Rule 1 General Provisions

1. Civil action one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right,
or the prevention or redress of a wrong; may be ordinary or special
Criminal action one by which the state prosecutes a person for an act or omission
punishable by law
Special proceeding remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, a right, or a
particular fact
2. Rules of Court shall NOT be applicable to the following, except by analogy or in a suppletory
character, and whenever practicable and convenient
1. Election cases;
2. Land registration;
3. Cadastral proceedings;
4. Naturalization proceedings; and
5. Insolvency proceedings
Rule 2 Cause of Action
1. Cause of action an act or omission by which a party violates the right of another

2. Requisites of Joinder of Causes of Action:

1. The party joining the causes of action shall comply with the rules on joinder of parties;
2. The joinder shall NOT include special civil action or actions governed by special rules;
3. Where the causes of action are between the same parties but pertain to different venues or
jurisdiction, the joinder may be allowed in the RTC provided one of the causes of action falls
within the jurisdiction of the RTC and the venue lies therein;

3. 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.

4. Misjoinder of causes of action NOT a ground for dismissal; the action may, on motion or motu
proprio, be severed and proceeded with separately.
Rule 3 Parties to Civil Actions

1. Claims that Survive the Death of a Party:

1. Actions to recover real and personal property against the estate;

2. Actions to enforce liens thereon;
3. Actions to recover for injury to persons or property by reason of tort;
4. Actions to recover money arising from contract, express or implied.

2. Death of defendant in action on contractual money claims before judgment of RTC NOT ground
for dismissal. Action continues until entry of final judgment. Any judgment against estate of
deceased will be enforced as money claim. Writ of preliminary attachment, if any, not dissolved.

3. Requisites of Permissive Joinder of Parties:

 1. Right to relief arises out of the same transaction or series of transactions, whether jointly,
severally, or in the alternative;
2. There is a question of law or fact common to all the plaintiffs and defendants;
3. Such joinder is not otherwise proscribed by the provisions of the Rules on jurisdiction and
venue.

4. Requisites of a Class Suit:

1. Subject matter of the controversy is one of common or general interest to many persons;
2. Parties affected are so numerous that it is impracticable to bring them all to the court;
3. Parties bringing the class suit are sufficiently numerous or representative of the class and have
the legal capacity to file the action.

5. Transfer of Interest

Action may be continued by or against the original party, unless the court, on motion,
directs the transferee to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party; however, if
transfer is made before commencement of the action, the transferee must necessarily be the
party, since only he is the real party in interest.

Rule 4 Venue Of Actions

* Uniform rule on venue in RTC and MTC
1. Venue of real actions in the proper court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein real
property involved or a portion thereof is situated.
2. Venue for forcible entry and detainer actions in the MTC of the municipality or city
wherein the real property or a portion thereof is situated.
3. Venue of personal actions where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs resides, or
where the defendant or any of the principal defendants resides, or in the case of a non-resident
defendant where he may be found, at the election of the plaintiff.
NOTE: residence means place where party actually resides at time of action; does NOT mean
permanent home or domicile.

4. Action against non-resident not found in the Philippines

1. Action Affects the Plaintiffs Personal Status in the court of the place where the plaintiff
resides.
2. Action Affects Any Property of the Defendant in the Philippines where the property or any
portion thereof is situated or found.

5. Rules on Venue shall NOT apply:

1. In those case where a specific rule or law provides otherwise (e.g., civil case for damages in
cases of libel, where Article 360 of RPC provides specific rules on venue); OR
 2. Where the parties have validly agreed IN WRITING before the filing of the action on the
EXCLUSIVE venue thereof.

In this instance, the action can only be filed in the place agreed upon even if the other place is
the place of residence of the parties or the location of the real property involved.

Rule 5 Uniform Procedure in Trial Courts

1. The procedure in the MTCs shall be the same as that in the RTC.

2. Uniform Procedure shall NOT be applicable:

1. Where a particular provision expressly or impliedly applies only to either of said courts.
2. In civil cases governed by the Rule on Summary Procedure.
Rule 6 Kinds of Pleadings
1. Negative Defense specific denial of the material fact or facts alleged in the pleading of the
claimant essential to his cause of action.
2. Affirmative defense 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. Includes:
1. Fraud
2. Statute of limitations
3. Release
4. Payment
5. Illegality
6. Statue of frauds
7. Estoppel
8. Former recovery
9. Discharge in bankruptcy
10. Any other matter by way of confession or avoidance.
3. Compulsory counterclaim Requisites:
1. Arises out of or is necessarily connected with the transaction or occurrence which is the
subject matter of the opposing partys claim;
2. Does not require for its adjudication the presence of 3rd parties of whom the court cannot
acquire jurisdiction; and
3. Must be within the jurisdiction of the court both as to the nature and the amount, except that
in an ORIGINAL action in the RTC, the counterclaim may be considered regardless of the amount.
Agustin vs. Bacalang
A court (if MTC) has no jurisdiction to hear and determine a set-off or counterclaim in excess of its
jurisdiction. A counterclaim beyond the courts jurisdiction may only be pleaded by way of
defense, the purpose of which is to defeat or weaken the plaintiffs claim, but NOT to obtain
affirmative relief. MOREOVER, the amount of judgment obtained by the defendant on
appeal cannot exceed the jurisdiction of the court in which the action began. Since the trial
court did not acquire jurisdiction over the counterclaim in excess of the jurisdictional amount, the
appellate court likewise did not have jurisdiction over the same. In such a case, the award in
excess of the jurisdiction of the trial court is void.
Calo vs. Ajax

