RULES OF COURT

_________
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(5) of Article !!! of the Constitution" the Supre#e Court
here$% a&opts an& pro#ul'ates the follo(in' rules concernin' the protection an& enforce#ent of
constitutional ri'hts" plea&in'" practice an& proce&ure in all courts" the a&#ission to the practice
of la(" the !nte'rate& )ar" an& le'al assistance to the un&erprivile'e&*
RULE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECT!O+ ,- Title of the Rules-.These Rules shall $e /no(n an& cite& as the Rules of Court-
(,)
SEC- 0- In what courts applicable-.These rules shall appl% in all courts" e1cept as other(ise
provi&e& $% the Supre#e Court- (n)
SEC- 2- Cases governed-.These Rules shall 'overn the proce&ure to $e o$serve& in actions"
civil or cri#inal" an& special procee&in's-
(a) A civil action is one $% (hich a part% sues another for the enforce#ent or protection
of a ri'ht" or the prevention or re&ress of a (ron'- (,a" R0)
A civil action #a% either $e or&inar% or special- )oth are 'overne& $% the rules for or&inar%
civil actions" su$3ect to the specific rules prescri$e& for a special civil action- (n)
($) A cri#inal action is one $% (hich the State prosecutes a person for an act or o#ission
punisha$le $% la(- (n)
(c) A special procee&in' is a re#e&% $% (hich a part% see/s to esta$lish a status" a
ri'ht" or a particular fact- (0a" R0)
SEC- 4- In what cases not applicable-.These Rules shall not appl% to election cases" lan&
re'istration" ca&astral" naturali5ation an& insolvenc% procee&in's" an& other cases not herein
provi&e& for" e1cept $% analo'% or in a suppletor% character an& (henever practica$le an&
convenient- (R,42a)
SEC- 5- Commencement of action-.A civil action is co##ence& $% the filin' of the ori'inal
co#plaint in court- !f an a&&itional &efen&ant is i#plea&e& in a later plea&in'" the action is
co##ence& (ith re'ar& to hi# on the &ate of the filin' of such later plea&in'" irrespective of
(hether the #otion for its a&#ission" if necessar%" is &enie& $% the court- (6a)
SEC- 6- Construction-.These Rules shall $e li$erall% construe& in or&er to pro#ote their
o$3ective of securin' a 3ust" spee&% an& ine1pensive &isposition of ever% action an& procee&in'-
(0a)
PART !
C!!L ACT!O+S
ORDINARY CIVIL ACTIONS
RULE 2
CAUSE OF ACTION
SECT!O+ ,- Ordinary civil actions, basis of..Ever% or&inar% civil action #ust $e $ase& on a
cause of action- (n)
SEC- 0- Cause of action, defined-.A cause of action is the act or o#ission $% (hich a part%
violates a ri'ht of another- (n)
SEC- 2- One suit for a single cause of action-.A part% #a% not institute #ore than one suit for
a sin'le cause of action- (2a)
SEC- 4- Splitting a single cause of action; effect of..!f t(o or #ore suits are institute& on the
$asis of the sa#e cause of action" the filin' of one or a 3u&'#ent upon the #erits in an% one is
availa$le as a 'roun& for the &is#issal of the others- (4a)
SEC- 5- oinder of causes of action..A part% #a% in one plea&in' assert" in the alternative or
other(ise" as #an% causes of action as he #a% have a'ainst an opposin' part%" su$3ect to the
follo(in' con&itions*
(a) The part% 3oinin' the causes of action shall co#pl% (ith the rules on 3oin&er of
parties7
($) The 3oin&er shall not inclu&e special civil actions or actions 'overne& $% special rules7
(c) 8here the causes of action are $et(een the sa#e parties $ut pertain to &ifferent
venues or 3uris&ictions" the 3oin&er #a% $e allo(e& in the Re'ional Trial Court provi&e& one of
the causes of action falls (ithin the 3uris&iction of sai& court an& the venue lies therein7 an&
(&) 8here the clai#s in all the causes of action are principall% for recover% of #one%" the
a''re'ate a#ount clai#e& shall $e the test of 3uris&iction- (5a)
SEC- 6- !is"oinder of causes of action-.9is3oin&er of causes of action is not a 'roun& for
&is#issal of an action- A #is3oine& cause of action #a%" on #otion of a part% or on the initiative
of the court" $e severe& an& procee&e& (ith separatel%- (n)
RULE 3
PARTIES TO CIVIL ACTIONS
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may be parties; plaintiff and defendant-.Onl% natural or 3uri&ical persons"
or entities authori5e& $% la( #a% $e parties in a civil action- The ter# :plaintiff; #a% refer to
the clai#in' part%" the counter<clai#ant" the cross<clai#ant" or the thir& (fourth etc-).part%
plaintiff- The ter# :&efen&ant; #a% refer to the ori'inal &efen&in' part%" the &efen&ant in a
counterclai#" the cross<&efen&ant" or the thir& (fourth" etc-).part% &efen&ant- (,a)
SEC- 0- $arties in interest-.A real part% in interest is the part% (ho stan&s to $e $enefite& or
in3ure& $% the 3u&'#ent in the suit" or the part% entitle& to the avails of the suit- Unless
other(ise authori5e& $% la( or these Rules" ever% action #ust $e prosecute& or &efen&e& in the
na#e of the real part% in interest- (0a)-
SEC- 2- Representatives as parties- .8here the action is allo(e& to $e prosecute& or &efen&e&
$% a representative or so#eone actin' in a fi&uciar% capacit%" the $eneficiar% shall $e inclu&e& in
the title of the case an& shall $e &ee#e& to $e the real part% in interest- A representative #a% $e
a trustee of an e1press trust" a 'uar&ian" an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" or a part% authori5e& $%
la( or these Rules- An a'ent actin' in his o(n na#e an& for the $enefit of an un&isclose&
principal #a% sue or $e sue& (ithout 3oinin' the principal e1cept (hen the contract involves
thin's $elon'in' to the principal- (2a)
SEC- 4- Spouses as parties-.=us$an& an& (ife shall sue or $e sue& 3ointl%" e1cept as provi&e&
$% la(- (4a)
SEC- 5- !inor or incompetent persons-.A #inor or a person alle'e& to $e inco#petent" #a%
sue or $e sue&" (ith the assistance of his father" #other" 'uar&ian" or if he has none" a 'uar&ian
ad litem- (5a)
SEC- 6- $ermissive "oinder of parties..All persons in (ho# or a'ainst (ho# an% ri'ht to
relief in respect to or arisin' out of the sa#e transaction or series of transactions is alle'e& to
e1ist" (hether 3ointl%" severall%" or in the alternative" #a% e1cept as other(ise provi&e& in these
Rules" 3oin as plaintiffs or $e 3oine& as &efen&ants in one co#plaint" (here an% >uestion of la(
or fact co##on to all such plaintiffs or to all such &efen&ants #a% arise in the action7 $ut the
court #a% #a/e such or&ers as #a% $e 3ust to prevent an% plaintiff or &efen&ant fro# $ein'
e#$arrasse& or put to e1pense in connection (ith an% procee&in's in (hich he #a% have no
interest- (6)
SEC- ?- Compulsory "oinder of indispensable parties-.Parties in interest (ithout (ho# no
final &eter#ination can $e ha& of an action shall $e 3oine& either s plaintiffs or &efen&ants- (?)
SEC- @- %ecessary party-.A necessar% part% is one (ho is not in&ispensa$le $ut (ho ou'ht to
$e 3oine& as a part% if co#plete relief is to $e accor&e& as to those alrea&% parties" or for a
co#plete &eter#ination or settle#ent of the clai# su$3ect of the action- (@a)
SEC- A- %on&"oinder of necessary parties to be pleaded-.8henever in an% plea&in' in (hich a
clai# is asserte& a necessar% part% is not 3oine&" the plea&er shall set forth his na#e" if /no(n"
an& shall state (h% he is o#itte&- Shoul& the court fin& the reason for the o#ission
un#eritorious" it #a% or&er the inclusion of the o#itte& necessar% part% if 3uris&iction over his
person #a% $e o$taine&-
The failure to co#pl% (ith the or&er for his inclusion" (ithout 3ustifia$le cause" shall $e &ee#e&
a (aiver of the clai# a'ainst such part%-
The non<inclusion of a necessar% part% &oes not prevent the court fro# procee&in' in the action"
an& the 3u&'#ent ren&ere& therein shall $e (ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'hts of such necessar%
part%- (@a" Aa)
SEC- ,B- 'nwilling co&plaintiff-. !f the consent of an% part% (ho shoul& $e 3oine& as plaintiff
can not $e o$taine& " he #a% $e #a&e a &efen&ant an& the reason therefor shall $e state& in the
co#plaint- (,B)
SEC- ,,- !is"oinder and non&"oinder of parties-.+either #is3oin&er nor non<3oin&er of parties
is 'roun& for &is#issal of an action- Parties #a% $e &roppe& or a&&e& $% or&er of the court on
#otion of an% part% or on its o(n initiative at an% sta'e of the action an& on such ter#s as are
3ust- An% clai# a'ainst a #is3oine& part% #a% $e severe& an& procee&e& (ith separatel%- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- Class suit-.8hen the su$3ect #atter of the controvers% is one of the co##on or
'eneral interest to #an% persons so nu#erous that it is i#practica$le to 3oin all as parties" a
nu#$er of the# (hich the court fin&s to $e sufficientl% nu#erous an& representative as to full%
protect the interests of all concerne& #a% sue or &efen& for the $enefit of all- An% part% in
interest shall have the ri'ht to intervene to protect his in&ivi&ual interest- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- (lternative defendants-.8here the plaintiff is uncertain a'ainst (ho of several
persons he is entitle& to relief" he #a% 3oin an% or all of the# as &efen&ants in the alternative"
althou'h a ri'ht to relief a'ainst one #a% $e inconsistent (ith a ri'ht of relief a'ainst the other-
(,2a)
SEC- ,4- 'n)nown identity or name of defendant-.8henever the i&entit% or na#e of a
&efen&ant is un/no(n" he #a% $e sue& as the un/no(n o(ner" heir" &evisee" or $% such other
&esi'nation as the case #a% re>uire7 (hen his i&entit% or true na#e is &iscovere&" the plea&in'
#ust $e a#en&e& accor&in'l%- (,4)
SEC- ,5- *ntity without "uridical personality as defendant-.8hen t(o or #ore persons not
or'ani5e& as an entit% (ith 3uri&ical personalit% enter into a transaction" the% #a% $e sue& un&er
the na#e $% (hich the% are 'enerall% or co##onl% /no(n-
!n the ans(er of such &efen&ant the na#es an& a&&resses of the persons co#posin' sai& entit%
#ust all $e reveale&- (,5a)
SEC- ,6- +eath of party; duty of counsel-.8henever a part% to a pen&in' action &ies" an& the
clai# is not there$% e1tin'uishe&" it shall $e the &ut% of his counsel to infor# the court (ithin
thirt% (2B) &a%s after such &eath of the fact thereof" an& to 'ive the na#e an& a&&ress of his le'al
representative or representatives- Failure of counsel to co#pl% (ith this &ut% shall $e a 'roun&
for &isciplinar% action-
The heirs of the &ecease& #a% $e allo(e& to $e su$stitute& for the &ecease&" (ithout re>uirin'
the appoint#ent of an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator an& the court #a% appoint a 'uar&ian ad litem
for the #inor heirs-
The court shall forth(ith or&er sai& le'al representative or representatives to appear an& $e
su$stitute& (ithin a perio& of thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# notice-
!f no le'al representative is na#e& $% the counsel for the &ecease& part% or if the one so na#e&
shall fail to appear (ithin the specifie& perio&" the court #a% or&er the opposin' part%" (ithin a
specifie& ti#e" to procure the appoint#ent of an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator for the estate of the
&ecease& an& the latter shall i##e&iatel% appear for an& on $ehalf of the &ecease&- The court
char'es in procurin' such appoint#ent" if &efra%e& $% the opposin' part%" #a% $e recovere& as
costs- (,6a" ,?a)
SEC- ,?- +eath or separation of a party who is a public officer-.8hen a pu$lic officer is a
part% in an action in his official capacit% an& &urin' its pen&enc% &ies" resi'ns" or other (ise
ceases to hol& office" the action #a% $e continue& an& #aintaine& $% or a'ainst his successor if"
(ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after the successor ta/es office or such ti#e as #a% $e 'rante& $% the
court" it is satisfactoril% sho(n to the court $% an% part% that there is a su$stantial nee& for
continuin' or #aintainin' it an& that the successor a&opts or continues or threatens to a&opt or
continue the action of his pre&ecessor- )efore a su$stitution is #a&e" the part% or officer to $e
affecte&" unless e1pressl% assentin' thereto" shall $e 'iven reasona$le notice of the application
therefor an& accor&e& an opportunit% to $e hear&- (,@a)
SEC- ,@- Incompetency or incapacity-.!f a part% $eco#es inco#petent or incapacitate&" the
court" upon #otion (ith notice" #a% allo( the action to $e continue& $% or a'ainst the
inco#petent or incapacitate& person assiste& $% his le'al 'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem- (,Aa)
SEC- ,A- Transfer of interest-.!n case of an% transfer of interest" the action #a% $e continue&
$% or a'ainst the ori'inal part%" unless the court upon #otion &irects the person to (ho# the
interest is transferre& to $e su$stitute& in the action or 3oine& (ith the ori'inal part%- (0B)
SEC- 0B- (ction on contractual money claims-.8hen the action is for recover% of #one%
arisin' fro# contract" e1press or i#plie&" an& the &efen&ant &ies $efore entr% of final 3u&'#ent
in the court in (hich the action (as pen&in' at the ti#e of such &eath" it shall not $e &is#isse&
$ut shall instea& $e allo(e& to continue until entr% of final 3u&'#ent- A favora$le 3u&'#ent
o$taine& $% the plaintiff therein shall $e enforce& in the #anner especiall% provi&e& in these
Rules for prosecutin' clai#s a'ainst the estate of a &ecease& person- (0,a)
SEC- 0,- Indigent party-.A part% #a% $e authori5e& to liti'ate his action" clai# or &efense as
an in&i'ent if the court" upon an e, parte application an& hearin'" is satisfie& that the part% is
one (ho has no #one% or propert% sufficient an& availa$le for foo&" shelter an& $asic necessities
for hi#self an& his fa#il%-
Such authorit% shall inclu&e an e1e#ption fro# pa%#ent of &oc/et an& other la(ful fees" an& of
transcripts of steno'raphic notes (hich the court #a% or&er to $e furnishe& hi#- The a#ount of
the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees (hich the in&i'ent (as e1e#pte& fro# pa%in' shall $e a lien on
an% 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in the case favora$le to the in&i'ent" unless the court other(ise provi&es-
An% a&verse part% #a% contest the 'rant of such authorit% at an% ti#e $efore 3u&'#ent is
ren&ere& $% the trial court- !f the court shoul& &eter#ine after hearin' that the part% &eclare& as
an in&i'ent is in fact a person (ith sufficient inco#e or propert%" the proper &oc/et an& other
la(ful fees shall $e assesse& an& collecte& $% the cler/ of court- !f the pa%#ent is not #a&e
(ithin the ti#e fi1e& $% the court" e1ecution shall issue or the pa%#ent thereof" (ithout
pre3u&ice to such other sanctions as the court #a% i#pose- (00a)-
SEC- 00- %otice to the Solicitor -eneral-.!n an% action involvin' the vali&it% of an% treat%"
la(" or&inance" e1ecutive or&er" presi&ential &ecree" rules or re'ulations" the court" in its
&iscretion" #a% re>uire the appearance of the Solicitor Ceneral (ho #a% $e hear& in person or
throu'h a representative &ul% &esi'nate& $% hi#- (02a)
RULE 4
VENUE OF ACTIONS
SECT!O+ ,- .enue of real actions-.Actions affectin' title to or possession of real propert%" or
interest therein" shall $e co##ence& an& trie& in the proper court (hich has 3uris&iction over the
area (herein the real propert% involve&" or a portion thereof" is situate&-
Forci$le entr% an& &etainer actions shall $e co##ence& an& trie& in the #unicipal trial court of
the #unicipalit% or cit% (herein the real propert% involve&" or a portion thereof" is situate&-
(,DaE" 0DaEa)
SEC- 0- .enue of personal actions-.All other actions #a% $e co##ence& an& trie& (here the
plaintiff or an% of the principal plaintiffs resi&es" or (here the &efen&ant or an% of the principal
&efen&ants resi&es" or in the case of a non<resi&ent &efen&ant (here he #a% $e foun&" at the
election of the plaintiff- (0D$Ea)
SEC- 2- .enue of actions against nonresidents-.!f an% of the &efen&ants &oes not resi&e an& is
not foun& in the Philippines" an& the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff" or an%
propert% of sai& &efen&ant locate& in the Philippines" the action #a% $e co##ence& an& trie& in
the court of the place (here the plaintiff resi&es" or (here the propert% or an% portion thereof is
situate& or foun&- (0DcEa)
SEC- 4- #hen Rule not applicable-.This Rule shall not appl%.
(a) !n those cases (here a specific rule or la( provi&es other(ise7 or
($) 8here the parties have vali&l% a'ree& in (ritin' $efore the filin' of the action on the
e1clusive venue thereof- (2a" 5a)
RULE 5
U+!FOR9 PROCEFURE !+ TR!AL COURTS
SECT!O+ ,- 'niform procedure-.The proce&ure in the 9unicipal Trial Courts shall $e the
sa#e as in the Re'ional Trial Courts" e1cept (a) (here a particular provision e1pressl% or
i#plie&l% applie& onl% to either of sai& courts" or ($) in civil cases 'overne& $% the Rule on
Su##ar% proce&ure- (n)
SEC- 0- !eaning of terms-.The ter# :9unicipal Trial Courts; as use& in these Rules shall
inclu&e 9etropolitan Trial Courts" 9unicipal Trial Courts in Cities" 9unicipal Trial Courts" an&
9unicipal Circuit Trial Courts- (,a)
PROCEDURE IN REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS
RULE 6
KINDS OF PLEADINGS
SECT!O+ ,- $leadings defined-.Plea&in's are the (ritten state#ents of the respective clai#s
an& &efenses of the parties su$#itte& to the court for appropriate 3u&'#ent- (,a)
SEC- 0- $leadings allowed-.The clai#s of a part% are asserte& in a co#plaint" counterclai#"
cross<clai#" thir& (fourth" etc-).part% co#plaint" or co#plaint<in<intervention-
The &efenses of a part% are alle'e& in the ans(er to the plea&in' assertin' a clai# a'ainst hi#-
An ans(er #a% $e respon&e& to $% a repl%- (n)
SEC- 2- Complaint-.The co#plaint is the plea&in' alle'in' the plaintiffGs cause or causes of
action- The na#es an& resi&ences of the plaintiff an& &efen&ant #ust $e state& in the co#plaint-
(2a)
SEC- 4- (nswer-.An ans(er is a plea&in' in (hich a &efen&in' part% sets fourth his &efenses-
(4a)
SEC- 5- +efenses-.Fefenses #a% either $e ne'ative or affir#ative-
(a) A ne'ative &efense is the specific &enial of the #aterial fact or facts alle'e& in the
plea&in' of the clai#ant essential to his cause or causes of action-
($) An affir#ative &efense is an alle'ation of a ne( #atter (hich" (hile h%potheticall%
a&#ittin' the #aterial alle'ations in the plea&in' of the clai#ant (oul& nevertheless prevent or
$ar recover% $% hi#- The affir#ative &efenses inclu&e frau&" statute of li#itations" release
pa%#ent" ille'alit%" statute of frau&s" estoppel" for#er recover%" &ischar'e in $an/ruptc%" an& an%
other #atter $% (a% of confession an& avoi&ance- (5a)
SEC- 6- Counterclaim-.A counterclai# is an% clai# (hich a &efen&in' part% #a% have a'ainst
an opposin' part%- (6a)
SEC- ?- Compulsory counterclaim-.A co#pulsor% counterclai# is one (hich" $ein'
co'ni5a$le $% the re'ular courts of 3ustice" arises out of or is connecte& (ith the transaction or
occurrence constitutin' the su$3ect #atter of the opposin' part%Gs clai# an& &oes not re>uire for
its a&3u&ication the presence of thir& parties of (ho# the court cannot ac>uire 3uris&iction- Such
a counterclai# #ust $e (ithin the 3uris&iction of the court $oth as to the a#ount an& the nature
thereof" e1cept that in an ori'inal action $efore the Re'ional Trial Court" the counterclai# #a%
$e consi&ere& co#pulsor% re'ar&less of the a#ount- (n)
SEC- @- Cross&claim..A cross<clai# is an% clai# $% one part% a'ainst a co<part% arisin' out of
the transaction or occurrence that is the su$3ect #atter either of the ori'inal action or of a
counterclai# therein- Such cross<clai# #a% inclu&e a clai# that the part% a'ainst (ho# it is
asserte& is or #a% $e lia$le to the cross<clai#ant for all or part of a clai# asserte& in the action
a'ainst the cross<clai#ant- (?)
SEC- A- Counterclaims and counter&cross&claims-.A counterclai# #a% $e asserte& a'ainst an
ori'inal counter<clai#ant-
A cross<clai# #a% also $e file& a'ainst an ori'inal cross<clai#ant- (n)
SEC- ,B- Reply-.A repl% is a plea&in'" the office or function of (hich is to &en%" or alle'e
facts in &enial or avoi&ance of ne( #atters alle'e& $% (a% of &efense in the ans(er an& there$%
3oin or #a/e issue as to such ne( #atters- !f a part% &oes not file such repl%" all the ne( #atters
alle'e& in the ans(er are &ee#e& controverte&-
!f the plaintiff (hishes to interpose an% clai#s arisin' out of the ne( #atters so alle'e& such
clai#s shall $e set forth in an a#en&e& or supple#ental co#plaint- (,,)
SEC- ,,- Third, /fourth, etc.0.party complaint-.A thir& (fourth" etc-).part% co#plaint is a
clai# that a &efen&in' part% #a%" (ith leave of court" file a'ainst a person not a part% to the
action" calle& the thir& (fourth" etc-).part% &efen&ant" for contri$ution" in&e#nit%" su$ro'ation
or an% other relief" in respect of his opponentGs clai#- (,0a)
SEC- ,0- 1ringing new parties-.8hen the presence of parties other than those to the ori'inal
action is re>uire& for the 'rantin' of co#plete relief in the &eter#ination of a counterclai# or
cross<clai#" the court shall or&er the# to $e $rou'ht in as &efen&ants" if 3uris&iction over the#
can $e o$taine&- (,4)
SEC- ,2- (nswer to third /fourth, etc.02party complaint..A thir& (fourth" etc-).part%
&efen&ant #a% alle'e in his ans(er his &efenses" counterclai#s or cross<clai#s" inclu&in' such
&efenses that the thir& (fourth" etc-).part% plaintiff #a% have a'ainst the ori'inal plaintiffGs
clai#- !n proper cases" he #a% also assert a counterclai# a'ainst the ori'inal plaintiff in respect
of the latterGs clai# a'ainst the thir&<part% plaintiff- (n)
RULE 7
PARTS OF A PLEADING
SECT!O+ ,- Caption-.The caption sets forth the na#e of the court" the title of the action" an&
the &oc/et nu#$er if assi'ne&-
The title of the action in&icates the na#es of the parties- The% shall all $e na#e& in the ori'inal
co#plaint or petition7 $ut in su$se>uent plea&in's" it shall $e sufficient if the na#e of the first
part% on each si&e $e state& (ith an appropriate in&ication (hen there are other parties-
Their respective participation in the case shall $e in&icate&- (,a"0a)
SEC- 0- The body-.The $o&% of the plea&in' sets forth its &esi'nation" the alle'ations of the
part%Gs clai#s or &efenses" the relief pra%e& for" an& the &ate of the plea&in'- (n)
(a) $aragraphs-.The alle'ations in the $o&% of a plea&in' shall $e &ivi&e& into para'raphs so
nu#$ere& as to $e rea&il% i&entifie&" each of (hich shall contain a state#ent of a sin'le set of
circu#stances so far as that can $e &one (ith convenience- A para'raph #a% $e referre& to $%
its nu#$er in all succee&in' plea&in's- (2a)
($) 3eadings.#hen t(o or #ore causes of action are 3oine&" the state#ent of the first shall $e
preface& $% the (or&s :first cause of action"; of the secon& $% :secon& cause of action"; an& so
on for the others-
8hen one or #ore para'raphs in the ans(er are a&&resse& to one of several causes of action in
the co#plaint" the% shall $e preface& $% the (or&s :ans(er to the first cause of action; or
:ans(er to the secon& cause of action; an& so on7 an& (hen one or #ore para'raphs of the
ans(er are a&&resse& to several causes of action" the% shall $e preface& $% (or&s to that effect-
(4)
(c) Relief.2The plea&in' shall specif% the relief sou'ht" $ut it #a% a&& a 'eneral pra%er for such
further or other relief as #a% $e &ee#e& 3ust or e>uita$le- (2a" R6)
(&) +ate.2Ever% plea&in' shall $e &ate&- (n)
SEC- 2- Signature and address.2Ever% plea&in' #ust $e si'ne& $% the part% or counsel
representin' hi#" statin' in either case his a&&ress (hich shoul& not $e a post office $o1-
The si'nature of counsel constitutes a certificate $% hi# that he has rea& the plea&in'7 that to the
$est of his /no(le&'e" infor#ation" an& $elief there is 'oo& 'roun& to support it7 an& that it is
not interpose& for &ela%-
An unsi'ne& plea&in' pro&uces no le'al effect- =o(ever" the court #a%" in its &iscretion" allo(
such &eficienc% to $e re#e&ie& if it shall appear that the sa#e (as &ue to #ere ina&vertence an&
not inten&e& for &ela%- Counsel (ho &eli$eratel% files an unsi'ne& plea&in'" or si'ns a plea&in'
in violation of this Rule" or alle'es scan&alous or in&ecent #atter therein" or fails to pro#ptl%
report to the court a chan'e of his a&&ress" shall $e su$3ect to appropriate &isciplinar% action-
(5a)
SEC- 4- .erification.2E1cept (hen other(ise specificall% re>uire& $% la( or rule" plea&in's
nee& not $e un&er oath" verifie& or acco#panie& $% affi&avit-
A plea&in' is verifie& $% an affi&avit that the affiant has rea& the plea&in' an& that the
alle'ations therein are true an& correct of his personal /no(le&'e or $ase& on authentic recor&s-
A plea&in' re>uire& to $e verifie& (hich contains a verification $ase& on :infor#ation an&
$elief"; or upon :/no(le&'e" infor#ation an& $elief"; or lac/s a proper verification" shall $e
treate& as an unsi'ne& plea&in'- (4a)
SEC- 5- Certification against forum shopping. .The plaintiff or principal part% shall certif%
un&er oath in the co#plaint or other initiator% plea&in' assertin' a clai# for relief" or in a s(orn
certification anne1e& thereto an& si#ultaneousl% file& there(ith* (a) that he has not theretofore
co##ence& an% action or file& an% clai# involvin' the sa#e issues in an% court" tri$unal or
>uasi<3u&icial a'enc% an&" to the $est of his /no(le&'e" no such other action or clai# is pen&in'
therein7 ($) if there is such other pen&in' action or clai#" a co#plete state#ent of the present
status thereof7 an& (c) if he shoul& thereafter learn that the sa#e or si#ilar action or clai# has
$een file& or is pen&in'" he shall report that fact (ithin five (5) &a%s therefro# to the court
(herein his aforesai& co#plaint or initiator% plea&in' has $een file&-
Failure to co#pl% (ith the fore'oin' re>uire#ents shall not $e cura$le $% #ere a#en&#ent of
the co#plaint or other initiator% plea&in' $ut shall $e cause for the &is#issal of the case (ithout
pre3u&ice" unless other(ise provi&e&" upon #otion an& after hearin'- The su$#ission" of a false
certification or non<co#pliance (ith an% of the un&erta/in's therein shall constitute in&irect
conte#pt of court" (ithout pre3u&ice to the correspon&in' a&#inistrative an& cri#inal actions- !f
the acts of the part% or his counsel clearl% constitute (illful an& &eli$erate foru# shoppin'" the
sa#e shall $e 'roun& for su##ar% &is#issal (ith pre3u&ice an& shall constitute &irect conte#pt"
as (ell as a cause for a&#inistrative sanctions- (n)
RULE 8
MANNER OF MAKING ALLEGATIONS IN PLEADINGS
SECT!O+ ,- In general -.Ever% plea&in' shall contain in a #etho&ical an& lo'ical for#" a
plain" concise an& &irect state#ent of the ulti#ate facts on (hich the part% plea&in' relies for his
clai# or &efense" as the case #a% $e" o#ittin' the state#ent of #ere evi&entiar% facts- (,)
!f a &efense relief on is $ase& on la(" the pertinent provisions thereof an& their applica$ilit% to
hi# shall $e clearl% an& concisel% state&- (n)
SEC- 0- (lternative causes of action or defenses.2A part% #a% set forth t(o or #ore state#ents
of a clai# or &efense alternativel% or h%potheticall%" either in one cause of action or &efense or
in separate causes of action or &efenses- 8hen t(o or #ore state#ents are #a&e in the
alternative an& one of the# if #a&e in&epen&entl% (oul& $e sufficient" the plea&in' is not #a&e
insufficient $% the insufficienc% of one or #ore of the alternative state#ents- (0)
SEC- 2- Conditions precedent.2!n an% plea&in' a 'eneral aver#ent of the perfor#ance or
occurrence of all con&itions prece&ent shall $e sufficient- (2)
SEC- 4- Capacity.2Facts sho(in' the capacit% of a part% to sue or $e sue& or the authorit% of a
part% to sue or $e sue& in a representative capacit% or the le'al e1istence of an or'ani5e&
association of persons that is #a&e a part%" #ust $e averre&- A part% &esirin' to raise an issue as
to the le'al e1istence of an% part% or the capacit% of an% part% to sue or $e sue& in a representa<
tive capacit%" shall &o so $% specific &enial" (hich shall inclu&e such supportin' particulars as
are peculiarl% (ithin the plea&erGs /no(le&'e- (4)
SEC- 5- 4raud, mista)e, condition of the mind.2!n all aver#ents of frau& or #ista/e" the
circu#stances constitutin' frau& or #ista/e #ust $e state& (ith particularit%- 9alice" intent"
/no(le&'e or other con&ition of the #in& of a person #a% $e averre& 'enerall%- (5a)
SEC- 6- udgment.2!n plea&in' a 3u&'#ent or &ecision of a &o#estic or forei'n court" 3u&icial
or >uasi<3u&icial tri$unal" or of a $oar& or officer" it is sufficient to aver the 3u&'#ent or &ecision
(ithout settin' forth #atter sho(in' 3uris&iction to ren&er it- (6)
SEC- ?- (ction or defense based on document.28henever an action or &efense is $ase& upon a
(ritten instru#ent or &ocu#ent" the su$stance of such instru#ent or &ocu#ent shall $e set forth
in the plea&in'" an& the ori'inal or a cop% thereof shall $e attache& to the plea&in' as an e1hi$it"
(hich shall $e &ee#e& to $e a part of the plea&in'" or sai& cop% #a% (ith li/e effect $e set forth
in the plea&in'- (?)
SEC- @- 3ow to contest such documents.28hen an action or &efense is foun&e& upon a (ritten
instru#ent" copie& in or attache& to the correspon&in' plea&in' as provi&e& in the prece&in'
section" the 'enuineness an& &ue e1ecution of the instru#ent shall $e &ee#e& a&#itte& unless
the a&verse part%" un&er oath" specificall% &enies the#" an& sets forth (hat he clai#s to $e the
facts7 $ut the re>uire#ent of an oath &oes not appl% (hen the a&verse part% &oes not appear to
$e a part% to the instru#ent or (hen co#pliance (ith an or&er for an inspection of the ori'inal
instru#ent is refuse&- (@a)
SEC- A- Official document or act..!n plea&in' an official &ocu#ent or official act" it is
sufficient to aver that the &ocu#ent (as issue& or the act &one in co#pliance (ith la(- (A)
SEC- ,B- Specific denial.2A &efen&ant #ust specif% each #aterial alle'ation of fact the truth of
(hich he &oes not a&#it an&" (henever practica$le" shall set forth the su$stance of the #atters
upon (hich he relies to support his &enial- 8here a &efen&ant &esires to &en% onl% a part of an
aver#ent" he shill specif% so #uch of it as is true an& #aterial an& shall &en% onl% the
re#ain&er- 8here a &efen&ant is (ithout /no(le&'e or infor#ation sufficient to for# a $elief as
to the truth of a #aterial aver#ent #a&e in the co#plaint" he shall so state" an& this shall have
the effect of a &enial- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- (llegations not specifically denied deemed admitted.29aterial aver#ent in the
co#plaint" other than those as to the a#ount of unli>ui&ate& &a#a'es" shall $e -&ee#e& a&#itte&
(hen not specificall% &enie&- Alle'ations of usur% in a co#plaint to recover usurious interest are
&ee#e& a&#itte& if not &enie& un&er oath- (,a" RA)
SEC- ,0- Stri)ing out of pleading or matter contained therein.2Upon #otion #a&e $% a part%
$efore respon&in' to a plea&in' or" if no responsive plea&in' is per#itte& by these Rules" upon
#otion #a&e $% a part% (ithin t(ent% (0B) &a%s after the service of the plea&in' upon hi#" or
upon the courtGs o(n initiative at an% ti#e" the court #a% or&er an% plea&in' to $e stric/en out
or that an% sha# or false" re&un&ant" i##aterial" i#pertinent" or scan&alous #atter $e stric/en
out therefro#- (5" RA)
RULE 9
EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PLEAD
SECT!O+ ,- +efenses and ob"ections not plea&e&-.Fefenses an& o$3ections not plea&e& either
in a #otion to &is#iss or in the ans(er are &ee#e& (aive&- =o(ever" (hen it appears fro# the
plea&in's or the evi&ence on recor& that the court has no 3uris&iction over the su$3ect #atter" that
there is another action pen&in' $et(een the sa#e parties for the sa#e cause" or that the action is
$arre& $% a prior 3u&'#ent or $% statute of li#itations" the court shall &is#iss the clai#- (0a)
SEC- 0- Compulsory counterclaim, or cross&claim, not set up barred.2A co#pulsor%
counterclai#" or a cross<clai#" not set up shall $e $arre&- (4a)
SEC- 2- +efault; declaration of.2!f the &efen&in' part% fails to ans(er (ithin the ti#e allo(e&
therefor" the court shall" upon #otion of the clai#in' part% (ith notice to the &efen&in' part%"
an& proof of such failure" &eclare the &efen&in' part% in &efault- Thereupon" the court shall
procee& to ren&er 3u&'#ent 'rantin' the clai#ant such relief as his plea&in' #a% (arrant" unless
the court in its &iscretion re>uires the clai#ant to su$#it evi&ence- Such reception of evi&ence
#a% $e &ele'ate& to the cler/ of court- (,a" R,@)
(a) *ffect of order of default.2A part% in &efault shall $e entitle& to notice of su$se>uent
procee&in's $ut not to ta/e part in the trial- (0a" R,@)
($) Relief from order of default.2A part% &eclare& in &efault #a% at an% ti#e after notice thereof
an& $efore 3u&'#ent file a #otion un&er oath to set asi&e the or&er of &efault upon proper
sho(in' that his failure to ans(er (as &ue to frau&" acci&ent" #ista/e or e1cusa$le ne'li'ence
an& that he has a #eritorious &efense- !n such case" the or&er of &efault #a% $e set asi&e on such
ter#s an& con&itions as the 3u&'e #a% i#pose in the interest of 3ustice- (2a" R,@)
(c) *ffect of partial default.28hen a plea&in' assertin' a clai# states a co##on cause of action
a'ainst several &efen&in' parties" so#e of (ho# ans(er an& the others fail to &o so" the court
shall tr% the case a'ainst all upon the ans(ers thus file& an& ren&er 3u&'#ent upon the evi&ence
presente&- (4a" R,@)
(&) *,tent of relief to be awarded.2A 3u&'#ent ren&ere& a'ainst a part% in &efault shall not
e1cee& the a#ount or $e &ifferent in /in& fro# that pra%e& for nor a(ar& unli>ui&ate& &a#a'es-
(5a" R,@)
(e) #here no defaults allowed.2!f the &efen&in' part% in an action for annul#ent or &eclaration
of nullit% of #arria'e or for le'al separation fails to ans(er" the court shall or&er the prosecutin'
attorne% to investi'ate (hether or not a collusion $et(een the parties e1ists" an& if there is no
collusion" to intervene for the State in or&er to see to it that the evi&ence su$#itte& is not
fa$ricate&- (6a" R,@)
RULE 10
AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS
SECT!O+ ,- (mendments in general-.Plea&in's #a% $e a#en&e& $% a&&in' or stri/in' out an
alle'ation or the na#e of an% part%" or $% correctin' a #ista/e in the na#e of a part% or a
#ista/en or ina&e>uate alle'ation or &escription in an% other respect" so that the actual #erits of
the controvers% #a% spee&il% $e &eter#ine&" (ithout re'ar& to technicalities" an& in the #ost
e1pe&itious an& ine1pensive #anner- (,)
SEC- 0- (mendments as a matter of ri'ht-.A part% #a% a#en& his plea&in' once as a #atter of
ri'ht at an% ti#e $efore a responsive plea&in' is serve& or" in the case of a repl%" at an% ti#e
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s after it is serve&- (0a)
SEC- 2- (mendments by leave of court-.E1cept as provi&e& in the ne1t prece&in' section"
su$stantial a#en&#ents #a% $e #a&e onl% upon leave of court- )ut such leave #a% $e refuse&
if it appears to the court that the #otion (as #a&e (ith intent to &ela%- Or&ers of the court upon
the #atters provi&e& in this section shall $e #a&e upon #otion file& in court" an& after notice to
the a&verse part%" an& an opportunit% to $e hear&- (2a)
SEC- 4- 4ormal amendments.2A &efect in the &esi'nation of the parties an& other clearl%
clerical or t%po'raphical errors #a% $e su##aril% correcte& $% the court at an% sta'e of the
action" at its initiative or on #otion" provi&e& so pre3u&ice is cause& there$% to the a&verse part%-
(4a)
SEC- 5- (mendment to conform to or authori5e presentation of evidence-.8hen issues not
raise& $% the plea&in's are trie& (ith the e1press or i#plie& consent of the parties" the% shall $e
treate& in all respects as if the% ha& $een raise& in the plea&in's- Such a#en&#ent of the
plea&in's as #a% $e necessar% to cause the# to confor# to the evi&ence an& to raise these issues
#a% $e #a&e upon #otion of an% part% at an% ti#e" even after 3u&'#ent7 $ut failure to a#en&
&oes not affect the result of the trial of these issues- !f evi&ence is o$3ecte& to at the trial on the
'roun& that it is not (ithin the issues #a&e $% the plea&in's" the court #a% allo( the plea&in's
to $e a#en&e& an& shall &o so (ith li$eralit% if the presentation of the #erits of the action an&
the en&s of su$stantial 3ustice (ill $e su$serve& there$%- The court #a% 'rant a continuance to
ena$le the a#en&#ent to $e #a&e- (5a)
SEC- 6- Supplemental pleadings. . Upon #otion of a part% the court #a%" upon reasona$le
notice an& upon such ter#s asG are 3ust" per#it hi# to serve a supple#ental plea&in' settin'
forth transactions" occurrences or events (hich have happene& since the &ate of the plea&in'
sou'ht to $e supple#ente&- The a&verse part% #a% plea& thereto (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro#
notice of the or&er a&#ittin' the supple#ental plea&in'- (6a)
SEC- ?- 4iling of amended pleadings.2 8hen an% plea&in' is a#en&e&" a ne( cop% of the
entire plea&in'" incorporatin' the a#en&#ents" (hich shall $e in&icate& $% appropriate #ar/s"
shall $e file&- (?a)
SEC- @- *ffect of amended pleadings.2 An a#en&e& plea&in' superse&es the plea&in' that it
a#en&s- =o(ever" a&#issions in superse&e& plea&in's #a% $e receive& in evi&ence a'ainst the
plea&er7 an& clai#s or &efenses alle'e& therein not incorporate& in the a#en&e& plea&in' shall
$e &ee#e& (aive&- (n)
RULE 11
WHEN TO FILE RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS
SECT!O+ ,- (nswer to the co#plaint-.The &efen&ant shall file his ans(er to the co#plaint
(ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after service of su##ons" unless a &ifferent perio& is fi1e& $% the court-
(,a)
SEC- 0- (nswer of a defendant foreign private "uridical entit%-.8here the &efen&ant is a
forei'n private 3uri&ical entit% an& service of su##ons is #a&e on the 'overn#ent official
&esi'nate& $% la( to receive the sa#e" the ans(er shall $e file& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after
receipt of su##ons $% such entit%- (0a)
SEC- 2- (nswer to amended complaint.28here the plaintiff files an a#en&e& co#plaint as a
#atter of ri'ht" the &efen&ant shall ans(er the sa#e (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after $ein' serve&
(ith a cop% thereof-
8here its filin' is not a #atter of ri'ht" the &efen&ant shall ans(er the a#en&e& co#plaint
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice of the Or&er a&#ittin' the sa#e- An ans(er earlier file& #a%
serve as the ans(er to the a#en&e& co#plaint" if no ne( ans(er is file&-
This Rule shall appl% to the ans(er to an a#en&e& counterclai# a#en&e& cross<clai#" a#en&e&
thir& (fourth" etc-). part% co#plaint" an& a#en&e& co#plaint<in<intervention- (2a)
SEC- 4- (nswer to counterclaim or cross&claim.2A counterclai# or cross<clai# #ust $e
ans(ere& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# service- (4)
SEC- 5- (nswer to third /fourth, etc.02party complaint.2. The ti#e to ans(er a thir& (fourth"
etc-).part% co#plaint shall $e 'overne& $% the sa#e rule as the ans(er to the co#plaint- (5a)
SEC- 6- Reply.2A repl% #a% $e file& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# service of the plea&in'
respon&e& to- (6)
SEC- ?- (nswer to supplemental complaint.2A supple#ental co#plaint #a% $e ans(ere&
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er a&#ittin' the sa#e" unless a &ifferent perio& is
fi1e& $% the court- The ans(er to the co#plaint shall serve as the ans(er to the supple#ental
co#plaint if no ne( or supple#ental ans(er is file&- (a)
SEC- @- *,isting counterclaim or cross<clai#-<<A co#pulsor%" counterclai# or a cross<clai# that
a &efen&in' part% has at the ti#e he files his ans(er shall $e containe& therein- (@a" R6)
SEC- A- Counterclaim or cross&claim arising after answer.2 A counterclai# or a cross<clai#
(hich either #ature& or (as ac>uire& $% a part% after servin' his plea&in' #a%" (ith the
per#ission of the court" $e presente& as a counterclai# or a cross<clai# $% supple#ental
plea&in' $efore 3u&'#ent- (A" R6)
SEC- ,B- Omitted counterclaim or cross&claim.28hen a plea&er fails to set up a counterclai#
or a cross<clai# throu'h oversi'ht" ina&vertence" or e1cusa$le ne'lect" or (hen 3ustice re>uires"
he #a%" $% leave of court" set up the counterclai# or cross<clai# $% a#en&#ent $efore
3u&'#ent- (2a" RA)
SEC- ,,- *,tension of time to plead .2Upon #otion an& on such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust" the court
#a% e1ten& the ti#e to plea& provi&e& in these Rules-
The court #a% also" upon li/e ter#s" allo( an ans(er or other plea&in' to $e file& after the ti#e
fi1e& $% these Rules- (?)
RULE 12
ILL OF PARTICULARS
SECT!O+ ,! #hen applied for; purpose-.)efore respon&in' to a plea&in'" a part% #a% #ove
for a &efinite state#ent or for a $ill of particulars of an% #atter (hich is not averre& (ith
sufficient &efiniteness or particularit% to ena$le hi# properl% to prepare his responsive plea&in'-
!f the plea&in' is a repl%" the #otion #ust $e file& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# service thereof-
Such #otion shall point out the &efects co#plaine& of" the para'raphs (herein the% are
containe&" an& the &etails &esire&- (,a)
SEC- 0- (ction by the court-.Upon the filin' of the #otion" the cler/ of court #ust i##e&iatel%
$rin' it to the attention of the court (hich #a% either &en% or 'rant it outri'ht" or allo( the
parties the opportunit% to $e hear&- (n)
SEC- 2- Compliance with order.2!f the #otion is 'rante&" either in (hole or in part" the
co#pliance there(ith #ust $e effecte& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er" unless a
&ifferent perio& is fi1e& $% the court- The $ill of particulars or a #ore &efinite state#ent or&ere&
$% the court #a% $e file& either in a separate or in an a#en&e& plea&in'" servin' a cop% thereof
on the a&verse part%- (n)
SEC- 4- *ffect of non&compliance.2!f the or&er is not o$e%e&" or in case of insufficient
co#pliance there(ith" the court #a% or&er the stri/in' out of the plea&in' or the portions thereof
to (hich the or&er (as &irecte& or #a/e such other or&er as it &ee#s 3ust- (,DcEa)
SEC- 5- Stay of period to file responsive pleading2After service of the $ill of particulars or of a
#ore &efinite plea&in'" or after notice of &enial of his #otion" the #ovin' part% #a% file his
responsive plea&in' (ithin the perio& to (hich he (as entitle& at the ti#e of filin' his #otion"
(hich shall not $e less than five (5) &a%s in an% event- (,D$Ea)
SEC 6- 1ill a part of pleading.2A $ill of particulars $eco#es part of the plea&in' for (hich it is
inten&e&- (,DaEa)
RULE 13
FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS" #UDGMENTS AND OTHER PAPERS
SECT!O+ ,- Coverage -.This Rule shall 'overn the filin' of all plea&in's an& other papers" as
(ell as the service thereof" e1cept those for (hich a &ifferent #o&e of service is prescri$e&- (n)
SEC- 0- 4iling and service, &efine&-.Filin' is the act of presentin' the plea&in' or other paper
to the cler/ of court-
Service is the act of provi&in' a part% (ith a cop% of the plea&in' or paper concerne&- !f an%
part% has appeare& $% counsel" service upon hi# shall $e #a&e upon his counsel or one of the#"
unless service upon the part% hi#self is or&ere& $% the court- 8here one counsel appears for
several parties" he shall onl% $e entitle& to one cop% of an% paper serve& upon hi# $% the
opposite si&e- (0a)
SEC- 2- !anner of filing -.The filin' of plea&in's" appearances" #otions" notices" or&ers"
3u&'#ents an& all other papers shall $e #a&e $% presentin' the ori'inal copies thereof" plainl%
in&icate& as such" personall% to the cler/ of court or $% sen&in' the# $% re'istere& #ail- !n the
first case" the cler/ of court shall en&orse on the plea&in' the &ate an& hour of filin'- !n the
secon& case" the &ate of the #ailin' of #otions" plea&in's" or an% other papers or pa%#ents or
&eposits" as sho(n $% the post office sta#p on the envelope or the re'istr% receipt" shall $e
consi&ere& as the &ate of their filin'" pa%#ent" or &eposit in court- The envelope shall $e
attache& to the recor& of the case- (,a)
SEC- 4- $apers re6uired to be filed and serve&-. Ever% 3u&'#ent" resolution" or&er" plea&in'
su$se>uent to the co#plaint" (ritten #otion" notice" appearance" &e#an&" offer of 3u&'#ent or
si#ilar papers shall $e file& (ith the court" an& serve& upon the parties affecte&- (0a)
SEC- 5- !odes of service-.Service of plea&in's" #otions" notices" or&ers" 3u&'#ents an& other
papers shall $e #a&e either personall% or $% #ail- (2a)
SEC- 6- $ersonal service.2Service of the papers #a% $e #a&e $% &eliverin' personall% a cop%
to the part% or his counsel" or $% leavin' it in his office (ith his cler/ or (ith a person havin'
char'e thereof- !f no person is foun& in his office" or his office is not /no(n" or he has no office"
then $% leavin' the cop%" $et(een the hours of ei'ht in the #ornin' an& si1 in the evenin'" at the
part%Gs or counselGs resi&ence" if /no(n" (ith a person of sufficient a'e an& &iscretion then
resi&in' therein- (4a)
SEC- ?- Service by mail-.Service $% re'istere& #ail shall $e #a&e $% &epositin' the cop% in
the office" in a seale& envelope" plainl% a&&resse& to the part% or his counsel at his office" if
/no(n" other(ise at his resi&ence" if /no(n" (ith posta'e full% prepai&" an& (ith instructions to
the post#aster to return the #ail to the sen&er after ten (,B) &a%s if un&elivere&- !f no re'istr%
service is availa$le in the localit% of either the sen&er or the a&&ressee" service #a% $e &one $%
or&inar% #ail- (5a)
SEC- @- Substituted service-.!f service of plea&in's" #otions" notices" resolutions" or&ers an&
other papers cannot $e #a&e un&er the t(o prece&in' sections" the office an& place of resi&ence
of the part% or his counsel $ein' un/no(n" service #a% $e #a&e $% &eliverin' the cop% to the
cler/ of court" (ith proof of failure of $oth personal service an& service $% #ail- The service is
co#plete at the ti#e of such &eliver%- (6a)
SEC- A- Service of "udgments, final orders, or resolutions.2Hu&'#ents" final or&ers or
resolutions shall $e serve& either personall% or $% re'istere& #ail- 8hen a part% su##one& $%
pu$lication has faile& to appear in the action" 3u&'#ents" final or&ers or resolutions a'ainst hi#
shall $e serve& upon hi# also $% pu$lication at the e1pense of the prevailin' part%- (?a)
SEC- ,B- Completeness of service-.Personal service is co#plete upon actual &eliver%- Service
$% or&inar% #ail is co#plete upon the e1piration of ten (,B) &a%s after #ailin'" unless the court
other(ise provi&es- Service $% re'istere& #ail is co#plete upon actual receipt $% the a&&ressee"
or after five (5) &a%s fro# the &ate he receive& the first notice of the post#aster" (hichever &ate
is earlier- (@a)
SEC- ,,- $riorities in modes of service and filin' .8henever practica$le" the service an& filin'
of plea&in's an& other papers shall $e &one personall%- E1cept (ith respect to papers e#anatin'
fro# the court" a resort to other #o&es #ust $e acco#panie& $% a (ritten e1planation (h% the
service or filin' (as not &one personall%- A violation of this Rule #a% $e cause to consi&er the
paper as not file&- (n)
SEC- ,0- $roof of filing. 2The filin' of a plea&in' or paper shall $e prove& $% its e1istence in
the recor& of the case- if it is not in the recor&" $ut is clai#e& to have $een file& personall%" the
filin' shall $e prove& $% the (ritten or sta#pe& ac/no(le&'#ent of its filin' $% the cler/ of
court on a cop% of the sa#e7 if file& $% re'istere& #ail" $% the re'istr% receipt an& $% the
affi&avit of the person (ho &i& the #ailin'" containin' a full state#ent of the &ate an& place of
&epositin' the #ail in the post office in a seale& envelope a&&resse& to the court" (ith posta'e
full% prepai&" an& (ith instructions to the post#aster to return the #ail to the sen&er after ten
(,B) &a%s if not &elivere&- (n)
SEC- ,2- $roof of service.2Proof of personal service shall consist of a (ritten a&#ission of the
part% serve&" or the official return of the server" or the affi&avit of the part% servin'" containin' a
full state#ent of the &ate" place an& #anner of service- !f the service is $% or&inar% #ail" proof
thereof shall consist of an affi&avit of the person #ailin' of facts sho(in' co#pliance (ith
section ? of this Rule- !f service is #a&e $% re'istere& #ail" proof shall $e #a&e $% such
affi&avit an& the re'istr% receipt issue& $% the #ailin' office- The re'istr% return car& shall $e
file& i##e&iatel% upon its receipt $% the sen&er" or in lieu thereof of the unclai#e& letter
to'ether (ith the certifie& or s(orn cop% of the notice 'iven $% the post#aster to the a&&ressee-
(,Ba)
SEC- ,4- %otice of lis pendens.2!n an action affectin' the title or the ri'ht of possession of real
propert%" the plaintiff an& the &efen&ant" (hen affir#ative relief is clai#e& in his ans(er" #a%
recor& in the office of the re'istr% of &ee&s of the province in (hich the propert% is situate& a
notice of the pen&enc% of the action- Sai& notice shall contain the na#es of the parties an& the
o$3ect of the action or &efense" an& a &escription of the propert% in that province affecte&
there$%- Onl% fro# the ti#e of filin' such notice for recor& shall a purchaser" or encu#$rancer
of the propert% affecte& there$%" $e &ee#e& to have constructive notice of the pen&enc% of the
action" an& onl% of its pen&enc% a'ainst the parties &esi'nate& $% their real na#es-
The notice of lis pendens hereina$ove #entione& #a% $e cancelle& onl% upon or&er of the court"
after proper sho(in' that the notice is for the purpose of #olestin' the a&verse part%" or that it is
not necessar% to protect the ri'hts of the part% (ho cause& it to $e recor&e&- (04a" R,4)
RULE 14
SUMMONS
SECT!O+ ,! Cler) to issue summons.2Upon the filin' of the co#plaint an& the pa%#ent of the
re>uisite le'al fees" the cler/ of court shall forth(ith issue the correspon&in' su##ons to the
&efen&ants- (,a)
SEC! 0- Contents.2The su##ons shall $e &irecte& to the &efen&ant" si'ne& $% the cler/ of court
un&er seal" an& contain* (a) the na#e of the court an& the na#es of the parties to the action7 ($) a
&irection that the &efen&ant ans(er (ithin the ti#e fi1e& $% these Rules7 (c) a notice that unless
the &efen&ant so ans(ers" plaintiff (ill ta/e 3u&'#ent $% &efault an& #a% $e 'rante& the relief
applie& for-
A cop% of the co#plaint an& or&er for appoint#ent of 'uar&ian ad litem, if an%" shall $e attache&
to the ori'inal an& each cop% of the su##ons- (2a)
SEC- 2- 1y whom served-.The su##ons #a% $e serve& $% the sheriff" his &eput%" or other
proper court officer" or for 3ustifia$le reasons $% an% suita$le person authori5e& $% the court
issuin' the su##ons- (5a)
SEC- 4- Return-.8hen the service has $een co#plete&" the server shall" (ithin five (5) &a%s
therefro#" serve a cop% of the return" personall% or $% re'istere& #ail" to the plaintiffGs counsel"
an& shall return the su##ons to the cler/ (ho issue& it" acco#panie& $% proof of service- (6a)
SEC- 5- Issuance of alias summons.2 !f a su##ons is returne& (ithout $ein' serve& on an% or
all of the &efen&ants" the server shall also serve a cop% of the return on the plaintiffGs counsel"
statin' the reasons for the failure of service" (ithin five (5) &a%s therefro#- !n such a case" or if
the su##ons has $een lost" the cler/" on &e#an& of the plaintiff" #a% issue an alias su##ons-
(4a)
SEC- 6- Service in person on defendant. 2 8henever practica$le" the su##ons shall $e serve&
han&in' a cop% thereof to the &efen&ant in person" or" if he refuses to receive an& si'n for it" $%
ten&erin' it to hi#- (?a)
SEC- ?- Substituted service.2 !f, for 3ustifia$le causes" the &efen&ant cannot $e serve& (ithin a
reasona$le ti#e as provi&e& in the prece&in' section" service #a% $e effecte& (a) $% leavin'
copies of the su##ons at the &efen&antGs resi&ence (ith so#e person of suita$le a'e an&
&iscretion then resi&in' therein" or ($) $% leavin' the copies at &efen&antGs office or re'ular
place of $usiness (ith so#e co#petent person in char'e thereof- (@a)
SEC @- Service upon entity without "uridical personality.2 8hen persons associate& in an entit%
(ithout 3uri&ical personalit% are sue& un&er the na#e $% (hich the% are 'enerall% or co##onl%
/no(n" service #a% $e effecte& upon all the &efen&ants $% servin' upon an% one of the#" or
upon the person in char'e of the office or place of $usiness #aintaine& in such na#e- )ut such
service shall not $in& in&ivi&uall% an% person (hose connection (ith the entit% has" upon &ue
notice" $een severe& $efore the action (as $rou'ht- (Aa)
SEC- A. Service upon prisoners.28hen the &efen&ant is a prisoner confine& in a 3ail or
institution" service shall $e effecte& upon hi# $% the officer havin' the #ana'e#ent of such 3ail
or institution (ho is &ee#e& &eputi5e& as a special sheriff for sai& purpose- (,0a)
SEC- ,B- Service upon minors and incompetents 2 8hen the &efen&ant is a #inor" insane or
other(ise an inco#petent" service shall $e #a&e upon hi# personall% an& on his le'al 'uar&ian
if he has one" or if none" upon his 'uar&ian ad litem (hose appoint#ent shall $e applie& for $%
the plaintiff- !n the case of a #inor" service #a% also $e #a&e on his father or #other- (,Ba" ,,a)
SEC- ,,- Service upon domestic private "uridical entity.28hen the &efen&ant is a corporation"
partnership or association or'ani5e& un&er the la(s of the Philippines (ith a 3uri&ical
personalit%" service #a% $e #a&e on the presi&ent" #ana'in' partner" 'eneral #ana'er"
corporate secretar%" treasurer" or in<house counsel- (,2a)
SEC- ,0- Service upon foreign private "uridical entity.28hen the &efen&ant is a forei'n private
3uri&ical entit% (hich has transacte& $usiness in the Philippines" service #a% $e #a&e on its
resi&ent a'ent &esi'nate& in accor&ance (ith la( for that purpose" or" if there $e no such a'ent"
on the 'overn#ent official &esi'nate& $% la( to that effect" or on an% of its officers or a'ents
(ithin the Philippines- (,4a)
SEC- ,2- Service upon public corporations-.8hen the &efen&ant is the Repu$lic of the
Philippines" service #a% $e effecte& on the Solicitor Ceneral7 in case of a province" cit% or
#unicipalit%" or li/e pu$lic corporations" service #a% $e effecte& on its e1ecutive hea&" or on
such other officer or officers as the la( or the court #a% &irect- (,5)
SEC- ,4- Service upon defendant whose identity or whereabouts are un)nown.2!n an% action
(here the &efen&ant is &esi'nate& as an un/no(n o(ner" or the li/e" or (henever his
(herea$outs are un/no(n an& cannot $e ascertaine& $% &ili'ent in>uir%" service #a%" $% leave
of court" $e effecte& upon hi# $% pu$lication in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation an& in such
places an& for such ti#e as the court #a% or&er- (,6a)
SEC- ,5- *,traterritorial service.28hen the &efen&ant &oes not resi&e an& is not foun& in the
Philippines" an& the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff or relates to" or the su$3ect
of (hich is" propert% (ithin the Philippines" in (hich the &efen&ant has or clai#s a lien or
interest" actual or contin'ent7 or in (hich the relief &e#an&e& consists" (holl% or in part" in
e1clu&in' the &efen&ant fro# an% interest therein" or the propert% of the &efen&ant has $een
attache& (ithin the Philippines" service #a%" $% leave of court" $e effecte& out of the Philippines
$% personal service as un&er section 67 or $% pu$lication in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation in
such places an& for such ti#e as the court #a% or&er" in (hich case a cop% of the su##ons an&
or&er of the court shall $e sent $% re'istere& #ail to the last /no(n a&&ress of the &efen&ant" or
in an% other #anner the court #a% &ee# sufficient- An% or&er 'rantin' such leave shall specif% a
reasona$le ti#e" (hich shall not $e less than si1t% (6B) &a%s after notice" (ithin (hich the
&efen&ant #ust ans(er- (,?a)
SEC- ,6- Residents temporarily out of the $hilippines.28hen an% action is co##ence& a'ainst
a &efen&ant (ho or&inaril% resi&es (ithin the Philippines" $ut (ho is te#poraril% out of it"
service #a%" $% leave of court" $e also effecte& out of the Philippines" as un&er the prece&in'
section- (,@a)
SEC- ,?- 7eave of court.2An% application to the court un&er this Rule for leave to effect service
in an% #anner for (hich leave of court is necessar% shall $e #a&e $% #otion in (ritin'"
supporte& $% affi&avit of the plaintiff or so#e person on his $ehalf settin' forth the 'roun&s for
the application- (,A)
SEC- ,@- $roof of service.2The proof of service of a su##ons shall $e #a&e in (ritin' $% the
server an& shall set forth the #anner" place" an& &ate of service7 shall specif% an% papers (hich
have $een serve& (ith the process an& the na#e of the person (ho receive& the sa#e7 an& shall
$e s(orn to (hen #a&e $% a person other than a sheriff or his &eput%- (0B)
SEC- ,A- $roof of service by publication.2!f the service has $een #a&e $% pu$lication" service
#a% $e prove& $% the affi&avit of the printer" his fore#an or principal cler/" or of the e&itor"
$usiness or a&vertisin' #ana'er" to (hich affi&avit a cop% of the pu$lication shall $e attache&"
an& $% an affi&avit sho(in' the &eposit of a cop% of the su##ons an& or&er for pu$lication in
the post office" posta'e prepai&" &irecte& to the &efen&ant $% re'istere& #ail to his last /no(n
a&&ress- (0,)
SEC- 0B- .oluntary appearance.2The &efen&antGs voluntar% appearance in the action shall $e
e>uivalent to service of su##ons- The inclusion in a #otion to &is#iss of other 'roun&s asi&e
fro# lac/ of 3uris&iction over the person of the &efen&ant shall not $e &ee#e& a voluntar%
appearance- (02a)
RULE 1$
MOTIONS
SECT!O+ ,- !otion defined.2A #otion is an application for relief other than $% a plea&in'-
(,a)
SEC- 0- !otions must be in writing.2All #otions shall $e in (ritin' e1cept those #a&e in open
court or in the course of a hearin' or trial- (0a)
SEC- 2- Contents.2A #otion shall state the relief sou'ht to $e o$taine& an& the 'roun&s upon
(hich it is $ase&" an& if re>uire& $% these Rules or necessar% to prove facts alle'e& therein" shall
$e acco#panie& $% supportin' affi&avits an& other papers- (2a)
SEC- 4- 3earing of motion-.E1cept for #otions (hich the court #a% act upon (ithout
pre3u&icin' the ri'hts of the a&verse part%" ever% (ritten #otion shall $e set for hearin' $% the
applicant-
Ever% (ritten #otion re>uire& to $e hear& an& the notice of the hearin' thereof shall $e serve&
in such a #anner as to ensure its receipt $% the other part% at least three (2) &a%s $efore the &ate
of hearin'" unless the court for 'oo& cause sets the hearin' on shorter notice- (4a)
SEC- 5- %otice of hearing.2The notice of hearin' shall $e a&&resse& to all parties concerne&"
an& shall specif% the ti#e an& &ate of the hearin' (hich #ust not $e later than ten (,B) &a%s
after the filin' of the #otion- (5a)
SEC- 6- $roof of service necessary.2+o (ritten #otion set for hearin' shall $e acte& upon $%
the court (ithout proof of service thereof- (6a)
SEC- ?- !otion &a%-.E1cept for #otions re>uirin' i##e&iate action" all #otions shall $e
sche&ule& for hearin' on Fri&a% afternoons" or if Fri&a% is a non<(or/in' &a%" in the afternoon
of the ne1t (or/in' &a%- (?a)
SEC- @- Omnibus motion.2Su$3ect to the provisions of section , of Rule A" a #otion attac/in' a
plea&in'" or&er" 3u&'#ent" or procee&in' shall inclu&e all o$3ections then availa$le" an& all
o$3ections not so inclu&e& shall $e &ee#e& (aive&- (@a)
SEC- A- !otion for leave.2A #otion for leave to file a plea&in' or #otion shall $e acco#panie&
$% the plea&in' or #otion sou'ht to $e a&#itte&- (n)
SEC- ,B- 4orm.2The Rules applica$le to plea&in's shall appl% to (ritten #otions so far as
concerns caption" &esi'nation" si'nature" an& other #atters of for#- (Aa)
RULE 16
MOTION TO DISMISS
SECT!O+ ,- -rounds.28ithin the ti#e for $ut $efore filin' the ans(er to the co#plaint or
plea&in' assertin' a clai#" a #otion to &is#iss #a% $e #a&e on an% of the follo(in' 'roun&s*
(a) That the court has no 3uris&iction over the person of the &efen&in' part%7
($) That the court has no 3uris&iction over the su$3ect #atter of the clai#7
(c) That venue is i#properl% lai&7
(&) That the plaintiff has no le'al capacit% to sue7
(e) That there is another action pen&in' $et(een the sa#e parties for the sa#e cause7
(f) That the cause of action is $arre& $% a prior 3u&'#ent or $% the statute of li#itations7
(') That the plea&in' assertin' the clai# states no cause of action7
(h) That the clai# or &e#an& set forth in the plaintiffGs plea&in' has $een pai&" (aive&"
a$an&one&" or other(ise e1tin'uishe&7
(i) That the clai# on (hich the action is foun&e& is unenforcea$le un&er the provisions of the
statute of frau&s7 an&
(3) That a con&ition prece&ent for filin' the clai# has not $een co#plie& (ith- (,a)
SEC- 0- 3earing of motion.2At the hearin' of the #otion" the parties shall su$#it their
ar'u#ents on the >uestions of la( an& their evi&ence on the >uestions of fact involve& e1cept
those not availa$le at that ti#e- Shoul& the case 'o to trial" the evi&ence presente& &urin' the
hearin' shall auto#aticall% $e part of the evi&ence of the part% presentin' the sa#e- (n)
SEC- 2- Resolution of motion.2After the hearin'" the court #a% &is#iss the action or clai#"
&en% the #otion" or or&er the a#en&#ent of the plea&in'-
The court shall not &efer the resolution of the #otion for the reason that the 'roun& relie& upon
is not in&u$ita$le-
!n ever% case" the resolution shall state clearl% an& &istinctl% the reasons therefor- (2a)
SEC- 4- Time to plead.2!f the #otion is &enie&" the #ovant shall file his ans(er (ithin the
$alance of the perio& prescri$e& $% Rule ,, to (hich he (as entitle& at the ti#e of servin' his
#otion" $ut not less than five (5) &a%s in an% event" co#pute& fro# his receipt of the notice of
the &enial- !f the plea&in' is or&ere& to $e a#en&e&" he shall file his ans(er (ithin the perio&
prescri$e& $% Rule ,, counte& fro# service of the a#en&e& plea&in'" unless the court provi&es a
lon'er perio&- (4a)
SEC- 5- *ffect of dismissal-.Su$3ect to the ri'ht of appeal" an or&er 'rantin' a #otion to
&is#iss $ase& on para'raphs (f)" (h) an& (i) of section , hereof shall $ar the refilin' of the sa#e
action or clai#- (n)
SEC- 6- $leading grounds as affirmative defenses.2!f no #otion to &is#iss has $een file&" an%
of the 'roun&s for &is#issal provi&e& for in this Rule #a% $e plea&e& as an affir#ative &efense
in the ans(er an&" in the &iscretion of the court" a preli#inar% hearin' #a% $e ha& thereon as if a
#otion to &is#iss ha& $een file&- (5a)
The &is#issal of the co#plaint un&er this section shall $e (ithout pre3u&ice to the prosecution in
the sa#e or separate action of a counterclai# plea&e& in the ans(er- (n)
RULE 17
DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS
SECT!O+ ,- +ismissal upon notice by plaintiff-.A co#plaint #a% $e &is#isse& $% the plaintiff
$% filin' a notice of &is#issal at an% ti#e $efore service of the ans(er or of a #otion for
su##ar% 3u&'#ent- Upon such notice $ein' file&" the court shall issue an or&er confir#in' the
&is#issal- Unless other(ise state& in the notice" the &is#issal is (ithout pre3u&ice" e1cept that a
notice operates as an a&3u&ication upon the #erits (hen file& $% a plaintiff (ho has once
&is#isse& in a co#petent court an action $ase& on or inclu&in' the sa#e clai#- (,a)
SEC- 0- +ismissal upon motion of plaintiff.2*,cept as provi&e& in the prece&in' section" a
co#plaint shall not $e &is#isse& at the plaintiffGs instance save upon approval of the court an&
upon such ter#s an& con&itions as the court &ee#s proper- !f a counterclai# has $een plea&e&
$% a &efen&ant prior to the service upon hi# of the plaintiffGs #otion for &is#issal" the &is#issal
shall $e li#ite& to the co#plaint- The &is#issal shall $e (ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'ht of the
&efen&ant to prosecute his counterclai# in a separate action unless (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro#
notice of the #otion he #anifests his preference to have his counterclai# resolve& in the sa#e
action- Unless other(ise specifie& in the or&er" a &is#issal un&er this para'raph shall $e (ithout
pre3u&ice- A class suit shall not $e &is#isse& or co#pro#ise& (ithout the approval of the court-
(0a)
SEC- 2- +ismissal due to fault of plaintiff.2!f, for no 3ustifia$le cause" the plaintiff fails to
appear on the &ate of the presentation of his evi&ence in chief on the co#plaint" or to prosecute
his action for an unreasona$le len'th of ti#e" or to co#pl% (ith these Rules or an% or&er of the
court" the co#plaint #a% $e &is#isse& upon #otion of the &efen&ant or upon the courtGs o(n
#otion" (ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'ht of the &efen&ant to prosecute his counterclai# in the sa#e
or in a separate action- This &is#issal shall have the effect of an a&3u&ication upon the #erits"
unless other(ise &eclare& $% the court- (2a)
SEC- 4- +ismissal of counterclaim, cross&claim, or third&party complaint.2The provisions of
this Rule shall appl%- to the &is#issal of an% counterclai#" cross<clai#" or thir&<part% co#plaint-
A voluntar% &is#issal $% the clai#ant $% notice as in section , of this Rule" shall $e #a&e $efore
a responsive plea&in' or a #otion for su##ar% 3u&'#ent is serve& or" if there is none" $efore the
intro&uction of evi&ence at the trial or hearin'- (4n)
RULE 18
PRE%TRIAL
SECT!O+ ,- #hen conducted -.After the last plea&in' has $een serve& an& file&" it shall $e the
&ut% of the plaintiff to pro#ptl% #ove e, parte that the case $e set for pre<trial- (5a" R0B)
SEC- 0- %ature and purpose.2The pre<trial is #an&ator%- The court shall consi&er*
(a) The possi$ilit% of an a#ica$le settle#ent or of a su$#ission to alternative #o&es of &ispute
resolution7
($) The si#plification of the issues7
(c) The necessit% or &esira$ilit% of a#en&#ents to the plea&in's7
(&) The possi$ilit% of o$tainin' stipulations or a&#issions of facts an& of &ocu#ents to avoi&
unnecessar% proof7
(e) The li#itation of the nu#$er of (itnesses7
(f) The a&visa$ilit% of a preli#inar% reference of issues to a co##issioner7
(') The propriet% of ren&erin' 3u&'#ent on the plea&in's" or su##ar% 3u&'#ent" or of
&is#issin' the action shoul& a vali& 'roun& therefor $e foun& to e1ist7
(h) The a&visa$ilit% or necessit% of suspen&in' the procee&in's7 an&
(i) Such other #atters as #a% ai& in the pro#pt &isposition of the action- (,a" R0B)
SEC- 2- %otice of pre&trial.2The notice of pre<trial shall $e serve& on counsel" or on the part%
(ho has no counsel- The counsel serve& (ith such notice is char'e& (ith the &ut% of notif%in'
the part% represente& $% hi#- (n)
SEC- 4- (ppearance of parties.2!t shall $e the &ut% of the parties an& their counsel to appear at
the pre<trial- The non<appearance of a part% #a% $e e1cuse& onl% if a vali& cause is sho(n
therefor or if a representative shall appear in his $ehalf full% authori5e& in (ritin' to enter into
an a#ica$le settle#ent" to su$#it to alternative #o&es of &ispute resolution" an& to enter into
stipulations or a&#issions of facts an& of &ocu#ents- (n)
SEC- 5- *ffect of failure to appear.2The failure of the plaintiff to appear (hen so re>uire&
pursuant to the ne1t prece&in' section shall $e cause for &is#issal of the action- The &is#issal
shall $e (ith pre3u&ice" unless other(ise or&ere& $% the court- A si#ilar failure on the part of the
&efen&ant shall $e cause to allo( the plaintiff to present his evi&ence e, parte an& the court to
ren&er 3u&'#ent on the $asis thereof- (0a" R0B)
SEC- 6- $re&trial brief.2The parties shall file (ith the court an& serve on the a&verse part%" in
such #anner as shall ensure their receipt thereof at least three (2) &a%s $efore the &ate of the pre<
trial" their respective pre<trial $riefs (hich shall contain" a#on' others*
(a) A state#ent of their (illin'ness to enter into a#ica$le settle#ent or alternative #o&es of
&ispute resolution" in&icatin' the &esire& ter#s thereof7
($) A su##ar% of a&#itte& facts an& propose& stipulation of facts7
(c) The issues to $e trie& or resolve&7
(&) The &ocu#ents or e1hi$its to $e presente&" statin' the purpose thereof7
(e) A #anifestation of their havin' availe& or then intention to avail the#selves of &iscover%
proce&ures or referral to co##issioners7 an&
(f) The nu#$er an& na#es of the (itnesses" an& the su$stance of their respective testi#onies-
Failure to file the pre<trial $rief shall have the sa#e effect as failure to appear at the pre<trial- (n)
SEC- ?- Record of pre&trial.2The procee&in's in the pretrial shall $e recor&e&- Upon the
ter#ination thereof" the court shall issue an or&er (hich shall recite in &etail the #atters ta/en
up in the conference7 the action ta/en thereon" the a#en&#ents allo(e& to the plea&in's" an& the
a'ree#ents or a&#issions #a&e $% the parties as to an% of the #atters consi&ere&- Shoul& the
action procee& to trial" the or&er shall e1plicitl% &efine an& li#it the issues to $e trie&- The
contents of the or&er shall control the su$se>uent course of the action" unless #o&ifie& $efore
trial to prevent #anifest in3ustice- (5a" R0B)
RULE 19
INTERVENTION
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may intervene.2A person (ho has a le'al interest in the #atter in liti'ation"
or in the success of either of the parties" or an interest a'ainst $oth" or is so situate& as to $e
a&versel% affecte& $% a &istri$ution or other &isposition of propert% in the custo&% of the court or
of an officer thereof #a%" (ith leave of court" $e allo(e& to intervene in the action- The court
shall consi&er (hether or not the intervention (ill un&ul% &ela% or pre3u&ice the a&3u&ication of
the ri'hts of the ori'inal parties" an& (hether or not the intervenorGs ri'hts #a% $e full%
protecte& in a separate procee&in'- (0DaE" D$Ea" R,0)
SEC- 0- Time to intervene-IThe #otion to intervene #a% $e file& at an% ti#e $efore ren&ition of
3u&'#ent $% the trial court- A cop% of the plea&in'<in<intervention shall $e attache& to the
#otion an& serve& on the ori'inal parties- (n)
SEC- 2- $leadings&in&intervention-IThe intervenor shall file a co#plaint<in<intervention if he
asserts a clai# a'ainst either or all of the ori'inal parties" or an ans(er<in<intervention if he
unites (ith the &efen&in' part% in resistin' a clai# a'ainst the latter- (0DcEa" R,0)
SEC- 4- (nswer to complaint&in&intervention-IThe ans(er to the co#plaint<in<intervention shall
$e file& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the or&er a&#ittin' the sa#e" unless a &ifferent
perio& is fi1e& $% the court- (0D&Ea" R,0)
RULE 20
CALENDAR OF CASES
SECT!O+ ,- Calendar of cases-IThe cler/ of court" un&er the &irect supervision of the 3u&'e"
shall /eep a calen&ar of cases for pre<trial" for trial" those (hose trials (ere a&3ourne& or
postpone&" an& those (ith #otions to set for hearin'- Preference shall $e 'iven to habeas
corpus cases" election cases" special civil actions" an& those so re>uire& $% la(- (,a" R00)
SEC- 0- (ssignment of cases-IThe assi'n#ent of cases to the &ifferent $ranches of court shall $e
&one e1clusivel% $% raffle- The assi'n#ent shall $e &one in open session of (hich a&e>uate
notice shall $e 'iven so as to affor& intereste& parties the opportunit% to $e present (?a" R00)
RULE 21
SUPOENA
SECT!O+ ,- Subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.2 Su$poena is a process &irecte& to a person
re>uirin' hi# to atten& an& to testif% at the hearin' or the trial of an action" or at an%
investi'ation con&ucte& $% co#petent authorit%" or for the ta/in' of his &eposition- !t #a% also
re>uire hi# to $rin' (ith hi# an% $oo/s" &ocu#ents" or other thin's un&er his control" in (hich
case it is calle& a su$poena duces tecum. (,a" R02)
SEC- 0- 1y whom issued.2The su$poena #a% $e issue& $%.
