tribunal, corporation, board or person must have acted without or in excess of jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction; 3. There is no appeal or any other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law; and 4. The petition for prohibition shall be accompanied by a certified true copy of the judgment or order subject of the petition, copies of all the pleadings and documents relevant and pertinent thereto, and a sworn certification of non-forum shopping as provided in Sec. 3, Rule 46. (Sec. 2, Rule 65; Ongsuco vs. Malones, 604 SCRA 499; Longino vs. General, 451 SCRA 423) Q: What are the requisites of a petition for a mandamus? A: 1. The plaintiff has a clear legal right to the act demanded; 2. It must be the duty of the defendant to perform the act, because it is mandated by law; 3. The defendant unlawfully neglects the performance of the duty enjoined by law; 4. The act to be performed is ministerial, not discretionary; and 5. There is no appeal or any other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. (De Castro vs. JBC, 615 SCRA 666) Q: What is the difference between a petition for certiorari under Rule 45 and that under Rule 65? 48 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: RULE 45 CERTIORARI RULE 65 CERTIORARI Mode of Appeal; A continuation of the appellate process over the original cases (A Petition for Review) A Special Civil Action that is an original action and not a mode of appeal; Not part of the appellate process but an independent action (Original Civil Action) Seeks to review final judgments or final orders Directed against an interlocutory order or matters where no appeal may be taken from Raises questions of law Raises questions jurisdiction Must be filed within 15 days from notice of judgments, final order or resolution appealed from Shall be filed not later than 60 days from notice of judgment, order or resolution sought to be assailed. Does not require a prior motion for reconsideration Generally requires a prior motion for reconsideration Stays the appealed from judgment Does not stay the judgment or order subject of the petition, unless enjoyed or restrained The parties are the original parties with the appealing party as the petitioner and the adverse party as respondent without impleading the lower court or its judge. The tribunal, board, officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions is impleaded as respondent. In other words, the parties are the aggrieved party against the lower court or quasi-judicial agency and the prevailing parties, who thereby respectively become the petitioner and respondent. Filed only with the SC may be filed with the RTC, CA, or SC of Source: Rule 41, 45,and 65; KEPCO Phils vs. CIR, 636 SCRA 166; Fortune Guarantee vs. CA, 379 SCRA 7; the Bases Conversion vs. Uy, 506 SCRA 524; Systems Factors vs. NLRC, 346 SCRA 149; Yasuda vs. CA, 330 SCRA 385) Q: What is injunctive relief? A: The court in which the petition is filed may issue orders expediting the proceedings, and it may also grant a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction for the preservation of the rights of the parties pending such proceedings. The petition shall not interrupt the course of the principal case, unless a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction has been issued, enjoining the public respondent from further proceeding with the case. The public respondent shall proceed with the principal case within ten (10) days from the filing of a petition for certiorari with a higher court or tribunal, absent a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction, or upon its expiration. Failure of the public respondent to proceed with the principal case may be a ground for an administrative charge. (Sec. 7, AM No.. 07-712-SC) Q: When is a petitioner for certiorari under Rule 65 proper? A: The petition shall be filed not later than sixty (60) days from notice of the judgment, order or resolution. In case a motion for reconsideration or new trial is timely filed, whether such motion is required or not, the petition shall be filed not later than sixty (60) days counted from the notice of the denial of the motion. If the petition relates to an act or an omission of a municipal trial court or of a corporation, a board, an officer or a person, it shall be filed with the Regional Trial Court exercising jurisdiction over the territorial area as defined by the Supreme Court. It may also be filed with the Court of Appeals or with the Sandiganbayan, whether or not the same is in aid of the court’s appellate jurisdiction. If the petition involves an act or an omission of a quasi-judicial agency, unless otherwise provided by law or these rules, the petition shall be filed with and be cognizable only by the Court of Appeals. In election cases involving an act or an omission of a municipal or a regional trial court, the petition shall be filed exclusively with the Commission on Elections, in aid of its appellate jurisdiction. (Sec. 4, AM no. 07-7-12-SC, December 27, 2007) Q: What are the exceptions to filing of motion for reconsideration before filing a petition? A: 1. When the order is a patent nullity, as where the court a quo has no jurisdiction; 49 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 2. When the questions raised in the certiorari proceeding have been duly raised and passed upon by the lower court, or are the same as those raised and passed upon in the lower court; 3. When there is an urgent necessity for the resolution of the question and any further delay would prejudice the interests of the government or of the petitioner; 4. When the subject matter of the action is perishable; 5. When, under the circumstances, a motion for reconsideration would be useless; 6. When petitioner was deprived of due process and there is an extreme urgency for relief; 7. In a criminal case, when relief from order of arrest is urgent and the granting of such relief by the trial court is improbable; 8. When the proceedings in the lower court are a nullity for lack of due process; 9. When the proceedings were done ex parte or in which the petitioner had no opportunity to object; 10. Where the issue raised is one purely of law; or 11. Where public interest is involved. (Tan