A counterclaim, even if otherwise compulsory, but amount exceeds the jurisdiction of the inferior
court, will only be considered permissive. Hence, fact that it is not set-up in the inferior court
will not bar plaintiff from instituting a separate action to prosecute it.

Rule 7 Parts of a Pleading

1. 1. Formal Requirements of Pleadings:
2. 2. Signature of the lawyer constitutes a certification by him that:
1. Caption
2. Title
3. Body divided into headings and paragraphs
4. Body divided into headings and paragraphs
5. Signature and address
6. Verification in some cases
1. He has read pleading
2. To the best of his knowledge, information, and belief, there is good ground to support it
3. It is not interposed for delay.

3. How a Pleading is Verified: By an affidavit stating that

1. Affiant (person verifying) has read the pleading

2. Allegations therein are true and correct as of his personal knowledge or based on authentic
records. (SC Circular 48-2000, effective May 1, 2000)

4. A pleading required to be verified which:

1. Contains a verification based on information and belief, OR

2. Contains a verification based on knowledge, information and belief, OR
3. Lacks a proper verification

Shall be treated as an unsigned pleading.

1. 5. What pleadings have to be verified:

1. Petition for relief from judgment (38.3)
2. Appeal by certiorari from CA to SC (45.1)
3. Complaint with prayer for preliminary attachment (57. 3)
4. Complaint for injunction (58.4)
5. Complaint for replevin (60.2)
6. Petition for certiorari (65.1)
7. Petition for prohibition (65.2)
 8. Petition for mandamus (65.3)
9. Complaint for forcible entry or unlawful detainer (70.4)
10. Petition for appointment of general guardian (93.2)
11. Petition for leave to sell or encumber property of estate or guardian (95.1)
12. Petition for declaration of competency of the ward (97.1)
13. Petition for habeas corpus (102.3)
14. Petition for change of name (103.2)
15. Petition for voluntary dissolution of a corporation (104.1)
16. Petition for cancellation or correction of entries in the civil registry (108.1)
17. Petition to take deposition in perpetuam rei memoriam (before action or pending appeal)
(24.2)
18. Motion to set aside a default order of an inferior court
19. Motion for dissolution of preliminary injunction on the ground of irreparable damage to the
movant while the adverse party can be fully compensated
20. Petition for appointment of receiver
21. Petition for review of the decision of an RTC in cases within the exclusive original jurisdiction
of the inferior court, by and elevated to the CA.
22. Pleadings that need not be verified but must be under oath:
23. Denial of the genuineness and due execution of an actionable document (8.8)
24. Denial of allegations of usury (8.11)
25. Answer to written interrogatories (25.2)
26. Answer to request for admission (26.2)
27. Notice of appeal from administrative tribunals to the CA

6. Supporting affidavits of merit required:

1. Motion to postpone for absence of evidence (30.3)

2. Motion to postpone for illness of a party or counsel (30.4)
3. Motion for summary judgment or opposition thereto (35.1,2,3,5)
4. Motion for new trial on the ground of FAME or opposition thereto (37.2)
5. Petition for relief from judgment (38.3)
6. Third-party claim (39.16)
7. Proof required of a redemptioner (39.30)
8. Motion for preliminary attachment (57.3)
9. Motion for dissolution of preliminary injunction (58.6)
10. Application for writ of replevin (60.2)
11. Claim against the estate of the decedent (86.9)
12. Motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence in criminal cases (121.4)

7. Certification against Forum-Shopping: Plaintiff or principal party shall certify under oath in
the complaint or other initiatory pleading or in a sworn certification annexed and filed therewith:
 1. That he has not commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any
court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency; to the best of his knowledge no such other claim or
action pending;
2. If there is such other pending action, a complete statement of the present status thereof;
3. If he should thereafter learn that same or similar action or claim is filed or pending, he shall
report the same within 5 days therefrom to the court where he filed his complaint.
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLY NOT CURABLE BY MERE AMENDMENT OF THE COMPLAINT OR PLEADING
BUT SHALL BE CAUSE FOR DISMISSAL OF THE CASE WITHOUT PREJUDICE; IF THE ACTS OF PARTY OR
COUNSEL CLEARLY CONSTITUTE WILLFUL & DELIBERATE FORUM SHOPPING, GROUND FOR SUMMARY
DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE AND CONSTITUTE DIRECT CONTEMPT.