a) the court $efore (ho# the (itness is re>uire& to atten&7
$) the court of the place (here the &eposition is to $e ta/en7
c) the officer or $o&% authori5e& $% la( to &o so in connection (ith investi'ations con&ucte& $%
sai& officer or $o&%7 or
&) an% Hustice of the Supre#e Court or of the Court of Appeals in an% case or investi'ation
pen&in' (ithin the Philippines-
8hen application for a su$poena to a prisoner is #a&e" the 3u&'e or officer shall e1a#ine an&
stu&% carefull% such application to &eter#ine (hether the sa#e is #a&e for a vali& purpose-
+o prisoner sentence& to &eath" reclusion perpetua or life i#prison#ent an& (ho is confine& in
an% penal institution shall $e $rou'ht outsi&e the sai& penal institution for appearance or
atten&ance in an% court unless authori5e& $% the Supre#e Court- (0a" R02)
SEC- 2- 4orm and contents.2A su$poena shall state the na#e of the court an& the title of the
action or investi'ation" shall $e &irecte& to the person (hose atten&ance is re>uire&" an& in the
case of a su$poena duces tecum, it shall also contain a reasona$le &escription of the $oo/s"
&ocu#ents or thin's &e#an&e& (hich #ust appear to the court prima facie relevant- (2a" R02)
SEC- 4- 8uashing a subpoena.2The court #a% >uash a su$poena duces tecum upon #otion
pro#ptl% #a&e an&" in an% event" at or $efore the ti#e specifie& therein if it is unreasona$le an&
oppressive" or the relevanc% of the $oo/s" &ocu#ents or thin's &oes not appear" or if the person
in (hose $ehalf the su$poena is issue& fails to a&vance the reasona$le cost of the pro&uction
thereof-
The court #a% >uash a su$poena ad testificandum on the 'roun& that the (itness is not $oun&
there$%- !n either case" the su$poena #a% $e >uashe& on the 'roun& that the (itness fees an&
/ilo#etra'e allo(e& $% these Rules (ere not ten&ere& (hen the su$poena (as serve&- (4a" R02)
SEC- 5- Subpoena for depositions.2Proof of service of a notice to ta/e a &eposition" as provi&e&
in sections ,5 an& 05 of Rule 02" shall constitute sufficient authori5ation for the issuance of
su$poenas for the persons na#e& in sai& notice $% the cler/ of the court of the place in (hich
the &eposition is to $e ta/en- The cler/ shall not" ho(ever" issue a su$poena duces tecum to an%
such person (ithout an or&er of the court- (5a" R02)
SEC- 6- Service-.Service of a su$poena shall $e #a&e in the sa#e #anner as personal or
su$stitute& service of su##ons- The ori'inal shall $e e1hi$ite& an& a cop% thereof &elivere& to
the person on (ho# it is serve&" ten&erin' to hi# the fees for one &a%Gs atten&ance an& the
/ilo#etra'e allo(e& $% these Rules" e1cept that" (hen a su$poena is issue& $% or on $ehalf of
the Repu$lic of the Philippines or an officer or a'enc% thereof" the ten&er nee& not $e #a&e- The
service #ust $e #a&e so as to allo( the (itness a reasona$le ti#e for preparation an& travel of
the place of atten&ance- !f the su$poena is duces tecum, the reasona$le cost of pro&ucin' the
$oo/s" &ocu#ents or thin's &e#an&e& shall also $e ten&ere&- (6a" R02)
SEC- ?- $ersonal appearance in court-.A person present in court $efore a 3u&icial officer #a%
$e re>uire& to testif% as if he (ere in atten&ance upon a su$poena issue& $% such court or officer-
(,B" R02)
SEC- @- Compelling attendance.2!n case of failure of a (itness to atten&" the court or 3u&'e
issuin' the su$poena" upon proof of the service thereof an& of the failure of the (itness" #a%
issue a (arrant to the sheriff of the province" or his &eput%" to arrest the (itness an& $rin' hi#
$efore the court or officer (here his atten&ance is re>uire&" an& the cost of such (arrant an&
sei5ure of such (itness shall $e pai& $% the (itness if the court issuin' it shall &eter#ine that his
failure to ans(er the su$poena (as (illful an& (ithout 3ust e1cuse- (,," R02)
SEC- A- Contempt2Failure $% an% person (ithout a&e>uate cause to o$e% a su$poena serve&
upon hi# shall &ee#e& a conte#pt of the court fro# (hich the su$poena is issue&- !f the
su$poena (as not issue& $% a court" the &iso$e&ience thereto shall $e punishe& in accor&ance
(ith the applica$le la( or Rule (,0a" R02)
SEC- ,B- *,ceptions.2The provisions of sections @ an& 9 this Rule shall not appl% to a (itness
(ho resi&es #ore than one hun&re& (,BB) /ilo#eters fro# his resi&ence to the place (here he is
to testif% $% the or&inar% course of travel" or to a &etention prisoner if no per#ission of the court
in (hich his case is pen&in' (as o$taine&- (Aa" R02)
RULE 22
COMPUTATION OF TIME
SECT!O+ ,- 3ow to compute time.2!n co#putin' an% perio& of ti#e prescri$e& or allo(e& $%
these Rules" or $% or&er the court" or $% an% applica$le statute" the &a% of the act or event fro#
(hich the &esi'nate& perio& of ti#e $e'ins to run is to e1clu&e& an& the &ate of perfor#ance
inclu&e&- !f the last &a% of the perio&" as thus co#pute&" falls on a Satur&a%" a Sun&a%" or a le'al
holi&a% in the place (here the court sits" the ti#e shall not run until the ne1t (or/in' &a%- (n)
SEC- 0- *ffect of interruption..Shoul& an act $e &one (hich effectivel% interrupts the runnin'
of the perio&" the allo(a$le perio& after such interruption shall start to run on the &a% aft notice
of the cessation of the cause thereof-
The &a% of the act that cause& the interruption shall $e e1clu&e& in the co#putation of the
perio&- (n)
RULE 02
FEPOS!T!O+S PE+F!+C ACT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- +epositions pending action, when may be ta)en-.)% leave of court after
3uris&iction has $een o$taine& over an% &efen&ant or over propert% (hich is the su$3ect of the
action" (ithout such leave after an ans(er has $een serve&" the testi#on% of an% person" (hether
a part% or not" #a% $e ta/en" at the instance of an% part%" $% &eposition upon oral e1a#ination or
(ritten interro'atories- The atten&ance of (itnesses #a% $e co#pelle& $% the use of a su$poena
as provi&e& in Rule 0,- Fepositions shall $e ta/en onl% in accor&ance (ith these Rules- The
&eposition of a person confine& in prison #a% $e ta/en onl% $% leave of court on such ter#s as
the court prescri$es- (,a" R04)
SEC- 0- Scope of e,amination-.Unless other(ise or&ere& $% the court as provi&e& $% section
,6 or ,@ of this Rule" the &eponent #a% $e e1a#ine& re'ar&in' an% #atter" not privile'e&" (hich
is relevant to the su$3ect of the pen&in' action" (hether relatin' to the clai# or &efense of an%
other part%" inclu&in' the e1istence" &escription" nature" custo&%" con&ition" an& location of an%
$oo/s" &ocu#ents" or other tan'i$le thin's an& the i&entit% an& location of persons havin'
/no(le&'e of relevant facts- (0" R04)
SEC- 2- *,amination and cross&e,amination -.E1a#ination an& cross<e1a#ination of
&eponents #a% procee& as per#itte& at the trial un&er sections 2 to ,@ of Rule ,20- (2a" R04)
SEC- 4- 'se of depositions.2At the trial or upon the hearin' of a #otion or an interlocutor%
procee&in'" an% part or all of a &eposition" so far as a&#issi$le un&er the rules of evi&ence" #a%
$e use& a'ainst an% part% (ho (as present or represente& at the ta/in' of the &eposition or (ho
ha& &ue notice thereof" in accor&ance (ith an% one of the follo(in' provisions*
(a) An% &eposition #a% $e use& $% an% part% for the purpose of contra&ictin' or i#peachin' the
testi#on% of &eponent as a (itness7
($) The &eposition of a part% or of an% one (ho at the ti#e of ta/in' the &eposition (as an
officer" &irector" or #ana'in' a'ent of a pu$lic or private corporation" partnership" or association
(hich is a part% #a% $e use& $% an a&verse part% for an% purpose7
(c) The &eposition of a (itness" (hether or not a part%" #a% $e use& $% an% part% for an%
purpose if the court fin&s* (,) that the (itness is &ea&7 or (0) that the (itness resi&es at a &istance
#ore than one hun&re& (,BB) /ilo#eters fro# the place of trial or hearin'" or is out of the
Philippines" unless it appears that his a$sence (as procure& $% the part% offerin' the &eposition7
or (2) that the (itness is una$le to atten& or testif% $ecause of a'e" sic/ness" infir#it%" or
i#prison#ent7 or (4) that the part% offerin' the &eposition has $een una$le to procure the
atten&ance of the (itness $% su$poena7 or (5) upon application an& notice" that such e1ceptional
circu#stances e1ist as to #a/e it &esira$le" in the interest of 3ustice an& (ith &ue re'ar& to the
i#portance of presentin' the testi#on% of (itnesses orall% in open court" to allo( the &eposition
to $e use&7 an&
(&) !f onl% part of a &eposition is offere& in evi&ence $% a part%7 the a&verse part% #a% re>uire
hi# to intro&uce all of it (hich is relevant to the part intro&uce&" an& an% part% #a% intro&uce
an% other parts- (4a" R04)
SEC- 5- *ffect of substitution of parties-.Su$stitution of parties &oes not affect the ri'ht to use
&epositions previousl% ta/en7 an&" (hen an action has $een &is#isse& an& another action
involvin' the sa#e su$3ect is after(ar& $rou'ht $et(een the sa#e parties or their representatives
or successors in interest" all &epositions la(full% ta/en an& &ul% file& in the for#er action #a%
$e use& in the latter as if ori'inall% ta/en therefor- (5" R04)
SEC- 6- Ob"ections to admissibility.2Su$3ect to the provisions of section 0A of this Rule"
o$3ection #a% $e #a&e at the trial or hearin' to receivin' in evi&ence an% &eposition or part
thereof for an% reason (hich (oul& re>uire the e1clusion of the evi&ence if the (itness (ere
then present an& testif%in'- (6" R04)
SEC- ?- *ffect of ta)ing depositions.2A part% shall not $e &ee#e& to #a/e a person his o(n
(itness for an% purpose $% ta/in' his &eposition- (?" R04)
SEC- @- *ffect of using depositions.2The intro&uction in evi&ence of the &eposition or an% part
thereof for an% purpose other than that of contra&ictin' or i#peachin' the &eponent #a/es the
&eponent the (itness of the part% intro&ucin' the &eposition" $ut this shall not appl% to the use
$% an a&verse part% of a &eposition as &escri$e& in para'raph ($) of section 4 of this Rule- (@"
R04)
SEC- A- Rebutting deposition.2At the trial or hearin'" an% part% #a% re$ut an% relevant
evi&ence containe& in a &eposition (hether intro&uce& by hi# or $% an% other part%- (A" R04)
SEC- ,B- $ersons before whom depositions may be ta)en within the $hilippines.28ithin the
Philippines" &epositions #ust $e ta/en $efore an% 3u&'e" notar% pu$lic" on the person referre& to
in section ,4 hereof- (,Ba" R04)
SEC- ,,- $ersons before whom depositions may be ta)en in foreign countries.2!n a forei'n state
or countr%" &epositions #a% $e ta/en (a) on notice $efore a secretar% of e#$ass% or le'ation"
consul 'eneral" consul" vice<consul" or consular a'ent of the Repu$lic of the Philippines7 ($)
$efore such person or officer as #a% $e appointe& $% co##ission or un&er letters ro'ator%7 or
(c) the person referre& to in section ,4 hereof- (,,a" R04)
SEC- ,0- Commission or letters rogatory.2A co##ission or letters ro'ator% shall $e issue& onl%
(hen necessar% or convenient" on application an& notice" an& on such ter#s an& (ith such
&irection as are 3ust appropriate- Officers #a% $e &esi'nate& in notices or co##issions either $%
na#e or &escriptive title an& letters ro'ator% #a% $e a&&resse& to the appropriate 3u&icial
authorit% in the forei'n countr%- (,0n" R04)
SEC- ,2- +is6ualification by interest.2+o &eposition shall $e ta/en $efore a person (ho is a
relative (ithin the si1th &e'ree of consan'uinit% or affinit%" or e#plo%ee or counsel of an% of the
parties7 or (ho is a relative (ithin the sa#e &e'ree" or e#plo%ee of such counsel7 or (ho is
financiall% intereste& in the action- (,2a" R04)
SEC- ,4- Stipulations regarding ta)ing of depositions.2!f the parties so stipulate in (ritin'"
&epositions #a% $e ta/en $efore an% person authori5e& to a&#inister oaths" at an% ti#e or place"
in accor&ance (ith these Rules" an& (hen so ta/en #a% $e use& li/e other &epositions- (,4a"
R04)
SEC- ,5- +eposition upon oral e,amination; notice; time and place-.A part% &esirin' to ta/e
the &eposition of an% person upon oral e1a#ination shall 'ive reasona$le notice in (ritin' to
ever% other part% to the action- The notice shall state the ti#e an& place for ta/in' the &eposition
an& the na#e an& a&&ress of each person to $e e1a#ine&" if /no(n" an& if the na#e is at /no(n"
a 'eneral &escription sufficient to i&entif% hi# or the particular class or 'roup to (hich he
$elon's- On #otion of an% part% upon (ho# the notice is serve&" the court #a% for cause sho(n
enlar'e or shorten the ti#e- (,5" R04)
SEC- ,6- Orders for the protection of parties and deponents.2 After notice is serve& for ta/in'
a &eposition $% oral e1a#ination" upon #otion seasona$l% #a&e $% an% part% or $% the person to
$e e1a#ine& an& for 'oo& cause sho(n" the court in (hich the action is pen&in' #a% #a/e an
or&er that the &eposition shall not $e ta/en" or that it #a% $e ta/en onl% at so#e &esi'nate& place
other than that state& in the notice" or that it #a% $e ta/en onl% on (ritten interro'atories" or that
certain #atters shall not $e in>uire& into" or that the scope of the e1a#ination shall $e hel& (ith
no one present e1cept the parties to the action an& their officers or counsel" or that after $ein'
seale& the &eposition shall $ opene& onl% $% or&er of the court" or that secret processes
&evelop#ents" or research nee& not $e &isclose&" or that the parties shall si#ultaneousl% file&
specifie& &ocu#ents or infor#ation enclose& in seale& envelope to $e opene& as &irecte& $% the
court7 or the court #a% #a/e an% other or&er (hich 3ustice re>uires to protect the part% or
(itness fro# anno%ance" e#$arrass#ent" or oppression- (,6a" R04)
SEC- ,?- Record of e,amination; oath; ob"ections.2The officer $efore (ho# the &eposition is
to $e ta/en shall put the (itness or oath an& shall personall%" or $% so#e one actin' un&er his
&irection an& in his presence" recor& the testi#on% of the (itness- The testi#on% shall $e ta/en
steno'raphicall% unless the parties a'ree other(ise- All o$3ections #a&e at the ti#e of the
e1a#ination to the >ualifications of the officer ta/in' the &eposition" or to the #anner of ta/in'
it" or to the evi&ence presente&" or to the con&uct of an% part%" an& an% other o$3ection to the
procee&in's" shall $e note& $% the officer upon the &eposition- Evi&ence o$3ecte& to shall $e
ta/en su$3ect to the o$3ections- !n lieu of participatin' in the oral e1a#ination" parties serve&
(ith notice of ta/in' a &eposition #a% trans#it (ritten interro'atories to the officers" (ho shall
propoun& the# to the (itness an& recor& the ans(ers verbatim. (,?" R04)
SEC- ,@- !otion to terminate or limit e,amination.2At an% ti#e &urin' the ta/in' of the
&eposition" on #otion or petition of an% part% or of the &eponent an& upon a sho(in' that the
e1a#ination is $ein' con&ucte& in $a& faith or in such #anner" as unreasona$l% to anno%"
e#$arrass" or oppress the &eponent or part%" the court in (hich the action is pen&in' or the
Re'ional Trial Court of the place (here the &eposition is $ein' ta/en #a% or&er the officer
con&uctin' the e1a#ination to cease forth(ith fro# ta/in' the &eposition" or #a% li#it the
scope an& #anner of the ta/in' of the &eposition" as provi&e& in section ,6 of this Rule- !f the
or&er #a&e ter#inates the e1a#ination" it shall $e resu#e& thereafter onl% upon the or&er of the
court in (hich the action is pen&in'- Upon &e#an& of the o$3ectin' part% or &eponent" the ta/in'
of the &eposition shall $e suspen&e& for the ti#e necessar% to #a/e a notice for an or&er- !n
'rantin' or refusin' such or&er" the court #a% i#pose upon either part% or upon the (itness the
re>uire#ent to pa% such costs or e1penses as the court #a% &ee# reasona$le- (,@a" R04)
SEC- ,A- Submission to witness; changes; signing.28hen the testi#on% is full% transcri$e&" the
&eposition shall $e su$#itte& to the (itness for e1a#ination an& shall $e rea& to or $% hi#"
unless such e1a#ination an& rea&in' are (aive& $% the (itness an& $% the parties- An% chan'es
in for# or su$stance (hich the (itness &esires to #a/e shall $e entere& upon the &eposition $%
the officer (ith a state#ent of the reasons 'iven $% the (itness for #a/in' the#- The &eposition
shall then $e si'ne& $% the (itness" unless the parties $% stipulation (aive the si'nin' or the
(itness is ill or cannot $e foun& or refuses to si'n- !f the &eposition is not si'ne& $% the (itness"
the officer shall si'n it an& state on the recor& the fact of the (aiver or of the illness or a$sence
of the (itness or the fact of the refusal to si'n to'ether (ith the reason 'iven therefor" if an%" an&
the &eposition #a% then $e use& as full% as thou'h si'ne&" unless on a #otion to suppress un&er
section 0A (f) of this Rule" the court hol&s that the reasons 'iven for the refusal to si'n re>uire
re3ection Of the &eposition in (hole or in part- (,Aa" R04)
SEC- 0B- Certification and filing by officer.2The officer shall certif% on the &eposition that the
(itness (as &ul% s(orn to $% hi# an& that the &eposition is a true recor& of the testi#on% 'iven
$% the (itness- =e shall then securel% seal the &eposition in an envelope in&orse& (ith the title
of the action an& #ar/e& :Feposition of (here insert the na#e of (itness); an& shall pro#ptl%
file it (ith the court in (hich the action is pen&in' or sen& it $% re'istere& #ail to the cler/
thereof for filin'- (0B" R04)
SEC- 0,- %otice of filing.2The officer ta/in' the &eposition shall 'ive pro#pt notice of its filin'
to all the parties- (0," R04)
SEC- 00- 4urnishing copies.&&Upon pa%#ent of reasona$le char'es therefor" the officer shall
furnish a cop% of the &eposition to an% part% or to the &eponent- (00" R04)
SEC- 02- 4ailure to attend of party giving notice.2!f the part% 'ivin' the notice of the ta/in' of
a &eposition fails to atten& an& procee& there(ith an& another atten&s in person or $% counsel
pursuant to the notice" the court #a% or&er the part% 'ivin' the notice to pa% such other part% the
a#ount of the reasona$le e1penses incurre& $% hi# an& his counsel in so atten&in' inclu&in'
reasona$le attorne%Gs fees- (02a" R04)
SEC- 04- 4ailure of party giving notice to serve subpoena.2 !f the part% 'ivin' the notice of the
ta/in' of a &eposition of a (itness fails to serve a su$poena upon hi# an& the (itness $ecause of
such failure &oes not atten&" an& if another part% atten&s in person or $% counsel $ecause he
e1pects the &eposition of that (itness to $e ta/en" the court #a% or&er the part% 'ivin' the notice
to pa% to such other part% the a#ount of the reasona$le e1penses incurre& $% hi# an& his
counsel in so atten&in' inclu&in' reasona$le attorne%Gs fees- (04a" R04)
SEC- 05- +eposition upon written interrogatories; service of notice and of interrogatories.2A
part% &esirin' to ta/e the &eposition of an% person upon (ritten interro'atories shall serve the#
upon ever% other part% (ith a notice statin' the na#e an& a&&ress of the person (ho is to ans(er
the# an& the na#e of &escriptive title an& a&&ress of the officer $efore (ho# the &eposition is
to $e ta/en- 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s thereafter" a part% so serve& #a% serve cross<interro'atories
upon the part% proposin' to ta/e the &eposition- 8ithin five (5) &a%s thereafter" the latter #a%
serve re<&irect interro'atories upon a part% (ho has serve& cross<interro'atories- 8ithin three
(2) &a%s after $ein' serve& (ith re<&irect interro'atories" a part% #a% serve recross<
interro'atories upon the part% proposin' to ta/e the &eposition- (05" R04)
SEC- 06- Officers to ta)e responses and prepare record.2A cop% of the notice an& copies of all
interro'atories serve& shall $e &elivere& $% the part% ta/in' the &eposition to the officer
&esi'nate& in the notice" (ho shall procee& pro#ptl%" in the #anner provi&e& $% sections ,?" ,A
an& 0B of this Rule" to ta/e the testi#on% of the (itness in response to the interro'atories an& to
prepare" certif%" an& file& or #ail the &eposition" attachin' thereto the cop% of the notice an& the
interro'atories receive& $% hi#- (06" R04)
SEC- 0?- %otice of filing and furnishing copies.28hen a &eposition upon interro'atories is
file&" the officer ta/in' it shall pro#ptl% 'ive notice thereof to all the parties" an& #a% furnish
copies to the# or to the &eponent upon pa%#ent of reasona$le char'es therefor- (0?" R04)
SEC- 0@- Orders for the protection of parties and deponents.2After the service of the
interro'atories an& prior to the ta/in' of the testi#on% of the &eponent" the court in (hich the
action is pen&in'" on #otion pro#ptl% #a&e $% a part% or a &eponent" an& for 'oo& cause
sho(n" #a% #a/e an% or&er specifie& in sections ,5" ,6 an& ,@ of this Rule (hich is appropriate
an& 3ust or an or&er that the &eposition shall not $e ta/en $efore the officer &esi'nate& in the
notice or that it shall not $e ta/en e1cept upon oral e1a#ination- (0@a" R04)
SEC- 0A- *ffect of errors and irregularities in depositions.2
(a) (s to notice-.All errors an& irre'ularities in the notice for ta/in' a &eposition are
(aive& unless (ritten o$3ection is pro#ptl% serve& upon the part% 'ivin' the notice-
($) (s to dis6ualification of officer..O$3ection to ta/in' a &eposition $ecause of
&is>ualification of the officer $efore (ho# it is to $e ta/en is (aive& unless #a&e $efore the
ta/in' of the &eposition $e'ins or as soon thereafter as the &is>ualification $eco#es /no(n or
coul& $e &iscovere& (ith reasona$le &ili'ence-
(c) (s to competency or relevancy of evidence..O$3ections to the co#petenc% of
a (itness or the co#petenc%" relevanc%" or #aterialit% of testi#on% are not (aive& $% failure to
#a/e the# $efore or &urin' the ta/in' of the &eposition" unless the 'roun& of the o$3ection is
one (hich #i'ht have $een o$viate& or re#ove& if presente& at that ti#e-
(&) (s to oral e,amination and other particulars..Errors an& irre'ularities occurrin' at
the oral e1a#ination in the #anner of ta/in' the &eposition" in the for# of the >uestions or
ans(ers" in the oath or affir#ation" or in the con&uct of the parties an& errors of an% /in& (hich
#i'ht $e o$viate&" re#ove&" or cure& if pro#ptl% prosecute&" are (aive& unless reasona$le
o$3ection thereto is #a&e at the ta/in' of the &eposition-
(e) (s to form of written interrogatories..O$3ections to the for# of (ritten
interro'atories su$#itte& un&er sections 05 an& 06 of this Rule are (aive& unless serve& in
(ritin' upon the part% propoun&in' the# (ithin the ti#e allo(e& for servin' succee&in' cross
or other interro'atories an& (ithin three (2) &a%s after service of the last interro'atories
authori5e&-
(f) (s to manner of preparation..Errors an& irre'ularities in the #anner in (hich the
testi#on% is transcri$e& or the &eposition is prepare&" si'ne&" certifie&" seale&" in&orse&"
trans#itte&" file&" or other(ise &ealt (ith $% the officer un&er sections ,?" ,A" 0B an& 06 of this
Rule are (aive& unless a #otion to suppress the &eposition or so#e part thereof is #a&e (ith
reasona$le pro#ptness after such &efect is" or (ith &ue &ili'ence #i'ht have $een" ascertaine&-
(0Aa" R04)
RULE 04
FEPOS!T!O+S )EFORE ACT!O+ OR PE+F!+C APPEAL
SECT!O+ ,- +epositions before action; petition.2( person (ho &esires to perpetuate his o(n
testi#on% or that of another person re'ar&in' an% #atter that #a% $e co'ni5a$le in an% court of
the Philippines" #a% file& a verifie& petition in the court of the place of the resi&ence of an%
e1pecte& a&verse part%- (,a" R,24)
SEC- 0- Contents of petition-.The petition shall $e entitle& in the na#e of the petitioner an&
shall sho(* (a) that the petitioner e1pects to $e a part% to an action in a court of the Philippines
$ut is presentl% una$le to $rin' it or cause it to $e $rou'ht7 ($) the su$3ect #atter of the e1pecte&
action an& his interest therein7 (c) the facts (hich he &esires to esta$lish $% the propose&
testi#on% an& his reasons for &esirin' to perpetuate it7 (&) the na#es or a &escription of the
persons he e1pects (ill $e a&verse parties an& their a&&resses so far as /no(n7 an& (e) the na#es
an& a&&resses of the persons to $e e1a#ine& an& the su$stance of the testi#on% (hich he
e1pects to elicit fro# each" an& shall as/ for an or&er authori5in' the petitioner to ta/e the
&epositions of the persons to $e e1a#ine& na#e& in the petition for the purpose of perpetuatin'
their testi#on%- (0" R,24)
SEC- 2- %otice and service-.The petitioner shall serve a notice upon each person na#e& in the
petition as an e1pecte& a&verse part%" to'ether (ith a cop% of the petition" statin' that the
petitioner (ill appl% to the court" at a ti#e an& place na#e& therein" for the or&er &escri$e& in
the petition- At least t(ent% (0B) &a%s $efore the &ate of the hearin'" the court shall cause notice
thereof to $e serve& on the parties an& prospective &eponents in the #anner provi&e& for service
of su##ons- (2a" R,24)
SEC- 4- Order and e,amination.2!f the court is satisfie& that the perpetuation of the testi#on%
#a% prevent a failure or &ela% of 3ustice" it shall #a/e an or&er &esi'natin' or &escri$in' the
persons (hose &eposition #a% $e ta/en an& specif%in' the su$3ect #atter of the e1a#ination an&
(hether the &epositions shall $e ta/en upon oral e1a#ination or (ritten interro'atories- The
&epositions #a% then $e ta/en in accor&ance (ith Rule 02 $efore the hearin'- (4a" R,24)
SEC- 5- Reference to court-.For the purpose of appl%in' Rule 02 to &epositions for
perpetuatin' testi#on%" each reference therein to the court in (hich the action is pen&in' shall
$e &ee#e& to refer to the court in (hich the petition for such &eposition (as file&- (5a" R,24)
SEC- 6- 'se of deposition.2!f a &eposition to perpetuate testi#on% is ta/en un&er this Rule" or
if" althou'h not so ta/en" it (oul& $e a&#issi$le in evi&ence" it #a% $e use& in an% action
involvin' the sa#e su$3ect #atter su$se>uentl% $rou'ht in accor&ance (ith the provisions of
sections 4 an& 5 of Rule 02- (6a" R,24)
SEC- ?- +epositions pending appeal.2!f an appeal has $een ta/en fro# a 3u&'#ent of a court"
inclu&in' the Court of Appeals in proper cases" or $efore the ta/in' of an appeal if the ti#e
therefor has not e1pire&" the court in (hich the 3u&'#ent (as ren&ere& #a% allo( the ta/in' of
&epositions of (itnesses to perpetuate their testi#on% for use in the event of further procee&in's
in the sai& court- !n such case the part% (ho &esires to perpetuate the testi#on% #a% #a/e a
#otion in the sai& court for leave to ta/e the &epositions" upon the sa#e notice an& service
thereof as if the action (as pen&in' therein- The #otion shall state (a) the na#es an& a&&resses
of the persons to $e e1a#ine& an& the su$stance of the testi#on% (hich he e1pects to elicit fro#
each7 an& ($) the reason for perpetuatin' their testi#on%- !f the court fin&s that the perpetuation
of the testi#on% is proper to avoi& a failure or &ela% of 3ustice" it #a% #a/e an or&er allo(in'
the &epositions to $e ta/en" an& thereupon the &epositions #a% $e ta/en an& use& in the sa#e
#anner an& un&er the sa#e con&itions as are prescri$e& in these Rules for &epositions ta/en in
pen&in' actions- (?a" R,24)
RULE 05
!+TERROCATOR!ES TO PART!ES
SECT!O+ ,- Interrogatories to parties; service thereof.2 Un&er the sa#e con&itions specifie&
in section , of Rule 02" an% part% &esirin' to elicit #aterial an& relevant facts fro# an% a&verse
parties shall file an& serve upon the latter (ritten interro'atories to $e ans(ere& $% the part%
serve& or" if the part% serve& is a pu$lic or private corporation or a partnership or association" $%
an% officer thereof co#petent to testif% in its $ehalf- (,a)
SEC- 0- (nswer to interrogatories.2The interro'atories shall $e ans(ere& full% in (ritin' an&
shall $e si'ne& an& s(orn to $% the person #a/in' the#- The part% upon (ho# the
interro'atories have $een serve& shall file an& serve a cop% of the ans(ers on the part%
su$#ittin' the interro'atories (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after service thereof" unless the court" on
#otion an& for 'oo& cause sho(n" e1ten&s or shortens the ti#e- (0a)
SEC- 2- Ob"ections to interrogatories.2O$3ections to an% interro'atories #a% $e presente& to
the court (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after service thereof" (ith notice as in case of a #otion7 an&
ans(ers shall $e &eferre& until the o$3ections are resolve&" (hich shall $e at as earl% a ti#e as is
practica$le- (2a)
SEC- 4- %umber of interrogatories.2+o part% #a%" (ithout leave of court" serve #ore than one
set of interro'atories to $e ans(ere& $% the sa#e part%- (4)
SEC- 5- Scope and use of interrogatories.2!nterro'atories #a% relate to an% #atters that can $e
in>uire& into un&er section 0 of Rule 02" an& the ans(ers #a% $e use& for the sa#e purposes
provi&e& in section 4 of the sa#e Rule- (5a)
SEC- 6- *ffect of failure to serve written interrogatories.2 Unless thereafter allo(e& $% the
court for 'oo& cause sho(n an& to prevent a failure of 3ustice" a part% not serve& (ith (ritten
interro'atories #a% not $e co#pelle& $% the a&verse part% to 'ive testi#on% in open court" or to
'ive a &eposition pen&in' appeal- (n)-
RULE 06
AF9!SS!O+ )J AFERSE PARTJ
SECT!O+ ,- Re6uest for admission.2At an% ti#e after issues have $een 3oine&" a part% #a% file
an& serve upon an% other part% a (ritten re>uest for the a&#ission $% the latter of the
'enuineness of an% #aterial an& relevant &ocu#ent &escri$e& in an& e1hi$ite& (ith the re>uest
or of the truth of an% #aterial an& relevant #atter of fact set forth in the re>uest- Copies of the
&ocu#ents shall $e &elivere& (ith the re>uest unless copies have alrea&% $een furnishe&- (,a)
SEC- 0- Implied admission.2Each of the #atters of (hich an a&#ission is re>ueste& shall $e
&ee#e& a&#itte& unless" (ithin a perio& &esi'nate& in the re>uest" (hich shall not $e less than
fifteen (,5) &a%s after service thereof" or (ithin such further ti#e as the court #a% allo( on
#otion" the part% to (ho# the re>uest is &irecte& files an& serves upon the part% re>uestin' the
a&#ission a s(orn state#ent either &en%in' specificall% the #atters of (hich an a&#ission is
re>ueste& or settin' forth in &etail the reasons (h% he cannot truthfull% either a&#it or &en%
those #atters-
O$3ections to an% re>uest for a&#ission shall $e su$#itte& to the court $% the part% re>ueste&
(ithin the perio& for an& prior to the filin' of his s(orn state#ent as conte#plate& in the
prece&in' para'raph an& his co#pliance there(ith shall $e &eferre& until such o$li'ations are
resolve&" (hich resolution shall $e #a&e as earl% as practica$le- (0a)
SEC- 2- *ffect of admission.2An% a&#ission #a&e $% a part% pursuant to such re>uest is for the
purpose of the pen&in' action onl% an& shall not constitute an a&#ission $% hi# for an% other
purpose nor #a% the sa#e $e use& a'ainst hi# in an% other procee&in'- (2)
SEC- 4- #ithdrawal.2The court #a% allo( the part% #a/in' an a&#ission un&er this Rule"
(hether e1press or i#plie&" to (ith&ra( or a#en& it upon such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust- (4)
SEC- 5- *ffect of failure to file and serve re6uest for admission-.Unless other(ise allo(e& $%
the court for 'oo& cause sho(n an& to prevent a failure of 3ustice" a part% (ho fails to file an&
serve a re>uest for a&#ission on the a&verse part% of #aterial an& relevant facts at issue (hich
are" or ou'ht to $e" (ithin the personal /no(le&'e of the latter" shall not $e per#itte& to present
evi&ence on such facts- (n)
RULE 0?
PROFUCT!O+ OR !+SPECT!O+ OF FOCU9E+TS OR T=!+CS
SECT!O+ ,- !otion for production or inspection; order. :Upon #otion of an% part% sho(in'
'oo& cause therefor" the court in (hich an action is pen&in' #a% (a) or&er an% part% to pro&uce
an& per#it the inspection an& cop%in' or photo'raphin'" $% or on $ehalf of the #ovin' part%" of
an% &esi'nate& &ocu#ents" papers" $oo/s" accounts" letters" photo'raphs" o$3ects or tan'i$le
thin's not privile'e&" (hich constitute or contain evi&ence #aterial to an% #atter involve& in the
action an& (hich are in his possession custo&% or control7 or ($) or&er an% part% or per#it entr%
upon &esi'nate& lan& or other propert% in his possession or control for the purpose of inspectin'"
#easurin'" surve%in'" or photo'raphin' the propert% or an% &esi'nate& relevant o$3ect or
operation thereon- The or&er shall specif% the ti#e" place an& #anner of #a/in' the inspection
an& ta/in' copies an& photo'raphs" an& #a% prescri$e such ter#s an& con&itions as are 3ust- (,a)
RULE 0@
P=JS!CAL A+F 9E+TAL EKA9!+AT!O+ OF PERSO+S
SECT!O+ ,- #hen e,amination may be ordered.2!n an action in (hich the #ental or ph%sical
con&ition of a part% is in controvers%" the court in (hich the action is pen&in' #a% in its
&iscretion or&er hi# to su$#it to a ph%sical or #ental e1a#ination $% a ph%sician- (,)
SEC- 0- Order for e,amination.2The or&er for e1a#ination #a% $e #a&e onl% on #otion for
'oo& cause sho(n an& upon notice to the part% to $e e1a#ine& an& to all other parties" an& shall
specif% the ti#e" place" #anner" con&itions an& scope of the e1a#ination an& the person or
persons $% (ho# it is to $e #a&e- (0)
SEC- 2- Report of findings2!f re>ueste& $% the part% e1a#ine&" the part% causin' the
e1a#ination to $e #a&e shall &eliver to hi# a cop% of a &etaile& (ritten report of the e1a#inin'
ph%sician settin' out his fin&in's an& conclusions- After such re>uest an& &eliver%" the part%
causin' the e1a#ination to $e #a&e shall $e entitle& upon re>uest to receive fro# the part%
e1a#ine& a li/e report of an% e1a#ination" previousl% or thereafter #a&e" of the sa#e #ental or
ph%sical con&ition- !f the part% e1a#ine& refuses to &eliver such report" the court on #otion an&
notice #a% #a/e an or&er re>uirin' &eliver% on such ter#s as are 3ust" an& if a ph%sician fails or
refuses to #a/e such a report the court #a% e1clu&e his testi#on% if offere& at the trial- (2a)
SEC- 4- #aiver of privilege.2)% re>uestin' an& o$tainin' a report of the e1a#ination so
or&ere& or $% ta/in' the &eposition of the e1a#iner" the part% e1a#ine& (aives an% privile'e he
#a% have in that action or an% other involvin' the sa#e controvers%" re'ar&in' the testi#on% of
ever% other person (ho has e1a#ine& or #a% thereafter e1a#ine hi# in respect of the sa#e
#ental or ph%sical e1a#ination- (4)
RULE 0A
REFUSAL TO CO9PLJ 8!T= 9OFES OF F!SCOERJ
SECT!O+ ,- Refusal to answer.2!f a part% or other &eponent refuses to ans(er an% >uestion
upon oral e1a#ination" the e1a#ination #a% $e co#plete& on other #atters or a&3ourne& as the
proponent of the >uestion #a% prefer- The proponent #a% thereafter appl% to the proper court of
the place (here the &eposition is $ein' ta/en" for an or&er to co#pel an ans(er- The sa#e
proce&ure #a% $e availe& of (hen a part% or a (itness refuses to ans(er an% interro'ator%
su$#itte& un&er Rules 02 or 05-
!f the application is 'rante&" the court shall re>uire the refusin' part% or &eponent to ans(er the
>uestion or interro'ator% an& if it also fin&s that the refusal to ans(er (as (ithout su$stantial
3ustification" it #a% re>uire the refusin' part% or &eponent or the counsel a&visin' the refusal" or
$oth of the#" to pa% the proponent the a#ount of the reasona$le e1penses incurre& in o$tainin'
the or&er" inclu&in' attorne%Gs fees-
!f the application is &enie& an& the court fin&s that it (as file& (ithout su$stantial 3ustification"
the court #a% re>uire the proponent or the counsel a&visin' the filin' of the application" or $oth
of the#" to pa% to the refusin' part% or &eponent the a#ount of the reasona$le e1penses incurre&
in opposin' the application" inclu&in' attorne%Gs fees- (,a)
SEC- 0- Contempt of court-.!f a part% or other (itness refuses to $e s(orn or refuses to ans(er
an% >uestion after $ein' &irecte& to &o so $% the court of the place in (hich the &eposition is
$ein' ta/en" the refusal #a% $e consi&ere& a conte#pt of that court- (0a)
SEC- 2- Other conse6uences.2!f an% part% or an officer or #ana'in' a'ent of a part% refuses to
o$e% an or&er #a&e un&er section , of this Rule re>uirin' hi# to ans(er &esi'nate& >uestions"
or an or&er un&er Rule 0? to pro&uce an% &ocu#ent or other thin' for inspection cop%in' or
photo'raphin' or to per#it it to $e &one" or to per#it entr% upon lan& or other propert%" or an
or&er #a&e un&er Rule 0@ re>uirin' hi# to su$#it to a ph%sical or #ental e1a#ination" the court
#a% #a/e such or&ers in re'ar& to the refusal as are 3ust" an& a#on' others the follo(in'*
(a) An or&er that the #atters re'ar&in' (hich the >uestions (ere as/e&" or the character or
&escription of the thin' or lan&" or the contents of the paper" or the ph%sical or #ental con&ition
of the part% or an% other &esi'nate& facts shall $e ta/en to $e esta$lishe& for the purposes of the
action in accor&ance (ith the clai# of the part% o$tainin' the or&er7
($) An or&er refusin' to allo( the &iso$e&ient part% to support or oppose &esi'nate& clai#s or
&efenses or prohi$itin' hi# fro# intro&ucin' in evi&ence &esi'nate& &ocu#ents or thin's or
ite#s of testi#on%" or fro# intro&ucin' evi&ence of ph%sical or #ental con&ition7
(c) An or&er stri/in' out plea&in's or parts thereof" or sta%in' further procee&in's until the or&er
is o$e%e&" or &is#issin' the action or procee&in' or an% part thereof or ren&erin' a 3u&'#ent $%
&efault a'ainst the &iso$e&ient part%7 an&
(&) !n lieu of an% of the fore'oin' or&ers or in a&&ition thereto" an or&er &irectin' the arrest of
an% part% or a'ent of part% for &iso$e%in' an% of such or&ers e1cept an or&er to su$#it to a
ph%sical or #ental e1a#ination- (2a)
SEC- 4- *,penses on refusal to admit.2!f a part% after $ein' serve& (ith a re>uest un&er Rule
06 to a&#it the 'enuineness of an% &ocu#ent or the truth of an% #atter of fact" serves a s(orn
&enial thereof an& if the part% re>uestin' the a&#issions thereafter proves the 'enuineness of
such &ocu#ent or the truth of an% such #atter of fact" he #a% appl% to the court for an or&er
re>uirin' the other part% to pa% hi# the reasona$le e1penses incurre& in #a/in' such proof"
inclu&in' attorne%Gs fees- Unless the court fin&s that there (ere 'oo& reasons for the &enial or
that a&#issions sou'ht (ere of no su$stantial i#portance" such or&er shall $e issue&- (4a)
SEC- 5- 4ailure of party to attend or serve answers.2!f a part% or an officer or #ana'in' a'ent
of a part% (ilfull% fails to appear $efore the officer (ho is to ta/e his &eposition" after $ein'
serve& (ith a proper notice" or fails to serve ans(ers to interro'atories su$#itte& un&er Rule 05
after proper service of such interro'atories" the court on #otion an& notice" #a% stri/e out all or
an% part of an% plea&in' of the part%" or &is#iss the action or procee&in' or an% part thereof" or
enter a 3u&'#ent $% &efault a'ainst the part%" an& in its &iscretion" or&er hi# to pa% reasona$le
e1penses incurre& $% the other" inclu&in' attorne%Gs fees- (5)
SEC- 6- *,penses against the Republic of the $hilippines.2E1penses an& attorne%Gs fees are not
to $e i#pose& upon the Repu$lic of the Philippines un&er this Rule-(6)
RULE 2B
TR!AL
SECT!O+ ,- %otice of trial-.Upon entr% of a case in the trial calen&ar" the cler/ shall notif% the
parties of the &ate of its trial in such #anner as shall ensure his receipt of that notice at least five
(5) &a%s $efore such &ate- (0a" R00)
SEC- 0- (d"ournments and postponements.2A court #a% a&3ourn a trial fro# &a% to &a%" an& to
an% state& ti#e" as the e1pe&itious an& convenient transaction of $usiness #a% re>uire" $ut shall
have no po(er to a&3ourn a trial for a lon'er perio& than one #onth for each a&3ourn#ent" nor
#ore than three #onths in all" e1cept (hen authori5e& in (ritin' $% the Court A&#inistrator"
Supre#e Court- (2a" R00)
SEC- 2- Re6uisites of motion to postpone trial for absence of evidence.2A #otion to postpone a
trial on the 'roun& of a$sence of evi&ence can $e 'rante& onl% upon affi&avit sho(in' the
#aterialit% or relevanc% of such evi&ence" an& that &ue &ili'ence has $een use& to procure it- )ut
if the a&verse part% a&#its the facts to $e 'iven in evi&ence" even if he o$3ects or reserves the
ri'ht to their a&#issi$ilit%" the trial shall not $e postpone&- (4a" R00)
SEC- 4- Re6uisites of motion to postpone trial for illness of party or counsel.2A #otion to
postpone a trial on the 'roun& of illness of a part% or counsel #a% $e 'rante& if it appears upon
affi&avit or s(orn certification that the presence of such part% or counsel at the trial is
in&ispensa$le an& that the character of his illness is such as to ren&er his non<atten&ance
e1cusa$le- (5a" R00)
SEC- 5- Order of trial-.Su$3ect to the provisions of section 0 of Rule 2," an& unless the court
for special reasons other(ise &irects" the trial shall $e li#ite& to the issues state& in the pre<trial
or&er an& shall procee& as follo(s*
(a) The plaintiff shall a&&uce evi&ence in support of his co#plaint7
($) The &efen&ant shall then a&&uce evi&ence in support of his &efense" counterclai#" cross<
clai# an& thir&<part% co#plaint7
(c) The thir&<part% &efen&ant" if an%" shall a&&uce evi&ence of his &efense" counterclai#" cross<
clai# an& fourth<part% co#plaint7
(&) The fourth<part%" an& so forth" if an%" shall a&&uce evi&ence of the #aterial facts plea&e& $%
the#7
(e) The parties a'ainst (ho# an% counterclai# or cross<clai# has $een plea&e&" shall a&&uce
evi&ence in support of their &efense" in the or&er to $e prescri$e& $% the court7
(f) The parties #a% then respectivel% a&&uce re$uttin' evi&ence onl%" unless the court" for 'oo&
reasons an& in the furtherance of 3ustice" per#its the# to a&&uce evi&ence upon their ori'inal
case7 an&
(') Upon a&#ission of the evi&ence" the case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for &ecision" unless the
court &irects the parties to ar'ue or to su$#it their respective #e#oran&a or an% further
plea&in's-
!f several &efen&ants or thir&<part% &efen&ants" an& so forth- havin' separate &efenses appear $%
&ifferent counsel" the court shall &eter#ine the relative or&er of presentation of their evi&ence-
(,a" R2B)
SEC- 6- (greed statement of facts2The parties to an% action #a% a'ree" in (ritin'" upon the
facts involve& in the liti'ation" an& su$#it the case for 3u&'#ent on the facts a'ree& upon"
(ithout the intro&uction of evi&ence-
!f the parties a'ree onl% on so#e of the facts in issue" the trial shall $e hel& as to the &ispute&
facts in such or&er as the court shall prescri$e- (0a" R2B)
SEC- ?- Statement of 3u&'e-.Furin' the hearin' or trial of a case an% state#ent #a&e $% the
3u&'e (ith reference to the case" or to an% of the parties" (itnesses or counsel" shall $e #a&e of
recor& in the steno'raphic notes- (2a" R2B)
SEC- @- Suspension of actions.2The suspension of actions shall $e 'overne& $% the provisions
of the Civil Co&e- (n)
SEC- A- udge to receive evidence; delegation to cler) of court.2The 3u&'e of the court (here
the case is pen&in' shall personall% receive the evi&ence to $e a&&uce& $% the parties- =o(ever"
in &efault or e, parte hearin's" an& in an% case (here the parties a'ree in (ritin'" the court #a%
&ele'ate the reception of evi&ence to its cler/ of court (ho is a #e#$er of the $ar- The cler/ of
court shall have no po(er to rule on o$3ections to an% >uestion or to the a&#ission of e1hi$its"
(hich o$3ections shall $e resolve& $% the court upon su$#ission of his report an& the transcripts
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# ter#ination of the hearin'- (n)
RULE 2,
CO+SOL!FAT!O+ OR SEERA+CE
SECT!O+ ,- Consolidation-.8hen actions involvin' a co##on >uestion of la( or fact are
pen&in' $efore the court" it #a% or&er a 3oint hearin' or trial of an% or all the #atters in issue in
the actions7 it #a% or&er all the actions consoli&ate&7 an& it #a% #a/e such or&ers concernin'
procee&in's therein as #a% ten& to avoi& unnecessar% costs or &ela%- (,)
SEC- 0- Separate trials.2The court" in furtherance of convenience or to avoi& pre3u&ice" #a%
or&er a separate trial of an% clai#" cross<clai#" counterclai#" or thir&<part% co#plaint" or of an%
separate issue or of an% nu#$er of clai#s" cross<clai#s" counterclai#s" thir&<part% co#plaint or
issues- (0a)
RULE 20
TR!AL )J CO99!SS!O+ER
SECT!O+ ,- Reference by consent.2)% (ritten consent of $oth parties" the court #a% or&er an%
or all of the issues in a case to $e referre& to a co##issioner to $e a'ree& upon $% the parties or
to $e appointe& $% the court- As use& in these Rules" the (or& :co##issioner; inclu&es a
referee" an au&itor an& an e1a#iner- (,a" R22)
SEC- 0- Reference ordered on motion.28hen the parties &o not consent" the court #a%" upon
the application of either or of its o(n #otion) &irect a reference to a co##issioner in the
follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen the trial of an issue of fact re>uires the e1a#ination of a lon' account on either
si&e" in (hich case the co##issioner #a% $e &irecte& to hear an& report upon the (hole issue or
an% specific >uestion involve& therein7
($) 8hen the ta/in' of an account is necessar% for the infor#ation of the court $efore
3u&'#ent" or for carr%in' a 3u&'#ent or or&er into effect7
(c) 8hen a >uestion of fact" other than upon the plea&in's" arises upon #otion or
other(ise" in an% sta'e of a case" or for carr%in' a 3u&'#ent or or&er into effect- (0a" R22)
SEC- 2- Order of reference; powers of the commissioner.2 8hen a reference is #a&e" the cler/
shall forth(ith furnish" the co##issioner (ith a cop% of the or&er of reference- The or&er #a%
specif% or li#it the po(ers of the co##issioner" an& #a% &irect hi# to report onl% upon
particular issues" or to &o or perfor# particular acts" or to receive an& report evi&ence onl%" an&
#a% fi1 the &ate for $e'innin' an& closin' the hearin's an& for the filin' of his report- Su$3ect to
the specifications an& li#itations state& in the or&er" the co##issioner has an& shall e1ercise the
po(er to re'ulate the procee&in's in ever% hearin' $efore hi# an& to &o all acts an& ta/e all
#easures necessar% or proper for the efficient perfor#ance of his &uties un&er the or&er- =e #a%
issue su$poenas an& su$poenas duces tecum, s(ear (itnesses" an& unless other(ise provi&e& in
the or&er of reference" he #a% rule upon the a&#issi$ilit% of evi&ence- The trial or hearin'
$efore hi# shall procee& in all respects as it (oul& if hel& $efore the court- (2a" R22)
SEC- ;. Oath of commissioner.2)efore enterin' upon his &uties the co##issioner shall $e
s(orn to a faithful an& honest perfor#ance thereof- (,4" R22)
SEC- 5- $roceedings before commissioner.2Upon receipt of the or&er of reference an& unless
other(ise provi&e& therein" the co##issioner shall forth(ith set a ti#e an& place for the first
#eetin' of the parties or their counsel to $e hel& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the &ate of the or&er
of reference an& shall notif% the parties or their counsel- (5a" R22)
SEC- 6- 4ailure of parties to appear before commissioner.2!f a part% fails to appear at the ti#e
an& place appointe&" the co##issioner #a% procee& e, parte or" in his &iscretion" a&3ourn the
procee&in's to a future &a%" 'ivin' notice to the a$sent part% or his counsel of the a&3ourn#ent-
(6a" R22)
SEC- <. Refusal of witness.2The refusal of a (itness to o$e% a su$poena issue& $% the
co##issioner or to 'ive evi&ence $efore hi#" shall $e &ee#e& a conte#pt of the court (hich
appointe& the co##issioner- (?a" R22)
SEC- @- Commissioner shall avoid delays.2!t is the &ut% of the co##issioner to procee& (ith
all reasona$le &ili'ence- Either part%" on notice to the parties an& co##issioner" #a% appl% to
the court for an or&er re>uirin' the co##issioner to e1pe&ite the procee&in's an& to #a/e his
report- (@a" R22)
SEC- A- Report of commissioner.2Upon the co#pletion of the trial or hearin' or procee&in'
$efore the co##issioner" he shall file (ith the court his report in (ritin' upon the #atters
su$#itte& to hi# $% the or&er of reference- 8hen his po(ers are not specifie& or li#ite&" he
shall set forth his fin&in's of fact an& conclusions of la( in his report- =e shall attach thereto all-
e1hi$its" affi&avits" &epositions" papers an& the transcripts" if an%" of the testi#onial evi&ence
presente& $efore hi#- (Aa" R22)
SEC- ,B- %otice to parties of the filing of report.2Upon the filin' of the report" the parties shall
$e notifie& $% the cler/" an& the% shall $e allo(e& ten (,B) &a%s (ithin (hich to si'nif% 'roun&s
of o$3ections to the fin&in's of the report" if the% so &esire- O$3ections to the report $ase& upon
'roun&s (hich (ere availa$le to the parties &urin' the procee&in's $efore the co##issioner"
other than o$3ections to the fin&in's an& conclusions therein set forth" shall not $e consi&ere& $%
the court unless the% (ere #a&e $efore the co##issioner- (,B" R22)
SEC- ,,- 3earing upon report-.Upon the e1piration of the perio& of ten (,B) &a%s referre& to in
the prece&in' section" the report shall $e set for hearin'" after (hich the court shall issue an
or&er a&optin'" #o&if%in'" or re3ectin' the report in (hole or in part" or reco##ittin' it (ith
instructions" or re>uirin' the parties to present further evi&ence $efore the co##issioner or the
court- (,,a" R22)
SEC- ,0- Stipulations as to findings.28hen the parties stipulate that a co##issionerGs fin&in's
of fact shall $e final" onl% >uestions of la( shall thereafter $e consi&ere&- (,0a" R22)
SEC- ,2- Compensation of commissioner.2The court shall allo( the co##issioner such
reasona$le co#pensation as the circu#stances of the case (arrant" to $e ta1e& as costs a'ainst
the &efeate& part%" or apportione&" as 3ustice re>uires- (,2" R22)
RULE 22
FE9URRER TO E!FE+CE
SECT!O+ ,- +emurrer to evidence.2After the plaintiff has co#plete& the presentation of his
evi&ence" the &efen&ant #a% #ove for &is#issal on the 'roun& that upon the facts an& the la(
the plaintiff has sho(n no ri'ht to relief- !f his #otion is &enie&" he shall have the ri'ht to
present evi&ence- !f the #otion is 'rante& $ut on appeal the or&er of &is#issal is reverse& he
shall $e &ee#e& to have (aive& the ri'ht to present evi&ence- (,a" R25)
RULE 24
HUFC9E+T O+ T=E PLEAF!+CS
SECT!O+ ,- udgment on the pleadings.28here an ans(er fails to ten&er an issue" or
other(ise a&#its the #aterial alle'ations of the a&verse part%Gs plea&in'" the court #a%" on
#otion of that part%" &irect 3u&'#ent on such plea&in'- =o(ever" in actions for &eclaration of
nullit% or annul#ent of #arria'e or for le'al separation" the #aterial facts alle'e& in the
co#plaint shall al(a%s $e prove&- (,a" R,A)
RULE 25
SU99ARJ HUFC9E+TS
SECT!O+ ,- Summary "udgment for claimant.2A part% see/in' to recover upon a clai#"
counterclai#" or cross<clai# or to o$tain a &eclarator% relief #a%" at an% ti#e after the plea&in'
in ans(er thereto has $een serve&" #ove (ith supportin' affi&avits" &epositions or a&#issions
for a su##ar% 3u&'#ent in his favor upon all or an% part thereof- (,a" R24)
SEC- 0- Summary "udgment for defending part%-.A part% a'ainst (ho# a clai#" counterclai#
or cross<clai# is asserte& or a &eclarator% relief is sou'ht #a%" at an% ti#e" #ove (ith
supportin' affi&avits" &epositions or a&#issions for a su##ar% 3u&'#ent in his favor as to all or
an% part thereof- (0a" R24)
SEC- 2- !otion and proceedings thereon -.The #otion shall $e serve& at least ten (,B) &a%s
$efore the ti#e specifie& for the hearin'- The a&verse part% #a% serve opposin' affi&avits"
&epositions" or a&#issions at least three (2) &a%s $efore the hearin'- After the hearin'" the
3u&'#ent sou'ht shall $e ren&ere& forth(ith if the plea&in's" supportin' affi&avits" &epositions"
an& a&#issions on file" sho( that" e1cept as to the a#ount of &a#a'es" there is no 'enuine issue
as to an% #aterial fact an& that the #ovin' part% is entitle& to a 3u&'#ent as a #atter of la(- (2a"
R24)
SEC- 4- Case not fully ad"udicated on motion.2!f on #otion un&er this Rule" 3u&'#ent is not
ren&ere& upon the (hole case or for all the reliefs sou'ht an& a trial is necessar%" the court at the
hearin' of the #otion" $% e1a#inin' the plea&in's an& the evi&ence $efore it an& $%
interro'atin' counsel shall ascertain (hat #aterial facts e1ist (ithout su$stantial controvers%
an& (hat are actuall% an& in 'oo& faith controverte&- !t shall thereupon #a/e an or&er specif%in'
the facts that appear (ithout su$stantial controvers%" inclu&in' the e1tent to (hich the a#ount of
&a#a'es or other relief is not in controvers%" an& &irectin' such further procee&in's in the action
as are 3ust- The facts so specifie& shall $e &ee#e& esta$lishe&" an& the trial shall $e con&ucte& on
the controverte& facts accor&in'l%- (4a" R24)
SEC- 5- 4orm of affidavits and supporting papers.2Supportin' an& opposin' affi&avits shall $e
#a&e on personal /no(le&'e" shall set forth such facts as (oul& $e a&#issi$le in evi&ence" an&
shall sho( affir#ativel% that the affiant is co#petent to testif% to the #atters state& therein-
Certifie& true copies of all papers or parts thereof referre& to in the affi&avit shall $e attache&
thereto or serve& there(ith- (5a" R24)
SEC- 6- (ffidavits in bad faith-.Shoul& it appear to its satisfaction at an% ti#e that an% of the
affi&avits presente& pursuant to this Rule are presente& in $a& faith" or solel% for the purpose of
&ela%" the court shall forth(ith or&er the offen&in' part% or counsel to pa% to the other part% the
a#ount of the reasona$le e1penses (hich the filin' of the affi&avits cause& hi# to incur"
inclu&in' attorne%Gs fees- !t #a%" after hearin'" further a&3u&'e the offen&in' part% or counsel
'uilt% of conte#pt- (6a" R24)
RULE 26
HUFC9E+TS" F!+AL ORFERS A+F E+TRJ T=EREOF
SECT!O+ ,- Rendition of "udgments and final orders.2A 3u&'#ent or final or&er &eter#inin'
the #erits of the case shall $e in (ritin' personall% an& &irectl% prepare& $% the 3u&'e" statin'
clearl% an& &istinctl% the facts an& the la( on (hich it is $ase&" si'ne& $% hi#" an& file& (ith the
cler/ of the court- (,a)
SEC- 0- *ntry of "udgments and final orders.2!f no appeal or #otion for ne( trial or
reconsi&eration is file& (ithin the ti#e provi&e& in these Rules" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er shall
forth(ith $e entere& $% the cler/ in the $oo/ of entries of 3u&'#ents- The &ate of finalit% of the
3u&'#ent or final or&er shall $e &ee#e& to $e the &ate of its entr%- The recor& shall contain the
&ispositive part of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er an& shall $e si'ne& $% the cler/" (ith a certificate
that such 3u&'#ent or final or&er has $eco#e final an& e1ecutor%- (0a" ,B" R5,)-
SEC- 2- udgment for or against one or more of several parties-.Hu&'#ent #a% $e 'iven for or
a'ainst one or #ore several plaintiffs" an& for or a'ainst one or #ore of several &efen&ants-
8hen 3ustice so &e#an&s" the court #a% re>uire the parties on each si&e to file a&versar%
plea&in's as $et(een the#selves an& &eter#ine their ulti#ate ri'hts an& o$li'ations- (2)
SEC- 4- Several "udgments.2!n an action a'ainst several &efen&ants" the court #a%" (hen a
several 3u&'#ent is proper" ren&er 3u&'#ent a'ainst one or #ore of the#" leavin' the action to
procee& a'ainst the others- (4)
SEC- 5- Separate "udgments.28hen #ore than one clai# for relief is presente& in an action" the
court" at an% sta'e" upon a &eter#ination of the issues #aterial to a particular clai# an& all
counterclai#s arisin' out of the transaction or occurrence (hich is the su$3ect #atter of the
clai#" #a% ren&er a separate 3u&'#ent &isposin' of such clai#- The 3u&'#ent shall ter#inate
the action (ith respect to the clai# so &ispose& of an& the action shall procee& as to the
re#ainin' clai#s- !n case a separate 3u&'#ent is ren&ere&" the court $% or&er #a% sta% its
enforce#ent until the ren&ition of a su$se>uent 3u&'#ent or 3u&'#ents an& #a% prescri$e such
con&itions as #a% $e necessar% to secure the $enefit thereof to the part% in (hose favor the
3u&'#ent is ren&ere&- (5a)
SEC- 6- udgment against entity without "uridical personality.28hen 3u&'#ent is ren&ere&
a'ainst t(o or #ore persons sue& as an entit% (ithout 3uri&ical personalit%" the 3u&'#ent shall
set out their in&ivi&ual or proper na#es" if /no(n- (6a)
RULE 2?
+E8 TR!AL OR RECO+S!FERAT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- -rounds of and period for filing motion for new trial or reconsideration.28ithin
the perio& for ta/in' an appeal" the a''rieve& part% #a% #ove the trial court to set asi&e the
3u&'#ent or final or&er an& 'rant a ne( trial for one or #ore of the follo(in' causes #ateriall%
affectin' the su$stantial ri'hts of sai& part%*
(a) Frau&" acci&ent" #ista/e or e1cusa$le ne'li'ence (hich or&inar% pru&ence coul& not have
'uar&e& a'ainst an& $% reason of (hich such a''rieve& part% has pro$a$l% $een i#paire& in his
ri'hts7 or
($) +e(l% &iscovere& evi&ence" (hich he coul& not" (ith reasona$le &ili'ence" have &iscovere&
an& pro&uce& at the trial" an& (hich if presente& (oul& pro$a$l% alter the result-
8ithin the sa#e perio&" the a''rieve& part% #a% also #ove for reconsi&eration upon the
'roun&s that the &a#a'es a(ar&e& are e1cessive" that the evi&ence is insufficient to 3ustif% the
&ecision or final or&er" or that the &ecision or final or&er is contrar% to la(- (,a)
SEC- 0- Contents of motion for new trial or reconsideration and notice thereof.2The #otion
shall $e #a&e in (ritin' statin' the 'roun& or 'roun&s therefor" a (ritten notice of (hich shall
$e serve& $% the #ovant on the a&verse part%-
A #otion for ne( trial shall $e prove& in the #anner provi&e& for proof of #otions- A #otion
for the cause #entione& in para'raph (a) of the prece&in' section shall $e supporte& $%
affi&avits of #erits (hich #a% $e re$utte& $% affi&avits- A #otion for the cause #entione& in
para'raph ($) shall $e supporte& $% affi&avits of the (itnesses $% (ho# such evi&ence is
e1pecte& to $e 'iven" or $% &ul% authenticate& &ocu#ents (hich are propose& to $e intro&uce&
in evi&ence-
A #otion for reconsi&eration shall point out specificall% the fin&in's or conclusions of the
3u&'#ent or final or&er (hich are not supporte& $% the evi&ence or (hich are contrar% to la("
#a/in' e1press reference to the testi#onial or &ocu#entar% evi&ence or to the provisions of la(
alle'e& to $e contrar% to such fin&in's or conclusions-
A pro forma #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration shall not toll the re'le#entar% perio& of
appeal- (0a)
SEC- 2- (ction upon motion for new trial or reconsideration.2The trial court #a% set asi&e the
3u&'#ent or final or&er an& 'rant a ne( trial" upon such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust7 or #a% &en% the
#otion- !f the court fin&s that e1cessive &a#a'es have $een a(ar&e& or that the 3u&'#ent or
final or&er is contrar% to the evi&ence or la(" it #a% a#en& such 3u&'#ent or final or&er
accor&in'l%- (2a)
SEC- 4- Resolution of motion2A #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration shall $e resolve& (ithin
thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the ti#e it is su$#itte& for resolution- (n)
SEC- 5- Second motion for new trial.2A #otion for ne( trial shall inclu&e all 'roun&s then
availa$le an& those not so inclu&e& shall $e &ee#e& (aive&- A secon& #otion for ne( trial"
$ase& on a 'roun& not e1istin' nor availa$le (hen the first #otion (as #a&e" #a% $e file&
(ithin the ti#e herein provi&e& e1clu&in' the ti#e &urin' (hich the first #otion ha& $een
pen&in'-
+o part% shall $e allo(e& a secon& #otion for reconsi&eration of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er- (4a"
4" !RC)
SEC- 6- *ffect of granting of motion for new trial.2!f a ne( trial is 'rante& in accor&ance (ith
the provisions of this Rule" the ori'inal 3u&'#ent or final or&er shall $e vacate&" an& the action
shall stan& for trial de novo; $ut the recor&e& evi&ence ta/en upon the for#er trial" insofar as the
sa#e is #aterial an& co#petent to esta$lish the issues" shall $e use& at the ne( trial (ithout
reta/in' the sa#e- (5)
SEC- ?- $artial new trial or reconsideration.2!f the 'roun&s for a #otion un&er this Rule
appear to the court to affect the issues as to onl% a part" or less than all of the #atter in
controvers%" or onl% one" or less than all" of the parties to it" the court #a% or&er a ne( trial or
'rant reconsi&eration as to such issues if severa$le (ithout interferin' (ith the 3u&'#ent or final
or&er upon the rest- (6a)
SEC- @- *ffect of order for partial new trial.2(hen less than all of the issues are or&ere& retrie&"
the court #a% either enter a 3u&'#ent or final or&er as to the rest" or sta% the enforce#ent of
such 3u&'#ent or final or&er until after the ne( trial- (?a)
SEC- A- Remedy against order denying a motion for new trial or reconsideration.2An or&er
&en%in' a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration is not appeala$le" the re#e&% $ein' an appeal
fro# the 3u&'#ent or final or&er- (n)
RULE 2@
REL!EF FRO9 HUFC9E+TS" ORFERS OR OT=ER PROCEEF!+CS
SECT!O+ ,- $etition for relief from "udgment, order, or other proceedings28hen a 3u&'#ent
or final or&er is entere&" or an% other procee&in' is thereafter ta/en a'ainst a part% in an% court
throu'h frau&" acci&ent" #ista/e" or e1cusa$le ne'li'ence" he #a% file a petition in such court
an& in the sa#e case pra%in' that the 3u&'#ent" or&er or procee&in' $e set asi&e- (0a)
SEC- 0- $etition for relief from denial of appeal28hen a 3u&'#ent or final or&er is ren&ere& $%
an% court in a case" an& a part% thereto" $% frau&" acci&ent" #ista/e" or e1cusa$le ne'li'ence" has
$een prevente& fro# ta/in' an appeal" he #a% file a petition in such court an& in the sa#e case
pra%in' that the appeal $e 'iven &ue course- (,a)
SEC- 2- Time for filing petition; contents and verification.2 A petition provi&e& for in either of
the prece&in' sections of this Rule #ust $e verifie&" file& (ithin si1t% (6B) &a%s after the peti<
tioner learns of the 3u&'#ent" final or&er" or other procee&in' to $e set asi&e" an& not #ore than
si1 (6) #onths after such 3u&'#ent or final or&er (as entere&" or such procee&in' (as ta/en7
an& #ust $e acco#panie& (ith affi&avits sho(in' the frau&" acci&ent" #ista/e" or e1cusa$le
ne'li'ence relie& upon" an& the facts constitutin' the petitionerGs 'oo& an& su$stantial cause of
action or &efense" as the case #a% $e- (2)
SEC- 4- Order to file an answer 2!f the petition is sufficient in for# an& su$stance to 3ustif%
relief" the court in (hich it is file&" shall issue an or&er re>uirin' the a&verse parties to ans(er
the sa#e (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# the receipt thereof- The or&er shall $e serve& in such
#anner as the court #a% &irect" to'ether (ith copies of the petition an& the acco#pan%in'
affi&avits- (4a)
SEC- 5- $reliminary in"unction pending proceedings.2The court in (hich the petition is file&"
#a% 'rant such preli#inar% in3unction as #a% $e necessar% for the preservation of the ri'hts of
the parties" upon the filin' $% the petitioner of a $on& in favor of the a&verse part%" con&itione&
that if the petition is &is#isse& or the petitioner fails on the trial of the case upon its #erits" he
(ill pa% the a&verse part% all &a#a'es an& costs that #a% $e a(ar&e& to hi# $% reason of the
issuance of such in3unction or the other procee&in's follo(in' the petition7 $ut such in3unction
shall not operate to &ischar'e or e1tin'uish an% lien (hich the a&verse part% #a% have ac>uire&
upon the propert% of the petitioner- (5a)
SEC- 6- $roceedings after answer is filed.2After the filin' of the ans(er or the e1piration of the
perio& therefor" the court shall hear the petition an& if after such hearin'" it fin&s that the
alle'ations thereof are not true" the petition shall $e &is#isse&7 $ut if it fin&s sai& alle'ations to
$e true" it shall set asi&e the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or other procee&in' co#plaine& of upon
such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust- Thereafter the case shall stan& as if such 3u&'#ent" final or&er or
other procee&in' ha& never $een ren&ere&" issue& or ta/en- The court shall then procee& to hear
an& &eter#ine the case as if a ti#el% #otion for a ne( trial or reconsi&eration ha& $een 'rante&
$% it- (6a)
SEC- ?. $rocedure where the denial of an appeal is set aside -.8here the &enial of an appeal is
set asi&e" the lo(er court shall $e re>uire& to 'ive &ue course to the appeal an& to elevate the
recor& of the appeale& case as if a ti#el% an& proper appeal ha& $een #a&e- (?a)
RULE 2A
EKECUT!O+" SAT!SFACT!O+ A+F EFFECT OF HUFC9E+TS
SECT!O+ ,- *,ecution upon "udgments or final orders.2 E1ecution shall issue as a #atter of
ri'ht" on #otion" upon a 3u&'#ent or or&er that &isposes of the action or procee&in' upon the
e1piration of the perio& to appeal therefro# if no appeal has $een &ul% perfecte&- (,a)
!f the appeal has $een &ul% perfecte& an& finall% resolve&" the e1ecution #a% forth(ith $e
applie& for in the court of ori'in" on #otion of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" su$#ittin' there(ith
certifie& true copies of the 3u&'#ent or 3u&'#ents or final or&er or or&ers sou'ht to $e enforce&
an& of the entr% thereof" (ith notice to the a&verse part%-
The appellate court #a%" on #otion in the sa#e case" (hen the interest of 3ustice so re>uires"
&irect the court of ori'in to issue the (rit of e1ecution- (n)
SEC- 0- +iscretionary e,ecution.2
(a) E1ecution of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er pen&in' appeal-. On #otion of the prevailin' part%
(ith notice to the a&verse part% file& in the trial court (hile it has 3uris&iction over the case an&
is in possession of either the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal" as the case #a% $e" at the
ti#e of the filin' of such #otion" sai& court #a%" in its &iscretion" or&er e1ecution of a 3u&'#ent
or final or&er even $efore the e1piration of the perio& to appeal-
After the trial court has lost 3uris&iction" the #otion for e1ecution pen&in' appeal #a% $e file&
in the appellate court-
Fiscretionar% e1ecution #a% onl% issue upon 'oo& reasons to $e state& in a special or&er after
&ue hearin'-
($) E1ecution of several" separate or partial 3u&'#ents-.A several" separate or partial 3u&'#ent
#a% $e e1ecute& un&er the sa#e ter#s an& con&itions as e1ecution of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er
pen&in' appeal- (0a)
SEC- 2- Stay of discretionary e1ecution-.Fiscretionar% e1ecution issue& un&er the prece&in'
section #a% $e sta%e& upon approval $% the proper court of a sufficient superse&eas $on& file&
$% the part% a'ainst (ho# it is &irecte&" con&itione& upon the perfor#ance of the 3u&'#ent or
or&er allo(e& to $e e1ecute& in case it shall $e finall% sustaine& in (hole or in part- The $on&
thus 'iven #a% $e procee&e& a'ainst on #otion (ith notice to the suret%- (2a)
SEC- 4- udgments not stayed by appeal.2Hu&'#ents in actions for in3unction" receivership"
accountin' an& support" an& such other 3u&'#ents as are no( or #a% hereafter $e &eclare& to $e
i##e&iatel% e1ecutor%" shall $e enforcea$le after their ren&ition an& shall not $e sta%e& $% an
appeal ta/en therefro#" unless other(ise or&ere& $% the trial court- On appeal therefro#" the
appellate court in its &iscretion #a% #a/e an or&er suspen&in'" #o&if%in'" restorin' or 'rantin'
the in3unction" receivership" accountin'" or a(ar& of support-
The sta% of e1ecution shall $e upon such ter#s as to $on& or other(ise as #a% $e consi&ere&
proper for the securit% or protection of the ri'hts of the a&verse part%- (4a)
SEC- 5- *ffect of reversal of e,ecuted "udgment-.8here the e1ecute& 3u&'#ent is reverse&
totall% or partiall%" or annulle&" on appeal or other(ise" the trial court #a%" on #otion" issue such
or&ers of restitution or reparation of &a#a'es as e>uit% an& 3ustice #a% (arrant un&er the
circu#stances- (5a)
SEC- =. *,ecution by motion or by independent action.2A final an& e1ecutor% 3u&'#ent or
or&er #a% $e e1ecute& on #otion (ithin five (5) %ears fro# the &ate of its entr%- After the lapse
of such ti#e" an& $efore it is $arre& $% the statute of li#itations" a 3u&'#ent #a% $e enforce& $%
action- The revive& 3u&'#ent #a% also $e enforce& $% #otion (ithin five (5) %ears fro# the
&ate of its entr% an& thereafter $% action $efore it is $arre& $% the statute of li#itations- (6a)
SEC- <. *,ecution in case of death of party.2!n case of the &eath of a part%" e1ecution #a% issue
or $e enforce& in the follo(in' #anner*
(a) !n case of the &eath of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" upon the application of his e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" or successor in interest-
($) !n case of the &eath of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" a'ainst his e1ecutor or a&#inistrator or
successor in interest" if the 3u&'#ent $e for the recover% of real or personal propert%" or the
enforce#ent of a lien thereon7
(c) !n case of the &eath of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" after e1ecution is actuall% levie&
upon an% of his propert%" the sa#e #a% $e sol& for the satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ation"
an& the officer #a/in' the sale shall account to the correspon&in' e1ecutor or a&#inistrator for
an% surplus in his han&s- (?a)
SEC- @- Issuance, form and contents of a writ of e,ecution.2 The (rit of e1ecution shall* (,)
issue in the na#e of the Repu$lic of the Philippines fro# the court (hich 'rante& the #otion7
(0) state the na#e of the court" the case nu#$er an& title" the &ispositive part of the su$3ect
3u&'#ent or or&er7 an& (2) re>uire the sheriff or other proper officer to (ho# it is &irecte& to
enforce the (rit accor&in' to its ter#s" in the #anner hereinafter provi&e&*
(a) !f the e1ecution $e a'ainst the propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" to satisf% the
3u&'#ent" (ith interest" out of the real or personal propert% of such 3u&'#ent o$li'or7
($) !f it $e a'ainst real or personal propert% in the han&s of personal representatives" heirs"
&evisees" le'atees" tenants" or trustees of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" to satisf% the 3u&'#ent" (ith
interest" out of such propert%7
(c) !f it $e for the sale of real or personal propert%" to sell such propert%" &escri$in' it" an&
appl% the procee&s in confor#it% (ith the 3u&'#ent" the #aterial parts of (hich shall $e recite&
in the (rit of e1ecution7
(&) !f it $e for the &eliver% of the possession of real or personal propert%" to &eliver the
possession of the sa#e" &escri$in' it" to the part% entitle& thereto" an& to satisf% an% costs"
&a#a'es" rents" or profits covere& $% the 3u&'#ent out of the personal propert% of the person
a'ainst (ho# it (as ren&ere&" an& if sufficient personal propert% cannot $e foun&" then out of
the real propert%7 an&
(e) !n all cases" the (rit of e1ecution shall specificall% state the a#ount of the interest"
costs" &a#a'es" rents" or profits &ue as of the &ate of the issuance of the (rit" asi&e fro# the
principal o$li'ation un&er the 3u&'#ent- For this purpose" the #otion for e1ecution shall specif%
the a#ounts of the fore'oin' reliefs sou'ht $% the #ovant- (@a)
SEC- A- *,ecution of "udgments for money, how enforced2
(a) Immediate payment on demand..The officer shall enforce an e1ecution of a
3u&'#ent for #one% $% &e#an&in' fro# the 3u&'#ent o$li'or the i##e&iate pa%#ent of the full
a#ount state& in the (rit of e1ecution an& all la(ful fees- The 3u&'#ent- o$li'or shall pa% in
cash" certifie& $an/ chec/ pa%a$le to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" or an% other for# of pa%#ent
accepta$le to the latter" the a#ount of the 3u&'#ent &e$t un&er proper receipt &irectl% to the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee or his authori5e& representative if present at the ti#e of pa%#ent- The la(ful
fees shall $e han&e& un&er proper receipt to the e1ecutin' sheriff (ho shall turn over the sai&
a#ount (ithin the sa#e &a% to the cler/ of court of the court that issue& the (rit-
!f the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee or his authori5e& representative is not present to receive pa%#ent" the
3u&'#ent o$li'or shall &eliver the aforesai& pa%#ent to the e1ecutin' sheriff- The latter shall
turn over all the a#ounts co#in' into his possession (ithin the sa#e &a% to the cler/ of court of
the court that issue& the (rit" or if the sa#e is not practica$le" &eposit sai& a#ounts to a
fi&uciar% account in the nearest 'overn#ent &epositor% $an/ of the- Re'ional Trial Court of the
localit%-
The cler/ of sai& court shall thereafter arran'e for the re#ittance of the &eposit to the account of
the court that issue& the (rit (hose cler/ of court shall then &eliver sai& pa%#ent to the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee in satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent- The e1cess" if an%" shall $e &elivere& to the
3u&'#ent o$li'or (hile the la(ful fees shall $e retaine& $% the cler/ of court for &isposition as
provi&e& $% la(- !n no case shall the e1ecutin' sheriff &e#an& that an% pa%#ent $% chec/ $e
#a&e pa%a$le to hi#-
($) Satisfaction by levy..!f the 3u&'#ent o$li'or cannot pa% all or part of the o$li'ation
in cash" certifie& $an/ chec/ or other #o&e of pa%#ent accepta$le to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" the
officer shall lev% upon the properties of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or of ever% /in& an& nature
(hatsoever (hich #a% $e &ispose& of for value an& not other(ise e1e#pt fro# e1ecution 'ivin'
the latter the option to i##e&iatel% choose (hich propert% or part thereof #a% $e levie& upon"
sufficient to satisf% the 3u&'#ent- !f the 3u&'#ent o$li'or &oes not e1ercise the option" the
officer shall first lev% on the personal properties" if an%" an& then on the real properties if the
personal properties are insufficient to ans(er for the 3u&'#ent-
The sheriff shall sell onl% a sufficient portion of the personal or real propert% of the 3u&'#ent
o$li'or (hich has $een levie& upon-
8hen there is #ore propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or than is sufficient to satisf% the 3u&'#ent
an& la(ful fees" he #ust sell onl% so #uch of the personal or real propert% as is sufficient to
satisf% the 3u&'#ent an& la(ful fees-
Real propert%" stoc/s" shares" &e$ts" cre&its" an& other personal propert%" or an% interest in either
real or personal propert%" #a% $e levie& upon in li/e #anner an& (ith li/e effect as un&er a (rit
of attach#ent-
(c) -arnishment of debts and credits..The officer #a% lev% on &e$ts &ue the 3u&'#ent
o$li'or an& other cre&its" inclu&in' $an/ &eposits" financial interests" ro%alties" co##issions an&
other personal propert% not capa$le of #anual &eliver% in the possession or control of thir&
parties- Lev% shall $e #a&e $% servin' notice upon the person o(in' such &e$ts or havin' in his
possession or control such cre&its to (hich the 3u&'#ent o$li'or is entitle&- The 'arnish#ent
shall cover onl% such a#ount as (ill satisf% the 3u&'#ent an& all la(ful fees-
The 'arnishee shall #a/e a (ritten report to the court (ithin five (5) &a%s fro# service of the
notice of 'arnish#ent statin' (hether or n6t the 3u&'#ent o$li'or has sufficient fun&s or cre&its
to satisf% the a#ount of the 3u&'#ent- !f not" the report shall state ho( #uch fun&s or cre&its the
'arnishee hol&s for the 3u&'#ent o$li'or- The 'arnishe& a#ount in cash" or certifie& $an/ chec/
issue& in the na#e of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" shall $e &elivere& &irectl% to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee
(ithin ten (,B) (or/in' &a%s fro# service of notice on sai& 'arnishee re>uirin' such &eliver%"
e1cept the la(ful fees (hich shall $e pai& &irectl% to the court-
!n the event there are t(o or #ore 'arnishees hol&in' &eposits or cre&its sufficient to satisf% the
3u&'#ent" the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" if availa$le" shall have the ri'ht to in&icate the 'arnishee or
'arnishees (ho shall $e re>uire& to &eliver the a#ount &ue7 other(ise" the choice shall $e #a&e
$% the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee-
The e1ecutin' sheriff shall o$serve the sa#e proce&ure un&er para'raph (a) (ith respect to
&eliver% of pa%#ent to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee- (@a" ,5a)
SEC- ,B- *,ecution of "udgments for specific act-.
(a) Conveyance, delivery of deeds, or other specific acts; vesting title.. !f a 3u&'#ent
&irects a part% to e1ecute a conve%ance of lan& or personal propert%" or to &eliver &ee&s or other
&ocu#ents" or to perfor# an% other specific act in connection there(ith" an& the part% fails to
co#pl% (ithin the ti#e specifie&" the court #a% &irect the act to $e &one at the cost of the
&iso$e&ient part% $% so#e other person appointe& $% the court an& the act (hen so &one shall
have li/e effect as if &one $% the part%- !f real or personal propert% is situate& (ithin the
Philippines" the court in lieu of &irectin' a conve%ance thereof #a% $% an or&er &ivest the title of
an% part% an& vest it in others" (hich shall have the force an& effect of a conve%ance e1ecute& in
&ue for# of la(- (,Ba)
($) Sale of real or personal property..!f the 3u&'#ent $e for the sale of real or personal
propert%" to sell such propert%" &escri$in' it" an& appl% the procee&s in confor#it% (ith the
3u&'#ent- (@DcEa)
(c) +elivery or restitution of real property..The officer shall &e#an& of the person
a'ainst (ho# the 3u&'#ent for the &eliver% or restitution of real propert% is ren&ere& an& all
persons clai#in' ri'hts un&er hi# to peacea$l% vacate the propert% (ithin three (2) (or/in'
&a%s" an& restore possession thereof to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee7 other(ise" the officer shall oust all
such persons therefro# (ith the assistance" if necessar%" of appropriate peace officers" an&
e#plo%in' such #eans as #a% $e reasona$l% necessar% to reta/e possession" an& place the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee in possession of such propert%- An% costs" &a#a'es" rents or profits a(ar&e&
$% the 3u&'#ent shall $e satisfie& in the sa#e #anner as a 3u&'#ent for #one%- (,2a)
(&) Removal of improvements on property sub"ect of e,ecution..8hen the propert%
su$3ect of the e1ecution contains i#prove#ents constructe& or plante& $% the 3u&'#ent o$li'or
or his a'ent" the officer shall not &estro%" &e#olish or re#ove sai& i#prove#ents e1cept upon
special or&er of the court" issue& upon #otion of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee after &ue hearin' an&
after the for#er has faile& to re#ove the sa#e (ithin a reasona$le ti#e fi1e& $% the court- (,4a)
(e) +elivery of personal property..!n 3u&'#ents for the &eliver% of personal propert%"
the officer shall ta/e possession of the sa#e an& forth(ith &eliver it to the part% entitle& thereto
an& satisf% an% 3u&'#ent for #one% as therein provi&e&- (@a)
SEC- ,,- *,ecution of special "udgments.28hen a 3u&'#ent re>uires the perfor#ance of an%
act other than those #entione& in the t(o prece&in' sections" a certifie& cop% of the 3u&'#ent
shall $e attache& to the (rit of e1ecution an& shall $e serve& $% the officer upon the part%
a'ainst (ho# the sa#e is ren&ere&" or upon an% other person re>uire& there$%" or $% la(" to
o$e% the sa#e" an& such part% or person #a% $e punishe& for conte#pt if he &iso$e%s such
3u&'#ent- (Aa)
SEC- ,0- *ffect of levy on e,ecution as to third persons.2The lev% on e1ecution shall create a
lien in favor of the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee over the ri'ht" title an& interest of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or in
such propert% at the ti#e of the lev%" su$3ect to liens an& encu#$rances then e1istin'- (,6a)
SEC- ,2- $roperty e,empt from e,ecution.2E1cept as other(ise e1pressl% provi&e& $% la(" the
follo(in' propert%" an& no other" shall $e e1e#pt fro# e1ecution*
(a) The 3u&'#ent o$li'orGs fa#il% ho#e as provi&e& $% la(" or the ho#estea& in (hich
he resi&es" an& lan& necessaril% use& in connection there(ith7
($) Or&inar% tools an& i#ple#ents personall% use& $% hi# in his tra&e" e#plo%#ent" or
livelihoo&7
(c) Three horses" or three co(s" or three cara$aos" or other $easts of $ur&en" such as the
3u&'#ent o$li'or #a% select necessaril% use& $% hi# in his or&inar% occupation7
(&) =is necessar% clothin' an& articles for or&inar% personal use" e1clu&in' 3e(elr%7
(e) =ousehol& furniture an& utensils necessar% for house</eepin'" an& use& for that
purpose $% the 3u&'#ent o$li'or an& his fa#il%" such as the 3u&'#ent o$li'or #a% select" of a
value not e1cee&in' one hun&re& thousan& pesos7
(f) Provisions for in&ivi&ual or fa#il% use sufficient for four #onths7
(') The professional li$raries an& e>uip#ent of 3u&'es" la(%ers" ph%sicians" phar#acists"
&entists" en'ineers" surve%ors" cler'%#en" teachers" an& other professionals" not e1cee&in' three
hun&re& thousan& pesos in value7
(h) One fishin' $oat an& accessories not e1cee&in' the total value of one hun&re&
thousan& pesos o(ne& $% a fisher#an an& $% the la(ful use of (hich he earns his livelihoo&7
(i) So #uch of the salaries" (a'es" or earnin's of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or for his personal services
(ithin the four #onths prece&in' the lev% as are necessar% for the support of his fa#il%7
(3) Lettere& 'ravestones7
(/) 9onies" $enefits" privile'es" or annuities accruin' or in an% #anner 'ro(in' out of
an% life insurance7
(,) The ri'ht to receive le'al support" or #one% or propert% o$taine& as such support" or
an% pension or 'ratuit% fro# the Covern#ent7
(#) Properties speciall% e1e#pte& $% la(-
)ut no article or species of propert% #entione& in this section shall $e e1e#pt fro# e1ecution
issue& upon a 3u&'#ent recovere& for its price or upon a 3u&'#ent of foreclosure of a #ort'a'e
thereon- (,0a)
SEC- ,4- Return of writ of e,ecution.2The (rit of e1ecution shall $e returna$le to the court
issuin' it i##e&iatel% after the- 3u&'#ent has $een satisfie& in part or in full- !f the 3u&'#ent
cannot $e satisfie& in full (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after his receipt of the (rit" the officer shall
report to the court an& state the reason therefor- Such (rit shall continue in effect &urin' the
perio& (ithin (hich the 3u&'#ent #a% $e enforce& $% #otion- The officer shall #a/e a report to
the court ever% thirt% (2B) &a%s on the procee&in's ta/en thereon until the 3u&'#ent is satisfie&
in full" or its effectivit% e1pires- The returns or perio&ic reports shall set forth the (hole of the
procee&in's ta/en" an& shall $e file& (ith the court an& copies thereof pro#ptl% furnishe& the
parties- (,,a)
SEC- ,5- %otice of sale of property on e1ecution-.)efore the sale of propert% on e1ecution"
notice thereof #ust $e 'iven as follo(s*
(a) !n case of perisha$le propert%" $% postin' (ritten notice of the ti#e an& place of the
sale in three (2) pu$lic places" prefera$l% in conspicuous areas of the #unicipal or cit% hall" post
office an& pu$lic #ar/et in the #unicipalit% or cit% (here the sale is to ta/e place" for such ti#e
as #a% $e reasona$le" consi&erin' the character an& con&ition of the propert%7
($) !n case of other personal propert%" $% postin' a si#ilar notice in the three (2) pu$lic
places a$ove#entione& for not less than five (5) &a%s7
(c) !n case of real propert%" $% postin' for t(ent% (0B) &a%s in the three (2) pu$lic
places a$ove#entione& a si#ilar notice particularl% &escri$in' the propert% an& statin' (here
the propert% is to $e sol&" an& if the assesse& value of the propert% e1cee&s fift% thousan&
(P5B"BBB-BB) pesos" $% pu$lishin' a cop% of the notice once a (ee/ for t(o (0) consecutive
(ee/s in one ne(spaper selecte& $% raffle" (hether in En'lish" Filipino" or an% #a3or re'ional
lan'ua'e pu$lishe&" e&ite& an& circulate& or" in the a$sence thereof" havin' 'eneral circulation
in the province or cit%7
(&) !n all cases" (ritten notice of the sale shall $e 'iven to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" at least
three (2) &a%s $efore the sale" e1cept as provi&e& in para'raph (a) hereof (here notice shall $e
'iven at an% ti#e $efore the sale" in the sa#e #anner as personal service of plea&in's an& other
papers as provi&e& $% section 6 of Rule ,2-
The notice shall specif% the place" &ate an& e1act ti#e of the sale (hich shoul& not $e earlier
than nine oGcloc/ in the #ornin' an& not later than t(o oGcloc/ in the afternoon- The place of
the sale #a% $e a'ree& upon $% the parties- !n the a$sence of such a'ree#ent" the sale of real
propert% or personal propert% not capa$le of #anual &eliver% shall $e hel& in the office of the
cler/ of court of the Re'ional Trial Court or the 9unicipal Trial Court (hich issue& the (rit or
(hich (as &esi'nate& $% the appellate court- !n the case of personal propert% capa$le of #anual
&eliver%" the sale shall $e hel& in the place (here the propert% is locate&- (,@a)
SEC- ,6- $roceedings where property claimed by third person.2!f the propert% levie& on is
clai#e& $% an% person other than the 3u&'#ent o$li'or or his a'ent" an& such person #a/es an
affi&avit of his title thereto or ri'ht to the possession thereof" statin' the 'roun&s of such ri'ht or
title" an& serves the sa#e upon the officer #a/in' the lev% an& a cop% thereof upon the 3u&'#ent
o$li'ee" the officer shall not $e $oun& to /eep the propert%" unless such 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" on
&e#an& of the officer" files a $on& approve& $% the court to in&e#nif% the thir&<part% clai#ant
in a su# not less than the value of the propert% levie& on- !n case of &isa'ree#ent as to such
value" the sa#e shall $e &eter#ine& $% the court issuin' the (rit of e1ecution- +o clai# for
&a#a'es for the ta/in' or /eepin' of the propert% #a% $e enforce& a'ainst the $on& unless the
action therefor is file& (ithin one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s fro# the &ate of the filin' of the
$on&-
The officer shall not $e lia$le for &a#a'es for the ta/in' or /eepin' of the propert%" to an% thir&<
part% clai#ant if such $on& is file&- +othin' herein containe& shall prevent such clai#ant or an%
thir& person fro# vin&icatin' his clai# to the propert% in a separate action" or prevent the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee fro# clai#in' &a#a'es in the sa#e or a separate action a'ainst a thir&<part%
clai#ant (ho file& a frivolous or plainl% spurious clai#-
8hen the (rit of e1ecution is issue& in favor of the Repu$lic of the Philippines" or an% officer
&ul% representin' it" the filin' of such $on& shall not $e re>uire&" an& in case the sheriff or
lev%in' officer is sue& for &a#a'es as a result of the lev%" he shall $e represente& $% the
Solicitor Ceneral an& if hel& lia$le therefor" the actual &a#a'es a&3u&'e& $% the court shall $e
pai& $% the +ational Treasurer out of such fun&s as #a% $e appropriate& for the purpose- (,?a)
SEC- ,?- $enalty for selling without notice, or removing or defacing notice.2An officer sellin'
(ithout the notice prescri$e& $% section ,5 of this Rule shall $e lia$le to pa% punitive &a#a'es
in the a#ount of five thousan& (P5"BBB-BB) pesos to an% person in3ure& there$%" in a&&ition to
his actual &a#a'es" $oth to $e recovere& $% #otion in the sa#e action7 an& a person (illfull%
re#ovin' or &efacin' the notice poste&" if &one $efore the sale" or $efore the satisfaction of the
3u&'#ent if it $e satisfie& $efore the sale" shall $e lia$le to pa% five thousan& (P5"BBB-BB) pesos
to an% person in3ure& $% reason thereof" in a&&ition to his actual &a#a'es" to $e recovere& $%
#otion in the sa#e action- (,Aa)
SEC- ,@- %o sale if "udgment and costs paid.2At an% ti#e $efore the sale of propert% on
e1ecution" the 3u&'#ent o$li'or #a% prevent the sale $% pa%in' the a#ount re>uire& $% the
e1ecution an& the costs that have $een incurre& therein- (0Ba)
SEC- ,A- 3ow property sold on e,ecution; who may direct manner and order of sale.2All sales
of propert% un&er e1ecution #ust $e #a&e at pu$lic auction" to the hi'hest $i&&er" to start at the
e1act ti#e fi1e& in the notice- After sufficient propert% has $een sol& to satisf% the e1ecution" no
#ore shall $e sol& an& an% e1cess propert% or procee&s of the sale shall $e pro#ptl% &elivere& to
the 3u&'#ent o$li'or or his authori5e& representative" unless other(ise &irecte& $% the 3u&'#ent
or or&er of the court- 8hen the sale is of real propert%" consistin' of several /no(n lots" the%
#ust $e sol& separatel%7 or" (hen a portion of such real propert% is clai#e& $% a thir& person" he
#a% re>uire it to $e sol& separatel%- 8hen the sale is of personal propert% capa$le of #anual
&eliver%" it #ust $e sol& (ithin vie( of those atten&in' the sa#e an& in such parcels as are li/el%
to $rin' the hi'hest price- The 3u&'#ent o$li'or" if present at the sale" #a% &irect the or&er in
(hich propert%" real or personal" shall $e sol&" (hen such propert% consists of several /no(n
lots or parcels (hich can $e sol& to a&vanta'e separatel%- +either the officer con&uctin' the
e1ecution sale" nor his &eputies" can $eco#e a purchaser" nor $e intereste& &irectl% or in&irectl%
in an% purchase at such sale- (0,a)
SEC- 0B- Refusal of purchaser to pay.2!f a purchaser refuses to pa% the a#ount $i& $% hi# for
propert% struc/ off to hi# at a sale un&er e1ecution" the officer #a% a'ain sell the propert% to the
hi'hest $i&&er an& shall not $e responsi$le for an% loss occasione& there$%7 $ut the court #a%
or&er the refusin' purchaser to pa% into the court the a#ount of such loss" (ith costs" an& #a%
punish hi# for conte#pt if he &iso$e%s the or&er- The a#ount of such pa%#ent shall $e* for the
$enefit of the person entitle& to the procee&s of the e1ecution" unless the e1ecution has $een
full% satisfie&" in (hich event such procee&s shall $e for the $enefit of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or- The
officer #a% thereafter re3ect an% su$se>uent $i& of such purchaser (ho refuses to pa%- (00a)
SEC- 0,- udgment obligee as purchaser.28hen the purchaser is the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee" an& no
thir&<part% clai# has $een file&" he nee& not pa% the a#ount of the $i& if it &oes not e1cee& the
a#ount of his 3u&'#ent- !f it &oes" he shall pa% onl% the e1cess- (02a)
SEC- 00- (d"ournment of sale.2)% (ritten consent of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or an& o$li'ee" or their
&ul% authori5e& representatives" the officer #a% a&3ourn the sale to an% &ate an& ti#e a'ree&
upon $% the#- 8ithout such a'ree#ent" he #a% a&3ourn the sale fro# &a% to &a% if it $eco#es
necessar% to &o so for lac/ of ti#e to co#plete the sale on the &a% fi1e& in the notice or the &a%
to (hich it (as a&3ourne&- (04a)
SEC- 02- Conveyance to purchaser of personal property capable of manual delivery.28hen the
purchaser of an% personal propert%" capa$le of #anual &eliver%" pa%s the purchase price" the
officer #a/in' the sale #ust &eliver the propert% to the purchaser an&" if &esire&" e1ecute an&
&eliver to hi# a certificate of sale- The sale conve%s to the purchaser all the ri'hts (hich the
3u&'#ent o$li'or ha& in such propert% as of the &ate of the lev% on e1ecution or preli#inar%
attach#ent- (05a)
SEC- 04- Conveyance to purchaser of personal property not capable of manual delivery.28hen
the purchaser of an% personal propert%" not capa$le of #anual &eliver%" pa%s the purchase price"
the officer #a/in' the sale #ust e1ecute an& &eliver to the purchaser a certificate of sale- Such
certificate conve%s to the purchaser all the ri'hts (hich the 3u&'#ent o$li'or ha& in such
propert% as of the &ate of the lev% on e1ecution or preli#inar% attach#ent- (06a)
SEC- 05- Conveyance of real property; certificate thereof given to purchaser and filed with
registry of deeds-.Upon a sale of real propert%" the officer #ust 'ive to the purchaser a
certificate of sale containin'*
(a) A particular &escription of the real propert% sol&7
($) The price pai& for each &istinct lot or parcel7
(c) The (hole price pai& $% hi#7
(&) A state#ent that the ri'ht of re&e#ption e1pires one (,) %ear fro# the &ate of the
re'istration of the certificate of sale-
Such certificate #ust $e re'istere& in the re'istr% of &ee&s of the place (here the propert% is
situate&- (0?a)
SEC- 06- Certificate of sale where property claimed by third person.2#hen a propert% sol& $%
virtue of a (rit of e1ecution has $een clai#e& $% a thir& person" the certificate of sale to $e
issue& $% the sheriff pursuant to sections 02" 04 an& 05 of this Rule shall #a/e e1press #ention
of the e1istence of such thir&<part% clai#- (0@a)
SEC- 0?- #ho may redeem real property so sold.2Real propert% sol& as provi&e& in the last
prece&in' section" or an% part thereof sol& separatel%" #a% $e re&ee#e& in the #anner
hereinafter provi&e&" $% the follo(in' persons*
(a) The 3u&'#ent o$li'or" or his successor in interest in the (hole or an% part of the
propert%7
($) A cre&itor havin' a lien $% virtue of an attach#ent" 3u&'#ent or #ort'a'e on the
propert% sol&" or on so#e part thereof" su$se>uent to the lien un&er (hich the propert% (as sol&-
Such re&ee#in' cre&itor is ter#e& a re&e#ptioner- (0Aa)
SEC- 0@- Time and manner of and amounts payable on, successive redemptions; notice to be
given and filed.2The 3u&'#ent o$li'or" or re&e#ptioner" #a% re&ee# the propert% fro# the
purchaser" at an% ti#e (ithin one (,) %ear fro# the &ate of the re'istration of the certificate of
sale" $% pa%in' the purchaser the a#ount of his purchase" (ith one per centum per #onth
interest thereon in a&&ition" up to the ti#e of re&e#ption" to'ether (ith the a#ount of an%
assess#ents or ta1es (hich the purchaser #a% have pai& thereon after purchase" an& interest on
such last na#e& a#ount at the sa#e rate7 an& if the purchaser $e also a cre&itor havin' a prior
lien that of the re&e#ptioner" other than the 3u&'#ent un&er (hich such purchase (as #a&e" the
a#ount of suchG other lien" (ith interest-
Propert% so re&ee#e& #a% a'ain $e re&ee#e& (ithin si1t% (6B) &a%s after the last re&e#ption
upon pa%#ent of the su# pai& on the last re&e#ption" (ith t(o per centum thereon in a&&ition"
an& the a#ount of an% assess#ents or ta1es (hich the last re&e#ptioner #a% have pai& thereon
after re&e#ption $% hi#" (ith interest on such last<na#e& a#ount" an& in a&&ition" the a#ount
of an% liens hel& $% sai& last re&e#ptioner prior to his o(n" (ith interest- The propert% #a% $e
a'ain" an& as often as a re&e#ptioner is so &ispose&" re&ee#e& fro# an% previous re&e#ptioner
(ithin si1t% (6B) &a%s after the last re&e#ption" on pa%in' the su# pai& on the last previous
re&e#ption" (ith t(o per centum thereon in a&&ition" an& the a#ounts of an% assess#ents or
ta1es (hich the last previous re&e#ptioner pai& after the re&e#ption thereon" (ith interest
thereon" an& the a#ount of an% liensG hel& $% the last re&e#ptioner prior to his o(n" (ith
interest-
8ritten notice of an% re&e#ption #ust $e 'iven to the officer (ho #a&e the sale an& a &uplicate
file& (ith the re'istr% of &ee&s of the place" an& if an% assess#ents or ta1es are pai& $% the
re&e#ptioner or if he has or ac>uires an% lien other than that upon (hich the re&e#ption (as
#a&e" notice thereof #ust in li/e #anner $e 'iven to the officer an& file& (ith the re'istr% of
&ee&s7 if such notice $e not file&" the propert% #a% $e re&ee#e& (ithout pa%in' such
assess#ents" ta1es" or liens- (2Ba)
SEC- 0A- *ffect of redemption by "udgment obligor, and a certificate to be delivered and
recorded thereupon; to whom payments on redemption made-.!f the 3u&'#ent o$li'or re&ee#s"
he #ust #a/e the sa#e pa%#ents as are re>uire& to effect a re&e#ption $% a re&e#ptioner"
(hereupon" no further re&e#ption shall" $e allo(e& an& he is restore& to his estate- The person
to (ho# the re&e#ption pa%#ent is #a&e #ust e1ecute an& &eliver to hi# a certificate of
re&e#ption ac/no(le&'e& $efore a notar% pu$lic or other officer authori5e& to ta/e
ac/no(le&'#ents of conve%ances of real propert%- Such certificate #ust $e file& an& recor&e& in
the re'istr% of &ee&s of the place in (hich the propert% is situate&" an& the re'istrar of &ee&s
#ust note the recor& thereof on the #ar'in of the recor& of the certificate of sale- The pa%#ents
#entione& in this an& the last prece&in' sections #a% $e #a&e to the purchaser or re&e#ptioner"
or for hi# to the officer (ho #a&e the sale (,2a)
SEC- 2B- $roof re6uired of redemptioner.2A re&e#ptioner #ust pro&uce to the officer" or
person fro# (ho# he see/s to re&ee#" an& serve (ith his notice to the officer a cop% of the
3u&'#ent or final or&er un&er (hich he clai#s the ri'ht to re&ee#" certifie& $% the cler/ of the
court (herein the 3u&'#ent or final or&er is entere&7 or" if he re&ee#s upon a #ort'a'e or other
lien" a #e#oran&u# of the recor& thereof" certifie& $% the re'istrar of &ee&s7 or an ori'inal or
certifie& cop% of an% assi'n#ent necessar% to esta$lish his clai#7 an& an affi&avit e1ecute& $%
hi# or his a'ent" sho(in' the a#ount then actuall% &ue on the lien- (20a)
SEC- 2,- !anner of using premises pending redemption; waste restrained.2Until the e1piration
of the ti#e allo(e& for re&e#ption" the court #a%" as in other proper cases" restrain the
co##ission of (aste on the propert% $% in3unction" on the application of the purchaser or the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee" (ith or (ithout notice7 $ut it is not (aste for a person in possession of the
propert% at the ti#e of the sale" or entitle& to possession after(ar&s" &urin' the perio& allo(e&
for re&e#ption" to continue to use it in the sa#e #anner in (hich it (as previousl% use&7 or to
use it in the or&inar% course of hus$an&r%7 or to #a/e the necessar% repairs to $uil&in's thereon
(hile he occupies the propert%- (22a)
SEC- 20- Rents, earnings and income of property pending redemption.2The purchaser or a
re&e#ptioner shall not $e entitle& to receive the rents" earnin's an& inco#e of the propert% sol&
on e1ecution" or the value of the use an& occupation thereof (hen such propert% is in the
possession of a tenant- All rents" earnin's an& inco#e &erive& fro# the propert% pen&in'
re&e#ption shall $elon' to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or until the e1piration of his perio& of re&e#ption-
(24a)
SEC- 22- +eed and possession to be given at e,piration of redemption period; by whom
e,ecuted or given.2!f no re&e#ption $e #a&e (ithin one (,) %ear fro# the &ate of the
re'istration of the certificate of sale" the purchaser is entitle& to a conve%ance an& possession of
the propert%7 or" if so re&ee#e& (henever si1t% (6B) &a%s have elapse& an& no other re&e#ption
has $een #a&e" an& notice thereof 'iven" an& the ti#e for re&e#ption has e1pire&" the last
re&e#ptioner is entitle& to the conve%ance an& possession7 $ut in all cases the 3u&'#ent o$li'or
shall have the entire perio& of one (,) %ear fro# the &ate of the re'istration of the sale to re&ee#
the propert%- The &ee& shall $e e1ecute& $% the officer #a/in' the sale or $% his successor in
office" an& in the latter case shall have the sa#e vali&it% as thou'h the officer #a/in' the sale
ha& continue& in office an& e1ecute& it-
Un&er the e1piration of the ri'ht of re&e#ption" the purchaser or re&e#ptioner shall $e
su$stitute& to an& ac>uire all the ri'hts" title" interest an& clai# of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or to the
propert% as of the ti#e of the lev%- The possession of the propert% shall $e 'iven to the purchaser
or last re&e#ptioner $% the sa#e officer unless a thir& part% is actuall% hol&in' the propert%
a&versel% to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or- (25a)
SEC- 24- Recovery of price if sale not effective; revival of "udgment.2!f the purchaser of real
propert% sol& on e1ecution" or his successor in interest" fails to recover the possession thereof" or
is evicte& therefro#" in conse>uence of irre'ularities in the procee&in's concernin' the sale" or
$ecause the 3u&'#ent has $een reserve& or set asi&e" or $ecause the propert% sol& (as e1e#pt
fro# e1ecution" or $ecause a thir& person has vin&icate& his clai#" to the propert%" he #a% on
#otion in the sa#e action or in a separate action recover fro# the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee the price
pai&" (ith interest" or so #uch thereof as has not $een &elivere& to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or7 or he
#a%" on #otion" have the ori'inal 3u&'#ent revive& in his na#e for the (hole price (ith
interest" or so #uch thereof as has $een &elivere& to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or- The 3u&'#ent so
revive& shall have the sa#e force an& effect as an ori'inal 3u&'#ent (oul& have as of the &ate of
the revival an& no #ore- (26a)
SEC- 25- Right to contribution or reimbursement.28hen propert% lia$le to an e1ecution a'ainst
several persons is sol& thereon" an& #ore than a &ue proportion of the 3u&'#ent is satisfie& out
of the procee&s of the sale of the propert% of one of the#" or one of the# pa%s" (ithout a sale"
#ore than his proportion" he #a% co#pel a contri$ution fro# the others7 an& (hen a 3u&'#ent is
upon an o$li'ation of one of the#" as securit% for another" an& the suret% pa%s the a#ount" or
an% part thereof" either $% sale of his propert% or $efore sale" he #a% co#pel repa%#ent fro# the
principal- (2?a)
SEC- 26- *,amination of "udgment obligor when "udgment unsatisfied.28hen the return of a
(rit of e1ecution issue& a'ainst propert% of a 3u&'#ent o$li'or" or an% one of several o$li'ors in
the sa#e 3u&'#ent" sho(s that the 3u&'#ent re#ains unsatisfie&" in (hole or in part" the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee" at an% ti#e after such return is #a&e" shall $e entitle& to an or&er fro# the
court (hich ren&ere& the sai& 3u&'#ent" re>uirin' such 3u&'#ent o$li'or to appear an& $e
e1a#ine& concernin' his propert% an& inco#e $efore such court or $efore a co##issioner
appointe& $% it" at a specifie& ti#e an& place7 an& procee&in's #a% thereupon $e ha& for the
application of the propert% an& inco#e of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or to(ar&s the satisfactions of the
3u&'#ent- )ut no 3u&'#ent o$li'or shall $e so re>uire& to appear $efore a court or
co##issioner outsi&e the province or cit% in (hich such o$li'or resi&es or is foun&- (2@a)
SEC- 2?- *,amination of obligor of "udgment obligor.2 8hen the return of a (rit of e1ecution
a'ainst the propert% of a 3u&'#ent o$li'or sho(s that the 3u&'#ent re#ains unsatisfie&" in
(hole or in part" an& upon proof to the satisfaction of the court (hich issue& the (rit" that a
person" corporation" or other 3uri&ical entit% has propert% of such 3u&'#ent o$li'or or is in&e$te&
to hi#" the court #a%" $% an or&er" re>uire such person" corporation" or other 3uri&ical entit%" or
an% officer or #e#$er thereof" to appear $efore the court or a co##issioner appointe& $% it" at a
ti#e an& place (ithin the province or cit% (here such &e$tor resi&es or is foun&" an& $e
e1a#ine& concernin' the sa#e- The service of the or&er shall $in& all cre&its &ue the 3u&'#ent
o$li'or an& all #one% an& propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or in the possession or in the control of
such person" corporation" or 3uri&ical entit% fro# the ti#e of service7 an& the court #a% also
re>uire notice of such procee&in's to $e 'iven to an% part% to the action in such #anner as it
#a% &ee# proper- (2Aa)
SEC- 2@- *nforcement of attendance and conduct of e,amination.2A part% or other person #a%
$e co#pelle&" $% an or&er or su$poena" to atten& $efore the court or co##issioner to testif% as
provi&e& in the t(o prece&in' sections" an& upon failure to o$e% such or&er or su$poena or to $e
s(orn" or to ans(er as a (itness or to su$scri$e his &eposition" #a% $e punishe& for conte#pt as
in other cases- E1a#inations shall not $e un&ul% prolon'e&" $ut the procee&in's #a% $e
a&3ourne& fro# ti#e to ti#e" until the% are co#plete&- !f the e1a#ination is $efore a
co##issioner" he #ust ta/e it in (ritin' an& certif% it to the court- All e1a#inations an& ans(ers
$efore a court or co##issioner #ust $e un&er oath" an& (hen a corporation or other 3uri&ical
entit% ans(ers" it #ust $e on the oath of an authori5e& officer or a'ent thereof- (4Ba)
SEC- 2A- Obligor may pay e,ecution against obligee.2After a (rit of e1ecution a'ainst
propert% has $een issue&" a person in&e$te& to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or #a% pa% to the sheriff
hol&in' the (rit of e1ecution the a#ount of his &e$t or so #uch thereof as #a% $e necessar% to
satisf% the 3u&'#ent" in the #anner prescri$e& in section A of this Rule an& the sheriffs receipt
shall $e a sufficient &ischar'e for the a#ount so pai& or &irecte& to $e cre&ite& $% the 3u&'#ent
o$li'ee on the e1ecution- (4,a)
SEC- 4B- Order for application of property and income to satisfaction of "udgment.2The court
#a% or&er an% propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" or #one% &ue hi#" not e1e#pt fro# e1ecution"
in the han&s of either hi#self or another person" or of a corporation or other 3uri&ical entit%" to
$e applie& to the satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent" su$3ect to an% prior ri'hts over such propert%-
!f" upon investi'ation of his current inco#e an& e1penses" it appears that the earnin's of the
3u&'#ent o$li'or for his personal services are #ore than necessar% for the support of his fa#il%"
the court #a% or&er that he pa% the 3u&'#ent in fi1e& #onthl% install#ents" an& upon his failure
to pa% an% such install#ent (hen &ue (ithout 'oo& e1cuse" #a% punish hi# for in&irect
conte#pt- (40a)
SEC- 4,- (ppointment of receiver.&The court #a% appoint a receiver of the propert% of the
3u&'#ent o$li'or7 an& it #a% also for$i& a transfer or other &isposition of" or an% interference
(ith" the propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or not e1e#pt fro# e1ecution- (42a)
SEC- 40- Sale of ascertainable interest of "udgment obligor in real estate.2!f it appears that the
3u&'#ent o$li'or has an interest in real estate in the place in (hich procee&in's are ha&" as
#ort'a'or or #ort'a'ee or other(ise" an& his interest therein can $e ascertaine& (ithout
controvers%" the receiver #a% $e or&ere& to sell an& conve% such real estate or the interest of the
o$li'or therein7 an& such sale shall $e con&ucte& in all respects in the sa#e #anner as is
provi&e& for the sale of real estate upon e1ecution" an& the procee&in's thereon shall $e
approve& $% the court $efore the e1ecution of the &ee&- (44a)
SEC- 42- $roceedings when indebtedness denied or another person claims the property.2!f it
appears that a person or corporation" alle'e& to have propert% of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or or to $e
in&e$te& to hi#" clai#s an interest in the propert% a&verse to hi# or &enies the &e$t" the court
#a% authori5e" $% an or&er #a&e to that effect" the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee to institute an action
a'ainst such person or corporation for the recover% of such interest or &e$t" for$i& a transfer or
other &isposition of such interest or &e$t (ithin one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s fro# notice of
the or&er" an& #a% punish &iso$e&ience of such or&er as for conte#pt- Such or&er #a% $e
#o&ifie& or vacate& at an% ti#e $% the court" (hich issue& it" or $% the court in (hich the action
is $rou'ht" upon such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust- (45a)
SEC- 44- *ntry of satisfaction of "udgment by cler) of court-.Satisfaction of a 3u&'#ent shall
$e entere& $% the cler/ of court in the court &oc/et" an& in the e1ecution $oo/" upon the return of
a (rit of e1ecution sho(in' the full satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent" or upon the filin' of an
a&#ission to the satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent e1ecute& an& ac/no(le&'e& in the sa#e #anner as
a conve%ance of real propert% $% the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee or $% his counsel unless a revocation of
his authorit% is file&" or upon the en&orse#ent of such a&#ission $% the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee or his
counsel on the face of the recor& of the 3u&'#ent- (46a)
SEC- 45- *ntry of satisfaction with or without admission.28henever a 3u&'#ent is satisfie& in
fact" or other(ise than upon an e1ecution" on &e#an& of the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" the 3u&'#ent
o$li'ee or his counsel #ust e1ecute an& ac/no(le&'e" or in&orse" an a&#ission of the
satisfaction as provi&e& in the last prece&in' section" an& after notice an& upon #otion the court
#a% or&er either the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee or his counsel to &o so" or #a% or&er the entr% of
satisfaction to $e #a&e (ithout such a&#ission- (4?a)
SEC- 46- #hen principal bound by "udgment against surety.28hen a 3u&'#ent is ren&ere&
a'ainst a part% (ho stan&s as suret% for another" the latter is also $oun& fro# the ti#e that he has
notice of the action or procee&in'" an& an opportunit% at the suret%Gs re>uest to 3oin in the
&efense- (4@a)
SEC- 4?. *ffect of "udgments or final orders .2The effect of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er ren&ere&
$% a court of the Philippines" havin' 3uris&iction to pronounce the 3u&'#ent or final or&er" #a%
$e as follo(s*
(a) !n case of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er a'ainst a specific thin'" or in respect to the
pro$ate of a (ill" or the a&#inistration of the estate of a &ecease& person" or in respect to the
personal" political" or le'al con&ition or status of a particular person or his relationship to
another" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er is conclusive upon the title to the thin'" the (ill or
a&#inistration" or the con&ition" status or relationship of the person7 ho(ever" the pro$ate of a
(ill or 'rantin' of letters of a&#inistration shall onl% $e pri#a facie evi&ence of the &eath of the
testator or intestate7
($) !n other cases" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er is" (ith respect to the #atter &irectl%
a&3u&'e& or as to an% other #atter that coul& have $een raise& in relation thereto" conclusive
$et(een the parties an& their successors in interest $% title su$se>uent to the co##ence#ent of
the action or special procee&in'" liti'atin' for the sa#e thin' an& un&er the sa#e title an& in the
sa#e capacit%7 an&
(c) !n an% other liti'ation $et(een the sa#e parties of their successors in interest" that
onl% is &ee#e& to have $een a&3u&'e& in a for#er 3u&'#ent or final or&er (hich appears upon
its face to have $een so a&3u&'e&" or (hich (as actuall% an& necessaril% inclu&e& therein or
necessar% thereto- (4Aa)
SEC- 4@- *ffect of foreign "udgments or final orders.2The effect of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er of
a tri$unal of a forei'n countr%" havin' 3uris&iction to ren&er the 3u&'#ent or final or&er" is as
follo(s*
(a) !n case of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er upon a specific thin'" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er
is conclusive upon the title of the thin'7 an&
($) !n case of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er a'ainst a person" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er is
presu#ptive evi&ence of a ri'ht as $et(een the parties an& their successors in interest $% a
su$se>uent title-
!n either case" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er #a% $e repelle& $% evi&ence of a (ant of 3uris&iction"
(ant of notice to the part%" collusion" frau&" or clear #ista/e of la( or fact- (5Ba)

APPEALS
RULE 4B
APPEAL FRO9 9U+!C!PAL TR!AL COURTS TO T=E REC!O+AL TR!AL COURTS
SECT!O+ ,- #here to appeal.2An appeal fro# a 3u&'#ent or final or&er of a 9unicipal Trial
Court #a% $e ta/en to the Re'ional Trial Court e1ercisin' 3uris&iction over the area to (hich the
for#er pertains- The title of the case shall re#ain as it (as in the court of ori'in" $ut the part%
appealin' the case shall $e further referre& to as the appellant an& the a&verse part% as the
appellee- (n)
SEC- 0- #hen to appeal.2An appeal #a% $e ta/en (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after notice to the
appellant of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#- 8here a recor& on appeal is re>uire&" the
appellant shall file a notice of appeal an& a recor& on appeal (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after notice
of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er-
The perio& of appeal shall $e interrupte& $% a ti#el% #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration- +o
#otion for e1tension of ti#e to file a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration shall $e allo(e&-
(n)
SEC- 2- 3ow to appeal2The appeal is ta/en $% filin' a notice of appeal (ith the court that
ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#- The notice of appeal shall in&icate the
parties to the appeal" the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or part thereof appeale& fro#" an& state the
#aterial &ates sho(in' the ti#eliness of the appeal-
A recor& on appeal shall $e re>uire& onl% in special procee&in's an& in other cases of #ultiple
or separate appeals-
The for# an& contents of the recor& on appeal shall $e as provi&e& in section 6" Rule 4,-
Copies of the notice of appeal" an& the recor& on appeal (here re>uire&" shall $e serve& on the
a&verse part%- (n)
SEC- 4- $erfection of appeal; effect thereof.2The perfection of the appeal an& the effect thereof
shall $e 'overne& $% the provisions of section A" Rule 4,- (n)
SEC- 5- (ppellate court doc)et and other lawful fees.28ithin the perio& for ta/in' an appeal"
the appellant shall pa% to the cler/ of the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent or final or&er
appeale& fro# the full a#ount of the appellate court &oc/et an& other la(ful fees- Proof of
pa%#ent thereof shall $e trans#itte& to the appellate court to'ether (ith the ori'inal recor& or
the recor& on appeal" as the case #a% $e- (n)
SEC- 6- +uty of the cler) of court.28ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# the perfection of the appeal"
the cler/ of court or the $ranch cler/ of court of the lo(er court shall trans#it the ori'inal recor&
or the recor& on appeal" to'ether (ith the transcripts an& e1hi$its" (hich he shall certif% as
co#plete" to the proper Re'ional Trial Court- A cop% of his letter of trans#ittal of the recor&s to
the appellate court shall $e furnishe& the parties- (n)
SEC- ?- $rocedure in the Regional Trial Court-.