vs. Sandiganbayan, 292 SCRA 452; Hamilton vs. Levy, 344 SCRA 821; Ermita vs. Aldecoa-Delorino, 651 SCRA 128) Q: What are the reliefs that the petitioner is entitled to? A: The primary relief will actually be the annulment or modification of the judgment, order, resolution or proceeding subject of the petition. It may also include such other incidental reliefs as law and justice may require. (Sec. 1, Rule 65). The court, in its judgment, may also award damages. The execution of the award for damages or costs shall follow the procedure in Sec. 1, Rule 39, ROC. (Sec. 9, Rule 65) Q: What is the effect of filing unmeritorious petitions? A: In the event of dismissal of unmeritorious petitions, the court may award in favor of the respondent treble costs solidarily against the petitioner and counsel, in addition to subjecting the counsel to administrative sanctions under Rules 139 and 1390B of the ROC. In addition, the SC may impose motu proprio, based in res ipsa loquitur, other disciplinary sanctions or measures on erring lawyers for patently dilatory and unmeritorious petitions for certiorari (Sec. 8, AM No. 07-7-12-SC) E. Quo Warranto: Q: What is the nature of a Quo Warranto? A: A Quo warranto proceeding is generally defined as an action against a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office. (Tecson vs. COMELEC, 424 SCRA 277) Q: What is the nature of a Quo Warranto under the Omnibus Election Code? A: Any voter contesting the election of any Member of the Batasang Pambansa, regional, provincial, or city officer on the ground of ineligibility or of disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines shall file a sworn petition for quo warranto with the Commission within ten days after the proclamation of the results of the election. Any voter contesting the election of any municipal or barangay officer on the ground of ineligibility or of disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines shall file a sworn petition for quo warranto with the regional trial court or metropolitan or municipal trial court, respectively, within ten days after the proclamation of the results of the election. (Sec. 253 - Petition for Quo Warranto, Omnibus Election Code) Q: When can the government commences an action for Quo Warranto against individuals or associations? A: A quo warranto is a special civil action commenced in the name of the Republic of the Philippines by a verified petition. (Sec. 1, Rule 66). However, in certain instances, the petition may be brought by an individual in his own name if he claims to be entitled to a public office usurped or unlawfully held or exercised by another. (Sec. 5, Rule 66) Q: When may an individual commence an action for Quo Warranto? A: A person claiming to be entitled to a public office or position usurped or unlawfully held or exercised by another may bring an action therefor in his own name. However, not any person may file the petition for Quo warranto. The person authorized to file the same is the one who claims to be entitled to a public office or position which was usurped or unlawfully held or exercised by another person. (Sec. 5, Rule 66) Q: What is the limitation on a quo warranto proceeding? 50 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo A: Nothing contained in this Rule shall be construed to authorize an action against a public officer or employee for his ouster from office unless the same be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of such ouster, or the right of the petitioner to hold such office or position, arose, nor to authorize an action for damages in accordance with the provisions of the next preceding section unless the same be commenced within one (1) year after the entry of the judgment establishing the petitioner's right to the office in question. (Sec. 11, Rule 66) F. Expropriation: Q: What are the matters to be alleged in a complaint for expropriation? A: 1. State with certainty the right of the plaintiff to expropriation and the purpose thereof; 2. Describe the real or personal property sought to be expropriated; and 3. Join as defendant all persons owning or claiming to own, or occupying, any part of the property or interest therein, showing, so far as practicable, the interest of each defendant. If the plaintiff cannot identify the real owners with accuracy, averment to that effect shall be made in the complaint. (Sec. 1, Rule 67) Q: What are the two stages in every action for expropriation? A: 1. The determination of the authority of the plaintiff to expropriate’ and 2. The determination of just compensation through the court-appointed commissioners. (Municipality of Binan vs. Garcia, 180 scra 576) Q: When can the plaintiff immediately enter into possession of the real property? A: Upon the filing of the complaint or at any time thereafter and after due notice to the defendant, the plaintiff shall have the right to take or enter upon the possession of the real property involved if he deposits with the authorized government depositary an amount equivalent to the assessed value of the property for purposes of taxation to be held by such bank subject to the orders of the court. Such deposit shall be in money, unless in lieu thereof the court authorizes the deposit of a certificate of deposit of a government bank of the Republic of the Philippines payable on demand to the authorized government depositary. If personal property is involved, its value shall be provisionally ascertained and the amount to be deposited shall be promptly fixed by the court. (Sec. 2, Rule 57) Q: What are the defenses and objections in the answer? A: the defendant shall serve an answer if he has an objection to the filing of the complaint, allegations in the complaint, or objection or defense to the taking of his property. This answer shall be served within the time stated in the summons. The answer is required to specifically designate or identify the property in which the defendant claims to have an interest, and state the nature and extent of the interest claimed. He must also allege all his objections and defenses to the taking of his property because those not adduced are deemed waived. (Sec. 3, Rule 67) Q: What is the order of appropriation? A: An order of expropriation/condemnation will be issued declaring