For Forum-Shopping to exist, there must be:

1. Same transactions involved;

1. Same essential facts and circumstances; and
2. Actions raise identical cause of action, subject matter, and issues.
Rule 8 Manner of Making Allegations in Pleadings

1. Allegations of capacity

1. Capacity of party to sue or be sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a

representative capacity or the legal existence of an organized association that is made a party
must be averred;
2. To raise an issue as to the legal existence of a party or the capacity of a party in a
representative capacity, do so by specific denial, including such supporting particulars as are
peculiarly within the pleaders knowledge.

2. Action or defense based on document

1. Substance of such document set forth in the pleading;

2. Original or copy attached to the pleading as exhibit and deemed to be part of the pleading; OR
3. Copy may be set forth in the pleading with like effect.
1. 3. How to contest actionable document: Genuineness and due execution of instrument
deemed admitted unless adverse party:
1. Specifically denies them under oath;
2. Sets forth what he claims to be the facts.

Requirement of an oath does NOT apply:

1. When diverse party does not appear to be a party to the instrument; or

2. When compliance with an order for an inspection of the original instrument is refused.

Admission of genuineness and due execution:

 1. Party whose signature appears admits that he signed it, or that it was signed by another with
his authority
2. Was in words and figures as set out at the time it was signed
3. Document was delivered
4. Any formal requisites required by law which it lacks are waived by him

The following defenses are cut-off by admission of genuineness and due execution of the
document:

1. Signature is a forgery
2. Signature is unauthorized
3. Corporation is not authorized under its charter to sign the instrument
1. Party charged signed the instrument in some other capacity than that alleged in the
pleading setting it out
2. Document was never delivered.
3. 4. Specific Denial
1. Defendant must specify each material allegation of fact the truth of which he does not admit;
2. Defendant must set forth the substance of the matters upon which he relies to support his
denial, whenever practicable;
3. If denying only part of an averment, he shall specify so much of it as is true and material and
shall deny the remainder;
4. If defendant does not have knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth
of a material averment, he shall so state and this has effect of denial.
Negative pregnant a denial which at the same time involves an admission of the substantial
facts in the pleading responded to.

5. Allegations not specifically denied, other than those as to amount of unliquidated damages
deemed admitted.

Rule 9 Effect of Failure to Plead

1. General Rule: Defenses and objections not pleaded in answer or motion to dismiss are deemed
waived (Omnibus Motion Rule).

Exception: Court shall dismiss the claim, even without allegation in answer or motion to dismiss, if
any of the following appear from the pleadings or the evidence on record:
1. Lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter;
2. Litis pendentia between same parties for the same cause;
3. Res judicata
4. Action barred by statute of limitations.
1. 2. Declaration of Default
1. Defendant entitled to notice of motion to declare him in default and of order of default;
2. Motion to set aside order of default may be filed after notice and before judgment;
 3. Party may make motion, under oath, to set aside order of default upon proper showing that
failure to answer was due to FAME;
4. Effect of order of default party in default entitled to notice of subsequent proceedings but
not to take part in trial;
5. Partial default if several defending parties and not all in default, the court shall try the case
against all upon the answers thus filed and evidence presented;
6. After declaration of default, court may render judgment on the basis of the complaint or
require claimant to submit evidence;
7. Judgment against party in default shall not exceed the amount or differ in kind from that
prayed for nor award unliquidated damages;
8. No defaults in action for annulment or declaration of nullity of marriage or for legal separation.
Rule 10 Amended and Supplemental Pleadings

1. Amendments of pleadings may be made once as a matter of right:

1. At any time before responsive pleading is served

2. In the case of a reply, anytime within 10 days after service.

Plaintiff may amend complaint as a matter of right even after defendant files a Motion to
Dismiss, since the same is not a responsive pleading.

1. 2. Substantial amendments may be made only with leave of court, except as provided above.
2. 3. An amended pleading supersedes the pleading that it amends but admissions in superseded
pleadings may be received in evidence against the pleader. (NOT judicial admissions anymore;
thus, must be formally offered)
3. 4. Claims and defenses alleged in original but not incorporated in the amended pleading shall
be deemed waived.

5. Amended and Supplemental pleadings distinguished:

Amended Supplemental

Refers to facts existing at the time of the Refers to facts arising after the filing of the
commencement of the action original pleading

Results in the withdrawal of the original Merely an addition, and does NOT result in
pleading the withdrawal of, the original pleading

Can sometimes be made as a matter of right Always filed with leave of court

Rule 11 When to File Responsive Pleadings

1. 1. Answer to complaint 15 days from service, unless different period fixed by the courts;
2. 2. Answer of defendant foreign private juridical entity when service of summons is made on
the government official designated by law, answer to be filed within 30 days from receipt of
summons by such entity.
 3. 3. Answer to amended complaint if amended as a matter of right, 15 days from being served
with copy thereof

If amended not as a matter of right, 10 days from notice of order admitting the same

Answer earlier filed may be answer to amended complaint, if no new answer is filed

Applicable to amended counterclaim, cross, third, etc,

1. 4. Answer to counterclaim or cross-claim within 10 days from service.