(a) Upon receipt of the co#plete recor& or the recor& on appeal" the cler/ of court of the
Re'ional Trial Court shall notif% the parties of such fact-
($) 8ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# such notice" it shall $e the &ut% of the appellant to su$#it a
#e#oran&u# (hich shall $riefl% &iscuss the errors i#pute& to the lo(er court" a cop% of (hich
shall $e furnishe& $% hi# to the a&verse part%- 8ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# receipt of the
appellantGs #e#oran&u#" the appellee #a% file his #e#oran&u#- Failure of the appellant to file
a #e#oran&u# shall $e a 'roun& for &is#issal of the appeal-
(c) Upon the filin' of the #e#oran&u# of the appellee" or the e1piration of the perio& to &o so"
the case shall $e consi&ere& su$#itte& for &ecision- The Re'ional Trial Court shall &eci&e the
case on the $asis of the entire recor& of the procee&in's ha& in the court of ori'in an& such
#e#oran&a as are file&- (n)
SEC- @- Appeal fro# or&ers &is#issin' case (ithout trial7 lac/ of 3uris&iction-.!f an appeal is
ta/en fro# an or&er of the lo(er court &is#issin' the case (ithout a trial on the #erits" the
Re'ional Trial Court #a% affir# or reverse it" as the case #a% $e- !n case of affir#ance an& the
'roun& of &is#issal is lac/ of 3uris&iction over the su$3ect #atter" the Re'ional Trial Court" if it
has 3uris&iction thereover" shall tr% the case on the #erits as if the case (as ori'inall% file& (ith
it- !n case of reversal" the case shall $e re#an&e& for further procee&in's-
!f the case (as trie& on the #erits $% the lo(er court (ithout 3uris&iction over the su$3ect #atter"
the Re'ional Trial Court on appeal shall not &is#iss the case if it has ori'inal 3uris&iction
thereof" $ut shall &eci&e the case in accor&ance (ith the prece&in' section" (ithout pre3u&ice to
the a&#ission of a#en&e& plea&in's an& a&&itional evi&ence in the interest of 3ustice- (n)
SEC- A- (pplicability of Rule ;>.2The other provisions of Rule 4, shall appl% to appeals
provi&e& for herein insofar as the% are not inconsistent (ith or #a% serve to supple#ent the
provisions of this Rule- (n)
RULE 4,
APPEAL FRO9 T=E REC!O+AL TR!AL COURTS
SECT!O+ ,- Sub"ect of appeal.2An appeal #a% $e ta/en fro# a 3u&'#ent or final or&er that
co#pletel% &isposes of the case" or of a particular #atter therein (hen &eclare& $% these Rules
to $e appeala$le-
+o appeal #a% $e ta/en fro#*
(a) An or&er &en%in' a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration7
($) An or&er &en%in' a petition for relief or an% si#ilar #otion see/in' relief fro#
3u&'#ent7
(c) An interlocutor% or&er7
(&) An or&er &isallo(in' or &is#issin' an appeal7
(e) An or&er &en%in' a #otion to set asi&e a 3u&'#ent $% consent" confession or
co#pro#ise on the 'roun& of frau&" #ista/e or &uress" or an% other 'roun& vitiatin' consent-
(f) An or&er of e1ecution7
(') A 3u&'#ent or final or&er for or a'ainst one or #ore of several parties or in separate
clai#s" counterclai#s" cross<clai#s an& thir&<part% co#plaints" (hile the #ain case is pen&in'"
unless the court allo(s an appeal therefro#7 an&
(h) An or&er &is#issin' an action (ithout pre3u&ice-
!n all the a$ove instances (here the 3u&'#ent or final or&er is not appeala$le" the a''rieve&
part% #a% file an appropriate special civil action un&er Rule 65- (n)
SEC- 0- !odes of appeal.2
(a) Ordinary appeal..The appeal to the Court of Appeals in cases &eci&e& $% the
Re'ional Trial Court in the e1ercise of its ori'inal 3uris&iction shall $e ta/en $% filin' a notice of
appeal (ith the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro# an& servin' a
cop% thereof upon the a&verse part%- +o recor& on appeal shall $e re>uire& e1cept in special
procee&in's an& other cases of #ultiple or separate appeals (here the la( or these Rules so
re>uire- !n such cases" the recor& <on appeal shall $e file& an& serve& in li/e #anner-
($) $etition for review..The appeal to the Court of Appeals in cases &eci&e& $% the
Re'ional Trial Court in the e1ercise of its appellate 3uris&iction shall $e $% petition for revie( in
accor&ance (ith Rule 40-
(c) (ppeal by certiorari..!n all cases (here onl% >uestions of la( are raise& or involve&"
the appeal shall $e to the Supre#e Court $% petition for revie( on certiorari in accor&ance (ith
Rule 45- (n)
SEC- 2- $eriod of ordinary appeal, appeal in habeas corpus cases.2The appeal shall $e ta/en
(ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#- 8here a
recor& on appeal is re>uire&" the appellant shall file a notice of appeal an& a recor& on appeal
(ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# notice of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er- =o(ever" an appeal in habeas
corpus cases shall $e ta/en (ithin fort%<ei'ht (4@) hours fro# notice of the 3u&'#ent or final
or&er appeale& fro#-
The perio& of appeal shall $e interrupte& $% a ti#el% #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration- +o
#otion for e1tension of ti#e to file a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration shall $e allo(e&-
(n)
SEC- 4- (ppellate court doc)et and other lawful fees.2 8ithin the perio& for ta/in' an appeal"
the appellant shall pa% to the cler/ of the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent or final or&er
appeale& fro#" the full a#ount of the appellate court &oc/et an& other la(ful fees- Proof of
pa%#ent of sai& fees shall $e trans#itte& to the appellate court to'ether (ith the ori'inal recor&
or the recor& on appeal- (n)
SEC- 5- %otice of appeal.2The notice of appeal shall in&icate the parties to the appeal" specif%
the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or part thereof appeale& fro#" specif% the court to (hich the appeal
is $ein' ta/en" an& state the #aterial &ates sho(in' the ti#eliness of the appeal- (4a)
SEC- 6- Record on appeal; form and contents thereof2The full na#es of all the parties to the
procee&in's shall $e state& in the caption of the recor& on appeal an& it shall inclu&e the
3u&'#ent or final or&er fro# (hich the appeal is ta/en an&" in chronolo'ical or&er" copies of
onl% such plea&in's" petitions" #otions an& all interlocutor% or&ers as are relate& to the appeale&
3u&'#ent or final or&er for the proper un&erstan&in' of the issue involve&" to'ether (ith such
&ata as (ill sho( that the appeal (as perfecte& on ti#e- !f an issue of fact is to $e raise& on
appeal" the recor& on appeal shall inclu&e $% reference all the evi&ence" testi#onial an&
&ocu#entar%" ta/en upon the issue involve&- The reference shall specif% the &ocu#entar%
evi&ence $% the e1hi$it nu#$ers or letters $% (hich it (as i&entifie& (hen a&#itte& or offere& at
the hearin'" an& the testi#onial evi&ence $% the na#es of the correspon&in' (itnesses- !f the
(hole testi#onial an& &ocu#entar% evi&ence in the case is to $e inclu&e&" a state#ent to that
effect (ill $e sufficient (ithout #entionin' the na#es of the (itnesses or the nu#$ers or letters
of e1hi$its- Ever% recor& on appeal e1cee&in' t(ent% (0B) pa'es #ust contain a su$3ect in&e1-
(6a)
SEC- ?- (pproval of record on appeal 2Upon the filin' of the recor& on appeal for approval an&
if no o$3ection is file& $% the appellee (ithin five (5) &a%s fro# receipt of a cop% thereof" the
trial court #a% approve it as presente& or upon its o(n #otion or at the instance of the appellee"
#a% &irect its a#en&#ent $% the inclusion of an% o#itte& #atters (hich are &ee#e& essential to
the &eter#ination of the issue of la( or fact involve& in the appeal- !f the trial court or&ers the
a#en&#ent of the recor&" the appellant" (ithin the ti#e li#ite& in the or&er" or such e1tension
thereof as #a% $e 'rante&" or if no ti#e is fi1e& $% the or&er (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt
thereof" shall re&raft the recor& $% inclu&in' therein" in their proper chronolo'ical se>uence"
such a&&itional #atters as the court #a% have &irecte& hi# to incorporate" an& shall thereupon
su$#it the re&rafte& recor& for approval" upon notice to the appellee" in li/e #anner as the
ori'inal &raft- (?a)
SEC- @- oint record on appeal.28here $oth parties are appellants" the% #a% file a 3oint recor&
on appeal (ithin the ti#e fi1e& $% section 2 of this Rule" or that fi1e& $% the court- (@a)
SEC- 9. $erfection of appeal; effect thereof2A part%Gs appeal $% notice of appeal is &ee#e&
perfecte& as to hi# upon the filin' of the notice of appeal in &ue ti#e-
A part%Gs appeal $% recor& on appeal is &ee#e& perfecte& as to hi# (ith respect to the su$3ect
#atter thereof upon the approval of the recor& on appeal file& in &ue ti#e-
!n appeals $% notice of appeal" the court loses 3uris&iction over the case upon the perfection of
the appeals file& in &ue ti#e an& the e1piration of the ti#e to appeal of the other parties-
!n appeals $% recor& on appeal" the court loses 3uris&iction onl% over the su$3ect #atter thereof
upon the approval of the recor&s on appeal file& in &ue ti#e an& the e1piration of the ti#e to
appeal of the other parties-
!n either case" prior to the trans#ittal of the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal" the court
#a% issue or&ers for the protection an& preservation of the ri'hts of the parties (hich &o not
involve an% #atter liti'ate& $% the appeal" approve co#pro#ises" per#it appeals of in&i'ent
liti'ants" or&er e1ecution pen&in' appeal in accor&ance (ith section 0 of Rule 2A" an& allo(
(ith&ra(al of the appeal- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- +uty of cler) of court of the lower court upon perfection of appeal.28ithin thirt% (2B)
&a%s after perfection of all the appeals in accor&ance (ith the prece&in' section" it shall $e the
&ut% of the cler/ of court of the lo(er court*
(a) To verif% the correctness of the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal" as the case
#a% $e" an& to #a/e a certification of its correctness7
($) To verif% the co#pleteness of the recor&s that (ill $e trans#itte& to the appellate
court7
(c) !f foun& to $e inco#plete" to ta/e such #easures as #a% $e re>uire& to co#plete the
recor&s" availin' of the authorit% that he or the court #a% e1ercise for this purpose7 an&
(&) To trans#it the recor&s to the appellate court-
!f the efforts to co#plete the recor&s fail" he shall in&icate in his letter of trans#ittal the e1hi$its
or transcripts not inclu&e& in the recor&s $ein' trans#itte& to the appellate court" the reasons for
their non<trans#ittal" an& the steps ta/en or that coul& $e ta/en to have the# availa$le-
The cler/ of court shall furnish the parties (ith copies of his letter of trans#ittal of the recor&s
to the appellate court- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- Transcript.2Upon the perfection of the appeal" the cler/ shall i##e&iatel% &irect the
steno'raphers concerne& to attach to the recor& of the case five (5) copies of the transcripts of
the testi#onial evi&ence referre& to in the recor& on appeal- The steno'raphers concerne& shall
transcri$e such testi#onial evi&ence an& shall prepare an& affi1 to their transcripts an in&e1
containin' the na#es of the (itnesses an& the pa'es (herein their testi#onies are foun&" an& a-
list of the e1hi$its an& the pa'es (herein each of the# appears to have $een offere& an&
a&#itte& or re3ecte& $% the trial court- The transcripts shall $e trans#itte& to the cler/ of the trial
court (ho shall thereupon arran'e the sa#e in the or&er in (hich the (itnesses testifie& at the
trial" an& shall cause the pa'es to $e nu#$ere& consecutivel%- (,0a)
SEC- ,0- Transmittal.2The cler/ of the trial court shall trans#it to the appellate court the
ori'inal recor& or the approve& recor& on appeal (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the perfection of
the appeal" to'ether (ith the proof of pa%#ent of the appellate court &oc/et an& other la(ful
fees" a certifie& true cop% of the #inutes of the procee&in's" the or&er of approval" the certificate
of correctness" the ori'inal &ocu#entar% evi&ence referre& to therein" an& the ori'inal an& three
(2) copies of the transcripts- Copies of the transcripts an& certifie& true copies of the
&ocu#entar% evi&ence shall re#ain in the lo(er court for the e1a#ination of the parties- (,,a)
SEC- ,2- +ismissal of appeal.2Prior to the trans#ittal of the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on
appeal to the appellate court" the trial court #a% motu proprio or on #otion &is#iss the appeal
for havin' $een ta/en out of ti#e" or for non<pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees (ithin
the re'le#entar% perio&- (,2a)
RULE 40
PET!T!O+ FOR RE!E8 FRO9 T=E REC!O+AL TR!AL COURTS TO T=E COURT OF
APPEALS
SECT!O+ ,- 3ow appeal ta)en; time for filing.2A part% &esirin' to appeal fro# a &ecision of
the Re'ional Trial Court ren&ere& in the e1ercise of its appellate 3uris&iction #a% file a verifie&
petition for revie( (ith the Court of Appeals" pa%in' at the sa#e ti#e to the cler/ of sai& court
the correspon&in' &oc/et an& other la(ful fees" &epositin' the a#ount of P5BB-BB for costs" an&
furnishin' the Re'ional Trial Court an& the a&verse part% (ith a cop% of the petition- The
petition shall $e file& an& serve& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the &ecision sou'ht to
$e revie(e& or of the &enial of petitionerGs #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration file& in &ue
ti#e after 3u&'#ent- Upon proper #otion an& the pa%#ent of the full a#ount of the &oc/et an&
other la(ful fees an& the &eposit for costs $efore the e1piration of the re'le#entar% perio&" the
Court of Appeals #a% 'rant an a&&itional perio& of fifteen (,5) &a%s onl% (ithin (hich to file
the petition for revie(- +o further e1tension shall $e 'rante& e1cept for the #ost co#pellin'
reason an& in no case to e1cee& fifteen (,5) &a%s- (n)
SEC- 0- 4orm and contents.2The petition shall $e file& in seven (?) le'i$le copies" (ith the
ori'inal cop% inten&e& for the court $ein' in&icate& as such $% the petitioner" an& shall (a) state
the full na#es of the parties to the case" (ithout i#plea&in' the lo(er courts or 3u&'es thereof
either as petitioners or respon&ents7 ($) in&icate the specific #aterial &ates sho(in' that it (as
file& on ti#e7 (c) set forth concisel% a state#ent of the #aters involve&" the issues raise&" the
specification of errors of fact or la(" or $oth" alle'e&l% co##itte& $% the Re'ional Trial Court"
an& the reasons or ar'u#ents relie& upon for the allo(ance of the appeal7 (&) $e acco#panie& $%
clearl% le'i$le &uplicate ori'inals or true copies of the 3u&'#ents or final or&ers of $oth lo(er
courts" certifie& correct $% the cler/ of court of the Re'ional Trial Court" the re>uisite nu#$er of
plain copies thereof an& of the plea&in's an& other #aterial portions of the recor& as (oul&
support the alle'ations of the petition-
The petitioner shall also su$#it to'ether (ith the petition a certification un&er oath that he has
not theretofore co##ence& an% other action involvin' the sa#e issues in the Supre#e Court" the
Court of Appeals or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%7 if there is such
other action or procee&in'" he #ust state the status of the sa#e7 an& if he shoul& thereafter learn
that a si#ilar action or procee&in' has $een file& or is pen&in' $efore the Supre#e Court" the
Court of Appeals" or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%" he un&erta/es to
pro#ptl% infor# the aforesai& courts an& other tri$unal or a'enc% thereof (ithin five (5) &a%s
therefro#- (n)
SEC- 2- *ffect of failure to comply with re6uirements.2The failure of the petitioner to co#pl%
(ith an% of the fore'oin' re>uire#ents re'ar&in' the pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful
fees" the &eposit for costs" proof of service of the petition" an& the contents of an& the &ocu#ents
(hich shoul& acco#pan% the petition shall $e sufficient 'roun& for the &is#issal thereof- (n)
SEC- 4- (ction on the petition.2The Court of Appeals #a% re>uire the respon&ent to file a
co##ent on the petition" not a #otion to &is#iss" (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice" or &is#iss
the petition if it fin&s the sa#e to $e patentl% (ithout #erit" prosecute& #anifestl% for &ela%" or
that the >uestions raise& therein are too unsu$stantial to re>uire consi&eration- (n)
SEC- 5- Contents of comment.2The co##ent of the respon&ent shall $e file& in seven (?)
le'i$le copies" acco#panie& $% certifie& true copies of such #aterial portions of the recor&
referre& to therein to'ether (ith other supportin' papers an& shall (a) state (hether or not he
accepts the state#ent of #atters involve& in the petition7 ($) point out such insufficiencies or
inaccuracies as he $elieves e1ist in petitionerGs state#ent of #atters involve& $ut (ithout
repetition7 an& (c) state the reasons (h% the petition shoul& not $e 'iven &ue course- A cop%
thereof shall $e serve& on the petitioner- (n)
SEC- 6- +ue course.2!f upon the filin' of the co##ent or such other plea&in's as the court #a%
allo( or re>uire" or after the e1piration of the perio& for the filin' thereof (ithout such co##ent
or plea&in' havin' $een su$#itte&" the Court of Appeals fin&s prima facie that the lo(er court
has co##itte& an error of fact or la( that (ill (arrant a reversal or #o&ification of the appeale&
&ecision" it #a% accor&in'l% 'ive &ue course to the petition- (n)
SEC- ?- *levation of record-.8henever the Court of Appeals &ee#s it necessar%" it #a% or&er
the cler/ of court of the Re'ional Trial Court to elevate the ori'inal recor& of the case inclu&in'
the oral an& &ocu#entar% evi&ence (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice-(n)
SEC- @- $erfection of appeal; effect thereof 2
(a) Upon the ti#el% filin' of a petition for revie( an& the pa%#ent of the correspon&in'
&oc/et an& other la(ful fees" the appeal is &ee#e& perfecte& as to the petitioner-
The Re'ional Trial Court loses 3uris&iction over the case upon the perfection of the appeals file&
in &ue ti#e an& the e1piration of the ti#e to appeal of the other parties-
=o(ever" $efore the Court of Appeals 'ives &ue course to the petition" the Re'ional Trial Court
#a% issue or&ers for the protection an& preservation of the ri'hts of the parties (hich &o not
involve an% #atter liti'ate& $% the appeal" approve corn<pro#ises" per#it appeals of in&i'ent
liti'ants" or&er e1ecution pen&in' appeal in accor&ance (ith section 0 of Rule 2A" an& allo(
(ith&ra(al of the appeal- (Aa" R4,)
($) E1cept in civil cases &eci&e& un&er the Rule on Su##ar% Proce&ure" the appeal shall
sta% the 3u&'#ent or final or&er unless the Court of Appeals" the la(" or these Rules shall
provi&e other(ise- (n)
SEC- A. Submission for decision.2!f the petition is 'iven &ue course" the Court of Appeals #a%
set the case for oral ar'u#ent or re>uire the parties to su$#it #e#oran&a (ithin a perio& of
fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice- The case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for &ecision upon the filin' of
the last plea&in' or #e#oran&u# re>uire& $% these Rules or $% the court itself- (n)
RULE 42
APPEALS FRO9 T=E COURT OF TAK APPEALS A+F LUAS!<HUF!C!AL ACE+C!ES TO
T=E COURT OF APPEALS
SECT!O+ ,- Scope.2This Rule shall appl% to appeals fro# 3u&'#ents or final or&ers of the
Court of Ta1 Appeals an& fro# a(ar&s" 3u&'#ents" final or&ers or resolutions of or authori5e&
$% an% >uasi<3u&icial a'enc% in the e1ercise of its >uasi<3u&icial functions- A#on' these
a'encies are the Civil Service Co##ission" Central )oar& of Assess#ent Appeals" Securities
an& E1chan'e Co##ission" Office of the Presi&ent" Lan& Re'istration Authorit%" Social
Securit% Co##ission" Civil Aeronautics )oar&" )ureau of Patents" Tra&e#ar/s an& Technolo'%
Transfer" +ational Electrification A&#inistration" Ener'% Re'ulator% )oar&" +ational
Teleco##unications Co##ission" Fepart#ent of A'rarian Refor# un&er Repu$lic Act +o-
665?" Covern#ent Service !nsurance S%ste#" E#plo%ees Co#pensation Co##ission"
A'ricultural !nventions )oar&" !nsurance Co##ission" Philippine Ato#ic Ener'% Co##ission"
)oar& of !nvest#ents" Construction !n&ustr% Ar$itration Co##ission" an& voluntar% ar$itrators
authori5e& $% la(- (n)
SEC- 0- Cases not covered-.This Rule shall not appl% to 3u&'#ents or final or&ers issue& un&er
the La$or Co&e of the Philippines- (n)
SEC- 2- #here to appeal.2An appeal un&er this Rule #a% $e ta/en to the Court of Appeals
(ithin the perio& an& in the #anner herein provi&e&" (hether the appeal involves >uestions of
fact" of la(" or #i1e& >uestions of fact an& la(- (n)
SEC- 4. $eriod of appeal.2The appeal shall $e ta/en (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the
a(ar&" 3u&'#ent" final or&er or resolution" or fro# the &ate of its last pu$lication" if pu$lication
is re>uire& $% la( for its effectivit%" or of the &enial of petitionerGs #otion for ne( trial or
reconsi&eration &ul% file& in accor&ance (ith the 'overnin' la( of the court or a'enc% a 6uo.
Onl% one (,) #otion for reconsi&eration shall $e allo(e&- Upon proper #otion an& the pa%#ent
of the full a#ount of the &oc/et fee $efore the e1piration of the re'le#entar% perio&" the Court
of Appeals #a% 'rant an a&&itional perio& of fifteen (,5) &a%s onl% (ithin (hich to file the
petition for revie(- +o further e1tension shall $e 'rante& e1cept for the #ost co#pellin' reason
an& in no case to e1cee& fifteen (,5) &a%s- (n)
SEC- 5- 3ow appeal ta)en..2Appeal shall $e ta/en $% filin' a verifie& petition for revie( in
seven (?) le'i$le copies (ith the Court of Appeals" (ith proof of service of a cop% thereof on the
a&verse part% an& on the court or a'enc% a 6uo. The ori'inal cop% of the petition inten&e& for
the Court of Appeals shall $e in&icate& as such $% the petitioner-
Upon the filin' of the petition" the petitioner shall pa% to the cler/ of court of the Court of
Appeals the &oc/etin' an& other la(ful fees an& &eposit the su# of P5BB-BB for costs-
E1e#ption fro# pa%#ent of &oc/etin' an& other la(ful fees an& the &eposit for costs #a% $e
'rante& $% the Court of Appeals upon a verifie& #otion settin' forth vali& 'roun&s therefor- !f
the Court of Appeals &enies the #otion" the petitioner shall pa% the &oc/etin' an& other la(ful
fees an& &eposit for costs (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the &enial- (n)
SEC- 6- Contents of the petition.2The petition for revie( shall (a) state the full na#es of the
parties to the case" (ithout i#plea&in' the court or a'encies either as petitioners or respon&ents7
($) contain a concise state#ent of the facts an& issues involve& an& the 'roun&s relie& upon for
the revie(7 (c) $e acco#panie& $% a clearl% le'i$le &uplicate ori'inal or a certifie& true cop% of
the a(ar&" 3u&'#ent" final or&er or resolution appeale& fro#" to'ether (ith certifie& true copies
of such #aterial portions of the recor& referre& to therein an& other supportin' papers7 an& (&)
contain a s(orn certification a'ainst foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the last para'raph of section
0" Rule 40- The petition shall state the specific #aterial &ates sho(in' that it (as file& (ithin the
perio& fi1e& herein- (0a)
SEC- ?- *ffect of failure to comply with re6uirements.2The failure of the petitioner to co#pl%
(ith an% of the fore'oin' re>uire#ents re'ar&in' the pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful
fees" the &eposit for costs" proof of service of the petition" an& the contents of an& the &ocu#ents
(hich shoul& acco#pan% the petition shall $e sufficient 'roun& for the &is#issal thereof- (n)
SEC- @- (ction on the petition.2The Court of Appeals #a% re>uire the respon&ent to file a
co##ent on the petition" not a #otion to &is#iss" (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice" or &is#iss
the petition if it fin&s the sa#e to $e patentl% (ithout #erit" prosecute& #anifestl% for &ela%" or
that the >uestions raise& therein are too unsu$stantial to re>uire consi&eration- (6a)
SEC- A- Contents of comment.2The co##ent shall $e file& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice in
seven (?) le'i$le copies an& acco#panie& $% clearl% le'i$le certifie& true copies of such #aterial
portions of the recor& referre& to therein to'ether (ith other supportin' papers- The co##ent
shall (a) point out insufficiencies or inaccuracies in petitionerGs state#ent of facts an& issues7
an& ($) state the reasons (h% the petition shoul& $e &enie& or &is#isse&- A cop% thereof shall $e
serve& on the petitioner" an& proof of such service shall $e file& (ith the Court of Appeals- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- +ue course.2!f upon the filin' of the co##ent or such other plea&in's or &ocu#ents
as #a% $e re>uire& or allo(e& $% the Court of Appeals or upon the e1piration of the perio& for
the filin' thereof" an& on the $asis of the petition or the recor&s the Court of Appeals fin&s
prima facie that the court or a'enc% concerne& has co##itte& errors of fact or la( that (oul&
(arrant reversal or #o&ification of the a(ar&" 3u&'#ent" final or&er or resolution sou'ht to $e
revie(e&" it #a% 'ive &ue course to the petition7 other(ise" it shall &is#iss the sa#e- The
fin&in's of fact of the court or a'enc% concerne&" (hen supporte& $% su$stantial evi&ence" shall
$e $in&in' on the Court of Appeals- (n)
SEC- ,,- Transmittal of recor&-.8ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice that the petition has $een
'iven &ue course" the Court of Appeals #a% re>uire the court or a'enc% concerne& to trans#it
the ori'inal or a le'i$le certifie& true cop% of the entire recor& of the procee&in' un&er revie(-
The recor& to $e trans#itte& #a% $e a$ri&'e& $% a'ree#ent of all parties to the procee&in'- The
Court of Appeals #a% re>uire or per#it su$se>uent correction of or a&&ition to the recor&- (@a)
SEC- ,0- *ffect of appeal2The appeal shall not sta% the a(ar&" 3u&'#ent" final or&er of
resolution sou'ht to $e revie(e& unless the Court of Appeals shall &irect other(ise upon such
ter#s as it #a% &ee# 3ust- (,Ba)
SEC- ,2- Submission for decision.2!f the petition is 'iven &ue course" the Court of Appeals #a%
set the case for oral ar'u#ent or re>uire the parties to su$#it #e#oran&a (ithin a perio& of
fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice- The case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for &ecision upon the filin' of
the last plea&in' or #e#oran&u# re>uire& $% these Rules or $% the Court of Appeals- (n)

PROCEFURE !+ T=E COURT OF APPEALS
RULE 44
ORF!+ARJ APPEALEF CASES
SECT!O+ ,- Title of cases.2!n all cases appeale& to the Court of Appeals un&er Rule 4," the
title of the case shall re#ain as it (as in the court of ori'in" $ut the part% appealin' the case shall
$e further referre& to as the appellant an& the a&verse part% as the appellee- (,a" R46)
SEC- 0- Counsel and guardians.2The counsel an& 'uar&ians ad litem of the parties in the court
of ori'in shall $e respectivel% consi&ere& as their counsel an& 'uar&ians ad litem in the Court of
Appeals- 8hen others appear or are appointe&" notice thereof shall $e serve& i##e&iatel% on the
a&verse part% an& file& (ith the court- (0a" R46)
SEC- 2- Order of transmittal of record.2!f the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal is not
trans#itte& to the Court of Appeals (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after the perfection of the appeal"
either part% #a% file a #otion (ith the trial court" (ith notice to the other" for the trans#ittal of
such recor& or recor& on appeal- (2a" R46)
SEC- 4- +oc)eting of case-.Upon receivin' the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal an& the
acco#pan%in' &ocu#ents an& e1hi$its trans#itte& $% the lo(er court" as (ell as the proof of
pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees" the cler/ of court of the Court of Appeals shall
&oc/et the case an& notif% the parties thereof- (4a" R46)
8ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of sai& notice" the appellant" in appeals $% recor& on appeal"
shall file (ith the cler/ of court seven (?) clearl% le'i$le copies of the approve& recor& on
appeal" to'ether (ith the proof of service of t(o (0) copies thereof upon the appellee-
An% unauthori5e& alteration" o#ission or a&&ition in the approve& recor& on appeal shall $e a
'roun& for &is#issal of the appeal- (n)
SEC- 5- Completion of record.28here the recor& of the &oc/ete& case is inco#plete" the cler/
of court of the Court of Appeals shall so infor# sai& court an& reco##en&e& to it #easures
necessar% to co#plete the recor&- !t shall $e the &ut% of sai& court to ta/e appropriate action
to(ar&s the co#pletion of the recor& (ithin the shortest possi$le ti#e- (n)
SEC- 6- +ispensing with complete record.28here the co#pletion of the recor& coul& not $e
acco#plishe& (ithin a sufficient perio& allotte& for sai& purpose &ue to insupera$le or e1tre#el%
&ifficult causes" the court" on its o(n #otion or on #otion of an% of the parties" #a% &eclare that
the recor& an& its acco#pan%in' transcripts an& e1hi$its so far availa$le are sufficient to &eci&e
the issues raise& in the appeal" an& shall issue an or&er e1plainin' the reasons for such
&eclaration- (n)
SEC- ?- (ppellant?s $rief-.!t shall $e the &ut% of the appellant to file (ith the court" (ithin
fort%<five (45) &a%s fro# receipt of the notice of the cler/ that all the evi&ence" oral an&
&ocu#entar%" are attache& to the recor&" seven (?) copies of his le'i$l% t%pe(ritten"
#i#eo'raphe& or printe& $rief" (ith proof of service of t(o (0) copies thereof upon the
appellee- (,Ba" R46)
SEC- @- (ppellee?s $rief.8ithin fort%<five (45) &a%s fro# receipt of the appellantGs $rief" the
appellee shall file (ith the court seven (?) copies of his le'i$l% t%pe(ritten" #i#eo'raphe& or
printe& $rief" (ith proof of service of t(o (0) copies thereof upon the appellant- (,,a" R46)
SEC- A- (ppellant?s reply $rief-.8ithin t(ent% (0B) &a%s fro# receipt of the appelleeGs $rief"
the appellant #a% file a repl% $rief ans(erin' points in the appelleeGs $rief not covere& in his
#ain $rief- (,0" R46)
SEC- ,B- Time of filing memoranda in special cases.2!n certiorari" prohi$ition" #an&a#us" 6uo
warranto an& habeas corpus cases" the parties shall file" in lieu of $riefs" their respective
#e#oran&a (ithin a non<e1ten&i$le perio& of thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# receipt of the notice issue&
$% the cler/ that all the evi&ence" oral an& &ocu#entar%" is alrea&% attache& to the recor&- (,2a"
R46)
The failure of the appellant to file his #e#oran&u# (ithin the perio& therefor #a% $e a 'roun&
for &is#issal of the appeal- (n)
SEC- ,,- Several appellants or appellees or several counsel for each party.2#here there are
several appellants or appellees" each counsel representin' one or #ore $ut not all of the# shall
$e serve& (ith onl% one cop% of the $riefs- 8hen several counsel represent one appellant or
appellee" copies of the $rief #a% $e serve& upon an% of the#- (,4a" R46)
SEC- ,0- *,tension of time for filing briefs.2*,tension of ti#e for the filin' of $riefs (ill not $e
allo(e&" e1cept for 'oo& an& sufficient cause" an& onl% if the #otion for e1tension is file&
$efore the e1piration of the ti#e sou'ht to $e e1ten&e&- (,5" R46)
SEC- ,2- Contents of appellant?s brief.2The appellantGs $rief shall contain" in the or&er herein
in&icate&" the follo(in'*
(a) A su$3ect in&e1 of the #atter in the $rief (ith a &i'est of the ar'u#ents an& pa'e
references" an& a ta$le of cases alpha$eticall% arran'e&" te1t$oo/s an& statutes cite& (ith
references to the pa'es (here the% are cite&7
($) An assi'n#ent of errors inten&e& to $e ur'e&" (hich errors shall $e separatel%"
&istinctl% an& concisel% state& (ithout repetition an& nu#$ere& consecutivel%7
(c) Un&er the hea&in' :State#ent of the Case"; a clear an& concise state#ent of the
nature of the action" a su##ar% of the procee&in's" the appeale& rulin's an& or&ers of the court"
the nature of the 3u&'#ent an& an% other #atters necessar% to an un&erstan&in' of the nature of
the controvers%" (ith pa'e references to the recor&7
(&) Un&er the hea&in' :State#ent of Facts"; a clear an& concise state#ent in a narrative
for# of the facts a&#itte& $% $oth parties an& of those in controvers%" to'ether (ith the
su$stance of the proof relatin' thereto in sufficient &etail to #a/e it clearl% intelli'i$le" (ith
pa'e references to the recor&7
(e) A clear an& concise state#ent of the issues of fact or la( to $e su$#itte& to the court
for its 3u&'#ent7
(f) Un&er the hea&in' :Ar'u#ent"; the appellantGs ar'u#ents on each assi'n#ent of
error (ith pa'e references to the recor&- The authorities relie& upon shall $e cite& $% the pa'e of
the report at (hich the case $e'ins an& the pa'e of the report on (hich the citation is foun&*
(') Un&er the hea&in' :Relief"; a specification of the or&er or 3u&'#ent (hich the
appellant see/s7 an&
(h) !n cases not $rou'ht up $% recor& on appeal" the appellantGs $rief shall contain" as an
appen&i1" a cop% of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#- (,6a" R46)
SEC- ,4- Contents of appellee?s brief.2The appelleeGs $rief shall contain" in the or&er herein
in&icate&" the follo(in'*
(a) A su$3ect in&e1 of the #atter in the $rief (ith a &i'est of the ar'u#ents an& pa'e
references" an& a ta$le of cases alpha$eticall% arran'e&" te1t$oo/s an& statutes cite& (ith
references to the pa'es (here the% are cite&7
($) Un&er the hea&in' :State#ent of Facts"; the appellee shall state that he accepts the
state#ent of facts in the appellantGs $rief" or un&er the hea&in' :Counter<State#ent of Facts"; he
shall point out such insufficiencies or inaccuracies as he $elieves e1ist in the appellantGs
state#ent of facts (ith references to the pa'es of the recor& in support thereof" $ut (ithout
repetition of #atters in the appellantGs state#ent of facts7 an&
(c) Un&er the hea&in' :Ar'u#ent"; the appellee shall set forth his ar'u#ents in the case
on each assi'n#ent of error (ith pa'e references to the recor&- The authorities relie& on shall $e
cite& $% the pa'e of the report at (hich the case $e'ins an& the pa'e of the report on (hich the
citation is foun&- (,?a" R46)
SEC- ,5- 8uestions that may be raised on appeal.&8hether or not the appellant has file& a
#otion for ne( trial in the court $elo(" he #a% inclu&e in his assi'n#ent of errors an% >uestion
of la( or fact that has $een raise& in the court $elo( an& (hich is (ithin the issues fra#e& $%
the parties- (,@" R46)
RULE 45
APPEAL )J CERT!ORAR! TO T=E SUPRE9E COURT
SECT!O+ ,- 4iling of petition with Supreme Court.2A part% &esirin' to appeal $% certiorari
fro# a 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution of the Court of Appeals" the San&i'an$a%an" the
Re'ional Trial Court or other courts (henever authori5e& $% la(" #a% file (ith the Supre#e
Court a verifie& petition for revie( on certiorari- The petition shall raise onl% >uestions of la(
(hich #ust $e &istinctl% set forth- (,a" 0a)
SEC- 0- Time for filing; e,tension.2The petition shall $e file& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro#
notice of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution appeale& fro#" or of the &enial of the
petitionerGs #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration file& in &ue ti#e after notice of the
3u&'#ent- On #otion &ul% file& an& serve&" (ith full pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful
fees an& the &eposit for costs $efore the e1piration of the re'le#entar% perio&" the Supre#e
Court #a% for 3ustifia$le reasons 'rant an e1tension of thirt% (2B) &a%s onl% (ithin (hich to file
the petition- (,a" 5a)
SEC- 2- +oc)et and other lawful fees; proof of service of petition.2Unless he has theretofore
&one so" the petitioner shall pa% the correspon&in' &oc/et an& other la(ful fees to the cler/ of
court of the Supre#e Court an& &eposit the a#ount of P5BB-BB for costs at the ti#e of the filin'
of the petition- Proof of service of a cop% thereof on the lo(er court concerne& an& on the
a&verse part% shall $e su$#itte& to'ether (ith the petition- (,a)
SEC- 4- Contents of petition2The petition shall $e file& in ei'hteen (,@) copies" (ith the
ori'inal cop% inten&e& for the court $ein' in&icate& as such $% the petitioner" an& shall (a) state
the full na#e of the appealin' part% as the petitioner an& the a&verse part% as respon&ent"
(ithout i#plea&in' the lo(er courts or 3u&'es thereof either as petitioners or respon&ents7 ($)
in&icate the #aterial &ates sho(in' (hen notice of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution
su$3ect thereof (as receive&" (hen a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration" if an%" (as file&
an& (hen notice of the &enial thereof (as receive&7 (c) set forth concisel% a state#ent of the
#atters involve&" an& the reasons or ar'u#ents relie& on for the allo(ance of the petition7 (&) $e
acco#panie& $% a clearl% le'i$le &uplicate ori'inal" or a certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent or
final or&er or resolution certifie& $% the cler/ of court of the court a 6uo an& the re>uisite
nu#$er of plain copies thereof" an& such #aterial portions of the recor& as (oul& support the
petition7 an& (e) contain a s(orn certification a'ainst foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the last
para'raph of section 0" Rule 40- (0a)
SEC- 5- +ismissal or denial of petition.2The failure of the petitioner to co#pl% (ith an% of the
fore'oin' re>uire#ents re'ar&in' the pa%#ent of the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees" &eposit for
costs" proof of service of the petition" an& the contents of an& the &ocu#ents (hich shoul&
acco#pan% the petition shall $e sufficient 'roun& for the &is#issal thereof-
The Supre#e Court #a% on its o(n initiative &en% the petition on the 'roun& that the appeal is
(ithout #erit" or is prosecute& #anifestl% for &ela%" or that the >uestions raise& therein are too
unsu$stantial to re>uire consi&eration- (2a)
SEC- 6- Review discretionary.2A revie( is not a #atter of ri'ht" $ut of soun& 3u&icial
&iscretion" an& (ill $e 'rante& onl% (hen there are special an& i#portant reasons therefor- The
follo(in'" (hile neither controllin' nor full% #easurin' the courtGs &iscretion" in&icate the
character of the reasons (hich (ill $e consi&ere&*
(a) 8hen the court a >uo has &eci&e& a >uestion of su$stance" not theretofore &eter#ine&
$% the Supre#e Court" or has &eci&e& it in a (a% pro$a$l% not in accor& (ith la( or (ith the
applica$le &ecisions of the Supre#e Court7 or
($) 8hen the court a >uo has so far &eparte& fro# the accepte& an& usual course of
3u&icial procee&in's" or so far sanctione& such &eparture $% a lo(er court" as to call for an
e1ercise of the po(er of supervision- (4a)
SEC- ?- $leadings and documents that may be re6uired; sanctions.2For purposes of
&eter#inin' (hether the petition shoul& $e &is#isse& or &enie& pursuant to section 5 of this
Rule" or (here the petition is 'iven &ue course un&er section @ hereof" the Supre#e Court #a%
re>uire or allo( the filin' of such plea&in's" $riefs" #e#oran&a or &ocu#ents as it #a% &ee#
necessar% (ithin such perio&s an& un&er such con&itions as it #a% consi&er appropriate" an&
i#pose the correspon&in' sanctions in case of non<filin' or unauthori5e& filin' of such
plea&in's an& &ocu#ents or nonco#pliance (ith the con&itions thereof- (n)
SEC- @- +ue course; elevation of records.2!f the petition is 'iven &ue course" the Supre#e
Court #a% re>uire the elevation of the co#plete recor& of the case or specifie& parts thereof
(ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice- (0a)
SEC- A- Rule applicable to both civil and criminal cases.2The #o&e of appeal prescri$e& in this
Rule shall $e applica$le to $oth civil an& cri#inal cases" e1cept in cri#inal cases (here the
penalt% i#pose& is &eath" reclusion perpetua or life i#prison#ent- (n)
RULE 46
OR!C!+AL CASES
SECT!O+ ,- Title of cases.2!n all cases ori'inall% file& in the Court of Appeals" the part%
institutin' the action shall $e calle& the petitioner an& the opposin' part% the respon&ent- (,a)
SEC- 0- To what actions applicable.2This Rule shall appl% to ori'inal actions for certiorari"
prohi$ition" mandamus an& 6uo warranto-
E1cept as other(ise provi&e&" the actions for annul#ent of 3u&'#ent shall $e 'overne& $% Rule
4?" for certiorari" prohi$ition an& #an&a#us $% Rule 65" an& for 6uo warranto $% Rule 66- (n)
SEC- 2- Contents and filing of petition; effect of non&compliance with re6uirements.2The
petition shall contain the full na#es an& actual a&&resses of all the petitioners an& respon&ents" a
concise state#ent of the #atters involve&" the factual $ac/'roun& of the case" an& the 'roun&s
relie& upon for the relief pra%e& for-
!n actions file& un&er Rule 65" the petition shall further in&icate the #aterial &ates sho(in'
(hen notice of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution su$3ect thereof (as receive&" (hen a
#otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration" if an%" (as file& an& (hen notice of the &enial thereof
(as receive&-
!t shall $e file& in seven (?) clearl% le'i$le copies to'ether (ith proof of service thereof on the
respon&ent (ith the ori'inal cop% inten&e& for the court in&icate& as such $% the petitioner" an&
shall $e acco#panie& $% a clearl% le'i$le &uplicate ori'inal or certifie& true cop% of the
3u&'#ent" or&er" resolution" or rulin' su$3ect thereof" such #aterial portions of the recor& as are
referre& to therein" an& other &ocu#ents relevant or pertinent thereto- The certification shall $e
acco#plishe& $% the proper cler/ of court or $% his &ul% authori5e& representative" or $% the
proper officer of the court" tri$unal" a'enc% or office involve& or $% his &ul% authori5e&
representative- The other re>uisite nu#$er of copies of the petition shall $e acco#panie& $%
clearl% le'i$le plain copies of all &ocu#ents attache& to the ori'inal-
The petitioner shall also su$#it to'ether (ith the petition a s(orn certification that he has not
theretofore co##ence& an% other action involvin' the sa#e issues in the Supre#e Court" the
Court of Appeals or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%7 if there is such
other action or procee&in'" he #ust state the status of the sa#e7 an& if he shoul& thereafter learn
that a si#ilar action or procee&in' has $een file& or is pen&in' $efore the Supre#e Court" the
Court of Appeals" or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%" he un&erta/es to
pro#ptl% infor# the aforesai& courts an& other tri$unal or a'enc% thereof (ithin five (5) &a%s
therefro#-
The petitioner shall pa% the correspon&in' &oc/et an& other la(ful fees to the cler/ of court an&
&eposit the a#ount of P5BB-BB for costs at the ti#e of the filin' of the petition-
The failure of the petitioner to co#pl% (ith an% of the fore'oin' re>uire#ents shall $e sufficient
'roun& for the &is#issal of the petition- (n)
SEC- 4. urisdiction over person of respondent, how ac6uired.2The court shall ac>uire
3uris&iction over the person of the respon&ent $% the service on hi# of its or&er or resolution
in&icatin' its initial action on the petition or $% his voluntar% su$#ission to such 3uris&iction- (n)
SEC- 5- (ction by the court.2The court #a% &is#iss the petition outri'ht (ith specific reasons
for such &is#issal or re>uire the respon&ent to file a co##ent on the sa#e (ithin ten (,B) &a%s
fro# notice- Onl% plea&in's re>uire& $% the court shall $e allo(e&- All other plea&in's an&
papers" #a% $e file& onl% (ith leave of court- (n)
SEC- 6- +etermination of factual issues.8henever necessar% to resolve factual issues" the
court itself #a% con&uct hearin's thereon or &ele'ate the reception of the evi&ence on such
issues to an% of its #e#$ers or to an appropriate court" a'enc% or office- (n)
SEC- <. *ffect of failure to file comment.28hen no co##ent is file& $% an% of the respon&ents"
the case #a% $e &eci&e& on the $asis of the recor&" (ithout pre3u&ice to an% &isciplinar% action
(hich the court #a% ta/e a'ainst the &iso$e&ient part%- (n)
RULE 4?
A++UL9E+T OF HUFC9E+TS OR F!+AL ORFERS A+F RESOLUT!O+S
SECT!O+ ,- Coverage.2This Rule shall 'overn the annul#ent $% the Court of Appeals of
3u&'#ents or final or&ers an& resolutions in civil actions of Re'ional Trial Courts for (hich the
or&inar% re#e&ies of ne( trial" appeal" petition for relief or other appropriate re#e&ies are no
lon'er availa$le throu'h no fault of the petitioner- (n)
SEC- 0- -rounds for annulment.2The annul#ent #a% $e $ase& onl% on the 'roun&s of e1trinsic
frau& an& lac/ of 3uris&iction-
E1trinsic frau& shall not $e a vali& 'roun& if it (as availe& of" or coul& have $een availe& of" in
a #otion for ne( trial or petition for relief- (n)
SEC- 2. $eriod for filing action.2!f $ase& on e1trinsic frau&" the action #ust $e file& (ithin
four (4) %ears fro# its &iscover%7 an& if $ase& on lac/ of 3uris&iction" $efore it is $arre& $%
laches or estoppel- (n)
SEC- 4. 4iling and contents of petition.2The action shall $e co##ence& $% filin' a verifie&
petition alle'in' therein (ith particularit% the facts an& the la( relie& upon for annul#ent" as
(ell as those supportin' the petitionerGs 'oo& an& su$stantial cause of action or &efense" as the
case #a% $e-
The petition shall $e file& in seven (?) clearl% le'i$le copies" to'ether (ith sufficient copies
correspon&in' to the nu#$er of respon&ents- A certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er
or resolution shall $e attache& to the ori'inal cop% of the petition inten&e& for the court an&
in&icate& as such $% the petitioner-
The petitioner shall also su$#it to'ether (ith the petition affi&avits of (itnesses or &ocu#ents
supportin' the cause of action or &efense an& a s(orn certification that he has not theretofore
co##ence& an% other action involvin' the sa#e issues in the Supre#e Court" the Court of
Appeals or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%7 if there is such other
action or procee&in'" he #ust state the status of the sa#e" an& if he shoul& thereafter learn that a
si#ilar action or procee&in' has $een file& or is pen&in' $efore the Supre#e Court" the Court of
Appeals" or &ifferent &ivisions thereof" or an% other tri$unal or a'enc%" he un&erta/es to
pro#ptl% infor# the aforesai& courts an& other tri$unal or a'enc% thereof (ithin five (5B &a%s
therefro#- (n)
SEC- 5- (ction by the court-.Shoul& the court fin& no su$stantial #erit in the petition" the sa#e
#a% $e &is#isse& outri'ht (ith specific reasons for such &is#issal-
Shoul& prima facie #erit $e foun& in the petition" the sa#e shall $e 'iven &ue course an&
su##ons shall $e serve& on the respon&ent- (n)
SEC- 6- $rocedure.2The proce&ure in or&inar% civil cases shall $e o$serve&- Shoul& a trial $e
necessar%" the reception of the evi&ence #a% $e referre& to a #e#$er of the court or a 3u&'e of a
Re'ional Trial Court- (n)
SEC- ?- *ffect of "udgment& A 3u&'#ent of annul#ent shall set asi&e the >uestione& 3u&'#ent or
final or&er or resolution an& ren&er the sa#e null an& voi&" (ithout pre3u&ice to the ori'inal
action $ein' refile& in the proper court- =o(ever" (here the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or
resolution is set asi&e on the 'roun& of e1trinsic frau&" the court #a% on #otion or&er the trial
court to tr% the case as if a ti#el% #otion for ne( trial ha& $een 'rante& therein- (n)
SEC- @- Suspension of prescriptive period.2The prescriptive perio& for the refilin' of the
aforesai& ori'inal action shall $e &ee#e& suspen&e& fro# the filin' of sai& ori'inal action until
the finalit% of the 3u&'#ent of annul#ent- =o(ever" the prescriptive perio& shall not $e
suspen&e& (here the e1trinsic frau& is attri$uta$le to the plaintiff in the ori'inal action- (n)
SEC- A- Relief available.2The 3u&'#ent of annul#ent #a% inclu&e the a(ar& of &a#a'es"
attorne%Gs fees an& other relief-
!f the >uestione& 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution ha& alrea&% $een e1ecute&" the court #a%
issue such or&ers of restitution or other relief as 3ustice an& e>uit% #a% (arrant un&er the
circu#stances- (n)
SEC- ,B- (nnulment of "udgments or final orders of !unicipal Trial Courts.2An action to annul
a 3u&'#ent or final or&er of a 9unicipal Trial Court shall $e file& in the Re'ional Trial Court
havin' 3uris&iction over the for#er- !t shall $e treate& as an or&inar% civil action an& sections 0"
2" 4" ?" @ an& A of this Rule shall $e applica$le thereto- (n)
RULE 4@
PREL!9!+ARJ CO+FERE+CE
SECT!O+ ,- $reliminary conference.2At an% ti#e &urin' the pen&enc% of a case" the court
#a% call the parties an& their counsel to a preli#inar% conference-
(a) To consi&er the possi$ilit% of an a#ica$le settle#ent" e1cept (hen the case is not
allo(e& $% la( to $e co#pro#ise&7
($) To &efine" si#plif% an& clarif% the issues for &eter#ination7
(c) To for#ulate stipulations of facts an& a&#issions of &ocu#entar% e1hi$its" li#it the
nu#$er of (itnesses to $e presente& in cases fallin' (ithin the ori'inal 3uris&iction of the court"
or those (ithin its appellate 3uris&iction (here a #otion for ne( trial is 'rante& on the 'roun& of
ne(l% &iscovere& evi&ence7 an&
(&) To ta/e up such other #atters (hich #a% ai& the court in the pro#pt &isposition of the
case- (Rule ?" CA !nternal Rules) (n)
SEC- 0- Record of the conference.2The procee&in's at such conference shall $e recor&e& an&"
upon the conclusion thereof" a resolution shall $e issue& e#$o&%in' all the actions ta/en therein"
the stipulations an& a&#issions #a&e" an& the issues &efine&- (n)
SEC- 2- 1inding effect of the results of the conference.2Su$3ect to such #o&ifications (hich
#a% $e #a&e to prevent #anifest in3ustice" the resolution in the prece&in' section shall control
the su$se>uent procee&in's in the case unless" (ithin five (5) &a%s fro# notice thereof" an%
part% shall satisfactoril% sho( vali& cause (h% the sa#e shoul& not $e follo(e&- (n)
RULE 4A
ORAL ARCU9E+T
SECT!O+ ,- #hen allowed.2At its o(n instance or upon #otion of a part%" the court #a% hear
the parties in oral ar'u#ent on the #erits of a case" or on an% #aterial inci&ent in connection
there(ith- (n)
The oral ar'u#ent shall $e li#ite& to such #atters as the court #a% specif% in its or&er of
resolution- (,a" R4@)
SEC- 0- Conduct of oral argument2Unless authori5e& $% the court" onl% one counsel #a% ar'ue
for a part%- The &uration allo(e& for each part%" the se>uence of the ar'u#entation" an& all
other relate& #atters shall $e as &irecte& $% the court- (n)
SEC- 2- %o hearing or oral argument for motions.29otions shall not $e set for hearin' an&"
unless the court other(ise &irects" no hearin' or oral ar'u#ent shall $e allo(e& in support
thereof- The a&verse part% #a% file o$3ections to the #otion (ithin five (5) &a%s fro# service"
upon the e1piration of (hich such #otion shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for resolution- (0a" R4A)
RULE 5B
F!S9!SSAL OF APPEAL
SECT!O+ ,- -rounds for dismissal of appeal2An appeal #a% $e &is#isse& $% the Court of
Appeals" on its o(n #otion or on that of the appellee" on the follo(in' 'roun&s*
(a) Failure of the recor& on appeal to sho( on its face that the appeal (as ta/en (ithin the
perio& fi1e& $% these Rules7
($) Failure to file the notice of appeal or the recor& on appeal (ithin the perio& prescri$e&
$% these Rules7
(c) Failure of the appellant to pa% the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees as provi&e& in section
4 of Rule 4,7
(&) Unauthori5e& alterations" o#issions or a&&itions in the approve& recor& on appeal as
provi&e& in section 4 of Rule 447
(e) Failure of the appellant to serve an& file the re>uire& nu#$er of copies of his $rief or
#e#oran&u# (ithin the ti#e provi&e& $% these Rules7
(f) A$sence of specific assi'n#ent of errors in the appellantGs $rief" or of pa'e references
to the recor& as re>uire& in section ,2" para'raphs (a)" (c)" (&) an& (f) of Rule 447
(') Failure of the appellant to ta/e the necessar% steps for the correction or co#pletion of
the recor& (ithin the ti#e li#ite& $% the court in its or&er7
(h) Failure of the appellant to appear at the preli#inar% conference un&er Rule 4@ or to
co#pl% (ith or&ers" circulars" or &irectives of the court (ithout 3ustifia$le cause7 an&
(i) The fact that or&er or 3u&'#ent appeale& fro# is not appeala$le- (,a)
SEC- 0- +ismissal of improper appeal to the Court of (ppeals.2An appeal un&er Rule 4, ta/en
fro# the Re'ional Trial Court to the Court of Appeals raisin' onl% >uestions of la( shall $e
&is#isse&" issues purel% of la( not $ein' revie(a$le $% sai& court- Si#ilarl%" an appeal $%
notice of appeal instea& of $% petition for revie( fro# the appellate 3u&'#ent of a Re'ional
Trial Court shall $e &is#isse&- (n)
An appeal erroneousl% ta/en to the Court of Appeals shall not $e transferre& to the appropriate
court $ut shall $e &is#isse& outri'ht- (2a)
SEC- 2- #ithdrawal of appeal.2An appeal #a% $e (ith&ra(n as of ri'ht at an% ti#e $efore the
filin' of the appelleeGs $rief- Thereafter" the (ith&ra(al #a% $e allo(e& in the &iscretion of the
court- (4a)
RULE 5,
HUFC9E+T
SECT!O+ ,- #hen case deemed submitted for "udgment.2A case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for
3u&'#ent*
A- !n or&inar% appeals-.
,) 8here no hearin' on the #erits of the #ain case is hel&" upon the filin' of the last plea&in'"
$rief" or #e#oran&u# re>uire& $% the Rules or $% the court itself" or the e1piration of the perio&
for its filin'-
0) 8here such a hearin' is hel&" upon its ter#ination or upon the filin' of the last plea&in' or
#e#oran&u# as #a% $e re>uire& or per#itte& to $e file& $% the court" or the e1piration of the
perio& for its filin'-
)- !n ori'inal actions an& petitions for revie(-.
,) 8here no co##ent is file&" upon the e1piration of the perio& to co##ent-
0) 8here no hearin' is hel&" upon the filin' of the last plea&in' re>uire& or per#itte& to $e file&
$% the court" or the e1piration of the perio& for its filin'-
2) 8here a hearin' on the #erits of the #ain case is hel&" upon its ter#ination or upon the filin'
of the last plea&in' or #e#oran&u# as #a% $e re>uire& or per#itte& to $e file& $% the court" or
the e1piration of the perio& for its filin'- (n)
SEC- 0- 1y whom rendered.2The 3u&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& $% the #e#$ers of the court (ho
participate& in the &eli$eration on the #erits of the case $efore its assi'n#ent to a #e#$er for
the (ritin' of the &ecision- (n)
SEC- 2- 8uorum and voting in the court2The participation of all three Hustices of a &ivision
shall $e necessar% at the &eli$eration an& the unani#ous vote of the three Hustices shall $e
re>uire& for the pronounce#ent of a 3u&'#ent or final resolution- !f the three Hustices &o not
reach a unani#ous vote" the cler/ shall enter the votes of the &issentin' Hustices in the recor&-
Thereafter" the Chair#an of the &ivision shall refer the case" to'ether (ith the #inutes of the
&eli$eration" to the Presi&in' Hustice (ho shall &esi'nate t(o Hustices chosen $% raffle fro#
a#on' all the other #e#$ers of the court to sit te#poraril% (ith the#" for#in' a special
&ivision of five Hustices- The participation of all the five #e#$ers of the special &ivision shall
$e necessar% for the &eli$eration re>uire& in section 0 of this Rule an& the concurrence of a
#a3orit% of such &ivision shall $e re>uire& for the pronounce#ent of a 3u&'#ent or final
resolution- (0a)
SEC- ;. +isposition of a case.2The Court of Appeals" in the e1ercise of its appellate
3uris&iction" #a% affir#" reverse" or #o&if% the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#" an& #a%
&irect a ne( trial or further procee&in's to $e ha&- (2a)
SEC- 5- 4orm of decision.2Ever% &ecision or final resolution of the court in appeale& cases
shall clearl% an& &istinctl% state the fin&in's of fact an& the conclusions of la( on (hich it is
$ase&" (hich #a% $e containe& in the &ecision or final resolution itself" or a&opte& fro# those
set forth in the &ecision" or&er" or resolution appeale& fro#- (Sec- 4B" )P )l'- ,0A) (n)
SEC- 6- 3armless error.2+o error in either the a&#ission or the e1clusion of evi&ence an& no
error or &efect in an% rulin' or or&er or in an%thin' &one or o#itte& $% the trial court or $% an%
of the parties is 'roun& for 'rantin' a ne( trial or for settin' asi&e" #o&if%in'" or other(ise
&istur$in' a 3u&'#ent or or&er" unless refusal to ta/e such action appears to the court
inconsistent (ith su$stantial 3ustice- The court at ever% sta'e of the procee&in' #ust &isre'ar&
an% error or &efect (hich &oes not affect the su$stantial ri'hts of the parties- (5a)
SEC- ?- udgment where there are several parties.2!n all actions or procee&in's" an appeale&
3u&'#ent #a% $e affir#e& as to so#e of the appellants" an& reverse& as to others" an& the case
shall thereafter $e procee&e& (ith" so far as necessar%" as if separate actions ha& $een $e'un an&
prosecute&7 an& e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent of affir#ance #a% $e ha& accor&in'l%" an& costs #a%
$e a&3u&'e& in such cases" as the court shall &ee# proper- (6)
SEC- @- 8uestions that may be decided.2+o error (hich &oes not affect the 3uris&iction over the
su$3ect #atter or the vali&it% of the 3u&'#ent appeale& fro# or the procee&in's therein (ill $e
consi&ere& unless state& in the assi'n#ent of errors" or closel% relate& to or &epen&ent on an
assi'ne& error an& properl% ar'ue& in the $rief" save as the court #a% pass upon plain errors an&
clerical errors- (?a)
SEC- A- $romulgation and notice of "udgment.2After the 3u&'#ent or final resolution an&
&issentin' or separate opinions" if an%" are si'ne& $% the Hustices ta/in' part" the% shall $e
&elivere& for filin' to the cler/ (ho shall in&icate thereon the &ate of pro#ul'ation an& cause
true copies thereof to $e serve& upon the parties or their counsel- (n)
SEC- ,B- *ntry of "udgments and final resolutions.2!f no appeal or #otion for ne( trial or
reconsi&eration is file& (ithin the ti#e provi&e& in these Rules" the 3u&'#ent or final resolution
shall forth(ith $e entere& $% the cler/ in the $oo/ of entries of 3u&'#ents- The &ate (hen the
3u&'#ent or final resolution $eco#es e1ecutor% shall $e &ee#e& as the &ate of its entr%- The
recor& shall contain the &ispositive part of the 3u&'#ent or final resolution an& shall $e si'ne&
$% the cler/" (ith a certificate that such 3u&'#ent or final resolution has $eco#e final an&
e1ecutor%- (0a" R26)
SEC- ,,- *,ecution of 3u&'#ent-. E1cept (here the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution" or a
portion thereof" is or&ere& to $e i##e&iatel% e1ecutor%" the #otion for its e1ecution #a% onl%
$e file& in the proper court after its entr%-
!n ori'inal actions in the Court of Appeals" its (rit of e1ecution shall $e acco#panie& $% a
certifie& true cop% of the entr% of 3u&'#ent or final resolution an& a&&resse& to an% appropriate
officer for its enforce#ent-
!n appeale& cases" (here the #otion for e1ecution pen&in' appeal is file& in the Court of
Appeals at a ti#e that it is in possession of the ori'inal recor& or the recor& on appeal" the
resolution 'rantin' such #otion shall $e trans#itte& to the lo(er court fro# (hich the case
ori'inate&" to'ether (ith a certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er to $e e1ecute&" (ith
a &irective for such court of ori'in to issue the proper (rit for its enforce#ent- (n)
RULE 50
9OT!O+ FOR RECO+S!FERAT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- $eriod for filing.2A part% #a% file a #otion for reconsi&eration of a 3u&'#ent or
final resolution (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice thereof" (ith proof of service on the a&verse
part%- (n)
SEC- 0- Second motion for reconsideration.2+o secon& #otion for reconsi&eration of a
3u&'#ent or final resolution $% the sa#e part% shall $e entertaine&- (n)
SEC- 2- Resolution of motion..2!n the Court of Appeals" a #otion for reconsi&eration shall $e
resolve& (ithin ninet% (AB) &a%s fro#" the &ate (hen the court &eclares it su$#itte& for
resolution- (n)
SEC- 4- Stay of e,ecution.2The pen&enc% of a #otion for reconsi&eration file& on ti#e an& $%
the proper part% shall sta% the e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent or final resolution sou'ht to $e
reconsi&ere& unless the court" for 'oo& reasons" shall other(ise &irect- (n)
RULE 52
+E8 TR!AL
SECT!O+ ,- $eriod for filing; ground.2At an% ti#e after the appeal fro# the lo(er court has
$een perfecte& an& $efore the Court of Appeals loses 3uris&iction over the case" a part% #a% file
a #otion for a ne( trial on the 'roun& of ne(l% &iscovere& evi&ence (hich coul& not have $een
&iscovere& prior to the trial in the court $elo( $% the e1ercise of &ue &ili'ence an& (hich is of
such a character as (oul& pro$a$l% chan'e the result- The #otion shall $e acco#panie& $%
affi&avits sho(in' the facts constitutin' the 'roun&s therefor an& the ne(l% &iscovere&
evi&ence- (,a)
SEC- 0- 3earing and order.2The Court of Appeals shall consi&er the ne( evi&ence to'ether
(ith that a&&uce& at the trial $elo(" an& #a% 'rant or refuse a ne( trial" or #a% #a/e such
or&er" (ith notice to $oth parties" as to the ta/in' of further testi#on%" either orall% in court" or
$% &epositions" or ren&er such other 3u&'#ent as ou'ht to $e ren&ere& upon such ter#s as it #a%
&ee# 3ust- (0a)
SEC- 2- Resolution of motion2In the Court of Appeals" a #otion for ne( trial shall $e resolve&
(ithin ninet% (AB) &a%s fro# the &ate (hen the court &eclares it su$#itte& for resolution- (n)
SEC- 4- $rocedure in new trial.Unless the court other(ise &irects" the proce&ure in the ne(
trial shall $e the sa#e as that 'rante& $% a Re'ional Trial Court- (2a)
RULE 54
!+TER+AL )US!+ESS
SECT!O+ ,- +istribution of cases among divisions.2All the cases of the Court of Appeals shall
$e allotte& a#on' the &ifferent &ivisions thereof for hearin' an& &ecision- The Court of
Appeals" sittin' en banc, shall #a/e proper or&ers or rules to 'overn the allot#ent of cases
a#on' the &ifferent &ivisions" the constitution of such &ivisions" the re'ular rotation of Hustices
a#on' the#" the filin' of vacancies occurrin' therein" an& other #atters relatin' to the $usiness
of the court7 an& such rules shall continue in force until repeale& or altere& $% it or $% the
Supre#e Court- (,a)
SEC- 0- 8uorum of the court.2A #a3orit% of the actual #e#$ers of the court shall constitute a
>uoru# for its sessions en banc. Three #e#$ers shall constitute a >uoru# for the sessions of a
&ivision- The affir#ative votes of the #a3orit% of the #e#$ers present shall $e necessar% to
pass a resolution of the court en banc. The affir#ative votes of three #e#$ers of a &ivision
shall $e necessar% for the pronounce#ent of a 3u&'#ent or final resolution" (hich shall $e
reache& in consultation $efore the (ritin' of the opinion $% an% #e#$er of the &ivision- (Sec-
,," first par- of )P )l'- ,0A" as a#en&e& $% Sec- 6 of EO 22)- (2a)
RULE 55
PU)L!CAT!O+ OF HUFC9E+TS A+F F!+AL RESOLUT!O+S
SECT!O+ ,- $ublication.2The 3u&'#ents an& final resolutions of the court shall $e pu$lishe&
in the Official Ca5ette an& in the Reports officiall% authori5e& $% the court in the lan'ua'e in
(hich the% have $een ori'inall% (ritten" to'ether (ith the s%lla$i therefor prepare& $% the
reporter in consultation (ith the (riters thereof- 9e#oran&a of all other 3u&'#ents an& final
resolutions not so pu$lishe& shall $e #a&e $% the reporter an& pu$lishe& in the Official Ca5ette
an& the authori5e& reports- (,a)
SEC- 0- $reparation of opinions for publication.2The reporter shall prepare an& pu$lish (ith
each reporte& 3u&'#ent an& final resolution a concise s%nopsis of the facts necessar% for a clear
un&erstan&in' of the case" the na#es of counsel" the #aterial an& controverte& points involve&"
the authorities cite& therein" an& a s%lla$us (hich shall $e confine& to points of la(- (Sec- 00a"
R-A- +o- 0A6) (n)
SEC- 2- -eneral ma)e&up of volumes.2The pu$lishe& &ecisions an& final resolutions of the
Supre#e Court shall $e calle& :Philippine Reports"; (hile those of the Court of Appeals shall
$e /no(n as the :Court of Appeals Reports-; Each volu#e thereof shall contain a ta$le of the
cases reporte& an& the cases cite& in the opinions" (ith a co#plete alpha$etical in&e1 of the
su$3ect #atters of the volu#e- !t shall consist of not less than seven hun&re&" pa'es printe&
upon 'oo& paper" (ell $oun& an& nu#$ere& consecutivel% in the or&er of the volu#es
pu$lishe&- (Sec- 02a" R-A- +o- 0A6) (n)

PROCEFURE !+ T=E SUPRE9E COURT
RULE 56
OR!C!+AL A+F APPEALEF CASES
A- Ori'inal Cases
SECT!O+ ,- Original cases cogni5able.2Onl% petitions for certiorari" prohi$ition" #an&a#us"
>uo (arranto" ha$eas corpus" &isciplinar% procee&in's a'ainst #e#$ers of the 3u&iciar% an&
attorne%s" an& cases affectin' a#$assa&ors" other pu$lic #inisters an& consuls #a% $e file&
ori'inall% in the Supre#e Court- (n)
SEC- 0- Rules applicable.2The proce&ure in ori'inal cases for certiorari" prohi$ition"
#an&a#us" >uo (arranto an& ha$eas corpus shall $e in accor&ance (ith the applica$le
provisions of the Constitution" la(s" an& Rules 46" 4@" 4A" 5," 50 an& this Rule" su$3ect to the
follo(in' provisions*
a) All references in sai& Rules to the Court of Appeals shall $e un&erstoo& to also appl%
to the Supre#e Court7
$) The portions of sai& Rules &ealin' strictl% (ith an& specificall% inten&e& for appeale&
cases in the Court of Appeals shall not $e applica$le7 an&
c) Ei'hteen (,@) clearl% le'i$le copies of the petition shall $e file&" to'ether (ith proof
of service on all a&verse parties-
The procee&in's for &isciplinar% action a'ainst #e#$ers of the 3u&iciar% shall $e 'overne& $%
the la(s an& Rules prescri$e& therefor" an& those a'ainst attorne%s $% Rule ,2A<)" as a#en&e&-
(n)
)- Appeale& Cases
SEC- 2- !ode of appeal2An appeal to the Supre#e Court #a% $e ta/en onl% $% a petition for
revie( on certiorari" e1cept in cri#inal cases (here the penalt% i#pose& is &eath" reclusion
perpetua or life i#prison#ent- (n)
SEC- 4- $rocedure.2The appeal shall $e 'overne& $% an& &ispose& of in accor&ance (ith the
applica$le provisions of the Constitution" la(s" Rules 45" 4@" sections ," 0" an& 5 to ,, of Rule
5," 50 an& this Rule- (n)
SEC- 5- -rounds for dismissal of appeal.2The appeal #a% $e &is#isse& motu proprio or on
#otion of the respon&ent on the follo(in' 'roun&s*
(a) Failure to ta/e the appeal (ithin the re'le#entar% perio&7
($) Lac/ of #erit in the petition7
(c) Failure to pa% the re>uisite &oc/et fee an& other la(ful fees or to #a/e a &eposit for
costs7
(&) Failure to co#pl% (ith the re>uire#ents re'ar&in' proof of service an& contents of an& the
&ocu#ents (hich shoul& acco#pan% the petition7
(e) Failure to co#pl% (ith an% circular" &irective or or&er of the Supre#e Court (ithout
3ustifia$le cause7
(f) Error in the choice or #o&e of appeal7 an&
(') The fact that the case is not appeala$le to the Supre#e Court- (n)
SEC- 6- +isposition of improper appeal-.E1cept as provi&e& in section 2" Rule ,00 re'ar&in'
appeals in cri#inal cases (here the penalt% i#pose& is &eath" reclusion perpetua or life
i#prison#ent" an appeal ta/en to the Supre#e Court $% notice of appeal shall $e &is#isse&-
An appeal $% certiorari ta/en to the Supre#e Court fro# the Re'ional Trial Court su$#ittin'
issues of fact #a% $e referre& to the Court of Appeals for &ecision or appropriate action- The
&eter#ination of the Supre#e Court on (hether or not issues of fact are involve& shall $e final-
(n)
SEC- ?- $rocedure if opinion is e6ually divided.28here the court en banc is e>uall% &ivi&e& in
opinion" or the necessar% #a3orit% cannot $e ha&" the case shall a'ain $e &eli$erate& on" an& if
after such &eli$eration no &ecision is reache&" the ori'inal action co##ence& in the court shall
$e &is#isse&7 in appeale& cases" the 3u&'#ent or or&er appeale& fro# shall stan& affir#e&7 an&
on all inci&ental #atters" the petition or #otion shall $e &enie&- (,,a)

PRO!S!O+AL RE9EF!ES
RULE 5?