that the plaintiff has a lawful right to take the property for the use or purpose described in the complaint upon the payment of just compensation. This order shall issue in any of the following cases: (a) In the event the objections of the defendant are overruled; or (b) When no party appears to object to or defend against the expropriation. (Sec. 4, Rule 67) Q: How to ascertain the compensation? A: Upon the rendition of the order of expropriation, the court shall appoint not more than three (3) competent and disinterested persons as commissioners to ascertain and report to the court the just compensation for the property sought to be taken. The order of appointment shall designate the time and place of the first session of the hearing to be held by the commissioners and specify the time within which their report shall be submitted to the court. Copies of the order shall be served on the parties. Objections to the appointment of any of the commissioners shall be filed with the court within ten (10) days from service, and shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after all the commissioners shall have received copies of the objections. (Sec. 5, Rule 67) Q: What are the proceedings by commissioners? A: Before entering upon the performance of their duties, the commissioners shall take and subscribe an oath that they will faithfully perform their duties as commissioners, which oath shall be filed in court 51 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo with the other proceedings in the case. Evidence may be introduced by either party before the commissioners who are authorized to administer oaths on hearings before them, and the commissioners shall, unless the parties consent to the contrary, after due notice to the parties, to attend, view and examine the property sought to be expropriated and its surroundings, and may measure the same, after which either party may, by himself or counsel, argue the case. The commissioners shall assess the consequential damages to the property not taken and deduct from such consequential damages the consequential benefits to be derived by the owner from the public use or purpose of the property taken, the operation of its franchise by the corporation or the carrying on of the business of the corporation or person taking the property. But in no case shall the consequential benefits assessed exceed the consequential damages assessed, or the owner be deprived of the actual value of his property so taken. (Sec. 6, Rule 67) Q: What is the rule on the Commissioner’s report? A: The court may order the commissioners to report when any particular portion of the real estate shall have been passed upon by them, and may render judgment upon such partial report, and direct the commissioners to proceed with their work as to subsequent portions of the property sought to be expropriated, and may from time to time so deal with such property. The commissioners shall make a full and accurate report to the court of all their proceedings, and such proceedings shall not be effectual until the court shall have accepted their report and rendered judgment in accordance with their recommendations. Except as otherwise expressly ordered by the court, such report shall be filed within sixty (60) days from the date the commissioners were notified of their appointment, which time may be extended in the discretion of the court. Upon the filing of such report, the clerk of the court shall serve copies thereof on all interested parties, with notice that they are allowed ten (10) days within which to file objections to the findings of the report, if they so desire. (Sec. 7, Rule 67) Q: What is the action upon commissioners’ report? A: Upon the expiration of the period of ten (10) days referred to in the preceding section, or even before the expiration of such period but after all the interested parties have filed their objections to the report or their statement of agreement therewith, the court may, after hearing, accept the report and render judgment in accordance therewith, or, for cause shown, it may recommit the same to the commissioners for further report of facts, or it may set aside the report and appoint new commissioners; or it may accept the report in part and reject it in part and it may make such order or render such judgment as shall secure to the plaintiff the property essential to the exercise of his right of expropriation, and to the defendant just compensation for the property so taken. (Sec. 8, Rule 67) Q: What are the rights of the plaintiff after judgment and payment? A: Upon payment by the plaintiff to the defendant of the compensation fixed by the judgment, with legal interest thereon from the taking of the possession of the property, or after tender to him of the amount so fixed and payment of the costs, the plaintiff shall have the right to enter upon the property expropriated and to appropriate it for the public use or purpose defined in the judgment, or to retain it should he have taken immediate possession thereof under the provisions of section 2 hereof. If the defendant and his counsel absent themselves from the court, or decline to receive the amount tendered, the same shall be ordered to be deposited in court and such deposit shall have the same effect as actual payment thereof to the defendant or the person ultimately adjudged entitled thereto. (Sec. 10, Rule 67) Q: What is the effect of recording of judgment? A: The judgment entered in expropriation proceedings shall state definitely, by an adequate description, the particular property or interest therein expropriated, and the nature of the public use or purpose for which it is expropriated. When real estate is expropriated, a certified copy of such judgment shall be recorded in the registry of deeds of the place in which the property is situated, and its effect shall be to vest in the plaintiff the title to the real estate so described for such public use or purpose. (Sec. 13, Rule 67) G. Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage: Q: What is a real estate mortgage? A: A real estate mortgage (REM) is an accessory contract executed by a debtor in favor of a creditor as security for the principal obligation. The principal 52 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo obligation is usually a simple loan or mutuum described in Art. 1953, Civil Code. Q: When is foreclosure proper? A: Foreclosure is valid only when the petition is in default in the payment off his obligation, such default occurs when the payment is not made after a valid demand unless the contract between the parties carries with it a stipulation that demand is not necessary for default to arise. (DBP vs. Licuanan, 516 SCRA 644) Q: What are the remedies of the mortgagee/creditor when the mortgagor/debtor dies? A: 1. Creditor may abandon the security and prosecute his claim in the manner provided for under Rule 86, and share in the general distribution of the assets of the estate; 2. He may foreclose the mortgage by action in court, making the executor or administrator a party defendant, and if there be a deficiency judgment after the sale of the mortgaged property, he may claim the deficiency in the manner provided under Rule 86; or 3. He may rely upon the mortgage or other security alone, and foreclose the same at any time before it is barred by prescription, and in that event, he shall not be admitted as a creditor, without the right to share in the distribution of the other assets of the state (Sec. 7, Rule 86) Q: What are the kinds of foreclosure of real estate mortgage? A: JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE EXTRAJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE Governed by the Rules of Court Governed by Act 3135, as amended Involves the filing of an independent action Does not require the filing of an action Equity of redemption and no right of redemption except when the mortgagee is a banking institution There is redemption right of There could be a deficiency judgment rendered by the court in the same proceeding No judgment for its deficiency because there is no judicial proceeding, although recovery of the deficiency is allowed. Recovery of the deficiency can be done by mere motion for a deficiency judgment The recovery pf the deficiency is through an independent action, and although nothing about the recovery of the deficiency is provided under Act 3135, there is no prohibition either. Source: Riano (2012), Civil Procedure Vol. 2, p. 412 Q: What are the allegations in a complaint for foreclosure? A: 1. The date and due execution of the mortgage; 2. The assignments of the mortgage if any; 3. The names and residences of the mortgagor and mortgagee; 4. A description of the mortgaged property; 5. A statement of the date of the note and other documentary evidence of the obligation secured by the mortgage; 6. The amount claimed to be unpaid thereon and 7. The names and residences of all persons having or claiming an interest in the property subordinate in right to that of the holder of the mortgage, all of whom shall be made defendants in the action. (Sec. 1, Rule 68) Q: What is the rule regarding judgment on foreclosure? A: If upon the trial in such action the court shall find the facts set forth in the complaint to be true, it shall render a judgment containing the following matters: (a) Ascertainment of the amount due to the plaintiff upon the mortgage debt or obligation, including interest and other charges as approved by the court, and costs; (b) Render judgment for the sum so found due; (c) Order that the same be paid to the court or to the judgment obligee within a period of not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days from the entry of judgment; and (d) Admonition that in default of such payment the property shall be sold at public auction to satisfy the judgment. (Sec. 2, Rule 68). The judgment of the court on the above matters is considered final adjudication of the case and, 53 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo therefore, subject to challenge by the aggrieved party by appeal or other post-judgment remedies. Q: What is the rule on the right of redemption? A: General Rule: In judicial foreclosures, there is no right of redemption but only an equity of redemption which can be exercised prior to the confirmation of the foreclosure sale. Exception: There is a right of redemption in a judicial foreclosure if the foreclosure is in favor of banks as mortgagees, whether the foreclosure be judicial or extrajudicial. (Huerta Alba vs. CA, 339 SCRA 534) Q: What is the rule on the period of redemption in extrajudicial foreclosure? A: General Rule: the period of redemption is one year. Exception: Under the General Banking Act, when the mortgagor is a juridical person. The period of redemption is “until, but not after” the registration of the certificate of sale with the Register of Deeds, “which in no case shall be more than 3 months after foreclosure, whichever is earlier.” (Sec. 47, General Banking Acts of 2000) Q: What is the effect of sale of mortgaged property? A: When the defendant, after being directed to do so as provided in the next preceding section, fails to pay the amount of the judgment within the period specified therein, the court, upon motion, shall order the property to be sold in the manner and under the provisions of Rule 39 and other regulations governing sales of real estate under execution. Such sale shall not affect the rights of persons holding prior encumbrances upon the property or a part thereof, and when confirmed by an order of the court, also upon motion, it shall operate to divest the rights in the property of all the parties to the action and to vest their rights in the purchaser, subject to such rights of redemption as may be allowed by law. Upon the finality of the order of confirmation or upon the expiration of the period of redemption when allowed by law, the purchaser at the auction sale or last redemptioner, if any, shall be entitled to the possession of the property unless a third party is actually holding the same adversely to the judgment obligor. The said purchaser or last redemptioner may secure a writ of possession, upon motion, from the court which ordered the foreclosure. (Sec. 3, Rule 68) Q: How should the sale proceed in case the debt is not all due? A: If the debt for which the mortgage or encumbrance was held is not all due as provided in the judgment as soon as a sufficient portion of the property has been sold to pay the total amount