2. 5. Answer to 3rd party complaint 15 days from service
3. 6. Reply may be filed within 10 days from service of the pleading responded to.
Rule 12 Bill of Particulars
1. 1. Bill of particulars
1. Period of filing motion before responding to a pleading; if pleading is a reply, within 10 days
from service thereof;
2. Order for bill must be complied with in 10 days from notice OR period fixed by court
3. After service of bill or denial of motion party has balance of time he was entitled to file
responsive pleading, but not less than 5 days

Motion for Bill of Particulars may NOT call for matters which form part of the proof of the
complaint. Thus, motion should not be granted if the complaint, while not very definite,
nonetheless already states a sufficient cause of action.

Rule 13 Filing and Service of Pleadings, Judgments and Other Papers

1. 1. Kinds of service of pleadings:
1. Personal service to be done whenever practicable (Most preferred mode)
2. Service by mail (ordinary if no registered mail)
3. Substituted service (delivering copy to clerk of court with proof of failure of 1 st 2 modes)
Except with respect to papers emanating from the court, a resort to other modes must be
accompanied by a written explanation why the service or filing was not done personally.

Violation of rule may be cause to consider the paper as not filed.

1. 2. Kinds of service of final orders:

1. Personal
2. Registered mail
3. Publication (if summons by publication)

3. Proof of personal service

1. Written admission of party served;

2. Official return of the server; or
3. Affidavit of party serving, containing a full statement of the date, place and manner of service.
Rule 14 Summons
 1. 1. Contents of summons
2. 2. Kinds of service of summons:
3. Handing a copy to the defendant in person; OR
1. If he refuses to receive and sign for it, by tendering it to him
2. Substituted:
1. Leave copies at his residence, with person of suitable age and discretion
residing therein; OR
2. Leave copies at defendants office/regular place of business, with competent
person in charge thereof.
3. 3. By whom served:
4. 4. When extraterritorial service allowed:
5. 5. Kinds of extra territorial service
6. 6. When service by publication in a newspaper of general publication
allowed:
1. Signed by the clerk under the seal of the court
2. Name of the court and that parties to the action
3. Direction that the defendant answer within the time fixed by these rules
4. Notice that unless defendant so answers, plaintiff will take judgment by default
1. Personal:
3. By publication
1. Sheriff
2. Other proper court officer
3. Any suitable person specially authorized by the judge
1. Defendant is a non-resident and is not found in the Philippines and action affects plaintiffs
personal status
2. Subject of action is property within the Philippines in which the defendant has or claims a lien
or interest
3. Where relief demanded consists in whole or in part in excluding the defendant from any
interest in such property
4. When property of defendant has been attached within the Philippines
1. Personal service
2. Publication and summons sent by registered mail to last known address
3. Any other matter the court may deem sufficient
1. Identity of defendant unknown
2. Whereabouts of defendant unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry
(a) and (b), applies to ANY action, even actions in personam
3. Defendant is non-resident and the suit is quasi in rem
4. Defendant is temporarily out of the country and the suit is quasi in rem
1. 7. Service upon private domestic juridical entity refers to corporation, partnership, or
association organized under Phil. Laws with a juridical personality:
2. 8. Service upon private foreign juridical entity transacting business in the Phils:
1. President
2. Managing partner
3. General manager
 4. Corporate secretary
5. Treasurer
6. In-house counsel
1. Resident agent designated in accord with Law
2. If no such agent, on government official designated by law OR
3. On any of its officers or agents within the Phils
NOTE: IF NO RESIDENT AGENT, SERVICE OF SUMMONSES AND PROCESSES ON THE SEC.
1. 9. Newspaper of general circulation (RA 4883, PD 1079)
1. Published for the dissemination of local news and general information
2. Has a bona fide subscription list of subscribers
3. Published at regular intervals
4. Not published for nor devoted to the interest of a particular group of persons
5. Must have been regularly published for at least 2 years before the date of the publication in
question.

Mere filing of an answer per se should not be automatically treated as a voluntary appearance
by the defendant for the purpose of sumons. It should be noted that when the appearance of the
defendant is precisely to object to the jurisdiction of the court over his person, it cannot be
considered as an appearance in court.

Rule 15 Motions
1. 1. All motions must be in writing except:
2. 2. Exceptions to the three-day notice rule:
1. Those made in open court; OR
2. Those made in the course of a hearing or trial.
1. Ex parte motion
2. Urgent motion
3. When court sets hearing on shorter notice for good cause
4. Motion for summary judgment (must be served at least 10 days before the hearing)
A prudent judge would, in the absence of the opposing party in the hearing of a motion,
inquire from the other party or inquire from the records the proof of the service of notice rather
than proceed with the hearing. He should not rely on a partys undertaking to notify the adverse
party of a scheduled hearing. The judge must demand what the rule requires, i.e., proof of such
notice on the adverse party. Otherwise, a contentious motion should be considered a mere scrap
of paper which should not have even been received for filing.