PREL!9!+ARJ ATTAC=9E+T
SECT!O+ ,- -rounds upon which attachment may issue.2At the co##ence#ent of the action
or at an% ti#e $efore entr% of 3u&'#ent" a plaintiff or an% proper part% #a% have the propert% of
the a&verse part% attache& as securit% for the satisfaction of an% 3u&'#ent that #a% $e recovere&
in the follo(in' cases*
(a) !n an action for the recover% of a specifie& a#ount of #one% or &a#a'es" other than #oral
an& e1e#plar%" on a cause of action arisin' fro# la(" contract" >uasi<contract" &elict or >uasi<
&elict a'ainst a part% (ho is a$out to &epart fro# the Philippines (ith intent to &efrau& his
cre&itors7
($) !n an action for #one% or propert% e#$e55le& or frau&ulentl% #isapplie& or converte& to his
o(n use $% a pu$lic officer" or an officer of a corporation" or an attorne%" factor" $ro/er" a'ent" or
cler/" in the course of his e#plo%#ent as such" or $% an% other person in a fi&uciar% capacit%" or
for a (illful violation of &ut%7
(c) !n an action to recover the possession of propert% un3ustl% or frau&ulentl% ta/en" &etaine& or
converte&" (hen the propert%" or an% part thereof" has $een conceale&" re#ove&" or &ispose& of
to prevent its $ein' foun& or ta/en $% the applicant or an authori5e& person7
(&) !n an action a'ainst a part% (ho has $een 'uilt% of a frau& in contractin' the &e$t or
incurrin' the o$li'ation upon (hich the action is $rou'ht" or in the perfor#ance thereof7
(e) !n an action a'ainst a part% (ho has re#ove& or &ispose& of his propert%" or is a$out to &o so"
(ith intent to &efrau& his cre&itors7 or
(f) !n an action a'ainst a part% (ho &oes not resi&e an& is not foun& in the Philippines" or on
(ho# su##ons #a% $e serve& $% pu$lication- (,a)
SEC- 0- Issuance and contents of order.2An or&er of attach#ent #a% $e issue& either e, parte
or upon #otion (ith notice an& hearin' $% the court in (hich the action is pen&in'" or $% the
Court of Appeals or the Supre#e Court" an& #ust re>uire the sheriff of the court to attach so
#uch of the propert% in the Philippines of the part% a'ainst (ho# it is issue&" not e1e#pt fro#
e1ecution" as #a% $e sufficient to satisf% the applicantGs &e#an&" unless such part% #a/es
&eposit or 'ives a $on& as hereinafter provi&e& in an a#ount e>ual to that fi1e& in the or&er"
(hich #a% $e the a#ount sufficient to satisf% the applicantGs &e#an& or the value of the
propert% to $e attache& as state& $% the applicant" e1clusive of costs- Several (rits #a% $e issue&
at the sa#e ti#e to the sheriffs of the courts of &ifferent 3u&icial re'ions- (0a)
SEC- 2- (ffidavit and bond re6uired.2An or&er of attach#ent shall $e 'rante& onl% (hen it
appears $% the affi&avit of the applicant" or of so#e other person (ho personall% /no(s the
facts" that a sufficient cause of action e1ists" that the case is one of those #entione& in section ,
hereof that there is no other sufficient securit% for the clai# sou'ht to $e enforce& $% the action"
an& that the a#ount &ue to the applicant" or the value of the propert% the possession of (hich he
is entitle& to recover" is as #uch as the su# for (hich the or&er is 'rante& a$ove all le'al
counterclai#s- The affi&avit" an& the $on& re>uire& $% the ne1t succee&in' section" #ust $e
&ul% file& (ith the court $efore the or&er issues- (2a)
SEC- 4. Condition of applicant?s bond2The part% appl%in' for the or&er #ust thereafter 'ive a
$on& e1ecute& to the a&verse part% in the a#ount fi1e& $% the court in its or&er 'rantin' the
issuance of the (rit" con&itione& that the latter (ill pa% all the costs (hich #a% $e a&3u&'e& to
the a&verse part% an& all &a#a'es (hich he #a% sustain $% reason of the attach#ent" if the court
shall finall% a&3u&'e that the applicant (as not entitle& thereto- (4a)
SEC- 5- !anner of attaching property.2The sheriff enforcin' the (rit shall (ithout &ela% an&
(ith all reasona$le &ili'ence attach" to a(ait 3u&'#ent an& e1ecution in the action" onl% so #uch
of the propert% in the Philippines of the part% a'ainst (ho# the (rit is issue&" not e1e#pt fro#
e1ecution" as #a% $e sufficient to satisf% the applicantGs &e#an&" unless the for#er #a/es a
&eposit (ith the court fro# (hich the (rit is issue&" or 'ives a counter<$on& e1ecute& to the
applicant" in an a#ount e>ual to the $on& fi1e& $% the court in the or&er of attach#ent or to the
value of the propert% to $e attache&" e1clusive of costs- +o lev% on attach#ent pursuant to the
(rit issue& un&er section 0 hereof shall $e enforce& unless it is prece&e&" or conte#poraneousl%
acco#panie&" $% service of su##ons" to'ether (ith a cop% of the co#plaint" the application for
attach#ent" the applicantGs affi&avit an& $on&" an& the or&er an& (rit of attach#ent" on the
&efen&ant (ithin the Philippines-
The re>uire#ent of prior or conte#poraneous service of su##ons shall not appl% (here the
su##ons coul& not $e serve& personall% or $% su$stitute& service &espite &ili'ent efforts" or the
&efen&ant is a resi&ent of the Philippines te#poraril% a$sent therefro#" or the &efen&ant is a
non<resi&ent of the Philippines" or the action is one in rem or 6uasi in rem. (5a)
SEC- 6- Sheriff?s return.After enforcin' the (rit" the sheriff #ust li/e(ise (ithout &ela% #a/e
a return thereon to the court fro# (hich the (rit issue&" (ith a full state#ent of his procee&in's
un&er the (rit an& a co#plete inventor% of the propert% attache&" to'ether (ith an% counter<
$on& 'iven $% the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent is issue&" an& serve copies thereof on the
applicant- (6a)
SEC- ?- (ttachment of real and personal property; recording thereof.Real an& personal
propert% shall $e attache& $% the sheriff e1ecutin' the (rit in the follo(in' #anner*
(a) Real propert%" or 'ro(in' crops thereon" or an% interest therein" stan&in' upon the
recor& of the re'istr% of &ee&s of the province in the na#e of the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent
is issue&" or not appearin' at all upon such recor&s" or $elon'in' to the part% a'ainst (ho#
attach#ent is issue& an& hel& $% an% other person" or stan&in' on the recor&s of the re'istr% of
&ee&s in the na#e of an% other person" $% filin' (ith the re'istr% of &ee&s a cop% of the or&er"
to'ether (ith a &escription of the propert% attache&" an& a notice that it is attache&" or that such
real propert% an& an% interest therein hel& $% or stan&in' in the na#e of such other person are
attache&" an& $% leavin' a cop% of such or&er" &escription" an& notice (ith the occupant of the
propert%" if an%" or (ith such other person or his a'ent if foun& (ithin the province- 8here the
propert% has $een $rou'ht un&er the operation of either the Lan& Re'istration Act or the
Propert% Re'istration Fecree" the notice shall contain a reference to the nu#$er of the certificate
of title" the volu#e an& pa'e in the re'istration $oo/ (here the certificate is re'istere&" an& the
re'istere& o(ner or o(ners thereof-
The re'istrar of &ee&s #ust in&e1 attach#ents file& un&er this section in the na#es of the
applicant" the a&verse part%" or the person $% (ho# the propert% is hel& or in (hose na#e it
stan&s in the recor&s- !f the attach#ent is not clai#e& on the entire area of the lan& covere& $%
the certificate of title" a &escription sufficientl% accurate for the i&entification of the lan& or
interest to $e affecte& shall $e inclu&e& in the re'istration of such attach#ent7
($) Personal propert% capa$le of #anual &eliver%" $% ta/in' an& safel% /eepin' it in his
custo&%" after issuin' the correspon&in' receipt therefor7
(c) Stoc/s or shares" or an interest in stoc/s or shares" of an% corporation or co#pan%" $%
leavin' (ith the presi&ent or #ana'in' a'ent thereof" a cop% of the (rit" an& a notice statin' that
the stoc/ or interest of the part% a'ainst (ho# the attach#ent is issue& is attache& in pursuance
of such (rit7
(&) Fe$ts an& cre&its" inclu&in' $an/ &eposits" financial interest" ro%alties" co##issions
an& other personal propert% not capa$le of #anual &eliver%" $% leavin' (ith the person o(in'
such &e$ts" or havin' in his possession or un&er his control" such cre&its or other personal
propert%" or (ith his a'ent" a cop% of the (rit" an& notice that the &e$ts o(in' $% hi# to the
part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent is issue&" an& the cre&its an& other personal propert% in his
possession" or un&er his control" $elon'in' to sai& part%" are attache& in pursuance of such (rit7
(e) The interest of the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent is issue& in propert% $elon'in' to
the estate of the &ece&ent" (hether as heir" le'atee" or &evisee" $% servin' the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator or other personal representative of the &ece&ent (ith a cop% of the (rit an& notice
that sai& interest is attache&- A cop% of sai& (rit of attach#ent an& of sai& notice shall also $e
file& in the office of the cler/ of the court in (hich sai& estate is $ein' settle& an& serve& upon
the heir" le'atee or &evisee concerne&-
!f the propert% sou'ht to $e attache& is in custo&ia le'is" a cop% of the (rit of attach#ent shall $e
file& (ith the proper court or >uasi<3u&icial a'enc%" an& notice of the attach#ent serve& upon the
custo&ian of such propert%- (?a)
SEC- @- *ffect of attachment of debts, credits and all other similar personal property.2All
persons havin' in their possession or un&er their control an% cre&its or other si#ilar personal
propert% $elon'in' to the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent is issue&" or o(in' an% &e$ts to hi#" at
the ti#e of service upon the# of the cop% of the (rit of attach#ent an& notice as provi&e& in the
last prece&in' section" shall $e lia$le to the applicant for the a#ount of such cre&its" &e$ts or
other si#ilar personal propert%" until the attach#ent is &ischar'e&" or an% 3u&'#ent recovere& $%
hi# is satisfie&" unless such propert% is &elivere& or transferre&" or such &e$ts are pai&" to the
cler/" sheriff" or other proper officer of the court issuin' the attach#ent- (@a)
SEC- A- *ffect of attachment of interest in property belonging to the estate of a &ece&ent.The
attach#ent of the interest of an heir" le'atee" or &evisee in the propert% $elon'in' to the estate of
a &ece&ent shall not i#pair the po(ers of the e1ecutor" a&#inistrator" or other personal
representative of the &ece&ent over such propert% for the purpose of a&#inistration- Such
personal representative" ho(ever" shall report the attach#ent to the court (hen an% petition for
&istri$ution is file&" an& in the or&er #a&e upon such petition" &istri$ution #a% $e a(ar&e& to
such heir" le'atee" or &evisee" $ut the propert% attache& shall $e or&ere& &elivere& to the sheriff
#a/in' the lev%" su$3ect to the clai# of such heir" le'atee" or &evisee" or an% person clai#in'
un&er hi#- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- *,amination of party whose property is attached and persons indebted to him or
controlling his property; delivery of property to sheriff-.An% person o(in' &e$ts to the part%
(hose propert% is attache& or havin' in his possession or un&er his control an% cre&it or other
personal propert% $elon'in' to such part%" #a% $e re>uire& to atten& $efore the court in (hich
the action is pen&in'" or $efore a co##issioner appointe& $% the court" an& $e e1a#ine& on oath
respectin' the sa#e- The part% (hose propert% is attache& #a% also $e re>uire& to atten& for the
purpose of 'ivin' infor#ation respectin' his propert%" an& #a% $e e1a#ine& on oath- The court
#a%" after such e1a#ination" or&er personal propert% capa$le of #anual &eliver% $elon'in' to
hi#" in the possession of the person so re>uire& to atten& $efore the court" to $e &elivere& to the
cler/ of the court or sheriff on such ter#s as #a% $e 3ust" havin' reference to an% lien thereon or
clai# a'ainst the sa#e" to a(ait the 3u&'#ent in the action- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- #hen attached property may be sold after levy on attachment and before entry of
"udgment28henever it shall $e #a&e to appear to the court in (hich the action is pen&in'"
upon hearin' (ith notice to $oth parties" that the propert% attache& is perisha$le" or that the
interests of all the parties to the action (ill $e su$serve& $% the sale thereof" the court #a% or&er
such propert% to $e sol& at pu$lic auction in such #anner as it #a% &irect" an& the procee&s of
such sale to $e &eposite& in court to a$i&e the 3u&'#ent in the action- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- +ischarge of attachment upon giving counter&bond.2After a (rit of attach#ent has
$een enforce&" the part% (hose propert% has $een attache&" or the person appearin' on his
$ehalf" #a% #ove for the &ischar'e of the attach#ent (holl% or in part on the securit% 'iven-
The court shall" after &ue notice an& hearin'" or&er the &ischar'e of the attach#ent if the #ovant
#a/es a cash &eposit" or files a counter<$on& e1ecute& to the attachin' part% (ith the cler/ of
the court (here the application is #a&e" in an a#ount e>ual to that fi1e& $% the court in the
or&er of attach#ent" e1clusive of costs- )ut if the attach#ent is sou'ht to $e &ischar'e& (ith
respect to a particular propert%" the counter<$on& shall $e e>ual to the value of that propert% as
&eter#ine& $% the court- !n either case" the cash &eposit or the counter<$on& shall secure the
pa%#ent of an% 3u&'#ent that the attachin' part% #a% recover in the action- A notice of the
&eposit shall forth(ith $e serve& on the attachin' part%- Upon the &ischar'e of an attach#ent in
accor&ance (ith the provisions of this section" the propert% attache&" or the procee&s of an% sale
thereof" shall $e &elivere& to the part% #a/in' the &eposit or 'ivin' the counter<$on&" or to the
person appearin' on his $ehalf" the &eposit or counter<$on& aforesai& stan&in' in place of the
propert% so release&- Shoul& such counter<$on& for an% reason $e foun& to $e or $eco#e
insufficient" an& the part% furnishin' the sa#e fail to file an a&&itional counter<$on&" the
attachin' part% #a% appl% for a ne( or&er of attach#ent- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- +ischarge of attachment on other grounds.2The part% (hose propert% has $een
or&ere& attache& #a% file a #otion (ith the court in (hich the action is pen&in'" $efore or after
lev% or even after the release of the attache& propert%" for an or&er to set asi&e or &ischar'e the
attach#ent on the 'roun& that the sa#e (as i#properl% or irre'ularl% issue& or enforce&" or that
the $on& is insufficient- !f the attach#ent is e1cessive" the &ischar'e shall $e li#ite& to the
e1cess- !f the #otion $e #a&e on affi&avits on the part of the #ovant $ut not other(ise" the
attachin' part% #a% oppose the #otion $% counter<affi&avits or other evi&ence in a&&ition to that
on (hich the attach#ent (as #a&e- After &ue notice an& hearin'" the court shall or&er the
settin' asi&e or the correspon&in' &ischar'e of the attach#ent if it appears that it (as i#properl%
or irre'ularl% issue& or enforce&" or that the $on& is insufficient" or that the attach#ent is
e1cessive" an& the &efect is not cure& forth(ith- (,2a)
SEC- ,4- $roceedings (here property claimed by third person.2!f the propert% attache& is
clai#e& $% an% person other than the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent ha& $een issue& or his
a'ent" an& such person #a/es an affi&avit of his title thereto" or ri'ht to the possession thereof"
statin' the 'roun&s of such ri'ht or title" an& serves such affi&avit upon the sheriff (hile the
latter has possession of the attache& propert%" an& a cop% thereof upon the attachin' part%" the
sheriff shall not $e $oun& to /eep the propert% un&er attach#ent" unless the attachin' part% or
his a'ent" on &e#an& of the sheriff" shall file a $on& approve& $% the court to in&e#nif% the
thir&<part% clai#ant in a su# not less than the value of the propert% levie& upon- !n case of
&isa'ree#ent as to such value" the sa#e shall $e &eci&e& $% the court issuin' the (rit of
attach#ent- +o clai# for &a#a'es for the ta/in' or /eepin' of the propert% #a% $e enforce&
a'ainst the $on& unless the action therefor is file& (ithin one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s fro#
the &ate of the filin' of the $on&-
The sheriff shall not $e lia$le for &a#a'es for the ta/in' or /eepin' of such propert%" to an%
such thir&<part% clai#ant" if such $on& shall $e file&- +othin' herein containe& shall prevent
such clai#ant or an% thir& person fro# vin&icatin' his clai# to the propert%" or prevent the
attachin' part% fro# clai#in' &a#a'es a'ainst a thir&<part% clai#ant (ho file& a frivolous or
plainl% spurious clai#" in the sa#e or a separate action-
8hen the (rit of attach#ent is issue& in favor of the Repu$lic of the Philippines" or an% officer
&ul% representin' it" the filin' of such $on& shall not $e re>uire&" an& in case the sheriff is sue&
for &a#a'es as a result of the attach#ent" he shall $e represente& $% the Solicitor Ceneral" an& if
hel& lia$le therefor" the actual &a#a'es a&3u&'e& $% the court shall $e pai& $% the +ational
Treasurer out of the fun&s to $e appropriate& for the purpose- (,4a)
SEC- ,5- Satisfaction of "udgment out of property attached; return of sheriff .!f 3u&'#ent $e
recovere& $% the attachin' part% an& e1ecution issue thereon" the sheriff #a% cause the 3u&'#ent
to $e satisfie& out of the propert% attache&" if it $e sufficient for that purpose in the follo(in'
#anner*
(a) )% pa%in' to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee the procee&s of all sales of perisha$le or other
propert% sol& in pursuance of the or&er of the court" or so #uch as shall $e necessar% to satisf%
the 3u&'#ent7
($) !f an% $alance re#ains &ue" $% sellin' so #uch of the propert%" real or personal" as
#a% $e necessar% to satisf% the $alance" if enou'h for that purpose re#ain in the sheriffGs han&s"
or in those of the cler/ of the court7
(c) )% collectin' fro# all persons havin' in their possession cre&its $elon'in' to
the 3u&'#ent o$li'or" or o(in' &e$ts to the latter at the ti#e of the attach#ent of such cre&its or
&e$ts" the a#ount of such cre&its an& &e$ts as &eter#ine& $% the court in the action" an& state&
in the 3u&'#ent" an& pa%in' the procee&s of such collection over to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee-
The sheriff shall forth(ith #a/e a return in (ritin' to the court of his procee&in's un&er this
section an& furnish the parties (ith copies thereof- (,5a)
SEC- ,6- 1alance due collected upon an e,ecution; e,cess delivered to "udgment obligor.2!f
after reali5in' upon all the propert% attache&" inclu&in' the procee&s of an% &e$ts or cre&its
collecte&" an& appl%in' the procee&s to the satisfaction of the 3u&'#ent" less the e1penses of
procee&in's upon the 3u&'#ent" an% $alance shall re#ain &ue" the sheriff #ust procee& to
collect such $alance as upon or&inar% e1ecution- 8henever the 3u&'#ent shall have $een pai&"
the sheriff" upon reasona$le &e#an&" #ust return to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or the attache& propert%
re#ainin' in his han&s" an& an% procee&s of the sale of the propert% attache& not applie& to the
3u&'#ent- (,6a)
SEC- ,?- Recovery upon the counter&bond.28hen the 3u&'#ent has $eco#e e1ecutor%" the
suret% or sureties on an% counter<$on& 'iven pursuant to the provisions of this Rule to secure the
pa%#ent of the 3u&'#ent shall $eco#e char'e& on such counter<$on& an& $oun& to pa% the
3u&'#ent o$li'ee upon &e#an& the a#ount &ue un&er the 3u&'#ent" (hich a#ount #a% $e
recovere& fro# such suret% or sureties after notice an& su##ar% hearin' in the sa#e action-
(,?a)
SEC- ,@- +isposition of money deposited.28here the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent ha& $een
issue& has &eposite& #one% instea& of 'ivin' counter<$on&" it shall $e applie& un&er the
&irection of the court to the satisfaction of an% 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in favor of the attachin' part%"
an& after satisf%in' the 3u&'#ent the $alance shall $e refun&e& to the &epositor or his assi'nee-
!f the 3u&'#ent is in favor of the part% a'ainst (ho# attach#ent (as issue&" the (hole su#
&eposite& #ust $e refun&e& to hi# or his assi'nee- (,@a)
SEC- ,A- +isposition of attached property where "udgment is for party against whom attachment
was issued.2!f 3u&'#ent $e ren&ere& a'ainst the attachin' part%" all the procee&s of sales an&
#one% collecte& or receive& $% the sheriff" un&er the or&er of attach#ent" an& all propert%
attache& re#ainin' in an% such officerGs han&s" shall $e &elivere& to the part% a'ainst (ho#
attach#ent (as issue&" an& the or&er of attach#ent &ischar'e&- (,Aa)
SEC- 0B- Claim for damages on account of improper, irregular or e,cessive attachment.2An
application for &a#a'es on account of i#proper" irre'ular or e1cessive attach#ent #ust $e file&
$efore the trial or $efore appeal is perfecte& or $efore the 3u&'#ent $eco#es e1ecutor%" (ith &ue
notice to the attachin' part% an& his suret% or sureties" settin' forth the facts sho(in' his ri'ht to
&a#a'es an& the a#ount thereof- Such &a#a'es #a% $e a(ar&e& onl% after proper hearin' an&
shall $e inclu&e& in the 3u&'#ent on the #ain case-
!f the 3u&'#ent of the appellate court $e favora$le to the part% a'ainst (ho# the attach#ent (as
issue&" he #ust clai# &a#a'es sustaine& &urin' the pen&enc% of the appeal $% filin' an
application in the appellate court" (ith notice to the part% in (hose favor the attach#ent (as
issue& or his suret% or sureties" $efore the 3u&'#ent of the appellate court $eco#es e1ecutor%-
The appellate court #a% allo( the application to $e hear& an& &eci&e& $% the trial court-
+othin' herein containe& shall prevent the part% a'ainst (ho# the attach#ent (as issue& fro#
recoverin' in the sa#e action the &a#a'es a(ar&e& to hi# fro# an% propert% of the attachin'
part% not e1e#pt fro# e1ecution shoul& the $on& or &eposit 'iven $% the latter $e insufficient or
fail to full% satisf% the a(ar&- (0Ba)
RULE 5@
PREL!9!+ARJ !+HU+CT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- $reliminary in"unction defined; classes.2A preli#inar% in3unction is an or&er
'rante& at an% sta'e of an action or procee&in' prior to the 3u&'#ent or final or&er" re>uirin' a
part% or a court" a'enc% or a person to refrain fro# a particular act or acts- !t #a% also re>uire
the perfor#ance of a particular act or acts" in (hich case it shall $e /no(n as a preli#inar%
#an&ator% in3unction- (,a)
SEC- 0- #ho may grant preliminary in"unction.2A preli#inar% in3unction #a% $e 'rante& $%
the court (here the action or procee&in' is pen&in'- !f the action or procee&in' is pen&in' in the
Court of Appeals or in the Supre#e Court" it #a% $e issue& $% sai& court or an% #e#$er thereof-
(0a)
SEC- 2- -rounds for issuance of preliminary in"unction.2A preli#inar% in3unction #a% $e
'rante& (hen it is esta$lishe&-
(a) That the applicant is entitle& to the relief &e#an&e&" an& the (hole or part of such
relief consists in restrainin' the co##ission or continuance of the act or acts co#plaine& of" or
in re>uirin' the perfor#ance of an act or acts" either for a li#ite& perio& or perpetuall%7
($) That the co##ission" continuance or non<perfor#ance of the act or acts co#plaine&
of &urin' the liti'ation (oul& pro$a$l% (or/ in3ustice to the applicant7 or
(c) That a part%" court" a'enc% or a person is &oin'" threatenin'" or is atte#ptin' to
&o" or is procurin' or sufferin' to $e &one" so#e act or acts pro$a$l% in violation of the ri'hts of
the applicant respectin' the su$3ect of the action or procee&in'" an& ten&in' to ren&er the
3u&'#ent ineffectual- (2a)
SEC- 4- .erified application and bond for preliminary in"unction or temporary restraining
order.2A preli#inar% in3unction or te#porar% restrainin' or&er #a% $e 'rante& onl% (hen7
(a) The application in the action or procee&in' is verifie&" an& sho(s facts entitlin' the
applicant to the relief &e#an&e&7 an&
($) Unless e1e#pte& $% the court" the applicant files (ith the court (here the action or
procee&in' is pen&in'" a $on& e1ecute& to the part% or person en3oine&" in an a#ount to $e fi1e&
$% the court" to the effect that the applicant (ill pa% to such part% or person all &a#a'es (hich
he #a% sustain $% reason of the in3unction or te#porar% restrainin' or&er if the court shoul&
finall% &eci&e that the applicant (as not entitle& thereto- Upon approval of the re>uisite $on&" a
(rit of preli#inar% in3unction shall $e issue&- (4a)
(c) 8hen an application for a (rit of preli#inar% in3unction or a te#porar%
restrainin' or&er is inclu&e& in a co#plaint or an% initiator% plea&in'" the case" if file& in a
#ultiple<sala court" shall $e raffle& onl% after notice to an& in the presence of the a&verse part%
or the person to $e en3oine&- !n an% event" such notice shall $e prece&e&" or conte#poraneousl%
acco#panie& $% service of su##ons" to'ether (ith a cop% of the co#plaint or initiator%
plea&in' an& the applicantGs affi&avit an& $on&" upon the a&verse part% in the Philippines-
=o(ever" (here the su##ons coul& not $e serve& personall% or $% su$stitute& service &espite
&ili'ent efforts" or the a&verse part% is a resi&ent of the Philippines te#poraril% a$sent therefro#
or is a nonresi&ent thereof" the re>uire#ent of prior or conte#poraneous service of su##ons
shall not appl%-
(&) The application for a te#porar% restrainin' or&er shall thereafter $e acte& upon onl%
after all parties are hear& in a su##ar% hearin' (hich shall $e con&ucte& (ithin t(ent%<four
(04) hours after the sheriffGs return of service an&Mor the recor&s are receive& $% the $ranch
selecte& $% raffle an& to (hich the recor&s shall $e trans#itte& i##e&iatel%-
SEC- 5- $reliminary in"unction not granted without notice; e,ception.2+o preli#inar%
in3unction shall $e 'rante& (ithout hearin' an& prior notice to the part% or person sou'ht to $e
en3oine&- !f it shall appear fro# facts sho(n $% affi&avits or $% the verifie& application that 'reat
or irrepara$le in3ur% (oul& result to the applicant $efore the #atter can $e hear& on notice" the
court to (hich the application for preli#inar% in3unction (as #a&e" #a% issue e, parte a
te#porar% restrainin' or&er to $e effective onl% for a perio& of t(ent% (0B) &a%s fro# service on
the part% or person sou'ht to $e en3oine&" e1cept as herein provi&e&- 8ithin the sai& t(ent%<&a%
perio&" the court #ust or&er sai& part% or person to sho( cause" at a specifie& ti#e an& place"
(h% the in3unction shoul& not $e 'rante&" &eter#ine (ithin the sa#e perio& (hether or not the
preli#inar% in3unction shall $e 'rante&" an& accor&in'l% issue the correspon&in' or&er-
=o(ever" an& su$3ect to the provisions of the prece&in' sections" if the #atter is of e1tre#e
ur'enc% an& the applicant (ill suffer 'rave in3ustice an& irrepara$le in3ur%" the e1ecutive 3u&'e
of a #ultiple<sala court or the presi&in' 3u&'e of a sin'le<sala court #a% issue e1 parte a
te#porar% restrainin' or&er effective for onl% sevent%<t(o (?0) hours fro# issuance $ut he shall
i##e&iatel% co#pl% (ith the provisions of the ne1t prece&in' section as to service of su##ons
an& the &ocu#ents to $e serve& there(ith- Thereafter" (ithin the aforesai& sevent%<t(o (?0)
hours" the 3u&'e $efore (ho# the case is pen&in' shall con&uct a su##ar% hearin' to &eter#ine
(hether the te#porar% restrainin' or&er shall $e e1ten&e& until the application for preli#inar%
in3unction can $e hear&- !n no case shall the total perio& of effectivit% of the te#porar%
restrainin' or&er e1cee& t(ent% (0B) &a%s" inclu&in' the ori'inal sevent%<t(o hours provi&e&
herein-
!n the event that the application for preli#inar% in3unction is &enie& or not resolve& (ithin the
sai& perio&" the te#porar% restrainin' or&er is &ee#e& auto#aticall% vacate&- The effectivit% of
a te#porar% restrainin' or&er is not e1ten&i$le (ithout nee& of an% 3u&icial &eclaration to that
effect an& no court shall have authorit% to e1ten& or rene( the sa#e on the sa#e 'roun& for
(hich it (as issue&-
=o(ever" if issue& $% the Court of Appeals or a #e#$er thereof" the te#porar% restrainin' or&er
shall $e effective for si1t% (6B) &a%s fro# service on the part% or person sou'ht to $e en3oine&-
A restrainin' or&er issue& $% the Supre#e Court or a #e#$er thereof shall $e effective until
further or&ers- (5a)
SEC- 6- -rounds for ob"ection to, or for motion of dissolution of, in"unction or restraining or&er
.The application for in3unction or restrainin' or&er #a% $e &enie&" upon a sho(in' of its
insufficienc%- The in3unction or restrainin' or&er #a% also $e &enie&" or" if 'rante&" #a% $e
&issolve&" on other 'roun&s upon affi&avits of the part% or person en3oine&" (hich #a% $e
oppose& $% the applicant also $% affi&avits- !t #a% further $e &enie&" or" if 'rante&" #a% $e
&issolve&" if it appears after hearin' that althou'h the applicant is entitle& to the in3unction or
restrainin' or&er" the issuance or continuance thereof" as the case #a% $e" (oul& cause
irrepara$le &a#a'e to the part% or person en3oine& (hile the applicant can $e full% co#pensate&
for such &a#a'es as he #a% suffer" an& the for#er files a $on& in an a#ount fi1e& $% the court
con&itione& that he (ill pa% all &a#a'es (hich the applicant #a% suffer $% the &enial or the
&issolution of the in3unction or restrainin' or&er- !f it appears that the e1tent of the preli#inar%
in3unction or restrainin' or&er 'rante& is too 'reat" it #a% $e #o&ifie&- (6a)
SEC- ?- Service of copies of bonds; effect of disapproval of same.2The part% filin' a $on& in
accor&ance (ith the provisions of this Rule shall forth(ith serve a cop% of such $on& on the
other part%" (ho #a% e1cept to the sufficienc% of the $on&" or of the suret% or sureties thereon-
!f the applicantGs $on& is foun& to $e insufficient in a#ount" or if the suret% or sureties thereon
fail to 3ustif%" an& a $on& sufficient in a#ount (ith sufficient sureties approve& after 3ustification
is not file& forth(ith" the in3unction shall $e &issolve&- !f the $on& of the a&verse part% is foun&
to $e insufficient in a#ount" or the suret% or sureties thereon fail to 3ustif% a $on& sufficient in
a#ount (ith sufficient sureties approve& after 3ustification is not file& forth(ith" the in3unction
shall $e 'rante& or restore&" as the case #a% $e- (@a)
SEC- @- udgment to include damages against party and sureties.2At the trial" the a#ount of
&a#a'es to $e a(ar&e& to either part%" upon the $on& of the a&verse part%" shall $e clai#e&"
ascertaine&" an& a(ar&e& un&er the sa#e proce&ure prescri$e& in section 0B of Rule 5?- (Aa)
SEC- A- #hen final in"unction granted.2!f after the trial of the action it appears that the
applicant is entitle& to have the act or acts co#plaine& of per#anentl% en3oine&" the court shall
'rant a final in3unction perpetuall% restrainin' the part% or person en3oine& fro# the co##ission
or continuance of the act or acts or confir#in' the preli#inar% #an&ator% in3unction- (,Ba)
RULE 5A
RECE!ERS=!P
SECT!O+ ,- (ppointment of receiver-.Upon a verifie& application" one or #ore receivers of
the propert% su$3ect of the action or procee&in' #a% $e appointe& $% the court (here the action
is pen&in'" or $% the Court of Appeals or $% the Supre#e Court" or a #e#$er thereof" in the
follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen it appears fro# the verifie& application" an& such other proof as the court #a%
re>uire" that the part% appl%in' for the appoint#ent of a receiver has an interest in the propert%
or fun& (hich is the su$3ect of the action or procee&in'" an& that such propert% or fun& is in
&an'er of $ein' lost" re#ove&" or #ateriall% in3ure& unless a receiver $e appointe& to a&#inister
an& preserve it7
($) 8hen it appears in an action $% the #ort'a'ee for the foreclosure of a #ort'a'e that
the propert% is in &an'er of $ein' (aste& or &issipate& or #ateriall% in3ure&" an& that its value is
pro$a$l% insufficient to &ischar'e the #ort'a'e &e$t" or that the parties have so stipulate& in the
contract of #ort'a'e7
(c) After 3u&'#ent" to preserve the propert% &urin' the pen&enc% of an appeal" or to
&ispose of it accor&in' to the 3u&'#ent" or to ai& e1ecution (hen the e1ecution has $een
returne& unsatisfie& or the 3u&'#ent o$li'or refuses to appl% his propert% in satisfaction of the
3u&'#ent" or other(ise to carr% the 3u&'#ent into effect7
(&) 8henever in other cases it appears that the appoint#ent of a receiver is the #ost
convenient an& feasi$le #eans of preservin'" a&#inisterin'" or &isposin' of the propert% in
liti'ation-
Furin' the pen&enc% of an appeal" the appellate court #a% allo( an application for the
appoint#ent of a receiver to $e file& in an& &eci&e& $% the court of ori'in an& the receiver
appointe& to $e su$3ect to the control of sai& court- (,a)
SEC- 0- 1ond on appointment of receiver-.)efore issuin' the or&er appointin' a receiver the
court shall re>uire the applicant to file a $on& e1ecute& to the part% a'ainst (ho# the
application is presente&" in an a#ount to $e fi1e& $% the court" to the effect that the applicant
(ill pa% such part% all &a#a'es he #a% sustain $% reason of the appoint#ent of such receiver in
case the applicant shall have procure& such appoint#ent (ithout sufficient cause7 an& the court
#a%" in its &iscretion" at an% ti#e after the appoint#ent" re>uire an a&&itional $on& as further
securit% for such &a#a'es- (2a)
SEC- 2- +enial of application or discharge of receiver.2The application #a% $e &enie&" or the
receiver &ischar'e&" (hen the a&verse part% files a $on& e1ecute& to the applicant" in an a#ount
to $e fi1e& $% the court" to the effect that such part% (ill pa% the applicant all &a#a'es he #a%
suffer $% reason of the acts" o#issions" or other #atters specifie& in the application as 'roun& for
such appoint#ent- The receiver #a% also $e &ischar'e& if it is sho(n that his appoint#ent (as
o$taine& (ithout sufficient cause- (4a)
SEC- ;. Oath and bond of receiver-.)efore enterin' upon his &uties" the receiver shall $e
s(orn to perfor# the# faithfull%" an& shall file a $on&" e1ecute& to such person an& in such su#
as the court #a% &irect" to the effect that he (ill faithfull% &ischar'e his &uties in the action or
procee&in' an& o$e% the or&ers of the court- (5a)
SEC- 5- Service of copies of bonds; effect of disapproval of same-.The person filin' a $on& in
accor&ance (ith the provisions of this Rule shall forth(ith serve a cop% thereof on each
intereste& part%" (ho #a% e1cept to its sufficienc% or of the suret% or sureties thereon- !f either
the applicantGs or the receiverGs $on& is foun& to $e insufficient in a#ount" or if the suret% or
sureties thereon fail to 3ustif%" an& a $on& sufficient in a#ount (ith sufficient sureties approve&
after 3ustification is not file& forth(ith" the application shall $e &enie& or the receiver
&ischar'e&" as the case #a% $e- !f the $on& of the a&verse part% is foun& to $e insufficient in
a#ount or the suret% or sureties thereon fail to 3ustif%" an& a $on& sufficient in a#ount (ith
sufficient sureties approve& after 3ustification is not file& forth(ith" the receiver shall $e
appointe& or re<appointe&" as the case #a% $e- (6a)
SEC- 6- -eneral powers of receiver.2Su$3ect to the control of the court in (hich the action or
procee&in' is pen&in'" a receiver shall have the po(er to $rin' an& &efen&" in such capacit%"
actions in his o(n na#e7 to ta/e an& /eep possession of the propert% in controvers%7 to receive
rents7 to collect &e$ts &ue to hi#self as receiver or to the fun&" propert%" estate" person" or
corporation of (hich he is the receiver7 to co#poun& for an& co#pro#ise the sa#e7 to #a/e
transfers7 to pa% outstan&in' &e$ts7 to &ivi&e the #one% an& other propert% that shall re#ain
a#on' the persons le'all% entitle& to receive the sa#e7 an& 'enerall% to &o such acts respectin'
the propert% as the court #a% authori5e- =o(ever- fun&s in the han&s of a receiver #a% $e
investe& onl% $% or&er of the court upon the (ritten consent of all the parties to the action- (?a)
+o action #a% $e file& $% or a'ainst a receiver (ithout leave of the court (hich appointe& hi#-
(n)
SEC- ?- 7iability for refusal or neglect to deliver property to receiver.2A person (ho refuses or
ne'lects" upon reasona$le &e#an&" to &eliver to the receiver all the propert%" #one%" $oo/s"
&ee&s" notes" $ills" &ocu#ents an& papers (ithin his po(er or control su$3ect of or involve& in
the action or procee&in'" or in case of &isa'ree#ent" as &eter#ine& an& or&ere& $% the court"
#a% $e punishe& for conte#pt an& shall $e lia$le to the receiver for the #one% or the value of
the propert% an& other thin's so refuse& or ne'lecte& to $e surren&ere&" to'ether (ith all
&a#a'es that #a% have $een sustaine& $% the part% or parties entitle& thereto as a conse>uence
of such refusal or ne'lect- (n)
SEC- @- Termination of receivership; compensation of receiver.28henever the court" motu
proprio or on #otion of either part%" shall &eter#ine that the necessit% for a receiver no lon'er
e1ists" it shall" after &ue notice to all intereste& parties an& hearin'" settle the accounts of the
receiver" &irect the &eliver% of the fun&s an& other propert% in his possession to the person
a&3u&'e& to $e entitle& to receive the#" an& or&er the &ischar'e of the receiver fro# further &ut%
as such- The court shall allo( the receiver such reasona$le co#pensation as the circu#stances
of the case (arrant" to $e ta1e& as costs a'ainst the &efeate& part%" or apportione&" as 3ustice
re>uires- (@a)
SEC- A- udgment to include recovery against sureties.2The a#ount" if an%" to $e a(ar&e& to
an% part% upon an% $on& file& in accor&ance (ith the provisions of this Rule" shall $e clai#e&"
ascertaine&" an& 'rante& un&er the sa#e proce&ure prescri$e& in section 0B of Rule 5?- (Aa)
RULE 6B
REPLE!+
SECT!O+ ,- (pplication.2A part% pra%in' for the recover% of possession of personal propert%
#a%" at the co##ence#ent of the action or at an% ti#e $efore ans(er" appl% for an or&er for the
&eliver% of such propert% to hi#" in the #anner hereinafter provi&e&- (,a)
SEC- 0- (ffidavit and bond2The applicant #ust sho( $% his o(n affi&avit or that of so#e other
person (ho personall% /no(s the facts*
(a) That the applicant is the o(ner of the propert% clai#e&" particularl% &escri$in' it" or is
entitle& to the possession thereof7
($) That the propert% is (ron'full% &etaine& $% the a&verse part%" alle'in' the cause of &etention
thereof accor&in' to the $est of his /no(le&'e" infor#ation" an& $elief7
(c) That the propert% has not $een &istraine& or ta/en for a ta1 assess#ent or a fine
pursuant to la(" or sei5e& un&er a (rit of e1ecution or preli#inar% attach#ent" or other(ise
place& un&er custo&ia le'is" or if so sei5e&" that it is e1e#pt fro# such sei5ure or custo&%7 an&
(&) The actual #ar/et value of the propert%-
The applicant #ust also 'ive a $on&" e1ecute& to the a&verse part% in &ou$le the value of the
propert% as state& in the affi&avit afore#entione&" for the return of the propert% to the a&verse
part% if such return $e a&3u&'e&" an& for the pa%#ent to the a&verse part% of such su# as he #a%
recover fro# the applicant in the action- (0a)
SEC- 2- Or&er-.Upon the filin' of such affi&avit an& approval of the $on&" the court shall issue
an or&er an& the correspon&in' (rit of replevin &escri$in' the personal propert% alle'e& to $e
(ron'full% &etaine& an& re>uirin' the sheriff forth(ith to ta/e such propert% into his custo&%-
(2a)
SEC- ;. +uty of the sheriff.2Upon receivin' such or&er" the sheriff #ust serve a cop% thereof on
the a&verse part%" to'ether (ith a cop% of the application" affi&avit an& $on&" an& #ust forth(ith
ta/e the propert%" if it $e in the possession of the a&verse part%" or his a'ent" an& retain it in his
custo&%- !f the propert% or an% part thereof $e conceale& in a $uil&in' or enclosure" the sheriff
#ust &e#an& its &eliver%" an& if it $e not &elivere&" he #ust cause the $uil&in' or enclosure to
$e $ro/en open an& ta/e the propert% into his possession- After the sheriff has ta/en possession
of the propert% as herein provi&e&" he #ust /eep it in a secure place an& shall $e responsi$le for
its &eliver% to the part% entitle& thereto upon receivin' his fees an& necessar% e1penses for
ta/in' an& /eepin' the sa#e- (4a)
SEC- 5- Return of property.2!f the a&verse part% o$3ects to the sufficienc% of the applicantGs
$on&" or of the suret% or sureties thereon" he cannot i##e&iatel% re>uire the return of the
propert%" $ut if he &oes not so o$3ect" he #a%" at an% ti#e $efore the &eliver% of the propert% to
the applicant" re>uire the return thereof" $% filin' (ith the court (here the action is pen&in' a
$on& e1ecute& to the applicant" in &ou$le the value of the propert% as state& in the applicantGs
affi&avit for the &eliver% thereof to the applicant" if such &eliver% $e a&3u&'e&" an& for the
pa%#ent of such su# to hi# as #a% $e recovere& a'ainst the a&verse part%" an& $% servin' a
cop% of such $on& on the applicant- (5a)
SEC- 6- +isposition of property by sheriff.&!f (ithin five (5) &a%s after the ta/in' of the propert%
$% the sheriff" the a&verse part% &oes not o$3ect to the sufficienc% of the $on&" or of the suret% or
sureties thereon7 or if the a&verse part% so o$3ects an& the court affir#s its approval of the
applicantGs $on& or approves a ne( $on&" or if the a&verse part% re>uires the return of the
propert% $ut his $on& is o$3ecte& to an& foun& insufficient an& he &oes not forth(ith file an
approve& $on&" the propert% shall $e &elivere& to the applicant- !f for an% reason the propert% is
not &elivere& to the applicant" the sheriff #ust return it to the a&verse part%- (6a)
SEC- ?- $roceedings where property claimed by third person.2!f the propert% ta/en is clai#e&
$% an% person other than the part% a'ainst (ho# the (rit of replevin ha& $een issue& or his
a'ent" an& such person #a/es an affi&avit of his title thereto" or ri'ht to the possession thereof"
statin' the 'roun&s therefor" an& serves such affi&avit upon the sheriff (hile the latter has
possession of the propert% an& a cop% thereof upon the applicant" the sheriff shall not $e $oun&
to /eep the propert% un&er replevin or &eliver it to the applicant unless the applicant or his a'ent"
on &e#an& of sai& sheriff" shall file a $on& approve& $% the court to in&e#nif% the thir&<part%
clai#ant in a su# not less than the value of the propert% un&er replevin as provi&e& in section 0
hereof- !n case of &isa'ree#ent as to such value" the court shall &eter#ine the sa#e- +o clai#
for &a#a'es for the ta/in' or /eepin' of the propert% #a% $e enforce& a'ainst the $on& unless
the action therefor is file& (ithin one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s fro# the &ate of the filin' of
the $on&-
The sheriff shall not $e lia$le for &a#a'es" for the ta/in' or /eepin' of such propert%" to an%
such thir&<part% clai#ant if such $on& shall $e file&- +othin' herein containe& shall prevent
such clai#ant or an% thir& person fro# vin&icatin' his clai# to the propert%" or prevent the
applicant fro# clai#in' &a#a'es a'ainst a thir&<part% clai#ant (ho file& a frivolous or plainl%
spurious clai#" in the sa#e or a separate action-
8hen the (rit of replevin is issue& in favor of the Repu$lic of the Philippines" or an% officer
&ul% representin' it" the filin' of such $on& shall not $e re>uire&" an& in case the sheriff is sue&
for &a#a'es as a result of the replevin" he shall $e represente& $% the Solicitor Ceneral" an& if
hel& lia$le therefor" the actual &a#a'es a&3u&'e& $% the court shall $e pai& $% the +ational
Treasurer out of the fun&s to $e appropriate& for the purpose- (?a)
SEC- @- Return of papers.2The sheriff #ust file the or&er" (ith his procee&in's in&orse&
thereon" (ith the court (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after ta/in' the propert% #entione& therein- (@a)
SEC- A- udgment-.After trial of the issues" the court shall &eter#ine (ho has the ri'ht of
possession to an& the value of the propert% an& shall ren&er 3u&'#ent in the alternative for the
&eliver% thereof to the part% entitle& to the sa#e" or for its value in case &eliver% cannot $e
#a&e" an& also for such &a#a'es as either part% #a% prove" (ith costs- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- udgment to include recovery against sureties.2The a#ount" if an%" to $e a(ar&e& to
an% part% upon an% $on& file& in accor&ance (ith the provisions of this Rule" shall $e clai#e&"
ascertaine&" an& 'rante& un&er the sa#e proce&ure as prescri$e& in section 0B of Rule 5?- (,Ba)
RULE 6,
SUPPORT PE+FE+TE L!TE
SECT!O+ ,- (pplication.2At the co##ence#ent of the proper action or procee&in'" or at an%
ti#e prior to the 3u&'#ent or final or&er" a verifie& application for support pendente lite #a% $e
file& $% an% part% statin' the 'roun&s for the clai# an& the financial con&itions of $oth parties"
an& acco#panie& $% affi&avits" &epositions or other authentic &ocu#ents in support thereof- (,a)
SEC- 0- Comment.2A cop% of the application an& all supportin' &ocu#ents shall $e serve&
upon the a&verse part%" (ho shall have five (5) &a%s to co##ent thereon unless a &ifferent
perio& is fi1e& $% the court upon his #otion- The co##ent shall $e verifie& an& shall $e
acco#panie& $% affi&avits" &epositions or other authentic &ocu#ents in support thereof- (0a" 2a)
SEC- 2- 3earing.2After the co##ent is file&" or after the e1piration of the perio& for its filin'"
the application shall $e set for hearin' not #ore than three (2) &a%s thereafter- The facts in issue
shall $e prove& in the sa#e #anner as is provi&e& for evi&ence on #otions- (4a)
SEC- 4- Order.2The court shall &eter#ine provisionall% the pertinent facts" an& shall ren&er
such or&ers as 3ustice an& e>uit% #a% re>uire" havin' &ue re'ar& to the pro$a$le outco#e of the
case an& such other circu#stances as #a% ai& in the proper resolution of the >uestion involve&-
!f the application is 'rante&" the court shall fi1 the a#ount of #one% to $e provisionall% pai& or
such other for#s of support as shoul& $e provi&e&" ta/in' into account the necessities of the
applicant an& the resources or #eans of the a&verse part%" an& the ter#s of pa%#ent or #o&e for
provi&in' the support- !f the application is &enie&" the principal case shall $e trie& an& &eci&e&
as earl% as possi$le- (5a)
SEC- 5- *nforcement of order.2!f the a&verse part% fails to co#pl% (ith an or&er 'rantin'
support pendente lite, the court shall" motu proprio or upon #otion" issue an or&er of e1ecution
a'ainst hi#" (ithout pre3u&ice to his lia$ilit% for conte#pt- (6a)
8hen the person or&ere& to 'ive support pendente lite refuses or fails to &o so" an% thir& person
(ho furnishe& that support to the applicant #a%" after &ue notice an& hearin' in the sa#e case"
o$tain a (rit of e1ecution to enforce his ri'ht of rei#$urse#ent a'ainst the person or&ere& to
provi&e such support- (n)
SEC- 6- Support in criminal cases-.!n cri#inal actions (here the civil lia$ilit% inclu&es support
for the offsprin' as a conse>uence of the cri#e an& the civil aspect thereof has not $een (aive&"
reserve& or institute& prior to its filin'" the accuse& #a% $e or&ere& to provi&e support pendente
lite to the chil& $orn to the offen&e& part% alle'e&l% $ecause of the cri#e- The application
therefor #a% $e file& successivel% $% the offen&e& part%" her parents" 'ran&parents or 'uar&ian
an& the State in the correspon&in' cri#inal case &urin' its pen&enc%" in accor&ance (ith the
proce&ure esta$lishe& un&er this Rule- (n)
SEC- ?- Restitution-.8hen the 3u&'#ent or final or&er of the court fin&s that the person (ho
has $een provi&in' support pendente lite is not lia$le therefor" it shall or&er the recipient thereof
to return to the for#er the a#ounts alrea&% pai& (ith le'al interest fro# the &ates of actual
pa%#ent" (ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'ht of the recipient to o$tain rei#$urse#ent in a separate
action fro# the person le'all% o$li'e& to 'ive the support- Shoul& the recipient fail to rei#$urse
sai& a#ounts" the person (ho provi&e& the sa#e #a% li/e(ise see/ rei#$urse#ent thereof in a
separate action fro# the person le'all% o$li'e& to 'ive such support- (n)

SPEC!AL C!!L ACT!O+S
RULE 60
!+TERPLEAFER
SECT!O+ ,- #hen interpleader proper.28henever conflictin' clai#s upon the sa#e su$3ect
#atter are or #a% $e #a&e a'ainst a person (ho clai#s no interest (hatever in the su$3ect
#atter" or an interest (hich in (hole or in part is not &ispute& $% the clai#ants" he #a% $rin' an
action a'ainst the conflictin' clai#ants to co#pel the# to interplea& an& liti'ate their several
clai#s a#on' the#selves- (,a" R62)
SEC- 0- Order.2Upon the filin' of the co#plaint" the court shall issue an or&er re>uirin' the
conflictin' clai#ants to interplea& (ith one another- !f the interests of 3ustice so re>uire" the
court #a% &irect in such or&er that the su$3ect #atter $e pai& or &elivere& to the court- (0a" R62)
SEC- 2- Summons..Su##ons shall $e serve& upon the conflictin' clai#ants" to'ether (ith a
cop% of the co#plaint an& or&er- (2" R62)
SEC- ;. !otion to dismiss.28ithin the ti#e for filin' an ans(er" each clai#ant #a% file a
#otion to &is#iss on the 'roun& of i#propriet% of the interplea&er action or on other appropriate
'roun&s specifie& in Rule ,6- The perio& to file the ans(er shall $e tolle& an& if the #otion is
&enie&" the #ovant #a% file his ans(er (ithin the re#ainin' perio&" $ut (hich shall not $e less
than five (5) &a%s in an% event" rec/one& fro# notice of &enial- (n)
SEC- 5- (nswer and other pleadings.2Each clai#ant shall file his ans(er settin' forth his clai#
(ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# service of the su##ons upon hi#" servin' a cop% thereof upon
each of the other conflictin' clai#ants (ho #a% file their repl% thereto as provi&e& $% these
Rules- !f an% clai#ant fails to plea& (ithin the ti#e herein fi1e&" the court #a%" on #otion"
&eclare hi# in &efault an& thereafter ren&er 3u&'#ent $arrin' hi# fro# an% clai# in respect to
the su$3ect #atter-
The parties in an interplea&er action #a% file counterclai#s" cross<clai#s" thir&<part% co#plaints
an& responsive plea&in's thereto" as provi&e& $% these Rules- (4a" R62)
SEC- 6- +etermination.2After the plea&in's of the conflictin' clai#ants have $een file&" an&
pre<trial has $een con&ucte& in accor&ance (ith the Rules" the court shall procee& to &eter#ine
their respective ri'hts an& a&3u&icate their several clai#s-(5a" R62)
SEC- ?- +oc)et and other lawful fees, costs and litigation e,penses as liens.2The &oc/et an&
other la(ful fees pai& $% the part% (ho file& a co#plaint un&er this Rule" as (ell as the costs
an& liti'ation e1penses" shall constitute a lien or char'e upon the su$3ect #atter of the action"
unless the court shall or&er other(ise- (6a" R62)
RULE 62
FECLARATORJ REL!EF A+F S!9!LAR RE9EF!ES
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may file petition.2An% person intereste& un&er a &ee&" (ill" contract or other
(ritten instru#ent" (hose ri'hts are affecte& $% a statute" e1ecutive or&er or re'ulation"
or&inance" or an% other 'overn#ental re'ulation #a%" $efore $reach or violation thereof" $rin'
an action in the appropriate Re'ional Trial Court to &eter#ine an% >uestion of construction or
vali&it% arisin'" an& for a &eclaration of his ri'hts or &uties" thereun&er-
An action for the refor#ation of an instru#ent" to >uiet title to real propert% or re#ove clou&s
therefro#" or to consoli&ate o(nership un&er Article ,6B? of the Civil Co&e" #a% $e $rou'ht
un&er this Rule- (,a" R64)
SEC- 0- $arties-.All persons (ho have or clai# an% interest (hich (oul& $e affecte& $% the
&eclaration shall $e #a&e parties7 an& no &eclaration shall" e1cept as other(ise provi&e& in these
Rules" pre3u&ice the ri'hts of persons not parties to the action- (0a" R64)
SEC- 2- %otice on Solicitor -eneral.2!n an% action (hich involves the vali&it% of a statute"
e1ecutive or&er or re'ulation" or an% other 'overn#ental re'ulation" the Solicitor Ceneral shall
$e notifie& $% the part% assailin' the sa#e an& shall $e entitle& to $e hear& upon such >uestion-
(2a" R64)
SEC- 4- 7ocal government ordinances2!n an% action involvin' the vali&it% of a local
'overn#ent or&inance" the correspon&in' prosecutor or attorne% of the local 'overn#ental unit
involve& shall $e si#ilarl% notifie& an& entitle& to $e hear&- !f such or&inance is alle'e& to $e
unconstitutional" the Solicitor Ceneral shall also $e notifie& an& entitle& to $e hear&- (4a" R64)
SEC- 5- Court action discretionary -.E1cept in actions fallin' un&er the secon& para'raph of
section , of this Rule" the court" motu proprio or upon #otion" #a% refuse to e1ercise the po(er
to &eclare ri'hts an& to construe instru#ents in an% case (here a &ecision (oul& not ter#inate
the uncertaint% or controvers% (hich 'ave rise to the action" or in an% case (here the &eclaration
or construction is not necessar% an& proper un&er the circu#stances- (5a" R64)
SEC- 6- Conversion into ordinary action.2!f $efore the final ter#ination of the case" a $reach or
violation of an instru#ent or a statute" e1ecutive or&er or re'ulation" or&inance" or an% other
'overn#ental re'ulation shoul& ta/e place" the action #a% thereupon $e converte& into an
or&inar% action" an& the parties shall $e allo(e& to file such plea&in's as #a% $e necessar% or
proper- (6a" R64)
RULE 64
RE!E8 OF HUFC9E+TS A+F F!+AL ORFERS OR RESOLUT!O+S OF T=E
CO99!SS!O+ O+ ELECT!O+S A+F T=E CO99!SS!O+ O+ AUF!T
SECT!O+ ,- Scope.2This Rule shall 'overn the revie( of 3u&'#ents an& final or&ers or
resolutions of the Co##ission on Elections an& the Co##ission on Au&it- (n)
SEC- 0- !ode of review.2A 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution of the Co##ission on
Elections an& the Co##ission on Au&it #a% $e $rou'ht $% the a''rieve& part% to the Supre#e
Court on certiorari un&er Rule 65" e1cept as hereinafter provi&e&- (n)
SEC- 2- Time to file petition.2The petition shall $e file& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# notice of
the 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution sou'ht to $e revie(e&- The filin' of a #otion for ne(
trial or reconsi&eration of sai& 3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution" if allo(e& un&er the
proce&ural rules of the Co##ission concerne&" shall interrupt the perio& herein fi1e&- !f the
#otion is &enie&" the a''rieve& part% #a% file the petition (ithin the re#ainin' perio&" $ut
(hich shall not $e less than five (5) &a%s in an% event" rec/one& fro# notice of &enial- (n)
SEC- 4- +oc)et and other lawful fees-.Upon the filin' of the petition" the petitioner shall pa% to
the cler/ of court the &oc/et an& other la(ful fees an& &eposit the a#ount of P5BB-BB for costs-
(n)
SEC- 5- 4orm and contents of petition.2The petition shall $e verifie& an& file& in ei'hteen (,@)
le'i$le copies- The petition shall na#e the a''rieve& part% as petitioner an& shall 3oin as
respon&ents the Co##ission concerne& an& the person or persons intereste& in sustainin' the
3u&'#ent" final or&er or resolution a 6uo. The petition shall state the facts (ith certaint%"
present clearl% the issues involve&" set forth the 'roun&s an& $rief ar'u#ents relie& upon for
revie(" an& pra% for 3u&'#ent annullin' or #o&if%in' the >uestione& 3u&'#ent" final or&er or
resolution- Fin&in's of fact of the Co##ission supporte& $% su$stantial evi&ence shall $e final
an& non<revie(a$le-
The petition shall $e acco#panie& $% a clearl% le'i$le &uplicate ori'inal or certifie& true cop% of
the 3u&'#ent" final or&er or resolution su$3ect thereof" to'ether (ith certifie& true copies of such
#aterial portions of the recor& as are referre& to therein an& other &ocu#ents relevant an&
pertinent thereto- The re>uisite nu#$er of copies of the petition shall contain plain copies of all
&ocu#ents attache& to the ori'inal cop% of sai& petition-
The petition shall state the specific #aterial &ates sho(in' that it (as file& (ithin the perio&
fi1e& herein" an& shall contain a s(orn certification a'ainst foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the
thir& para'raph of section 2" Rule 46-
The petition shall further $e acco#panie& $% proof of service of a cop% thereof on the
Co##ission concerne& an& on the a&verse part%" an& of the ti#el% pa%#ent of &oc/et an& other
la(ful fees-
The failure of petitioner to co#pl% (ith an% of the fore'oin' re>uire#ents shall $e sufficient
'roun& for the &is#issal of the petition- (n)
SEC- 6- Order to comment.2!f the Supre#e Court fin&s the petition sufficient in for# an&
su$stance" it shall or&er the respon&ents to file their co##ents on the petition (ithin ten (,B)
&a%s fro# notice thereof" other(ise" the Court #a% &is#iss the petition outri'ht- The Court #a%
also &is#iss the petition if it (as file& #anifestl% for &ela%" or the >uestions raise& are too
unsu$stantial to (arrant further procee&in's- (n)
SEC- ?- Comments of respondents-.The co##ents of the respon&ents shall $e file& in ei'hteen
(,@) le'i$le copies- The ori'inal shall $e acco#panie& $% certifie& true copies of such #aterial
portions of the recor& as are referre& to therein to'ether (ith other supportin' papers- The
re>uisite nu#$er of copies of the co##ents shall contain plain copies of all &ocu#ents attache&
to the ori'inal an& a cop% thereof shall $e serve& on the petitioner-
+o other plea&in' #a% $e file& $% an% part% unless re>uire& or allo(e& $% the Court- (n)
SEC- @- *ffect of filing.2The filin' of a petition for certiorari shall not sta% the e1ecution of the
3u&'#ent or final or&er or resolution sou'ht to $e revie(e&" unless the Supre#e Court shall
&irect other(ise upon such ter#s as it #a% &ee# 3ust- (n)
SEC- A. Submission for decision.2Unless the Court sets the case for oral ar'u#ent" or re>uires
the parties to su$#it #e#oran&a" the case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for &ecision upon the
filin' of the co##ents on the petition" or of such other plea&in's or papers as #a% $e re>uire&
or allo(e&" or the e1piration of the perio& to &o so- (n)
RULE 65
CERT!ORAR!" PRO=!)!T!O+ A+F 9A+FA9US
SECT!O+ ,- $etition for certiorari-.8hen an% tri$unal" $oar& or officer e1ercisin' 3u&icial or
>uasi<3u&icial functions has acte& (ithout or in e1cess of its or his 3uris&iction" or (ith 'rave
a$use of &iscretion a#ountin' to lac/ or e1cess of 3uris&iction" an& there is no appeal" or an%
plain" spee&%" an& a&e>uate re#e&% in the or&inar% course of la(" a person a''rieve& there$%
#a% file a verifie& petition in the proper court" alle'in' the facts (ith certaint% an& pra%in' that
3u&'#ent $e ren&ere& annullin' or #o&if%in' the procee&in's of such tri$unal" $oar& or officer"
an& 'rantin' such inci&ental reliefs as la( an& 3ustice #a% re>uire-
The petition shall $e acco#panie& $% a certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent" or&er or resolution
su$3ect thereof" copies of all plea&in's an& &ocu#ents relevant an& pertinent thereto" an& a
s(orn certification of non<foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the thir& para'raph of section 2" Rule
46- (,a)
SEC- 0- $etition for prohibition.28hen the procee&in's of an% tri$unal" corporation" $oar&"
officer or person" (hether e1ercisin' 3u&icial" >uasi<3u&icial or #inisterial functions" are (ithout
or in e1cess of its or his 3uris&iction" or (ith 'rave a$use of &iscretion a#ountin' to lac/ or
e1cess of 3uris&iction" an& there is no appeal or an% other plain" spee&%" an& a&e>uate re#e&% in
the or&inar% course of la(" a person a''rieve& there$% #a% file a verifie& petition in the proper
court" alle'in' the facts (ith certaint% an& pra%in' that 3u&'#ent $e ren&ere& co##an&in' the
respon&ent to &esist fro# further procee&in's in the action or #atter specifie& therein" or
other(ise 'rantin' such inci&ental reliefs as la( an& 3ustice #a% re>uire-
The petition shall li/e(ise $e acco#panie& $% a certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent" or&er or
resolution su$3ect thereof" copies of all plea&in's an& &ocu#ents relevant an& pertinent thereto"
an& a s(orn certification of non<foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the thir& para'raph of section 2"
Rule 46- (0a)
SEC- 2- $etition for mandamus.28hen an% tri$unal" corporation" $oar&" officer or person
unla(full% ne'lects the perfor#ance of an act (hich the la( specificall% en3oins as a &ut%
resultin' fro# an office" trust" or station" or unla(full% e1clu&es another fro# the use an&
en3o%#ent of a ri'ht or office to (hich such other is entitle&" an& there is no other plain" spee&%
an& a&e>uate re#e&% in the or&inar% course of la(" the person a''rieve& there$% #a% file a
verifie& petition in the proper court" alle'in' the facts (ith certaint% an& pra%in' that 3u&'#ent
$e ren&ere& co##an&in' the respon&ent" i##e&iatel% or at so#e other ti#e to $e specifie& $%
the court" to &o the act re>uire& to $e &one to protect the ri'hts of the petitioner" an& to pa% the
&a#a'es sustaine& $% the petitioner $% reason of the (ron'ful acts of the respon&ent-
The petition shall also contain a s(orn certification of non<foru# shoppin' as provi&e& in the
thir& para'raph of section 2" Rule 46- (2a)
SEC- 4- #hen and where petition filed.2The petition #a% $e file& not later than si1t% (6B) &a%s
fro# notice of the 3u&'#ent" or&er or resolution- !n case a #otion for reconsi&eration or ne(
trial is ti#el% file&" (hether such #otion is re>uire& or not" the si1t% (6B) &a% perio& shall $e
counte& fro# notice of the &enial of sai& #otion-
The petition shall $e file& in the Supre#e Court or" if it relates to the acts or o#issions of a
lo(er court or of a corporation" $oar&" officer or person" in the Re'ional Trial Court e1ercisin'
3uris&iction over the territorial area as &efine& $% the Supre#e Court- !t #a% also $e file& in the
Court of Appeals (hether or not the sa#e is in ai& of its appellate 3uris&iction" or in the
San&i'an$a%an if it is in ai& of its appellate 3uris&iction- !f it involves the acts or o#issions of a
>uasi<3u&icial a'enc%" an& unless other(ise provi&e& $% la( or these rules" the petition shall $e
file& in an& co'ni5a$le onl% $% the Court of Appeals-
+o e1tension of ti#e to file the petition shall $e 'rante& e1cept for co#pellin' reason an& in no
case e1cee&in' fifteen (,5) &a%s-
SEC- 5- Respondents and costs in certain cases28hen the petition file& relates to the acts or
o#issions of a 3u&'e" court" >uasi<3u&icial a'enc%" tri$unal" corporation" $oar&" officer or person"
the petitioner shall 3oin" as private respon&ent or respon&ents (ith such pu$lic respon&ent or
respon&ents" the person or persons intereste& in sustainin' the procee&in's in the court7 an& it
shall $e the &ut% of such private respon&ents to appear an& &efen&" $oth in his or their o(n
$ehalf an& in $ehalf of the pu$lic respon&ent or respon&ents affecte& $% the procee&in's" an& the
costs a(ar&e& in such procee&in's in favor of the petitioner shall $e a'ainst the private
respon&ents onl%" an& not a'ainst the 3u&'e" court" >uasi<3u&icial a'enc%" tri$unal" corporation"
$oar&" officer or person i#plea&e& as pu$lic respon&ent or respon&ents-
Unless other(ise specificall% &irecte& $% the court (here the petition is pen&in'" the pu$lic
respon&ents shall not appear in or file an ans(er or co##ent to the petition or an% plea&in'
therein- !f the case is elevate& to a hi'her court $% either part%" the pu$lic respon&ents shall $e
inclu&e& therein as no#inal parties- =o(ever" unless other(ise specificall% &irecte& $% the
court" the% shall not appear or participate in the procee&in's therein- (5a)
SEC- 6- Order to comment.& !f the petition is sufficient in for# an& su$stance to 3ustif% such
process" the court shall issue an or&er re>uirin' the respon&ent or respon&ents to co##ent on
the petition (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of a cop% thereof- Such or&er shall $e serve& on
the respon&ents in such #anner as the court #a% &irect" to'ether (ith a cop% of the petition an&
an% anne1es thereto-
!n petitions for certiorari $efore the Supre#e Court an& the Court of Appeals" the provisions of
section 0" Rule 56" shall $e o$serve&- )efore 'ivin' &ue course thereto" the court #a% re>uire
the respon&ents to file their co##ent to" an& not a #otion to &is#iss" the petition- Thereafter"
the court #a% re>uire the filin' of a repl% an& such other responsive or other plea&in's as it #a%
&ee# necessar% an& proper- (6a)
SEC- ?- *,pediting proceedings; in"unctive relief.2The court in (hich the petition is file& #a%
issue or&ers e1pe&itin' the procee&in's" an& it #a% also 'rant a te#porar% restrainin' or&er or a
(rit of preli#inar% in3unction for the preservation of the ri'hts of the parties pen&in' such
procee&in's- The petition shall not interrupt the course of the principal case unless a te#porar%
restrainin' or&er or a (rit of preli#inar% in3unction has $een issue& a'ainst the pu$lic
respon&ent fro# further procee&in' in the case- (?a)
SEC- @- $roceedings after comment is filed.2After the co##ent or other plea&in's re>uire& $%
the court are file&" or the ti#e for the filin' thereof has e1pire&" the court #a% hear the case or
re>uire the parties to su$#it #e#oran&a- !f after such hearin' or su$#ission of #e#oran&a or
the e1piration of the perio& for the filin' thereof the court fin&s that the alle'ations of the
petition are true" it shall ren&er 3u&'#ent for the relief pra%e& for or to (hich the petitioner is
entitle&-
The court" ho(ever" #a% &is#iss the petition if it fin&s the sa#e to $e patentl% (ithout #erit"
prosecute& #anifestl% for &ela%" or that the >uestions raise& therein are too unsu$stantial to
re>uire consi&eration- (@a)
SEC- A- Service and enforcement of order or "udgment.2A certifie& cop% of the 3u&'#ent
ren&ere& in accor&ance (ith the last prece&in' section shall $e serve& upon the court" >uasi<
3u&icial a'enc%" tri$unal" corporation" $oar&" officer or person concerne& in such #anner as the
court #a% &irect" an& &iso$e&ience thereto shall $e punishe& as conte#pt- An e1ecution #a%
issue for an% &a#a'es or costs a(ar&e& in accor&ance (ith section , of Rule 2A- (Aa)
RULE 66
LUO 8ARRA+TO
SECT!O+ ,- (ction by -overnment against individuals.2An action for the usurpation of a
pu$lic office" position or franchise #a% $e co##ence& $% a verifie& petition $rou'ht in the
na#e of the Repu$lic of the Philippines a'ainst*
(a) A person (ho usurps" intru&es into" or unla(full% hol&s or e1ercises a pu$lic office" position
or franchise7
($) A pu$lic officer (ho &oes or suffers an act (hich" $% the provision of la(" constitutes a
'roun& for the forfeiture of his office7 or
(c) An association (hich acts as a corporation (ithin the Philippines (ithout $ein' le'all%
incorporate& or (ithout la(ful authorit% so to act- (,a)
SEC- 0- #hen Solicitor -eneral or public prosecutor must commence action-.The Solicitor
Ceneral or a pu$lic prosecutor" (hen &irecte& $% the Presi&ent of the Philippines" or (hen upon
co#plaint or other(ise he has 'oo& reason to $elieve that an% case specifie& in the prece&in'
section can $e esta$lishe& $% proof" #ust co##ence such action- (2a)
SEC- 2- #hen Solicitor -eneral or public prosecutor may commence action with permission of
court.2The Solicitor Ceneral or a pu$lic prosecutor #a%" (ith the per#ission of the court in
(hich the action is to $e co##ence&" $rin' such an action at the re>uest an& upon the relation
of another person7 $ut in such case the officer $rin'in' it #a% first re>uire an in&e#nit% for the
e1penses an& costs of the action in an a#ount approve& $% an& to $e &eposite& in the court $%
the person at (hose re>uest an& upon (hose relation the sa#e is $rou'ht- (4a)
SEC- 4- #hen hearing had on application for permission to commence action.2Upon
application for per#ission to co##ence such action in accor&ance (ith the ne1t prece&in'
section" the court shall &irect that notice $e 'iven to the respon&ent so that he #a% $e hear& in
opposition thereto7 an& if per#ission is 'rante&" the court shall issue an or&er to that effect"
copies of (hich shall $e serve& on all intereste& parties" an& the petition shall then $e file&
(ithin the perio& or&ere& $% the court- (5a)
SEC- 5- #hen an individual may commence such an action-.A person clai#in' to $e entitle& to
a pu$lic office or position usurpe& or unla(full% hel& or e1ercise& $% another #a% $rin' an
action therefor in his o(n na#e- (6)
SEC- 6- $arties and contents of petition against usurpation.28hen the action is a'ainst a
person for usurpin' a pu$lic office" position or franchise" the petition shall set forth the na#e of
the person (ho clai#s to $e entitle& thereto" if an%" (ith an aver#ent of his ri'ht to the sa#e
an& that the respon&ent is unla(full% in possession thereof- All persons (ho clai# to $e entitle&
to the pu$lic office" position or franchise #a% $e #a&e parties" an& their respective ri'hts to such
pu$lic office" position or franchise &eter#ine&" in the sa#e action- (?a)
SEC- ?- .enue.2An action un&er the prece&in' si1 sections can $e $rou'ht onl% in the Supre#e
Court" the Court of Appeals" or in the Re'ional Trial Court e1ercisin' 3uris&iction over the
territorial area (here the respon&ent or an% of the respon&ents resi&es" $ut (hen the Solicitor
Ceneral co##ences the action" it #a% $e $rou'ht in a Re'ional Trial Court in the Cit% of
9anila" in the Court of Appeals" or in the Supre#e Court- (@a)
SEC- @- $eriod for pleadings and proceedings may be reduced; action given precedence .2The
court #a% re&uce the perio& provi&e& $% these Rules for filin' plea&in's an& for all other
procee&in's in the action in or&er to secure the #ost e1pe&itious &eter#ination of the #atters
involve& therein consistent (ith the ri'hts of the parties- Such action #a% $e 'iven prece&ence
over an% other civil #atter pen&in' in the court- (Aa)
SEC- 9. udgment where usurpation found-.8hen the respon&ent is foun& 'uilt% of usurpin'"
intru&in' into" or unla(full% hol&in' or e1ercisin' a pu$lic office" position or franchise"
3u&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& that such respon&ent $e ouste& an& alto'ether e1clu&e& therefro#"
an& that the petitioner or relator" as the case #a% $e" recover his costs- Such further 3u&'#ent
#a% $e ren&ere& &eter#inin' the respective ri'hts in an& to the pu$lic office" position or
franchise of all the parties to the action as 3ustice re>uires- (,Ba)
SEC- ,B- Rights of persons ad"udged entitled to public office; delivery of boo)s and papers;
damages.2!f 3u&'#ent $e ren&ere& in favor of the person averre& in the co#plaint to $e entitle&
to the pu$lic office he #a%" after ta/in' the oath of office an& e1ecutin' an% official $on&
re>uire& $% la(" ta/e upon hi#self the e1ecution of the office" an& #a% i##e&iatel% thereafter
&e#an& of the respon&ent all the $oo/s an& papers in the respon&entGs custo&% or control
appertainin' to the office to (hich the 3u&'#ent relates- !f the respon&ent refuses or ne'lects to
&eliver an% $oo/ or paper pursuant to such &e#an&" he #a% $e punishe& for conte#pt as havin'
&iso$e%e& a la(ful or&er of the court- The person a&3u&'e& entitle& to the office #a% also $rin'
action a'ainst the respon&ent to recover the &a#a'es sustaine& $% such person $% reason of the
usurpation- (,5a)
SEC- ,,- 7imitations.2+othin' containe& in this Rule shall $e construe& to authori5e an action
a'ainst a pu$lic officer or e#plo%ee for his ouster fro# office unless the sa#e $e co##ence&
(ithin one (,) %ear after the cause of such ouster" or the ri'ht of the petitioner to hol& such office
or position" arose7 nor to authori5e an action for &a#a'es in accor&ance (ith the provisions of
the ne1t prece&in' section unless the sa#e $e co##ence& (ithin one (,) %ear after the entr% of
the 3u&'#ent esta$lishin' the petitionerGs ri'ht to the office in >uestion- (,6a)
SEC- ,0- udgment for costs.2!n an action $rou'ht in accor&ance (ith the provisions of this
Rule" the court #a% ren&er 3u&'#ent for costs a'ainst either the petitioner" the relator" or the
respon&ent" or the person or persons clai#in' to $e a corporation" or #a% apportion the costs" as
3ustice re>uires- (,?a)
RULE 6?
EKPROPR!AT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- The complaint.2The ri'ht of e#inent &o#ain shall $e e1ercise& $% the filin' of a
verifie& co#plaint (hich shall state (ith certaint% the ri'ht an& purpose of e1propriation"
&escri$e the real or personal propert% sou'ht to $e e1propriate&" an& 3oin as &efen&ants all
persons o(nin' or clai#in' to o(n" or occup%in'" an% part thereof or interest therein" sho(in'"
so far as practica$le" the separate interest of each &efen&ant- !f the title to an% propert% sou'ht to
$e e1propriate& appears to $e in the Repu$lic of the Philippines" althou'h occupie& $% private
in&ivi&uals" or if the title is other(ise o$scure or &ou$tful so that the plaintiff cannot (ith
accurac% or certaint% specif% (ho are the real o(ners" aver#ent to that effect shall $e #a&e in
the co#plaint- (,a)
SEC- 0- *ntry of plaintiff upon depositing value with authori5ed government depository.2Upon
the filin' of the co#plaint or at an% ti#e thereafter an& after &ue notice to the &efen&ant" the
plaintiff shall have the ri'ht to ta/e or enter upon the possession of the real propert% involve& if
he &eposits (ith the authori5e& 'overn#ent &epositar% an a#ount e>uivalent to the assesse&
value of the propert% for purposes of ta1ation to $e hel& $% such $an/ su$3ect to the or&ers of the
court- Such &eposit shall $e in #one%" unless in lieu thereof the court authori5es the &eposit of a
certificate of &eposit of a 'overn#ent $an/ of the Repu$lic of the Philippines pa%a$le on
&e#an& to the authori5e& 'overn#ent &epositar%-
!f personal propert% is involve&" its value shall $e provisionall% ascertaine& an& the a#ount to $e
&eposite& shall $e pro#ptl% fi1e& $% the court-
After such &eposit is #a&e the court shall or&er the sheriff or other proper officer to forth(ith
place the plaintiff in possession of the propert% involve& an& pro#ptl% su$#it a report thereof to
the court (ith service of copies to the parties- (0a)
SEC- 2- +efenses and ob"ections.2!f a &efen&ant has no o$3ection or &efense to the action or the
ta/in' of his propert%" he #a% file an& serve a notice of appearance an& a #anifestation to that
effect" specificall% &esi'natin' or i&entif%in' the propert% in (hich he clai#s to $e intereste&"
(ithin the ti#e state& in the su##ons- Thereafter" he shall $e entitle& to notice of all
procee&in's affectin' the sa#e-
!f a &efen&ant has an% o$3ection to the filin' of or the alle'ations in the co#plaint" or an%
o$3ection or &efense to the ta/in' of his propert%" he shall serve his ans(er (ithin the ti#e state&
in the su##ons- The ans(er shall specificall% &esi'nate or i&entif% the propert% in (hich he
clai#s to have an interest" state the nature an& e1tent of the interest clai#e&" an& a&&uce all his
o$3ections an& &efenses to the ta/in' of his propert%- +o counterclai#" cross<clai# or thir&<part%
co#plaint shall $e alle'e& or allo(e& in the ans(er or an% su$se>uent plea&in'-
A &efen&ant (aives all &efenses an& o$3ections not so alle'e& $ut the court" in the interest of
3ustice" #a% per#it a#en&#ents to the ans(er to $e #a&e not later than ten (,B) &a%s fro# the
filin' thereof- =o(ever" at the trial of the issue of 3ust co#pensation" (hether or not a
&efen&ant has previousl% appeare& or ans(ere&" he #a% present evi&ence as to the a#ount of the
co#pensation to $e pai& for his propert%" an& he #a% share in the &istri$ution of the a(ar&-
SEC- 4- Order of e,propriation.2!f the o$3ections to an& the &efenses a'ainst the ri'ht of the
plaintiff to e1propriate the propert% are overrule&" or (hen no part% appears to &efen& as
re>uire& $% this Rule" the court #a% issue an or&er ofN e1propriation &eclarin' that the plaintiff
has a la(ful ri'ht to ta/e the propert% sou'ht to $e e1propriate&" for the pu$lic use or purpose
&escri$e& in the co#plaint" upon the pa%#ent of 3ust co#pensation to $e &eter#ine& as of the
&ate of the ta/in' of the propert% or the filin' of the co#plaint" (hichever ca#e first-
A final or&er sustainin' the ri'ht to e1propriate the propert% #a% $e appeale& $% an% part%
a''rieve& there$%- Such appeal" ho(ever" shall not prevent the court fro# &eter#inin' the 3ust
co#pensation to $e pai&-
After the ren&ition of such an or&er" the plaintiff shall not $e per#itte& to &is#iss or &iscontinue
the procee&in' e1cept on such ter#s as the court &ee#s 3ust an& e>uita$le- (4a)
SEC- 5- (scertainment of compensation-.Upon the ren&ition of the or&er of e1propriation" the
court shall appoint not #ore than three (2) co#petent an& &isintereste& persons as
co##issioners to ascertain an& report to the court the 3ust co#pensation for the propert% sou'ht
to $e ta/en- The or&er of appoint#ent shall &esi'nate the ti#e an& place of the first session of
the hearin' to $e hel& $% the co##issioners an& specif% the ti#e (ithin (hich their report shall
$e su$#itte& to the court-
Copies of the or&er shall $e serve& on the parties- O$3ections to the appoint#ent of an% of the
co##issioners shall $e file& (ith the court (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# service" an& shall $e
resolve& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after all the co##issioners shall have receive& copies of the
o$3ections- (5a)
SEC- 6- $roceedings by commissioners-.)efore enterin' upon the perfor#ance of their &uties"
the co##issioners shall ta/e an& su$scri$e an oath that the% (ill faithfull% perfor# their &uties
as co##issioners" (hich oath shall $e file& in court (ith the other procee&in's in the case-
Evi&ence #a% $e intro&uce& $% either part% $efore the co##issioners (ho are authori5e& to
a&#inister oaths on hearin's $efore the#" an& the co##issioners shall" unless the parties
consent to the contrar%" after &ue notice to the parties to atten&" vie( an& e1a#ine the propert%
sou'ht to $e e1propriate& an& its surroun&in's" an& #a% #easure the sa#e" after (hich either
part% #a%" $% hi#self or counsel" ar'ue the case- The co##issioners shall assess the
conse>uential &a#a'es to the propert% not ta/en an& &e&uct fro# such conse>uential &a#a'es
the conse>uential $enefits to $e &erive& $% the o(ner fro# the pu$lic use or purpose of the
propert% ta/en" the operation of its franchise $% the corporation or the carr%in' on of the
$usiness of the corporation or person ta/in' the propert%- )ut in no case shall the conse>uential
$enefits assesse& e1cee& the conse>uential &a#a'es assesse&" or the o(ner $e &eprive& of the
actual value of his propert% so ta/en-(6a)
SEC- ?- Report by commissioners and "udgment thereupon.2 The court #a% or&er the
co##issioners to report (hen an% particular portion of the real estate shall have $een passe&
upon $% the#" an& #a% ren&er 3u&'#ent upon such partial report" an& &irect the co##issioners
to procee& (ith their (or/ as to su$se>uent portions of the propert% sou'ht to $e e1propriate&"
an& #a% fro# ti#e to ti#e so &eal (ith such propert%- The co##issioners shall #a/e a full an&
accurate report to the court of all their procee&in's" an& such procee&in's shall not $e effectual
until the court shall have accepte& their report an& ren&ere& 3u&'#ent in accor&ance (ith their
reco##en&ations- E1cept as other(ise e1pressl% or&ere& $% the court" such report shall $e file&
(ithin si1t% (6B) &a%s fro# the &ate the co##issioners (ere notifie& of their appoint#ent"
(hich ti#e #a% $e e1ten&e& in the &iscretion of the court- Upon the filin' of such report" the
cler/ of the court shall serve copies thereof on all intereste& parties" (ith notice that the% are
allo(e& ten (,B) &a%s (ithin (hich to file o$3ections to the fin&in's of the report" if the% so
&esire- (?a)
SEC- @- (ction upon commissioners? report.2Upon the e1piration of the perio& of ten (,B) &a%s
referre& to in the prece&in' section" or even $efore the e1piration of such perio& $ut after all the
intereste& parties have file& their o$3ections to the report or their state#ent of a'ree#ent
there(ith" the court #a%" after hearin'" accept the report an& ren&er 3u&'#ent in accor&ance
there(ith7 or" for cause sho(n" it #a% reco##it the sa#e to the co##issioners for further report
of facts7 or it #a% set asi&e the report an& appoint ne( co##issioners7 or it #a% accept the
report in part an& re3ect it in part7 an& it #a% #a/e such or&er or ren&er such 3u&'#ent as shall
secure to the plaintiff the propert% essential to the e1ercise of his ri'ht of e1propriation" an& to
the &efen&ant 3ust co#pensation for the propert% so ta/en- (@a)
SEC- 9. 'ncertain ownership; conflicting claims.2!f the o(nership of the propert% ta/en is
uncertain" or there are conflictin' clai#s to an% part thereof" the court #a% or&er an% su# or
su#s a(ar&e& as co#pensation for the propert% to $e pai& to the court for the $enefit of the
person a&3u&'e& in the sa#e procee&in' to $e entitle& thereto- )ut the 3u&'#ent shall re>uire
the pa%#ent of the su# or su#s a(ar&e& to either the &efen&ant or the court $efore the plaintiff
can enter upon the propert%" or retain it for the pu$lic use or purpose if entr% has alrea&% $een
#a&e- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- Rights of plaintiff after "udgment and payment.2 Upon pa%#ent $% the plaintiff to the
&efen&ant of the co#pensation fi1e& $% the 3u&'#ent" (ith le'al interest thereon fro# the ta/in'
of the possession of the propert%" or after ten&er to hi# of the a#ount so fi1e& an& pa%#ent of
the costs" the plaintiff shall have the ri'ht to enter upon the propert% e1propriate& an& to
appropriate it for the pu$lic use or purpose &efine& in the 3u&'#ent" or to retain it shoul& he
have ta/en i##e&iate possession thereof un&er the provisions of section 0 hereof- !f the
&efen&ant an& his counsel a$sent the#selves fro# the court" or &ecline to receive the a#ount
ten&ere&" the sa#e shall $e or&ere& to $e &eposite& in court an& such &eposit shall have the sa#e
effect as actual pa%#ent thereof to the &efen&ant or the person ulti#atel% a&3u&'e& entitle&
thereto- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- *ntry not delayed by appeal; effect of reversal.2 The ri'ht of the plaintiff to enter
upon the propert% of the &efen&ant an& appropriate the sa#e for pu$lic use or purpose shall not
$e &ela%e& $% an appeal fro# the 3u&'#ent- )ut if the appellate court &eter#ines that plaintiff
has no ri'ht of e1propriation" 3u&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& or&erin' the Re'ional Trial Court to
forth(ith enforce the restoration to the &efen&ant of the possession of the propert%" an& to
&eter#ine the &a#a'es (hich the &efen&ant sustaine& an& #a% recover $% reason of the
possession ta/en $% the plaintiff- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- Costs, by whom paid.2The fees of the co##issioners shall $e ta1e& as a part of the
costs of the procee&in's- All costs" e1cept those of rival clai#ants liti'atin' their clai#s" shall $e
pai& $% the plaintiff" unless an appeal is ta/en $% the o(ner of the propert% an& the 3u&'#ent is
affir#e&" in (hich event the costs of the appeal shall $e pai& $% the o(ner- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- Recording "udgment, and its effect-.The 3u&'#ent entere& in e1propriation
procee&in's shall state &efinitel%" $% an a&e>uate &escription" the particular propert% or interest
therein e1propriate&" an& the nature of the pu$lic use or purpose for (hich it is e1propriate&-
8hen real estate is e1propriate&" a certifie& cop% of such 3u&'#ent shall $e recor&e& in the
re'istr% of &ee&s of the place in (hich the propert% is situate&" an& its effect shall $e to vest in
the plaintiff the title to the real estate so &escri$e& for such pu$lic use or purpose- (,2a)
SEC- ,4- $ower of guardian in such proceedings-.The 'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem of a
#inor or of a person 3u&iciall% &eclare& to $e inco#petent #a%" (ith the approval of the court
first ha&" &o an& perfor# on $ehalf of his (ar& an% act" #atter" or thin' respectin' the
e1propriation for pu$lic use or purpose of propert% $elon'in' to such #inor or person 3u&iciall%
&eclare& to $e inco#petent" (hich such #inor or person 3u&iciall% &eclare& to $e inco#petent
coul& &o in such procee&in's if he (ere of a'e or co#petent- (,4a)
RULE 6@
FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE 9ORTCACE
SECT!O+ ,- Complaint in action for foreclosure.2!n an action for the foreclosure of a
#ort'a'e or other encu#$rance upon real estate" the co#plaint shall set forth the &ate an& &ue
e1ecution of the #ort'a'e7 its assi'n#ents" if an%7 the na#es an& resi&ences of the #ort'a'or
an& the #ort'a'ee7 a &escription of the #ort'a'e& propert%7 a state#ent of the &ate of the note
or other &ocu#entar% evi&ence of the o$li'ation secure& $% the #ort'a'e" the a#ount clai#e& to
$e unpai& thereon7 an& the na#es an& resi&ences of all persons havin' or clai#in' an interest in
the propert% su$or&inate in ri'ht to that of the hol&er of the #ort'a'e" all of (ho# shall $e #a&e
&efen&ants in the action- (,a)
SEC- 0- udgment on foreclosure for payment or sale.2!f upon the trial in such action the court
shall fin& the facts set forth in the co#plaint to $e true" it shall ascertain the a#ount &ue to the
plaintiff upon the #ort'a'e &e$t or o$li'ation" inclu&in' interest an& other char'es as approve&
$% the court" an& costs" an& shall ren&er 3u&'#ent for the su# so foun& &ue an& or&er that the
sa#e $e pai& to the court or to the 3u&'#ent o$li'ee (ithin a perio& of not less than ninet% (AB)
&a%s nor #ore than one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s fro# the entr% of 3u&'#ent" an& that in
&efault of such pa%#ent the propert% shall $e sol& at pu$lic auction to satisf% the 3u&'#ent- (0a)
SEC- 2- Sale of mortgaged property; effect.28hen the &efen&ant" after $ein' &irecte& to &o so
as provi&e& in the ne1t prece&in' section" fails to pa% the a#ount of the 3u&'#ent (ithin the
perio& specifie& therein" the court" upon #otion" shall or&er the propert% to $e sol& in the
#anner an& un&er the provisions of Rule 2A an& other re'ulations 'overnin' sales of real estate
un&er e1ecution- Such sale shall not affect the ri'hts of persons hol&in' prior encu#$rances
upon the propert% or a part thereof" an& (hen confir#e& $% an or&er of the court" also upon
#otion" it shall operate to &ivest the ri'hts in the propert% of all the parties to the action an& to
vest their ri'hts in the purchaser" su$3ect to such ri'hts of re&e#ption as #a% $e allo(e& $% la(-
Upon the finalit% of the or&er of confir#ation or upon the e1piration of the perio& of re&e#ption
(hen allo(e& $% la(" the purchaser at the auction sale or last re&e#ptioner" if an%" shall $e
entitle& to the possession of the propert% unless a thir& part% is actuall% hol&in' the sa#e
a&versel% to the 3u&'#ent o$li'or- The sai& purchaser or last re&e#ptioner #a% secure a (rit of
possession" upon #otion" fro# the court (hich or&ere& the foreclosure- (2a)
SEC- 4- +isposition of proceeds of sale.2The a#ount reali5e& fro# the foreclosure sale of the
#ort'a'e& propert% shall" after &e&uctin' the costs of the sale" $e pai& to the person foreclosin'
the #ort'a'e" an& (hen there shall $e an% $alance or resi&ue" after pa%in' off the #ort'a'e &e$t
&ue" the sa#e shall $e pai& to 3unior encu#$rancers in the or&er of their priorit%" to $e
ascertaine& $% the court" or if there $e no such encu#$rancers or there $e a $alance or resi&ue
after pa%#ent to the#" then to the #ort'a'or or his &ul% authori5e& a'ent" or to the person
entitle& to it- (4a)
SEC- 5- 3ow sale to proceed in case the debt is not all due.2 !f the &e$t for (hich the #ort'a'e
or encu#$rance (as hel& is not all &ue as provi&e& in the 3u&'#ent" as soon as a sufficient
portion of the propert% has $een sol& to pa% the total a#ount an& the costs &ue" the sale shall
ter#inate7 an& after(ar&s" as often as #ore $eco#es &ue for principal or interest an& other vali&
char'es" the court #a%" on #otion" or&er #ore to $e sol&- )ut if the propert% cannot $e sol& in
portions (ithout pre3u&ice to the parties" the (hole shall $e or&ere& to $e sol& in the first
instance" an& the entire &e$t an& costs shall $e pai&" if the procee&s of the sale $e sufficient
therefor" there $ein' a re$ate of interest (here such re$ate is proper- (5a)
SEC- 6- +eficiency "udgment.2!f upon the sale of an% real propert% as provi&e& in the ne1t
prece&in' section there $e a $alance &ue to the plaintiff after appl%in' the procee&s of the sale"
the court" upon #otion" shall ren&er 3u&'#ent a'ainst the &efen&ant for an% such $alance for
(hich" $% the recor& of the case" he #a% $e personall% lia$le to the plaintiff" upon (hich
e1ecution #a% issue i##e&iatel% if the $alance is all &ue at the ti#e of the ren&ition of the
3u&'#ent7 other(ise" the plaintiff shall $e entitle& to e1ecution at such ti#e as the $alance
re#ainin' $eco#es &ue un&er the ter#s of the ori'inal contract" (hich ti#e shall $e state& in the
3u&'#ent- (6a)
SEC- ?- Registration.2A certifie& cop% of the final or&er of the court confir#in' the sale shall
$e re'istere& in the re'istr% of &ee&s- !f no ri'ht of re&e#ption e1ists" the certificate of title in
the na#e of the #ort'a'or shall $e cancelle&" an& a ne( one issue& in the na#e of the purchaser-
8here a ri'ht of re&e#ption e1ists" the certificate of title in the na#e of the #ort'a'or shall not
$e cancelle&" $ut the certificate of sale an& the or&er confir#in' the sale shall $e re'istere& an& a
$rief #e#oran&u# thereof #a&e $% the re'istrar of &ee&s upon the certificate of title- !n the
event the propert% is re&ee#e&" the &ee& of re&e#ption shall $e re'istere& (ith the re'istr% of
&ee&s" an& a $rief #e#oran&u# thereof shall $e #a&e $% the re'istrar of &ee&s on sai&
certificate of title-
!f the propert% is not re&ee#e&" the final &ee& of sale e1ecute& $% the sheriff in favor of the
purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall $e re'istere& (ith the re'istr% of &ee&s7 (hereupon the
certificate of title in the na#e of the #ort'a'or shall $e cancelle& an& a ne( one issue& in the
na#e of the purchaser- (n)
SEC- @- (pplicability of other provisions.2The provisions of sections 2," 20 an& 24 of Rule 2A
shall $e applica$le to the 3u&icial foreclosure of real estate #ort'a'es un&er this Rule insofar as
the for#er are not inconsistent (ith or #a% serve to supple#ent the provisions of the latter- (@a)
RULE 6A
PART!T!O+
SECT!O+ ,- Complaint in action for partition of real estate.2A person havin' the ri'ht to
co#pel the partition of real estate #a% &o so as provi&e& in this Rule" settin' forth in his
co#plaint the nature an& e1tent of his title an& an ade6uate &escription of the real estate of
(hich partition is &e#an&e& an& 3oinin' as &efen&ants all other persons intereste& in the
propert%- (,a)
SEC- 0- Order for partition, and partition, by agreement thereunder.2!f after the trial the court
fin&s that the plaintiff has the ri'ht thereto" it shall or&er the partition of the real estate a#on' all
the parties in interest- Thereupon the parties #a%" if the% are a$le to a'ree" #a/e the partition
a#on' the#selves $% proper instru#ents of conve%ance" an& the court shall confir# the
partition so a'ree& upon $% all the parties" an& such partition" to'ether (ith the or&er of the court
confir#in' the sa#e" shall $e recor&e& in the re'istr% of &ee&s of the place in (hich the propert%
is situate&- (0a)
A final or&er &ecreein' partition an& accountin' #a% $e appeale& $% an% part% a''rieve&
there$%- (n)
SEC- 2- Commissioners to ma)e partition when parties fail to agree.2!f the parties are una$le to
a'ree upon the partition" the court shall appoint not #ore than three (2) co#petent an&
&isintereste& persons as co##issioners to #a/e the partition" co##an&in' the# to set off to the
plaintiff an& to each part% in interest such part an& proportion of the propert% as the court shall
&irect- (2a)
SEC- 4- Oath and duties of commissioners.2)efore #a/in' such partition" the co##issioners
shall ta/e an& su$scri$e an oath that the% (ill faithfull% perfor# their &uties as co##issioners"
(hich oath shall $e file& in court (ith the other procee&in's in the case- !n #a/in' the partition"
the co##issioners shall vie( an& e1a#ine the real estate" after &ue notice to the parties to atten&
at such vie( an& e1a#ination" an& shall hear the parties as to their preference in the portion of
the propert% to $e set apart to the# an& the co#parative value thereof" an& shall set apart the
sa#e to the parties in lots or parcels as (ill $e #ost a&vanta'eous an& e>uita$le" havin' &ue
re'ar& to the i#prove#ents" situation an& >ualit% of the &ifferent parts thereof- (4a)
SEC- 5- (ssignment or sale of real estate by commissioners.28hen it is #a&e to appear to the
co##issioners that the real estate" or a portion thereof" cannot $e &ivi&e& (ithout pre3u&ice to
the interests of the parties" the court #a% or&er it assi'ne& to one of the parties (illin' to ta/e
the sa#e" provi&e& he pa%s to the other parties such a#ounts as the co##issioners &ee#
e>uita$le" unless one of the intereste& parties as/s that the propert% $e sol& instea& of $ein' so
assi'ne&" in (hich case the court shall or&er the co##issioners to sell the real estate at pu$lic
sale un&er such con&itions an& (ithin such ti#e as the court #a% &eter#ine- (5a)
SEC- 6- Report of commissioners; proceedings not binding until confirmed.2The
co##issioners shall #a/e a full an& accurate report to the court of all their procee&in's as to the
partition" or the assi'n#ent of real estate to one of the parties" or the sale of the sa#e- Upon the
filin' of such report" the cler/ of court shall serve copies thereof on all the intereste& parties (ith
notice that the% are allo(e& ten (,B) &a%s (ithin (hich to file o$3ections to the fin&in's of the
report" if the% so &esire- +o procee&in' ha& $efore or con&ucte& $% the co##issioners shall
pass the title to the propert% or $in& the parties until the court shall have accepte& the report of
the co##issioners an& ren&ere& 3u&'#ent thereon- (6a)
SEC- ?- (ction of the court upon commissioners? report.2 Upon the e1piration of the perio& of
ten (,B) &a%s referre& to in the prece&in' section" or even $efore the e1piration of such perio&
$ut after the intereste& parties have file& their o$3ections to the report or their state#ent of
a'ree#ent there(ith" the court #a%" upon hearin'" accept the report an& ren&er 3u&'#ent in
accor&ance there(ith7 or" for cause sho(n" reco##it the sa#e to the co##issioners for further
report of facts7 or set asi&e the report an& appoint ne( co##issioners7 or accept the report in
part an& re3ect it in part7 an& #a% #a/e such or&er an& ren&er such 3u&'#ent as shall effectuate
a fair an& 3ust partition of the real estate" or of its value" if assi'ne& or sol& as a$ove provi&e&"
$et(een the several o(ners thereof- (?)