and the costs due, the sale shall terminate; and afterwards as often as more becomes due for principal or interest and other valid charges, the court may, on motion, order more to be sold. But if the property cannot be sold in portions without prejudice to the parties, the whole shall be ordered to be sold in the first instance, and the entire debt and costs shall be paid, if the proceeds of the sale be sufficient therefore, there being a rebate of interest where such rebate is proper. (Sec. 5, Rule 68) Q: When is the rule when there is no deficiency judgment? A: If upon the sale of any real property as provided in the next preceding section there be a balance due to the plaintiff after applying the proceeds of the sale, the court, upon motion, shall render judgment against the defendant for any such balance for which, by the record of the case, he may be personally liable to the plaintiff, upon which execution may issue immediately if the balance is all due at the time of the rendition of the judgment; otherwise; the plaintiff shall be entitled to execution at such time as the balance remaining becomes due under the terms of the original contract, which time shall be stated in the judgment. (Sec. 6, Rule 68). It is the duty of the mortgagee to return to the mortgagor any surplus in the selling price during the foreclosure sale. (Sulit. vs. CA, 268 SCRA 441) Q: What is the rule regarding the registration of the sale? A: A certified copy of the final order of the court confirming the sale shall be registered in the registry of deeds. If no right of redemption exists, the certificate of title in the name of the mortgagor shall be cancelled, and a new one issued in the name of the purchaser. Where a right of redemption exists, the certificate of title in the name of the mortgagor shall not be cancelled, but the certificate of sale and the order confirming the sale shall be registered and a brief memorandum thereof made by the registrar of deeds upon the certificate of title. In the event the property is redeemed, the deed of redemption shall be registered with the registry of deeds, and a brief memorandum thereof shall be made by the registrar of deeds on said certificate of title. If the property is not redeemed, the final deed of sale executed by the sheriff in favor of the purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall be registered with the registry of deeds; whereupon the certificate of title 54 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo in the name of the mortgagor shall be cancelled and a new one issued in the name of the purchaser. (Sec. 7, Rule 68) H. Partition: Q: What are the two stages or phases of partition? A: FIRST PHASE This is taken up with the determination of whether or not a co-ownership in fact exists, and a partition is proper and may be made by voluntary agreement of all the parties interested in the property. This phase may end with a declaration that the plaintiff is not entitled to have a partition either because a co-ownership does not exist, or partition is legally prohibited. On the other hand, it may end with an adjudgment that a coownership does in truth exist, partition is proper in the premises, and an accounting of rents and profits received by the defendant from the real estate in question is in order. SECOND PHASE This is commenced when it appears that the parties are unable to agree upon the partition directed by the court. IN THIS EVENT, Partition shall be done for the parties by the court with the assistance of not more than 3 commissioners. This second stage may well also deal with the rendition of the accounting itself and its approval by the court after the parties have been accorded opportunity to be heard thereon, and an award for the recovery by the party or parties thereto entitled of their just share in the rents and profits of the real estate in question Source: Labayan vs. Samoy, 645 SCRA 677) Q: Who may file an action for partition? A: The action shall be brought by the person who has a right to compel the partition of real estate or of an estate composed of personal property, or of both real and personal property. (Secs. 1 & 13, Rule 69). The plaintiff is a person who is supposed to be a co-owner of the property or estate sought to be partitioned. The defendants are all coowners. All the co-owners must be joined. An action will not lie without the joinder of all coowners and other persons having interest in the property. Therefore, All the co-owners are indispensable parties. (Garcia de Lara vs. Gonzales de Lara, 2 Phil. 294; Reyes vs. Cordero, 46 Phil. 658) Q: What are matters to be alleged in the complaint of partition? A: The plaintiff shall state in his complaint the nature and extent of his title, and an adequate description of the real or personal estate of which partition is demanded, and shall join as defendants all other persons interested in the property. (Secs. 1 & 13, Rule 69). These cannot be demanded in another action because they are parts of the cause of action for partition. These will be barred if not set up in the same action pursuant to the rule against splitting a single cause of action. When the allegations in the complaint allege that the plaintiff asserts exclusive ownership of the property sought to be partitioned, the nature of the action is not one for partition. It is an action for the recovery of property. (Dela Cruz vs. CA,, 412 SCRA 282) Q: What are the rules regarding order for partition and partition by agreement? A: During the trial, the court shall determine whether or not the plaintiff is truly a co-owner of the property, that there is indeed a co-ownership among the parties, and that a partition is not legally prescribed, thus, may be allowed. If the courts so finds that the facts are such that a partition would be in order, and that the plaintiff has a right to demand partition, the court will issue an order for partition. If after the trial, the court finds that the plaintiff has the right to a partition, the court shall order the partition of the property among all the parties in interest. (See Sec. 2, Rule 69). On the other hand, observe that the order for partition is one that directs the parties or co-owners to partition the property where they may make the