Subsequent service of the motion on the adverse party may be considered substantial
compliance with the Rule 15, 6. Failure to attach to the motion proof of service thereof to the
adverse party is not fatal when the adverse party had actually received a copy of the motion and
was in fact present in court when the motion was heard.

Rule 16 Motion to Dismiss

 1. 1. Motion to Dismiss must be filed within the time for and before the filing of an answer to
complaint.
2. 2. Grounds for motion to dismiss:
1. Court has no jurisdiction over the person of the defendant- unlike old rule, inclusion in motion
to dismiss of other grounds aside from lack of jurisdiction over the person does NOT constitute a
waiver of the said ground or voluntary appearance;
2. Court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claim;
3. Venue is improperly laid;
4. Plaintiff has no legal capacity to sue;
5. There is another action pending between the same parties for the same cause;
Requisites of litis pendentia:
1. Identity of parties/interest
2. Identity of rights asserted and prayed for/relief founded on the same facts;
3. Identity of the 2 cases (such that judgment in one would amount to res judicata in the other)
6. Cause of action is barred by a prior judgment or by statute of limitations;
Requisites of res judicata:
1. Final judgment or order
2. Rendered by court of competent jurisdiction
3. On the merits (even without trial, such as cases decided by Judgment on the Pleadings,
Summary Judgment, or dismissed for failure to prosecute or for refusal to obey an order of the
court)
4. Identity of the parties
7. Pleading asserting claim states no cause of action;
8. Claim or demand in the plaintiffs pleading has been paid, waived, abandoned, extinguished;
9. Claim on which action is founded is unenforceable under the statute of frauds;
10. Condition precedent for filing has not been complied with (this includes prior recourse to
barangay conciliation, or failure to make attempts to reach a compromise in cases between
members of the same family)

The court shall not defer the resolution of the motion for the reason that the ground relied
upon is not indubitable.

3. Actions that court may take on a Motion to Dismiss:

1. Grant it remedy: appeal

2. Deny NOT appealable; but may avail of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus
3. Order amendment of the pleading

4. If denied, defendant must file answer within the balance of the 15-day period, but not less
than 5 days from the time he received notice of the denial;

5. Subject to the right to appeal, dismissal based on the following grounds will be bar to refiling:

1. a. Res judicata
 2. Extinguishment of claim or demand
3. Prescription
4. Unenforceability under the Statute of Frauds

6. The dismissal of the complaint shall be without prejudice to the prosecution in the same or
separate action of a counterclaim pleaded in the answer.

A motion to dismiss on the ground of failure to state a cause of action in the complaint must
hypothetically admit the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint. The admission, however, is
limited only to all material and relevant facts which are well pleaded in the complaint. The
demurrer does not admit the truth of mere epithets charging fraud; nor allegations of legal
conclusions; nor an erroneous statement of law; nor matters of evidence; nor to legally impossible
facts.

Rule 17 Dismissal of Actions

1. 1. Dismissal by the plaintiff
1. Notice of dismissal any time before service of the answer or a motion for summary judgment;
Dismissal is without prejudice EXCEPT on 2nd notice of dismissal, which operates as adjudication
on the merits when filed by same plaintiff who has once dismissed an action based on or including
said claim.
1. If answer or motion for summary judgment already served, dismissal by a Motion for Dismissal,
which shall require approval of the court; shall be without prejudice unless otherwise specified
by the court

If counterclaim has been pleaded by a defendant prior to the service upon him of plaintiffs
motion to dismiss, dismissal is limited to the complaint; dismissal is without prejudice to
defendants right to prosecute counterclaim in a separate action or, if he makes a manifestation
within 15 days from notice of the motion, to prosecute CC in same action.

1. 2. Dismissal due to plaintiffs fault the following must be without justifiable cause
1. If plaintiff fails to appear on the date of presentation of his evidence in chief;
2. Plaintiff fails to prosecute claim for an unreasonable length of time
3. Plaintiff fails to comply with the Rules of Court or any order of the court
Complaint may be dismissed upon defendants motion or motu proprio.

Unless otherwise declared by the court, dismissal has effect of adjudication upon the merits.