SEC- @- (ccounting for rent and profits in action for partition.2!n an action for partition in
accor&ance (ith this Rule" a part% shall recover fro# another his 3ust share of rents an& profits
receive& $% such other part% fro# the real estate in >uestion" an& the 3u&'#ent shall inclu&e an
allo(ance for such rents an& profits- (@a)
SEC- A- $ower of guardian in such proceedings-.The 'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem of a #inor
or person 3u&iciall% &eclare& to $e inco#petent #a%" (ith the approval of the court first ha&" &o
an& perfor# on $ehalf of his (ar& an% act" #atter" or thin' respectin' the partition of real estate"
(hich the #inor or person 3u&iciall% &eclare& to $e inco#petent coul& &o in partition
procee&in's if he (ere of a'e or co#petent- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- Costs and e,penses to be ta,ed and collected-.The court shall e>uita$l% ta1 an&
apportion $et(een or a#on' the parties the costs an& e1penses (hich accrue in the action"
inclu&in' the co#pensation of the co##issioners" havin' re'ar& to the interests of the parties"
an& e1ecution #a% issue therefor as in other cases- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- The "udgment and its effect; copy to be recorded in registry of deeds.2!f actual
partition of propert% is #a&e" the 3u&'#ent shall state &efinitel%" $% #etes an& $oun&s an&
a&e>uate &escription" the particular portion of the real estate assi'ne& to each part%" an& the
effect of the 3u&'#ent shall $e to vest in each part% to the action in severalt% the portion of the
real estate assi'ne& to hi#- !f the (hole propert% is assi'ne& to one of the parties upon his
pa%in' to the others the su# or su#s or&ere& $% the court" the 3u&'#ent shall state the fact of
such pa%#ent an& of the assi'n#ent of the real estate to the part% #a/in' the pa%#ent" an& the
effect of the 3u&'#ent shall $e to vest in the part% #a/in' the pa%#ent the (hole of the real
estate free fro# an% interest on the part of the other parties to the action- !f the propert% is sol&
an& the sale confir#e& $% the court" the 3u&'#ent shall state the na#e of the purchaser or
purchasers an& a &efinite &escription of the parcels of real estate sol& to each purchaser" an& the
effect of the 3u&'#ent shall $e to vest the real estate in the purchaser or purchasers #a/in' the
pa%#ent or pa%#ents" free fro# the clai#s of an% of the parties to the action- A certifie& cop%
of the 3u&'#ent shall in either case $e recor&e& in the re'istr% of &ee&s of the place in (hich the
real estate is situate&" an& the e1penses of such recor&in' shall $e ta1e& as part of the costs of
the action- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- %either paramount rights nor amicable partition affected by this Rule-.+othin' in
this Rule containe& shall $e construe& so as to pre3u&ice" &efeat" or &estro% the ri'ht or title of
an% person clai#in' the real estate involve& $% title un&er an% other person" or $% title
para#ount to the title of the parties a#on' (ho# the partition #a% have $een #a&e7 nor so as to
restrict or prevent persons hol&in' real estate 3ointl% or in co##on fro# #a/in' an a#ica$le
partition thereof $% a'ree#ent an& suita$le instru#ents of conve%ance (ithout recourse to an
action- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- $artition of personal property.2The provisions of this Rule shall appl% to partitions of
estates co#pose& of personal propert%" or of $oth real an& personal propert%" in so far as the
sa#e #a% $e applica$le- (,2)
RULE ?B
FORC!)LE E+TRJ A+F U+LA8FUL FETA!+ER
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may institute proceedings, and when.2Su$3ect to the provisions of the ne1t
succee&in' section" a person &eprive& of the possession of an% lan& or $uil&in' $% force"
inti#i&ation" threat" strate'%" or stealth" or a lessor" ven&or" ven&ee" or other person a'ainst
(ho# the possession of an% lan& or $uil&in' is unla(full% (ithhel& after the e1piration or
ter#ination of the ri'ht to hol& possession" $% virtue of an% contract" e1press or i#plie&" or the
le'al representatives or assi'ns of an% such lessor" ven&or" ven&ee" or other person #a% at an%
ti#e (ithin one (,) %ear after such unla(ful &eprivation or (ithhol&in' of possession" $rin' an
action in the proper 9unicipal Trial Court a'ainst the person or persons unla(full% (ithhol&in'
or &eprivin' of possession" or an% person or persons clai#in' un&er the#" for the restitution of
such possession" to'ether (ith &a#a'es an& costs- (,a)
SEC- 0- 7essor to proceed against lessee only after demand.2Unless other(ise stipulate&" such
action $% the lessor shall $e co##ence& onl% after &e#an& to pa% or co#pl% (ith the con&itions
of the lease an& to vacate is #a&e upon the lessee" or $% servin' (ritten notice of such &e#an&
upon the person foun& on the pre#ises" or $% postin' such notice on the pre#ises if no person
$e foun& thereon" an& the lessee fails to co#pl% there(ith after fifteen (,5) &a%s in the case of
lan& or five (5) &a%s in the case of $uil&in's- (0a)
SEC- 2- Summary procedure..E1cept in cases covere& $% the a'ricultural tenanc% la(s or (hen
the la( other(ise e1pressl% provi&es" all actions for forci$le entr% an& unla(ful &etainer"
irrespective of the a#ount of &a#a'es or unpai& rentals sou'ht to $e recovere&" shall $e
'overne& $% the su##ar% proce&ure hereun&er provi&e&- (n)
SEC- 4- $leadings allowed.2The onl% plea&in's allo(e& to $e file& are the co#plaint"
co#pulsor% counterclai# an& cross<clai# plea&e& in the ans(er" an& the ans(ers thereto- All
plea&in's shall $e verifie&- (2a" RSP)
SEC- 5- (ction on complaint.2The court #a%" fro# an e1a#ination of the alle'ations in the
co#plaint an& such evi&ence as #a% $e attache& thereto" &is#iss the case outri'ht on an% of the
'roun&s for the &is#issal of a civil action (hich are apparent therein- !f no 'roun& for &is#issal
is foun&" it shall forth(ith issue su##ons- (n)
SEC- 6- Ans(er-.8ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# service of su##ons" the &efen&ant shall file his
ans(er to the co#plaint an& serve a cop% thereof on the plaintiff- Affir#ative an& ne'ative
&efenses not plea&e& therein shall $e &ee#e& (aive&" e1cept lac/ of 3uris&iction over the su$3ect
#atter- Cross<clai#s an& co#pulsor% counterclai#s not asserte& in the ans(er shall $e
consi&ere& $arre&- The ans(er to counterclai#s or cross<clai#s shall $e serve& an& file& (ithin
ten (,B) &a%s fro# service of the ans(er in (hich the% are plea&e&- (5" RSP)
SEC- ?- *ffect of failure to answer.2Shoul& the &efen&ant fail to ans(er the co#plaint (ithin
the perio& a$ove provi&e&" the court" motu proprio or on #otion of the plaintiff" shall ren&er
3u&'#ent as #a% $e (arrante& $% the facts alle'e& in the co#plaint an& li#ite& to (hat is
pra%e& for therein- The court #a% in its &iscretion re&uce the a#ount of &a#a'es an& attorne%Gs
fees clai#e& for $ein' e1cessive or other(ise unconsciona$le" (ithout pre3u&ice to the
applica$ilit% of section 2(c)" Rule A if there are t(o or #ore &efen&ants- (6" RSP)
SEC- @- $reliminary conference; appearance of parties-.+ot later than thirt% (2B) &a%s after the
last ans(er is file&" a preli#inar% conference shall $e hel&- The provisions of Rule ,@ on pre<
trial shall $e applica$le to the preli#inar% conference unless inconsistent (ith the provisions of
this Rule-
The failure of the plaintiff to appear in the preli#inar% conference shall $e cause for the
&is#issal of his co#plaint- The &efen&ant (ho appears in the a$sence of the plaintiff shall $e
entitle& to 3u&'#ent on his counterclai# in accor&ance (ith the ne1t prece&in' section- All
cross<clai#s shall $e &is#isse&- (?" RSP)
!f a sole &efen&ant shall fail to appear" the plaintiff shall li/e(ise $e entitle& to 3u&'#ent in
accor&ance (ith the ne1t prece&in' section- This proce&ure shall not appl% (here one Of t(o or
#ore &efen&ants sue& un&er a co##on cause of action (ho ha& plea&e& a co##on &efense
shall appear at the preli#inar% conference-
+o postpone#ent of the preli#inar% conference shall $e 'rante& e1cept for hi'hl% #eritorious
'roun&s an& (ithout pre3u&ice to such sanctions as the court in the e1ercise of soun& &iscretion
#a% i#pose on the #ovant- (n)
SEC- A- Record of preliminary conference-.8ithin five (5) &a%s after the ter#ination of the
preli#inar% conference" the court shall issue an or&er statin' the #atters ta/en up therein"
inclu&in' $ut not li#ite& to*
,- 8hether the parties have arrive& at an a#ica$le settle#ent" an& if so" the ter#s thereof7
0- The stipulations or a&#issions entere& into $% the parties7
2- 8hether" on the $asis of the plea&in's an& the stipulations an& a&#issions #a&e $% the
parties" 3u&'#ent #a% $e ren&ere& (ithout the nee& of further procee&in's" in (hich event the
3u&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# issuance of the or&er7
4- A clear specification of #aterial facts (hich re#ain controverte&7 an&
5- Such other #atters inten&e& to e1pe&ite the &isposition of the case- (@" RSP)
SEC- ,B- Submission of affidavits and position papers.2 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of
the or&er #entione& in the ne1t prece&in' section" the parties shall su$#it the affi&avits of their
(itnesses an& other evi&ence on the factual issues &efine& in the or&er" to'ether (ith their
position papers settin' forth the la( an& the facts relie& upon $% the#- (A" RSP)
SEC- ,,- $eriod for rendition of "udgment.28ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s after receipt of the affi&avits
an& position papers" or the e1piration of the perio& for filin' the sa#e" the court shall ren&er
3u&'#ent-
=o(ever" shoul& the court fin& it necessar% to clarif% certain #aterial facts" it #a%" &urin' the
sai& perio&" issue an or&er specif%in' the #atters to $e clarifie&" an& re>uire the parties to su$#it
affi&avits or other evi&ence on the sai& #atters (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of sai& or&er-
Hu&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after the receipt of the last affi&avit or the
e1piration of the perio& for filin' the sa#e-
The court shall not resort to the fore'oin' proce&ure 3ust to 'ain ti#e for the ren&ition of the
3u&'#ent- (n)
SEC- ,0- Referral for conciliation.2Cases re>uirin' referral for conciliation" (here there is no
sho(in' of co#pliance (ith such re>uire#ent" shall $e &is#isse& (ithout pre3u&ice" an& #a% $e
revive& onl% after that re>uire#ent shall have $een co#plie& (ith- (,@a" RSP)
SEC- ,2- $rohibited pleadings and motions.2The follo(in' petitions" #otions" or plea&in's
shall not $e allo(e&*
,- 9otion to &is#iss the co#plaint e1cept on the 'roun& of lac/ of 3uris&iction over the
su$3ect #atter" or failure to co#pl% (ith section ,07
0- 9otion for a $ill of particulars7
2- 9otion for ne( trial" or for reconsi&eration of a 3u&'#ent" or for reopenin' of trial7
4- Petition for relief fro# 3u&'#ent7
5- 9otion for e1tension of ti#e to file plea&in's" affi&avits or an% other paper7
6- 9e#oran&a7
?- Petition for certiorari" #an&a#us" or prohi$ition a'ainst an% interlocutor% or&er issue& $%
the court7
@- 9otion to &eclare the &efen&ant in &efault7
A- Filator% #otions for postpone#ent7
,B- Repl%7
,,- Thir&<part% co#plaints7
,0- !nterventions- (,Aa" RSP)
SEC- ,4- (ffidavits.2The affi&avits re>uire& to $e su$#itte& un&er this Rule shall state onl%
facts of &irect personal /no(le&'e of the affiants (hich are a&#issi$le in evi&ence" an& shall
sho( their co#petence to testif% to the #atters state& therein-
A violation of this re>uire#ent #a% su$3ect the part% or the counsel (ho su$#its the sa#e to
&isciplinar% action" an& shall $e cause to e1pun'e the ina&#issi$le affi&avit or portion thereof
fro# the recor&- (0B" RS$0
SEC- ,5- $reliminary in"unction.2The court #a% 'rant preli#inar% in3unction" in accor&ance
(ith the provisions of Rule 5@ hereof" to prevent the &efen&ant fro# co##ittin' further acts of
&ispossession a'ainst the plaintiff-
A possessor &eprive& of his possession throu'h forci$le entr% or unla(ful &etainer #a%" (ithin
five (5) &a%s fro# the filin' of the co#plaint" present a #otion in the action for forci$le entr% or
unla(ful &etainer for the issuance of a (rit of preli#inar% #an&ator% in3unction to restore hi#
in his possession- The court shall &eci&e the #otion (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the filin'
thereof- (2a)
SEC- ,6- Resolving defense of ownership-.8hen the &efen&ant raises the &efense of o(nership
in his plea&in's an& the >uestion of possession cannot $e resolve& (ithout &eci&in' the issue of
o(nership" the issue of o(nership shall $e resolve& onl% to &eter#ine the issue of possession-
(4a)
SEC- ,?- udgment.2!f after trial the court fin&s that the alle'ations of the co#plaint are true" it
shall ren&er 3u&'#ent in favor of the plaintiff for the restitution of the pre#ises" the su# 3ustl%
&ue as arrears of rent or as reasona$le co#pensation for the use an& occupation of the pre#ises"
attorne%Gs fees an& costs- !f it fin&s that sai& alle'ations are not true" it shall ren&er 3u&'#ent for
the &efen&ant to recover his costs- !f a counterclai# is esta$lishe&" the court shall ren&er
3u&'#ent for the su# foun& in arrears fro# either part% an& a(ar& costs as 3ustice re>uires- (6a)
SEC- ,@- udgment conclusive only on possession; not conclusive in actions involving title or
ownership.2The 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in an action for forci$le entr% or &etainer shall $e
conclusive (ith respect to the possession onl% an& shall in no (ise $in& the title or affect the
o(nership of the lan& or $uil&in'- Such 3u&'#ent shall not $ar an action $et(een the sa#e
parties respectin' title to the lan& or $uil&in'-
The 3u&'#ent or final or&er shall $e appeala$le to the appropriate Re'ional Trial Court (hich
shall &eci&e the sa#e on the $asis of the entire recor& of the procee&in's ha& in the court of
ori'in an& such #e#oran&a an&Mor $riefs as #a% $e su$#itte& $% the parties or re>uire& $% the
Re'ional Trial Court- (?a)
SEC- ,A- Immediate e,ecution of "udgment; how to stay same.2!f 3u&'#ent is ren&ere& a'ainst
the &efen&ant" e1ecution shall issue i##e&iatel% upon #otion" unless an appeal has $een
perfecte& an& the &efen&ant to sta% e1ecution files a sufficient superse&eas $on&" approve& $%
the 9unicipal Trial Court an& e1ecute& in favor of the plaintiff to pa% the rents" &a#a'es" an&
costs accruin' &o(n to the ti#e of the 3u&'#ent appeale& fro#" an& unless" &urin' the pen&enc%
of the appeal" he &eposits (ith the appellate court the a#ount of rent &ue fro# ti#e to ti#e
un&er the contract" if an%" as &eter#ine& $% the 3u&'#ent of the 9unicipal Trial Court- !n the
a$sence of a contract" he shall &eposit (ith the Re'ional Trial Court the reasona$le value of the
use an& occupation of the pre#ises for the prece&in' #onth or perio& at the rate &eter#ine& $%
the 3u&'#ent of the lo(er court on or $efore the tenth &a% of each succee&in' #onth or perio&-
The superse&eas $on& shall $e trans#itte& $% the 9unicipal Trial Court" (ith the other papers"
to the cler/ of the Re'ional Trial Court to (hich the action is appeale&-
All a#ounts so pai& to the appellate court shall $e &eposite& (ith sai& court or authori5e&
'overn#ent &epositar% $an/" an& shall $e hel& there until the final &isposition of the appeal"
unless the court" $% a'ree#ent of the intereste& parties" or in the a$sence of reasona$le 'roun&s
of opposition to a #otion to (ith&ra(" or for 3ustifia$le reasons" shall &ecree other(ise- Shoul&
the &efen&ant fail to #a/e the pa%#ents a$ove prescri$e& fro# ti#e to ti#e &urin' the pen&enc%
of the appeal" the appellate court" upon #otion of the plaintiff" an& upon proof of such failure"
shall or&er the e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent appeale& fro# (ith respect to the restoration of
possession" $ut such e1ecution shall not $e a $ar to the appeal ta/in' its course until the final
&isposition thereof on the #erits-
After the case is &eci&e& $% the Re'ional Trial Court" an% #one% pai& to the court $% the
&efen&ant for purposes of the sta% of e1ecution shall $e &ispose& of in accor&ance (ith the
provisions of the 3u&'#ent of the Re'ional Trial Court- !n an% case (herein it appears that the
&efen&ant has $een &eprive& of the la(ful possession of lan& or $uil&in' pen&in' the appeal by
virtue of the e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent of the 9unicipal Trial Court" &a#a'es for such
&eprivation of possession an& restoration of possession #a% $e allo(e& the &efen&ant in the
3u&'#ent of the Re'ional Trial Court &isposin' of the appeal- (@a)
SEC- 0B- $reliminary mandatory in"unction in case of appeal-.Upon #otion of the plaintiff"
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# the perfection of the appeal to the Re'ional Trial Court" the latter #a%
issue a (rit of preli#inar% #an&ator% in3unction to restore the plaintiff in possession if the court
is satisfie& that the &efen&antGs appeal is frivolous or &ilator%" or that the appeal of the plaintiff is
prima facie #eritorious- (Aa)
SEC- 0,- Immediate e,ecution on appeal to Court of (ppeals or Supreme Court .2The
3u&'#ent of the Re'ional Trial Court a'ainst the &efen&ant shall $e i##e&iatel% e1ecutor%"
(ithout pre3u&ice to a further appeal that #a% $e ta/en therefro#- (,Ba)
RULE ?,
CO+TE9PT
SECT!O+ ,- +irect contempt punished summarily-.A person 'uilt% of #is$ehavior in the
presence of or so near a court as to o$struct or interrupt the procee&in's $efore the sa#e"
inclu&in' &isrespect to(ar& the court" offensive personalities to(ar& others" or refusal to $e
s(orn or to ans(er as a (itness" or to su$scri$e an affi&avit or &eposition (hen la(full%
re>uire& to &o so" #a% $e su##aril% a&3u&'e& in conte#pt $% such court an& punishe& $% a fine
not e1cee&in' t(o thousan& pesos or i#prison#ent not e1cee&in' ten (,B) &a%s" or $oth" if it $e
a Re'ional Trial Court or a court of e>uivalent or hi'her ran/" or $% a fine not e1cee&in' t(o
hun&re& pesos or i#prison#ent net e1cee&in' (,) &a%" or $oth" if it $e a lo(er court- (,a)
SEC- 0- Remedy therefrom.2The person a&3u&'e& in &irect conte#pt $% an% court #a% not
appeal therefro#" $ut #a% avail hi#self of the re#e&ies of certiorari or prohi$ition- The
e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent shall $e suspen&e& pen&in' resolution of such petition" provi&e& such
person flea a $on& fi1e& $% the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent an& con&itione& that he (ill
a$i&e $% an& perfor# the 3u&'#ent shoul& the petition $e &eci&e& a'ainst hi#- (0a)
SEC- 2- Indirect contempt to be punished after charge and hearing.2After a char'e in (ritin'
has $een file&" an& an opportunit% 'iven to the respon&ent to comment thereon (ithin such
perio& as #a% $e fi1e& $% the court an& to $e hear& $% hi#self or counsel" a person 'uilt% of an%
of the follo(in' acts #a% $e punishe& for in&irect conte#pt*
(a) 9is$ehavior of an officer of a court in the perfor#ance of his official &uties or in his official
transactions7
($) Fiso$e&ience of or resistance to a la(ful (rit" process" or&er" or 3u&'#ent of a court"
inclu&in' the act of a person (ho" after $ein' &ispossesse& or e3ecte& fro# an% real propert% $%
the 3u&'#ent or process of an% court of co#petent 3uris&iction" enters or atte#pts or in&uces
another to enter into or upon such real propert%" for the purpose of e1ecutin' acts of o(nership
or possession" or in an% #anner &istur$s the possession 'iven to the person a&3u&'e& to $e
entitle& thereto7
(c) An% a$use of or an% unla(ful interference (ith the processes or procee&in's of a court not
constitutin' &irect conte#pt un&er section , of this Rule7
(&) An% i#proper con&uct ten&in'" &irectl% or in&irectl%" to i#pe&e" o$struct" or &e'ra&e the
a&#inistration of 3ustice7
(e) Assu#in' to $e an attorne% or an officer of a court" an& actin' as such (ithout authorit%7
(f) Failure to o$e% a su$poena &ul% serve&7
(') The rescue" or atte#pte& rescue" of a person or propert% in the custo&% of an officer $% virtue
of an or&er or process of a court hel& $% hi#-
)ut nothin' in this section shall $e so construe& as to prevent the court fro# issuin' process to
$rin' the respon&ent into court" or fro# hol&in' hi# in custo&% pen&in' such procee&in's- (2a)
SEC- 4- 3ow proceedings commenced-.Procee&in's for in&irect conte#pt #a% $e initiate&
motu proprio $% the court a'ainst (hich the conte#pt (as co##itte& $% an or&er or an% other
for#al char'e re>uirin' the respon&ent to sho( cause (h% he shoul& not $e punishe& for
conte#pt-
!n all other cases" char'es for in&irect conte#pt shall $e co##ence& $% a verifie& petition (ith
supportin' particulars an& certifie& true copies of &ocu#ents or papers involve& therein" an&
upon full co#pliance (ith the re>uire#ents for filin' initiator% plea&in's for civil actions in the
court concerne&- !f the conte#pt char'es arose out of or are relate& to a principal action pen&in'
in the court" the petition for conte#pt shall alle'e that fact $ut sai& petition shall $e &oc/ete&"
hear& an& &eci&e& separatel%" unless the court in its &iscretion or&ers the consoli&ation of the
conte#pt char'e an& the principal action for 3oint hearin' an& &ecision- (n)
SEC- 5- #here charge to be filed.28here the char'e for in&irect conte#pt has $een co##itte&
a'ainst a Re'ional Trial Court or a court of e>uivalent or hi'her ran/" or a'ainst an officer
appointe& $% it" the char'e #a% $e file& (ith such court- 8here such conte#pt has $een
co##itte& a'ainst a lo(er court" the char'e #a% $e file& (ith the Re'ional Trial Court of the
place in (hich the lo(er court is sittin'7 $ut the procee&in's #a% also $e institute& in such
lo(er court su$3ect to appeal to the Re'ional Trial Court of such place in the sa#e #anner as
provi&e& in section 0 of this Rule- (4a)
SEC- =. 3earing; release on bail.2!f the hearin' is not or&ere& to $e ha& forth(ith" the
respon&ent #a% $e release& fro# custo&% upon filin' a $on&" in an a#ount fi1e& $% the court"
for his appearance at the hearin' of the char'e- On the &a% set therefor" the court shall procee&
to investi'ate the char'e an& consi&er such co##ent" testi#on% or &efense as the respon&ent
#a% #a/e or offer- (5a)
SEC- ?- $unishment for indirect contempt.2!f the respon&ent is a&3u&'e& 'uilt% of in&irect
conte#pt co##itte& a'ainst a Re'ional Trial Court or a court of e>uivalent or hi'her ran/" he
#a% $e punishe& $% a fine not e1cee&in' thirt% thousan& pesos or i#prison#ent not e1cee&in'
si1 (6) #onths" or $oth- !f he is a&3u&'e& 'uilt% of conte#pt co##itte& a'ainst a lo(er court"
he #a% $e punishe& $% a fine not e1cee&in' five thousan& pesos or i#prison#ent not e1cee&in'
one (,) #onth" or $oth- !f the conte#pt consists in the violation of a (rit of in3unction"
te#porar% restrainin' or&er or status 6uo or&er" he #a% also $e or&ere& to #a/e co#plete
restitution to the part% in3ure& $% such violation of the propert% involve& or such a#ount as #a%
$e alle'e& an& prove&-
The (rit of e1ecution" as in or&inar% civil actions" shall issue for the enforce#ent of a 3u&'#ent
i#posin' a fine unless the court other(ise provi&es- (6a)
SEC- @- Imprisonment until order o$e%e&-.8hen the conte#pt consists in the refusal or
o#ission to &o an act (hich is %et in the po(er of the respon&ent to perfor#" he #a% $e
i#prisone& $% or&er of the court concerne& until he perfor#s it- (?a)
SEC- 9. $roceeding when party released on bail fails to answer.28hen a respon&ent release&
on $ail fails to appear on the &a% fi1e& for the hearin'" the court #a% issue another or&er of
arrest or #a% or&er the $on& for his appearance to $e forfeite& an& confiscate&" or $oth7 an&" if
the $on& $e procee&e& a'ainst" the #easure of &a#a'es shall $e the e1tent of the loss or in3ur%
sustaine& $% the a''rieve& part% $% reason of the #iscon&uct for (hich the conte#pt char'e (as
prosecute&" (ith the costs of the procee&in's" an& such recover% shall $e for the $enefit of the
part% in3ure&- !f there is no a''rieve& part%" the $on& shall $e lia$le an& &ispose& of as in
cri#inal cases- (@a)
SEC- ,B- Court may release respondent.2The court (hich issue& the or&er i#prisonin' a
person for conte#pt #a% &ischar'e hi# fro# i#prison#ent (hen it appears that pu$lic interest
(ill not $e pre3u&ice& $% his release- (Aa)
SEC- ,,- Review of "udgment or final order; bond for stay.2The 3u&'#ent or final or&er of a
court in a case of in&irect conte#pt #a% $e appeale& to the proper court as in cri#inal cases-
)ut e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er shall not $e suspen&e& until a $on& is file& $% the
person a&3u&'e& in conte#pt" in an a#ount fi1e& $% the court front (hich the appeal is ta/en"
con&itione& that if the appeal $e &eci&e& a'ainst hi# he (ill a$i&e $% an& perfor# the 3u&'#ent
or final or&er- (,Ba)
SEC- ,0- Contempt against 6uasi&"udicial entities..Unless other(ise provi&e& $% la(" this Rule
shall appl% to conte#pt co##itte& a'ainst persons" entities" $o&ies or a'encies e1ercisin' >uasi<
3u&icial functions" or shall have suppletor% effect to such rules as the% #a% have a&opte&
pursuant to authorit% 'rante& to the# $% la( to punish for conte#pt- The Re'ional Trial Court
of the place (herein the conte#pt has $een co##itte& shall have 3uris&iction over such char'es
as #a% $e file& therefor- (n)
PART !!
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS GENERAL PROVISIONS
RULE ?0
SU)HECT 9ATTER A+F APPL!CA)!L!TJ OF CE+ERAL RULES
SECT!O+ ,- Sub"ect matter of special proceedings.2Rules of special procee&in's are provi&e&
for in the follo(in' cases*
(a) Settle#ent of estate of &ecease& persons7
($) Escheat7
(c) Cuar&ianship an& custo&% of chil&ren7
(&) Trustees7
(e) A&option7
(f) Rescission an& revocation of a&option7
(') =ospitali5ation of insane persons7
(h) =a$eas corpus7
(i) Chan'e of na#e7
(3) oluntar% &issolution of corporations7
(/) Hu&icial approval of voluntar% reco'nition of #inor natural chil&ren7
(l) Constitution of fa#il% ho#e7
(#) Feclaration of a$sence an& &eath
(n) Cancellation or correction of entries in the civil re'istr%-
SEC- 0- (pplicability of rules of civil actions-.!n the a$sence of special provisions" the rules
provi&e& for in or&inar% actions shall $e" as far as practica$le" applica$le in special procee&in's-

SETTLE9E+T OF ESTATE OF FECEASEF PERSO+S
RULE ?2
E+UE A+F PROCESS
SECT!O+ ,- #here estate of deceased persons settled.2!f the &ece&ent is an inha$itant of the
Philippines at the ti#e of his &eath" (hether a citi5en or an alien" his (ill shall $e prove&" or
letters of a&#inistration 'rante&" an& his estate settle&" in the Re'ional Trial Court in the
province in (hich he resi&es at the ti#e of his &eath" an& if he is an inha$itant of a forei'n
countr%" the Re'ional Trial Court of an% province in (hich he ha& estate- The court first ta/in'
co'ni5ance of the settle#ent of the estate of a &ece&ent" shall e1ercise 3uris&iction to the
e1clusion of all other courts- The 3uris&iction assu#e& $% a court" so far as it &epen&s on the
place of resi&ence of the &ece&ent" or of the location of his estate" shall not $e conteste& in a suit
or procee&in'" e1cept in an appeal fro# that court" in the ori'inal case" or (hen the (ant of
3uris&iction appears on the recor&-
SEC- 0- #here estate settled upon dissolution of marriage.2 8hen the #arria'e is &issolve& $%
the &eath of the hus$an& or (ife" the co##unit% propert% shall $e inventorie&" a&#inistere&"
an& li>ui&ate&" an& the &e$ts thereof pai&" in the testate or intestate procee&in's of the &ecease&
spouse- !f $oth spouses have &ie&" the con3u'al partnership shall $e li>ui&ate& in the testate or
intestate procee&in's of either-
SEC- 2- $rocess.2!n the e1ercise of pro$ate 3uris&iction" Re'ional Trial Court #a% issue
(arrants an& process necessar% to co#pel the atten&ance of (itnesses or to carr% into effect their
or&ers an& 3u&'#ents" an& all other po(ers 'rante& the# $% la(- !f a person &oes not perfor# an
or&er or 3u&'#ent ren&ere& $% a court in the e1ercise of its pro$ate 3uris&iction" it #a% issue a
(arrant for the apprehension an& i#prison#ent of such person until he perfor#s such or&er or
3u&'#ent" or is release&-
SEC- 4. $resumption of &eath-.-For purposes of settle#ent of his estate" a person shall $e
presu#e& &ea& if a$sent an& unhear& fro# for the perio&s fi1e& in the Civil Co&e- )ut if such
person proves to $e alive" he shall $e entitle& to the $alance of his estate after pa%#ent of all his
&e$ts- The $alance #a% $e recovere& $% #otion in the sa#e procee&in'-
RULE ?4
SU99ARJ SETTLE9E+T OF ESTATES
SECT!O+ ,- *,tra"udicial settlement by agreement between heirs.2!f the &ece&ent left no (ill
an& no &e$ts an& the heirs are all of a'e" or the #inors are represente& $% their 3u&icial or le'al
representatives &ul% authori5e& for the purpose" the parties #a%" (ithout securin' letters of
a&#inistration" &ivi&e the estate a#on' the#selves as the% see fit $% #eans of a pu$lic
instru#ent file& in the office of the re'ister of &ee&s" an& shoul& the% &isa'ree" the% #a% &o so
in an or&inar% action of partition- !f there is onl% one heir" he #a% a&3u&icate to hi#self the
entire estate $% #eans of an affi&avit file& in the office of the re'ister of &ee&s- The parties to an
e1tra3u&icial settle#ent" (hether $% pu$lic instru#ent or $% stipulation in a pen&in' action for
partition" or the sole heir (ho a&3u&icates the entire estate to hi#self $% #eans of an affi&avit
shall file" si#ultaneousl% (ith an& as a con&ition prece&ent to the filin' of the pu$lic instru#ent"
or stipulation in the action for partition" or of the affi&avit in the office of the re'ister of &ee&s" a
$on& (ith the sai& re'ister of &ee&s" in an a#ount e>uivalent to the value of the personal
propert% involve& as certifie& to un&er oath $% the parties concerne& an& con&itione& upon the
pa%#ent of an% 3ust clai# that #a% $e file& un&er section 4 of this rule- !t shall $e presu#e& that
the &ece&ent left no &e$ts if no cre&itor files a petition for letters of a&#inistration (ithin t(o
(0) %ears after the &eath of the &ece&ent-
The fact of the e1tra3u&icial settle#ent or a&#inistration shall $e pu$lishe& in a ne(spaper of
'eneral circulation in the #anner provi&e& in the ne1t succee&in' section7 $ut no e1tra3u&icial
settle#ent shall $e $in&in' upon an% person (ho has not participate& therein or ha& no notice
thereof-
SEC- 0- Summary settlement of estates of small value.28henever the 'ross value of the estate
of a &ecease& person" (hether he &ie& testate or intestate" &oes not e1cee& ten thousan& pesos"
an& that fact if #a&e to appear to the Re'ional Trial Court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate $% the
petition of an intereste& person an& upon hearin'" (hich shall $e hel& not less than one (,)
#onth nor #ore than three (2) #onths fro# the &ate of the last pu$lication of a notice (hich
shall $e pu$lishe& once a (ee/ for three (2) consecutive (ee/s in a ne(spaper of 'eneral
circulation in the province" an& after such other notice to intereste& persons as the court #a%
&irect" the court #a% procee& su##aril%" (ithout the appoint#ent of an e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" an& (ithout &ela%" to 'rant" if proper" allo(ance of the (ill" if an% there $e" to
&eter#ine (ho are the persons le'all% entitle& to participate in the estate an& to apportion an&
&ivi&e it a#on' the# after the pa%#ent of such &e$ts of the estate as the court shall then fin& to
$e &ue7 an& such persons" in their o(n ri'ht" if the% are la(ful a'e an& le'al capacit%" or $% their
'uar&ians or trustees le'all% appointe& an& >ualifie&" if other(ise" shall thereupon $e entitle& to
receive an& enter into the possession of the portions of the estate so a(ar&e& to the#
respectivel%- The court shall #a/e such or&er as #a% $e 3ust respectin' the costs of the
procee&in's" an& all or&ers an& 3u&'#ents #a&e or ren&ere& in the course thereof shall $e
recor&e& in the office of the cler/" an& the or&er of partition or a(ar&" if it involves real estate"
shall $e recor&e& in the proper re'isterGs office-
SEC- 2- 1ond to be filed by distributees.2The court" $efore allo(in' a partition in accor&ance
(ith the provisions of the prece&in' section" #a% re>uire the &istri$utees" if propert% other than
real is to $e &istri$ute&" to file a $on& in an a#ount to $e fi1e& $% court" con&itione& for the
pa%#ent of an% 3ust clai# (hich #a% $e file& un&er the ne1t succee&in' section-
SEC- 4- 7iability of distributees and estate.2!f it shall appear at an% ti#e (ithin t(o (0) %ears
after the settle#ent an& &istri$ution of an estate in accor&ance (ith the provisions of either of
the first t(o sections of this rule" that an heir or other person has $een un&ul% &eprive& of his
la(ful participation in the estate" such heir or such other person #a% co#pel the settle#ent of
the estate in the courts in the #anner hereinafter provi&e& for the purpose of satisf%in' such
la(ful participation- An& if (ithin the sa#e ti#e of t(o (0) %ears" it shall appear that there are
&e$ts outstan&in' a'ainst the estate (hich have not $een pai&" or that an heir or other person has
$een un&ul% &eprive& of his la(ful participation pa%a$le in #one%" the court havin' 3uris&iction
of the estate #a%" $% or&er for that purpose" after hearin'" settle the a#ount of such &e$ts or
la(ful participation an& or&er ho( #uch an& in (hat #anner each &istri$utee shall contri$ute in
the pa%#ent thereof" an& #a% issue e1ecution" if circu#stances re>uire" a'ainst the $on&
provi&e& in the prece&in' section or a'ainst the real estate $elon'in' to the &ecease&" or $oth-
Such $on& an& such real estate shall re#ain char'e& (ith a lia$ilit% to cre&itors" heirs" or other
persons for the full perio& of t(o (0) %ears after such &istri$ution" not(ithstan&in' an% transfers
of real estate that #a% have $een #a&e-
SEC- 5- $eriod for claim of minor or incapacitated person.2!f on the &ate of the e1piration of
the perio& of t(o (0) %ears prescri$e& in the prece&in' section the person authori5e& to file a
clai# is a #inor or #entall% incapacitate&" or is in prison or outsi&e the Philippines" he #a%
present his clai# (ithin one (,) %ear after such &isa$ilit% is re#ove&-
RULE ?5
PROFUCT!O+ OF 8!LL- ALLO8A+CE OF 8!LL +ECESSARJ
SECT!O+ ,- (llowance necessary. Conclusive as to e,ecution.2+o (ill shall pass either real or
personal estate unless it is prove& an& allo(e& in the proper court- Su$3ect to the ri'ht of appeal"
such allo(ance of the (ill shall $e conclusive as to its &ue e1ecution-
SEC- 0- Custodian of will to deliver.2The person (ho has custo&% of a (ill shall" (ithin t(ent%
(0B) &a%s after he /no(s of the &eath of the testator" &eliver the (ill to the court havin'
3uris&iction" or to the e1ecutor na#e& !n the (ill-
SEC- 2- *,ecutor to present will and accept or refuse trust.2A person na#e& as e1ecutor in a
(ill shall" (ithin t(ent% (0B) &a%s after he /no(s of the &eath of the testator" or (ithin t(ent%
(0B) &a%s after he /no(s that $e is na#e& e1ecutor if he o$taine& such /no(le&'e after the
&eath of the testator" present such (ill to the court havin' 3uris&iction" unless the (ill has
reache& the court in an% other #anner" an& shall" (ithin such perio&" si'nif% to the court in
(ritin' his acceptance of the trust or his refusal to accept it-
SEC- 4- Custodian and e,ecutor sub"ect to fine for neglect.2A person (ho ne'lects an% of the
&uties re>uire& in the t(o last prece&in' sections (ithout e1cuse satisfactor% to the court shall
$e fine& not e1cee&in' t(o thousan& pesos-
SEC- 5- $erson retaining will may be co##itte&-.A person havin' custo&% of a (ill after the
&eath of the testator (ho ne'lects (ithout reasona$le cause to &eliver the sa#e" (hen or&ere& so
to &o" to the court havin' 3uris&iction" #a% $e co##itte& to prison an& there /ept until he
&elivers the (ill-
RULE ?6
ALLO8A+CE OR F!SALLO8A+CE OF 8!LL
SECT!O+ ,- 8ho may petition for the allowance of will.2An% e1ecutor" &evisee" or le'atee
na#e& in a (ill" or an% other person intereste& in the estate" #a%" at an% ti#e after the &eath of
the testator" petition the court havin' 3uris&iction to have the (ill allo(e&" (hether the sa#e $e
in his possession or not" or is lost or &estro%e&-
The testator hi#self #a%" &urin' his lifeti#e" petition the court for the allo(ance of his (ill-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition.2A petition for the allo(ance of a (ill #ust sho(" so far as /no(n
to the petitioner*
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The na#es" a'es" an& resi&ences of the heirs" le'atees" an& &evisees of the testator or
&ece&ent7
(c) The pro$a$le value an& character of the propert% of the estate7
(&) The na#e of the person for (ho# letters are pra%e&7
(e) !f the (ill has not $een &elivere& to the court" the na#e of the person havin' custo&% of it-
)ut no &efect in the petition shall ren&er voi& the allo(ance of the (ill" or the issuance of letters
testa#entar% or of a&#inistration (ith the (ill anne1e&-
SEC- 2- Court to appoint time for proving will. %otice thereof to be published.28hen a (ill is
&elivere& to" or a petition for the allo(ance of a (ill is file& in" the court havin' 3uris&iction"
such court shall fi1 a ti#e an& place for provin' the (ill (hen all concerne& #a% appear to
contest the allo(ance thereof" an& shall cause notice of such ti#e an& place to $e pu$lishe&
three (2) (ee/s successivel%" previous to the ti#e appointe&" in a ne(spaper of 'eneral
circulation in the province-
)ut no ne(spaper pu$lication shall $e #a&e (here the petition for pro$ate has $een file& $% the
testator hi#self-
SEC- 4- 3eirs, devisees, legatees, and e,ecutors to be notified by mail or personally.2The court
shall also cause copies of the notice of the ti#e an& place fi1e& for provin' the (ill to $e
a&&resse& to the &esi'nate& or other /no(n heirs" le'atees" an& &evisees of the testator resi&ent
in the Philippines at their places of resi&ence" an& &eposite& in the post office (ith the posta'e
thereon prepai& at least t(ent% (0B) &a%s $efore the hearin'" if such places of resi&ence $e
/no(n- A cop% of the notice #ust in li/e #anner $e #aile& to the person na#e& as e1ecutor" if
he $e not the petitioner" also" to an% person na#e& as co<e1ecutor not petitionin'" if their places
of resi&ence $e /no(n- Personal service of copies of the notice at least ten (,B) &a%s $efore the
&a% of hearin' shall $e e>uivalent to #ailin'-
!f the testator as/s for the allo(ance of his o(n (ill" notice shall $e sent onl% to his co#pulsor%
heirs-
SEC- 5- $roof at hearing. #hat sufficient in absence of contest-.At the hearin' co#pliance
(ith the provisions of the last t(o prece&in' sections #ust $e sho(n $efore the intro&uction of
testi#on% in support of the (ill- All such testi#on% shall $e ta/en un&er oath an& re&uce& to
(ritin'- !f no person appears to contest the allo(ance of the (ill" the court #a% 'rant allo(ance
thereof on the testi#on% of one of the su$scri$in' (itnesses onl%" if such (itness testif% that the
(ill (as e1ecute& as is re>uire& $% la(-
!n the case of a holo'raphic (ill" it shall $e necessar% that at least one (itness (ho /no(s the
han&(ritin' an& si'nature of the testator e1plicitl% &eclare that the (ill an& the si'nature are in
the han&(ritin' of the testator- !n the a$sence of an% such co#petent (itness" an& if the court
&ee# it necessar%" e1pert testi#on% #a% $e resorte& to-
SEC- 6- $roof of lost or destroyed will. Certificate thereupon..+o (ill shall $e prove& as a lost
or &estro%e& (ill unless the e1ecution an& vali&it% of the sa#e $e esta$lishe& an& the (ill is
prove& to have $een in e1istence at the ti#e of the &eath of the testator" or is sho(n to have $een
frau&ulentl% or acci&entall% &estro%e& in the lifeti#e of the testator (ithout his /no(le&'e" nor
unless its provisions are clearl% an& &istinctl% prove& $% at least t(o (0) cre&i$le (itnesses-
8hen a lost (ill is prove&" the provisions thereof #ust $e &istinctl% state& an& certifie& $% the
3u&'e" un&er the seal of the court" an& the certificate #ust $e file& an& recor&e& as other (ills are
file& an& recor&e&-
SEC- ?- $roof when witnesses do not reside in province.2!f it appears at the ti#e fi1e& for the
hearin' that none of the su$scri$in' (itnesses resi&es in the province" $ut that the &eposition of
one or #ore of the# can $e ta/en else(here" the court #a%" on #otion" &irect !t to $e ta/en" an&
#a% authori5e a photo'raphic cop% of the (ill to $e #a&e an& to $e presente& to the (itness on
his e1a#ination" (ho #a% $e as/e& the sa#e >uestions (ith respect to it an& to the han&(ritin'
of the testator an& others" as (oul& $e pertinent an& co#petent if the ori'inal (ill (ere present-
SEC- @- $roof when witnesses dead or insane or do not reside in the $hilippines.2!f it appears
at the ti#e fi1e& for the hearin' that the su$scri$in' (itnesses are &ea& or insane" or that none of
the# resi&es in the Philippines" the court #a% a&#it the testi#on% of other (itnesses to prove
the sanit% of the testator" an& the &ue e1ecution of the (ill7 an& as evi&ence of the e1ecution of
the (ill" it #a% a&#it proof of the han&(ritin' of the testator an& of the su$scri$in' (itnesses"
or of an% of the#-
SEC- A- -rounds for disallowing will.2The (ill shall $e &isallo(e& in an% of the follo(in'
cases*
(a) !f not e1ecute& an& atteste& as re>uire& $% la(7
($) !f the testator (as insane" or other(ise #entall% incapa$le to #a/e a (ill" at the ti#e of its
e1ecution7
(c) !f it (as e1ecute& un&er &uress" or the influence of fear" or threats7
(&) !f it (as procure& $% un&ue an& i#proper pressure an& influence" on the part of the
$eneficiar%" or of so#e other person for his $enefit7
(e) !f the si'nature of the testator (as procure& $% frau& or tric/" an& he &i& not inten& that the
instru#ent shoul& $e his (ill at the ti#e of fi1in' his si'nature thereto-
SEC- ,B- Contestant to file grounds of contest.2An%one appearin' to contest the (ill #ust state
in (ritin' his 'roun&s for opposin' its allo(ance" an& serve a cop% thereof on the petitioner an&
other parties intereste& in the estate-
SEC- ,,- Subscribing witnesses produced or accounted for where will contested.2!f the (ill is
conteste&" all the su$scri$in' (itnesses" an& the notar% in the case of (ills e1ecute& un&er the
Civil Co&e of the Philippines" if present in the Philippines" an& not insane" #ust $e pro&uce& an&
e1a#ine&" an& the &eath" a$sence" or insanit% of an% of the# #ust $e satisfactoril% sho(n to the
court- !f all or so#e of such (itnesses are present in the Philippines $ut outsi&e the province
(here the (ill has $een file&" their &eposition #ust $e ta/en- !f an% or all of the# testif% a'ainst
the &ue e1ecution of the (ill" or &o not re#e#$er havin' atteste& to it" or are other(ise of
&ou$tful cre&i$ilit%" the (ill #a%" nevertheless" $e allo(e& if the court is satisfie& fro# the
testi#on% of other (itnesses an& fro# all the evi&ence presente& that the (ill (as e1ecute& an&
atteste& in the #anner re>uire& $% la(-
!f a holo'raphic (ill is conteste&" the sa#e shall $e allo(e& if at least three (2) (itnesses (ho
/no( the han&(ritin' of the testator e1plicitl% &eclare that the (ill an& the si'nature are in the
han&(ritin' of the testator7 in the a$sence of an% co#petent (itness" an& if the court &ee# it
necessar%" e1pert testi#on% #a% $e resorte& to-
SEC- ,0- $roof where testator petitions for allowance of holographic will.28here the testator
hi#self petitions for the pro$ate of his holo'raphic (ill an& no contest is file&" the fact that he
affir#s that the holo'raphic (ill an& the si'nature are in his o(n han&(ritin'" shall $e sufficient
evi&ence of the 'enuineness an& &ue e1ecution thereof- !f the holo'raphic (ill is conteste&" the
$ur&en of &isprovin' the 'enuineness an& &ue e1ecution thereof shall $e on the contestant The
testator #a%" in his turn" present such a&&itional proof as #a% $e necessar% to re$ut the evi&ence
for the contestant-
SEC- ,2- Certificate of allowance attached to proved will. To be recorded in the Office of
Register of +eeds-.!f the court is satisfie&" upon proof ta/en an& file&" that the (ill (as &ul%
e1ecute&" an& that the testator at the ti#e of its e1ecution (as of soun& an& &isposin' #in&" an&
not actin' un&er &uress" #enace" an& un&ue influence" or frau&" a certificate of its allo(ance"
si'ne& $% the 3u&'e" an& atteste& $% the seal of the court shall $e attache& to the (ill an& the (ill
an& certificate file& an& recor&e& $% the cler/- Atteste& copies of the (ill &evisin' real estate an&
of certificate of allo(ance thereof" shall $e recor&e& in the re'ister of &ee&s of the province in
(hich the lan&s lie-
RULE ??
ALLO8A+CE OF 8!LL PROEF OUTS!FE OF P=!L!PP!+ES A+F AF9!+!STRAT!O+
OF ESTATE T=EREU+FER
SECT!O+ ,- #ill proved outside $hilippines may be allowed here-.8ills prove& an& allo(e&
in a forei'n countr%" accor&in' to the la(s of such countr%" #a% $e allo(e&" file&" an& recor&e&
$% the proper Re'ional Trial Court in the Philippines-
SEC 0- %otice of hearing for allowance.28hen a cop% of such (ill an& of the or&er or &ecree
of the allo(ance thereof" $oth &ul% authenticate&" are file& (ith a petition for allo(ance in the
Philippines" $% the e1ecutor or other person intereste& in the court havin' 3uris&iction" such
court shall fi1 a ti#e an& place for the hearin'" an& cause notice thereof to $e 'iven as in case of
an ori'inal (ill presente& for allo(ance-
SEC- 2- #hen will allowed, and effect thereof.2!f it appears at the hearin' that the (ill shoul&
$e allo(e& in the Philippines" the court shall so allo( it" an& a certificate of its allo(ance" si'ne&
$% the 3u&'e" an& atteste& $% the seal of the court" to (hich shall $e attache& a cop% of the (ill"
shall $e file& an& recor&e& $% the cler/" an& the (ill shall have the sa#e effect as if ori'inall%
prove& an& allo(e& in such court-
SEC- ;. *state, how administered-.8hen a (ill is thus allo(e&" the court shall 'rant letters
testa#entar%" or letters of a&#inistration (ith the (ill anne1e&" an& such letters testa#entar% or
of a&#inistration" shall e1ten& to all the estate of the testator in the Philippines- Such estate"
after the pa%#ent of 3ust &e$ts an& e1penses of a&#inistration" shall $e &ispose& of accor&in' to
such (ill" so far as such (ill #a% operate upon it7 an& the resi&ue" if an%" shall $e &ispose& of as
is provi&e& $% la( in cases of estates in the Philippines $elon'in' to persons (ho are inha$itants
of another state or countr%-
RULE ?@
LETTERS TESTA9E+TARJ A+F OF AF9!+!STRAT!O+" 8=E+ A+F TO 8=O9
!SSUEF
SECT!O+ ,- #ho are incompetent to serve as a e,ecutors or administrators.2+o person is
co#petent to serve as e1ecutor or a&#inistrator (ho*
(a) !s a #inor7
($) !s not a resi&ent of the Philippines7 an&
(c) !s in the opinion of the court unfit to e1ecute the &uties of the trust $% reason of &run/enness"
i#provi&ence" or (ant of un&erstan&in' or inte'rit%" or $% reason of conviction of an offense
involvin' #oral turpitu&e-
SEC- 0- *,ecutor of e,ecutor not to administer estate-.The e1ecutor of an e1ecutor shall not"
as such" a&#inister the estate of the first testator-
SEC- 2- !arried women may serve.2A #arrie& (o#an #a% serve as e1ecutri1 or
a&#inistratri1" an& the #arria'e of a sin'le (o#an shall not affect her authorit% so to serve
un&er a previous appoint#ent
SEC 4 7etters testamentary issued when will allowed.28hen a (ill has $een prove& an&
allo(e&" the court shall issue letters testa#entar% thereon to the person na#e& as e1ecutor
therein" if he is co#petent" accepts the trust" an& 'ives $on& as re>uire& $% these rules
SEC- 5- #here some coe,ecutors dis6ualified others may act-.8hen all of the e1ecutors
na#e& in a (ill can not act $ecause of inco#petenc%" refusal to accept the trust" or failure to
'ive $on&" on the part of one or #ore of the#" letters testa#entar% #a% issue to such of the# as
are co#petent" accept an& 'ive $on&" an& the% #a% perfor# the &uties an& &ischar'e the trust
re>uire& $% the (ill-
SEC- 6- #hen and to whom letters of administration granted.2!f no e1ecutor is na#e& in the
(ill" or the e1ecutor or e1ecutors are inco#petent" refuse the trust" or fail to 'ive $on&" or a
person &ies intestate" a&#inistration shall $e 'rante&*
(a) To the survivin' hus$an& or (ife" as the case #a% $e" or ne1t of /in" or $oth" in the &iscretion
of the court" or to such person as such survivin' hus$an& or (ife" or ne1t of /in" re>uests to have
appointe&" if co#petent an& (illin' to serve7
($) !f such survivin' hus$an& or (ife" as the case #a% $e" or ne1t of /in" or the person selecte&
$% the#" $e inco#petent or un(illin'" or if the hus$an& or (i&o(" or ne1t of /in" ne'lects for
thirt% (2B) &a%s after the &eath of the person to appl% for a&#inistration or to re>uest that
a&#inistration $e 'rante& to so#e other person" it #a% $e 'rante& to one or #ore of the principal
cre&itors" if co#petent an& (illin' to serve7
(c) !f there is no such cre&itor co#petent an& (illin' to serve" it #a% $e 'rante& to such other
person as the court #a% select-
RULE ?A
OPPOS!+C !SSUA+CE OF LETTERS TESTA9E+TARJ- PET!T!O+ A+F CO+TEST FOR
LETTERS OF AF9!+!STRAT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- Opposition to issuance of letters testamentary. Simultaneous petition for
administration-.An% person intereste& in a (ill #a% state in (ritin' the 'roun&s (h% letters
testa#entar% shoul& not issue to the persons na#e& therein as e1ecutors" or an% of the#" an& the
court" after hearin' upon notice" shall pass upon the sufficienc% of such 'roun&s- A petition #a%"
at the sa#e ti#e" $e file& for letters of a&#inistration (ith the (ill anne1e&-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition for letters of administration.2A petition for letters of
a&#inistration #ust $e file& $% an intereste& person an& #ust sho(" so far as /no(n to the
petitioner-
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The na#es" a'es" an& resi&ences of the heirs" an& the na#es an& resi&ences of the cre&itors"
of the &ece&ent7
(c) The pro$a$le value an& character of the propert% of the estate7
(&) The na#e of the person for (ho# letters of a&#inistration are pra%e&-
)ut no &efect in the petition shall ren&er voi& the issuance of letters of a&#inistration-
SEC- 2- Court to set time for hearing. %otice thereof.28hen a petition for letters of
a&#inistration is file& in the court havin' 3uris&iction" such court shall fi1 a ti#e an& place for
hearin' the petition" an& shall cause notice thereof to $e 'iven to the /no(n heirs an& cre&itors
of the &ece&ent" an& to an% other persons $elieve& to have an interest in the estate" in the 9anner
provi&e& in sections 2 an& ; of Rule ?6-
SEC- 4. Opposition to petition for administration.2An% !ntereste& person #a%" $% filin' a
(ritten opposition" contest the petition on the 'roun& of the inco#petenc% of the person for
(hose letters are pra%e& therein" or on the 'roun& of the contestantGs o(n ri'ht to the
a&#inistration" an& #a% pra% that letter issue to hi#self" or to an% co#petent person or persons
na#e& !n the opposition-
SEC- 5- 3earing and order for letters to issue-.At the hearin' of the petition" it #ust first $e
sho(n that notice has $een 'iven as hereina$ove re>uire&" an& thereafter the court shall hear the
proofs of the parties in support of their respective alle'ations" an& if satisfie& that the &ece&ent
left no (ill
"
or that there is no co#petent an& (illin' e1ecutor" it shall or&er the issuance of
letters of a&#inistration to the part% $est entitle& thereto-
SEC- 6- #hen letters of administration granted to any applicant.ILetters of a&#inistration #a%
$e 'rante& to an% >ualifie& applicant" thou'h it appears that there are other co#petent persons
havin' $etter ri'ht to the a&#inistration" if such persons fail to appear (hen notifie& an& clai#
the issuance of letters to the#selves-
RULE @B
SPEC!AL AF9!+!STRATOR
SECT!O+ ,- (ppointment of special administrator.28hen there is &ela% in 'rantin' letters
testa#entar% or of a&#inistration $% an% cause inclu&in' an appeal fro# the allo(ance or
&isallo(ance of a (ill" the court #a% appoint a special a&#inistrator to ta/e possession an&
char'e of the estate of the &ecease& until the >uestions causin' the &ela% are &eci&e& an&
e1ecutors or a&#inistrators appointe&-
SEC- 0- $owers and duties of special administrator.2Such special a&#inistrator shall ta/e
possession an& char'e of the 'oo&s" chattels" ri'hts" cre&its" an& estate of the &ecease& an&
preserve the sa#e for the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator after(ar&s appointe&" an& for that purpose
#a% co##ence an& #aintain suits as a&#inistrator- =e #a% sell onl% such perisha$le an& other
propert% as the court or&ers sol&- A special a&#inistrator shall not $e lia$le to pa% an% &e$ts of
the &ecease& unless so or&ere& $% the court-
SEC- 2- #hen powers of special administrator cease. Transfer of effects. $ending suits.28hen
letters testa#entar% or of a&#inistration are 'rante& on the estate of the &ecease&" the po(ers of
the special a&#inistrator shall cease" an& he shall forth(ith &eliver to the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator the 'oo&s" chattels" #one%" an& estate of the &ecease& in his han&s- The e1ecutor
or a&#inistrator #a% prosecute to final 3u&'#ent suits co##ence& $% such special
a&#inistrator-
RULE @,
)O+FS OF EKECUTORS A+F AF9!+!STRATORS
SECT!O+ ,- 1ond to be given before issuance of letters. (mount. Conditions..)efore an
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator enters upon the e1ecution of his trust" an& letters testa#entar% or of
a&#inistration issue" he shall 'ive a $on&" in such su# as the court &irects" con&itione& as
follo(s*
(a) To #a/e an& return to the court" (ithin three (2) #onths" a true an& co#plete inventor% of all
'oo&s" chattels" ri'hts" cre&its" an& estate of the &ecease& (hich shall co#e to his possession or
/no(le&'e or to the possession of an% other person for hi#7
($) To a&#inister accor&in' to these rules" an&" if an e1ecutor" accor&in' to the (ill of the
testator" all 'oo&s" chattels" ri'hts" cre&its" an& estate (hich shall at an% ti#e co#e to his
possession or to the possession of an% other person for hi#" an& fro# the procee&s to pa% an&
&ischar'e all &e$ts" le'acies" an& char'es on the sa#e" or such &ivi&en&s thereon as shall $e
&ecree& $% the court7
(c) To ren&er a true an& 3ust account of his a&#inistration to the court (ithin one (,) %ear" an& at
an% other ti#e (hen re>uire& $% the court7
(&) To perfor# all or&ers of the court $% hi# to $e perfor#e&-
SEC- 0- 1ond of e,ecutor where directed in will. #hen further bond re6uired.2!f the testator in
his (ill &irects that the e1ecutor serve (ithout $on&" or (ith onl% his !n&ivi&ual $on&" he #a% $e
allo(e& $% the court to 'ive $on& in such su# an& (ith such suret% as the court approves
con&itione& onl% to pa% the &e$ts of the testator7 $ut the court #a% re>uire of the e1ecutor a
further $on& in case of a chan'e in his circu#stances" or for other sufficient cause" (ith the
con&itions na#e& in the last prece&in' section-
SEC- 2- 1onds of "oint e,ecutors and administrators.28hen t(o or #ore persons are appointe&
e1ecutors or a&#inistrators the court #a% ta/e a separate $on& fro# each" or a 3oint $on& fro#
all-
SEC- 4- 1ond of special administrator.2A special a&#inistrator $efore enterin' upon the &uties
of his trust shall 'ive a $on&" in such su# as the court &irects" con&itione& that he (ill #a/e an&
return a true inventor% of the 'oo&s" chattels" ri'hts" cre&its" an& estate of the &ecease& (hich
co#e to his possession or /no(le&'e" an& that he (ill trul% account for such as are receive& $%
hi# (hen re>uire& $% the court" an& (ill &eliver the sa#e to the person appointe& e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" or to such other person as #a% $e authori5e& to receive the#-
RULE @0
REOCAT!O+ OF AF9!+!STRAT!O+" FEAT=" RES!C+AT!O+" A+F RE9OAL OF
EKECUTORS A+F AF9!+!STRATORS
SECT!O+ ,- (dministration revo)ed if will discovered. $roceedings thereupon.2!f after letters
of a&#inistration have $een 'rante& on the estate of a &ece&ent as if he ha& &ie& intestate" his
(ill is prove& an& allo(e& $% the court" the letters of a&#inistration shall $e revo/e& an& all
po(ers thereun&er cease an& the a&#inistrator shall forth(ith surren&er the letters to the court"
an& ren&er his account (ithin such ti#e as the court &irects- Procee&in's for the issuance of
letters testa#entar% or of a&#inistration un&er the (ill shall $e as herein$efore provi&e&-
SEC- 0- Court may remove or accept resignation of e,ecutor or administrator. $roceedings
upon death, resignation, or removal.2!f an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator ne'lects to ren&er his
account an& settle the estate accor&in' to la(" or to perfor# an or&er or 3u&'#ent of the court" or
a &ut% e1pressl% provi&e& $% these rule-" or a$scon&s" or $eco#es insane" or other(ise incapa$le
or unsuita$le to &ischar'e the trust" the court #a% re#ove hi#" or" in its &iscretion" #a% per#it
hi# to resi'n- 8hen an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator &ies" resi'ns" or is re#ove&" the re#ainin'
e1ecutor- or a&#inistrator #a% a&#inister the trust alone" unless the court 'rants letters to
so#eone to act (ith hi#- !f there is no re#ainin' e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" a&#inistration #a%
$e 'rante& to an% suita$le person-
SEC- 2- (cts before revocation, resignation, or removal to be valid-.The la(ful acts of an
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator $efore the revocation of his letters testa#entar% or of a&#inistration"
or $efore his resi'nation or re#oval" shall have the li/e vali&it% if there has $een no such
revocation resi'nation" or re#oval-
SEC- 4- $owers of new e,ecutor or administrator. Renewal of license to sell real estate.IThe
person to (ho# letters testa#entar% or of a&#inistration are 'rante& after the revocation of
for#er letters" or the &eath" resi'nation" or re#oval of a for#er e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" shall
have the li/e po(ers to collect an& settle the estate not a&#inistere& that the for#er e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator ha&" an& #a% prosecute of &efen& actions co##ence& $% or a'ainst the for#er
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" an& have e1ecution on 3u&'#ents recovere& in the na#e of such
for#er e1ecutor or a&#inistrator- An authorit% 'rante& $% the court to the for#er e1ecutor
a&#inistrator for the sale or #ort'a'e of real estate #a% $e rene(e& in favor of such person
(ithout further notice or hearin'-
RULE @2
!+E+TORJ A+F APPRA!SAL- PRO!S!O+ FOR SUPPORT OF FA9!LJ
SECT!O+ ,- Inventory and appraisal to be returned within three months.28ithin three (2)
#onths after his appoint#ent ever% e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall return to the court a true
inventor% an& appraisal of all the real an& personal estate of the &ecease& (hich has co#e into
his possession or /no(le&'e- !n the appraise#ent of such estate" the court #a% or&er one or
#ore of the inheritance ta1 appraisers to 'ive his or their assistance-
SEC- 0- Certain articles not to be inventoried-.The (earin' apparel of the survivin' hus$an&
or (ife an& #inor chil&ren" the #arria'e $e& an& $e&&in'" an& such provisions an& other articles
as (ill necessaril% $e consu#e& in the su$sistence of the fa#il% of the &ecease&" un&er the
&irection of the court" shall not $e consi&ere& as assets" nor a&#inistere& as such" an& shall not
$e inclu&e& in the inventor%-
SEC- 2- (llowance to widow and family.2The (i&o( an& #inor or incapacitate& chil&ren of a
&ecease& person" &urin' the settle#ent of the estate" shall receive therefro#" un&er the &irection
of the court" such allo(ance as are provi&e& $% la(-
RULE @4
CE+ERAL PO8ERS A+F FUT!ES OF EKECUTORS A+F AF9!+!STRATORS
SECT!O+ ,- *,ecutor or administrator to have access to partnership boo)s and property. 3ow
right enforced.2The e1ecutor or a&#inistrator of the estate of a &ecease& partner shall at all
ti#es have access to" an& #a% e1a#ine an& ta/e copies of" $oo/s an& papers relatin' to the
partnership $usiness" an& #a% e1a#ine an& #a/e invoices of the propert% $elon'in' to such
partnership7 an& the survivin' partner or partners" on re>uest" shall e1hi$it to hi# all such $oo/s"
papers" an& propert% in their han&s or control- On the (ritten application of such e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" the Court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate #a% or&er an% such survivin' partner or
partners to freel% per#it the e1ercise of the ri'hts" an& to e1hi$it the $oo/s" papers" an& propert%"
as in this section provi&e&" an& #a% punish an% partner failin' to &o so for conte#pt-
SEC- 0- *,ecutor or administrator to )eep buildings in repair.2An e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
shall #aintain in tenanta$le repair the houses an& other structures an& fences $elon'in' to the
estate" an& &eliver the sa#e in such repair to the heirs or &evisees (hen &irecte& so to &o $% the
court-
SEC- 2- *,ecutor or administrator to retain whole estate to pay debts, and to administer estate
not willed.2An e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall have the ri'ht to the possession an& #ana'e#ent
of the real as (ell as the personal estate of the &ecease& so lon' as it is necessar% for the
pa%#ent of the &e$ts an& the e1penses of a&#inistration-
RULE @5
ACCOU+TA)!L!TJ A+F CO9PE+SAT!O+ OF EKECUTORS A+F AF9!+!STRATORS
SECT!O+ ,- *,ecutor or administrator chargeable with all estate and income-.E1cept as
other(ise e1pressl% provi&e& in the follo(in' sections" ever% e1ecutor or a&#inistrator is
char'ea$le in his account (ith the (hole of the estate of the &ecease& (hich has co#e into his
possession" at the value of the appraise#ent containe& in the inventor%7 (ith all the interest"
profit" an& inco#e of such estate7 an& (ith the procee&s of so #uch of the estate as is sol& $%
hi#" at the price at (hich it (as sol&-
SEC- 0- %ot to profit by increase or lose by decrease in value.2+o e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
shall profit $% the increase" or suffer loss $% the &ecrease or &estruction" (ithout his fault" of an%
part of the estate- =e #ust account for the e1cess (hen he sells an% part of the estate for #ore
than the appraise#ent" an& if an% is sol& for less than the appraise#ent" he is not responsi$le for
the loss" if the sale has $een 3ustl% #a&e- !f he settles an% clai# a'ainst the estate for less than its
no#inal value" he is entitle& to char'e in his account onl% the a#ount he actuall% pai& on the
settle#ent-
SEC- 2- #hen not accountable for debts due estate.2+o e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall $e
accounta$le for &e$ts &ue the &ecease& (hich re#ain uncollecte& (ithout his fault-
SEC- 4- (ccountable for income from realty used by him.2!f the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator uses
or occupies an% part of the real estate hi#self" he shall account for it as #a% $e a'ree& upon
$et(een hi# an& the parties intereste&" or a&3uste& $% the court (ith their assent7 an& if the
parties &o not a'ree upon the su# to $e allo(e&" the sa#e #a% $e ascertaine& $% the court"
(hose &eter#ination in this respect shall $e final-
SEC- 5- (ccountable if he neglects or delays to raise or pay money.28hen an e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator ne'lects or unreasona$l% &ela%s to raise #one%" $% collectin' the &e$ts or sellin'
the real or personal estate of the &ecease&" or ne'lects to pa% over the #one% he has in his han&s"
an& the value of the estate is there$% lessene& or unnecessar% cost or interest accrues" or the
persons intereste& suffer loss" the sa#e shall $e &ee#e& (aste an& the &a#a'e sustaine& #a% $e
char'e& an& allo(e& a'ainst hi# in his account" an& he shall $e lia$le therefor on his $on&-
SEC- 6- #hen allowed money paid as costs.2The a#ount pai& $% an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
for costs a(ar&e& a'ainst hi# shall $e allo(e& in his a&#inistration account" unless it appears
that the action or procee&in' in (hich the costs are ta1e& (as prosecute& or resiste& (ithout 3ust
cause" an& not in 'oo& faith-
SEC- ?- #hat e,penses and fees allowed e,ecutor or administrator. %ot to charge for services as
attorney. Compensation provided by will controls unless renounced.2An e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator shall $e allo(e& the necessar% e1penses in the case" #ana'e#ent" an& settle#ent
of the estate" an& for his services" four pesos per &a% for the ti#e actuall% an& necessaril%
e#plo%e&" or a co##ission upon the value of so #uch of the estate as co#es into his possession
an& is finall% &ispose& of $% hi# in the pa%#ent of &e$ts" e1penses" le'acies" or &istri$utive
shares" or $% &eliver% to heirs or &evisees" of t(o per centum of the first five thousan& pesos of
such value" one per centum of so #uch of such value as e1cee&s five thousan& pesos an& &oes
not e1cee& thirt% thousan& pesos" one<half per centum of so #uch of such value as e1cee&s
thirt% thousan& pesos an& &oes not e1cee& one hun&re& thousan& pesos" an& one<>uarter per
centum of so #uch of such value as e1cee&s one hun&re& thousan& pesos- )ut in an% special
case" (here the estate is lar'e" an& the settle#ent has $een atten&e& (ith 'reat &ifficult%" an& has
re>uire& a hi'h &e'ree of capacit% on the part of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" a 'reater su#
#a% $e allo(e&- !f o$3ection to the fees allo(e& $e ta/en" the allo(ance #a% $e re<e1a#ine& on
appeal-
!f there are t(o or #ore e1ecutors or a&#inistrators" the co#pensation shall $e apportione&
a#on' the# $% the court accor&in' to the services actuall% ren&ere& $% the# respectivel%-
8hen the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator is an attorne%" he shall not char'e a'ainst the estate an%
professional fees for le'al services ren&ere& $% hi#-
8hen the &ecease& $% (ill #a/es so#e other provision for the co#pensation of his e1ecutor"
that provision shall $e a full satisfaction for his services unless $% a (ritten instru#ent file& in
the court he renounces all clai# to the co#pensation provi&e& $% the (ill-
SEC- @- #hen e,ecutor or administrator to render account.2Ever% e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
shall ren&er an account of his a&#inistration (ithin one (,) %ear fro# the ti#e of receivin'
letters testa#entar% or of a&#inistration" unless the court other(ise &irects $ecause of
e1tensions of ti#e for presentin' clai#s a'ainst" or pa%in' the &e$ts of" the estate" or for
&isposin' of the estate7 an& he shall ren&er such further accounts as the court #a% re>uire until
the estate is (holl% settle&-
SEC- A- *,aminations on oath with respect to account -.The court #a% e1a#ine the e1ecutor
or a&#inistrator upon oath (ith respect to ever% #atter relatin' to an% account ren&ere& $% hi#"
an& shall so e1a#ine hi# as to the correctness of his account $efore the sa#e is allo(e&" e1cept
(hen no o$3ection is #a&e to the allo(ance of the account an& its correctness is satisfactoril%
esta$lishe& $% co#petent proof- The heirs" le'atees" &istri$utees" an& cre&itors of the estate shall
have the sa#e privile'e as the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator of $ein' e1a#ine& on oath on an%
#atter relatin' to an a&#inistration account-
SEC- ,B- (ccount to be settled on notice-.)efore the account of an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator is
allo(e&" notice shall $e 'iven to persons intereste& of the ti#e an& place of e1a#inin' an&
allo(in' the sa#e7 an& such notice #a% $e 'iven personall% to such persons intereste& or $%
a&vertise#ent in a ne(spaper or ne(spapers" or $oth" as the court &irects-
SEC- ,,- Surety on bond may be party to accounting.2Upon the- settle#ent of the account of an
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" a person lia$le as suret% in respect to such account #a%" upon
application" $e a&#itte& as part% to such accountin'-
RULE @6
CLA!9S ACA!+ST ESTATE
SECT!O+ ,- %otice to creditors to be issued by court.2 !##e&iatel% after 'rantin' letters
testa#entar% or of a&#inistration" the court shall issue a notice re>uirin' all persona havin'
#one% clai#s a'ainst the &ece&ent to file the# in the office of the cler/ of sai& court-
SEC- @. Time within which claims shall be filed.2!n the notice provi&e& in the prece&in'
section" the court shall state the ti#e for the filin' of clai#s a'ainst the estate" (hich shall not $e
#ore than t(elve (,0) nor less than si1 (6) #onths after the &ate of the first pu$lication of the
notice- =o(ever" at an% ti#e $efore an or&er of &istri$ution is entere&" on application of a
cre&itor (ho has faile& to file his clai# (ithin the ti#e previousl% li#ite&" the court #a%" for
cause sho(n an& on such ter#s as are e>uita$le" allo( such clai# to $e file& (ithin a ti#e not
e1cee&in' one (,) #onth-
SEC- 2- $ublication of notice to creditors.2Ever% e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall" i##e&iatel%
alter the notice to cre&itors is issue&" cause the sa#e to $e pu$lishe& three (2) (ee/s
successivel% in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation in the province" an& to $e poste& for the sa#e
perio& in four pu$lic places in the province" an& in t(o pu$lic places in the #unicipalit% (here
the &ece&ent last resi&e&
SEC- 4- 4iling copy of printed notice..8ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the notice has $een pu$lishe&
an& poste& n accor&ance (ith the prece&in' section" the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall file or
cause to $e file& in the court a printe& cop% of the notice acco#panie& (ith an affi&avit settin'
forth the &ates of the first an& last pu$lication thereof an& the na#e of the ne(spaper in (hich
the sa#e is printe&-
SEC- 5- Claims which must be filed under the notice. If not filed, barred; e,ceptions.2All
clai#s for #one% a'ainst the &ece&ent" arisin' fro# contract" e1press or i#plie&" (hether the
sa#e $e &ue" not &ue" or contin'ent" all clai#s for funeral e1penses an& e1penses for the last
sic/ness of the &ece&ent" an& 3u&'#ent for #one% a'ainst the &ece&ent" #ust $e file& (ithin the
ti#e li#ite& in the notice7 other(ise the% are $arre& forever" e1cept that the% #a% $e set forth as
counterclai#s in an% action that the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator #a% $rin' a'ainst the clai#ants-
8here an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator co##ences an action" or prosecutes an action alrea&%
co##ence& $% the &ecease& in his lifeti#e" the &e$tor #a% set forth $% ans(er the clai#s he has
a'ainst the &ece&ent" instea& of presentin' the# in&epen&entl% to the court as herein provi&e&"
an& #utual clai#s #a% $e set off a'ainst each other in such action7 an& if final 3u&'#ent is
ren&ere& in favor of the &efen&ant" the a#ount so &eter#ine& shall $e consi&ere& the true
$alance a'ainst the estate" as thou'h the clai# ha& $een presente& &irectl% $efore the court in the
a&#inistration procee&in's- Clai#s not %et &ue" or contin'ent" #a% $e approve& at their present
value-
SEC- 6- Solidary obligation of decedent-.8here the o$li'ation of the &ece&ent is soli&ar% (ith
another &e$tor" the clai# shall $e file& a'ainst the &ece&ent as if he (ere the onl% &e$tor"
(ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'ht of the estate to recover contri$ution fro# the other &e$tor- !n a
3oint o$li'ation of the &ece&ent" the clai# shall $e confine& to the portion $elon'in' to hi#-
SEC- <. !ortgage debt due from estate.2A cre&itor hol&in' a clai# a'ainst the &ecease&
secure& $% #ort'a'e or other collateral securit%" #a% a$an&on the securit% an& prosecute his
clai# in the #anner provi&e& in this rule" an& share in the 'eneral &istri$ution of the assets of
the estate7 or he #a% foreclose his #ort'a'e or reali5e upon his securit%" $% action in court"
#a/in' the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator a part% &efen&ant" an& if there is a 3u&'#ent for a
&eficienc%" after the sale of the #ort'a'e& pre#ises" or the propert% ple&'e&" in the foreclosure
or other procee&in's to reali5e upon the securit%" he #a% clai# his &eficienc% 3u&'#ent in the
#anner provi&e& in the prece&in' section7 or he #a% rel% upon his #ort'a'e or other securit%
alone" an& foreclose the sa#e at an% ti#e (ithin the perio& of the statute of li#itations" an& in
that event he shall not $e a&#itte& as a cre&itor" an& shall receive no share in the &istri$ution of
the other assets of the estate7 $ut nothin' herein containe& shall prohi$it the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator fro# re&ee#in' the propert% #ort'a'e& or ple&'e&" $% pa%in' the &e$t for (hich
it is hel& as securit%" un&er the &irection of the court" if the court shall a&3u&'e it to $e for the
$est interest of the estate that such re&e#ption shall $e #a&e-
SEC- @- Claim of e,ecutor or administrator against an estate.2If the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
has a clai# a'ainst the estate he represents" he shall 'ive notice thereof" in (ritin'" to the court"
an& the court shall appoint a special a&#inistrator" (ho shall" in the a&3ust#ent of such clai#"
have the sa#e po(er an& $e su$3ect to the sa#e lia$ilit% as the 'eneral a&#inistrator or e1ecutor
in the settle#ent of other clai#s- The court #a% or&er the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to pa% to the
special a&#inistrator necessar% fun&s to &efen& such clai#-
SEC- A- 3ow to file a claim. Contents thereof %otice to e,ecutor or administrator.2A clai# #a%
$e file& $% &eliverin' the sa#e (ith the necessar% vouchers to the cler/ of court an& $% servin'
a cop% thereof on the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator- !f the clai# $e foun&e& on a $on&" $ill" note" or
an% other instru#ent" the ori'inal nee& not $e file&" $ut a cop% thereof (ith all in&orse#ents
shall $e attache& to the clai# an& file& there(ith- On &e#an&" ho(ever" of the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" or $% or&er of the court or 3u&'e" the ori'inal shall $e e1hi$ite&" unless it $e lost
or &estro%e&" in (hich case the clai#ant #ust acco#pan% his clai# (ith affi&avit or affi&avits
containin' a cop% or particular &escription of the instru#ent an& statin' its loss or &estruction-
8hen the clai# is &ue" it #ust $e supporte& $% affi&avit statin' the a#ount 3ustl% &ue" that no
pa%#ents have $een #a&e thereon (hich are not cre&ite&" an& that there are no offsets to the
sa#e" to the /no(le&'e of the affiant- !f the clai# is not &ue" or is contin'ent" (hen file&" it
#ust also $e supporte& $% affi&avit statin' the particulars thereof- 8hen the affi&avit is #a&e $%
a person other than the clai#ant" he #ust set forth therein the reason (h% it is not #a&e $% the
clai#ant- The clai# once file& shall $e attache& to the recor& of the case in (hich the letters
testa#entar% or of a&#inistration (ere issue&" althou'h the court" in its &iscretion" an& as a
#atter of convenience" #a% or&er all the clai#s to $e collecte& in a separate fol&er-
SEC- ,B- (nswer of e,ecutor or administrator. Offsets.28ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s after service of
a cop% of the clai# on the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" he shall file his ans(er a&#ittin' or
&en%in' the clai# specificall%" an& settin' forth the su$stance of the #atters (hich are relie&
upon to support the a&#ission or &enial- !f he has no /no(le&'e sufficient to ena$le hi# to
a&#it or &en% specificall%" he shall state such (ant of /no(le&'e- The e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
in his ans(er shall alle'e in offset an% clai# (hich the &ece&ent $efore &eath ha& a'ainst the
clai#ant" an& his failure to &o so shall $ar the clai# forever- A cop% of the ans(er shall $e
serve& $% the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator on the clai#ant- The court in its &iscretion #a% e1ten&
the ti#e for filin' such ans(er-
SEC- ,,- +isposition of admitted claim.2(ny clai# a&#itte& entirel% $% the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator shall i##e&iatel% $e su$#itte& $% the cler/ to the court (ho #a% approve the
sa#e (ithout hearin'7 $ut the court" in its &iscretion" $efore approvin' the clai#" #a% or&er that
/no(n heirs" le'atees" or &evisees $e notifie& an& hear&- !f upon hearin'" an heir" le'atee" or
&evisee opposes the clai#" the court #a%" in its &iscretion" allo( hi# fifteen (,5) &a%s to file an
ans(er to the clai# in the #anner prescri$e& in the prece&in' section-
SEC- ,0- Trial of contested claim.2Upon the filin' of an ans(er to a clai#" or upon the
e1piration of the ti#e for such filin'" the cler/ of court shall set the clai# for trial (ith notice to
$oth parties- The court #a% refer the clai# to a co##issioner-
SEC- ,2- udgment appealable.2The 3u&'#ent of the court approvin' or &isapprovin' a clai#"
shall $e file& (ith the recor& of the a&#inistration procee&in's (ith notice to $oth parties" an& is
appeala$le as in or&inar% cases- A 3u&'#ent a'ainst the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall $e that he
pa%" in &ue course of a&#inistration" the a#ount ascertaine& to $e &ue" an& it shall not create an%
lien upon the propert% of the estate" or 'ive to the 3u&'#ent cre&itor an% priorit% of pa%#ent-
SEC- ,4- Costs.28hen the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" in his ans(er" a&#its an& offers to pa%
part of a clai#" an& the clai#ant refuses to accept the a#ount offere& in satisfaction of his clai#"
if he fails to o$tain a #ore favora$le 3u&'#ent" he cannot recover costs" $ut #ust pa% to the
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator costs fro# the ti#e of the offer- 8here an action co##ence& a'ainst
the &ecease& for #one% has $een &iscontinue& an& the clai# e#$race& therein presente& as in
this rule provi&e&" the prevailin' part% shall $e allo(e& the costs of his action up to the ti#e of
its &iscontinuance-
RULE @?
ACT!O+S )J A+F ACA!+ST EKECUTORS A+F AF9!+!STRATORS
SECT!O+ ,- (ctions which may and which may not be brought against e,ecutor or
administrator.2+o action upon a clai# for the recover% of #one% or &e$t or interest thereon
shall $e co##ence& a'ainst the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator7 $ut actions to recover real or personal
propert%" or an interest therein" fro# the estate" or to enforce a lien thereon" an& actions to
recover &a#a'es for an in3ur% to person or propert%" real or personal" #a% $e co##ence&
a'ainst hi#-
SEC- 0- *,ecutor or administrator may bring or defend actions which survive-.For the
recover% or protection of the propert% or ri'hts of the &ecease&" an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator
#a% $rin' or &efen&" in the ri'ht of the &ecease&" actions for causes (hich survive-
SEC- 2- 3eir may not sue until share assigned.28hen an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator is appointe&
an& assu#es the trust" no action to recover the title or possession of lan&s or for &a#a'es &one
to such lan&s shall $e #aintaine& a'ainst hi# $% an heir or &evisee until there is an or&er of the
court assi'nin' such lan&s to such heir or &evisee or until the ti#e allo(e& for pa%in' &e$ts has
e1pire&-
SEC- 4- *,ecutor or administrator may compound with debtor.28ith the approval of the court"
an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator #a% co#poun& (ith the &e$tor of the &ecease& for a &e$t &ue" an&
#a% 'ive a &ischar'e of such &e$t on receivin' a 3ust &ivi&en& of the estate of the &e$tor-
SEC- 5- !ortgage due estate may be foreclosed.2A #ort'a'e $elon'in' to the estate of a
&ecease& person" as #ort'a'ee or assi'nee of the ri'ht of a #ort'a'ee" #a% $e foreclose& $% the
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator-
SEC- 6- $roceedings when property concealed, embe55led, or fraudulently conveyed.2!f an
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" heir" le'atee" cre&itor" or other in&ivi&ual intereste& in the estate of the
&ecease&" co#plains to the court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate that a person is suspecte& of
havin' conceale&" e#$e55le&" or conve%e& a(a% an% of the #one%" 'oo&s" or chattels of the
&ecease&" or that such person has in his possession or has /no(le&'e of an% &ee&" conve%ance"
$on&" contracts" or other (ritin' (hich contains evi&ence of or ten&s to &isclose the ri'ht" title"
interest" or clai# of the &ecease& to real or personal estate" or the last (ill an& testa#ent of the
&ecease&" the court #a% cite such suspecte& person to appear $efore it an& #a% e1a#ine hi# on
oath on the #atter of such co#plaint7 an& if the person so cite& refuses to appear" or to ans(er
on such e1a#ination such interro'atories as are put to hi#" the court #a% punish hi# for
conte#pt" an& #a% co##it hi# to prison until he su$#its to the or&er of the court- The
interro'atories put to an% such person" an& his ans(ers thereto" shall $e in (ritin' an& shall $e
file& in the cler/Gs office-
SEC- ?- $erson entrusted with estate compelled to render account.2The court" on co#plaint of
an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" #a% cite a person entruste& $% an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator (ith
an% part of the estate of the &ecease& to appear $efore it" an& #a% re>uire such person to ren&er
a full account" on oath" of the #one%" 'oo&s" chattels" $on&s" accounts" or other papers $elon'in'
to such estate as ca#e to his possession in trust for such e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" an& of his
procee&in's thereon7 an& if the person so cite& refuses to appear to ren&er such account" the
court #a% punish hi# for conte#pt as havin' &iso$e%e& a la(ful or&er of the court-
SEC- @- *mbe55lement before letters issued.2!f a person" $efore the 'rantin' of letters
testa#entar% or of a&#inistration on the estate of the &ecease&" e#$e55les or alienates an% of the
#one%" 'oo&s" chattels" or effect of such &ecease&" such person shall $e lia$le to an action in
favor of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator of the estate for &ou$le the value of the propert% sol&"
e#$e55le&" or alienate&" to $e recovere& for the $enefit of such estate-
SEC- A- $roperty fraudulent conveyed by deceased may be recovered. #hen e,ecutor or
administrator must bring action.28hen there is a &eficienc% of assets in the han&s of an
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator for the pa%#ent of &e$ts an& e1penses of a&#inistration" an& the
&ecease& in his lifeti#e ha& conve%e& real or personal propert%" or a ri'ht or interest therein" or
&e$t or cre&it" (ith intent to &efrau& his cre&itors or to avoi& an% ri'ht &e$t" or &ut%7 or ha& so
conve%e& such propert%" ri'ht" interest" &e$t" or cre&itors" an& the su$3ect of the atte#pte&
conve%ance (oul& $e lia$le to attach#ent $% an% of the# in his lifeti#e" the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator #a% co##ence an& prosecute to final 3u&'#ent an action for the recover% of such
propert%" ri'ht" interest" &e$ts" or cre&it for the $enefit of the cre&itors7 $ut he shall not $e $oun&
to co##ence the action unless the cre&itors #a/in' the application pa% such part of the costs
an& e1penses" or 'ive securit% therefor to the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" as the court &ee#s
e>uita$le-
SEC- ,B- #hen creditor may bring action. 7ien for cost.28hen there is such a &eficienc% of
assets" an& the &ecease& in his lifeti#e ha& #a&e or atte#pte& such a conve%ance" as is state& in
the last prece&in' section" an& the e1ecutor an& a&#inistrator has not co##ence& the action
therein provi&e& for" an% cre&itor of the estate #a%" (ith the per#ission of the court" co##ence
an& prosecute to final 3u&'#ent" in the na#e of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" a li/e action for
the recover% of the su$3ect of the conve%ance or atte#pte& conve%ance for the $enefit of the
cre&itors- )ut the action shall not $e co##ence& until the cre&itor has file& in a court a $on&
e1ecute& to the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" in an a#ount approve& $% the 3u&'e" con&itione& to
in&e#nif% the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator a'ainst the costs an& e1penses incurre& $% reason of
such action- Such cre&itor shall have a lien upon an% 3u&'#ent recovere& $% hi# in the action
for such costs an& other e1penses incurre& therein as the court &ee#s e>uita$le- 8here the
conve%ance or atte#pte& conve%ance has $een #a&e $% the &ecease& in his lifeti#e in favor of
the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" the action (hich a cre&itor #a% $rin' shall $e in the na#e of all
the cre&itors" an& per#ission of the court an& filin' of $on& as a$ove prescri$e&" are not
necessar%-
RULE @@
PAJ9E+T OF T=E FE)TS OF T=E STATE
SECT!O+ ,- +ebts paid in full if estate sufficient.2!f" after hearin' all the #one% clai#s a'ainst
the estate" an& after ascertainin' the a#ount of such clai#s" it appears that there are sufficient
assets to pa% the &e$ts" the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall pa% the sa#e (ithin the ti#e li#ite&
for that purpose-
SEC- 0- $art of estate from which debt paid when provision made by will.2!f the testator #a/es
provision $% his (ill" or &esi'nates the estate to $e appropriate& for the pa%#ent of his &e$ts" the
e1penses of a&#inistration" or the fa#il% e1penses" the% shall pai& accor&in' to the provisions of
the (ill7 $ut if the provision #a&e $% the (ill or the state appropriate&" is not sufficient for that
purpose" such part of the state of the testator" real or personal" as is not &ispose& of $% (ill" if
an%" shall $e appropriate& for that purpose-
SEC- 2- $ersonalty first chargeable for debts, then realty.2The personal estate of the &ecease&
not &ispose& of $% (ill shall $e first char'ea$le (ith the pa%#ent of &e$ts an& e1penses7 an& if
sai& personal estate is not sufficient for that purpose" or its sale (oul& re&oun& to the &etri#ent
of the participants of the estate" the (hole of the real estate not &ispose& of $% (ill" or so #uch
thereof as is necessar%" #a% $e sol&" #ort'a'e&" or other(ise encu#$ere& for that purpose $%
the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" after o$tainin' the authorit% of the court thereof- An% &eficienc%
shall $e #et $% contri$utions in accor&ance (ith the provisions of section 6 of this rule-
SEC- 4- *state to be retained to meet contingent claims.2!f the court is satisfie& that a
contin'ent clai# &ul% file& is vali&" it #a% or&er the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to retain in his
han&s sufficient estate to pa% such contin'ent clai# (hen the sa#e $eco#es a$solute" or" if the
estate is insolvent" sufficient to pa% a portion e>ual to the &ivi&en& of the other cre&itors-
SEC- 5- 3ow contingent claim becoming absolute in two years allowed and paid. (ction against
distributes later.2!f such contin'ent clai# $eco#es a$solute an& is presente& to the court" or to
the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" (ithin t(o (0) %ears fro# the ti#e li#ite& for other cre&itors to
present their clai#s" it #a% $e allo(e& $% the court if not &ispute& $% the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" an&" if &ispute&" it #a% $e prove& an& allo(e& or &isallo(e& $% the court as facts
#a% (arrant- !f the contin'ent clai# is allo(e&" the cre&itor shall receive pa%#ent to the sa#e
e1tent as the other cre&itors if the estate retaine& $% the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator is sufficient-
)ut if the clai# is not so presente&" after havin' $eco#e a$solute" (ithin sai& t(o (0) %ears" an&
allo(e&" the assets retaine& in the han&s of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" not e1hauste& in the
pa%#ent of clai#s" shall $e &istri$ute& $% the or&er of the court to the persons entitle& to the
sa#e7 $ut the assets so &istri$ute& #a% still $e applie& to the pa%#ent of the clai# (hen
esta$lishe&" an& the cre&itor #a% #aintain an action a'ainst the &istri$utees to recover the &e$t"
an& such &istri$utees an& their estates shall $e lia$le for the &e$t in proportion to the estate the%
have respectivel% receive& for# the propert% of the &ecease&-
SEC- 6- Court to fi, contributive shares where devisees, legatees, or heirs have been in
possession. . 8here &evisees" le'atees" or heirs have entere& into possession of portions of the
estate $efore the &e$ts an& e1penses have $een settle& an& pai&" an& have $eco#e lia$le to
contri$ute for the pa%#ent of such &e$ts an& e1penses" the court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate
#a%" $% or&er for that purpose" after hearin'" settle the a#ount of their several lia$ilities" an&
or&er ho( #uch an& in (hat #anner each person shall contri$ute" an& #a% issue e1ecution as
circu#stances re>uire-
SEC- ?- Order of payment if estate insolvent. . !f the assets (hich can $e appropriate& for the
pa%#ent of &e$ts are not sufficient for that purpose" the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall pa% the
&e$ts a'ainst the estate" o$servin' the provisions of Articles ,B5A an& 002A to 005, of the Civil
Co&e-
SEC- @- +ividends to be paid in proportion to claims. . !f there are no assets sufficient to pa%
the cre&its of an% one class of cre&itors after pa%in' the cre&its entitle& to preference over it"
each cre&itor (ithin such class shall $e pai& a &ivi&en& in proportion to his clai#- +o cre&itor of
an% one class shall receive an% pa%#ent until those of the prece&in' class are pai&-
SEC- A- *state of insolvent nonresident, how disposed of. . !n case a&#inistration is ta/en in
the Philippines of the estate of a person (ho (as at the ti#e of his &eath an inha$itant of another
countr%" an& (ho &ie& insolvent" his estate foun& in the Philippines shall" as far as practica$le"
$e so &ispose& of that his cre&itors here an& else(here #a% receive each an e>ual share" in
proportion to their respective cre&its-
SEC- ,B- #hen and how claim proved outside the $hilippines against insolvent residentAs estate
paid. . !f it appears to the court havin' 3uris&iction that clai#s have $een &ul% proven in
another countr% a'ainst the estate of an insolvent (ho (as at the ti#e of his &eath an inha$itant
of the Philippines" an& that the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator in the Philippines ha& /no(le&'e of the
presentation of such clai#s in such countr% an& an opportunit% to contest their allo(ance" the
court shall receive a certifie& list of such clai#s" (hen perfecte& in such countr%" an& a&& the
sa#e to the list of clai#s prove& a'ainst the &ecease& person in the Philippines so that a 3ust
&istri$ution of the (hole estate #a% $e #a&e e>uall% a#on' all its cre&itors accor&in' to their
respective clai#s7 $ut the $enefit of this an& the prece&in' sections shall not $e e1ten&e& to the
cre&itors in another countr% if the propert% of such &ecease& person there foun& is not e>uall%
apportione& to the cre&itors resi&in' in the Philippines an& the other cre&itors" accor&in' to their
respective clai#s-
SEC- ,,- Order for payment of debts. . )efore the e1piration of the ti#e li#ite& for the
pa%#ent of the &e$ts" the court shall or&er the pa%#ent thereof" an& the &istri$ution of the assets
receive& $% the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator for that purpose a#on' the cre&itors" as the
circu#stances of the estate re>uire an& in accor&ance (ith the provisions of this rule-
SEC- ,0- Orders relating to payment of debts where appeal is ta)en. . !f an appeal has $een
ta/en fro# a &ecision of the court concernin' a clai#" the court #a% suspen& the or&er for the
pa%#ent of the &e$ts or #a% or&er the &istri$ution a#on' the cre&itors (hose clai#s are
&efinitel% allo(e&" leavin' in the han&s of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator sufficient assets to pa%
the clai# &ispute& an& appeale&- 8hen a &ispute& clai# is finall% settle& the court havin'
3uris&iction of the estate shall or&er the sa#e to $e pai& out of the assets retaine& to the sa#e
e1tent an& in the sa#e proportion (ith the clai#s of other cre&itors-
SEC- ,2- #hen subse6uent distribution of assets ordered. . !f the (hole of the &e$ts are not
pai& on the first &istri$ution" an& if the (hole assets are not &istri$ute&" or other assets
after(ar&s co#e to the han&s of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" the court #a% fro# ti#e to ti#e
#a/e further or&ers for the &istri$ution of assets-
SEC- ,4- Creditors to be paid in accordance with terms of order. . 8hen an or&er is #a&e for
the &istri$ution of assets a#on' the cre&itors" the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall" as soon as the
ti#e of pa%#ent arrives" pa% the cre&itors the a#ounts of their clai#s" or the &ivi&en& thereon"
in accor&ance (ith the ter#s of such or&er-
SEC- ,5- Time for paying debts and legacies fi,ed, or e,tended after notice, within what
periods. . On 'rantin' letters testa#entar% or a&#inistration the court shall allo( to the
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator a ti#e for &isposin' of the estate an& pa%in' the &e$ts an& le'acies of
the &ecease&" (hich shall not" in the first instance" e1cee& one (,) %ear7 $ut the court #a%" on
application of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator an& after hearin' on such notice of the ti#e an&
place therefor 'iven to all persons intereste& as it shall &irect" e1ten& the ti#e as the
circu#stances of the estate re>uire not e1cee&in' si1 (6) #onths for a sin'le e1tension nor so
that the (hole perio& allo(e& to the ori'inal e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall e1cee& t(o (0)
%ears-
SEC- ,6- Successor of dead e,ecutor or administrator may have time e,tended on notice within
certain period. . 8hen an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator &ies" an& a ne( a&#inistrator of the sa#e
estate is appointe&" the court #a% e1ten& the ti#e allo(e& for the pa%#ent of the &e$ts or
le'acies $e%on& the ti#e allo(e& to the ori'inal e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" not e1cee&in' si1 (6)
#onths at a ti#e an& not e1cee&in' si1 (6) #onths )e%on& the ti#e (hich the court #i'ht have
allo(e& to such ori'inal e1ecutor or a&#inistrator7 an& notice shall $e 'iven of the ti#e an&
place for hearin' such application" as re>uire& in the last prece&in' section-
RULE @A
SALES" 9ORTCACES" A+F OT=ER E+CU9)RA+CES OF PROPERTJ OF FECEFE+T
SECT!O+ ,- Order of sale of personalty..Upon the application of the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" an& on (ritten notice to the heirs an& other persons intereste&" the court #a% or&er
the (hole or a part of the personal estate to $e sol&" if it appears necessar% for the purpose of
pa%in' &e$ts" e1penses of a&#inistration" or le'acies" or for the preservation of the propert%-
SEC- 0- #hen court may authori5e sale, mortgage, or other encumbrance of realty to pay debts
and legacies through personalty not e,hausted..8hen the personal estate of the &ecease& is
not sufficient to pa% the &e$ts" e1penses of a&#inistration" an& le'acies" or (here the sale of
such personal estate #a% in3ure the $usiness or other interests of those intereste& in the estate"
an& (here a testator has not other(ise #a&e sufficient provision for the pa%#ent of such &e$ts"
e1penses an& le'acies" the court" on the application of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator an& on
(ritten notice to the heirs" &evisees" an& le'atees resi&in' in the Philippines" #a% authori5e the
e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to sell" #ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er so #uch as #a% $e necessar%
of the real estate" in lieu of personal estate" for the purpose of pa%in' such &e$ts" e1penses" an&
le'acies" if it clearl% appears that such sale" #ort'a'e" or encu#$rance (oul& $e $eneficial to
the persons intereste&7 an& if a part cannot $e sol&" #ort'a'e&" or other(ise encu#$ere& (ithout
in3ur% to those intereste& in the re#ain&er" the authorit% #a% $e for the sale" #ort'a'e" or other
encu#$rance of the (hole of such real estate" or so #uch thereof as is necessar% or $eneficial
un&er the circu#stances-
SEC- 2- $ersons interested may prevent such sale, etc., by giving bond..+o such authorit% to
sell" #ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er real or personal estate shall $e 'rante& if an% person
intereste& in the estate 'ives a $on&" in a su# to $e fi1e& $% the court" con&itione& to pa% the
&e$ts" e1penses of a&#inistration" an& le'acies (ithin such ti#e as the court &irects7 an& such
$on& shall $e for the securit% of the cre&itors" as (ell as of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" an&
#a% $e prosecute& for the $enefit of either-
SEC- 4- #hen court may authori5e sale of estate as beneficial to interested persons. +isposal of
proceeds..8hen it appears that the sale of the (hole or a part of the real or personal estate"
(ill $e $eneficial to the heirs" &evisees" le'atees" an& other intereste& persons" the court #a%"
upon application of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator an& on (ritten notice to the heirs" &evisees"
an& le'atees (ho are intereste& in the estate to $e sol&" authori5e the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to
sell the (hole or a part of sai& estate" althou'h not necessar% to pa% &e$ts" le'acies" or e1penses
of a&#inistration7 $ut such authorit% shall not $e 'rante& if inconsistent (ith the provisions of a
(ill- !n case of such sale" the procee&s shall $e assi'ne& to the persons entitle& to the estate in
the proper proportions-
SEC- 5- #hen court may authori5e sale, mortgage, or other encumbrance of estate to pay debts
and legacies in other countries.. 8hen the sale of personal estate" or the sale" #ort'a'e" or
other encu#$rance of real estate is not necessar% to pa% the &e$ts" e1penses of a&#inistration" or
le'acies in the Philippines" $ut it appears fro# recor&s of procee&in's of a pro$ate court in
another countr% that the estate of the &ecease& in such other countr% is not sufficient to pa% the
&e$ts" e1penses an& a&#inistration" an& le'acies there" the court here #a% authori5e the e1ecutor
or a&#inistrator to sell the personal estate or to sell" #ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er the real
estate for the pa%#ent of &e$ts or le'acies in the other countr%" in the sa#e #anner as for the
pa%#ent of &e$ts or le'acies in the Philippines-
SEC- 6- #hen court may authori5e sale, mortgage, or other encumbrance of realty ac6uired on
e,ecution or foreclosure..The court #a% authori5e an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to sell"
#ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er real estate ac>uire& $% hi# on e1ecution or foreclosure sale"
un&er the sa#e circu#stances an& un&er the sa#e re'ulations as prescri$e& in this rule for the
sale" #ort'a'e" or other encu#$rance of other real estate-
SEC- ?- Regulations for granting authority to sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber estates..