partition among themselves by proper instruments of conveyance, if they agree among themselves. If they do not agree, the court shall then confirm the partition so agreed upon by all the parties, and such partition, together with the order of the court confirming the same, shall be recorded in the registry of deeds of the place where the property is situated. Sec. 2, Rule 69). There always exists the possibility that the co-owners are unable to agree 55 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo upon the partition. If they cannot partition the property among themselves, the next stage in the action will follow, and this stage is the appointment of commissioners. Q: What is the rule regarding partition by commissioner? A: If the parties are unable to agree upon the partition, the court shall appoint not more than 3 commissioners, who are competent and disinterested persons, to make the partition for the parties. (Sec. 3, Rule 69). The appointment of commissioners presupposes that the parties cannot agree on the partition among themselves. Q: What is the rule regarding the report of the commissioners? A: The commissioners shall make a full and accurate report to the court of all their proceedings as to the partition, or the assignment of real estate to one of the parties, or the sale of the same. Upon the filing of such report, the clerk of court shall serve copies thereof on all the interested parties with notice that they are allowed ten (10) days within which to file objections to the findings of the report, if they so desire. (Sec. 6, Rule 69) Q: What are the actions of the court upon the report of the commissioners? A: 1. Accept the report and render judgment in accordance with the same; 2. Recommit the same to the commissioners for further report of facts, instead of accepting the report; 3. Set aside the report and appoint new commissioners; 4. Make such order and render such judgment that shall effectuate a fair and just partition of the estate (Sec. 7, Rule 69) Q: What is the effect of judgment of partition? A: The judgment shall have the effect of vesting in each party to the action the portion of the real estate assigned to him. If the whole property is assigned to one of the parties upon his paying to the others the sums ordered by the court, the effect of the judgment shall be to vest in the party making the payment the whole of the real estate free from any interest on the part of the other parties to the action. If the property is sold and the sale is confirmed by the court, the effect of the judgment shall be to vest the real estate in the purchasers making the payments, free from the claims of any of the parties to the action. (Sec. 11, Rule 69) Q: What is the rule regarding partition of personal property? A: The provisions of Rule 69 shall apply to partitions of estates composed of personal property, or of both real and personal property, in so far as the same may be applicable. (Sec. 13, Rule 69) Q: When partition is not allowed? A: 1. When there is an agreement among the co-owners to keep the property undivided for a certain period of time but not extending 10 years. However, this term may be extended by a new agreement. (Art. 494 NCC); 2. When partition is prohibited by the donor or testator for a period not exceeding 20 years (Arts. 494 & 1083, NCC) 3. When partition is prohibited by law (Art. 494, NCC); 4. When the property is not subject to a physical division and to do so would render it unserviceable for the use for which it is intended (Art. 495, NCC); or 5. When the conditions imposed upon voluntary heirs before they can demand partition has not yet been fulfilled. (Art. 1084, NCC) I. Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer: Q: What are the three kinds of actions available to recover possession of real property? A: 1. Accion Interdicta - the summary action for (a) forcible entry (detentacion), where the defendant’s possession of the property is illegal ab initio; or (b) for unlawful detainer (desahuico), where the defendant’s possession was originally lawful but ceased to be so by the expiration of his right to possess, both of which must be brought within 1 year from the date of actual entry on the land, in case of forcible entry, and from the date of the last demand, in case of unlawful detainer. 2. Accion Publiciana - a plenary action for the recovery of the right to possess, when the dispossession has lasted for more than one year; and 3. Accion Reivindicatoria - seeks the recovery of ownership and includes the 56 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo jus possidendi. (Serdoncillo vs. Benolirao, 297 SCRA 448) Q: Distinguish: Forcible entry and Unlawful detainer. A: FORCIBLE ENTRY UNLAWFUL DETAINER The Entry is illegal; The possession of the defendant is illegal from the very beginning having deprived the actual possessor of his possession The Entry is legal but later became illegal; The possession of the defendant is legal in the beginning but subsequently becomes illegal because of the expiration or termination of the right to have possession, by virtue of any contract (express of implied), and after a demand to vacate was not heeded by the defendant. Plaintiff must allege in the complaint, and prove, that he was in prior physical possession of the property until he was deprived by the defendant by means of force, intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth. No allegations shall be made, instead, there must be allegations in the complaint of how the possession of the defendant started or continued by virtue of lease or any contract, and that he held possession of the land after the expiration or termination of the contract. Demand to vacate is not required before the filing of the action because the occupancy is illegal; from the very beginning. Demand to vacate is necessary as a rule and within 1 year from the last demand on the defendant to vacate the property, the plaintiff may institute the complaint for ejectment. The one-year period within which to file the action is counted generally from the date of actual entry on the land by the defendant (ie, from the time of possession), Exception to this is when the entry is made by stealth, the period must be counted from the demand to