RULE ON SEVERANCE OF COMPULSORY CC: Dismissal of principal action upon plaintiffs motion or
due to plaintiffs fault does not necessarily carry with it the dismissal of the compulsory CC;
defendant is also given option to prosecute the same in same or separate action.
1. 3. Dismissal of counterclaim, cross-claim, or 3rd-party complaint must be made by claimant
before a responsive pleading or a motion for summary judgment is served, or if there is none,
before the introduction of evidence.
 Rule 18 Pre-Trial

1. What to consider in pre-trial (with notice to counsel or party without counsel)

1. Possibility of amicable settlement or arbitration

2. Simplification of the issues
3. Amendments to the pleadings
4. Stipulations or admissions of facts and documents
5. Limitation of number of witnesses
6. Preliminary reference of issues to a commissioner
7. Propriety of judgment on the pleadings, summary judgments, or dismissal of action
8. Other matters for the prompt disposition of the action
1. 2. It is the duty of the plaintiff to move ex parte for the setting of the case for pre-trial.
However, if plaintiff answers the defendants counterclaim, it will be the latters duty to set the
pre-trial.
2. 3. Failure of plaintiff to appear shall be cause for dismissal of the action. Non-appearance of
defendant is cause to allow plaintiff to present evidence ex parte and the court to render
judgment on basis thereof.
3. 4. Non-appearance of party excused only if:
1. 5. Must file pre-trial brief so as to ensure that other party receives it at least 3 days
before pre-trial. Failure to file brief has same effects as failure to appear at pre-trial.
2. 6. Proceedings recorded, and court shall issue an order reciting in detail matters
taken up.
1. A valid cause is shown therefor OR
2. If representative shall appear in his behalf fully authorized in writing to enter into an amicable
settlement, to submit to alternative modes of dispute resolution, and to enter into stipulations
or admissions of facts and of documents,
Rule 19 Intervention
1. 1. Grounds for intervention
2. 2. Motion may be filed at any time before rendition of judgment.
1. 3. Answer to complaint-in-intervention must be filed within 15 days from notice of
court admitting the complaint.
2. 4. Motion for intervention will be granted if it will not unduly delay or prejudice
adjudication of rights or original parties and if the intervenors rights may be fully
protected in separate proceedings.
3. 5. Complaint in intervention is merely collateral to the principal action. Hence, it
will be dismissed if main action is dismissed.
4. 6. A complaint in intervention that seeks affirmative relief prevents a plaintiff from
taking a voluntary dismissal of the main action. Such a case is not subject to dismissal
upon intervenors petition showing him to be entitled to affirmative relief. The petition
will be preserved and heard regardless of the disposition of the main action.
1. Legal interest in the matter in litigation
2. Interest in the success of either or both parties or interest against both
3. Party is so situated as to be adversely affected by the distribution of the court
 4. Disposition of property in the custody of the court or of an officer thereof.
Rule 20 Calendar of Cases

1. Calendar of cases to be kept by clerk of court for cases set for pre-trial, trial, those whose
trials adjourned or postponed and those with motions set for hearings.

1. 2. Preference given to habeas corpus, election cases, special civil actions and those so
required by law.

Rule 21 Subpoena

1. 1. Subpoena issued by:

1. The court before whom witness is required to attend;
2. The court of the place where the deposition is to be taken;
3. The officer or body authorized by law to do so in connection with its investigations;
4. Any Justice of the SC or CA in any case or investigation pending within the Phils

2. No prisoner sentenced to death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment and who is confined
in any penal institution shall be brought outside said institution for appearance or attendance in
any court unless authorized by the SC.

1. 3. Grounds for quashing subpoena duces tecum

2. 4. Ground for quashing subpoena ad testificandum
1. It is unreasonable or oppressive
2. The articles sought to be produced do not appear to be relevant
3. Person asking for subpoena does not advance cost of production
1. The witness is not bound thereby if witness resides more than 100 km from the place where
he is to travel by the ordinary course of travel, or if he is a detention prisoner and no permission
is obtained from the court in which his case is pending

This is known as the viatory right of the witness; NOTE, however, that the right is available
only in CIVIL cases

2. Witness fees and kilometrage allowed by rules not tendered when subpoena served.
1. 5. Service of subpoena made in the same manner as personal or substituted service of
summons.
2. 6. Person present in court before a judicial officer may be required to testify as if he were in
attendance upon a subpoena.
3. 7. Failure by any person without adequate cause to obey a subpoena served upon him shall
be deemed a contempt of the court from which subpoena issued.

Rule 22 Computation of Time

 1. 1. Computing for any period of time: day of the act or event from which designated period
of time begins to run is to be excluded and the date of performance included.
2. 2. If last day of period falls on Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in place where court sits, the
time shall not run until the next working day.
3. 3. If there is effective interruption of period, it shall start to run on the day after notice of
the cessation of the cause of the interruption. The day of the act that caused the interruption is
excluded in the computation of the period.