The court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate of the &ecease& #a% authori5e the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator to sell personal estate" or to sell" #ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er real estate" in
cases provi&e& $% these rules an& (hen it appears necessar% or $eneficial" un&er the follo(in'
re'ulations*
(a) The e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall file a (ritten petition settin' forth the &e$ts &ue fro#
the &ecease&" the e1penses of a&#inistration" the le'acies" the value of the personal estate" the
situation of the estate to $e sol&" #ort'a'e&" or other(ise encu#$ere&" an& such other
facts as sho( that the sale" #ort'a'e" or other encu#$rance is necessar% or $eneficial7
($) The court shall thereupon fi1 a ti#e an& place for hearin' such petition" an& cause
notice statin' the nature of the petition" the reason for the sa#e" an& the ti#e an& place of
hearin'" to $e 'iven personall% or $% #ail to the persons intereste&" an& #a% cause such further
notice to $e 'iven" $% pu$lication or other(ise" as it shall &ee# proper7
(c) !f the court re>uires it" the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall 'ive an a&&itional $on&" in such
su# as the court &irects" con&itione& that such e1ecutor or a&#inistrator (ill account for the
procee&s of the sale" #ort'a'e" or other encu#$rance7
(&) !f the re>uire#ents in the prece&in' su$&ivisions of this section have $een co#plie& (ith"
the court" $% or&er statin' such co#pliance" #a% authori5e the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to sell"
#ort'a'e" or other(ise encu#$er" in proper cases" such part of the estate as is &ee#e&
necessar%" an& in case of sale the court #a% authori5e it to $e pu$lic or private" as (oul& $e #ost
$eneficial to all parties concerne&- The e1ecutor or a&#inistrator shall $e furnishe& (ith a
certifie& cop% of such or&er7
(e) !f the estate is to $e sol& at auction" the #o&e of 'ivin' notice of the ti#e an& place of the
sale shall $e 'overne& $% the provisions concernin' notice of e1ecution sale7
(f) There shall $e recor&e& in the re'istr% of &ee&s of the province in (hich the real
estate thus sol&" #ort'a'e&" or other(ise encu#$ere& is situate&" a certifie& cop% of the
or&er of the court" to'ether (ith the &ee& of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator for such real estate"
(hich shall $e as vali& as if the &ee& ha& $een e1ecute& $% the &ecease& in his lifeti#e-
SEC- @- #hen court may authori5e conveyance of realty which deceased contracted to convey.
%otice. *ffect of deed..8here the &ecease& (as in his lifeti#e un&er contract" $in&in' in la("
to &ee& real propert%" or an interest therein" the court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate #a%" on
application for that purpose" authori5e the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to conve% such propert%
accor&in' to such contract" or (ith such #o&ifications as are a'ree& upon $% the parties an&
approve& $% the court7 an& if the contract is to conve% real propert% to the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator" the cler/ of the court shall e1ecute the &ee&- The &ee& e1ecute& $% such e1ecutor"
a&#inistrator" or cler/ of court shall $e as effectual to conve% the propert% as if e1ecute& $% the
&ecease& in his lifeti#e7 $ut no such conve%ance shall $e authori5e& until notice of the
application for that purpose has $een 'iven personall% or $% #ail to all persons intereste&" an&
such further notice has $een 'iven" $% pu$lication or other(ise" as the court &ee#s proper7 nor if
the assets in the han&s of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator (ill there$% $e re&uce& so as to prevent a
cre&itor fro# receivin' his full &e$t or &i#inish his &ivi&en&-
SEC- A- #hen court may authori5e conveyance of lands which deceased held in trust..8here
the &ecease& in his lifeti#e hel& real propert% in trust for another person" the court #a%" after
notice 'iven as re>uire& in the last prece&in' section" authori5e the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator to
&ee& such propert% to the person" or his e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" for (hose use an& $enefit it
(as so hel&7 an& the court #a% or&er the e1ecution of such trust" (hether create& $% &ee& or $%
la(-
RULE AB
F!STR!)UT!O+ A+F PART!T!O+ OF T=E ESTATE
SECT!O+ ,- #hen order for distribution of residue made..8hen the &e$ts" funeral char'es"
an& e1penses of a&#inistration" the allo(ance to the (i&o(" an& inheritance ta1" if an%"
char'ea$le to the estate in accor&ance (ith la(" have $een pai&" the court" on the application of
the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" or of a person intereste& in the estate" an& after hearin' upon
notice" shall assi'n the resi&ue of the estate to the persons entitle& to the sa#e" na#in' the# an&
the proportions" or parts" to (hich each is entitle&" an& such persons #a% &e#an& an& recover
their respective shares fro# the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator" or an% other person havin' the sa#e
in his possession- !f there is a controvers% $efore the court as to (ho are the la(ful heirs of the
&ecease& person or as to the &istri$utive shares to (hich each person is entitle& un&er the la("
the controvers% shall $e hear& an& &eci&e& as in or&inar% cases-
+o &istri$ution shall $e allo(e& until the pa%#ent of the o$li'ations a$ove #entione& has $een
#a&e or provi&e& for" unless the &istri$utees" or an% of the#" 'ive a $on&" in a su# to $e fi1e&
$% the court" con&itione& for the pa%#ent of sai& o$li'ations (ithin such ti#e as the court
&irects-
SEC- 0- 8uestions as to advancement to be determined..Luestions as to a&vance#ent #a&e" or
alle'e& to have $een #a&e" $% the &ecease& to an% heir #a% $e hear& an& &eter#ine& $% the
court havin' 3uris&iction of the estate procee&in's7 an& the final or&er of the court thereon shall
$e $in&in' on the person raisin' the >uestions an& on the heir-
SEC- 2- )% whom e,penses of partition paid..!f at the ti#e of the &istri$ution the e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator has retaine& sufficient effects in his han&s (hich #a% la(full% $e applie& for the
e1penses of partition of the properties &istri$ute&" such e1penses of partition #a% $e pai& $%
such e1ecutor or a&#inistrator (hen it appears e>uita$le to the court an& not inconsistent (ith
the intention of the testator7 other(ise" the% shall $e pai& $% the parties in proportion to their
respective shares or interest in the pre#ises" an& the apportion#ent shall $e settle& an& allo(e&
$% the court" an&" if an% person intereste& in the partition &oes not pa% his proportion or share"
the court #a% issue an e1ecution in the na#e of the e1ecutor or a&#inistrator a'ainst the part%
not pa%in' for the su# assesse&-
SEC- 4- Recording the order of partition of estate..Certifie& copies of final or&ers an&
3u&'#ents of the court relatin' to the real estate or the partition thereof shall $e recor&e& in the
re'istr% of &ee&s of the province (here the propert% is situate&-
RULE A,
ESC=EATS
SECT!O+ ,- #hen and by whom petition filed.28hen a person &ies intestate" sei5e& of real or
personal propert% in the Philippines" leavin' no heir or person $% la( entitle& to the sa#e" the
Solicitor Ceneral or his representative in $ehalf of the Repu$lic of the Philippines" #a% file a
petition in the Re'ional Trial Court of the province (here the &ecease& last resi&e& or !n (hich
he ha& estate" if he resi&e& out of the Philippines" settin' forth the facts" an& pra%in' that the
estate of the &ecease& $e &eclare& escheate&-
SEC- 0- Order for hearing..!f the petition is sufficient in for# an& su$stance" the court" $% an
or&er recitin' the purpose of the petition" shall fi1 a &ate an& place for the hearin' thereof" (hich
&ate shall $e not #ore than si1 (6) #onths after the entr% of the or&er" an& shall &irect that a
cop% of the or&er $e pu$lishe& $efore the hearin' at least once a (ee/ for si1 (6) successive
(ee/s in so#e ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation pu$lishe& in the province" as the court shall
&ee# $est-
SEC- 2- 3earing and "udgment..Upon satisfactor% proof in open court on the &ate fi1e& in the
or&er that such or&er has $een pu$lishe& as &irecte& an& that the person &ie& intestate" sei5e& of
real or personal propert% in the Philippines" leavin' no heir or person entitle& to the sa#e" an&
no sufficient cause $ein' sho(n to the contrar%" the court shall a&3u&'e that the estate of the
&ecease& in the Philippines" after the pa%#ent of 3ust &e$ts an& char'es" shall escheat7 an& shall"
pursuant to la(" assi'n the personal estate to the #unicipalit% or cit% (here he last resi&e& in the
Philippines" an& the real estate to the #unicipalities or cities" respectivel%" in (hich the sa#e is
situate&- !f the &ecease& never resi&e& in the Philippines" the (hole estate #a% $e assi'ne& to the
respective #unicipalities or cities (here the sa#e is locate&- Such estate shall $e for the $enefit
of pu$lic schools" an& pu$lic charita$le institutions an& centers in sai& #unicipalities or cities-
The court" at the instance of an intereste& part%" or on its o(n #otion" #a% or&er the
esta$lish#ent of a per#anent trust" so that onl% the inco#e fro# the propert% shall $e use&-
SEC- 4- #hen and by whom claim to estate filed..!f a &evisee" le'atee" heir" (i&o(" (i&o(er"
or other person entitle& to such estate appears an& files a clai# thereto (ith the court (ithin five
(5) %ears fro# the &ate of such 3u&'#ent such person shall have possession of an& title to the
sa#e" or if sol&" the #unicipalit% or cit% shall $e accounta$le to" hi# for the procee&s" after
&e&uctin' reasona$le char'es for the care of the estate7 $ut a clai# not #a&e (ithin sai& ti#e
shall $e forever $arre&-
SEC- 5- Other actions for escheat.2Until other(ise provi&e& $% la(" actions for reversion or
escheat of properties alienate& in violation of the Constitution or of an% statute shall $e 'overne&
$% this rule" e1cept that the action shall $e institute& in the province (here the lan& lies in (hole
or in part-
CE+ERAL CUARF!A+S A+F CUARF!A+S=!P
RULE A0
E+UE
SECT!O+ ,- #here to institute proceedings..Cuar&ianship of the person or estate of a #inor
or inco#petent #a% $e institute& in the Re'ional Trial Court of the province" or in the 3ustice of
the peace court of the #unicipalit%" or in the #unicipal court of the chartere& cit% (here the
#inor or inco#petent person resi&es" an& if he resi&es in a forei'n countr%" in the Re'ional Trial
Court of the province (herein his propert% or part thereof is situate&7 provi&e&" ho(ever" that
(here the value of the propert% of such #inor or inco#petent e1cee&s the 3uris&iction of the
3ustice of the peace or #unicipal court" the procee&in's shall $e institute& in the Re'ional Trial
Court-
!n the Cit% of 9anila the procee&in's shall $e institute& in the Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations
Court-
SEC- 0- !eaning of word Bincompetent.B.Un&er this rule" the (or& Oinco#petentO inclu&es
persons sufferin' the penalt% of civil inter&iction or (ho are hospitali5e& lepers" pro&i'als" &eaf
an& &u#$ (ho are una$le to rea& an& (rite" those (ho are of unsoun& #in&" even thou'h the%
have luci& intervals" an& persons not $ein' of unsoun& #in&" $ut $% reason of a'e" &isease" (ea/
#in&" an& other si#ilar causes" cannot" (ithout outsi&e ai&" ta/e care of the#selves an& #ana'e
their propert%" $eco#in' there$% an eas% pre% for &eceit an& e1ploitation-
SEC- 2- Transfer of venue..The court ta/in' co'ni5ance of a 'uar&ianship procee&in'" #a%
transfer the sa#e to the court of another province or #unicipalit% (herein the (ar& has ac>uire&
real propert%" if he has transferre& thereto his bona fide resi&ence" an& the latter court shall have
full 3uris&iction to continue the procee&in's" (ithout re>uirin' pa%#ent of a&&itional court fees-
RULE A2
APPO!+T9E+T OF CUARF!A+S
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may petition for appointment of guardian for resident..An% relative" frien&"
or other person on $ehalf of a resi&ent #inor or inco#petent (ho has no parent or la(ful
'uar&ian" or the #inor hi#self if fourteen %ears of a'e or over" #a% petition the court havin'
3uris&iction for the appoint#ent of a 'eneral 'uar&ian for the person or estate" or $oth" of such
#inor or inco#petent- An officer of the Fe&eral A&#inistration of the Unite& States in the
Philippines #a% also file a Opetition in favor of a (ar& thereof" an& the Firector of =ealth" in
favor of an insane person (ho shoul& $e hospitali5e&" or in favor of an isolate& leper-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition.2( petition for the appoint#ent of a 'eneral 'uar&ian #ust sho("
so far as /no(n to the petitioner*
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The #inorit% or inco#petenc% ren&erin' the appoint#ent necessar% or convenient7
(c) The na#es" a'es" an& resi&ences of the relatives of the #inor or inco#petent" an& of the
persons havin' hi# in their care7
(&) The pro$a$le value an& character of his estate7
(e) The na#e of the person for (ho# letters of 'uar&ianship are pra%e&-
The petition shall $e verifie&7 $ut no &efect in the petition or verification shall ren&er voi& the
issuance of letters of 'uar&ianship-
SEC- 2- Court to set time for hearing. %otice thereof.28hen a petition for the appoint#ent of a
'eneral 'uar&ian is file&" the court shall fi1 a ti#e an& place for hearin' the sa#e" an& shall
cause reasona$le notice thereof to $e 'iven to the persons #entione& in the petition resi&in' in
the province" inclu&in' the #inor if a$ove ,4 %ears of a'e or the inco#petent hi#self" an& #a%
&irect other 'eneral or special notice thereof to $e 'iven-
SEC- 4- Opposition to petition..An% intereste& person #a%" $% filin' a (ritten opposition"
contest the petition on the 'roun& of #a3orit% of the alle'e& #inor" co#petenc%" of the alle'e&
inco#petent" or the unsuita$ilit% of the person for (ho# letters are pra%e&" an& #a% pra% that
the petition $e &is#isse&" or that letters of 'uar&ianship issue to hi#self" or to an% suita$le
person na#e& in the opposition-
SEC- 5- 3earing and order for letters to issue..At the hearin' of the petition the alle'e&
inco#petent #ust $e present if a$le to atten&" an& it #ust $e sho(n that the re>uire& notice has
$een 'iven- Thereupon the court shall hear the evi&ence of the parties in support of their
respective alle'ations" an&" if the person in >uestion is a #inor or inco#petent it shall appoint a
suita$le 'uar&ian of his person or estate" or $oth" (ith the po(ers an& &uties hereinafter
specifie&-
SEC- 6- #hen and how guardian for nonresident appointed. %otice..8hen a person lia$le to
$e put un&er 'uar&ianship resi&es (ithout the Philippines $ut has estate therein" an% relative or
frien& of such person" or an% one intereste& in his estate" in e1pectanc% or other(ise" #a%
petition a court havin' 3uris&iction for the appoint#ent of a 'uar&ian for the estate" an& if" after
notice 'iven to such person an& in such #anner as the court &ee#s proper" $% pu$lication or
other(ise" an& hearin' the court is satisfie& that such nonresi&ent is a #inor or inco#petent
ren&erin' a 'uar&ian necessar% or convenient" it #a% appoint a 'uar&ian for such estate-
SEC- ?- $arents as guardians..8hen the propert% of the chil& un&er parental authorit% is (orth
t(o thousan& pesos or less" the father or the #other" (ithout the necessit% of court appoint#ent"
shall $e his le'al 'uar&ian- 8hen the propert% of the chil& is (orth #ore than t(o thousan&
pesos" the father or the #other shall $e consi&ere& 'uar&ian of the chil&Ps propert%" (ith the
&uties an& o$li'ation of 'uar&ians un&er these rules" an& shall file the petition re>uire& $%
section 0 hereof- For 'oo& reasons the court #a%" ho(ever" appoint another suita$le person-
SEC- @- Service of "udgment..Final or&ers or 3u&'#ents un&er this rule shall $e serve& upon
the civil re'istrar of the #unicipalit% or cit% (here the #inor or inco#petent person resi&es7 or
(here his propert% or part thereof is situate&-
RULE A4
)O+FS OF CUARF!A+S
SECT!O+ ,- 1ond to be given before issuance of letters. (mount. Conditions..)efore a
'uar&ian appointe& enters upon the e1ecution of his trust" or letters of 'uar&ianship issue" he
shall 'ive a $on&" in such su# as the court &irects" con&itione& as follo(s*
(a) To #a/e an& return to the court" (ithin three (2) #onths" a true an& co#plete
inventor% of all the estate" real an& personal" of his (ar& (hich shall co#e to his possession
or /no(le&'e or to the possession or /no(le&'e of an% other person for hi#7
($) To faithfull% e1ecute the &uties of his trust" to #ana'e an& &ispose of the estate accor&in' to
these rules for the $est interests of the (ar&" an& to provi&e for the proper care" custo&%" an&
e&ucation of the (ar&7
(c) To ren&er a true an& 3ust account of all the estate of the (ar& in his han&s" an& of all
procee&s or interest &erive& therefro#" an& of the #ana'e#ent an& &isposition of the sa#e" at
the ti#e &esi'nate& $% these rules an& such other ti#es as the court &irects" an& at the e1piration
of his trust to settle his accounts (ith the court an& &eliver an& pa% over all the estate" effects"
an& #one%s re#ainin' in his han&s" or &ue fro# hi# on such settle#ent" to the person la(full%
entitle& thereto7
(&) To perfor# all or&ers of the court $% hi# to $e perfor#e&-
SEC- 0- #hen new bond may be re6uired and old sureties discharged..8henever it is &ee#e&
necessar%" the court #a% re>uire a ne( $on& to $e 'iven $% the 'uar&ian" an& #a% &ischar'e the
sureties on the ol& $on& fro# further lia$ilit%" after &ue notice to intereste& persons" (hen no
in3ur% can result therefro# to those intereste& in the estate-
SEC- 2- 1onds to be filed. (ctions thereon..Ever% $on& 'iven $% a 'uar&ian shall $e file& in
the office of the cler/ of the court" an&" in case of the $reach of a con&ition thereof" #a% $e
prosecute& in the sa#e procee&in' or in a separate action for the use an& $enefit of the (ar& or
of an% other person le'all% intereste& in the estate-
RULE A5
SELL!+C A+F E+CU9)ER!+C PROPERTJ OF 8ARF
SECT!O+ ,- $etition of guardian for leave to sell or encumber estate..8hen the inco#e of an
estate un&er 'uar&ianship is insufficient to #aintain the (ar& an& his fa#il%" or to #aintain an&
e&ucate the (ar& (hen a #inor" or (hen it appears that it is for the $enefit of the (ar& that is
real estate or so#e part thereof $e sol&" or #ort'a'e& or other(ise encu#$ere&" an& the
procee&s thereof put out at interest" or investe& in so#e pro&uctive securit%" or in the
i#prove#ent or securit% of other real estate of the (ar&" the 'uar&ian #a% present a verifie&
petition to the court $% (hich he (as appointe& settin' forth such facts" an& pra%in' that an
or&er issue authori5in' the sale or encu#$rance-
SEC- 0- Order to show cause thereupon..!f it see#s pro$a$le that such sale or encu#$rance is
necessar%" or (oul& $e $eneficial to the (ar&" the court shall #a/e an or&er &irectin' the ne1t of
/in of the (ar&" an& all persons intereste& in the estate" to appear at a reasona$le ti#e an& place
therein specifie& to sho( cause (h% the pra%er of the petition shoul& not $e 'rante&-
SEC- 2- 3earing on return of order. Costs..At the ti#e an& place &esi'nate& in the or&er to
sho( cause" the court shall hear the proofs an& alle'ations of the petitioner an& ne1t of /in" an&
other persons intereste&" to'ether (ith their (itnesses" an& 'rant or refuse the pra%er of the
petition as the $est interests of the (ar& re>uire- The court shall #a/e such or&er as to costs of
the hearin' as #a% $e 3ust-
SEC- 4- Contents of order for sale or encumbrance, and how long effective. 1ond..!f" after full
e1a#ination" it appears that it is necessar%" or (oul& $e $eneficial to the (ar&" to sell or
encu#$er the estate" or so#e portion of it" the court shall or&er such sale or encu#$rance an&
that the procee&s thereof $e e1pen&e& for the #aintenance of the (ar& an& his fa#il%" or the
e&ucation of the (ar&" if a #inor" or for the puttin' of the sa#e out at interest" or the invest#ent
of the sa#e as the circu#stances #a% re>uire- The or&er shall specif% the causes (h% the sale- or
encu#$rance is necessar% or $eneficial" an& #a% &irect that estate or&ere& sol& $e &ispose& of at
either pu$lic or private sale" su$3ect to such con&itions as to the ti#e an& #anner of pa%#ent"
an& securit% (here a part of the pa%#ent is &eferre&" as in the &iscretion of the court are &ee#e&
#ost $eneficial to the (ar&- The ori'inal $on& of the 'uar&ian shall stan& as securit% for the
proper appropriation of the procee&s of the sale" $ut the 3u&'e #a%" if &ee#e& e1pe&ient" re>uire
an a&&itional $on& as a con&ition for the 'rantin' of the or&er of sale- +o or&er of sale 'rante& in
pursuance of this section shall continue in force #ore than one (,) %ear after 'rantin' the sa#e"
(ithout a sale $ein' ha&-
SEC- 5- Court may order investment of proceeds and direct management of estate..The court
#a% authori5e an& re>uire the 'uar&ian to invest the procee&s of sales or encu#$rances" an& an%
other of his (ar&Ps #one% in his han&s" in real estate or other(ise" as shall $e for the $est interest
of all concerne&" an& #a% #a/e such other or&ers for the #ana'e#ent" invest#ent" an&
&isposition of the estate an& effects" as circu#stances #a% re>uire-
RULE A6
CE+ERAL PO8ERS A+F FUT!ES OF CUARF!A+S
SECT!O+ ,- To what guardianship shall e,tend.2A 'uar&ian appointe& shall have the care an&
custo&% of the person of his (ar&" an& the #ana'e#ent of his estate" or the #ana'e#ent of his
estate onl% as the case #a% $e- The 'uar&ian of the estate of a nonresi&ent shall have the
#ana'e#ent of all the estate of the (ar& (ithin the Philippines" an& no court other than that in
(hich such 'uar&ian (as appointe& shall have 3uris&iction over the 'uar&ianship-
SEC- 0- -uardian to pay debts of ward..Ever% 'uar&ian #ust pa% the (ar&Ps 3ust &e$ts out of
his personal estate an& the inco#e of his real estate" if sufficient7 if not" then out of his real estate
upon o$tainin' an or&er for the sale or encu#$rance thereof-
SEC- 2- -uardian to settle accounts, collect debts, and appear in actions for ward..A 'uar&ian
#ust settle all accounts of his (ar&" an& &e#an&" sue for" the receive all &e$ts &ue hi#" or #a%"
(ith the approval of the court" co#poun& for the sa#e an& 'ive &ischar'es to the &e$tor" on
receivin' a fair an& 3ust &ivi&en& of the estate an& effects7 an& he shall appear for an& represent
his (ar& in all actions an& special procee&in's" unless another person $e appointe& for that
purpose-
SEC- 4- *state to be managed frugally, and proceeds applied to maintenance of ward..A
'uar&ian #ust #ana'e the estate of his (ar& fru'all% an& (ithout (aste" an& appl% the inco#e
an& profits thereof" so far as #a% $e necessar%" to the co#forta$le an& suita$le #aintenance of
the (ar& an& his fa#il%" if there $e an%7 an& if such inco#e an& profits $e insufficient for that
purpose" the 'uar&ian #a% sell or encu#$er the real estate" upon $ein' authori5e& $% or&er so to
&o" an& appl% so #uch of the procee&s as #a% $e necessar% to such #aintenance-
SEC- 5- -uardian may be authori5ed to "oin in partition proceedings after hearing..The court
#a% authori5e the 'uar&ian to 3oin in an assent to a partition of real or personal estate hel& $%
the (ar& 3ointl% or in co##on (ith others" $ut such authorit% shall onl% $e 'rante& after
hearin'" upon such notice to relatives of the (ar& as the court #a% &irect" an& a careful
investi'ation as to the necessit% an& propriet% of the propose& action-
SEC- 6" $roceedings when person suspected of embe55ling or concealing property of ward..
Upon co#plaint of the 'uar&ian or (ar&" or of an% person havin' actual or prospective interest
in the estate of the (ar& as cre&itor" heir" or other(ise" that an%one is suspecte& of havin'
e#$e55le&" conceale&" or conve%e& a(a% an% #one%" 'oo&s" or interest" or a (ritten instru#ent"
$elon'in' to the (ar& or his estate" the court #a% cite the suspecte& person to appear for
e1a#ination touchin' such #one%" 'oo&s" interest" or instru#ent" an& #a/e such or&ers as (ill
secure the estate a'ainst such e#$e55le#ent" conceal#ent or conve%ance-
SEC- ?- Inventories and accounts of guardians, and appraisement of estates..A 'uar&ian
#ust ren&er to the court an inventor% of the estate of his (ar& (ithin three (2) #onths after his
appoint#ent" an& annuall% after such appoint#ent an inventor% an& account" the ren&ition of
an% of (hich #a% $e co#pelle& upon the application of an intereste& person- Such inventories
an& accounts shall $e s(orn to $% the 'uar&ian- All the estate of the (ar& &escri$e& in the first
inventor% shall $e appraise&- !n the appraise#ent the court #a% re>uest the assistance of one or
#ore of the inheritance ta1 appraisers- An& (henever an% propert% of the (ar& not inclu&e& in
an inventor% alrea&% ren&ere& is &iscovere&" or succee&e& to" or ac>uire& $% the (ar&" li/e
procee&in's shall $e ha& for securin' an inventor% an& appraise#ent thereof (ithin three (2)
#onths after such &iscover%" succession" or ac>uisition-
SEC- @- #hen guardianAs accounts presented for settlement. *,penses and compensation
allowed..Upon the e1piration of a %ear fro# the ti#e of his appoint#ent" an& as often
thereafter as #a% $e re>uire&" a 'uar&ian #ust present his account to the court for settle#ent an&
allo(ance- !n the settle#ent of the account" the 'uar&ian" other than a parent" shall $e allo(e&
the a#ount of his reasona$le e1penses incurre& in the e1ecution of his trust an& also such
co#pensation for his services as the court &ee#s 3ust" not e1cee&in' fifteen per centum of the
net inco#e of the (ar&-
RULE A?
TER9!+AT!O+ OF CUARF!A+S=!P
SECT!O+ ,- $etition that competency of ward be ad"udged, and proceedings thereupon..A
person (ho has $een &eclare& inco#petent for an% reason" or his 'uar&ian" relative" or frien&"
#a% petition the court to have his present co#petenc% 3u&iciall% &eter#ine&- The petition shall
$e verifie& $% oath" an& shall state that such person is then co#petent- Upon receivin' the
petition" the court shall fi1 a ti#e for hearin' the >uestions raise& there$%" an& cause reasona$le
notice thereof to $e 'iven to the 'uar&ian of the person so &eclare& inco#petent" an& to the
(ar&- On the trial" the 'uar&ian or relatives of the (ar&" an&" in the &iscretion of the court" an%
other person" #a% contest the ri'ht to the relief &e#an&e&" an& (itnesses #a% $e calle& an&
e1a#ine& $% the parties or $% the court on its o(n #otion- !f it $e foun& that the person is no
lon'er inco#petent" his co#petenc% shall $e a&3u&'e& an& the 'uar&ianship shall cease-
SEC- 0- #hen guardian removed or allowed to resign. %ew appointment..8hen a 'uar&ian
$eco#es insane or other(ise incapa$le of &ischar'in' his trust or unsuita$le therefor" or has
(aste& or #is#ana'e& the estate" or faile& for thirt% (2B) &a%s after it is &ue to ren&er an account
or #a/e a return" the court #a%" upon reasona$le notice to the 'uar&ian" re#ove hi#" an&
co#pel hi# to surren&er the estate of the (ar& to the person foun& to $e la(full% entitle&
thereto- A 'uar&ian #a% resi'n (hen it appears proper to allo( the sa#e7 an& upon his
resi'nation or re#oval the court #a% appoint another in his place-
SEC- 2- Other termination of guardianship..The #arria'e or voluntar% e#ancipation of a
#inor (ar& ter#inates the 'uar&ianship of the person of the (ar&" an& shall ena$le the #inor to
a&#inister his propert% as thou'h he (ere of a'e" $ut he cannot $orro( #one% or alienate or
encu#$er real propert% (ithout the consent of his father or #other" or 'uar&ian- =e can sue an&
$e sue& in court onl% (ith the assistance of his father" #other or 'uar&ian- The 'uar&ian of an%
person #a% $e &ischar'e& $% the court (hen it appears" upon the application of the (ar& or
other(ise" that the 'uar&ianship is no lon'er necessar%-
SEC- 4- Record to be )ept by the "ustice of the peace or municipal or city "udge..8hen a
3ustice of the peace or #unicipal court ta/es co'ni5ance of the procee&in's in pursuance of the
provisions of these rules" the recor& of the procee&in's shall $e /ept as in the Re'ional Trial
Court-
SEC- 5- Service of "udgment..Final or&ers or 3u&'#ents un&er this rule shall $e serve& upon the
civil re'istrar of the #unicipalit% or cit% (here the #inor or inco#petent person resi&es or
(here his propert% or part thereof is situate&-
RULE A@
TRUSTEES
SECT!O+ ,- #here trustee appointed..A trustee necessar% to carr% into effect the provisions
of a (ill or (ritten instru#ent shall $e appointe& $% the Re'ional Trial Court in (hich the (ill
(as allo(e&" if it $e a (ill allo(e& in the Philippines" other(ise $% the Re'ional Trial Court of
the province in (hich the propert%" or so#e portion thereof" affecte& $% the trust is situate&-
SEC- 0- (ppointment and powers of trustee under will. *,ecutor of former trustee need not
administer trust..!f a testator has o#itte& in his (ill to appoint a trustee in the Philippines" an&
if such appoint#ent is necessar% to carr% into effect the provisions of the (ill" the proper
Re'ional Trial Court #a%" after notice to all persons intereste&" appoint a trustee (ho shall have
the sa#e ri'hts" po(ers" an& &uties" an& in (ho# the estate shall vest" as if he ha& $een
appointe& $% the testator- +o person succee&in' to a trust as e1ecutor or a&#inistrator of a
for#er trustee shall $e re>uire& to accept such trust-
SEC- 2- (ppointment and powers of new trustee under written instrument..8hen a trustee
un&er a (ritten instru#ent &eclines" resi'ns" &ies" or is re#ove& $efore the o$3ects of the trust
are acco#plishe&" an& no a&e>uate provision is #a&e in such instru#ent for suppl%in' the
vacanc%" the proper Re'ional Trial Court #a%" after &ue notice to all persons intereste&" appoint
a ne( trustee to act alone or 3ointl% (ith the others" as the case #a% $e- Such ne( trustee shall
have an& e1ercise the sa#e po(ers" ri'hts" an& &uties as if he ha& $een ori'inall% appointe&" an&
the trust estate shall vest in hi# in li/e #anner as it ha& veste& or (oul& have veste&" in the
trustee in (hose place he is su$stitute&7 an& the court #a% or&er such conve%ance to $e #a&e $%
the for#er trustee or his representatives" or $% the other re#ainin' trustees" as #a% $e necessar%
or proper to vest the trust estate in the ne( trustee" either alone or 3ointl% (ith the others-
SEC- 4- $roceedings where trustee& appointed abroad.. 8hen lan& in the Philippines is hel& in
trust for persons resi&ent here $% a trustee (ho &erives his authorit% fro# (ithout the
Philippines" such trustee shall" on petition file& in the Re'ional Trial Court of the province
(here the lan& is situate&" an& after &ue notice to all persons intereste&" $e or&ere& to appl% to
the court for appoint#ent as trustee7 an& upon his ne'lect or refusal to co#pl% (ith such or&er"
the court shall &eclare such trust vacant" an& shall appoint a ne( trustee in (ho# the trust estate
shall vest in li/e #anner as if he ha& $een ori'inall% appointe& $% such court-
SEC- 5- Trustee must file bond.2)efore enterin' on the &uties of his trust" a trustee shall file
(ith the cler/ of the court havin' 3uris&iction of the trust a $on& in the a#ount fi1e& $% the
3u&'e of sai& court" pa%a$le to the Covern#ent of the Philippines an& sufficient an& availa$le
for the protection of an% part% in interest" an& a trustee (ho ne'lects to file such $on& shall $e
consi&ere& to have &ecline& or resi'ne& the trust7 $ut the court #a%" until further or&er e1e#pt a
trustee un&er a (ill fro# 'ivin' a $on& (hen the testator has &irecte& or re>ueste& such
e1e#ption" an& #a% so e1e#pt an% trustee (hen all persons $eneficiall% intereste& in the trust"
$ein' of full a'e" re>uest the e1e#ption- Such e1e#ption #a% $e cancelle& $% the court at an%
ti#e" an& the trustee re>uire& to forth(ith file a $on&-
SEC- 6- Conditions included in bond..The follo(in' con&itions shall $e &ee#e& to $e a part of
the $on& (hether (ritten therein or not*
(a) That the trustee (ill #a/e an& return to the court" at such ti#e as it #a% or&er" a true
inventor% of all the real an& personal estate $elon'in' to hi# as trustee" (hich at the ti#e of the
#a/in' of such inventor% shall have co#e to his possession or /no(le&'e7
($) That he (ill #ana'e an& &ispose of all such estate" an& faithfull% &ischar'e his trust in
relation thereto" accor&in' to la( an& the (ill of the testator or the provisions of the instru#ent
or or&er un&er (hich he is appointe&7
(c) That he (ill ren&er upon oath at least once a %ear until his trust is fulfille&" unless he is
e1cuse& therefro# in an% %ear $% the court" a true account of the propert% in his han&s an& of the
#ana'e#ent an& &isposition thereof" an& (ill ren&er such other accounts as the court #a% or&er7
(&) That at the e1piration of his trust he (ill settle his accounts in court an& pa% over an&
&eliver all the estate re#ainin' in his han&s" or &ue fro# hi# on such settle#ent" to the person
or persons entitle& thereto-
)ut (hen the trustee is appointe& as a successor to a prior trustee" the court #a% &ispense (ith
the #a/in' an& return of an inventor%" if one has alrea&% $een file&" an& in such case the
con&ition of the $on& shall $e &ee#e& to $e altere& accor&in'l%-
SEC- ?- (ppraisal. Compensation of trustee..8hen an inventor% is re>uire& to $e returne& $% a
trustee" the estate an& effects $elon'in' to the trust shall $e appraise& an& the court #a% or&er
one or #ore inheritance ta1 appraisers to assist in the appraise#ent- The co#pensation of the
trustee shall $e fi1e& $% the court" if it $e not &eter#ine& in the instru#ent creatin' the trust-
SEC- @- Removal or resignation of trustee..The proper Re'ional Trial Court #a%" upon petition
of the parties $eneficiall% intereste& an& after &ue notice to the trustee an& hearin'" re#ove a
trustee if such re#oval appears essential in the interests of the petitioners- The court #a% also"
after &ue notice to all persons intereste&" re#ove a trustee (ho is insane or other(ise incapa$le
of &ischar'in' his trust or evi&entl% unsuita$le therefor- A trustee" (hether appointe& $% the
court or un&er a (ritten instru#ent" #a% resi'n his trust if it appears to the court proper to allo(
such resi'nation-
SEC- A- $roceedings for sale or encumbrance of trust estate.28hen the sale or encu#$rance of
an% real or personal estate hel& in trust is necessar% or e1pe&ient" the court havin' 3uris&iction of
the trust #a%" on petition an& after &ue notice an& hearin'" or&er such sale or encu#$rance to $e
#a&e" an& the reinvest#ent an& application of the procee&s thereof in such #anner as (ill $est
effect the o$3ects of the trust- The petition" notice" hearin'" or&er of sale or encu#$rance" an&
recor& of procee&in's" shall confor# as nearl% as #a% $e to the provisions concernin' the sale
or encu#$rance $% 'uar&ians of the propert% of #inors or other (ar&s-
RULE AA
AFOPT!O+ A+F CUSTOFJ OF 9!+ORS
SECT!O+ ,- .enue.2 ( person &esirin' to a&opt another or have the custo&% of a #inor shall
present his petition to the Re'ional Trial Court of the province" or the cit% or #unicipal court of
the cit% or #unicipalit% in (hich he resi&es-
!n the Cit% of 9anila" the procee&in's shall $e institute& in the Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations
Court-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition.2The petition for a&option shall contain the sa#e alle'ations
re>uire& in a petition for 'uar&ianship" to (it*
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The >ualifications of the a&opter7
(c) That the a&opter is not &is>ualifie& $% la(7
(&) The na#e" a'e" an& resi&ence of the person to $e a&opte& an& of his relatives or of the
persons (ho have hi# un&er their care7
(e) The pro$a$le value an& character of the estate of the person to $e a&opte&-
SEC- 2- Consent to adoption..There shall $e file& (ith the petition a (ritten consent to the
a&option si'ne& $% the chil&" if fourteen %ears of a'e or over an& not inco#petent" an& $% the
chil&Ps spouse" if an%" an& $% each of its /no(n livin' parents (ho is not insane or hopelessl%
inte#perate or has not a$an&one& such chil&" or if there are no such parents $% the 'eneral
'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem of the chil&" or if the chil& is in the custo&% of an orphan as%lu#"
chil&renPs ho#e" or $enevolent societ% or person" $% the proper officer or officers of such
as%lu#" ho#e" or societ%" or $% such person7 $ut if the chil& is ille'iti#ate an& has not $een
reco'ni5e&" the consent of its father to the a&option shall not $e re>uire&-
!f the person to $e a&opte& is of a'e" onl% his or her consent an& that of the spouse" if an%" shall
$e re>uire&-
SEC- 4- Order for hearing..!f the petition an& consent file& are sufficient in for# an&
su$stance" the court" $% an or&er recitin' the purpose of the petition" shall fi1 a &ate an& place
for the hearin' thereof" (hich &ate shall not $e #ore than si1 (6) #onths after the entr% of the
or&er" an& shall &irect that a cop% of the or&er $e pu$lishe& $efore the hearin' at least once a
(ee/ for three (2) successive (ee/s in so#e ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation pu$lishe& in the
province" as the court shall &ee# $est-
SEC- 5- 3earing and "udgment..Upon satisfactor% proof in open court on the &ate fi1e& in the
or&er that such or&er has $een pu$lishe& as &irecte&" that the alle'ations of the petition are true"
an& that it is a proper case for a&option an& the petitioner or petitioners are a$le to $rin' up an&
e&ucate the chil& properl%" the court shall a&3u&'e that thenceforth the chil& is free& fro# all
le'al o$li'ations of o$e&ience an& #aintenance (ith respect to its natural parents" e1cept the
#other (hen the chil& is a&opte& $% her hus$an&" an& is" to all le'al intents an& purposes" the
chil& of the petitioner or petitioners" an& that its surna#e is chan'e& to that of the petitioner or
petitioners- The a&opte& person or chil& shall thereupon $eco#e the le'al heir of his parents $%
a&option an& shall also re#ain the le'al heir of his natural parents- !n case of the &eath of the
a&opte& person or chil&" his parents an& relatives $% nature" an& not $% a&option" shall $e his
le'al heirs-
SEC- 6- $roceedings as to child whose parents are separated. (ppeal..8hen hus$an& an& (ife
are &ivorce& or livin' separatel% an& apart fro# each other" an& the >uestion as to the care"
custo&%" an& control of a chil& or chil&ren of their #arria'e is $rou'ht $efore a Re'ional Trial
Court $% petition or as an inci&ent to an% other procee&in'" the court" upon hearin' the
testi#on% as #a% $e pertinent" shall a(ar& the care" custo&%" an& control of each such chil& as
(ill $e for its $est interest" per#ittin' the chil& to choose (hich parent it prefers to live (ith it
$e over ten %ears of a'e" unless the parent so chosen $e unfit to ta/e char'e of the chil& $%
reason of #oral &epravit%" ha$itual &run/enness" incapacit%" or povert%- !f" upon such hearin'" it
appears that $oth parents are i#proper persons to have the care" custo&%" an& control of the
chil&" the court #a% either &esi'nate the paternal or #aternal 'ran&parent of the chil&" or his
ol&est $rother or sister" or so#e reputa$le an& &iscreet person to ta/e char'e of such chil&" or
co##it it to an% suita$le as%lu#" chil&renPs ho#e" or $enevolent societ%- The court #a% in
confor#it% (ith the provisions of the Civil Co&e or&er either or $oth parents to support or help
support sai& chil&" irrespective of (ho #a% $e its custo&ian" an& #a% #a/e an% or&er that is 3ust
an& reasona$le per#ittin' the parent (ho is &eprive& of its care an& custo&% to visit the chil& or
have te#porar% custo&% thereof- Either parent #a% appeal fro# an or&er #a&e in accor&ance
(ith the provisions of this section- +o chil& un&er seven %ears of a'e shall $e separate& fro# its
#other" unless the court fin&s there are co#pellin' reasons therefor-
SEC- ?- $roceedings as to vagrant or abused child..8hen the parents of an% #inor chil& are
&ea&" or $% reason of lon' a$sence or le'al or ph%sical &isa$ilit% have a$an&one& it" or cannot
support it throu'h va'ranc%" ne'li'ence" or #iscon&uct" or ne'lect or refuse to support it" or treat
it (ith e1cessive harshness or 'ive it corruptin' or&ers" counsels" or e1a#ples" or cause or allo(
it to en'a'e in $e''in'" or to Co##it offenses a'ainst the la(" the proper Re'ional Trial Court"
upon petition file& $% so#e reputa$le resi&ent of the province settin' forth the facts" #a% issue
an or&er re>uirin' such parents for sho( cause" or" if the parents are &ea& or cannot $e foun&"
re>uirin' the fiscal of the province to sho( cause" at a ti#e an& place fi1e& in the or&er" (h% the
chil& shoul& not $e ta/en fro# its parents" if livin'7 an& if upon the hearin' it appears that the
alle'ations of the petition are true" an& that it is for the $est interest of the chil&" the court #a%
#a/e an or&er ta/in' it fro# its parents" if livin'7 an& co##ittin' it to an% suita$le orphan
as%lu#" chil&renPs ho#e" or $enevolent societ% or person to $e ulti#atel% place&" $% a&option or
other(ise" in a ho#e foun& for it $% such as%lu#" chil&renPs ho#e" societ%" or person-
SEC- @- Service of "udgment..Final or&ers or 3u&'#ents un&er this rule shall $e serve& $% the
cler/ upon the civil re'istrar of the cit% or #unicipalit% (herein the court issuin' the sa#e is
situate&-
RULE ,BB
RESC!SS!O+ A+F REOCAT!O+ OF AFOPT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may file petition; grounds..A #inor or other incapacitate& person #a%"
throu'h a 'uar&ian or 'uar&ian ad litem, petition for the rescission or revocation of his or her
a&option for the sa#e causes that authori5e the &eprivation of parental authorit%-
The a&opter #a%" li/e(ise petition the court for the rescission or revocation of the a&option in
an% of these cases*
(a) !f the a&opte& person has atte#pte& a'ainst the life of the a&opter7
($) 8hen the a&opte& #inor has a$an&one& the ho#e of the a&opter for #ore than three (2)
%ears7
(c) 8hen $% other acts the a&opte& person has repu&iate& the a&option-
SEC- 0- Order to answer..The court in (hich the petition is file& shall issue an& or&er re>uirin'
the a&verse part% to ans(er the petition (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# receipt of a cop% thereof-
The or&er an& a cop% of the petition shall $e serve& on the a&verse part% in such #anner as the
court #a% &irect-
SEC- 2- udgment..!f upon trial" on the &a% set therefor" the court fin&s that the alle'ations of
the petition are true" it shall ren&er 3u&'#ent or&erin' the rescission or revocation of the
a&option" (ith or (ithout costs" as 3ustice re>uires-
SEC- 4- Service of "udgment..A certifie& cop% of the 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in accor&ance (ith the
ne1t prece&in' section shall $e serve& upon the civil re'istrar concerne&7 (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s
fro# ren&ition thereof" (ho shall forth(ith enter the action ta/en $% the court in the re'ister-
SEC- 5- Time within which to file petition..A #inor or other incapacitate& person #ust file the
petition for rescission or revocation of a&option (ithin the five (5) %ears follo(in' his #a3orit%"
or if he (as inco#petent at the ti#e of the a&option" (ithin the five (5) %ears follo(in' the
recover% fro# such inco#petenc%-
The a&opter #ust also file the petition to set asi&e the a&option (ithin five (5) %ears fro# the
ti#e the cause or causes 'ivin' rise to the rescission or revocation of the sa#e too/ place-
RULE ,B,
PROCEEF!+CS FOR =OSP!TAL!QAT!O+ OF !+SA+E PERSO+S
SECT!O+ ,- .enue. $etition for commitment..A petition for the co##it#ent of a person to a
hospital or other place for the insane #a% $e file& (ith the Re'ional Trial Court of the province
(here the person alle'e& to $e insane is foun&- The petition shall $e file& $% the Firector of
=ealth in all cases (here" in his opinion" such co##it#ent is for the pu$lic (elfare" or for the
(elfare of sai& person (ho" in his 3u&'#ent" is insane" an& such person or the one havin' char'e
of hi# is oppose& to his $ein' ta/en to a hospital or other place for the insane-
SEC- 0- Order for hearing..!f the petition file& is sufficient in for# an& su$stance" the court"
$% an or&er recitin' the purpose of the petition" shall fi1 a &ate for the hearin' thereof" an& cop%
of such or&er shall $e serve& on the person alle'e& to $e insane" an& to the one havin' char'e of
hi#" or on such of his relatives resi&in' in the province or cit% as the 3u&'e #a% &ee# proper-
The court shall further#ore or&er the sheriff to pro&uce the alle'e& insane person" if possi$le" on
the &ate of the hearin'-
SEC- 2- 3earing and "udgment..Upon satisfactor% proof" in open court on the &ate fi1e& in the
or&er" that the co##it#ent applie& for is for the pu$lic (elfare or for the (elfare of the insane
person" an& that his relatives are una$le for an% reason to ta/e proper custo&% an& care of hi#"
the court shall or&er his co##it#ent to such hospital or other place for the insane as #a% $e
reco##en&e& $% the Firector of =ealth- The court shall #a/e proper provisions for the custo&%
of propert% or #one% $elon'in' to the insane until a 'uar&ian $e properl% appointe&-
SEC- 4- +ischarge of insane..8hen" in the opinion of the Firector of =ealth" the person
or&ere& to $e co##itte& to a hospital or other place for the insane is te#poraril% or per#anentl%
cure&" or #a% $e release& (ithout &an'er he #a% file the proper petition (ith the Re'ional Trial
Court (hich or&ere& the co##it#ent-
SEC- 5- (ssistance of fiscal in the proceeding..!t shall $e the &ut% of the provincial fiscal or in
the Cit% of 9anila the fiscal of the cit%" to prepare the petition for the Firector of =ealth an&
represent hi# in court in all procee&in's arisin' un&er the provisions of this rule-
RULE ,B0
=A)EAS CORPUS
SECT!O+ ,- To what habeas corpus e,tends..E1cept as other(ise e1pressl% provi&e& $% la("
the (rit of habeas corpus shall e1ten& to all cases of ille'al confine#ent or &etention $% (hich
an% person is &eprive& of his li$ert%" or $% (hich the ri'htful custo&% of an% person is (ithhel&
fro# the person entitle& thereto-
SEC- 0- #ho may grant the writ..The (rit of habeas corpus #a% $e 'rante& $% the Supre#e
Court" or an% #e#$er thereof" on an% &a% an& at an% ti#e" or $% the Court of Appeals or an%
#e#$er thereof in the instances authori5e& $% la(" an& if so 'rante& it shall $e enforcea$le
an%(here in the Philippines7 an& #a% $e #a&e returna$le $efore the court or an% #e#$er
thereof" or $efore a Re'ional Trial Court" or an% 3u&'e thereof for hearin' an& &ecision on the
#erits- !t #a% also $e 'rante& $% a Re'ional Trial Court" or a 3u&'e thereof" on an% &a% an& at
an% ti#e" an& returna$le $efore hi#self" enforcea$le onl% (ithin his 3u&icial &istrict-
SEC- 2- Re6uisites of application therefor..Application for the (rit shall $e $% petition si'ne&
an& verifie& either $% the part% for (hose relief it is inten&e&" or $% so#e person on his $ehalf"
an& shall set forth*
(a) That the person in (hose $ehalf the application is #a&e is i#prisone& or restraine& of his
li$ert%7
($) The officer or na#e of the person $% (ho# he is so i#prisone& or restraine&7 or" if $oth are
un/no(n or uncertain" such officer or person #a% $e &escri$e& $% an assu#e& appellation" an&
the person (ho is serve& (ith the (rit shall $e &ee#e& the person inten&e&7
(c) The place (here he is so i#prisone& or restraine&" if /no(n7
(&) A cop% of the co##it#ent or cause of &etention of such person" if it can $e procure& (ithout
i#pairin' the efficienc% of the re#e&%7 or" if the i#prison#ent or restraint is (ithout an% le'al
authorit%" such fact shall appear-
SEC- 4- #hen writ not allowed or discharge authori5ed..!f it appears that the person alle'e& to
$e restraine& of his li$ert% is in the custo&% of an officer un&er process issue& $% a court or 3u&'e
or $% virtue of a 3u&'#ent or or&er of a court of recor&" an& that the court or 3u&'e ha&
3uris&iction to issue the process" ren&er the 3u&'#ent" or #a/e the or&er" the (rit shall not $e
allo(e&7 or if the 3uris&iction appears after the (rit is allo(e&" the person shall not $e &ischar'e&
$% reason of an% infor#alit% or &efect in the process" 3u&'#ent" or or&er- +or shall an%thin' in
this rule $e hel& to authori5e the &ischar'e of a person char'e& (ith or convicte& of an offense in
the Philippines" or of a person sufferin' i#prison#ent un&er la(ful 3u&'#ent-
SEC- 5- #hen the writ must be granted and issued.2A court or 3u&'e authori5e& to 'rant the
(rit #ust" (hen a petition therefor is presente& an& it appears that the (rit ou'ht to issue" 'rant
the sa#e forth(ith" an& i##e&iatel% thereupon the cler/ of the court shall issue the (rit un&er
the seal of the court7 or in case of e#er'enc%" the 3u&'e #a% issue the (rit un&er his o(n han&"
an& #a% &epute an% officer or person to serve it-
SEC- 6- To whom writ directed, and what to re6uire..!n case of i#prison#ent or restraint $% an
officer" the (rit shall $e &irecte& to hi#" an& shall co##an& hi# to have the $o&% of the person
restraine& of his li$ert% $efore the court or 3u&'e &esi'nate& in the (rit at the ti#e an& place
therein specifie&- !n case of i#prison#ent or restraint $% a person not an officer" the (rit shall
$e &irecte& to an officer" an& shall co##an& hi# to ta/e an& have the $o&% of the person
restraine& of his li$ert% $efore the court or 3u&'e &esi'nate& in the (rit at the ti#e an& place
therein specifie&" an& to su##on the person $% (ho# he is restraine& then an& there to appear
$efore sai& court or 3u&'e to sho( the cause of the i#prison#ent or restraint-
SEC- ?- 3ow prisoner designated and writ served..The person to $e pro&uce& shoul& $e
&esi'nate& in the (rit $% his na#e" if /no(n" $ut if his na#e is not /no(n he #a% $e other(ise
&escri$e& or i&entifie&- The (rit #a% $e serve& in an% province $% the sheriff or other proper
officer" or $% a person &epute& $% the court or 3u&'e- Service of the (rit shall $e #a&e $%
leavin' the ori'inal (ith the person to (ho# it is &irecte& an& preservin' a cop% on (hich to
#a/e return of service- !f that person cannot $e foun&" or has not the prisoner in his custo&%"
then the service shall $e #a&e on an% other person havin' or e1ercisin' such custo&%-
SEC- @- 3ow writ e,ecuted and returned..The officer to (ho# the (rit is &irecte& shall conve%
the person so i#prisone& or restraine&" an& na#e& in the (rit" $efore the 3u&'e allo(in' the
(rit" or" in case of his a$sence or &isa$ilit%" $efore so#e other 3u&'e of the sa#e court" on the
&a% specifie& in the (rit" unless" fro# sic/ness or infir#it% of the person &irecte& to $e
pro&uce&" such person cannot" (ithout &an'er" $e $rou'ht $efore the court or 3u&'e7 an& the
officer shall #a/e &ue return of the (rit" to'ether (ith the &a% an& the cause of the caption an&
restraint of such person accor&in' to the co##an& thereof-
SEC- A- +efect of form..+o (rit of habeas corpus can $e &iso$e%e& for &efect of for#" if it
sufficientl% appears therefro# in (hose custo&% or un&er (hose restraint the part% i#prisone&
or restraine& is hel& an& the court or 3u&'e $efore (ho# he is to $e $rou'ht-
SEC- ,B Contents of return..8hen the person to $e pro&uce& is i#prisone& or restraine& $% an
officer" the person (ho #a/es the return shall state therein" an& in other cases the person in
(hose custo&% the prisoner is foun& shall state" in (ritin' to the court or 3u&'e $efore (ho# the
(rit is returna$le" plainl% an& une>uivoca$l%*
(a) 8hether he has or has not the part% in his custo&% or po(er" or un&er restraint7
($) !f he has the part% in his< custo&% or po(er" or un&er restraint" the authorit% an& the true an&
(hole cause thereof" set forth at lar'e" (ith a cop% of the (rit" or&er" e1ecution" or other process"
if an%" upon (hich the part% is hel&7
(c) !f the part% is in his custo&% or po(er or is restraine& $% hi#" an& is not pro&uce&"
particularl% the nature an& 'ravit% of the sic/ness or infir#it% of such part% $% reason of (hich
he cannot" (ithout &an'er" $e $rou'ht $efore the court or 3u&'e7
(&) !f he has ha& the part% in his custo&% or po(er" or un&er restraint" an& has transferre& such
custo&% or restraint to another" particularl% to (ho#" at (hat ti#e" for (hat cause" an& $% (hat
authorit% such transfer (as #a&e-
SEC- ,,- Return to be signed and sworn to..The return or state#ent shall $e si'ne& $% the
person (ho #a/es it7 an& shall also $e s(orn to $% hi# if the prisoner is not pro&uce&" an& in all
other cases unless the return is #a&e an& si'ne& $% a s(orn pu$lic officer in his official capacit%-
SEC- ,0- 3earing on return. (d"ournments..8hen the (rit is returne& $efore one 3u&'e" at a
ti#e (hen the court is in session" he #a% forth(ith a&3ourn the case into the court" there to $e
hear& an& &eter#ine&- The court or 3u&'e $efore (ho# the (rit is returne& or a&3ourne& #ust
i##e&iatel% procee& to hear an& e1a#ine the return" an& such other #atters as are properl%
su$#itte& for consi&eration" unless for 'oo& cause sho(n the hearin' is a&3ourne&" in (hich
event the court or 3u&'e shall #a/e such or&er for the safe/eepin' of the person i#prisone& or
restraine& as the nature of the case re>uires- !f the person i#prisone& or restraine& is not
pro&uce& $ecause of his alle'e& sic/ness or infir#it%" the court or 3u&'e #ust $e satisfie& that it
is so 'rave that such person cannot $e pro&uce& (ithout &an'er" $efore procee&in' to hear an&
&ispose of the #atter- On the hearin' the court or 3u&'e shall &isre'ar& #atters of for# an&
technicalities in respect to an% (arrant or or&er of co##it#ent of a court or officer authori5e&
to co##it $% la(-
SEC- ,2- #hen the return evidence, and when only a plea.. !f it appears that the prisoner is in
custo&% un&er a (arrant of co##it#ent in pursuance of la(" the return shall $e consi&ere&
prima facie evi&ence of the cause of restraint7 $ut if he is restraine& of his li$ert% $% an% alle'e&
private authorit%" the return shall $e consi&ere& onl% as a plea of the facts therein set forth" an&
the part% clai#in' the custo&% #ust prove such facts-
SEC- ,4- #hen person lawfully imprisoned recommitted, and when let to bail..!f it appears that
the prisoner (as la(full% co##itte&" an& is plainl% an& specificall% char'e& in the (arrant of
co##it#ent (ith an offense punisha$le $% &eath" he shall not $e release&" &ischar'e&" or $aile&-
!f he is la(full% i#prisone& or restraine& on a char'e of havin' co##itte& an offense not so
punisha$le" he #a% $e reco##itte& to i#prison#ent or a&#itte& to $ail in the &iscretion of the
court or 3u&'e- !f he $e a&#itte& to $ail" he shall forth(ith file a $on& in such su# as the court or
3u&'e &ee#s reasona$le" consi&erin' the circu#stances of the prisoner an& the nature of the
offense char'e&" con&itione& for his appearance $efore the court (here the offense is properl%
co'ni5a$le to a$i&e its or&er or 3u&'#ent7 an& the court or 3u&'e shall certif% the procee&in's"
to'ether (ith the $on&" forth(ith to the proper court- !f such $on& is not so file&" the prisoner
shall $e reco##itte& to confine#ent-
SEC- ,5- #hen prisoner discharged if no appeal..8hen the court or 3u&'e has e1a#ine& into
the cause of caption an& restraint of the prisoner" an& is satisfie& that he is unla(full%
i#prisone& or restraine&" he shall forth(ith or&er his &ischar'e fro# confine#ent" $ut such
&ischar'e shall not $e effective until a cop% of the or&er has $een serve& on the officer or person
&etainin' the prisoner- !f the officer or person &etainin' the prisoner &oes not &esire to appeal"
the prisoner shall $e forth(ith release&-
SEC- ,6- $enalty for refusing to issue writ, or for disobeying the same..A cler/ of a court (ho
refuses to issue the (rit after allo(ance thereof an& &e#an& therefor" or a person to (ho# a (rit
is &irecte&" (ho ne'lects or refuses to o$e% or #a/e return of the sa#e accor&in' to the
co##an& thereof" or #a/es false return thereof" or (ho" upon &e#an& #a&e $% or on $ehalf of
the prisoner" refuses to &eliver to the person &e#an&in'" (ithin si1 (6) hours after the &e#an&
therefor" a true cop% of the (arrant or or&er of co##it#ent" shall forfeit to the part% a''rieve&
the su# of one thousan& pesos" to $e recovere& in a proper action" an& #a% also $e punishe& $%
the court or 3u&'e as for conte#pt-
SEC- ,?- $erson discharged not to be again imprisoned..A person (ho is set at li$ert% upon a
(rit of habeas corpus shall not $e a'ain i#prisone& for the sa#e offense unless $% the la(ful
or&er or process of a court havin' 3uris&iction of the cause or offense7 an& a person (ho
/no(in'l%" contrar% to the provisions of this rule" reco##its or i#prisons" or causes to $e
co##itte& or i#prisone&" for the sa#e offense" or preten&e& offense" an% person so set at
li$ert%" or /no(in'l% ai&s or assists therein" shall forfeit to the part% a''rieve& the su# of one
thousan& pesos" to $e recovere& in a proper action" not(ithstan&in' an% colora$le pretense or
variation in the (arrant of co##it#ent" an& #a% also $e punishe& $% the court or 3u&'e 'rantin'
the (rit as for conte#pt-
SEC- ,@- #hen prisoner may be removed from one custody to another..A person co##itte& to
prison" or in custo&% of an officer" for an% cri#inal #atter" shall not $e re#ove& therefro# into
the custo&% of another officer unless $% le'al process" or the prisoner $e &elivere& to an inferior
officer to carr% to 3ail or $% or&er of the proper court or 3u&'e" $e re#ove& fro# one place to
another (ithin the Philippines for trial" or in case of fire" epi&e#ic" insurrection" or other
necessit% or pu$lic cala#it%7 an& a person (ho" after such co##it#ent" #a/es" si'ns" or
countersi'ns an% or&er for such re#oval contrar% to this section" shall forfeit to the part%
a''rieve& the su# of one thousan& pesos" to $e recovere& in a proper action-
SEC- ,A- Record of writ, fees and costs..The procee&in's upon a (rit of habeas corpus shall
$e recor&e& $% the cler/ of the court" an& upon the final &isposition of such procee&in's the
court or 3u&'e shall #a/e such or&er as to costs as the case re>uires- The fees of officers an&
(itnesses shall $e inclu&e& in the costs ta1e&" $ut no officer or person shall have the ri'ht to
&e#an& pa%#ent in a&vance of an% fees to (hich he is entitle& $% virtue of the procee&in's-
8hen a person confine& un&er color of procee&in's in a cri#inal case is &ischar'e&" the costs
shall $e ta1e& a'ainst the Repu$lic of the Philippines" an& pai& out of its Treasur%7 (hen a
person in custo&% $% virtue or un&er color of procee&in's in a civil case is &ischar'e&" the costs
shall $e ta1e& a'ainst hi#" or a'ainst the person (ho si'ne& the application for the (rit" or $oth"
as the court shall &irect-
RULE ,B2
C=A+CE OF +A9E
SECT!O+ ,- .enue..A person &esirin' to chan'e his na#e shall present the petition to the
Re'ional Trial Court of the province in (hich he resi&es" or" in the Cit% of 9anila" to the
Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations CourtE-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition..A petition for chan'e of na#e shall $e si'ne& an& verifie& $% the
person &esirin' his na#e& chan'e&" or so#e other person on his $ehalf" an& shall set forth*
(a) That the petitioner has $een a bona fide resi&ent of the province (here the petition is file&
for at least three (2) %ears prior to the &ate of such filin'7
($) The cause for (hich the chan'e of the petitionerPs na#e is sou'ht7
(c) The na#e as/e& for-
SEC- 2- Order for hearing..!f the petition file& is sufficient in for# an& su$stance" the court"
$% an or&er recitin' the purpose of the petition" shall fi1 a &ate an& place for the hearin' thereof"
an& shall &irect that a cop% of the or&er $e pu$lishe& $efore the hearin' at least once a (ee/ for
three (2) successive (ee/s in so#e ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation pu$lishe& in the province"
as the court shall &ee# $est- The &ate set for the hearin' shall not $e (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s prior
to an election nor (ithin four (4) #onths after the last pu$lication of the notice-
SEC- 4- 3earing..An% intereste& person #a% appear at the hearin' an& oppose the petition-
The Solicitor Ceneral or the proper provincial or cit% fiscal shall appear on $ehalf of the
Covern#ent of the Repu$lic-
SEC- 5- udgment.2Upon satisfactor% proof in open court on the &ate fi1e& in the or&er that
such or&er has $een pu$lishe& as &irecte& an& that the alle'ations of the petition are true" the
court shall" if proper an& reasona$le cause appears for chan'in' the na#e of the petitioner"
a&3u&'e that such na#e $% chan'e& in accor&ance (ith the pra%er of the petition-
SEC- 6- Service of "udgment..Hu&'#ents or or&ers ren&ere& in connection (ith this rule shall
$e furnishe& the civil re'istrar of the #unicipalit% or cit% (here the court issuin' the sa#e is
situate&" (ho shall forth(ith enter the sa#e in the civil re'ister-
RULE ,B4
OLU+TARJ F!SSOLUT!O+ OF CORPORAT!O+S
SECT!O+ ,- #here, by whom and on what showing application made..A petition for
&issolution of a corporation shall $e file& in the Re'ional Trial Court of the province (here the
principal office of a corporation is situate&- The petition shall $e si'ne& $% a #a3orit% of its
$oar& of &irectors or other officers havin' the #ana'e#ent of its affairs" verifie& $% its presi&ent
or secretar% or one of its &irectors" an& shall set forth all clai#s an& &e#an&s a'ainst it" an& that
its &issolution (as resolve& upon $% a #a3orit% of the #e#$ers" or" if a stoc/ corporation" $% the
affir#ative vote of the stoc/hol&ers hol&in' an& representin' t(o<thir&s of all shares of stoc/
issue& or su$scri$e&" at a #eetin' of its #e#$ers or stoc/hol&ers calle& for that purpose-
SEC- 0- Order thereupon for filing ob"ections.2!f the petition is sufficient in for# an&
substance the court" $% an or&er recitin' the purpose of the petition" shall fi1 a &ate on or $efore
(hich o$3ections thereto #a% $e file& $% an% person" (hich &ate shall not $e less than thirt% (2B)
nor #ore than si1t% (6B) &a%s after the entr% of the or&er- )efore such &ate a cop% of the or&er
shall $e pu$lishe& at least once a (ee/ for four (4) successive (ee/s in so#e ne(spaper of
'eneral circulation pu$lishe& in the #unicipalit% or cit% (here the principal office of the
corporation is situate&" or" if there $e no such ne(spaper" then in so#e ne(spaper of 'eneral
circulation in the Philippines" an& a si#ilar cop% shall $e poste& for four (4) (ee/s in three
pu$lic places in such #unicipalit% or cit%-
SEC- 2- 3earing, dissolution, and disposition of assets. Receiver..Upon five (5) &a%s notice
'iven after the &ate on (hich the ri'ht to file o$3ections as fi1e& in the or&er e1pire&" the court
shall procee& to hear the petition an& tr% an% issue #a&e $% o$3ections file&7 an& if no such
o$3ection is sufficient" an& the #aterial alle'ations of the petition are true" it shall ren&er
3u&'#ent &issolvin' the corporations an& &irectin' such &isposition of its assets as 3ustice
re>uires" an& #a% appoint a receiver to collect such assets an& pa% the &e$ts of the corporation-
SEC- 4- #hat shall constitute record..The petition" or&ers" proof of pu$lication an& postin'"
o$3ections file&" &eclaration of &issolution" an& an% evi&ence ta/en" shall constitute the recor& in
the case-
RULE ,B5
HUF!C!AL APPROAL OF OLU+TARJ RECOC+!T!O+ OF 9!+OR +ATURAL
C=!LFRE+
SECT!O+ ,- .enue..8here 3u&icial approval of a voluntar% reco'nition of a #inor natural
chil& is re>uire&" such chil& or his parents shall o$tain the sa#e $% filin' a petition to that effect
(ith the Re'ional Trial Court of the province in (hich the chil& resi&es- D!n the Cit% of 9anila"
the petition shall $e file& in the Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations CourtE-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition. . The petition for 3u&icial approval of a voluntar% reco'nition of a
#inor natural chil& shall contain the follo(in' alle'ations*
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The na#es an& resi&ences of the parents (ho ac/no(le&'e& the chil&" or of either of the#"
an& their co#pulsor% heirs" an& the person or persons (ith (ho# the chil& lives7
(c) The fact that the reco'nition #a&e $% the parent or parents too/ place in a state#ent $efore a
court of recor& or in an authentic (ritin'" cop% of the state#ent or (ritin' $ein' attache& to the
petition-
SEC- 2- Order for hearing..Upon the filin' of the petition" the court" $% an or&er recitin' the
purpose of the sa#e" shall fi1 the &ate an& place for the hearin' thereof" (hich &ate shall not $e
#ore than si1 (6) #onths after the entr% of the or&er" an& shall" #oreover" cause a cop% of the
or&er to $e serve& personall% or $% #ail upon the intereste& parties" an& pu$lishe& once a (ee/
for three (2) consecutive (ee/s" in a ne(spaper or ne(spapers of 'eneral circulation in the
province-
SEC- 4- Opposition.. An% intereste& part% #ust" (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# service" or fro#
the last &ate of pu$lication" of the or&er referre& to in the ne1t prece&in' section" file his
opposition to the petition" statin' the 'roun&s or reasons therefor-
SEC- 5- udgment..!f" fro# the evi&ence presente& &urin' the hearin'" the court is satisfie&
that the reco'nition of the #inor natural chil& (as (illin'l% an& voluntaril% #a&e $% the parent
or parents concerne&" an& that the reco'nition is for the $est interest of the chil&" it shall ren&er
3u&'#ent 'rantin' 3u&icial approval of such reco'nition-
SEC- 6- Service of "udgment upon civil registrar..A cop% of the 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in
accor&ance (ith the prece&in' section shall $e serve& upon the civil re'istrar (hose &ut% it shall
$e to enter the sa#e in the re'ister-
RULE ,B6
CO+ST!TUT!O+ OF FA9!LJ =O9E
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may constitute.2The hea& of a fa#il% o(nin' a house an& the lan& on (hich
it is situate& #a% constitute the sa#e into a fa#il% ho#e $% filin' a verifie& petition to that
effect (ith the Re'ional Trial Court of the province or cit% (here the propert% is locate&- D!n the
Cit% of 9anila" the petition shall $e file& in the Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations CourtE-
8hen there is &an'er that a person o$li'e& to 'ive support #a% lose his or her fortune $ecause
of 'rave #is#ana'e#ent or on account of riotous livin'" his or her spouse" if an%" an& a #a3orit%
of those entitle& to $e supporte& $% hi# or $% her #a% petition the Re'ional Trial Court for the
creation of the fa#il% ho#e-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition..The petition shall contain the follo(in' particulars*
(a) Fescription of the propert%7
($) An esti#ate of its actual value7
(c) A state#ent that the petitioner is actuall% resi&in' in the pre#ises7
(&) The encu#$rances thereon7
(e) The na#es an& a&&resses of all the cre&itors of the petitioner or hea& of the fa#il% an& of all
#ort'a'ees an& other persons (ho have an interest in the propert%7
(f) The na#es of all the $eneficiaries of the fa#il% ho#e-
SEC- 2- %otice and publication..The court shall notif% the cre&itors" #ort'a'ees an& all other
persons (ho have an interest in the estate" of the filin' of the petition" causin' copies thereof to
$e serve& upon the#" an& pu$lishe& once a (ee/ for three (2) consecutive (ee/s in a ne(spaper
of 'eneral circulation- The petition shall" #oreover" $e cause& to $e poste& in a conspicuous
place in the parcel of lan& #entione& therein" an& also in a conspicuous place of the #unicipal
$uil&in' of the #unicipalit% or cit% in (hich the lan& is situate&" for at least fourteen (,4) &a%s
prior to the &a% of the hearin'-
SEC- 4- Ob"ection and date of hearing..!n the notice an& pu$lication re>uire& in the prece&in'
section" the court shall re>uire the intereste& parties to file their o$3ection to the petition (ithin a
perio& of not less than thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# receipt of notice or fro# the &ate of last pu$lication"
an& shall fi1 the &ate an& ti#e of the hearin' of the petition-
SEC- 5- Order..After hearin'" if the court fin&s that the actual value of the propose& fa#il%
ho#e &oes not e1cee& t(ent% thousan& pesos" or thirt% thousan& pesos in chartere& cities" an&
that no thir& person is pre3u&ice& there$%" or that cre&itors have $een 'iven sufficient securit%
for their cre&its" the petition shall $e approve&-
SEC- 6- Registration of order..A certifie& cop% of the or&er of the court approvin' the
esta$lish#ent of the fa#il% ho#e shall $e furnishe& the re'ister of &ee&s (ho shall recor& the
sa#e in the re'istr% of propert%-
RULE ,B?
A)SE+TEES
SECT!O+ ,- (ppointment of representative..8hen a person &isappears fro# his &o#icile" his
(herea$outs $ein' un/no(n" an& (ithout havin' left an a'ent to a&#inister his propert%" or the
po(er conferre& upon the a'ent has e1pire&" an% intereste& part%" relative or frien&" #a% petition
the Re'ional Trial Court of the place (here the a$sentee resi&e& $efore his &isappearance" for
the appoint#ent of a person to represent hi# provisionall% in all that #a% $e necessar%- D!n the
Cit% of 9anila" the petition shall $e file& in the Huvenile an& Fo#estic Relations Court-E
SEC- 0- +eclaration of absence; who may petition.2After the lapse of t(o (0) %ears fro# his
&isappearance an& (ithout an% ne(s a$out the a$sentee or since the receipt of the last ne(s" or
of five (5) %ears in case the a$sentee has left a person in char'e of the a&#inistration of his
propert%" the &eclaration of his a$sence an& appoint#ent of a trustee or a&#inistrator #a% $e
applie& for $% an% of the follo(in'*
(a) The spouse present7
($) The heirs institute& in a (ill" (ho #a% present an authentic cop% of the sa#e7
(c) The relatives (ho (oul& succee& $% the la( of intestac%7 an&
(&) Those (ho have over the propert% of the a$sentee so#e ri'ht su$or&inate& to the con&ition
of his &eath-
SEC- 2- Contents of petition..The petition for the appoint#ent of a representative" or for the
&eclaration of a$sence an& the appoint#ent of a trustee or an a&#inistrator" #ust sho( the
follo(in'*
(a) The 3uris&ictional facts7
($) The na#es" a'es" an& resi&ences of the heirs institute& in the (ill" cop% of (hich shall $e
presente&" an& of the relatives (ho (oul& succee& $% the la( of intestac%7
(c) The na#es an& resi&ences of cre&itors an& others (ho #a% have an% a&verse interest over
the propert% of the a$sentee7
(&) The pro$a$le value" location an& character of the propert% $elon'in' to the a$sentee-
SEC- 4- Time of hearing; notice and publication thereof.28hen a petition for the appoint#ent
of a representative" or for the &eclaration of a$sence an& the appoint#ent of a trustee or
a&#inistrator" is file&" the court shall fi1 a &ate an& place for the hearin' thereof (here all
-concerne& #a% appear to contest the petition-
Copies of the notice of the ti#e an& place fi1e& for the hearin' shall $e serve& upon the /no(n
heirs" le'atees" &evisees" cre&itors an& other intereste& persons" at least ten (,B) &a%s $efore the
&a% of the hearin'" an& shall $e pu$lishe& once a (ee/ for three (2) consecutive (ee/s prior to
the ti#e &esi'nate& for the hearin'" in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation in the province or cit%
(here a$sentee resi&es" as the court shall &ee# $est-
SEC- 5- Opposition-.An%one appearin' to contest the petition shall state in (ritin' his 'roun&s
therefor" an& serve a cop% thereof on the petitioner an& other intereste& parties on or $efore the
&ate &esi'nate& for the hearin'-
SEC" 6- $roof at hearing; order..At the hearin'" co#pliance (ith the provisions of section 4 of
this rule #ust first $e sho(n- Upon satisfactor% proof of the alle'ations in the petition" the court
shall issue an or&er 'rantin' the sa#e an& appointin' the representative" trustee or a&#inistrator
for the a$sentee- The 3u&'e shall ta/e the necessar% #easures to safe'uar& the ri'hts an&
interests of the a$sentee an& shall specif% the po(ers" o$li'ations an& re#uneration of his
representative" trustee or a&#inistrator" re'ulatin' the# $% the rules concernin' 'uar&ians-
!n case of &eclaration of a$sence" the sa#e shall not ta/e effect until si1 (6) #onths after its
pu$lication in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation &esi'nate& $% the court an& the Official
Ca5ette-
SEC- ?- #ho may be appointed.. !n the appoint#ent of a representative" the spouse present
shall $e preferre& (hen there is no le'al separation- !f the a$sentee left no spouse" or if the
spouse present is a #inor or other(ise inco#petent" an% co#petent person #a% $e appointe& $%
the court- !n case of &eclaration of a$sence" the trustee or a&#inistrator of the a$senteePs
propert% shall $e appointe& in accor&ance (ith the prece&in' para'raph-
SEC- @- Termination of administration..The trusteeship or a&#inistration of the propert% of the
a$sentee shall cease upon or&er of the court in an% of the follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen the a$sentee appears personall% or $% #eans of an a'ent7
($) 8hen the &eath of the a$sentee is prove& an& his testate or intestate heirs appear7
(c) 8hen a thir& person appears" sho(in' $% a proper &ocu#ent that he has ac>uire& the
a$senteePs propert% $% purchase or other title-
!n these cases the trustee or a&#inistrator shall cease in the perfor#ance of his office" an& the
propert% shall $e place& at the &isposal of those (ho #a% have a ri'ht thereto-
RULE ,B@
CA+CELLAT!O+ OR CORRECT!O+ OF E+TR!ES !+ T=E C!!L REC!STRJ
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may file petition..An% person intereste& in an% act" event" or&er or &ecree
concernin' the civil status of persons (hich has $een recor&e& in the civil re'ister" #a% file a
verifie& petition for the cancellation or correction of an% entr% relatin' thereto" (ith the
Re'ional Trial Court of the province (here the correspon&in' civil re'istr% is locate&-
SEC- 0- Entries su$3ect to cancellation or correction-.Upon 'oo& an& vali& 'roun&s" the
follo(in' entries in the civil re'ister #a% $e cancelle& or correcte&* (a) $irths7 ($) #arria'es7 (c)
&eaths7 (&) le'al separations7 (e) 3u&'#ents of annul#ents of #arria'e7 (f) 3u&'#ents
&eclarin' #arria'es voi& fro# the $e'innin'7 (') le'iti#ations7 (h) a&options7 (i)
ac/no(le&'#ents of natural chil&ren7 (3) naturali5ation7 (/) election" loss or recover% of citi5en<
ship7 (,) civil inter&iction7 (#) 3u&icial &eter#ination of filiation7 (n) voluntar% e#ancipation of
a #inor7 an& (o) chan'es of na#e-
SEC- 2- $arties..8hen cancellation or correction of an entr% in the civil re'ister is sou'ht" the
civil re'istrar an& all persons (ho have or clai# an% interest (hich (oul& $e affecte& there$%
shall $e #a&e parties to the procee&in'-
SEC- 4- %otice and publication..Upon the filin' of the petition" the court shall" $% an or&er" fi1
the ti#e an& place for the hearin' of the sa#e" an& cause reasona$le notice thereof to $e 'iven to
the persons na#e& in the petition- The court shall also cause the or&er to $e pu$lishe& once a
(ee/ for three (2) consecutive (ee/s in a ne(spaper of 'eneral circulation in the province-
SEC- 5- Opposition..The civil re'istrar an& an% person havin' or clai#in' an% interest un&er
the entr% (hose cancellation or correction is sou'ht #a%" (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of
the petition" or fro# the last &ate of pu$lication of such notice" file his opposition thereto-
SEC- 6- *,pediting proceedings-.The court in (hich the procee&in's is $rou'ht #a% #a/e
or&ers e1pe&itin' the procee&in's" an& #a% also 'rant preli#inar% in3unction for the preserva<
tion of the ri'hts of the parties pen&in' such procee&in's-
SEC- ?- Order-.After hearin'" the court #a% either &is#iss the petition or issue an or&er
'rantin' the cancellation or correction pra%e& for- !n either case" a certifie& cop% of the 3u&'#ent
shall $e serve& upon the civil re'istrar concerne& (ho shall annotate the sa#e in his recor&-
RULE ,BA
APPEALS !+ SPEC!AL PROCEEF!+CS
SECT!O+ ,- Orders or "udgments from which appeals may be ta)en..An intereste& person
#a% appeal in special procee&in's fro# an or&er or 3u&'#ent ren&ere& $% a Re'ional Trial
Court Dor a Huvenile" an& Fo#estic Relations CourtE" (here such or&er or 3u&'#ent*
(a) Allo(s or &isallo(s a (ill7
($) Feter#ines (ho are the la(ful heirs of a &ecease& person" or the &istri$utive share of the
estate to (hich such person is entitle&7
(c) Allo(s or &isallo(s" in (hole or in part" an% clai# a'ainst the estate of a &ecease& person"
or an% clai# presente& on $ehalf of the estate in offset to a clai# a'ainst it7
(&) Settles the account of an e1ecutor" a&#inistrator" trustee or 'uar&ian7
(e) Constitutes" in procee&in's relatin' to the settle#ent of the estate of a &ecease& person" or
the a&#inistration of a trustee or 'uar&ian" a final &eter#ination in the lo(er court of the ri'hts
of the part% appealin'" e1cept that no appeal shall $e allo(e& fro# the appoint#ent of a special
a&#inistrator7 an&
(f) !s the final or&er or 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in the case" an& affects the su$stantial ri'hts of the
person appealin'" unless it $e an or&er 'rantin' or &en%in' a #otion for a ne( trial or for
reconsi&eration-
SEC- 0- (dvance distribution in special proceedings..+ot(ithstan&in' a pen&in' controvers%
or appeal in procee&in's to settle the estate of a &ece&ent" the court #a%" in its &iscretion an&
upon such ter#s as it #a% &ee# proper an& 3ust" per#it that such part of the estate as #a% not $e
affecte& $% the controvers% or appeal $e &istri$ute& a#on' the heirs or le'atees" upon
co#pliance (ith the con&itions set forth in Rule AB of these rules-

PART !!!
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE,
RULE ,,B
PROSECUT!O+ OF OFFE+SES
SECT!O+ ,- Institution of criminal actions..Cri#inal actions shall $e institute& as follo(s*
(a) For offenses (here a preli#inar% investi'ation is re>uire& pursuant to section , of Rule ,,0"
$% filin' the co#plaint (ith the proper officer for the purpose of con&uctin' the re>uisite
preli#inar% investi'ation-
($) For all other offenses" $% filin' the co#plaint or infor#ation &irectl% (ith the 9unicipal
Trial Courts an& 9unicipal Circuit Trial Courts" or the co#plaint (ith the office of the
prosecutor- !n 9anila an& other chartere& cities" the co#plaint shall $e file& (ith the office of
the prosecutor unless other(ise provi&e& in their charters-
The institution of the cri#inal action shall interrupt the runnin' of the perio& of prescription of
the offense char'e& unless other(ise provi&e& in special la(s" (,a)
SEC- 0- The complaint or information..The co#plaint or infor#ation shall $e in (ritin'" in the
na#e of the People of the Philippines an& a'ainst all persons (ho appear to $e responsi$le for
the offense involve&- (0a)
SEC- 2- Complaint defined..A co#plaint is a s(orn (ritten state#ent char'in' a person (ith
an offense" su$scri$e& $% the offen&e& part%" an% peace officer" or other pu$lic officer char'e&
(ith the enforce#ent of the la( violate&- (2)
SEC- 4- Information defined.2An infor#ation is an accusation in (ritin' char'in' a person (ith
an offense" su$scri$e& $% the prosecutor an& file& (ith the court- (4a)
SEC- 5- #ho must prosecute criminal actions..All cri#inal actions co##ence& $% a co#plaint
or infor#ation shall $e prosecute& un&er the &irection an& control of the prosecutor- =o(ever" in
9unicipal Trial Courts or 9unicipal Circuit Trial Courts (hen the prosecutor assi'ne& thereto
or to the case is not availa$le" the offen&e& part%" an% peace officer" or pu$lic officer char'e&
(ith the enforce#ent of the la( violate& #a% prosecute the case- This authorit% shall cease upon
actual intervention of the prosecutor or upon elevation of the case to the Re'ional Trial Court-
The cri#es of a&ulter% an& concu$ina'e shall not $e prosecute& e1cept upon a co#plaint file&
$% the offen&e& spouse- The offen&e& part% cannot institute cri#inal prosecution (ithout
inclu&in' the 'uilt% parties" if $oth are alive" nor" in an% case" if the offen&e& part% has
consente& to the offense or par&one& the offen&ers-
The offenses of se&uction" a$&uction an& acts of lasciviousness shall not $e prosecute& e1cept
upon a co#plaint file& $% the offen&e& part% or her parents" 'ran&parents or 'uar&ian" nor" in
an% case" if the offen&er has $een e1pressl% par&one& $% an% of the#- !f the offen&e& part% &ies
or $eco#es incapacitate& $efore she can file the co#plaint" an& she has no /no(n parents"
'ran&parents or 'uar&ian" the State shall initiate the cri#inal action in her $ehalf-
The offen&e& part%" even if a #inor" has the ri'ht to initiate the prosecution of the offenses of
se&uction" a$&uction an& acts of lasciviousness in&epen&entl% of her parents" 'ran&parents" or
'uar&ian" unless she is inco#petent or incapa$le of &oin' so- 8here the offen&e& part%" (ho is a
#inor" fails to file the co#plaint" her parents" 'ran&parents" or 'uar&ian #a% file the sa#e- The
ri'ht to file the action 'rante& to parents" 'ran&parents" or 'uar&ian shall $e e1clusive of all
other persons an& shall $e e1ercise& successivel% in the or&er herein provi&e&" e1cept as state&
in the prece&in' para'raph-
+o cri#inal action for &efa#ation (hich consists in the i#putation of an% of the offenses
#entione& a$ove shall $e $rou'ht e1cept at the instance of an& upon co#plaint file& $% the
offen&e& part%- (5a)
The prosecution for violation of special la(s shall $e 'overne& $% the provisions thereof" (n)
SEC- 6- Sufficiency of complaint or information..A co#plaint or infor#ation is sufficient if it
states the na#e of the accuse&7 the &esi'nation of the offense 'iven $% the statute7 the acts or
o#issions co#plaine& of as constitutin' the offense7 the na#e of the offen&e& part%7 the
appro1i#ate &ate of the co##ission of the offense7 an& the place (here the offense (as
co##itte&-
8hen an offense is co##itte& $% #ore than one person" all of the# shall $e inclu&e& in the
co#plaint or infor#ation- (6a)
SEC- ?- %ame of the accused..The co#plaint or infor#ation #ust state the na#e an& surna#e
of the accuse& or an% appellation or nic/na#e $% (hich he has $een or is /no(n- !f his na#e
cannot $e ascertaine&" he #ust $e &escri$e& un&er a fictitious na#e (ith a state#ent that his true
na#e is un/no(n-
!f the true na#e of the accuse& is thereafter &isclose& $% hi# or appears in so#e other #anner to
the court" such true na#e shall $e inserte& in the co#plaint or infor#ation an& recor&- (?a)
SEC- @- +esignation of the offense..The co#plaint or infor#ation shall state the &esi'nation of
the offense 'iven $% the statute" aver the acts or o#issions constitutin' the offense" an& specif%
its >ualif%in' an& a''ravatin' circu#stances- !f there is no &esi'nation of the offense" reference
shall $e #a&e to the section or su$section of the statute punishin' it- (@a)
SEC- A- Cause of the accusation..The acts or o#issions co#plaine& of as constitutin' the
offense an& the >ualif%in' an& a''ravatin' circu#stances #ust $e state& in or&inar% an& concise
lan'ua'e an& not necessaril% in the lan'ua'e use& in the statute" $ut in ter#s sufficient to ena$le
a person of co##on un&erstan&in' to /no( (hat offense is $ein' char'e& as (ell as its
>ualif%in' an& a''ravatin' circu#stances an& for the court to pronounce 3u&'#ent- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- $lace of commission of the offense..The co#plaint or infor#ation is sufficient if it
can $e un&erstoo& fro# its alle'ations that the offense (as co##itte& or so#e of its essential
in're&ients occurre& at so#e place (ithin the 3uris&iction of the court" unless the particular place
(here it (as co##itte& constitutes an essential ele#ent of the offense char'e& or is necessar%
for its i&entification- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- +ate of commission of the offense..!t is not necessar% to state in the co#plaint or
infor#ation the precise &ate the offense (as co##itte& e1cept (hen it is a #aterial in're&ient of
the offense- The offense #a% $e alle'e& to have $een co##itte& on a &ate as near as possi$le to
the actual &ate of its co##ission- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- %ame of the offended party..The co#plaint or infor#ation #ust state the na#e an&
surna#e of the person a'ainst (ho# or a'ainst (hose propert% the offense (as co##itte&" or
an% appellation or nic/na#e $% (hich such person has $een or is /no(n- !f there is no $etter
(a% of i&entif%in' hi#" he #ust $e &escri$e& un&er a fictitious na#e-
(a) !n offenses a'ainst propert%" if the na#e of the offen&e& part% is un/no(n" the propert% #ust
$e &escri$e& (ith such particularit% as to properl% i&entif% the offense char'e&-
($) !f the true na#e of the person a'ainst (ho# or a'ainst (hose propert% the offense (as
co##itte& is thereafter &isclose& or ascertaine&" the court #ust cause such true na#e to $e
inserte& in the co#plaint or infor#ation an& the recor&-
(c) !f the offen&e& part% is a 3uri&ical person" it is sufficient to state its na#e" or an% na#e or
&esi'nation $% (hich it is /no(n or $% (hich it #a% $e i&entifie&" (ithout nee& of averrin' that
it is a 3uri&ical person or that it is or'ani5e& in accor&ance (ith la(- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- +uplicity of the offense..A co#plaint or infor#ation #ust char'e onl% one offense"
e1cept (hen the la( prescri$es a sin'le punish#ent for various offenses- (,2a)
SEC- ,4- (mendment or substitution..A co#plaint or infor#ation #a% $e a#en&e&" in for# or
in su$stance" (ithout leave of court" at an% ti#e $efore the accuse& enters his plea- After the plea
an& &urin' the trial" a for#al a#en&#ent #a% onl% $e #a&e (ith leave of court an& (hen it can
$e &one (ithout causin' pre3u&ice to the ri'hts of the accuse&-
=o(ever" an% a#en&#ent $efore plea" (hich &o(n'ra&es the nature of the offense char'e& in or
e1clu&es an% accuse& fro# the co#plaint or infor#ation" can $e #a&e onl% upon #otion $% the
prosecutor" (ith notice to the offen&e& part% an& (ith leave of court- The court shall state its
reasons in resolvin' the #otion an& copies of its or&er shall $e furnishe& all parties" especiall%
the offen&e& part%" (n)
!f it appears at an% ti#e $efore 3u&'#ent that a #ista/e has $een #a&e in char'in' the proper
offense" the court shall &is#iss the ori'inal co#plaint or infor#ation upon the filin' of a ne(
one char'in' the proper offense in accor&ance (ith section ,A" Rule ,,A" provi&e& the accuse&
shall not $e place& in &ou$le 3eopar&%- The court #a% re>uire the (itnesses to 'ive $ail for their
appearance at the trial- (,4a)
SEC- ,5- $lace where action is to be instituted..