vacate upon learning of the entry by stealth. Counted from the date of the last demand to vacate. When the demand to vacate is not heeded, then the unlawful withholding of possession begins. Source: Sec. 1, Rule 70; Tirona vs. Alejo, 367 SCRA 17; Heirs of Demeterio Melchor vs. Melchor, 415 SCRA 726; Sarmienta vs. Manalite Homeowners Assoc, 632 SCRA 538; Romullo vs. Samahang Magkakapitbahay, 632 SCRA 411; Peralta Labrador vs. Bugarin, 468 SCRA 308) Q: Who may institute the action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer? A: A person deprived of the possession of any land or building by force, intimidation, threat, strategy, or stealth, or a lessor, vendor, vendee, or other person against whom the possession of any land or building is unlawfully withheld after the expiration or termination of the right to hold possession, by virtue of any contract, express or implied, or the legal representatives or assigns of any such lessor, vendor, vendee, or other person, may, at any time within one (1) year after such unlawful deprivation or withholding of possession, bring an action in the proper Municipal Trial Court against the person or persons unlawfully withholding or depriving of possession, or any person or persons claiming under them, for the restitution of such possession, together with damages and costs. (Sec. 1, Rule 70) Q: Which court has jurisdiction over forcible entry and unlawful detainer cases? A: The action for forcible entry and unlawful detainer are within the exclusive and original jurisdiction of the MTC, MeTC, MCTC and shall be governed by the rules on summary procedure irrespective of the amount of damages or unpaid rentals sought to be recovered. (Sec. 33(2), BP 129 as amended; Sec. 3, Rule 70) Q: What are pleadings allowed in forcible entry and unlawful detainer? A: 1. Complaint; 2. Compulsory Counterclaim; 3. Cross-claim pleaded in the answer; and 4. Answers thereto. (Sec. 4, Rule 70) Q: What should be the action on the complaint? A: The court may, from an examination of the allegations in the complaint and such evidence as may be attached thereto, dismiss the case outright on any of the grounds for the dismissal of a civil action which are apparent therein. If no ground for dismissal is found, it shall forthwith issue summons. (Sec. 5, Rule 70) Q: What are prohibited pleadings and motions? A: 57 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo 1. Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, or failure to comply with section 12; 2. Motion for a bill of particulars; 3. Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment, or for reopening of trial; 4. Petition for relief from judgment; 5. Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other paper; 6. Memoranda; 7. Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any interlocutory order issued by the court; 8. Motion to declare the defendant in default; 9. Dilatory motions for postponement; 10. Reply; 11. Third-party complaints; 12. Interventions. (Sec. 13, Rule 70) Q: How to stay the immediate execution of judgment? A: If judgment is rendered against the defendant, execution shall issue immediately upon motion unless an appeal has been perfected and the defendant to stay execution files a sufficient supersedeas bond, approved by the Municipal Trial Court and executed in favor of the plaintiff to pay the rents, damages, and costs accruing down to the time of the judgment appealed from, and unless, during the pendency of the appeal, he deposits with the appellate court the amount of rent due from time to time under the contract, if any, as determined by the judgment of the Municipal Trial Court. In the absence of a contract, he shall deposit with the Regional Trial Court the reasonable value of the use and occupation of the premises for the preceding month or period at the rate determined by the judgment of the lower court on or before the tenth day of each succeeding month or period. The supersedeas bond shall be transmitted by the Municipal Trial Court, with the papers, to the clerk of the Regional Trial Court to which the action is appealed. All amounts so paid to the appellate court shall be deposited with said court or authorized government depositary bank, and shall be held there until the final disposition of the appeal, unless the court, by agreement of the interested parties, or in the absence of reasonable grounds of opposition to a motion to withdraw, or for justifiable reasons, shall decree otherwise. Should the defendant fail to make the payments above prescribed from time to time during the pendency of the appeal, the appellate court, upon motion of the plaintiff, and upon proof of such failure, shall order the execution of the judgment appealed from with respect to the restoration of possession, but such execution shall not be a bar to the appeal taking its course until the final disposition thereof on the merits. After the case is decided by the Regional Trial Court, any money paid to the court by the defendant for purposes of the stay of execution shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the judgment of the Regional Trial Court. In any case wherein it appears that the defendant has been deprived of the lawful possession of land or building pending the appeal by virtue of the execution of the judgment of the Municipal Trial Court, damages for such deprivation of possession and restoration of possession and restoration of possession may be allowed the defendant in the judgment of the Regional Trial Court disposing of the appeal. (Sec. 19, Rule 70) J. Contempt: Q: What are the kinds of contempt? A: Contempt of court is of two kinds, namely: direct contempt, which is committed in the presence of or so near the judge as to obstruct him in the administration of justice; and constructive or indirect contempt, which consists of willful disobedience of the lawful process or order of the court. The punishment for the first is generally summary and immediate, and no process or evidence is necessary because the act is committed in facie curiae. The inherent power of courts to punish contempt of court committed in the presence of the courts without further proof of facts and without aid of a trial is not open to question, considering that this power is