Rule 23 Depositions Pending Action

DEPOSITIONS DE BENE ESSE taken for purposes of pending action

1. 1. Depositions pending action

1. 2. Scope of examination deponent may be examined regarding any matter not
privileged relevant to the subject of the action
2. 3. Examination and cross-examination proceeds as in trials
3. 4. Depositions and Affidavits distinguished
1. Taken by leave of court after court obtains jurisdiction over any defendant or property subject
of the action
2. Taken without leave after an answer has been served
3. Upon the instance of any party
4. May be deposition upon oral examination or written interrogatories

Depositions Affidavits
Written testimony of witness in course of
judicial proceedings, in advance of trial and
hearing Mere sworn written statements

Opportunity for cross-examination No cross-examination

Can be competent testimonial evidence Little probative value (hearsay)

1. 5. Use of depositions

Any part or all of a deposition which is admissible in evidence may be used against any party
who was present or represented during the taking of the deposition or who had notice thereof as
follows:

May be used
Deposition of by
Purpose
 To contradict or impeach the
A witness Any party deponents testimony as a witness

Any party, or anyone who at

the time of taking the
deposition was an officer,
director, or managing agent
of a public or private
corporation An adverse party For any purpose

For any purpose, IF court finds that:

1. Witness is dead;
2. b. Witness resides at a
distance more than 100 km from
place of trial, UNLESS absence
procured by party offering the
deposition
3. c. Witness is unable to
testify because of age, sickness,
infirmity, or imprisonment;
4. d. Party offering the
deposition has been unable to
procure the attendance of the
witness by subpoena; OR
5. e. Other exceptional
Of any witness, whether a
circumstances make it desirable
party or not Any party
to allow deposition to be used.

Deponent is made the witness of the party offering the deposition.

If only part of the deposition is introduced, adverse party may require that all of it which is
relevant to the part introduced be introduced.

6. Persons before whom depositions may be taken

a. Within the Philippines

1. Judge
2. Notary public
3. Any person authorized to administer oaths if the parties so stipulate in writing

b. In foreign countries
 1. On notice, before a secretary of any embassy or legation, consul-general, consul, vice-consul,
consular agent of the Phils
1. Before such person or officer as may be appointed by commission or under letters-
rogatories
2. Any person authorized to administer oaths if the parties so stipulate.

Commission addressed to any authority in a foreign country authorized therein to take down
depositions; the taking of such depositions is subject to the rules laid down by the court issuing
the commission

Letters Rogatory addressed to judicial authority in the foreign country; the taking of the
depositions is subject to the rules laid down by such foreign judicial authority.

7. Persons disqualified to take depositions

1. Relative within 6th degree of consanguinity or affinity of any party

2. Employee of any party
3. Counsel of any party
4. Relative within the same degree of partys counsel
5. Employee of partys counsel
6. Anyone financially interested in the action

8. Depositions upon written interrogatories

Party desiring to take such deposition shall serve them upon every other party with a notice
stating the name and address of the person who is to answer them and the name and descriptive
title of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken;

Party so served may serve cross-interrogatories upon the proponent within 10 days thereafter

Re-direct interrogatories served within 5 days

Re-cross interrogatories served within 3 days

9. Effects of errors and irregularities in the depositions

1. As to notice waived unless written objection is promptly served upon the party giving the
notice
2. As to disqualification of officer waived unless made before the taking of the deposition begins
or as soon thereafter as the disqualification becomes known or could be discovered with
reasonable diligence
 3. As to competency or relevancy of evidence NOT waived by failure to make them before or
during the taking of the deposition, unless ground is one which might have been obviated or
removed if presented at that time
4. As to oral exam and other particulars Errors occurring at the oral exam in the manner of
taking the deposition, in the form of questions and answers, in oath or affirmation, or in conduct
of parties, and errors of any kind which might be obviated, removed, cured if promptly
prosecuted are waived unless reasonable objection is made at the taking of the deposition.
5. As to form of written interrogatories waived unless served in writing upon party propounding
them within the time allowed for serving succeeding cross or other interrogatories and within 3
days after the service of the last interrogatories authorized.
6. As to manner of preparation errors as to manner in which the testimony is transcribed or the
deposition is prepared, signed, certified, sealed, indorsed, transmitted, filed or otherwise dealt
with by the officer are waived unless a motion to suppress the deposition or some part of it is
made with reasonable promptness after such defect is, or with due diligence might have been,
ascertained.

A deposition, in keeping with its nature as a mode of discovery, should be taken before and not
during trial. IN fact, the rules on criminal practice particularly on the defense of alibi states
that when a person intends to rely on such a defense, that person must move for the taking of the
deposition of his witness within the time provided for filing a pre-trial motion.

Rule 24 Depositions Pending Action

DEPOSITIONS IN PERPETUAM REI MEMORIAM taken to perpetuate evidence for purposes of an

anticipated action or further proceedings in a case or appeal.

1. 1. Depositions before action

A person desiring to perpetuate his own testimony or that of another person regarding any matter
that may be cognizable in any court of the Phils may file a verified petition in the court of the
place of the residence of any expected adverse party, which petition shall be entitled in the name
of the petitioner and shall show:

1. That petitioner expects to be a party to an action in a court of the Phils but is presently unable
to bring it or cause it to be brought;
2. The subject matter of the expected action and his interest therein;
3. The facts which he desires to establish by the proposed testimony and his reasons for desiring
to perpetuate it;
 4. The names or description of the persons he expects will be the adverse parties and their
addresses so far as known;
5. The name and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony
which he expects to elicit from each.
1. 2. Use of deposition

If deposition to perpetuate testimony is taken under this rule or if not so taken is still admissible
in evidence may be used in any action involving the same subject matter subsequent brought in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 23.