(a) Su$3ect to e1istin' la(s" the cri#inal action shall $e institute& an& trie& in the court of the
#unicipalit% or territor% (here the offense (as co##itte& or (here an% of its essential
in're&ients occurre&-
($) 8here an offense is co##itte& in a train" aircraft" or other pu$lic or private vehicle in the
course of its trip" the cri#inal action shall $e institute& an& trie& in the court of an% #unicipalit%
or territor% (here such train" aircraft" or other vehicle passe& &urin' its trip" inclu&in' the place
of its &eparture an& arrival-
(c) 8here an offense is co##itte& on $oar& a vessel in the course of its vo%a'e" the cri#inal
action shall $e institute& an& trie& in the court of the first port of entr% or of an% #unicipalit% or
territor% (here the vessel passe& &urin' such vo%a'e" su$3ect to the 'enerall% accepte&
principles of international la(-
(&) Cri#es co##itte& outsi&e the Philippines $ut punisha$le un&er Article 0 of the Revise&
Penal Co&e shall $e co'ni5a$le $% the court (here the cri#inal action is first file&- (,5a)
SEC- ,6- Intervention of the offended party in criminal action..8here the civil action for
recover% of civil lia$ilit% is institute& in the cri#inal action pursuant to Rule ,,," the offen&e&
part% #a% intervene $% counsel in the prosecution of the offense- (,6a)
RULE ,,,
PROSECUT!O+ OF C!!L ACT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- Institution of criminal and civil actions..(a) 8hen a cri#inal action is institute&"
the civil action for the recover% of civil lia$ilit% arisin' fro# the offense char'e& shall $e
&ee#e& institute& (ith the cri#inal action unless the offen&e& part% (aives the civil action"
reserves the ri'ht to institute it separatel% or institutes the civil action prior to the cri#inal
action-
The reservation of the ri'ht to institute separatel% the civil action shall $e #a&e $efore the
prosecution starts presentin' its evi&ence an& un&er circu#stances affor&in' the offen&e& part%
a reasona$le opportunit% to #a/e such reservation-
8hen the offen&e& part% see/s to enforce civil lia$ilit% a'ainst the accuse& $% (a% of #oral"
no#inal" te#perate" or e1e#plar% &a#a'es (ithout specif%in' the a#ount thereof in the
co#plaint or infor#ation" the filin' fees therefor shall constitute a first lien on the 3u&'#ent
a(ar&in' such &a#a'es-
8here the a#ount of &a#a'es" other than actual" is specifie& in the co#plaint or infor#ation"
the correspon&in' filin' fees shall $e pai& $% the offen&e& part% upon the filin' thereof in court-
E1cept as other(ise provi&e& in these Rules" no filin' fees shall $e re>uire& for actual &a#a'es-
+o counterclai#" cross<clai# or thir&<part% co#plaint #a% $e file& $% the accuse& in the
cri#inal case" $ut an% cause of action (hich coul& have $een the su$3ect thereof #a% $e
liti'ate& in a separate civil action" (,a)
($) The cri#inal action for violation of )atas Pa#$ansa )l'- 00 shall $e &ee#e& to inclu&e the
correspon&in' civil action- +o reservation to file such civil action separatel% shall $e allo(e&-
Upon filin' of the aforesai& 3oint cri#inal an& civil actions" the offen&e& part% shall pa% in full
the filin' fees $ase& on the a#ount of the chec/ involve&" (hich shall $e consi&ere& as the
actual &a#a'es clai#e&- 8here the co#plaint or infor#ation also see/s to recover li>ui&ate&"
#oral" no#inal" te#perate or e1e#plar% &a#a'es" the offen&e& part% shall pa% a&&itional filin'
fees $ase& on the a#ounts alle'e& therein- !f the a#ounts are not so alle'e& $ut an% of these
&a#a'es are su$se>uentl% a(ar&e& $% the court" the filin' fees $ase& on the a#ount a(ar&e&
shall constitute a first lien on the 3u&'#ent-
8here the civil action has $een file& separatel% an& trial thereof has not %et co##ence&" it #a%
$e consoli&ate& (ith the cri#inal action upon application (ith the court tr%in' the latter case- !f
the application is 'rante&" the trial of $oth actions shall procee& in accor&ance (ith section 0 of
this Rule 'overnin' consoli&ation of the civil an& cri#inal actions- (cir- 5?<A?)
SEC- 0- #hen separate civil action is suspended..After the cri#inal action has $een
co##ence&" the separate civil action arisin' therefro# cannot $e institute& until final 3u&'#ent
has $een entere& in the cri#inal action-
!f the cri#inal action is file& after the sai& civil action has alrea&% $een institute&" the latter shall
$e suspen&e& in (hatever sta'e it #a% $e foun& $efore 3u&'#ent on the #erits- The suspension
shall last until final 3u&'#ent is ren&ere& in the cri#inal action- +evertheless" $efore 3u&'#ent
on the #erits is ren&ere& in the civil action" the sa#e #a%" upon #otion of the offen&e& part%" $e
consoli&ate& (ith the cri#inal action in the court tr%in' the cri#inal action- !n case of
consoli&ation" the evi&ence alrea&% a&&uce& in the civil action shall $e &ee#e& auto#aticall%
repro&uce& in the cri#inal action (ithout pre3u&ice to the ri'ht of the prosecution to cross<
e1a#ine the (itnesses presente& $% the offen&e& part% in the cri#inal case an& of the parties to
present a&&itional evi&ence- The consoli&ate& cri#inal an& civil actions shall $e trie& an&
&eci&e& 3ointl%-
Furin' the pen&enc% of the cri#inal action" the runnin' of the perio& of prescription of the civil
action (hich cannot $e institute& separatel% or (hose procee&in' has $een suspen&e& shall $e
tolle&" (n)
The e1tinction of the penal action &oes not carr% (ith it e1tinction of the civil action- =o(ever"
the civil action $ase& on &elict shall $e &ee#e& e1tin'uishe& if there is a fin&in' in a final
3u&'#ent in the cri#inal action that the act or o#ission fro# (hich the civil lia$ilit% #a% arise
&i& not e1ist- (0a)
SEC- 2- #hen civil action may proceed independently..!n the cases provi&e& in Articles 20" 22"
24 an& 0,?6 of the Civil Co&e of the Philippines" the in&epen&ent civil action #a% $e $rou'ht $%
the offen&e& part%- !t shall procee& in&epen&entl% of the cri#inal action an& shall re>uire onl% a
prepon&erance of evi&ence- !n no case" ho(ever" #a% the offen&e& part% recover &a#a'es t(ice
for the sa#e act or o#ission char'e& in the cri#inal action- (2a)
SEC- 4- *ffect of death on civil actions.2The &eath of the accuse& after arrai'n#ent an& &urin'
the pen&enc% of the cri#inal action shall e1tin'uish the civil lia$ilit% arisin' fro# the &elict-
=o(ever" the in&epen&ent civil action institute& un&er section 2 of this Rule or (hich thereafter
is institute& to enforce lia$ilit% arisin' fro# other sources of o$li'ation #a% $e continue&
a'ainst the estate or le'al representative of the accuse& after proper su$stitution or a'ainst sai&
estate" as the case #a% $e- The heirs of the accuse& #a% $e su$stitute& for the &ecease& (ithout
re>uirin' the appoint#ent of an e1ecutor or a&#inistrator an& the court #a% appoint a 'uar&ian
ad litem for the #inor heirs-
The court shall forth(ith or&er sai& le'al representative or representatives to appear an& $e
su$stitute& (ithin a perio& of thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# notice-
A final 3u&'#ent entere& in favor of the offen&e& part% shall $e enforce& in the #anner
especiall% provi&e& in these rules for prosecutin' clai#s a'ainst the estate of the &ecease&-
!f the accuse& &ies $efore arrai'n#ent" the case shall $e &is#isse& (ithout pre3u&ice to an% civil
action the offen&e& part% #a% file a'ainst the estate of the &ecease&" (n)
SEC- 5- udgment in civil action not a bar..A final 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in a civil action
a$solvin' the &efen&ant fro# civil lia$ilit% is not a $ar to a cri#inal action a'ainst the &efen&ant
for the sa#e act or o#ission su$3ect of the civil action- (4a)
SEC- 6- Suspension by reason of pre"udicial 6uestion..A petition for suspension of the cri#inal
action $ase& upon the pen&enc% of a pre3u&icial >uestion in a civil action #a% $e file& in the
office of the prosecutor or the court con&uctin' the preli#inar% investi'ation- 8hen the cri#inal
action has $een file& in court for trial" the petition to suspen& shall $e file& in the sa#e cri#inal
action at an% ti#e $efore the prosecution rests- (6a)
SEC- ?- *lements of pre"udicial 6uestion.2The ele#ents of a pre3u&icial >uestion are* (a) the
previousl% institute& civil action involves an issue si#ilar or inti#atel% relate& to the issue raise&
in the su$se>uent cri#inal action" an& ($) the resolution of such issue &eter#ines (hether or not
the cri#inal action #a% procee&- (5a)
RULE ,,0
PREL!9!+ARJ !+EST!CAT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- $reliminary investigation defined; when re6uired..Preli#inar% investi'ation is an
in>uir% or procee&in' to &eter#ine (hether there is sufficient 'roun& to en'en&er a (ell<
foun&e& $elief that a cri#e has $een co##itte& an& the respon&ent is pro$a$l% 'uilt% thereof"
an& shoul& $e hel& for trial-
E1cept as provi&e& in section ? of this Rule" a preli#inar% investi'ation is re>uire& to $e
con&ucte& $efore the filin' of a co#plaint or infor#ation for an offense (here the penalt%
prescri$e& $% la( is at least four (4) %ears" t(o (0) #onths an& one (,) &a% (ithout re'ar& to the
fine" (,a)
SEC- 0- Officers authori5ed to conduct preliminary investigations..
The follo(in' #a% con&uct preli#inar% investi'ations*
(a) Provincial or Cit% Prosecutors an& their assistants7
($) Hu&'es of the 9unicipal Trial Courts an& 9unicipal Circuit Trial Courts7
(c) +ational an& Re'ional State Prosecutors7 an&
(&) Other officers as #a% $e authori5e& $% la(-
Their authorit% to con&uct preli#inar% investi'ations shall inclu&e all cri#es co'ni5a$le $% the
proper court in their respective territorial 3uris&ictions- (0a)
SEC- 2- $rocedure..The preli#inar% investi'ation shall $e con&ucte& in the follo(in' #anner*
(a) The co#plaint shall state the a&&ress of the respon&ent an& shall $e acco#panie& $% the
affi&avits of the co#plainant an& his (itnesses" as (ell as other supportin' &ocu#ents to
esta$lish pro$a$le cause- The% shall $e in such nu#$er of copies as there are respon&ents" plus
t(o (0) copies for the official file- The affi&avits shall $e su$scri$e& an& s(orn to $efore an%
prosecutor or 'overn#ent official authori5e& to a&#inister oath" or" in their a$sence or
unavaila$ilit%" $efore a notar% pu$lic" each of (ho# #ust certif% that he personall% e1a#ine&
the affiants an& that he is satisfie& that the% voluntaril% e1ecute& an& un&erstoo& their affi&avits-
($) 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the filin' of the co#plaint" the investi'atin' officer shall either
&is#iss it if he fin&s no 'roun& to continue (ith the investi'ation" or issue a su$poena to the
respon&ent attachin' to it a cop% of the co#plaint an& its supportin' affi&avits an& &ocu#ents-
The respon&ent shall have the ri'ht to e1a#ine the evi&ence su$#itte& $% the co#plainant
(hich he #a% not have $een furnishe& an& to cop% the# at his e1pense- !f the evi&ence is
volu#inous" the co#plainant #a% $e re>uire& to specif% those (hich he inten&s to present
a'ainst the respon&ent" an& these shall $e #a&e availa$le for e1a#ination or cop%in' $% the
respon&ent at his e1pense-
O$3ects as evi&ence nee& not $e furnishe& a part% $ut shall $e #a&e availa$le for e1a#ination"
cop%in'" or photo'raphin' at the e1pense of the re>uestin' part%-
(c) 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of the su$poena (ith the co#plaint an& supportin'
affi&avits an& &ocu#ents" the respon&ent shall su$#it his counter<affi&avit an& that of his
(itnesses an& other supportin' &ocu#ents relie& upon for his &efense- The counter<affi&avits
shall $e su$scri$e& an& s(orn to an& certifie& as provi&e& in para'raph (a) of this section" (ith
copies thereof furnishe& $% hi# to the co#plainant7- The respon&ent shall not $e allo(e& to file
a #otion to &is#iss in lieu of a counter<affi&avit-
(&) !f the respon&ent cannot $e su$poenae&" of if su$poenae&" &oes not su$#it counter<
affi&avits (ithin the ten (,B) &a% perio&" the investi'atin' officer shall resolve the co#plaint
$ase& on the evi&ence presente& $% the co#plainant-
(e) The investi'atin' officer #a% set a hearin' if there are facts an& issues to $e clarifie& fro# a
part% or a (itness- The parties can $e present at the hearin' $ut (ithout the ri'ht to e1a#ine or
cross<e1a#ine- The% #a%" ho(ever" su$#it to the investi'atin' officer >uestions (hich #a% $e
as/e& to the part% or (itness concerne&-
The hearin' shall $e hel& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# su$#ission of the counter<affi&avits an&
other &ocu#ents or fro# the e1piration of the perio& for their su$#ission- !t shall $e ter#inate&
(ithin five (5) &a%s-
(f) 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the investi'ation" the investi'atin' officer shall &eter#ine (hether
or not there is sufficient 'roun& to hol& the respon&ent for trial- (2a)
SEC- 4- Resolution of investigating prosecutor and its review..!f the investi'atin' prosecutor
fin&s cause to hol& the respon&ent for trial" he shall prepare the resolution an& infor#ation- =e
shall certif% un&er oath in the infor#ation that he" or as sho(n $% the recor&" an authori5e&
officer" has personall% e1a#ine& the co#plainant an& his (itnesses7 that there is reasona$le
'roun& to $elieve that a cri#e has $een co##itte& an& that the accuse& is pro$a$l% 'uilt%
thereof7 that the accuse& (as infor#e& of the co#plaint an& of the evi&ence su$#itte& a'ainst
hi#7 an& that he (as 'iven an opportunit% to su$#it controvertin' evi&ence- Other(ise" he shall
reco##en& the &is#issal of the co#plaint-
8ithin five (5) &a%s fro# his resolution" he shall for(ar& the recor& of the case to the provincial
or cit% prosecutor or chief state prosecutor" or to the O#$u&s#an or his &eput% in cases of
offenses co'ni5a$le $% the Sandiganbayan in the e1ercise of its ori'inal 3uris&iction- The% shall
act on the resolution (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# their receipt thereof an& shall i##e&iatel%
infor# the parties of such action-
+o co#plaint or infor#ation #a% $e file& or &is#isse& $% an investi'atin' prosecutor (ithout
the prior (ritten authorit% or approval of the provincial or cit% prosecutor or chief state
prosecutor or the O#$u&s#an or his &eput%-
8here the investi'atin' prosecutor reco##en&s the &is#issal of the co#plaint $ut his
reco##en&ation is &isapprove& $% the provincial or cit% prosecutor or chief state prosecutor or
the O#$u&s#an or his &eput% on the 'roun& that a pro$a$le cause e1ists" the latter #a%" $%
hi#self" file the infor#ation a'ainst the respon&ent" or &irect another assistant prosecutor or
state prosecutor to &o so (ithout con&uctin' another preli#inar% investi'ation-
!f upon petition $% a proper part% un&er such rules as the Fepart#ent of Hustice #a% prescri$e or
motu proprio, the Secretar% of Hustice reverses or #o&ifies the resolution of the provincial or
cit% prosecutor or chief state prosecutor" he shall &irect the prosecutor concerne& either to file
the correspon&in' infor#ation (ithout con&uctin' another preli#inar% investi'ation" or to
&is#iss or #ove for &is#issal of the co#plaint or infor#ation (ith notice to the parties- The
sa#e rule shall appl% in preli#inar% investi'ations con&ucte& $% the officers of the Office of the
O#$u&s#an- (4a)
SEC- 5- Resolution of investigating "udge and its review.28ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the
preli#inar% investi'ation" the investi'atin' 3u&'e shall trans#it the resolution of the case to the
provincial or cit% prosecutor" or to the O#$u&s#an or his &eput% in cases of offenses co'ni5a$le
$% the Sandiganbayan in the e1ercise of its ori'inal 3uris&iction" for appropriate action- The
resolution shall state the fin&in's of facts an& the la( supportin' his action" to'ether (ith the
recor& of the case (hich" shall inclu&e* (a) the (arrant" if the arrest is $% virtue of a (arrant7 ($)
the affi&avits" counter<affi&avits an& other supportin' evi&ence of the parties7 (c) the un&erta/in'
or $ail of the accuse& an& the or&er for his release7 (&) the transcripts of the procee&in's &urin'
the preli#inar% investi'ation7 an& (e) the or&er of cancellation of his $ail $on&" if the resolution
is for the &is#issal of the co#plaint-
8ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# receipt of the recor&s" the provincial or cit% prosecutor" or the
O#$u&s#an or his &eput%" as the case #a% $e" shall revie( the resolution of the investi'atin'
3u&'e on the e1istence of pro$a$le cause- Their rulin' shall e1pressl% an& clearl% state the facts
an& the la( on (hich it is $ase& an& the parties shall $e furnishe& (ith copies thereof- The%
shall or&er the release of an accuse& (ho is &etaine& if no pro$a$le cause is foun& a'ainst hi#-
(5a)
SEC- 6- #hen warrant of arrest may issue..(a) 1y the Regional Trial Court -.8ithin ten (,B)
&a%s fro# the filin' of the co#plaint or infor#ation" the 3u&'e shall personall% evaluate the
resolution of the prosecutor an& its supportin' evi&ence- =e #a% i##e&iatel% &is#iss the case if
the evi&ence on recor& clearl% fails to esta$lish pro$a$le cause- !f he fin&s pro$a$le cause" he
shall issue a (arrant of arrest" or a co##it#ent or&er if the accuse& has alrea&% $een arreste&
pursuant to a (arrant issue& $% the 3u&'e (ho con&ucte& the preli#inar% investi'ation or (hen
the co#plaint or infor#ation (as file& pursuant to section ? of this Rule- !n case of &ou$t on the
e1istence of pro$a$le cause" the 3u&'e #a% or&er the prosecutor to present a&&itional evi&ence
(ithin five (5) &a%s fro# notice an& the issue #ust $e resolve& $% the court (ithin thirt% (2B)
&a%s fro# the filin' of the co#plaint or infor#ation-
($) 1y the !unicipal Trial Court..8hen re>uire& pursuant to the secon& para'raph of section ,
of this Rule" the preli#inar% investi'ation of cases fallin' un&er the ori'inal 3uris&iction of the
9etropolitan Trial Court" 9unicipal Trial Court in Cities" 9unicipal Trial Court" or 9unicipal
Circuit Trial Court #a% $e con&ucte& $% either the 3u&'e or the prosecutor- 8hen con&ucte& $%
the prosecutor" the proce&ure for the issuance of a (arrant of arrest $% the 3u&'e shall $e
'overne& $% para'raph (a) of this section- 8hen the investi'ation is con&ucte& $% the 3u&'e
hi#self" he shall follo( the proce&ure provi&e& in section 2 of this Rule- !f his fin&in's an&
reco##en&ations are affir#e& $% the provincial or cit% prosecutor" or $% the O#$u&s#an or his
&eput%" an& the correspon&in' infor#ation is file&" he shall issue a (arrant of arrest- =o(ever"
(ithout (aitin' for the conclusion of the investi'ation" the 3u&'e #a% issue a (arrant of arrest if
he fin&s after an e1a#ination in (ritin' an& un&er oath of the co#plainant an& his (itnesses in
the for# of searchin' >uestions an& ans(ers" that a pro$a$le cause e1ists an& that there is a
necessit% of placin' the respon&ent un&er i##e&iate custo&% in or&er not to frustrate the en&s of
3ustice-
(c) #hen warrant of arrest not necessary..A (arrant of arrest shall not issue if the accuse& is
alrea&% un&er &etention pursuant to a (arrant issue& $% the #unicipal trial court in accor&ance
(ith para'raph ($) of this section" or if the co#plaint or infor#ation (as file& pursuant to
section ? of this Rule or is for an offense penali5e& $% fine onl%- The court shall then procee& in
the e1ercise of its ori'inal 3uris&iction- (6a)
SEC- ?- #hen accused lawfully arrested without warrant..8hen a person is la(full% arreste&
(ithout a (arrant involvin' an offense (hich re>uires a preli#inar% investi'ation" the co#plaint
or infor#ation #a% $e file& $% a prosecutor (ithout nee& of such investi'ation provi&e& an
in>uest has $een con&ucte& in accor&ance (ith e1istin' rules- !n the a$sence or unavaila$ilit% of
an in>uest prosecutor" the co#plaint #a% $e file& $% the offen&e& part% or a peace officer
&irectl% (ith the proper court on the $asis of the affi&avit of the offen&e& part% or arrestin'
officer or person-
)efore the co#plaint or infor#ation is file&" the person arreste& #a% as/ for a preli#inar%
investi'ation in accor&ance (ith this Rule" $ut he #ust si'n a (aiver of the provisions of Article
,05 of the Revise& Penal Co&e" as a#en&e&" in the presence of his counsel- +ot(ithstan&in' the
(aiver" he #a% appl% for $ail an& the investi'ation #ust $e ter#inate& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s
fro# its inception-
After the filin' of the co#plaint or infor#ation in court (ithout a preli#inar% investi'ation" the
accuse& #a%" (ithin five (5) &a%s fro# the ti#e he learns of its filin'" as/ for a preli#inar%
investi'ation (ith the sa#e ri'ht to a&&uce evi&ence in his &efense as provi&e& in this Rule- (?a7
sec- 0" R-A- +o- ?42@)
SEC- @- Records..(a) Records supporting the information or complaint..An infor#ation or
co#plaint file& in court shall $e supporte& $% the affi&avits an& counter<affi&avits of the parties
an& their (itnesses" to'ether (ith the other supportin' evi&ence an& the resolution on the case-
($) Record of preliminary investigation..The recor& of the preli#inar% investi'ation" (hether
con&ucte& $% a 3u&'e or a prosecutor" shall not for# part of the recor& of the case- =o(ever" the
court" on its o(n initiative or on #otion of an% part%" #a% or&er the pro&uction of the recor& or
an% of its part (hen necessar% in the resolution of the case or an% inci&ent therein" or (hen it is
to $e intro&uce& as an evi&ence in the case $% the re>uestin' part%- (@a)
SEC- A- Cases not re>uirin' a preli#inar% investi'ation nor covere& $% the Rule on Su##ar%
Proce&ure-.
(a) If filed with the prosecutor..!f the co#plaint is file& &irectl% (ith the prosecutor involvin'
an offense punisha$le $% i#prison#ent of less than four (4) %ears" t(o (0) #onths an& one (,)
&a%" the proce&ure outline& in section 2(a) of this Rule shall $e o$serve&- The prosecutor shall
act on the co#plaint $ase& on the affi&avits an& other supportin' &ocu#ents su$#itte&
$% the co#plainant (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# its filin'-
($) If filed with the !unicipal Trial Court.. !f the co#plaint or infor#ation is file& (ith the
9unicipal Trial Court or 9unicipal Circuit Trial Court for an offense covere& $% this section"
the proce&ure in section 2(a) of this Rule shall $e o$serve&- !f (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the
filin' of the co#plaint or infor#ation" the 3u&'e fin&s no pro$a$le cause after personall%
evaluatin' the evi&ence" or after personall% e1a#inin' in (ritin' an& un&er oath the
co#plainant an& his (itnesses in the for# of searchin' >uestions an& ans(ers" he shall &is#iss
the sa#e- =e #a%" ho( ever" re>uire the su$#ission of a&&itional evi&ence" (ithin ten (,B) &a%s
fro# notice" to &eter#ine further the e1istence of pro$a$le cause- !f the 3u&'e still fin&s no
pro$a$le cause &espite the a&&itional evi&ence" he shall" (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# its
su$#ission or e1piration of sai& perio&" &is#iss the case- 8hen he fin&s pro$a$le cause" he shall
issue a (arrant of arrest" or a co##it#ent or&er if the accuse& ha& alrea&% $een arreste&" an&
hol& hi# for trial- =o(ever" if the 3u&'e is satisfie& that there is no necessit% for placin' the
accuse& un&er custo&%" he #a% issue su##ons instea& of a (arrant of arrest- (Aa)
RULE 113
ARREST
SECT!O+ ,- +efinition of arrest.2Arrest is the ta/in' of a person into custo&% in or&er that he
#a% $e $oun& to ans(er for the co##ission of an offense- (,)
SEC- 0- (rrest; how made..An arrest is #a&e $% an actual restraint of a person to $e arreste&"
or $% his su$#ission to the custo&% of the person #a/in' the arrest-
+o violence or unnecessar% force shall $e use& in #a/in' an arrest- The person arreste& shall not
$e su$3ect to a 'reater restraint than is necessar% for his &etention- (0a)
SEC- 2- +uty of arresting officer..!t shall $e the &ut% of the officer e1ecutin' the (arrant to
arrest the accuse& an& &eliver hi# to the nearest police station or 3ail (ithout unnecessar% &ela%-
(2a)
SEC- 4- *,ecution of warrant..The hea& of the office to (ho# the (arrant of arrest (as
&elivere& for e1ecution shall cause the (arrant to $e e1ecute& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# its
receipt- 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the e1piration of the perio&" the officer to (ho# it (as
assi'ne& for e1ecution shall #a/e a report to the 3u&'e (ho issue& the (arrant- !n case of his
failure to e1ecute the (arrant" he shall state the reasons therefor- (4a)
SEC- 5- (rrest without warrant; when lawful..A peace officer or a private person #a%" (ithout
a (arrant" arrest a person*
(a) 8hen" in his presence" the person to $e arreste& has co##itte&" is actuall% co##ittin'" or is
atte#ptin' to co##it an offense7
($) 8hen an offense has 3ust $een co##itte& an& he has pro$a$le cause to $elieve $ase& on
personal /no(le&'e of facts or circu#stances that the person to $e arreste& has co##itte& it7
an&
(c) 8hen the person to $e arreste& is a prisoner (ho has escape& fro# a penal esta$lish#ent or
place (here he is servin' final 3u&'#ent or is te#poraril% confine& (hile his case is pen&in'" or
has escape& (hile $ein' transferre& fro# one confine#ent to another-
!n cases fallin' un&er para'raphs (a) an& ($) a$ove" the person arreste& (ithout a (arrant shall
$e forth(ith &elivere& to the nearest police station or 3ail an& shall $e procee&e& a'ainst in
accor&ance (ith section ? of Rule ,,0" (5a)
SEC- 6- Time of ma)ing arrest..An arrest #a% $e #a&e on an% &a% an& at an% ti#e of the &a%
or ni'ht- (6)
SEC- ?- !ethod of arrest by officer by virtue of warrant..8hen #a/in' an arrest $% virtue of a
(arrant" the officer shall infor# the person to $e arreste& of the cause of the arrest an& the fact
that a (arrant has $een issue& for his arrest" e1cept (hen he flees or forci$l% resists $efore the
officer has opportunit% to so infor# hi#" or (hen the 'ivin' of such infor#ation (ill i#peril the
arrest- The officer nee& not have the (arrant in his possession at the ti#e of the arrest $ut after
the arrest" if the person arreste& so re>uires" the (arrant shall $e sho(n to hi# as soon as
practica$le- (?a)
SEC- @- !ethod of arrest by officer without warrant..8hen #a/in' an arrest (ithout a
(arrant" the officer shall infor# the person to $e arreste& of his authorit% an& the cause of the
arrest" unless the latter is either en'a'e& in the co##ission of an offense" is pursue&
i##e&iatel% after its co##ission" has escape&" flees" or forci$l% resists $efore the officer has
opportunit% to so infor# hi#" or (hen the 'ivin' of such infor#ation (ill i#peril the arrest- (@a)
SEC- A- !ethod of arrest by private person..8hen #a/in' an arrest" a private person shall
infor# the person to $e arreste& of the intention to arrest hi# an& the cause of the arrest" unless
the latter is either en'a'e& in the co##ission of an offense" is pursue& i##e&iatel% after its
co##ission" or has escape&" flees" or forci$l% resists $efore the person #a/in' the arrest has
opportunit% to so infor# hi#" or (hen the 'ivin' of such infor#ation (ill i#peril the arrest- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- Officer may summon assistance..An officer #a/in' a la(ful arrest #a% orall%
su##on as #an% persons as he &ee#s necessar% to assist hi# in effectin' the arrest- Ever%
person so su##one& $% an officer shall assist hi# in effectin' the arrest (hen he can ren&er
such assistance (ithout &etri#ent to hi#self- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- Right of officer to brea) into building or enclosure..An officer" in or&er to #a/e an
arrest either $% virtue of a (arrant" or (ithout a (arrant as provi&e& in section 5" #a% $rea/ into
an% $uil&in' or enclosure (here the person to $e arreste& is or is reasona$l% $elieve& to $e" if he
is refuse& a&#ittance thereto" after announcin' his authorit% an& purpose" (,,a)
SEC- ,0- Right to brea) out from building or enclosure..8henever an officer has entere& the
$uil&in'" or enclosure in accor&ance (ith the prece&in' section" he #a% $rea/ out therefro#
(hen necessar% to li$erate hi#self- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- (rrest after escape or rescue..!f a person la(full% arreste& escapes or is rescue&" an%
person #a% i##e&iatel% pursue or reta/e hi# (ithout a (arrant at an% ti#e an& in an% place
(ithin the Philippines- (,2)
SEC- ,4- Right of attorney or relative to visit person arrested..An% #e#$er of the Philippine
)ar shall" at the re>uest of the person arreste& or of another actin' in his $ehalf" have the ri'ht to
visit an& confer privatel% (ith such person in the 3ail or an% other place of custo&% at an% hour
of the &a% or ni'ht- Su$3ect to reasona$le re'ulations" a relative of the person arreste& can also
e1ercise the sa#e ri'ht- (,4a)
RULE ,,4
)A!L
SECT!O+ ,- 1ail defined.2)ail is the securit% 'iven for the release of a person in custo&% of
the la(" furnishe& $% hi# or a $on&s#an" to 'uarantee his appearance $efore an% court as
re>uire& un&er the con&itions hereinafter specifie&- )ail #a% $e 'iven in the for# of corporate
suret%" propert% $on&" cash &eposit" or reco'ni5ance" (,a)
SEC- 0- Conditions of the bail; re6uirements..All /in&s of $ail are su$3ect to the follo(in'
con&itions*
(a) The un&erta/in' shall $e effective upon approval" an& unless cancelle&" shall re#ain in for#
at all sta'es of the case until pro#ul'ation of the 3u&'#ent of the Re'ional Trial Court"
irrespective of (hether the case (as ori'inall% file& in or appeale& to it7
($) The accuse& shall appear $efore the proper court (henever re>uire& $% the court or these
Rules7
(c) The failure of the accuse& to appear at the trial (ithout 3ustification an& &espite &ue notice
shall $e &ee#e& a (aiver of his ri'ht to $e present thereat- !n such case" the trial #a% procee& in
absentia; an&
(&) The $on&s#an shall surren&er the accuse& to the court for e1ecution of the final e1ecution-
The ori'inal papers shall state the full na#e an& a&&ress of the accuse&" the a#ount of the
un&erta/in' an& the con&itions re>uire& $% this section- Photo'raphs (passport si5e) ta/en (ithin
the last si1 (6) #onths sho(in' the face" left an& ri'ht profiles of the accuse& #ust $e attache&
to the $ail- (0a)
SEC- 2- %o release or transfer e,cept on court order or bail..+o person un&er &etention $%
le'al process shall $e release& or transferre& e1cept upon or&er of the court or (hen he is
a&#itte& to $ail- (2a)
SEC- 4- 1ail, a matter of right; e,ception.2All persons in custo&% shall $e a&#itte& to $ail as a
#atter of ri'ht" (ith sufficient sureties" or release& on reco'ni5ance as prescri$e& $% la( or this
Rule (a) $efore or after conviction $% the 9etropolitan Trial Court" 9unicipal Trial Court"
9unicipal Trial Court in Cities" or 9unicipal Circuit Trial Court" an& ($) $efore conviction $%
the Re'ional Trial Court of an offense not punisha$le $% &eath" reclusion perpetua, or life
i#prison#ent- (4a)
SEC- 5- 1ail, when discretionary..Upon conviction $% the Re'ional Trial Court of an -offense
not punisha$le $% &eath" reclusion perpetua, or life i#prison#ent" a&#ission to $ail is
&iscretionar%- The application for $ail #a% $e file& an& acte& upon $% the trial court &espite the
filin' of a notice of appeal" provi&e& it has not trans#itte& the ori'inal recor& to the appellate
court- =o(ever" if the &ecision of the trial court convictin' the accuse& chan'e& the nature of the
offense fro# non<$aila$le to $aila$le" the application for $ail can onl% $e file& (ith an& resolve&
$% the appellate court-
Shoul& the court 'rant the application" the accuse& #a% $e allo(e& to continue on provisional
li$ert% &urin' the pen&enc% of the appeal un&er the sa#e $ail su$3ect to the consent of the
$on&s#an-
!f the penalt% i#pose& $% the trial court is i#prison#ent e1cee&in' si1 (6) %ears" the accuse&
shall $e &enie& $ail" or his $ail shall $e cancelle& upon a sho(in' $% the prosecution" (ith
notice to the accuse&" of the follo(in' or other si#ilar circu#stances*
(a) That he is a reci&ivist" >uasi<reci&ivist" or ha$itual &elin>uent" or has co##itte& the cri#e
a''ravate& $% the circu#stance of reiteration7
($) That he has previousl% escape& fro# le'al confine#ent" eva&e& sentence" or violate& the
con&itions of his $ail (ithout vali& 3ustification7
(c) That he co##itte& the offense (hile un&er pro$ation" parole" or con&itional par&on7
(&) That the circu#stances of his case in&icate the pro$a$ilit% of fli'ht if release& on $ail7 or
(e) That there is un&ue ris/ that he #a% co##it another cri#e &urin' the pen&enc% of the
appeal-
The appellate court #a%" motu proprio or on #otion of an% part%" revie( the resolution of the
Re'ional Trial Court after notice to the a&verse part% in either case- (5a)
SEC- 6- Capital offense, defined..A capital offense is an offense (hich" un&er the la( e1istin'
at the ti#e of its co##ission an& of the application for a&#ission to $ail" #a% $e punishe& (ith
&eath- (6a)
SEC- ?- Capital offense or an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, not
bailable..+o person char'e& (ith a capital offense" or an offense punisha$le $% reclusion
perpetua or life i#prison#ent" shall $e a&#itte& to $ail (hen evi&ence of 'uilt is stron'"
re'ar&less of the sta'e of the cri#inal prosecution- (?a)
SEC- @- 1urden of proof in bail application..At the hearin' of an application for $ail file& $% a
person (ho is in custo&% for the co##ission of an offense punisha$le $% &eath" reclusion
perpetua, or life i#prison#ent" the prosecution has the $ur&en of sho(in' that evi&ence of 'uilt
is stron'- The evi&ence presente& &urin' the $ail hearin' shall $e consi&ere& auto#aticall%
repro&uce& at the trial $ut" upon #otion of either part%" the court #a% recall an% (itness for
a&&itional e1a#ination unless the latter is &ea&" outsi&e the Philippines" or other(ise una$le to
testif%- (@a)
SEC- A- (mount of bail; guidelines..The 3u&'e (ho issue& the (arrant or 'rante& the
application shall fi1 a reasona$le a#ount of $ail consi&erin' pri#aril%" $ut not li#ite& to" the
follo(in' factors*
(a) Financial a$ilit% of the accuse& to 'ive $ail7
($) +ature an& circu#stances of the offense7
(c) Penalt% for the offense char'e&7
(&) Character an& reputation of the accuse&7
(e) A'e an& health of the accuse&7
(f) 8ei'ht of the evi&ence a'ainst the accuse&7
(') Pro$a$ilit% of the accuse& appearin' at the trial7
(h) Forfeiture of other $ail7
(i) The fact that the accuse& (as a fu'itive fro# 3ustice (hen arreste&7 an&
(3) Pen&enc% of other cases (here the accuse& is on $ail-
E1cessive $ail shall not $e re>uire&- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- Corporate surety..An% &o#estic or forei'n corporation" license& as a suret% in
accor&ance (ith la( an& currentl% authori5e& to act as such" #a% provi&e $ail $% a $on&
su$scri$e& 3ointl% $% the accuse& an& an officer of the corporation &ul% authori5e& $% its $oar&
of &irectors- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- $roperty bond, how posted..A propert% $on& is an un&erta/in' constitute& as lien on
the real propert% 'iven as securit% for the a#ount of the $ail- 8ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the
approval of the $on&" the accuse& shall cause the annotation of the lien on the certificate of title
on file (ith the Re'istr% of Fee&s if the lan& is re'istere&" or if unre'istere&" in the Re'istration
)oo/ on the space provi&e& therefor" in the Re'istr% of Fee&s for the province or cit% (here the
lan& lies" an& on the correspon&in' ta1 &eclaration in the office of the provincial" cit% an&
#unicipal assessor concerne&-
8ithin the sa#e perio&" the accuse& shall su$#it to the court his co#pliance an& his failure to
&o so shall $e sufficient cause for the cancellation of the propert% $on& an& his re<arrest an&
&etention- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- 8ualifications of sureties in property bond..The >ualifications of sureties in a
propert% $on& shall $e as follo(s*
(a) Each #ust $e a resi&ent o(ner of real estate (ithin the Philippines7
($) 8here there is onl% one suret%" his real estate #ust $e (orth at least the a#ount of the
un&erta/in'7
(c) !f there are t(o or #ore sureties" each #a% 3ustif% in an a#ount less than that e1presse& in
the un&erta/in' $ut the a''re'ate of the 3ustifie& su#s #ust $e e>uivalent to the (hole a#ount
of the $ail &e#an&e&-
!n all cases" ever% suret% #ust $e (orth the a#ount specifie& in his o(n un&erta/in' over an&
a$ove all 3ust &e$ts" o$li'ations an& properties e1e#pt fro# e1ecution- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- ustification of sureties..Ever% suret% shall 3ustif% $% affi&avit ta/en $efore the 3u&'e
that he possesses the >ualifications prescri$e& in the prece&in' section- =e shall &escri$e the
propert% 'iven as securit%" statin' the nature of his title" its encu#$rances" the nu#$er an&
a#ount of other $ails entere& into $% hi# an& still un&ischar'e&" an& his other lia$ilities- The
court #a% e1a#ine the sureties upon oath concernin' their sufficienc% in such #anners it #a%
&ee# proper- +o $ail shall $e approve& unless the suret% is >ualifie&- (,2a)
SEC- ,4- +eposit of cash as bail..The accuse& or an% person actin' in his $ehalf #a% &eposit
in cash (ith the nearest collector of internal revenue or provincial" cit%" or #unicipal treasurer
the a#ount of $ail fi1e& $% the court" or reco##en&e& $% the prosecutor (ho investi'ate& or
file& the case- Upon su$#ission of a proper certificate of &eposit an& a (ritten un&erta/in'
sho(in' co#pliance (ith the re>uire#ents of section 0 of this Rule" the accuse& shall $e
&ischar'e& fro# custo&%- The #one% &eposite& shall $e consi&ere& as $ail an& applie& to the
pa%#ent of fine an& costs (hile the e1cess" if an%" shall $e returne& to the accuse& or to (hoever
#a&e the &eposit- (,4a)
SEC- ,5- Recogni5ance..8henever allo(e& $% la( or these Rules" the court #a% release a
person in custo&% on his o(n reco'ni5ance or that of a responsi$le person- (,5a)
SEC- ,6- 1ail, when not re6uired; reduced bail or recogni5ance.&.+o $ail shall $e re>uire&
(hen the la( or these Rules so provi&e-
8hen a person has $een in custo&% for a perio& e>ual to or #ore than the possi$le #a1i#u#
i#prison#ent prescri$e& for the offense char'e&" he shall $e release& i##e&iatel%" (ithout
pre3u&ice to the continuation of the trial or the procee&in's on appeal- !f the #a1i#u# penalt%
to (hich the accuse& #a% $e sentence& is destierro, he shall $e release& after thirt% (2B) &a%s of
preventive i#prison#ent-
A person in custo&% for a perio& e>ual to or #ore than the #ini#u# of the principal penalt%
prescri$e& for the offense char'e&" (ithout application of the !n&eter#inate Sentence La( or
an% #o&if%in' circu#stance" shall $e release& on a re&uce& $ail or on his o(n reco'ni5ance" at
the &iscretion of the court- (,6a)
SEC- ,?- 1ail, where filed..(a) )ail in the a#ount fi1e& #a% $e file& (ith the court (here the
case is pen&in'" or in the a$sence or unavaila$ilit% of the 3u&'e thereof" (ith an% re'ional trial
3u&'e" #etropolitan trial 3u&'e" #unicipal trial 3u&'e" or #unicipal circuit trial 3u&'e in the
province" cit%" or #unicipalit%- !f the accuse& is arreste& in a province" cit%" or #unicipalit% other
than (here the case is pen&in'" $ail #a% also $e file& (ith an% re'ional trial court of sai& place"
or if no 3u&'e thereof is availa$le" (ith an% #etropolitan trial 3u&'e" #unicipal trial 3u&'e" or
#unicipal circuit trial 3u&'e therein-
($) 8here the 'rant of $ail is a #atter of &iscretion" or the accuse& see/s to $e release& on
reco'ni5ance" the application #a% onl% $e file& in the court (here the case is pen&in'" (hether
on preli#inar% investi'ation" trial" or appeal-
(c) An% person in custo&% (ho is not %et char'e& in court #a% appl% for $ail (ith an%
court in the province" cit%" or #unicipalit% (here he is hel&- (,?a)
SEC- ,@- %otice of application to prosecutor..!n the application for $ail un&er section @ of this
Rule" the court #ust 'ive reasona$le notice of the hearin' to the prosecutor or re>uire hi# to
su$#it his reco##en&ation- (,@a)
SEC- ,A- Release on bail..The accuse& #ust $e &ischar'e& upon approval of the $ail $% the
3u&'e (ith (ho# it (as file& in accor&ance (ith section ,? of this Rule-
8hen $ail is file& (ith a court other than (here the case is pen&in'" the 3u&'e (ho accepte& the
$ail shall for(ar& it" to'ether (ith the or&er of release an& other supportin' papers" to the court
(here the case is pen&in'" (hich #a%" for 'oo& reason" re>uire a &ifferent one to $e file&- (,Aa)
SEC- 0B- Increase or reduction of bail..After the accuse& is a&#itte& to $ail" the court #a%"
upon 'oo& cause" either increase or re&uce its a#ount- 8hen increase&" the accuse& #a% $e
co##itte& to custo&% if he &oes not 'ive $ail in the increase& a#ount (ithin a reasona$le
perio&- An accuse& hel& to ans(er a cri#inal char'e" (ho is release& (ithout $ail upon filin' of
the co#plaint or infor#ation" #a%" at an% su$se>uent sta'e of the procee&in's an& (henever a
stron' sho(in' of 'uilt appears to the court" $e re>uire& to 'ive $ail in the a#ount fi1e&" or in
lieu thereof" co##itte& to custo&%- (0Ba)
SEC- 0,- 4orfeiture of bail..8hen the presence of the accuse& is re>uire& $% the court or these
Rules" his $on&s#en shall $e notifie& to pro&uce hi# $efore the court on a 'iven &ate an& ti#e-
!f the accuse& fails to appear in person as re>uire&" his $ail shall $e &eclare& forfeite& an& the
$on&s#en 'iven thirt% (2B) &a%s (ithin (hich to pro&uce their principal an& to sho( cause (h%
no 3u&'#ent shoul& $e ren&ere& a'ainst the# for the a#ount of their $ail- 8ithin the sai&
perio&" the $on&s#en #ust*
(a) pro&uce the $o&% of their principal or 'ive the reason for his non<pro&uction7 an&
($) e1plain (h% the accuse& &i& not appear $efore the court (hen first re>uire& to &o so-
Failin' in these t(o re>uisites" a 3u&'#ent shall $e ren&ere& a'ainst the $on&s#en" 3ointl% an&
severall%" for the a#ount of the $ail- The court shall not re&uce or other(ise #iti'ate the lia$ilit%
of the $on&s#en" unless the accuse& has $een surren&ere& or is ac>uitte&- (0,a)
SEC- 00- Cancellation of bail..Upon application of the $on&s#en" (ith &ue notice to the
prosecutor" the $ail #a% $e cancelle& upon surren&er of the accuse& or proof of his &eath-
The $ail shall $e &ee#e& auto#aticall% cancelle& upon ac>uittal of the accuse&" &is#issal of the
case" or e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent of conviction-
!n all instances" the cancellation shall $e (ithout pre3u&ice to an% lia$ilit% on the $ail- (00a)
SEC- 02- (rrest of accused out on bail..For the purpose of surren&erin' the accuse&" the
$on&s#en #a% arrest hi# or" upon (ritten authorit% en&orse& on a certifie& cop% of the
un&erta/in'" cause hi# to $e arreste& $% a police officer or an% other person of suita$le a'e an&
&iscretion-
An accuse& release& on $ail #a% $e re<arreste& (ithout the necessit% of a (arrant if he atte#pts
to &epart fro# the Philippines (ithout per#ission of the court (here the case is pen&in'- (02a)
SEC- 04- %o bail after final "udgment; e,ception..+o $ail shall $e allo(e& after a 3u&'#ent of
conviction has $eco#e final- !f $efore such finalit%" the accuse& applies for pro$ation" he #a% $e
allo(e& te#porar% li$ert% un&er his $ail- 8hen no $ail (as file& or the accuse& is incapa$le of
filin' one" the court #a% allo( his release on reco'ni5ance to the custo&% of a responsi$le
#e#$er of the co##unit%- !n no case shall $ail $e allo(e& after the accuse& has co##ence& to
serve sentence- (04a)
SEC- 05- Court supervision of detainees.2The court shall e1ercise supervision over all persons
in custo&% for the purpose of eli#inatin' unnecessar% &etention- The e1ecutive 3u&'es of the
Re'ional Trial Courts shall con&uct #onthl% personal inspections of provincial" cit%" an&
#unicipal 3ails an& the prisoners (ithin their respective 3uris&ictions- The% shall ascertain the
nu#$er of &etainees" in>uire on their proper acco##o&ation an& health an& e1a#ine the
con&ition of the 3ail facilities- The% shall or&er the se're'ation of se1es an& of #inors fro#
a&ults" ensure the o$servance of the ri'ht of &etainees to confer privatel% (ith counsel" an&
strive to eli#inate con&itions ini#ical to the &etainees-
!n cities an& #unicipalities to $e specifie& $% the Supre#e Court" the #unicipal trial 3u&'es or
#unicipal circuit trial 3u&'es shall con&uct #onthl% personal inspections of the #unicipal 3ails
in their respective #unicipalities an& su$#it a report to the e1ecutive 3u&'e of the Re'ional Trial
Court havin' 3uris&iction therein-
A #onthl% report of such visitation shall be su$#itte& $% the e1ecutive 3u&'es to the Court
A&#inistrator (hich shall state the total nu#$er of &etainees" the na#es of those hel& for #ore
than thirt% (2B) &a%s" the &uration of &etention" the cri#e char'e&" the status of the case" the
cause for &etention" an& other pertinent infor#ation- (05a)
SEC- 06- 1ail not a bar to ob"ections on illegal arrest, lac) of or irregular preliminary
investigation..An application for or a&#ission to $ail shall not $ar the accuse& fro#
challen'in' the vali&it% of his arrest or the le'alit% of the (arrant issue& therefor" or fro#
assailin' the re'ularit% or >uestionin' the a$sence of a preli#inar% investi'ation of the char'e
a'ainst hi#" provi&e& that he raises the# $efore enterin' his plea- The court shall resolve the
#atter as earl% as practica$le $ut not later than the start of the trial of the case" (n)
RULE ,,5
R!C=TS OF ACCUSEF
SECT!O+ ,- Rights of accused at the trial.2!n all cri#inal prosecutions" the accuse& shall $e
entitle& to the follo(in' ri'hts*
(a) To $e presu#e& innocent until the contrar% is prove& $e%on& reasona$le &ou$t-
($) To $e infor#e& of the nature an& cause of the accusation a'ainst hi#-
(c) To $e present an& &efen& in person an& $% counsel at ever% sta'e of the procee&in's" fro#
arrai'n#ent to pro#ul'ation of the 3u&'#ent- The accuse& #a%" ho(ever" (aive his presence at
the trial pursuant to the stipulations set forth in his tail" unless his presence is specificall%
or&ere& $% the court for purposes of i&entification- The a$sence of the accuse& (ithout
3ustifia$le cause at the trial of (hich he ha& notice shall $e consi&ere& a (aiver of his ri'ht to $e
present thereat- 8hen an accuse& un&er custo&% escapes" he shall $e &ee#e& to have (aive& his
ri'ht to $e present on all su$se>uent trial &ates until custo&% over hi# is re'aine&- Upon #otion"
the accuse& #a% $e allo(e& to &efen& hi#self in person (hen it sufficientl% appears to the court
that he can properl% protect his ri'hts (ithout the assistance of counsel-
(&) To testif% as a (itness in his o(n $ehalf $ut su$3ect to cross<e1a#ination on #atters covere&
$% &irect e1a#ination- =is silence shall not in an% #anner pre3u&ice hi#-
(e) To $e e1e#pt fro# $ein' co#pelle& to $e a (itness a'ainst hi#self-
(f) To confront an& cross<e1a#ine the (itnesses a'ainst hi# at the trial- Either part% #a% utili5e
as part of its evi&ence the testi#on% of a (itness (ho is &ecease&" out of or can not (ith &ue
&ili'ence $e foun& in the Philippines" unavaila$le" or other(ise una$le to testif%" 'iven in
another case or procee&in'" 3u&icial or a&#inistrative" involvin' the sa#e parties an& su$3ect
#atter" the a&verse part% havin' the opportunit% to cross<e1a#ine hi#-
(') To have co#pulsor% process issue& to secure the atten&ance of (itnesses an& pro&uction of
other evi&ence in his $ehalf-
(h) To have spee&%" i#partial an& pu$lic trial-
(i) To appeal in all cases allo(e& an& in the #anner prescri$e& $% la(- (,a)
RULE ,,6
ARRA!C+9E+T A+F PLEA
SECT!O+ ,- (rraignment and plea; how made..
(a) The accuse& #ust $e arrai'ne& $efore the court (here the co#plaint or infor#ation (as
file& or assi'ne& for trial- The arrai'n#ent shall $e #a&e in open court $% the 3u&'e or cler/ $%
furnishin' the accuse& (ith a cop% of the co#plaint or infor#ation" rea&in' the sa#e in the
lan'ua'e or &ialect /no(n to hi#" an& as/in' hi# (hether he plea&s 'uilt% or not 'uilt%- The
prosecution #a% call at the trial (itnesses other than those na#e& in the co#plaint or
infor#ation-
($) The accuse& #ust $e present at the arrai'n#ent an& #ust personall% enter his plea- )oth
arrai'n#ent an& plea shall $e #a&e of recor&" $ut failure to &o so shall not affect the vali&it% of
the procee&in's-
(c) 8hen the accuse& refuses to plea& or #a/es a con&itional plea" a plea of not 'uilt% shall $e
entere& for hi#- (,a)
(&) 8hen the accuse& plea&s 'uilt% $ut presents e1culpator% evi&ence" his plea shall $e &ee#e&
(ith&ra(n an& a plea of not 'uilt% shall $e entere& for hi#- (n)
(e) 8hen the accuse& is un&er preventive &etention" his case shall $e raffle& an& its recor&s
trans#itte& to the 3u&'e to (ho# the case (as raffle& (ithin three (2) &a%s fro# the filin' of the
infor#ation or co#plaint- The accuse& shall $e arrai'ne& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# the &ate of
the raffle- The pre<trial conference of his case shall $e hel& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after
arrai'n#ent" (n)
(f) The private offen&e& part% shall $e re>uire& to appear at the arrai'n#ent for purposes of
plea $ar'ainin'" &eter#ination of civil lia$ilit%" an& other #atters re>uirin' his presence- !n case
of failure of the offen&e& part% to appear &espite &ue notice" the court #a% allo( the accuse& to
enter a plea of 'uilt% to a lesser offense (hich is necessaril% inclu&e& in the offense char'e&
(ith the confor#it% of the trial prosecutor alone" (cir- ,<@A)
(') Unless a shorter perio& is provi&e& $% special la( or Supre#e Court circular" the
arrai'n#ent shall $e hel& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the &ate the court ac>uires 3uris&iction
over the person of the accuse&- The ti#e of the pen&enc% of a #otion to >uash or for a $ill of
particulars or other causes 3ustif%in' suspension of the arrai'n#ent shall $e e1clu&e& in
co#putin' the perio&" (sec- 0" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 0- $lea of guilty to a lesser offense..At arrai'n#ent" the accuse&" (ith the consent of the
offen&e& part% an& the prosecutor" #a% $e allo(e& $% the trial court to plea& 'uilt% to a lesser
offense (hich is necessaril% inclu&e& in the offense char'e&- After arrai'n#ent $ut $efore trial"
the accuse& #a% still $e allo(e& to plea& 'uilt% to sai& lesser offense after (ith&ra(in' his plea
of not 'uilt%- +o a#en&#ent of the co#plaint or infor#ation is necessar%- (sec- 4" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 2- $lea of guilty to capital offense; reception of evidence..8hen the accuse& plea&s 'uilt%
to a capital offense" the court shall con&uct a searchin' in>uir% into the voluntariness an& full
co#prehension of the conse>uences of his plea an& shall re>uire the prosecution to prove his
'uilt an& the precise &e'ree of culpa$ilit%- The accuse& #a% present evi&ence in his $ehalf- (2a)
SEC- 4- $lea of guilty to non&capital offense; reception of evidence, discretionary..8hen the
accuse& plea&s 'uilt% to a non<capital offense" the court #a% receive evi&ence fro# the parties to
&eter#ine the penalt% to $e i#pose&- (4)
SEC- 5- #ithdrawal of improvident plea of guilty..At an% ti#e $efore the 3u&'#ent of
conviction $eco#es final" the court #a% per#it an i#provi&ent plea of 'uilt% to $e (ith&ra(n
an& $e su$stitute& $% a plea of not 'uilt%- (5)
SEC- 6- +uty of court to inform accused of his right to counsel..)efore arrai'n#ent" the court
shall infor# the accuse& of his ri'ht to counsel an& as/ hi# if he &esires to have one- Unless the
accuse& is allo(e& to &efen& hi#self in person or has e#plo%e& counsel of his choice" the court
#ust assi'n a counsel de oficio to &efen& hi#- (6a)
SEC- ?- (ppointment of counsel de oficio..The court" consi&erin' the 'ravit% of the offense an&
the &ifficult% of the >uestions that #a% arise" shall appoint as counsel de oficio such #e#$ers of
the $ar in 'oo& stan&in' (ho" $% reason of their e1perience an& a$ilit%" can co#petentl% &efen&
the accuse&- )ut in localities (here such #e#$ers of the $ar are not availa$le" the court #a%
appoint an% person" resi&ent of the province an& of 'oo& repute for pro$it% an& a$ilit%" to &efen&
the accuse&- (?a)
SEC- @- Time for counsel de oficio to prepare for arraignment..8henever a counsel de oficio is
appointe& $% the court to &efen& the accuse& at the arrai'n#ent" he shall $e 'iven a reasona$le
ti#e to consult (ith the accuse& as to his plea $efore procee&in' (ith the arrai'n#ent- (@)
SEC- A- 1ill of particular . The accuse& #a%" $efore arrai'n#ent" #ove for a $ill of particulars
to ena$le hi# properl% to plea& an& prepare for trial- The #otion shall specif% the alle'e&
&efects of the co#plaint or infor#ation an& the &etails &esire&- (,Ba)
SEC- ,B- $roduction or inspection of material evidence in possession of prosecution..Upon
#otion of the accuse& sho(in' 'oo& cause an& (ith notice to the parties" the court" in or&er to
prevent surprise" suppression" or alteration" #a% or&er the prosecution to pro&uce an& per#it the
inspection an& cop%in' or photo'raphin' of an% (ritten state#ent 'iven $% the co#plainant an&
other (itnesses in an% investi'ation of the offense con&ucte& $% the prosecution or other
investi'atin' officers" as (ell as an% &esi'nate& &ocu#ents" papers" $oo/s" accounts" letters"
photo'raphs" o$3ects" or tan'i$le thin's not other(ise privile'e&" (hich constitute or contain
evi&ence #aterial to an% #atter involve& in the case an& (hich are in possession or un&er the
control of the prosecution" police" or other la( investi'atin' a'encies- (,,a)
SEC- ,,- Suspension of arraignment-IUpon #otion $% the proper part%" the arrai'n#ent shall $e
suspen&e& in the follo(in' cases*
(a) The accuse& appears to $e sufferin' fro# an unsoun& #ental con&ition (hich effectivel%
ren&ers hi# una$le to full% un&erstan& the char'e a'ainst hi# an& to plea& intelli'entl% thereto-
!n such case" the court shall or&er his #ental e1a#ination an&" if necessar%" his confine#ent for
such purpose7
($) There e1ists a pre3u&icial >uestion7 an&
(c) A petition for revie( of the resolution of the prosecutor is pen&in' at either the Fepart#ent
of Hustice" or the Office of the Presi&ent7 provided" that the perio& of suspension shall not e1cee&
si1t% (6B) &a%s counte& fro# the filin' of the petition (ith the revie(in' office- (,0a)
RULE ,,?
9OT!O+ TO LUAS=
SECT!O+ ,- Time to move to 6uash-IAt an% ti#e $efore enterin' his plea" the accuse& #a%
#ove to >uash the co#plaint for infor#ation- (,)
SEC- 0- 4orm and contents-IThe #otion to >uash shall $e in (ritin'" si'ne& $% the accuse& or
his counsel an& shall &istinctl% specif% its factual an& le'al 'roun&s- The court shall consi&er no
'roun& other than those state& in the #otion" e1cept lac/ of 3uris&iction over the offense char'e&
(0a)
SEC- 2- -rounds.IThe accuse& #a% #ove to >uash the co#plaint or infor#ation on an% of
follo(in' 'roun&s*
(a) That the facts char'e& &o not constitute an offense7
($) That the court tr%in' the case has no 3uris&iction over the offense char'e&7
(c) That the court tr%in' the case has no 3uris&iction over the person of the accuse&7
(&) That the officer (ho file& the infor#ation ha& no authorit% to &o so7
(e) That it &oes not confor# su$stantiall% to the prescri$e& for#7
(f) That #ore than one offense is char'e& e1cept (hen a sin'le punish#ent for various
offenses is prescri$e& $% la(7
(') That the cri#inal action or lia$ilit% has $een e1tin'uishe&7
(h) That it contains aver#ents (hich" if true" (oul& constitute a le'al e1cuse or
3ustification7 an&
(i) That the accuse& has $een previousl% convicte& or ac>uitte& of the offense char'e&" or the
case a'ainst hi# (as &is#isse& or other(ise ter#inate& (ithout his e1press consent- (2a)
SEC- 4- (mendment of complaint or information..!f the #otion to >uash is $ase& on an alle'e&
&efect of the co#plaint or infor#ation (hich can $e cure& $% a#en&#ent" the court shall or&er
that an a#en&#ent $e #a&e- (4a)7
!f it is $ase& on the 'roun& that the facts char'e& &o not constitute an offense" the prosecution
shall $e 'iven $% the court an opportunit% to correct the &efect $% a#en&#ent- The #otion shall
$e 'rante& if the prosecution fails to #a/e the a#en&#ent" or the co#plaint or infor#ation still
suffers fro# the sa#e &efect &espite the a#en&#ent" (n)
SEC- 5- *ffect of sustaining the motion to 6uash..!f the #otion to >uash is sustaine&" the court
#a% or&er that another co#plaint or infor#ation $e file& e1cept as provi&e& in section 6 of this
Rule- !f the or&er is #a&e" the accuse&" if in custo&%" shall not $e &ischar'e& unless a&#itte& to
$ail- !f no or&er is #a&e or if havin' $een #a&e" no ne( infor#ation is file& (ithin the ti#e
specifie& in the or&er or (ithin such further ti#e as the court #a% allo( for 'oo& cause" the
accuse&" if in custo&%" shall $e &ischar'e& unless he is also in custo&% for another char'e- (5a)
SEC- 6- Order sustaining the motion to 6uash not a bar to another prosecution; e,ception..An
or&er sustainin' the #otion to >uash is not a $ar to another prosecution for the sa#e offense
unless the #otion (as $ase& on the 'roun&s specifie& in section 2 (') an& (i) of this Rule- (6a)
SEC- ?- 4ormer conviction or ac6uittal; double "eopardy..8hen an accuse& has $een
convicte& or ac>uitte&" or the case a'ainst hi# &is#isse& or other(ise ter#inate& (ithout his
e1press consent $% a court of co#petent 3uris&iction" upon a vali& co#plaint or infor#ation or
other for#al char'e sufficient in for# an& su$stance to sustain a conviction an& after the
accuse& ha& plea&e& to the char'e" the conviction or ac>uittal of the accuse& or the &is#issal of
the case shall $e a $ar to another prosecution for the offense char'e&" or for an% atte#pt to
co##it the sa#e or frustration thereof" or for an% offense (hich necessaril% inclu&es or is
necessaril% inclu&e& in the offense char'e& in the for#er co#plaint or infor#ation-
=o(ever" the conviction of the accuse& shall not $e a $ar to another prosecution for an offense
(hich necessaril% inclu&es the offense char'e& in the for#er co#plaint or infor#ation un&er an%
of the follo(in' instances*
(a) the 'raver offense &evelope& &ue to supervenin' facts arisin' fro# the sa#e act or o#ission
constitutin' the for#er char'e7
($) the facts constitutin' the 'raver char'e $eca#e /no(n or (ere &iscovere& onl% after a plea
(as entere& in the for#er co#plaint or infor#ation7 or
(c) the plea of 'uilt% to the lesser offense (as #a&e (ithout the consent of the prosecutor an&
of the offen&e& part% e1cept as provi&e& in section ,(f) of Rule ,,6-
!n an% of the fore'oin' cases" (here the accuse& satisfies or serves in (hole or in part the
3u&'#ent" he shall $e cre&ite& (ith the sa#e in the event of conviction for the 'raver offense-
(?a)
SEC- @- $rovisional dismissal..A case shall not $e provisionall% &is#isse& e1cept (ith the
e1press consent of the accuse& an& (ith notice to the offen&e& part%-
The provisional &is#issal of offenses punisha$le $% i#prison#ent not e1cee&in' si1 (6) %ears or
a fine of an% a#ount" or $oth" shall $eco#e per#anent one (,) %ear after issuance of the or&er
(ithout the case havin' $een revive&- 8ith respect to offenses punisha$le $% i#prison#ent of
#ore than si1 (6) %ears" their provisional &is#issal shall $eco#e per#anent t(o (0) %ears after
issuance of the or&er (ithout the case havin' $een revive&" (n)
SEC- A- 4ailure to move to 6uash or to allege any ground therefor..The failure of the accuse&
to assert an% 'roun& of a #otion to >uash $efore he plea&s to the co#plaint or infor#ation"
either $ecause he &i& not file a #otion to >uash or faile& to alle'e the sa#e in sai& #otion" shall
$e &ee#e& a (aiver of an% o$3ections e1cept those $ase& on the 'roun&s provi&e& for in
para'raphs (a)" ($)" (')" an& (i) of section 2 of this Rule- (@a)
RULE ,,@
PRE<TR!AL
SECT!O+ ,- $re&trial; mandatory in criminal cases..!n all cri#inal cases co'ni5a$le $% the
San&i'an$a%an" Re'ional Trial Court" 9etropolitan Trial Court" 9unicipal Trial Court in Cities"
9unicipal Trial Court an& 9unicipal Circuit Trial Court" the court shall" after arrai'n#ent an&
(ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the &ate the court ac>uires 3uris&iction over the person of the
accuse&" unless a shorter perio& is provi&e& for in special la(s or circulars of the Supre#e
Court" or&er a pre<trial conference to consi&er the follo(in'*
(a) plea $ar'ainin'7
($) stipulation of facts7
(c) #ar/in' for i&entification of evi&ence of the parties7
(&) (aiver of o$3ections to a&#issi$ilit% of evi&ence7
(e) #o&ification of the or&er of trial if the accuse& a&#its the char'e $ut interposes a la(ful
&efense7 an&
(f) such #atters as (ill pro#ote a fair an& e1pe&itious trial of the cri#inal an& civil aspects of
the case- (secs- 0 an& 2" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 0- $re&trial agreement..All a'ree#ents or a&#issions #a&e or entere& &urin' the pre<
trial conference shall $e re&uce& in (ritin' an& si'ne& $% the accuse& an& counsel" other(ise"
the% cannot $e use& a'ainst the accuse&- The a'ree#ents coverin' the #atters referre& to in
section , of this Rule shall $e approve& $% the court" (sec- 4" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 2- %on&appearance at pre&trial conference..!f the counsel for the accuse& or the
prosecutor &oes not appear at the pre<trial conference an& &oes not offer an accepta$le e1cuse
for his lac/ of cooperation" the court #a% i#pose proper sanctions or penalties" (sec- 5" cir- 2@<
A@)
SEC- 4- $re&trial order..After the pre<trial conference" the court shall issue an or&er recitin'
the actions ta/en" the facts stipulate&" an& evi&ence #ar/e&- Such or&er shall $in& the parties"
li#it the trial to #atters not &ispose& of" an& control the course of the action &urin' the trial"
unless #o&ifie& $% the court to prevent #anifest in3ustice- (2)
RULE ,,A
TR!AL
SECT!O+ ,- Time to prepare for trial.2After a plea of not 'uilt% is entere&" the accuse& shall
have at least fifteen (,5) &a%s to prepare for trial- The trial shall co##ence (ithin thirt% (2B)
&a%s fro# receipt of the pre<trial or&er" (sec- 6" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 0- Continuous trial until terminated; postponements..Trial once co##ence& shall
continue fro# &a% to &a% as far as practica$le until ter#inate&- !t #a% $e postpone& for a
reasona$le perio& of ti#e for 'oo& cause- (0a)
The court" shall" after consultation (ith the prosecutor an& &efense counsel" set the case for
continuous trial on a (ee/l% or other short<ter# trial calen&ar at the earliest possi$le ti#e so as
to ensure spee&% trial- !n no case shall the entire trial perio& e1cee& one hun&re& ei'ht% (,@B)
&a%s fro# the first &a% of trial" e1cept as other(ise authori5e& $% the Supre#e Court" (sec- @" cir-
2@<A@)-
The ti#e li#itations provi&e& un&er this section an& the prece&in' section shall not appl% (here
special la(s or circulars of the Supre#e Court provi&e for a shorter perio& of trial" (n)
SEC- 2- *,clusions..The follo(in' perio&s of &ela% shall $e e1clu&e& in co#putin' the ti#e
(ithin (hich trial #ust co##ence*
(a) An% perio& of &ela% resultin' fro# other procee&in's concernin' the accuse&" inclu&in' $ut
not li#ite& to the follo(in'*
(,) Fela% resultin' fro# an e1a#ination of the ph%sical an& #ental con&ition of the accuse&7
(0) Fela% resultin' fro# procee&in's (ith respect to other cri#inal char'es a'ainst the
accuse&7
(2) Fela% resultin' fro# e1traor&inar% re#e&ies a'ainst interlocutor% or&ers7
(4) Fela% resultin' fro# pre<trial procee&in's7 provi&e&" that the &ela% &oes not
e1cee& thirt% (2B) &a%s7
(5) Fela% resultin' fro# or&ers of inhi$ition" or procee&in's relatin' to chan'e of
venue of cases or transfer fro# other courts7
(6) Fela% resultin' fro# a fin&in' of the e1istence of a pre3u&icial >uestion7 an&
(?) Fela% reasona$l% attri$uta$le to an% perio&" not to e1cee& thirt% (2B) &a%s" &urin' (hich
an% procee&in' concernin' the accuse& is actuall% un&er a&vise#ent-
($) An% perio& of &ela% resultin' fro# the a$sence or unavaila$ilit% of an essential
(itness-
For purposes of this su$para'raph" an essential (itness shall $e consi&ere& a$sent (hen his
(herea$outs are un/no(n or his (herea$outs cannot $e &eter#ine& $% &ue &ili'ence- =e shall
$e consi&ere& unavaila$le (henever his (herea$outs are /no(n $ut his presence for trial cannot
$e o$taine& $% &ue &ili'ence-
(c) An% perio& of &ela% resultin' fro# the #ental inco#petence or ph%sical ina$ilit% of the
accuse& to stan& trial-
(&) !f the infor#ation is &is#isse& upon #otion of the prosecution an& thereafter a char'e
is file& a'ainst the accuse& for the sa#e offense" an% perio& of &ela% fro# the &ate the char'e
(as &is#isse& to the &ate the ti#e li#itation (oul& co##ence to run as to the su$se>uent
char'e ha& there $een no previous char'e-
(e) A reasona$le perio& of &ela% (hen the accuse& is 3oine& for trial (ith a co<accuse& over
(ho# the court has not ac>uire& 3uris&iction" or" as to (ho# the ti#e for trial has not run an& no
#otion for separate trial has $een 'rante&-
(f) An% perio& of &ela% resultin' fro# a continuance 'rante& $% an% court #otu proprio" or on
#otion of either the accuse& or his counsel" or the prosecution" if the court 'rante& the
continuance on the $asis of its fin&in's set forth in the or&er that the en&s of 3ustice serve& $%
ta/in' such action out(ei'h the $est interest of the pu$lic an& the accuse& in a spee&% trial- (sec-
A" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 4- 4actors for granting continuance..The follo(in' factors" a#on' others" shall $e
consi&ere& $% a court in &eter#inin' (hether to 'rant a continuance un&er section 2(f) of this
Rule-
(a) 8hether or not the failure to 'rant a continuance in the procee&in' (oul& li/el% #a/e a
continuation of such procee&in' i#possi$le or result in a #iscarria'e of 3ustice7 an&
($) 8hether or not the case ta/en as a (hole is so novel" unusual an& co#ple1" &ue to the
nu#$er of accuse& or the nature of the prosecution" or that it is unreasona$le to e1pect a&e>uate
preparation (ithin the perio&s of ti#e esta$lishe& therein-
!n a&&ition" no continuance un&er section 2(f) of this Rule shall $e 'rante& $ecause of
con'estion of the courtPs calen&ar or lac/ of &ili'ent preparation or failure to o$tain availa$le
(itnesses on the part of the prosecutor" (sec- ,B" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 5- Time limit following an order for new trial..!f the accuse& is to $e trie& a'ain pursuant
to an or&er for a ne( trial" the trial shall co##ence (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# notice of the
or&er" provi&e& that if the perio& $eco#es i#practical &ue to unavaila$ilit% of (itnesses an&
other factors" the court #a% e1ten& it $ut not to e1cee& one hun&re& ei'ht% (,@B) &a%s fro#
notice of sai& or&er for a ne( trial" (sec- ,," cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- 6- *,tended time limit..+ot(ithstan&in' the provisions of section ,(')" Rule ,,6 an& the
prece&in' section ," for the first t(elve<calen&ar<#onth perio& follo(in' its effectivit% on
Septe#$er ,5" ,AA@" the ti#e li#it (ith respect to the perio& fro# arrai'n#ent to trial i#pose&
$% sai& provision shall $e one hun&re& ei'ht% (,@B) &a%s- For the secon& t(elve<#onth perio&"
the ti#e li#it shall $e one hun&re& t(ent% (,0B) &a%s" an& for the thir& t(elve<#onth perio&" the
ti#e li#it shall $e ei'ht% (@B) &a%s" (sec- ?" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- ?- $ublic attorneyAs duties where accused is imprisoned..!f the pu$lic attorne% assi'ne&
to &efen& a person char'e& (ith a cri#e /no(s that the latter is preventivel% &etaine&" either
$ecause he is char'e& (ith a $aila$le cri#e $ut has no #eans to post $ail" or" is char'e& (ith a
non<$aila$le cri#e" or" is servin' a ter# of i#prison#ent in an% penal institution" it shall $e his
&ut% to &o the follo(in'*
(a) Shall pro#ptl% un&erta/e to o$tain the presence of the prisoner for trial or cause a notice to
$e serve& on the person havin' custo&% of the prisoner re>uirin' such person to so a&vise the
prisoner of his ri'ht to &e#an& trial-
($) Upon receipt of that notice" the custo&ian of the prisoner shall pro#ptl% a&vise the prisoner
of the char'e an& of his ri'ht to &e#an& trial- !f at an%ti#e thereafter the" prisoner infor#s his
custo&ian that he &e#an&s such trial" the latter shall cause notice to that effect to $e sent
pro#ptl% to the pu$lic attorne%-
(c) Upon receipt of such notice" the pu$lic attorne% shall pro#ptl% see/ to o$tain the presence
of the prisoner for trial-
(&) 8hen the custo&ian of the prisoner receives fro# the pu$lic attorne% a properl% supporte&
re>uest for the availa$ilit% of the prisoner for purposes of trial" the prisoner shall $e #a&e
availa$le accor&in'l%" (sec- ,0" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- @- Sanctions.2!n an% case in (hich private counsel for the accuse&" the pu$lic attorne%"
or the prosecutor*
(a) Rno(in'l% allo(s the case to $e set for trial (ithout &isclosin' that a necessar% (itness
(oul& $e unavaila$le for trial7
($) Files a #otion solel% for &ela% (hich he /no(s is totall% frivolous an& (ithout #erit7
(c) 9a/es a state#ent for the purpose of o$tainin' continuance (hich he /no(s to $e
false an& (hich is #aterial to the 'rantin' of a continuance7 or
(&) 8illfull% fails to procee& to trial (ithout 3ustification consistent (ith the provisions hereof"
the court #a% punish such counsel" attorne%" or prosecutor" as follo(s*
(,) )% i#posin' on a counsel privatel% retaine& in connection (ith the &efense of an accuse&" a
fine not e1cee&in' t(ent% thousan& pesos (P0B"BBB-BB)7
(0) )% i#posin' on an% appointe& counsel de oficio, pu$lic attorne%" or prosecutor a fine
not e1cee&in' five thousan& pesos (P5-BBB-BB)7 an&
(2) )% &en%in' an% &efense counsel or prosecutor the ri'ht to practice $efore the court tr%in'
the case for a perio& not e1cee&in' thirt% (2B) &a%s- The punish#ent provi&e& for $% this section
shall $e (ithout pre3u&ice to an% appropriate cri#inal action or other sanction authori5e&
un&er these rules- (sec- ,2" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- A- Remedy where accused is not brought to trial within the time limit..!f the accuse& is
not $rou'ht to trial (ithin the ti#e li#it re>uire& $% Section ,(')" Rule ,,6 an& Section ," as
e1ten&e& $% Section 6 of this rule" the infor#ation #a% $e &is#isse& on #otion of the accuse&
on the 'roun& of &enial of his ri'ht to spee&% trial- The accuse& shall have the $ur&en of
provin' the #otion $ut the prosecution shall have the $ur&en of 'oin' for(ar& (ith the evi&ence
to esta$lish the e1clusion of ti#e un&er section 2 of this Rule- The &is#issal shall $e su$3ect to
the rules on &ou$le 3eopar&%-
Failure of the accuse& to #ove for &is#issal prior to trial shall constitute a (aiver of the ri'ht to
&is#iss un&er this section" (sec- ,4" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- ,B- 7aw on speedy trial not a bar to provision on speedy trial in the Constitution..+o
provision of la( on spee&% trial an& no rule i#ple#entin' the sa#e shall $e interprete& as a $ar
to an% char'e of &enial of the ri'ht to spee&% trial 'uarantee& $% section ,4(0)" article !!!" of the
,A@? Constitution" (sec- ,5" cir- 2@<A@)
SEC- ,,- Order of trial.2The trial shall procee& in the follo(in' or&er*
(a) The prosecution shall present evi&ence to prove the char'e an&" in the proper case" the civil
lia$ilit%-
($) The accuse& #a% present evi&ence to prove his &efense an& &a#a'es" if an%" arisin' fro#
the issuance of a provisional re#e&% in the case-
(c) The prosecution an& the &efense #a%" in that or&er" present re$uttal an& sur<re$uttal
evi&ence unless the court" in furtherance of 3ustice" per#its the# to present a&&itional evi&ence
$earin' upon the #ain issue-
(&) Upon a&#ission of the evi&ence of the parties" the case shall $e &ee#e& su$#itte& for
&ecision unless the court &irects the# to ar'ue orall% or to su$#it (ritten #e#oran&a-
(e) 8hen the accuse& a&#its the act or o#ission char'e& in the co#plaint or infor#ation $ut
interposes a la(ful &efense" the or&er of trial #a% $e #o&ifie&- (2a)
SEC- ,0- (pplication for e,amination of witness for accused before trial..8hen the accuse&
has $een hel& to ans(er for an offense" he #a%" upon #otion (ith notice to the other parties"
have (itnesses con&itionall% e1a#ine& in his $ehalf- The #otion shall state* (a) the na#e an&
resi&ence of the (itness7 ($) the su$stance of his testi#on%7 an& (c) that the (itness is sic/ or
infir# as to affor& reasona$le 'roun& for $elievin' that he (ill not $e a$le to atten& the trial" or
resi&es #ore than one hun&re& (,BB) /ilo#eters fro# the place of trial an& has no #eans to
atten& the sa#e" or that other si#ilar circu#stances e1ist that (oul& #a/e hi#
unavaila$le or prevent hi# fro# atten&in' the trial- The #otion shall $e supporte& $% an
affi&avit of the accuse& an& such other evi&ence as the court #a% re>uire- (4a)
SEC- ,2- *,amination of defense witness; how made..!f the court is satisfie& that the
e1a#ination of a (itness for the accuse& is necessar%" an or&er shall $e #a&e &irectin' that the
(itness $e e1a#ine& at a specific &ate" ti#e an& place an& that a cop% of the or&er $e serve& on
the prosecutor at least three (2) &a%s $efore the sche&ule& e1a#ination- The e1a#ination shall $e
ta/en $efore a 3u&'e" or" if not practica$le" a #e#$er of the )ar in 'oo& stan&in' so &esi'nate&
$% the 3u&'e in the or&er" or if the or&er $e #a&e $% a court of superior 3uris&iction" $efore an
inferior court to $e &esi'nate& therein- The e1a#ination shall procee& not(ithstan&in' the
a$sence of the prosecutor provi&e& he (as &ul% notifie& of the hearin'- A (ritten recor& of the
testi#on% shall $e ta/en- (5a)
SEC- ,4- 1ail to secure appearance of material witness..8hen the court is satisfie&" upon
proof or oath" that a #aterial (itness (ill not testif% (hen re>uire&" it #a%" upon #otion of
either part%" or&er the (itness to post $ail in such su# as #a% $e &ee#e& proper- Upon refusal to
post $ail" the court shall co##it hi# to prison until he co#plies" or is le'all% &ischar'e& after
his testi#on% has $een ta/en- (6a)
SEC- ,5- *,amination of witness for the prosecution..8hen it satisfactoril% appears that a
(itness for the prosecution is too sic/ or infir# to appear at the trial as &irecte& $% the court" or
has to leave the Philippines (ith no &efinite &ate of returnin'" he #a% forth(ith $e con&itionall%
e1a#ine& $efore the court (here the case is pen&in'- Such e1a#ination" in the presence of the
accuse&" or in his a$sence after reasona$le notice to atten& the e1a#ination has $een serve& on
hi#" shall $e con&ucte& in the sa#e #anner as an e1a#ination of the trial- Failure or refusal of
the accuse& to atten& the e1a#ination after notice shall $e consi&ere& a (aiver- The state#ent
ta/en #a% $e a&#itte& in $ehalf of or a'ainst the accuse&- (?a)
SEC- ,6- Trial of several accused..8hen t(o or #ore accuse& are 3ointl% char'e& (ith an
offense" the% shall $e trie& 3ointl% unless the court" in its &iscretion an& upon #otion of the
prosecutor or an% accuse&" or&ers separate trial for one or #ore accuse&- (@a)
SEC- ,?- +ischarge of accused to be state witness..8hen t(o or #ore persons are 3ointl%
char'e& (ith the co##ission of an% offense" upon #otion of the prosecution $efore restin' its
case" the court #a% &irect one or #ore of the accuse& to $e &ischar'e& (ith their consent so that
the% #a% $e (itnesses for the state (hen" after re>uirin' the prosecution to present evi&ence an&
the s(orn state#ent of each propose& state (itness at a hearin' in support of the &ischar'e" the
court is satisfie& that*
(a) There is a$solute necessit% for the testi#on% of the accuse& (hose &ischar'e is
re>ueste&7
($) There is no other &irect evi&ence availa$le for the proper prosecution of the offense
co##itte&" e1cept the testi#on% of sai& accuse&7
(c) The testi#on% of sai& accuse& can $e su$stantiall% corro$orate& in its #aterial
points7
(&) Sai& accuse& &oes not appear to $e the #ost 'uilt%7 an&
(e) Sai& accuse& has not at an% ti#e $een convicte& of an% offense involvin' #oral turpitu&e-
Evi&ence a&&uce& in support of the &ischar'e shall auto#aticall% for# part of the trial- !f the
court &enies the #otion for &ischar'e of the accuse& as state (itness" his s(orn state#ent shall
$e ina&#issi$le in evi&ence- (Aa)
SEC- ,@- +ischarge of accused operates as ac6uittal-.The or&er in&icate& in the prece&in'
section shall a#ount to an ac>uittal of the &ischar'e& accuse& an& shall $e a $ar to future
prosecution for the sa#e offense" unless the accuse& fails or refuses to testif% a'ainst his co<
accuse& in accor&ance (ith his s(orn state#ent constitutin' the $asis for his &ischar'e- (,Ba)
SEC- ,A- #hen mista)e has been made in charging the proper offense..8hen it $eco#es
#anifest at an% ti#e $efore 3u&'#ent that a #ista/e has $een #a&e in char'in' the proper
offense an& the accuse& cannot $e convicte& of the offense char'e& or an% other offense
necessaril% inclu&e& therein" the accuse& shall not $e &ischar'e& if there appears 'oo& cause to
&etain hi#- !n such case" the court shall co##it the accuse& to ans(er for the proper offense an&
&is#iss the ori'inal case upon the filin' of the proper infor#ation- (,,a)
SEC- 0B- (ppointment of acting prosecutor..8hen a prosecutor" his assistant or &eput% is
&is>ualifie& to act &ue to an% of the 'roun&s state& in section , of Rule ,2? or for an% other
reason" the 3u&'e or the prosecutor shall co##unicate (ith the Secretar% of Hustice in or&er that
the latter #a% appoint an actin' prosecutor- (,0a)
SEC- 0,- *,clusion of the public..The 3u&'e #a%" motu proprio, e1clu&e the pu$lic fro# the
courtroo# if the evi&ence to $e pro&uce& &urin' the trial is offensive to &ecenc% or pu$lic
#orals- =e #a% also" on #otion of the accuse&" e1clu&e the pu$lic fro# the trial e1cept court
personnel an& the counsel of the parties- (,2a)
SEC- 00- Consolidation of trials of related offenses.2Char'es for offenses foun&e& on the sa#e
facts or for#in' part of a series of offenses of si#ilar character #a% $e trie& 3ointl% at the
&iscretion of the court- (,4a)
SEC- 02- +emurrer to evidence.2After the prosecution rests its case" the court #a% &is#iss the
action on the 'roun& of insufficienc% of evi&ence (,) on its o(n initiative after 'ivin' the
prosecution the opportunit% to $e hear& or (0) upon &e#urrer to evi&ence file& $% the accuse&
(ith or (ithout leave of court
!f the court &enies the &e#urrer to evi&ence file& (ith leave of court" the accuse& #a% a&&uce
evi&ence in his &efense- 8hen the &e#urrer to evi&ence is file& (ithout leave of court" the
accuse& (aives the ri'ht to present evi&ence an& su$#its the case for 3u&'#ent on the $asis of
the evi&ence for the prosecution- (,5a)
The #otion for leave of court to file &e#urrer to evi&ence shall specificall% state its 'roun&s an&
shall $e file& (ithin a non<e1ten&i$le perio& of five (5) &a%s after the prosecution rests its case-
The prosecution #a% oppose the #otion (ithin a non<e1ten&i$le perio& of five (5) &a%s fro# its
receipt-
!f leave of court is 'rante&" the accuse& shall file the &e#urrer to evi&ence (ithin a non<
e1ten&i$le perio& of ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice- The prosecution #a% oppose the &e#urrer to
evi&ence (ithin a si#ilar perio& fro# its receipt-
The or&er &en%in' the #otion for leave of court to file &e#urrer to evi&ence or the &e#urrer
itself shall not $e revie(a$le $% appeal or $% certiorari $efore 3u&'#ent" (n)
SEC- 04- Reopening..At an% ti#e $efore finalit% of the 3u&'#ent of conviction" the 3u&'e #a%"
motu proprio or upon #otion" (ith hearin' in either case" reopen the procee&in's to avoi& a
#iscarria'e of 3ustice- The procee&in's shall $e ter#inate& (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the
or&er 'rantin' it- (n)
RULE ,0B
HUFC9E+T
SECT!O+ ,- udgment; definition and form..Hu&'#ent is the a&3u&ication $% the court that the
accuse& is 'uilt% or not 'uilt% of the offense char'e& an& the i#position on hi# of the proper
penalt% an& civil lia$ilit%" if an%- !t #ust $e (ritten in the official lan'ua'e" personall% an&
&irectl% prepare& $% the 3u&'e an& si'ne& $% hi# an& shall contain clearl% an& &istinctl% a
state#ent of the facts an& the la( upon (hich it is $ase&- (,a)
SEC- 0- Contents of the "udgment..!f the 3u&'#ent is of conviction" it shall state (,) the le'al
>ualification of the offense constitute& $% the acts co##itte& $% the accuse& an& the a''ravatin'
or #iti'atin' circu#stances (hich atten&e& its co##ission7 (0) the participation of the accuse&
in the offense" (hether as principal" acco#plice" or accessor% after the fact7 (2) the penalt%
i#pose& upon the accuse&7 an& (4) the civil lia$ilit% or &a#a'es cause& $% his (ron'ful act or
o#ission to $e recovere& fro# the accuse& $% the offen&e& part%" if there is an%" unless the
enforce#ent of the civil lia$ilit% $% a separate civil action has $een reserve& or (aive&-
!n case the 3u&'#ent is of ac>uittal" it shall state (hether the evi&ence of the prosecution
a$solutel% faile& to prove the 'uilt of the accuse& or #erel% faile& to prove his 'uilt $e%on&
reasona$le &ou$t- !n either case" the 3u&'#ent shall &eter#ine if the act or o#ission fro# (hich
the civil lia$ilit% #i'ht arise &i& not e1ist- (0a)
SEC- 2- udgment for two or more offenses..8hen t(o or #ore offenses are char'e& in a
sin'le co#plaint or infor#ation $ut the accuse& fails to o$3ect to it $efore trial" the court #a%
convict hi# of as #an% offenses as are char'e& an& prove&" an& i#pose on hi# the penalt% for
each offense" settin' out separatel% the fin&in's of fact an& la( in each offense- (2a)
SEC- 4- udgment in case of variance between allegation and proof..8hen there is variance
$et(een the offense char'e in the co#plaint or infor#ation an& that prove&" an& the offense as
char'e& is inclu&e& in or necessaril% inclu&es the offense prove&" the accuse& shall $e convicte&
of the offense prove& (hich is inclu&e& in the offense char'e&" or of the offense char'e& (hich
is inclu&e& in the offense prove&- (4a)
SEC- 5- #hen an offense includes or is included in another.2An offense char'e& necessaril%
inclu&es the offense prove& (hen so#e of the essential ele#ents or in're&ients of the for#er" as
alle'e& in the co#plaint or infor#ation" constitute the latter- An& an offense char'e& is
necessaril% inclu&e& in the offense prove&" (hen the essential in're&ients of the for#er
constitute or for# part of those constitutin' the latter- (5a)
SEC- 6- $romulgation of "udgment..The 3u&'#ent is pro#ul'ate& $% rea&in' it in the presence
of the accuse& an& an% 3u&'e of the court in (hich it (as ren&ere&- =o(ever" if the conviction is
for a li'ht offense" the 3u&'#ent #a% $e pronounce& in the presence of his counsel or
representative- 8hen the 3u&'e is a$sent or outsi&e the province or cit%" the 3u&'#ent #a% $e
pro#ul'ate& $% the cler/ of court-
!f the accuse& is confine& or &etaine& in another province or cit%" the 3u&'#ent #a% $e
pro#ul'ate& $% the e1ecutive 3u&'e of the Re'ional Trial Court havin' 3uris&iction over the
place of confine#ent or &etention upon re>uest of the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent- The
court pro#ul'atin' the 3u&'#ent shall have authorit% to accept the notice of appeal an& to
approve the $ail $on& pen&in' appeal7 provi&e&" that if the &ecision of the trial court convictin'
the accuse& chan'e& the nature of the offense fro# non<$aila$le to $aila$le" the application for
$ail can onl% $e file& an& resolve& $% the appellate court-
The proper cler/ of court shall 'ive notice to the accuse& personall% or throu'h his $on&s#an or
(ar&en an& counsel" re>uirin' hi# to $e present at the pro#ul'ation of the &ecision- !f the
accuse& (as trie& in absentia $ecause he 3u#pe& $ail or escape& fro# prison" the notice to hi#
shall $e serve& at his last /no(n a&&ress-
!n case the accuse& fails to appear at the sche&ule& &ate of pro#ul'ation of 3u&'#ent &espite
notice" the pro#ul'ation shall $e #a&e $% recor&in' the 3u&'#ent in the cri#inal &oc/et an&
servin' hi# a cop% thereof at his last /no(n a&&ress or thru his counsel-
!f the 3u&'#ent is for conviction an& the failure of the accuse& to appear (as (ithout 3ustifia$le
cause" he shall lose the re#e&ies availa$le in these rules a'ainst the 3u&'#ent an& the court shall
or&er his arrest- 8ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# pro#ul'ation of 3u&'#ent" ho(ever" the accuse&
#a% surren&er an& file a #otion for leave of court to avail of these re#e&ies- =e shall state the
reasons for his a$sence at the sche&ule& pro#ul'ation an& if he proves that his a$sence (as for a
3ustifia$le cause" he shall $e allo(e& to avail of sai& re#e&ies (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro#
notice- (6a)
SEC- ?- !odification of "udgment..A 3u&'#ent of conviction #a%" upon #otion of the accuse&"
$e #o&ifie& or set asi&e $efore it $eco#es final or $efore appeal is perfecte&- E1cept (here the
&eath penalt% is i#pose&" a 3u&'#ent $eco#es final after the lapse of the perio& for perfectin'
an appeal" or (hen the sentence has $een partiall% or totall% satisfie& or serve&" or (hen the
accuse& has (aive& in (ritin' his ri'ht to appeal" or has applie& for pro$ation- (?a)
SEC- @- *ntry of "udgment..After a 3u&'#ent has $eco#e final" it shall $e entere& in
accor&ance (ith Rule 26- (@)
SEC- A- *,isting provisions governing suspension of sentence, probation and parole not affected
by this Rule..+othin' in this Rule shall affect an% e1istin' provisions in the la(s 'overnin'
suspension of sentence" pro$ation or parole- (Aa)
RULE ,0,
+E8 TR!AL OR RECO+S!FERAT!O+
SECT!O+ ,- %ew trial or reconsideration..At an% ti#e $efore a 3u&'#ent of conviction
$eco#es final" the court #a%" on #otion of the accuse& or at its o(n instance $ut (ith the
consent of the accuse&" 'rant a ne( trial or reconsi&eration- (,a)
SEC- 0- -rounds for a new trial..The court shall 'rant a ne( trial on an% of the follo(in'
'roun&s*
(a) That errors of la( or irre'ularities pre3u&icial to the su$stantial ri'hts of the accuse& have
$een co##itte& &urin' the trial7
($) That ne( an& #aterial evi&ence has $een &iscovere& (hich the accuse& coul& not (ith
reasona$le &ili'ence have &iscovere& an& pro&uce& at the trial an& (hich if intro&uce& an&
a&#itte& (oul& pro$a$l% chan'e the 3u&'#ent- (0a)
SEC- 2- -round for reconsideration..The court shall 'rant reconsi&eration on the 'roun& of
errors of la( or fact in the 3u&'#ent" (hich re>uires no further procee&in's- (2a)
SEC- 4- For# of motion and notice SB the prosecutor..The #otion for ne( trial or
reconsi&eration shall $e in (ritin' an& shall state the 'roun&s on (hich it is $ase&- !f $ase& on a
ne(l%<&iscovere& evi&ence" the #otion #ust $e supporte& $% affi&avits of (itnesses $% (ho#
such evi&ence is e1pecte& to $e 'iven or $% &ul% authenticate& copies of &ocu#ents (hich are
propose& to $e intro&uce& in evi&ence- +otice of the #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration
shall $e 'iven to the prosecutor- (4a)
SEC- 5- 3earing on motion..8here a #otion for ne( trial calls for resolution of an% >uestion
of fact" the court #a% hear evi&ence thereon $% affi&avits or other(ise- (5a)
SEC- 6- *ffects of granting a new trial or reconsideration.. The effects of 'rantin' a ne( trial
or reconsi&eration are the follo(in'*
(a) 8hen a ne( trial is 'rante& on the 'roun& of errors of la( or irre'ularities co##itte& &urin'
the trial" all the procee&in's an& evi&ence affecte& there$% shall $e set asi&e an& ta/en ane(- The
court #a%" in the interest of 3ustice" allo( the intro&uction of a&&itional evi&ence-
($) 8hen a ne( trial is 'rante& on the 'roun& of ne(l%<&iscovere& evi&ence" the evi&ence
alrea&% a&&uce& shall stan& an& the ne(l%<&iscovere& an& such other evi&ence as the court #a%"
in the interest of 3ustice" allo( to $e intro&uce& shall $e ta/en an& consi&ere& to'ether (ith the
evi&ence alrea&% in the recor&-
(c) !n all cases" (hen the court 'rants ne( trial or reconsi&eration" the ori'inal
3u&'#ent shall $e set asi&e or vacate& an& a ne( 3u&'#ent ren&ere& accor&in'l%- (6a)
RULE ,00
APPEAL
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may appeal..An% part% #a% appeal fro# a 3u&'#ent or final or&er" unless
the accuse& (ill $e place& in &ou$le 3eopar&%- (0a)
SEC- 0- #here to appeal..The appeal #a% $e ta/en as follo(s*
(a) To the Re'ional Trial Court" in cases &eci&e& $% the 9etropolitan Trial Court"
9unicipal Trial Court in Cities" 9unicipal Trial Court" or 9unicipal Circuit Trial Court7
($) To the Court of Appeals or to the Supre#e Court in the proper cases provi&e& $% la(" in
cases &eci&e& $% the Re'ional Trial Court7 an&
(c) To the Supre#e Court" in cases &eci&e& $% the Court of Appeals" (,a)
SEC- 2- 3ow appeal ta)en-.