essential to preserve their authority and to prevent the administration of justice from falling into disrepute; such summary conviction and punishment accord with due process of law. There is authority for the view, however, that an act, to constitute direct contempt punishable by summary proceeding, need not be committed in the immediate presence of the court, if it tends to obstruct justice or to interfere with the actions of the court in the courtroom itself. Also, contemptuous acts committed out of the presence of the court, if admitted by the contemnor in open court, may be punished summarily as a direct contempt, although it is advisable to proceed by requiring the person charged to appear and show cause why he should not be punished when the judge is without personal knowledge of the misbehavior and is informed of it only by a confession of the 58 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo contemnor or by testimony under oath of other persons. In contrast, the second usually requires proceedings less summary than the first. The proceedings for the punishment of the contumacious act committed outside the personal knowledge of the judge generally need the observance of all the elements of due process of law, that is, notice, written charges, and an opportunity to deny and to defend such charges before guilt is adjudged and sentence imposed. (Lorenzo Shipping Corp. vs. Distribution Management Assoc., GR no. 155849, August 31, 2011) Q: What is the remedy against direct contempt? A: The person adjudged in direct contempt by any court may not appeal therefrom, but may avail himself of the remedies of certiorari or prohibition. The execution of the judgment shall be suspended pending resolution of such petition, provided such person files a bond fixed by the court which rendered the judgment and conditioned that he will abide by and perform the judgment should the petition be decided against him. (Sec. 2, Rule 71; Canada vs. Suerte, 474 SCRA 379) Q: What is the remedy against indirect contempt? A: A person adjudged in direct contempt may appeal from the judgment or final order of the court in the same manner as in criminal cases. However, the appeal will have the effect of suspending the judgment if the person adjudgment in contempt does not file a bond in an amount fixed by the court from which the appeal is taken. This bond is conditioned upon his performance of the judgment or final order if the appeal is decided against him. (Sec. 11, Rule 71) Q: How to commence contempt proceedings? A: Proceedings for indirect contempt may be initiated motu propio by the court against which the contempt was committed by an order or any other formal charge requiring the respondent to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt. In all other cases, charges for indirect contempt shall be commenced by a verified petition with supporting particulars and certified true copies of documents or papers involved therein, and upon full compliance with the requirements for filing initiatory pleadings for civil actions in the court concerned. If the contempt charges arose out of or are related to a principal action pending in the court, the petition for contempt shall allege that fact but said petition shall be docketed, heard and decided separately, unless the court in its discretion orders the consolidation of the contempt charge and the principal action for joint hearing and decision. (Sec. 4, Rule 71, ROC) Q: What are acts punishable as indirect contempt? A: 1. Misbehavior of an officer of a court in the performance of his official duties or in his official transactions; 2. Disobedience of or resistance to a lawful writ, process, order, or judgment of a court, including the act of a person who, after being dispossessed or ejected from any real property by the judgment or process of any court of competent jurisdiction, enters or attempts or induces another to enter into or upon such real property, for the purpose of executing acts of ownership or possession, or in any manner disturbs the possession given to the person adjudged to be entitled thereto; 3. Any abuse of or any unlawful interference with the processes or proceedings of a court not constituting direct contempt under section 1 of this Rule; 4. Any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice; 5. Assuming to be an attorney or an officer of a court, and acting as such without authority; 6. Failure to obey a subpoena duly served; 7. The rescue, or attempted rescue, of a person or property in the custody of an officer by virtue of an order or process of a court held by him. (Sec. 3, Rule 71) Q: When shall imprisonment be imposed? A: When the contempt consists in the refusal or omission to do an act which is yet in the power of the respondent to perform, he may be imprisoned by order of the court concerned until he performs it. (Sec. 8, Rule 71). It is only the judge, who orders the confinement of a person for contempt of court, who can issue the Order of Release. (Inoturan vs. Limsiaco, Jr., 458 SCRA 48) Q: What is the rule regarding contempt against quasi-judicial bodies? A: Unless otherwise provided by law, this Rule shall apply to contempt committed against persons, 59 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph) lOMoARcPSD|10164137 REVIEWER IN CIVIL PROCEDURE By Aaron Lance C. Morillo entities, bodies or agencies exercising quasijudicial functions, or shall have suppletory effect to such rules as they may have adopted pursuant to authority granted to them by law to punish for contempt. The Regional Trial Court of the place wherein the contempt has been committed shall have jurisdiction over such charges as may be filed therefor. (Sec. 12, Rule 71). The NLRC (and the labor arbiters) may hold any offending party in contempt, directly or indirectly, and impose appropriate penalties in accordance with law. The penalty for direct contempt consists of either imprisonment or fine, the degree or amount depends on whether the contempt is against the Commission of the labor arbiter. (Art. 218, Labor Code). However, the LCP requires the labor arbiter or the NLRC to deal with indirect contempt in the manner prescribed under Rule 71, ROC. 60 Downloaded by KAREN JEAN SOLIDOR (solidorkaren@umindanao.edu.ph)