Rule 25 Interrogatories to Parties

1. Interrogatories and the answers thereto should be filed in court and served on adverse parties,
so that the answers may constitute judicial admissions.
2. Effect of failure to serve written interrogatories a party not served with such may NOT be
compelled by the adverse party to give testimony in open court or deposition pending appeal.

Rule 26 Admission by Adverse Party

1. 1. Request for admission

A written request for the admission of the other party of the genuineness of any material or
document or request for the truth of any material and relevant matter of fact set forth in the
request may be filed and served upon the other party at any time after issues have been joined.

1. 2. Implied admission

Each of the matter requested to be admitted shall be deemed admitted within a period
designated in the request, which shall not be less than 15 days after service thereof or within such
further time as the court may allow on motion, UNLESS, party requested serves upon the party
requesting a sworn statement either specifically denying or setting forth in detail the reasons why
he cannot truthfully either admit or deny those matters.

1. 3. Effect of admission

Admission is only for the purpose of the pending action and shall NOT constitute an admission for
any other person nor may it be used against him in any other proceeding.

1. 4. A party who fails to file and serve a request for admission on the adverse party of material
facts within the personal knowledge of the latter shall not be permitted to present evidence
thereon,

Rule 27 Production or Inspection of Documents or Things

 1. Any party may move for the court in which the action is pending to order any party to:
1. Produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing of any designated
documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things, not
privileged, which:
1. Constitute or contain evidence material to any matter involved in the action
AND
2. Are in his possession, custody or control.
3. Permit entry upon 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.
2. The order:
1. Shall specify the time, place and manner of making the inspection and taking copies
AND
2. May prescribe such terms and conditions which are just.

Rule 28 Physical and Mental Examination of Persons

1. If the mental or physical condition of a party is in controversy, the court may order him to
submit to a physical or mental examination by a physician.
2. The party examined waives any privilege he may have in that action regarding the testimony of
the person who has examined or may examine him with respect to that same mental or physical
examination by:
1. Requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so ordered OR
2. Taking the deposition of the examiner.

Rule 29 Refusal to Comply with the Modes of Discovery

1. If a party/deponent refused to answer:

1. The examination may be completed on other matters

2. The examination may be adjourned
3. The proponent may apply to the court for order to compel answer

The court may then order:

1. The refusing party or his counsel to pay the expenses incurred in obtaining the order, including
the attorneys fees (if it finds the refusal to answer without substantial justification)
2. The proponent or his counsel to pay the expenses incurred in opposing the application,
including attorneys fees (if it finds the application to be without substantial justification)

2. If a party/witness refuses to be sworn or to answer after being directed to do so by the court,

the refusal may be considered contempt of that court.

1. If a party/officer or managing agent of a party refuses to obey an order requiring him:

a. To answer designated questions

b. To produce a thing for inspection or to permit entry upon property

1. To submit to a physical or mental examination

the court may order:

1. That the matters regarding which the questions were asked, or the character of the land or the
thing, or the physical and mental condition of the party be taken to be established.
2. The disallowance of the disobedient partys claims
3. The prohibition of the disobedient party to present evidence
4. The striking out of the pleadings or parts thereof
5. The dismissal of the action or parts thereof
6. Rendering judgment by default against the disobedient party OR
7. The arrest of any party or agent EXCEPT in disobeying an order to submit to a physical or
mental examination.

4. If a party refuses to attend or serve answers, the court may:

1. Strike out all or any part of any pleading of that party.

2. Dismiss the action or any part thereof.
3. Enter a judgment by default against that party, OR/AND
4. Order that party to pay reasonable expenses incurred, including attorneys fees.

5. The Republic of the Philippines cannot be required to pay expenses and attorneys fees under
this Rule.

Rule 30 Trial

1. 1. Order of trial

Trial shall be limited to the issues stated in the pre-trial order and shall proceed as follows:

1. The plaintiff shall adduce evidence in support of his complaint;

2. The defendant shall adduce evidence in support of his defense, counterclaim, cross-claim, and
third-party complaint;
3. The 3rd-party defendant, if any, shall adduce evidence of his defense, counterclaim, cross-
claim, and 4th party complaint;
4. The 4th 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;
 6. The parties may then respectively adduce rebutting evidence only, unless the court, for good
reasons and in the furtherance of justice, permits them to adduce evidence upon their original
case; and
7. 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 further
pleadings.
1. 2. Judge should personally receive evidence EXCEPT that in default or ex parte hearings and
in any case where the parties so agree in writing, the court may delegate the reception of
evidence to its clerk of court who is a member of the bar. The clerk shall have no power to rule
on objections to any question or to the admission of exhibits, which objections shall be resolved
by the court upon submission of his report and the transcripts within 10 days from the
termination of the hearing.

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