(a) The appeal to the Re'ional Trial Court" or to the Court of Appeals in cases &eci&e& $% the
Re'ional Trial Court in the e1ercise of its ori'inal 3uris&iction" shall $e ta/en $% filin' a notice
of appeal (ith the court (hich ren&ere& the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro# an& $%
servin' a cop% thereof upon the a&verse part%-
($) The appeal to the Court of Appeals in cases &eci&e& $% the Re'ional Trial Court in the
e1ercise of its appellate 3uris&iction shall $e $% petition for revie( un&er Rule 40-
(c) The appeal to the Supre#e Court in cases (here the penalt% i#pose& $% the Re'ional Trial
Court is &eath" reclusion perpetua, or life i#prison#ent" or (here a lesser penalt% is
i#pose& $ut for offenses co##itte& on the sa#e occasion or (hich arose out of the sa#e
occurrence that 'ave rise to the #ore serious offense for (hich the penalt% of &eath" reclusion
perpetua, or life i#prison#ent is i#pose&" shall $e $% filin' a notice of appeal in accor&ance
(ith para'raph (a) of this section-
(&) +o notice of appeal is necessar% in cases (here the &eath penalt% is i#pose& $% the
Re'ional Trial Court- The sa#e shall $e auto#aticall% revie(e& $% the Supre#e Court as
provi&e& in section ,B of this Rule-
(e) E1cept as provi&e& in the last para'raph of section ,2" Rule ,04" all other appeals to the
Supre#e Court shall $e $% petition for revie( on certiorari un&er Rule 45- (2a)
SEC- 4- $ublication of notice of appeal..!f personal service of the cop% of the notice of appeal
can not $e #a&e upon the a&verse part% or his counsel" service #a% $e &one $% re'istere& #ail
or $% su$stitute& service pursuant to sections ? an& @ of Rule ,2-(4a)
SEC- 5- #aiver of notice..The appellee #a% (aive his ri'ht to a notice that an appeal has $een
ta/en- The appellate court #a%" in its &iscretion" entertain an appeal not(ithstan&in' failure to
'ive such notice if the interests of 3ustice so re>uire- (5a)
SEC- 6- #hen appeal, to be ta)en..An appeal #ust $e ta/en (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro#
pro#ul'ation of the 3u&'#ent or fro# notice of the final or&er appeale& fro#- This perio& for
perfectin' an appeal shall $e suspen&e& fro# the ti#e a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration
is file& until notice of the or&er overrulin' the #otion has $een serve& upon the accuse& or his
counsel at (hich ti#e the $alance of the perio& $e'ins to run- (6a)
SEC- ?- Transcribing and filing notes of stenographic reporter upon appeal..8hen notice of
appeal is file& $% the accuse&" the trial court shall &irect the steno'raphic reporter to transcri$e
his notes of the procee&in's- 8hen file& $% the People of the Philippines" the trial court shall
&irect the steno'raphic reporter to transcri$e such portion of his notes of the procee&in's as the
court" upon #otion" shall specif% in (ritin'- The steno'raphic reporter shall certif% to the
correctness of the notes an& the transcript thereof" (hich shall consist of the ori'inal an& four
copies" an& shall file sai& ori'inal an& four copies (ith the cler/ (ithout unnecessar% &ela%-
!f &eath penalt% is i#pose&" the steno'raphic reporter shall" (ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro#
pro#ul'ation of the sentence" file (ith the cler/ the ori'inal an& four copies of the &ul% certifie&
transcript of his notes of the procee&in's- +o e1tension of ti#e for filin' of sai& transcript of
steno'raphic notes shall $e 'rante& e1cept $% the Supre#e Court an& onl% upon 3ustifia$le
'roun&s- (?a)
SEC- @- Transmission of papers to appellate court upon appeal..8ithin five (5) &a%s fro# the
filin' of the notice of appeal" the cler/ of the court (ith (ho# the notice of appeal (as file&
#ust trans#it to the cler/ of court of the appellate court the co#plete recor& of the case"
to'ether (ith sai& notice- The ori'inal an& three copies of the transcript of steno'raphic notes"
to'ether (ith the recor&s" shall also $e trans#itte& to the cler/ of the appellate court (ithout
un&ue &ela%- The other cop% of the transcript shall re#ain in the lo(er court- (@a)
SEC- A- (ppeal to the Regional Trial Courts.2
(a) 8ithin five (5) &a%s fro# perfection of the appeal" the cler/ of court shall trans#it the
ori'inal recor& to the appropriate Re'ional Trial Court-
($) Upon receipt of the co#plete recor& of the case" transcripts an& e1hi$its" the cler/
of court of the Re'ional Trial Court shall notif% the parties of such fact-
(c) 8ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# receipt of sai& notice" the parties #a% su$#it #e#oran&a or
$riefs" or #a% $e re>uire& $% the Re'ional Trial Court to &o so- After the su$#ission of such
#e#oran&a or $riefs" or upon the e1piration of the perio& to file the sa#e" the Re'ional Trial
Court shall &eci&e the case on the $asis of the entire recor& of the case an& of such #e#oran&a
or $riefs as #a% have $een file&- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- Transmission of records in case of death penalty.. !n all cases (here the &eath
penalt% is i#pose& $% the trial court" the recor&s shall $e for(ar&e& to the Supre#e Court for
auto#atic revie( an& 3u&'#ent (ithin five (5) &a%s after the fifteenth (,5) &a% follo(in' the
pro#ul'ation of the 3u&'#ent or notice of &enial of a #otion for ne( trial or reconsi&eration-
The transcript shall also $e for(ar&e& (ithin ten (,B) &a%s after the filin' thereof $% the
steno'raphic reporter- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- Effect of appeal $% an% of several accuse&-.
(a) An appeal ta/en $% one or #ore of several accuse& shall not affect those (ho &i& not
appeal" e1cept insofar as the 3u&'#ent of the appellate court is favora$le an& applica$le to the
latter-
($) The appeal of the offen&e& part% fro# the civil aspect shall not affect the cri#inal aspect of
the 3u&'#ent or or&er appeale& fro#-
(c) Upon perfection of the appeal" the e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent or final or&er appeale& fro#
shall $e sta%e& as to the appealin' part%" (,,a)
SEC- ,0- #ithdrawal of appeal..+ot(ithstan&in' perfection of the appeal" the Re'ional Trial
PCourt" 9etropolitan Trial Court" 9unicipal Trial Court in Cities" 9unicipal Trial Court" or
9unicipal Circuit Trial Court" as the case #a% $e" #a% allo( the appellant to (ith&ra( his
appeal $efore the recor& has $een for(ar&e& $% the cler/ of court to the proper appellate court as
provi&e& in section @" in (hich case the 3u&'#ent shall $eco#e final- The Re'ional Trial Court
#a% also" in its &iscretion" allo( the appellant fro# the 3u&'#ent of a 9etropolitan Trial Court"
9unicipal Trial Court in Cities" 9unicipal Trial Court" or 9unicipal Circuit Trial Court to
(ith&ra( his appeal" provi&e& a #otion to that effect is file& $efore ren&ition of the 3u&'#ent in
the case on appeal" in (hich case the 3u&'#ent of the court of ori'in shall $eco#e final an& the
case shall $e re#an&e& to the latter court for e1ecution of the 3u&'#ent- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- (ppointment of counsel de oficio for accused on appeal..!t shall $e the &ut% of the
cler/ of the trial court" upon filin' of a notice of appeal" to ascertain fro# the appellant" if
confine& in prison" (hether he &esires the Re'ional Trial Court" Court of Appeals or the
Supre#e Court to appoint a counsel de oficio to &efen& hi# an& to trans#it (ith the recor& on a
for# to $e prepare& $% the cler/ of court of the appellate court" a certificate of co#pliance (ith
this &ut% an& of the response of the appellant to his in>uir%- (,2a)
RULE ,02
PROCEFURE !+ T=E 9U+!C!PAL TR!AL COURTS
SECT!O+ ,- 'niform $rocedure.2The proce&ure to $e o$serve& in the 9etropolitan Trial
Courts" 9unicipal Trial Courts an& 9unicipal Circuit Trial Courts shall $e the sa#e as in the
Re'ional Trial Courts" e1cept (here a particular provision applies onl% to either of sai& courts
an& in cri#inal cases 'overne& $% the Revise& Rule on Su##ar% Proce&ure" (,a)
RULE ,04
PROCEFURE !+ T=E COURT OF APPEALS
SECT!O+ ,- Title of the case..!n all cri#inal cases appeale& to the Court of Appeals" the part%
appealin' the case shall $e calle& the OappellantO an& the a&verse part% the Oappellee"O $ut the
title of the case shall re#ain as it (as in the court of ori'in" (,a)
SEC- 0- (ppointment of counsel de oficio for the accused..!f it appears fro# the recor& of the
case as trans#itte& that (a) the accuse& is confine& in prison" ($) is (ithout counsel de parte on
appeal" or (c) has si'ne& the notice of appeal hi#self" the cler/ of court of the Court of Appeals
shall &esi'nate a counsel de oficio.
An appellant (ho is not confine& in prison #a%" upon re>uest" $e assi'ne& a counsel de oficio
(ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# receipt of the notice to file $rief an& he esta$lishes his ri'ht thereto-
(0a)
SEC- 2- #hen brief for appellant to be filed.28ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# receipt $% the
appellant or his counsel of the notice fro# the cler/ of court of the Court of Appeals that the
evi&ence" oral an& &ocu#entar%" is alrea&% attache& to the recor&" the appellant shall file seven
(?) copies of his $rief (ith the cler/ of court (hich shall $e acco#panie& $% proof of service of
t(o (0) copies thereof upon the appellee- (2a)
SEC- 4- #hen brief for appellee to be filed; reply brief of the appellant..8ithin thirt% (2B) &a%s
fro# receipt of the $rief of the appellant" the appellee shall file seven (?) copies of the $rief of
the appellee (ith the cler/ of court (hich shall $e acco#panie& $% proof of service of t(o (0)
copies thereof upon the appellant-
8ithin t(ent% (0B) &a%s fro# receipt of the )rief of the appellee" the appellant #a% file a repl%
$rief traversin' #atters raise& in the for#er $ut not covere& in the $rief of the appellant- (4a)
SEC- 5- *,tension of time for filing briefs..E1tension of ti#e for the filin' of $riefs (ill not $e
allo(e& e1cept for 'oo& an& sufficient cause an& onl% if the #otion for e1tension is file& $efore
the e1piration of the ti#e sou'ht to $e e1ten&e&- (5a)
SEC- 6- 4orm of briefs..)riefs shall either $e printe&" enco&e& or t%pe(ritten in &ou$le space
on le'al si5e" 'oo& >ualit% un'la5e& paper" 22B ##- in len'th $% 0,6 ##- in (i&th- (6a)
SEC- ?- Contents of brief..The $riefs in cri#inal cases shall have the sa#e contents as
provi&e& in sections ,2 an& ,4 of Rule 44- A certifie& true cop% of the &ecision or final or&er
appeale& fro# shall $e appen&e& to the $rief of the appellant- (?a)
SEC- @- +ismissal of appeal for abandonment or failure to prosecute..The Court of Appeals
#a%" upon #otion of the appellee or motu proprio an& (ith notice to the appellant in either case"
&is#iss the appeal if the appellant fails to file his $rief (ithin the ti#e prescri$e& $% this Rule"
e1cept (here the appellant is represente& $% a counsel de oficio.
The Court of Appeals #a% also" upon #otion of the appellee or motu proprio, &is#iss the appeal
if the appellant escapes fro# prison or confine#ent" 3u#ps $ail or flees to a forei'n countr%
&urin' the pen&enc% of the appeal- (@a)
SEC- A- $rompt disposition of appeals..Appeals of accuse& (ho are un&er &etention shall $e
'iven prece&ence in their &isposition over other appeals- The Court of Appeals shall hear an&
&eci&e the appeal at the earliest practica$le ti#e (ith &ue re'ar& to the ri'hts of the parties- The
accuse& nee& not $e present in court &urin' the hearin' of the appeal- (Aa)
SEC- ,B- udgment not to be reversed or modified e,cept for substantial error..+o 3u&'#ent
shall $e reverse& or #o&ifie& unless the Court of Appeals" after an e1a#ination of the recor& an&
of the evi&ence a&&uce& $% the parties" is of the opinion that error (as co##itte& (hich
in3uriousl% affecte& the su$stantial ri'hts of the appellant- (,Ba)
SEC- ,,- Scope of "udgment..The Court of Appeals #a% reverse" affir#" or #o&if% the
3u&'#ent an& increase or re&uce the penalt% i#pose& $% the trial court" re#an& the case to the
Re'ional Trial Court for ne( trial or retrial" or &is#iss the case- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- $ower to receive evidence..The Court of Appeals shall have the po(er to tr% cases
an& con&uct hearin's" receive evi&ence an& perfor# an% an& all acts necessar% to resolve factual
issues raise& in cases (a) fallin' (ithin its ori'inal 3uris&iction" ($) involvin' clai#s for &a#a'es
arisin' fro# provisional re#e&ies" or (c) (here the court 'rants a ne( trial $ase& onl% on the
'roun& of ne(l%<&iscovere& evi&ence- (,0a)
SEC- ,2- 8uorum of the court; certification or appeal of cases to Supreme Court..Three (2)
Hustices of the Court of Appeals shall constitute a >uoru# for the sessions of a &ivision- The
unani#ous vote of the three (2) Hustices of a &ivision shall $e necessar% for the pronounce#ent
of a 3u&'#ent or final resolution" (hich shall $e reache& in consultation $efore the (ritin' of the
opinion $% a #e#$er of the &ivision- !n the event that the three (2) Hustices can not reach a
unani#ous vote" the Presi&in' Hustice shall &irect the raffle co##ittee of the Court to &esi'nate
t(o (0) a&&itional Hustices to sit te#poraril% (ith the#" for#in' a special &ivision of five (5)
#e#$ers an& the concurrence of a #a3orit% of such &ivision shall $e necessar% for the
pronounce#ent of a 3u&'#ent or final resolution- The &esi'nation of such a&&itional Hustices
shall $e #a&e strictl% $% raffle an& rotation a#on' all other Hustices of the Court of Appeals-
8henever the Court of Appeals fin&s that the penalt% of &eath" reclusion perpetua, or life
i#prison#ent shoul& $e i#pose& in a case" the court" after &iscussion of the evi&ence an& the
la( involve&" shall ren&er 3u&'#ent i#posin' the penalt% of &eath" reclusion perpetua, or life
i#prison#ent as the circu#stances (arrant- =o(ever" it shall refrain fro# enterin' the
3u&'#ent an& forth(ith certif% the case an& elevate the entire recor& thereof to the Supre#e
Court for revie(- (,2a)
SEC- ,4- !otion for new trial..At an% ti#e after the appeal fro# the lo(er court has $een
perfecte& an& $efore the 3u&'#ent of the Court of Appeals convictin' the appellant $eco#es
final" the latter #a% #ove for a ne( trial on the 'roun& of ne(l%<&iscovere& evi&ence #aterial
to his &efense- The #otion shall confor# (ith the provisions of section 4" Rule ,0,- (,4a)
SEC- ,5- #here new trial conducted..8hen a ne( trial is 'rante&" the Court of Appeals #a%
con&uct the hearin' an& receive evi&ence as provi&e& in section ,0 of this Rule or refer the trial
to the court of ori'in- (,5a)
SEC- ,6- Reconsideration..A #otion for reconsi&eration shall $e file& (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s
fro# notice of the &ecision or final or&er of the Court of Appeals" (ith copies thereof serve&
upon the a&verse part%" settin' forth the 'roun&s in support thereof- The #itti#us shall $e sta%e&
&urin' the pen&enc% of the #otion for reconsi&eration- +o part% shall $e allo(e& a secon&
#otion for reconsi&eration of a 3u&'#ent or final or&er- (,6a)
SEC- ,?- udgment transmitted and filed in trial court..8hen the entr% of 3u&'#ent of the
Court of Appeals is issue&" a certifie& true cop% of the 3u&'#ent shall $e attache& to the ori'inal
recor& (hich shall $e re#an&e& to the cler/ of the court fro# (hich the appeal (as ta/en- (,?a)
SEC- ,@- (pplication of certain rules in civil procedure to criminal cases-.The provisions of
Rules 40" 44 to 46 an& 4@ to 56 relatin' to proce&ure in the Court of Appeals an& in the Supre#e
Court in ori'inal an& appeale& civil cases shall $e applie& to cri#inal cases insofar as the% are
applica$le an& not inconsistent (ith the provisions of this Rule- (,@a)
RULE ,05
PROCEFURE !+ T=E SUPRE9E COURT
SECT!O+ ,- 'niform procedure..Unless other(ise provi&e& $% the Constitution or $% la(" the
proce&ure in the Supre#e Court in ori'inal an& in appeale& cases shall $e the sa#e as in the
Court of Appeals" (,a)
SEC- 0- Review of decisions of the Court of (ppeals..The proce&ure for the revie( $% the
Supre#e Court of &ecisions in cri#inal cases ren&ere& $% the Court of Appeals shall $e the sa#e
as in civil cases- (0a)
SEC- 2- +ecision if opinion is e6ually divided..8hen the Supre#e Court en banc is e>uall%
&ivi&e& in opinion or the necessar% #a3orit% cannot $e ha& on (hether to ac>uit the appellant"
the case shall a'ain $e &eli$erate& upon an& if no &ecision is reache& after re<&eli$eration" the
3u&'#ent of conviction of the lo(er court shall $e reverse& an& the accuse& ac>uitte&- (2a)
RULE ,06
SEARC= A+F SE!QURE
SECT!O+ ,- Search warrant defined..A search (arrant is an or&er in (ritin' issue& in the
na#e of the People of the Philippines" si'ne& $% a 3u&'e an& &irecte& to a peace officer"
co##an&in' hi# to search for personal propert% &escri$e& therein an& $rin' it $efore the court-
(,)
SEC- 0- Court where application for search warrant shall be filed..An application for search
(arrant shall $e file& (ith the follo(in'*
(a) An% court (ithin (hose territorial 3uris&iction a cri#e (as co##itte&-
($) For co#pellin' reasons state& in the application" an% court (ithin the 3u&icial re'ion (here
the cri#e (as co##itte& if the place of the co##ission of the cri#e is /no(n" or an% court
(ithin the 3u&icial re'ion (here the (arrant shall $e enforce&-
=o(ever" if the cri#inal action has alrea&% $een file&" the application shall onl% $e #a&e in the
court (here the cri#inal action is pen&in'" (n)
SEC- 2- $ersonal property to be sei5ed..A search (arrant #a% $e issue& for the search an&
sei5ure of personal propert%*
(a) Su$3ect of the offense7
($) Stolen or e#$e55le& an& other procee&s" or fruits of the offense7 or
(c) Use& or inten&e& to $e use& as the #eans of co##ittin' an offense- (0a)
SEC- 4- Re6uisites for issuing search warrant..A search (arrant shall not issue e1cept upon
pro$a$le cause in connection (ith one specific offense to $e &eter#ine& personall% $% the 3u&'e
after e1a#ination un&er oath or affir#ation of the co#plainant an& the (itnesses he #a%
pro&uce" an& particularl% &escri$in' the place to $e searche& an& the thin's to $e sei5e& (hich
#a% $e an%(here in the Philippines- (2a)
SEC- 5- *,amination of complainant; record..The 3u&'e #ust" $efore issuin' the (arrant"
personall% e1a#ine in the for# of searchin' >uestions an& ans(ers" in (ritin' an& un&er oath"
the co#plainant an& the (itnesses he #a% pro&uce on facts personall% /no(n to the# an& attach
to the recor& their s(orn state#ents" to'ether (ith the affi&avits su$#itte&- (4a)
SEC- 6- Issuance and form of search warrant..!f the 3u&'e is satisfie& of the e1istence of facts
upon (hich the application is $ase& or that there is pro$a$le cause to $elieve that the% e1ist" he
shall issue the (arrant" (hich #ust $e su$stantiall% in the for# prescri$e& $% these Rules- T(5a)
SEC- ?- Right to brea) door or window to effect search..The officer" if refuse& a&#ittance to
the place of &irecte& search after 'ivin' notice of his purpose an& authorit%" #a% $rea/ open an%
outer or inner &oor or (in&o( of a house or an% part of a house or an%thin' therein to e1ecute
the (arrant or li$erate hi#self or an% person la(full% ai&in' hi# (hen unla(full% &etaine&
therein- (6)
SEC- @- Search of house, room, or premises to be made in presence of two witnesses. .+o
search of a house" roo#" or an% other pre#ises shall $e #a&e e1cept in the presence of the
la(ful occupant thereof or an% #e#$er of his fa#il% or in the a$sence of the latter" t(o
(itnesses of sufficient a'e an& &iscretion resi&in' in the sa#e localit%- (?a)
SEC- A- Time of ma)ing search..The (arrant #ust &irect that it $e serve& in the &a% ti#e"
unless the affi&avit asserts that the propert% is on the person or in the place or&ere& to $e
searche&" in (hich case a &irection #a% $e inserte& that it $e serve& at an% ti#e of the &a% or
ni'ht- (@)
SEC- ,B- .alidity of search warrant..A search (arrant shall $e vali& for ten (,B) &a%s fro# its
&ate- Thereafter" it shall $e voi&- (Aa)
SEC- ,,- Receipt for the property sei5ed..The officer sei5in' propert% un&er the (arrant #ust
'ive a &etaile& receipt for the sa#e to the la(ful occupant of the pre#ises in (hose presence the
search an& sei5ure (ere #a&e" or in the a$sence of such occupant" #ust" in the presence of at
least t(o (itnesses of sufficient a'e an& &iscretion resi&in' in the sa#e localit%" leave a receipt
in the place in (hich he foun& the sei5e& propert%- (,Ba)
SEC- ,0- +elivery of property and inventory thereof to court; return and proceedings thereon. .
(a) The

officer #ust forth(ith &eliver the propert% sei5e& to the 3u&'e (ho issue& the (arrant"
to'ether (ith a true inventor% thereof &ul% verifie& un&er oath-
($) Ten (,B) &a%s after issuance -of the search (arrant" the issuin' 3u&'e shall ascertain if the
return has $een #a&e" an& if none" shall su##on the person to (ho# the (arrant (as issue&
an& re>uire hi# to e1plain (h% no return (as #a&e- !f the return has $een #a&e" the 3u&'e shall
ascertain (hether section ,, of this Rule has $een co#plie& (ith an& shall re>uire that the
propert% sei5e& $e &elivere& to hi#- The 3u&'e shall see to it that su$section (a) hereof has $een
co#plie& (ith-
(c) The return on the search (arrant shall $e file& an& /ept $% the custo&ian of the lo' $oo/ on
search (arrants (ho shall enter therein the &ate of the return" the result" an& other actions of the
3u&'e-
A violation of this section shall constitute conte#pt of court- (,,a)
SEC- ,2- Search incident to lawful arrest..A person la(full% arreste& #a% $e searche& for
&an'erous (eapons or an%thin' (hich #a% have $een use& or constitute proof in the
co##ission of an offense (ithout a search (arrant- (,0a)
SEC- ,4- !otion to 6uash a search warrant or to suppress evidence; where to file..A #otion to
>uash a search (arrant an&Mor to suppress evi&ence o$taine& thereof #a% $e file& in an& acte&
upon onl% $% the court (here the action has $een institute&- !f no cri#inal action has $een
institute&" the #otion #a% $e file& in an& resolve& $% the court that issue& the search (arrant-
=o(ever" if such court faile& to resolve the #otion an& a cri#inal case is su$se>uentl% file& in
another court" the #otion shall $e resolve& $% the latter court- (n)
RULE ,0?
PRO!S!O+AL RE9EF!ES !+ CR!9!+AL CASES
SECT!O+ ,- (vailability of provisional remedies..The provisional re#e&ies in civil actions"
insofar as the% are applica$le" #a% $e availe& of in connection (ith the civil action &ee#e&
institute& (ith the cri#inal action- (,a)
SEC- 0- (ttachment..8hen the civil action is properl% institute& in the cri#inal action as
provi&e& in Rule ,,," the offen&e& part% #a% have the propert% of the accuse& attache& as
securit% for the satisfaction of an% 3u&'#ent that #a% $e recovere& fro# the accuse& in the
follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen the accuse& is a$out to a$scon& fro# the Philippines7
($) 8hen the cri#inal action is $ase& on a clai# for #one% or propert% e#$e55le& or
frau&ulentl% #isapplie& or converte& to the use of the accuse& (ho is a pu$lic officer" officer of
a corporation" attorne%" factor" $ro/er" a'ent or cler/" in the course of his e#plo%#ent as such" or
$% an% other person in a fi&uciar% capacit%" or for a (illful violation of &ut%7
(c) 8hen the accuse& has conceale&" re#ove&" or &ispose& of his propert%" or is a$out to
&o so7 an&
(&) 8hen the accuse& resi&es outsi&e the Philippines- (0a)
PART !
RULES ON EVIDENCET
RULE ,0@
CE+ERAL PRO!S!O+S
SECT!O+ ,- *vidence defined.. Evi&ence is the #eans" sanctione& $% these rules" of
ascertainin' in a 3u&icial procee&in' the truth respectin' a #atter of fact-(,)
SEC- 0- Scope..The rules of evi&ence shall $e the sa#e in all courts an& in all trials an&
hearin's" e1cept as other(ise provi&e& $% la( or these rules-(0a)
SEC- 2- (dmissibility of evidence..Evi&ence is a&#issi$le (hen it is relevant to the issue an& is
not e1clu&e& $% the la( or these rules-(2a)
SEC- 4- Relevancy; collateral matters..Evi&ence #ust have such a relation to the fact in issue
as to in&uce $elief in its e1istence or non<e1istence- Evi&ence on collateral #atters shall not $e
allo(e&" e1cept (hen it ten&s in an% reasona$le &e'ree to esta$lish the pro$a$ilit% or
i#pro$a$ilit% of the fact in issue-(4a)
RULE ,0A
8=AT +EEF +OT )E PROEF
SECT!O+ ,- udicial notice, when mandatory..A court shall ta/e 3u&icial notice" (ithout the
intro&uction of evi&ence" of the e1istence an& territorial e1tent of states" their political histor%"
for#s of 'overn#ent an& s%#$ols of nationalit%" the la( of nations" the a&#iralt% an& #ariti#e
courts of the (orl& an& their seals" the political constitution an& histor% of the Philippines" the
official acts of the le'islative" e1ecutive an& 3u&icial &epart#ents of the Philippines" the la(s of
nature" the #easure of ti#e" an& the 'eo'raphical &ivisions-(,a)
SEC- 0- udicial notice, when discretionary..A court #a% ta/e 3u&icial notice of #atters (hich
are of pu$lic /no(le&'e" or are capa$le of un>uestiona$le &e#onstration" or ou'ht to $e /no(n
to 3u&'es $ecause of their 3u&icial functions-(,a)
SEC- 2- udicial notice, when hearing necessary..Furin' the trial" the court" on its o(n
initiative" or on re>uest of a part%" #a% announce its intention to ta/e 3u&icial notice of an%
#atter an& allo( the parties to $e hear& thereon-
After the trial" an& $efore 3u&'#ent or on appeal" the proper court" on its o(n initiative or on
re>uest of a part%" #a% ta/e 3u&icial notice of an% #atter an& allo( the parties to $e hear&
thereon if such #atter is &ecisive of a #aterial issue in the case-(n)
SEC- 4- udicial admissions..An a&#ission" ver$al or (ritten" #a&e $% a part% in the course of
the procee&in's in the sa#e case" &oes not re>uire proof- The a&#ission #a% $e contra&icte&
onl% $% sho(in' that it (as #a&e throu'h palpa$le #ista/e or that no such a&#ission (as #a&e-
(0a)
RULE ,2B
RULES OF AF9!SS!)!L!TJ
A! O#ECT &REAL' EVIDENCE
SECT!O+ ,- Ob"ect as evidence..O$3ects as evi&ence are those a&&resse& to the senses of the
court- 8hen an o$3ect is relevant to the fact in issue" it #a% $e e1hi$ite& to" e1a#ine& or vie(e&
$% the court-(,a)
! DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
SEC- 0- +ocumentary evidence..Focu#ents as evi&ence consist of (ritin's or an% #aterial
containin' letters" (or&s" nu#$ers" fi'ures" s%#$ols or other #o&es of (ritten e1pressions
offere& as proof of their contents-(n)
1! EST EVIDENCE RULE
SEC- 2- Original document must be produced; e,ceptions..8hen the su$3ect of in>uir% is the
contents of a &ocu#ent" no evi&ence shall $e a&#issi$le other than the ori'inal &ocu#ent itself"
e1cept in the follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen the ori'inal has $een lost or &estro%e&" or cannot $e pro&uce& in court" (ithout $a&
faith on the part of the offeror7
($) 8hen the ori'inal is in the custo&% or un&er the control of the part% a'ainst (ho# the
evi&ence is offere&" an& the latter fails to pro&uce it after reasona$le notice7
(c) 8hen the ori'inal consists of nu#erous accounts or other &ocu#ents (hich cannot $e
e1a#ine& in court (ithout 'reat loss of ti#e an& the fact sou'ht to $e esta$lishe& fro# the# is
onl% the 'eneral result of the (hole7 an&
(&) 8hen the ori'inal is a pu$lic recor& in the custo&% of a pu$lic officer or is recor&e& in a
pu$lic office-(0a)
SEC- 4- Original of document. .
(a) The ori'inal of a &ocu#ent is one the contents of (hich are the su$3ect of in>uir%-
($) 8hen a &ocu#ent is in t(o or #ore copies e1ecute& at or a$out the sa#e ti#e" (ith i&entical
contents" all such copies are e>uall% re'ar&e& as ori'inals-
(c) 8hen an entr% is repeate& in the re'ular course of $usiness" one $ein' copie& fro# another at
or near the ti#e of the transaction" all the entries are li/e(ise e>uall% re'ar&e& as ori'inals-(2a)
2! SECONDARY EVIDENCE
SEC- 5- #hen original document is unavailable..8hen the ori'inal &ocu#ent has $een lost or
&estro%e&" or cannot $e pro&uce& in court" the offeror" upon proof of its e1ecution or e1istence
an& the cause of its unavaila$ilit% (ithout $a& faith on his part" #a% prove its contents $% a
cop%" or $% a recital of its contents in so#e authentic &ocu#ent" or $% the testi#on% of (itnesses
in the or&er state&-(4a)
SEC- 6- #hen original document is in adverse partyAs custody or control.2!f the &ocu#ent is in
the custo&% or un&er the control of the a&verse part%" he #ust have reasona$le notice to pro&uce
it- !f after such notice an& after satisfactor% proof of its e1istence" he fails to pro&uce the
&ocu#ent" secon&ar% evi&ence #a% $e presente& as in the case of its loss-(5a)
SEC- ?- *vidence admissible when original document is a public record..8hen the ori'inal of
a &ocu#ent is in the custo&% of a pu$lic officer or is recor&e& in a pu$lic office" its contents #a%
$e prove& $% a certifie& cop% issue& $% the pu$lic officer in custo&% thereof-(0a)
SEC- @- $arty who calls for document not bound to offer it..A part% (ho calls for the
pro&uction of a &ocu#ent an& inspects the sa#e is not o$li'e& to offer it as evi&ence-(6a)
3! PAROL EVIDENCE RULE
SEC- A- *vidence of written agreements..8hen the ter#s of an a'ree#ent have $een re&uce&
to (ritin'" it is consi&ere& as containin' all the ter#s a'ree& upon an& there can $e" $et(een the
parties an& their successors in interest" no evi&ence of such ter#s other than the contents of the
(ritten a'ree#ent-
=o(ever" a part% #a% present evi&ence to #o&if%" e1plain or a&& to the ter#s of the (ritten
a'ree#ent if he puts in issue in his plea&in'*
(a) An intrinsic a#$i'uit%" #ista/e or i#perfection in the (ritten a'ree#ent7
($) The failure of the (ritten a'ree#ent to e1press the true intent an& a'ree#ent of the parties
thereto7
(c) The vali&it% of the (ritten a'ree#ent7 or
(&) The e1istence of other ter#s a'ree& to $% the parties or their successors in interest after the
e1ecution of the (ritten a'ree#ent-
The ter# Oa'ree#entO inclu&es (ills-(?a)
4! INTERPRETATION OF DOCUMENTS
SEC- ,B- Interpretation of a writing according to its legal meaning..The lan'ua'e of a (ritin'
is to $e interprete& accor&in' to the le'al #eanin' it $ears in the place of its e1ecution" unless
the parties inten&e& other(ise-(@)
SEC- ,,- Instrument construed so as to give effect to all provisions..!n the construction of an
instru#ent (here there are several provisions or particulars" such a construction is" if possi$le"
to $e a&opte& as (ill 'ive effect to all-(A)
SEC- ,0- Interpretation according to intention; general and particular provisions..!n the
construction of an instru#ent" the intention of the parties is to $e pursue&7 an& (hen a 'eneral
an& a particular provision are inconsistent" the latter is para#ount to the for#er- So a particular
intent (ill control a 'eneral one that is inconsistent (ith it-(,B)
SEC- ,2- Interpretation according to circumstances..For the proper construction of an
instru#ent" the circu#stances un&er (hich it (as #a&e" inclu&in' the situation of the su$3ect
thereof an& of the parties to it" #a% $e sho(n" so that the 3u&'e #a% $e place& in the position of
those (hose lan'ua'e he is to interpret-(,,)
SEC- ,4- $eculiar signification of terms..The ter#s of a (ritin' are presu#e& to have $een
use& in their pri#ar% an& 'eneral acceptation" $ut evi&ence is a&#issi$le to sho( that the% have
a local" technical" or other(ise peculiar si'nification" an& (ere so use& an& un&erstoo&" in the
particular instance" in (hich case the a'ree#ent #ust $e construe& accor&in'l%-(,0)
SEC- ,5- #ritten words control printed..8hen an instru#ent consists partl% of (ritten (or&s
an& partl% of a printe& for#" an& the t(o are inconsistent" the for#er controls the latter-(,2)
SEC- ,6- *,perts and interpreters to be used in e,plaining certain writings..8hen the
characters in (hich an instru#ent is (ritten are &ifficult to $e &eciphere&" or the lan'ua'e is not
un&erstoo& $% the court" the evi&ence of persons s/ille& in &ecipherin' the characters" or (ho
un&erstan& the lan'ua'e" is a&#issi$le to &eclare the characters or the #eanin' of the lan'ua'e-
(,4)
SEC- ,?- Of two constructions, which preferred..8hen the ter#s of an a'ree#ent have $een
inten&e& in a &ifferent sense $% the &ifferent parties to it" that sense is to prevail a'ainst either
part% in (hich he suppose& the other un&erstoo& it" an& (hen &ifferent constructions of a
provision are other(ise e>uall% proper" that is to $e ta/en (hich is the #ost favora$le to the
part% in (hose favor the provision is #a&e-(,5)
SEC- ,@- Construction in favor of natural right..8hen an instru#ent is e>uall% suscepti$le of
t(o interpretations" one in favor of natural ri'ht an& the other a'ainst it" the for#er is to $e
a&opte&-(,6)
SEC- ,A- Interpretation according to usage..An instru#ent #a% $e construe& accor&in' to
usa'e" in or&er to &eter#ine its true character-(,?)
C! TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE
1! (UALIFICATION OF WITNESSES
SEC- 0B- #itnesses; their 6ualifications..E1cept as provi&e& in the ne1t succee&in' section" all
persons (ho can perceive" an& perceivin'" can #a/e /no(n their perception to others" #a% $e
(itnesses-
Reli'ious or political $elief" interest in the outco#e of the case" or conviction of a cri#e unless
other(ise provi&e& $% la(" shall not $e a 'roun& for &is>ualification-(,@a)
SEC- 0,- +is6ualification by reason of mental incapacity or immaturity..The follo(in'
persons cannot $e (itnesses*
(a) Those (hose #ental con&ition" at the ti#e of their pro&uction for e1a#ination" is such that
the% are incapa$le of intelli'entl% #a/in' /no(n their perception to others7
($) Chil&ren (hose #ental #aturit% is such as to ren&er the# incapa$le of perceivin' the facts
respectin' (hich the% are e1a#ine& an& of relatin' the# truthfull%-(,Aa)
SEC- 00- +is6ualification by reason of marriage..Furin' their #arria'e" neither the hus$an&
nor the (ife #a% testif% for or a'ainst the other (ithout the consent of the affecte& spouse"
e1cept in a civil case $% one a'ainst the other" or in a cri#inal case for a cri#e co##itte& $%
one a'ainst the other or the latterPs &irect &escen&ants or ascen&ants-(0Ba)
SEC- 02- +is6ualification by reason of death or insanity of adverse party..Parties or assi'nors
of parties to a case" or persons in (hose $ehalf a case is prosecute&" a'ainst an e1ecutor or
a&#inistrator or other representative of a &ecease& person" or a'ainst a person of unsoun& #in&"
upon a clai# or &e#an& a'ainst the estate of such &ecease& person or a'ainst such person of
unsoun& #in&" cannot testif% as to an% #atter of fact occurrin' $efore the &eath of such
&ecease& person or $efore such person $eca#e of unsoun& #in&-(0Ba)
SEC- 04- +is6ualification by reason of privileged communication..The follo(in' persons
cannot testif% as to #atters learne& in confi&ence in the follo(in' cases*
(a) The hus$an& or the (ife" &urin' or after the #arria'e" cannot $e e1a#ine& (ithout the
consent of the other as to an% co##unication receive& in confi&ence $% one fro# the other
&urin' the #arria'e e1cept in a civil case $% one a'ainst the other" or in a cri#inal case for a
cri#e co##itte& $% one a'ainst the other or the latterPs &irect &escen&ants or ascen&ants7
($) An attorne% cannot" (ithout the consent of his client" $e e1a#ine& as to an% co##unication
#a&e $% the client to hi#" or his a&vice 'iven thereon in the course of" or (ith a vie( to"
professional e#plo%#ent" nor can an attorne%Ps secretar%" steno'rapher" or cler/ $e e1a#ine&"
(ithout the consent of the client an& his e#plo%er" concernin' an% fact the /no(le&'e of (hich
has $een ac>uire& in such capacit%7
(c) A person authori5e& to practice #e&icine" sur'er% or o$stetrics cannot in a civil case"
(ithout the consent of the patient" $e e1a#ine& as to an% a&vice or treat#ent 'iven $% hi# or
an% infor#ation (hich he #a% have ac>uire& in atten&in' such patient in a professional
capacit%" (hich infor#ation (as necessar% to ena$le hi# to act in that capacit%" an& (hich
(oul& $lac/en the reputation of the patient7
(&) A #inister or priest cannot" (ithout the consent of the person #a/in' the confession" $e
e1a#ine& as to an% confession #a&e to or an% a&vice 'iven $% hi# in his professional character
in the course of &iscipline en3oine& $% the church to (hich the #inister or priest $elon's7
(e) A pu$lic officer cannot $e e1a#ine& &urin' his ter# of office or after(ar&s" as to
co##unications #a&e to hi# in official confi&ence" (hen the court fin&s that the pu$lic interest
(oul& suffer $% the &isclosure-(0,a)
2! TESTIMONIAL PRIVILEGE
SEC- 05- $arental and filial privilege..+o person #a% $e co#pelle& to testif% a'ainst his
parents" other &irect ascen&ants" chil&ren or other &irect &escen&ants-(0Ba)
3! ADMISSIONS AND CONFESSIONS
SEC- 06- (dmissions of a party..The act" &eclaration or o#ission of a part% as to a relevant fact
#a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst hi#-(00)
SEC- 0?- Offer of compromise not admissible..!n civil cases" an offer of co#pro#ise is not an
a&#ission of an% lia$ilit%" an& is not a&#issi$le in evi&ence a'ainst the offeror-
!n cri#inal cases" e1cept those involvin' >uasi<offenses (cri#inal ne'li'ence) or those allo(e&
$% la( to $e co#pro#ise&" an offer of co#pro#ise $% the accuse& #a% $e receive& in evi&ence
as an i#plie& a&#ission of 'uilt-
A plea of 'uilt% later (ith&ra(n" or an unaccepte& offer of a plea of 'uilt% to a lesser offense" is
not a&#issi$le in evi&ence a'ainst the accuse& (ho #a&e the plea or offer-
An offer to pa% or the pa%#ent of #e&ical" hospital or other e1penses occasione& $% an in3ur% is
not a&#issi$le in evi&ence as proof of civil or cri#inal lia$ilit% for the in3ur%-(04a)
SEC- 0@- (dmission by third party..The ri'hts of a part% cannot $e pre3u&ice& $% an act"
&eclaration" or o#ission of another" e1cept as hereinafter provi&e&-(05a)
SEC- 0A- (dmission by co&partner or agent..The act or &eclaration of a partner or a'ent of the
part% (ithin the scope of his authorit% an& &urin' the e1istence of the partnership or a'enc%"
#a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst such part% after the partnership or a'enc% is sho(n $%
evi&ence other than such act or &eclaration- The sa#e rule applies to the act or &eclaration of a
3oint o(ner" 3oint &e$tor" or other person 3ointl% intereste& (ith the part%-(06a)
SEC- 2B- (dmission by conspirator..The act or &eclaration of a conspirator relatin' to the
conspirac% an& &urin' its e1istence" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst the co<conspirator after
the conspirac% is sho(n $% evi&ence other than such act or &eclaration-(0?)
SEC- 2,- (dmission by privies..8here one &erives title to propert% fro# another" the act"
&eclaration" or o#ission of the latter" (hile hol&in' the title" in relation to the propert%" is
evi&ence a'ainst the for#er-(0@)
SEC- 20- (dmission by silence..An act or &eclaration #a&e in the presence an& (ithin the
hearin' or o$servation of a part% (ho &oes or sa%s nothin' (hen the act or &eclaration is such as
naturall% to call for action or co##ent if not true" an& (hen proper an& possi$le for hi# to &o
so" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst hi#-(02a)
SEC- 22- Confession..The &eclaration of an accuse& ac/no(le&'in' his 'uilt of the offense
char'e&" or of an% offense necessaril% inclu&e& therein" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst hi#-
(0Aa)
4! PREVIOUS CONDUCT AS EVIDENCE
SEC- 24- Similar acts as evidence..Evi&ence that one &i& or &i& not &o a certain thin' at one
ti#e is not a&#issi$le to prove that he &i& or &i& not &o the sa#e or a si#ilar thin' at another
ti#e7 $ut it #a% $e receive& to prove a specific intent or /no(le&'e" i&entit%" plan" s%ste#"
sche#e" ha$it" custo# or usa'e" an& the li/e-(4@a)
SEC- 25- 'naccepted offer..An offer in (ritin' to pa% a particular su# of #one% or to &eliver a
(ritten instru#ent or specific personal propert% is" if re3ecte& (ithout vali& cause" e>uivalent to
the actual pro&uction an& ten&er of the #one%" instru#ent" or propert%-(4Aa)
$! TESTIMONIAL KNOWLEDGE
SEC- 26- Testimony generally confined to personal )nowledge; hearsay e,cluded..A (itness
can testif% onl% to those facts (hich he /no(s of his personal /no(le&'e7 that is" (hich are
&erive& fro# his o(n perception" e1cept as other(ise provi&e& in these rules-(2Ba)
6! E)CEPTIONS TO THE HEARSAY RULE
SEC- 2?- +ying declaration..The &eclaration of a &%in' person" #a&e un&er the consciousness
of an i#pen&in' &eath" #a% $e receive& in an% case (herein his &eath is the su$3ect of in>uir%"
as evi&ence of the cause an& surroun&in' circu#stances of such &eath-(2,a)
SEC- 2@- +eclaration against interest..The &eclaration #a&e $% a person &ecease&" or una$le
to testif%" a'ainst the interest of the &eclarant" if the fact asserte& in the &eclaration (as at the
ti#e it (as #a&e so far contrar% to &eclarantPs o(n interest" that a reasona$le #an in his position
(oul& not have #a&e the &eclaration unless he $elieve& it to $e true" #a% $e receive& in
evi&ence a'ainst hi#self or his successors in interest an& a'ainst thir& persons-(20a)
SEC- 2A- (ct or declaration about pedigree..The act or &eclaration of a person &ecease&" or
una$le to testif%" in respect to the pe&i'ree of another person relate& to hi# $% $irth or #arria'e"
#a% $e receive& in evi&ence (here it occurre& $efore the controvers%" an& the relationship
$et(een the t(o persons is sho(n $% evi&ence other than such act or &eclaration- The (or&
Ope&i'reeO inclu&es relationship" fa#il% 'enealo'%" $irth" #arria'e" &eath" the &ates (hen an&
the places (here these facts occurre&" an& the na#es of the relatives- !t e#$races also facts of
fa#il% histor% inti#atel% connecte& (ith pe&i'ree-(22a)
SEC- 4B- 4amily reputation or tradition regarding pedigree.. The reputation or tra&ition
e1istin' in a fa#il% previous to the controvers%" in respect to the pe&i'ree of an% one of its
#e#$ers" #a% $e receive& in evi&ence if the (itness testif%in' thereon $e also a #e#$er of the
fa#il%" either $% consan'uinit% or affinit%- Entries in fa#il% $i$les or other fa#il% $oo/s or
charts" en'ravin' on rin's" fa#il% portraits an& the li/e" #a% $e receive& as evi&ence of
pe&i'ree-(24a)
SEC- 4,- Common reputation..Co##on reputation e1istin' previous to the controvers%"
respectin' facts of pu$lic or 'eneral interest #ore than thirt% %ears ol&" or respectin' #arria'e or
#oral character" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence" 9onu#ents an& inscriptions in pu$lic places #a% $e
receive& as evi&ence of co##on reputation-(25)
SEC- 40- $art of the res gestae..State#ents #a&e $% a person (hile a startlin' occurrence is
ta/in' place or i##e&iatel% prior or su$se>uent thereto (ith respect to the circu#stances
thereof" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence as part of the res gestae. So" also" state#ents acco#pan%in'
an e>uivocal act #aterial to the issue" an& 'ivin' it a le'al si'nificance" #a% $e receive& as part
of the res gestae.(26a)
SEC- 42- *ntries in the course of business..Entries #a&e at" or near the ti#e of the transactions
to (hich the% refer" $% a person &ecease&" or una$le to testif%" (ho (as in a position to /no( the
facts therein state&" #a% $e receive& as prima facie evi&ence" if such person #a&e the entries in
his professional capacit% or in the perfor#ance of &ut% an& in the or&inar% or re'ular course of
$usiness or &ut%-(2?a)
SEC- 44- *ntries in official records..Entries in official recor&s #a&e in the perfor#ance of his
&ut% $% a pu$lic officer of the Philippines" or $% a person in the perfor#ance of a &ut% speciall%
en3oine& $% la(" are prima facie evi&ence of the facts therein state&-(2@)
SEC- 45- Commercial lists and the li)e..Evi&ence of state#ents of #atters of interest to
persons en'a'e& in an occupation containe& in a list" re'ister" perio&ical" or other pu$lishe&
co#pilations a&#issi$le as ten&in' to prove the truth of an% relevant #atter so state& if that
co#pilation is pu$lishe& for use $% persons en'a'e& in that occupation an& is 'enerall% use& an&
relie& upon $% the# therein-(2A)
SEC- 46- 7earned treatises..A pu$lishe& treatise" perio&ical or pa#phlet on a su$3ect of
histor%" la(" science or art is a&#issi$le as ten&in' to prove the truth of a #atter state& therein if
the court ta/es 3u&icial notice" or a (itness e1pert in the su$3ect testifies" that the (riter of the
state#ent in the treatise" perio&ical or pa#phlet is reco'ni5e& in his profession or callin' as
e1pert in the su$3ect-(4Ba)
SEC- 4?- Testimony or deposition at a former proceeding..The testi#on% or &eposition of a
(itness &ecease& or una$le to testif%" 'iven in a for#er case or procee&in'" 3u&icial or
a&#inistrative" involvin' the sa#e parties an& su$3ect #atter" #a% $e 'iven in evi&ence a'ainst
the a&verse part% (ho ha& the opportunit% to cross<e1a#ine hi#-(4,a)
7! OPINION RULE
SEC- 4@- -eneral rule..The opinion of a (itness is not a&#issi$le" e1cept as in&icate& in the
follo(in' sections-(40)
SEC- 4A- Opinion of e,pert witness..The opinion of a (itness on a #atter re>uirin' special
/no(le&'e" s/ill" e1perience or trainin' (hich he is sho(n to possess" #a% $e receive& in
evi&ence-(42a)
SEC- 5B- Opinion of ordinary witnesses..The opinion of a (itness for (hich proper $asis is
'iven" #a% $e receive& in evi&ence re'ar&in'.
(a) The i&entit% of a person a$out (ho# he has a&e>uate /no(le&'e7
($) A han&(ritin' (ith (hich he has sufficient fa#iliarit%7 an&
(c) The #ental sanit% of a person (ith (ho# he is sufficientl% ac>uainte&-
The (itness #a% also testif% on his i#pressions of the #otion" $ehavior" con&ition or
appearance of a person-(44a)
8! CHARACTER EVIDENCE
SEC- 5,- Character evidence not generally admissible; e,ceptionsC2
(a) !n Cri#inal Cases*
(,) The accuse& #a% prove his 'oo& #oral character (hich is pertinent to the #oral trait
involve& in the offense char'e&-
(0) Unless in re$uttal" the prosecution #a% not prove his $a& #oral character (hich is pertinent
to the #oral trait involve& in the offense char'e&-
(2) The 'oo& or $a& #oral character of the offen&e& part% #a% $e prove& if it ten&s to esta$lish
in an% reasona$le &e'ree the pro$a$ilit% or i#pro$a$ilit% of the offense char'e&-
($) !n Civil Cases*
Evi&ence of the #oral character of a part% in a civil case is a&#issi$le onl% (hen pertinent to the
issue of character involve& in the case-
(c) !n the case provi&e& for in Rule ,20" Section ,4- (46a" 4?a)
RULE ,2,
URDEN OF PROOF AND PRESUMPTIONS
SECT!O+ ,- 1urden of proof.2)ur&en of proof is the &ut% of a part% to present evi&ence on the
facts in issue necessar% to esta$lish his clai# or &efense $% the a#ount of evi&ence re>uire& $%
la(-(,a" 0a)
SEC- 0- Conclusive presumptions..The follo(in' are instances of conclusive presu#ptions*
(a) 8henever a part% has" $% his o(n &eclaration" act" or o#ission" intentionall% an& &eli$eratel%
le& another to $elieve a particular thin' true" an& to act upon such $elief" he cannot" in an%
liti'ation arisin' out of such &eclaration" act or o#ission" $e per#itte& to falsif% it*
($) The tenant is not per#itte& to &en% the title of his lan&lor& at the ti#e of the co##ence#ent
of the relation of lan&lor& an& tenant $et(een the#-(2a)
SEC- 2- +isputable presumptions..The follo(in' presu#ptions are satisfactor% if
uncontra&icte&" $ut #a% $e contra&icte& an& overco#e $% other evi&ence*
(a) That a person is innocent of cri#e or (ron'7
($) That an unla(ful act (as &one (ith an unla(ful intent7
(c) That a person inten&s the or&inar% conse>uences of his voluntar% act7
(&) That a person ta/e or&inar% care of his concerns7
(e) That evi&ence (illfull% suppresse& (oul& $e a&verse if pro&uce&7
(f) That #one% pai& $% one to another (as &ue to the latter7
(') That a thin' &elivere& $% one to another $elon'e& to the latter7
(h) That an o$li'ation &elivere& up to the &e$tor has $een pai&7
(i) That prior rents or install#ents ha& $een pai& (hen a receipt for the later ones is pro&uce&7
(3) That a person foun& in possession of a thin' ta/en in the &oin' of a recent (ron'ful act is the
ta/er an& the &oer of the (hole act7 other(ise" that thin's (hich a person possesses" or e1ercises
acts of o(nership over" are o(ne& $% hi#7
(/) That a person in possession of an or&er on hi#self for the pa%#ent of the #one%" or the
&eliver% of an%thin'" has pai& the #one% or &elivere& the thin' accor&in'l%7
(l) That a person actin' in a pu$lic office (as re'ularl% appointe& or electe& to it7
(#) That official &ut% has $een re'ularl% perfor#e&7
(n) That a court" or 3u&'e actin' as such" (hether in the Philippines or else(here" (as actin' in
the la(ful e1ercise of 3uris&iction7
(o) That all the #atters (ithin an issue raise& in a case (ere lai& $efore the court an& passe&
upon $% it7 an& in li/e #anner that all #atters (ithin an issue raise& in a &ispute su$#itte& for
ar$itration (ere lai& $efore the ar$itrators an& passe& upon $% the#7
(p) That private transactions have $een fair an& re'ular7
(>) That the or&inar% course of $usiness has $een follo(e&7
(r) That there (as a sufficient consi&eration for a contract7
(s) That a ne'otia$le instru#ent (as 'iven or in&orse& for a sufficient consi&eration7
(t) That an in&orse#ent of a ne'otia$le instru#ent (as #a&e $efore the instru#ent (as over&ue
an& at the place (here the instru#ent is &ate&7
(u) That a (ritin' is trul% &ate&7
(v) That a letter &ul% &irecte& an& #aile& (as receive& in the re'ular course of the #ail7
(() That after an a$sence of seven %ears" it $ein' un/no(n (hether or not the a$sentee still
lives" he is consi&ere& &ea& for all purposes" e1cept for those of succession-
The a$sentee shall not $e consi&ere& &ea& for the purpose of openin' his succession till after an
a$sence of ten %ears- !f he &isappeare& after the a'e of sevent%<five %ears" an a$sence of five
%ears shall $e sufficient in or&er that his succession #a% $e opene&-
The follo(in' shall $e consi&ere& &ea& for all purposes inclu&in' the &ivision of the estate
a#on' the heirs*
(,) A person on $oar& a vessel lost &urin' a sea vo%a'e" or an aircraft (hich is #issin'" (ho has
not $een hear& of for four %ears since the loss of the vessel or aircraft7
(0) A #e#$er of the ar#e& forces (ho has ta/en part in ar#e& hostilities" an& has $een #issin'
for four %ears7
(2) A person (ho has $een in &an'er of &eath un&er other circu#stances an& (hose e1istence
has not $een /no(n for four %ears7
(4) !f a #arrie& person has $een a$sent for four consecutive %ears" the spouse present #a%
contract a su$se>uent #arria'e if he or she has a (ell<foun&e& $elief that the a$sent spouse is
alrea&% &ea&- !n case of &isappearance" (here there is &an'er of &eath un&er the circu#stances
hereina$ove provi&e& an a$sence of onl% t(o %ears shall $e sufficient for the purpose of
contractin' a su$se>uent #arria'e- =o(ever" in an% case" $efore #arr%in' a'ain" the spouse
present #ust institute a su##ar% procee&in' as provi&e& in the Fa#il% Co&e an& in the rules for
a &eclaration of presu#ptive &eath of the a$sentee" (ithout pre3u&ice to the effect of
reappearance of the a$sent spouse-
(1) That ac>uiescence resulte& fro# a $elief that the thin' ac>uiesce& in (as confor#a$le to the
la( or fact7
(%) That thin's have happene& accor&in' to the or&inar% course of nature an& the or&inar% ha$its
of life7
(5) That persons actin' as copartners have entere& into a contract of copartnership7
(aa) That a #an an& (o#an &eportin' the#selves as hus$an& an& (ife have entere& into a
la(ful contract of #arria'e7
($$) That propert% ac>uire& $% a #an an& (o#an (ho are capacitate& to #arr% each other an&
(ho live e1clusivel% (ith each other as hus$an& an& (ife (ithout the $enefit of #arria'e or
un&er a voi& #arria'e" has $een o$taine& $% their 3oint efforts" (or/ or in&ustr%-
(cc) That in cases of coha$itation $% a #an an& a (o#an (ho are not capacitate& to #arr% each
other an& (ho have ac>uire& propert% throu'h their actual 3oint contri$ution of #one%" propert%
or in&ustr%" such contri$utions an& their correspon&in' shares inclu&in' 3oint &eposits of #one%
an& evi&ences of cre&it are e>ual-
(&&) That if the #arria'e is ter#inate& an& the #other contracte& another #arria'e (ithin three
hun&re& &a%s after such ter#ination of the for#er #arria'e" these rules shall 'overn in the
a$sence of proof to the contrar%*
(,) A chil& $orn $efore one hun&re& ei'ht% &a%s after the sole#ni5ation of the su$se>uent
#arria'e is consi&ere& to have $een conceive& &urin' the for#er #arria'e" provi&e& it $e $orn
(ithin three hun&re& &a%s after the ter#ination of the for#er #arria'e7
(0) A chil& $orn after one hun&re& ei'ht% &a%s follo(in' the cele$ration of the su$se>uent
#arria'e is consi&ere& to have $een conceive& &urin' such #arria'e" even thou'h it $e $orn
(ithin the three hun&re& &a%s after the ter#ination of the for#er #arria'e-
(ee) That a thin' once prove& to e1ist continues as lon' as is usual (ith thin's of that nature7
(ff) That the la( has $een o$e%e&7
('') That a printe& or pu$lishe& $oo/" purportin' to $e printe& or pu$lishe& $% pu$lic authorit%"
(as so printe& or pu$lishe&7
(hh) That a printe& or pu$lishe& $oo/" purportin' to contain reports of cases a&3u&'e& in
tri$unals of the countr% (here the $oo/ is pu$lishe&" contains correct reports of such cases7
(ii) That a trustee or other person (hose &ut% it (as to conve% real propert% to a particular
person has actuall% conve%e& it to hi# (hen such presu#ption is necessar% to perfect the title of
such person or his successor in interest7
(33) That e1cept for purposes of succession" (hen t(o persons perish in the sa#e cala#it%" such
as (rec/" $attle" or confla'ration" an& it is not sho(n (ho &ie& first" an& there are no particular
circu#stances fro# (hich it can $e inferre&" the survivorship is &eter#ine& fro# the
pro$a$ilities resultin' fro# the stren'th an& a'e of the se1es" accor&in' to the follo(in' rules*
,- !f $oth (ere un&er the a'e of fifteen %ears" the ol&er is &ee#e& to have survive&7
0- !f $oth (ere a$ove the a'e of si1t%" the %oun'er is &ee#e& to have survive&7
2- !f one is un&er fifteen an& the other a$ove si1t%" the for#er is &ee#e& to have survive&7
4- !f $oth $e over fifteen an& un&er si1t%" an& the se1 $e &ifferent" the #ale is &ee#e& to have
survive&7 if the se1 $e the sa#e" the ol&er7
5- !f one $e un&er fifteen or over si1t%" an& the other $et(een those a'es" the latter is &ee#e& to
have survive&-
(//) That if there is a &ou$t" as $et(een t(o or #ore persons (ho are calle& to succee& each
other" as to (hich of the# &ie& first" (hoever alle'es the &eath of one prior to the other" shall
prove the sa#e7 in the a$sence of proof" the% shall $e consi&ere& to have &ie& at the sa#e ti#e-
(5a)
SEC- 4- %o presumption of legitimacy or illegitimacy..There is no presu#ption of le'iti#ac%
or ille'iti#ac% of a chil& $orn after three hun&re& &a%s follo(in' the &issolution of the #arria'e
or the separation of the spouses- 8hoever alle'es the le'iti#ac% or ille'iti#ac% of such chil&
#ust prove his alle'ation-(6)
RULE ,20
PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE
A! E)AMINATION OF WITNESSES
SECT!O+ ,- *,amination to be done in open court..The e1a#ination of (itnesses presente&
in a trial or hearin' shall $e &one in open court" an& un&er oath or affir#ation- Unless the
(itness is incapacitate& to spea/" or the >uestion calls for a &ifferent #o&e of ans(er" the
ans(ers of the (itness shall $e 'iven orall%-(,a)
SEC- 0- $roceedings to be recorded..The entire procee&in's of a trial or hearin'" inclu&in' the
>uestions propoun&e& to a (itness an& his ans(ers thereto" the state#ents #a&e $% the 3u&'e or
an% of the parties" counsel" or (itnesses (ith reference to the case" shall $e recor&e& $% #eans
of shorthan& or stenot%pe or $% other #eans of recor&in' foun& suita$le $% the court-
A transcript of the recor& of the procee&in's #a&e $% the official steno'rapher" stenot%pist or
recor&er an& certifie& as correct $% hi# shall $e &ee#e& prima facie a correct state#ent of such
procee&in's-(0a)
SEC- 2- Rights and obligations of a witness..A (itness #ust ans(er >uestions" althou'h his
ans(er #a% ten& to esta$lish a clai# a'ainst hi#- =o(ever" it is the ri'ht of a (itness*
(,) To $e protecte& fro# irrelevant" i#proper" or insultin' >uestions" an& fro# harsh or
insultin' &e#eanor7
(0) +ot to $e &etaine& lon'er than the interests of 3ustice re>uire7
(2) +ot to $e e1a#ine& e1cept onl% as to #atters pertinent to the issue7
(4) +ot to 'ive an ans(er (hich (ill ten& to su$3ect hi# to a penalt% for an offense unless
other(ise provi&e& $% la(7 or
(5) +ot to 'ive an ans(er (hich (ill ten& to &e'ra&e his reputation" unless it $e to the ver% fact
at issue or to a fact fro# (hich the fact in issue (oul& $e presu#e&- )ut a (itness #ust ans(er
to the fact of his previous final conviction for an offense-(2a" ,Aa)
SEC- 4- Order in the e,amination of an individual witness.. The or&er in (hich an in&ivi&ual
(itness #a% $e e1a#ine& is as follo(s*
(a) Firect e1a#ination $% the proponent7
($) Cross<e1a#ination $% the opponent7
(c) Re<&irect e1a#ination $% the proponent7
(&) Re<cross<e1a#ination $% the opponent-(4)
SEC- 5- +irect e,amination..Firect e1a#ination is the e1a#ination<in<chief of a (itness $% the
part% presentin' hi# on the facts relevant to the issue-(5a)
SEC- 6- Cross&e,amination; its purpose and e,tent..Upon the ter#ination of the &irect
e1a#ination" the (itness #a% $e cross<e1a#ine& $% the a&verse part% as to an% #atters state& in
the &irect e1a#ination" or connecte& there(ith" (ith sufficient fullness an& free&o# to test his
accurac% an& truthfulness an& free&o# fro# interest or $ias" or the reverse" an& to elicit all
i#portant facts $earin' upon the issue-(@a)
SEC- ?- Re&direct e,amination; its purpose and e,tent..After the cross<e1a#ination of the
(itness has $een conclu&e&" he #a% $e re<e1a#ine& $% the part% callin' hi#" to e1plain or
supple#ent his ans(ers 'iven &urin' the cross<e1a#ination- On re<&irect e1a#ination" >uestions
on #atters not &ealt (ith &urin' the cross<e1a#ination" #a% $e allo(e& $% the court in its
&iscretion-(,0)
SEC- @- Re&cross&e,amination..Upon the conclusion of the re<&irect e1a#ination" the a&verse
part% #a% re<cross<e1a#ine the (itness on #atters state& in his re<&irect e1a#ination" an& also
on such other #atters as #a% $e allo(e& $% the court in its &iscretion-(,2)
SEC- A- Recalling witness..After the e1a#ination of a (itness $% $oth si&es has $een
conclu&e&" the (itness cannot $e recalle& (ithout leave of the court- The court (ill 'rant or
(ithhol& leave in its &iscretion" as the interests of 3ustice #a% re>uire& ,4)
SEC- ,B- 7eading and misleading 6uestions..A >uestion (hich su''ests to the (itness the
ans(er (hich the e1a#inin' part% &esires is a lea&in' >uestion- !t is not allo(e&" e1cept*
(a) On cross e1a#ination7
($) On preli#inar% #atters7
(c) 8hen there is &ifficult% in 'ettin' &irect an& intelli'i$le ans(ers fro# a (itness (ho is
i'norant" or a chil& of ten&er %ears" or is of fee$le #in&" or a &eaf<#ute7
(&) Of an un(illin' or hostile (itness7 or
(e) Of a (itness (ho is an a&verse part% or an officer" &irector" or #ana'in' a'ent of a pu$lic or
private corporation or of a partnership or association (hich is an a&verse part%-
A #islea&in' >uestion is one (hich assu#es as true a fact not %et testifie& to $% the (itness" or
contrar% to that (hich he has previousl% state&- !t is not allo(e&-(5a" 6a" an& @a)
SEC- ,,- Impeachment of adverse partyAs witness..A (itness #a% $e i#peache& $% the part%
a'ainst (ho# he (as calle&" $% contra&ictor% evi&ence" $% evi&ence that his 'eneral reputation
for truth" honest%" or inte'rit% is $a&" or $% evi&ence that he has #a&e at other ti#es state#ents
inconsistent (ith his present testi#on%" $ut not $% evi&ence of particular (ron'ful acts" e1cept
that it #a% $e sho(n $% the e1a#ination of the (itness" or the recor& of the 3u&'#ent" that he
has $een convicte& of an offense-(,5)
SEC- ,0- $arty may not impeach his own witness..E1cept (ith respect to (itnesses referre& to
in para'raphs (&) an& (e) of Section ,B" the part% pro&ucin' a (itness is not allo(e& to i#peach
his cre&i$ilit%-
A (itness #a% $e consi&ere& as un(illin' or hostile onl% if so &eclare& $% the court upon
a&e>uate sho(in' of his a&verse interest" un3ustifie& reluctance to testif%" or his havin' #isle&
the part% into callin' hi# to the (itness stan&-
The un(illin' or hostile (itness so &eclare&" or the (itness (ho is an a&verse part%" #a% $e
i#peache& $% the part% presentin' hi# in all respects as if he ha& $een calle& $% the a&verse
part%" e1cept $% evi&ence of his $a& character- =e #a% also $e i#peache& an& cross<e1a#ine&
$% the a&verse part%" $ut such cross<e1a#ination #ust onl% $e on the su$3ect #atter of his
e1a#ination<in<chief- (6a" ?a)
SEC- ,2- 3ow witness impeached by evidence of inconsistent statements..)efore a (itness can
$e i#peache& $% evi&ence that he has #a&e at other ti#es state#ents inconsistent (ith his
present testi#on%" the state#ents #ust $e relate& to hi#" (ith the circu#stances of the ti#es an&
places an& the persons present" an& he #ust $e as/e& (hether he #a&e such state#ents" an& if
so" allo(e& to e1plain the#- !f the state#ents $e in (ritin' the% #ust $e sho(n to the (itness
$efore an% >uestion is put to hi# concernin' the#-(,6)
SEC- ,4- *vidence of good character of witness..Evi&ence of the 'oo& character of a (itness is
not a&#issi$le until such character has $een i#peache&-( ,?)
SEC- ,5- *,clusion and separation of witnesses..On an% trial or hearin'" the 3u&'e #a%
e1clu&e fro# the court an% (itness not at the ti#e un&er e1a#ination" so that he #a% not hear
the testi#on% of other (itnesses- The 3u&'e #a% also cause (itnesses to $e /ept separate an& to
$e prevente& fro# conversin' (ith one another until all shall have $een e1a#ine&-(,@)
SEC- ,6- #hen witness may refer to memorandum..A (itness #a% $e allo(e& to refresh his
#e#or% respectin' a fact" $% an%thin' (ritten or recor&e& $% hi#self or un&er his &irection at
the ti#e (hen the fact occurre&" or i##e&iatel% thereafter" or at an% other ti#e (hen the fact
(as fresh in his #e#or% an& he /ne( that the sa#e (as correctl% (ritten or recor&e&7 $ut in
such case the (ritin' or recor& #ust $e pro&uce& an& #a% $e inspecte& $% the a&verse part%"
(ho #a%" if he chooses" cross<e1a#ine the (itness upon it" an& #a% rea& it in evi&ence- So"
also" a (itness #a% testif% fro# such a (ritin' or recor&" thou'h he retain no recollection of the
particular facts" if he is a$le to s(ear that the (ritin' or recor& correctl% state& the transaction
(hen #a&e7 $ut such evi&ence #ust $e receive& (ith caution-(,Ba)
SEC- ,?- #hen part of transaction, writing or record given in evidence, the remainder
admissible..8hen part of an act" &eclaration" conversation" (ritin' or recor& is 'iven in
evi&ence $% one part%" the (hole of the sa#e su$3ect #a% $e in>uire& into $% the other" an&
(hen a &etache& act" &eclaration" conversation" (ritin' or recor& is 'iven in evi&ence" an% other
act" &eclaration" conversation" (ritin' or recor& necessar% to its un&erstan&in' #a% also $e 'iven
in evi&ence-(,,a)
SEC- ,@- Right to inspect writing shown to witness..8henever a (ritin' is sho(n to a (itness"
it #a% $e inspecte& $% the a&verse part%-(Aa)
! AUTHENTICATION AND PROOF OF DOCUMENTS
SEC- ,A- Classes of documents..For the purpose of their presentation in evi&ence" &ocu#ents
are either pu$lic or private-
Pu$lic &ocu#ents are*
(a) The (ritten official acts" or recor&s of the official acts of the soverei'n authorit%" official
$o&ies an& tri$unals" an& pu$lic officers" (hether of the Philippines" or of a forei'n countr%7
($) Focu#ents ac/no(le&'e& $efore a notar% pu$lic e1cept last (ills an& testa#ents7 an&
(c) Pu$lic recor&s" /ept in the Philippines" of private &ocu#ents re>uire& $% la( to $e entere&
therein-
All other (ritin's are private-(0Ba)
SEC- 0B- $roof of private document..)efore an% private &ocu#ent offere& as authentic is
receive& in evi&ence" its &ue e1ecution an& authenticit% #ust $e prove& either*
(a) )% an%one (ho sa( the &ocu#ent e1ecute& or (ritten7 or
($) )% evi&ence of the 'enuineness of the si'nature or han&(ritin' of the #a/er-
An% other private &ocu#ent nee& onl% $e i&entifie& as that (hich it is clai#e& to $e-(0,a)
SEC- 0,- #hen evidence of authenticity of private document not necessary..8here a private
&ocu#ent is #ore than thirt% %ears ol&" is pro&uce& fro# a custo&% in (hich it (oul& naturall%
$e foun& if 'enuine" an& is un$le#ishe& $% an% alterations or circu#stances of suspicion" no
other evi&ence of its authenticit% nee& $e 'iven-(00a)
SEC- 00- 3ow genuineness of handwriting proved..The han&(ritin' of a person #a% $e
prove& $% an% (itness (ho $elieves it to $e the han&(ritin' of such person $ecause he has seen
the person (rite" or has seen (ritin' purportin' to $e his upon (hich the (itness has acte& or
$een char'e&" an& has thus ac>uire& /no(le&'e of the han&(ritin' of such person- Evi&ence
respectin' the han&(ritin' #a% also $e 'iven $% a co#parison" #a&e $% the (itness or the court"
(ith (ritin's a&#itte& or treate& as 'enuine $% the part% a'ainst (ho# the evi&ence is offere&"
or prove& to $e 'enuine to the satisfaction of the 3u&'e-(02a)
SEC- 02- $ublic documents as evidence..Focu#ents consistin' of entries in pu$lic recor&s
#a&e in the perfor#ance of a &ut% $% a pu$lic officer are prima facie evi&ence of the facts
therein state&- All other pu$lic &ocu#ents are evi&ence" even a'ainst a thir& person" of the fact
(hich 'ave rise to their e1ecution an& of the &ate of the latter-(04a)
SEC- 04- $roof of official record..The recor& of pu$lic &ocu#ents referre& to in para'raph (a)
of Section ,A" (hen a&#issi$le for an% purpose" #a% $e evi&ence& $% an official pu$lication
thereof or $% a cop% atteste& $% the officer havin' the le'al custo&% of the recor&" or $% his
&eput%" an& acco#panie&" if the recor& is not /ept in the Philippines" (ith a certificate that such
officer has the custo&%- !f the office in (hich the recor& is /ept is in a forei'n countr%" the
certificate #a% $e #a&e $% a secretar% of the e#$ass% or le'ation" consul 'eneral" consul" vice
consul" or consular a'ent or $% an% officer in the forei'n service of the Philippines statione& in
the forei'n countr% in (hich the recor& is /ept" an& authenticate& $% the seal of his office-(05a)
SEC- 05- #hat attestation of copy must state..8henever a cop% of a &ocu#ent or recor& is
atteste& for the purpose of evi&ence" the attestation #ust state" in su$stance" that the cop% is a
correct cop% of the ori'inal" or a specific part thereof" as the case #a% $e- The attestation #ust
$e un&er the official seal of the attestin' officer" if there $e an%" or if he $e the cler/ of a court
havin' a seal" un&er the seal of such court-(06a)
SEC- 06- Irremovability of public record..An% pu$lic recor&" an official cop% of (hich is
a&#issi$le in evi&ence" #ust not $e re#ove& fro# the office in (hich it is /ept" e1cept upon
or&er of a court (here the inspection of the recor& is essential to the 3ust &eter#ination of a
pen&in' case-(0?a)
SEC- 0?- $ublic record of a private document..An authori5e& pu$lic recor& of a private
&ocu#ent #a% $e prove& $% the ori'inal recor&" or $% a cop% thereof" atteste& $% the le'al
custo&ian of the recor&" (ith an appropriate certificate that such officer has the custo&% -(0@a)
SEC- 0@- $roof of lac) of record..A (ritten state#ent si'ne& $% an officer havin' the custo&%
of an official recor& or $% his &eput% that after &ili'ent search no recor& or entr% of a specifie&
tenor is foun& to e1ist in the recor&s of his office" acco#panie& $% a certificate as a$ove
provi&e&" is a&#issi$le as evi&ence that the recor&s of his office contain no such recor& or entr%-
(0A)
SEC- 0A- 3ow "udicial record impeached..An% 3u&icial recor& #a% $e i#peache& $% evi&ence
of* (a) (ant of 3uris&iction in the court or 3u&icial officer" ($) collusion $et(een the parties" or
(c) frau& in the part% offerin' the recor&" in respect to the procee&in's-(2Ba)
SEC- 2B- $roof of notarial documents..Ever% instru#ent &ul% ac/no(le&'e& or prove& an&
certifie& as provi&e& $% la(" #a% $e presente& in evi&ence (ithout further proof" the certificate
of ac/no(le&'#ent $ein' prima facie evi&ence of the e1ecution of the instru#ent or &ocu#ent
involve&-(2,a)
SEC- 2,- (lterations in document, how to e,plain..The part% pro&ucin' a &ocu#ent as 'enuine
(hich has $een altere& an& appears to have $een altere& after its e1ecution" in a part #aterial to
the >uestion in &ispute" #ust account for the alteration- =e #a% sho( that the alteration (as
#a&e $% another" (ithout his concurrence" or (as #a&e (ith the consent of the parties affecte&
$% it" or (as other(ise properl% or innocentl% #a&e" or that the alteration &i& not chan'e the
#eanin' or lan'ua'e of the instru#ent- !f he fails to &o that" the &ocu#ent shall not $e
a&#issi$le in evi&ence-(20a)
SEC- 20- Seal..There shall $e no &ifference $et(een seale& an& unseale& private &ocu#ents
insofar as their a&#issi$ilit% as evi&ence is concerne&-(22a)
SEC- 22- +ocumentary evidence in an unofficial language..Focu#ents (ritten in an unofficial
lan'ua'e shall not $e a&#itte& as evi&ence" unless acco#panie& (ith a translation into En'lish
or Filipino- To avoi& interruption of procee&in's" parties or their attorne%s are &irecte& to have
such translation prepare& $efore trial-(24a)
C! OFFER AND O#ECTION
SEC- 24- Offer of evidence..The court shall consi&er no evi&ence (hich has not $een for#all%
offere&- The purpose for (hich the evi&ence is offere& #ust $e specifie&-(25)
SEC- 25- #hen to ma)e offer..(s re'ar&s the testi#on% of a (itness" the offer #ust $e #a&e at
the ti#e the (itness is calle& to testif%-
Focu#entar% an& o$3ect evi&ence shall $e offere& after the presentation of a part%Ps testi#onial
evi&ence- Such offer shall $e &one orall% unless allo(e& $% the court to $e &one in (ritin'" (n)
SEC- 26- Ob"ection..O$3ection to evi&ence offere& orall% #ust $e #a&e i##e&iatel% after the
offer is #a&e-
O$3ection to a >uestion propoun&e& in the course of the oral e1a#ination of a (itness shall $e
#a&e as soon as the 'roun&s therefor shall $eco#e reasona$l% apparent-
An offer of evi&ence in (ritin' shall $e o$3ecte& to (ithin three (2) &a%s after notice of the offer
unless a &ifferent perio& is allo(e& $% the court-
!n an% case" the 'roun&s for the o$3ections #ust $e specifie&- (26a)
SEC- 2?- #hen repetition of ob"ection unnecessary..8hen it $eco#es reasona$l% apparent in
the course of the e1a#ination of a (itness that the >uestions $ein' propoun&e& are of the sa#e
class as those to (hich o$3ection has $een #a&e" (hether such o$3ection (as sustaine& or
overrule&" it shall not $e necessar% to repeat the o$3ection" it $ein' sufficient for the a&verse
part% to recor& his continuin' o$3ection to such class of >uestions-(2?a)
SEC- 2@- Ruling..The rulin' of the court #ust $e 'iven i##e&iatel% after the o$3ection is
#a&e" unless the court &esires to ta/e a reasona$le ti#e to infor# itself on the >uestion
presente&7 $ut the rulin' shall al(a%s $e #a&e &urin' the trial an& at such ti#e as (ill 'ive the
part% a'ainst (ho# it is #a&e an opportunit% to #eet the situation presente& $% the rulin'-
The reason for sustainin' or overrulin' an o$3ection nee& not $e state&- =o(ever" if the
o$3ection is $ase& on t(o or #ore 'roun&s" a rulin' sustainin' the o$3ection on one or so#e of
the# #ust specif% the 'roun& or 'roun&s relie& upon-(2@a)
SEC- 2A- Stri)ing out answer..Shoul& a (itness ans(er the >uestion $efore the a&verse part%
ha& the opportunit% to voice full% its o$3ection to the sa#e" an& such o$3ection is foun& to $e
#eritorious" the court shall sustain the o$3ection an& or&er the ans(er 'iven to $e stric/en off
the recor&-
On proper #otion" the court #a% also or&er the stri/in' out of ans(ers (hich are inco#petent"
irrelevant" or other(ise i#proper-(n)
SEC- 4B- Tender of e,cluded evidence..!f &ocu#ents or thin's offere& in evi&ence are e1clu&e&
$% the court" the offeror #a% have the sa#e attache& to or #a&e part of the recor&- !f the
evi&ence e1clu&e& is oral" the offeror #a% state for the recor& the sa#e an& other personal
circu#stances of the (itness an& the su$stance of the propose& testi#on%-(n)
RULE ,22
8E!C=T A+F SUFF!C!E+CJ OF E!FE+CE
SECT!O+ ,- $reponderance of evidence, how determined.. !n civil cases" the part% havin' the
$ur&en of proof #ust esta$lish his case $% a prepon&erance of evi&ence- !n &eter#inin' (here
the prepon&erance or superior (ei'ht of evi&ence on the issues involve& lies" the court #a%
consi&er all the facts an& circu#stances of the case" the (itnessesG #anner of testif%in'" their
intelli'ence" their #eans an& opportunit% of /no(in' the facts to (hich the% are testif%in'" the
nature of the facts to (hich the% testif%" the pro$a$ilit% or i#pro$a$ilit% of their testi#on%" their
interest or (ant of interest" an& also their personal cre&i$ilit% so far as the sa#e #a% le'iti#atel%
appear upon the trial- The court #a% also consi&er the nu#$er of (itnesses" thou'h the
prepon&erance is not necessaril% (ith the 'reater nu#$er-(,a)
SEC- 0- $roof beyond reasonable doubt..!n a cri#inal case" the accuse& is entitle& to an
ac>uittal" unless his 'uilt is sho(n $e%on& reasona$le &ou$t- Proof $e%on& reasona$le &ou$t
&oes not #ean such a &e'ree of proof as" e1clu&in' possi$ilit% of error" pro&uces a$solute
certaint%- 9oral certaint% onl% is re>uire&" or that &e'ree of proof (hich pro&uces conviction in
an unpre3u&ice& #in&-(0a)
SEC- 2- *,tra"udicial confession, not sufficient ground for conviction..An e1tra3u&icial
confession #a&e $% an accuse&" shall not $e sufficient 'roun& for conviction" unless
corro$orate& $% evi&ence of corpus delicti./D0
SEC- 4- Circumstantial evidence, when sufficient..Circu#stantial evi&ence is sufficient for
conviction if*
(a) There is #ore than one circu#stance7
($) The facts fro# (hich the inferences are &erive& are proven7 an&
(c) The co#$ination of all the circu#stances is such as to pro&uce a conviction $e%on&
reasona$le &ou$t-(5)
SEC- 5- Substantial evidence..!n cases file& $efore a&#inistrative or >uasi<3u&icial $o&ies" a
fact #a% $e &ee#e& esta$lishe& if it is supporte& $% su$stantial evi&ence" or that a#ount of
relevant evi&ence (hich a reasona$le #in& #i'ht accept as a&e>uate to 3ustif% a conclusion-(n)
SEC- 6- $ower of the court to stop further evidence..The court #a% stop the intro&uction of
further testi#on% upon an% particular point (hen the evi&ence upon it is alrea&% so full that
#ore (itnesses to the sa#e point cannot $e reasona$l% e1pecte& to $e a&&itionall% persuasive-
)ut this po(er shoul& $e e1ercise& (ith caution-(6)
SEC- ?- *vidence on motion..8hen a #otion is $ase& on facts not appearin' of recor& the
court #a% hear the #atter on affi&avits or &epositions presente& $% the respective parties" $ut the
court #a% &irect that the #atter $e hear& (holl% or partl% on oral testi#on% or &epositions-(?)
RULE ,24,
PERPETUAT!O+ OF TEST!9O+J
SECT!O+ ,- $etition..A person (ho &esires to perpetuate his o(n testi#on% or that of another
person re'ar&in' an% #atter that #a% $e co'ni5a$le in an% court of the Philippines" #a% file a
verifie& petition in the court of the province of the resi&ence of an% e1pecte& a&verse part%-
SEC- 0- Contents of petition.2The petition shall $e entitle& in the na#e of the petitioner an&
shall sho(* (a) that the petitioner e1pects to $e a part% to an action in a court of the Philippines
$ut is presentl% una$le to $rin' it or cause it to $e $rou'ht7 ($) the su$3ect #atter of the e1pecte&
action an& his interest therein7 (c) the facts (hich he &esires to esta$lish $% the propose&
testi#on% an& his reasons for &esirin' to perpetuate it7 (&) the na#es or a &escription of the
persons he e1pects (ill $e a&verse parties an& their a&&resses so far as /no(n7 an& (e) the na#es
an& a&&resses of the persons to $e e1a#ine& an& the su$stance of the testi#on% (hich he
e1pects to elicit fro# each" an& shall as/ for an or&er authori5in' the petitioner to ta/e the
&epositions of the persons to $e e1a#ine& na#e& in the petition for the purpose of perpetuatin'
their testi#on%-
SEC- 2- %otice and service..The petitioner shall thereafter serve a notice upon each person
na#e& in the petition as an e1pecte& a&verse part%" to'ether (ith a cop% of the petition" statin'
that the petitioner (ill appl% to the court" at a ti#e an& place na#e& therein" for the or&er
&escri$e& in the petition- At least t(ent% (0B) &a%s $efore the &ate of hearin' the notice shall $e
serve& in the #anner provi&e& for service of su##ons-
SEC- 4- Order of e,amination..!f the court is satisfie& that the perpetuation of the testi#on%
#a% prevent a failure or &ela% of 3ustice" it shall #a/e an or&er &esi'natin' or &escri$in' the
persons (hose &eposition #a% $e ta/en an& specif%in' the su$3ect #atter of the e1a#ination"
an& (hether the &epositions shall $e ta/en upon oral e1a#ination or (ritten interro'atories- The
&epositions #a% then $e ta/en in accor&ance (ith Rule 04 $efore the hearin'-
SEC- 5- Reference to court..For the purpose of appl%in' Rule 04 to &eposition for perpetuatin'
testi#on%" each reference therein to the court in (hich the action is pen&in' shall $e &ee#e& to
refer to the court in (hich the petition for such &eposition (as file&-
SEC- 6- 'se of deposition..!f a &eposition to perpetuate testi#on% is ta/en un&er this rule" or
if" althou'h not so ta/en" it (oul& $e a&#issi$le in evi&ence" it #a% $e use& in an% action
involvin' the sa#e su$3ect #atter su$se>uentl% $rou'ht in accor&ance (ith the provisions of
Sections 4 an& 5 of Rule 04-
SEC- ?- +epositions pending appeal..!f an appeal has $een ta/en fro# a 3u&'#ent of the
Re'ional Trial Court or $efore the ta/in' of an appeal if the ti#e therefor has not e1pire&" the
Re'ional Trial Court in (hich the 3u&'#ent (as ren&ere& #a% allo( the ta/in' of &epositions of
(itnesses to perpetuate their testi#on% for use in the event of further procee&in's in the sai&
court- !n such case the part% (ho &esires to perpetuate the testi#on% #a% #a/e a #otion in the
sai& Re'ional Trial Court for leave to ta/e the &epositions" upon the sa#e notice an& service
thereof as if the action (as pen&in' therein- The #otion shall sho( (a) the na#es an& a&&resses
of the persons to $e e1a#ine& an& the su$stance of the testi#on% (hich he e1pects to elicit fro#
each7 an& ($) the reason for perpetuatin' their testi#on%- !f the court fin&s that the perpetuation
of the testi#on% is proper to avoi& a failure or &ela% of 3ustice" it #a% #a/e an or&er allo(in'
the &epositions to $e ta/en" an& thereupon the &epositions #a% $e ta/en an& use& in the sa#e
#anner an& un&er the sa#e con&itions as are prescri$e& in these rules for &epositions ta/en in
actions pen&in' in the Re'ional Trial Court-(?)
PART
LECAL ET=!CS
RULE ,25
PO8ERS A+F FUT!ES OF COURTS A+F HUF!C!AL OFF!CERS
SECT!O+ ,- Courts always open; "ustice to be promptly and impartially administered..Courts
of 3ustice shall al(a%s $e open" e1cept on le'al holi&a%s" for the filin' of an% plea&in's" #otion
or other papers" for the trial of cases" hearin' of #otions" an& for the issuance of or&ers or
ren&ition of 3u&'#ents- Hustice shall $e i#partiall% a&#inistere& (ithout unnecessar% &ela%-
SEC- 0- $ublicity of proceedings and records..The sittin' of ever% court of 3ustice shall $e
pu$lic" $ut an% court #a%" in its &iscretion" e1clu&e the pu$lic (hen the evi&ence to $e a&&uce&
is of such nature as to re>uire their e1clusion in the interest of #oralit% or &ecenc%- The recor&s
of ever% court of 3ustice shall $e pu$lic recor&s an& shall $e availa$le for the inspection of an%
intereste& person" at all proper $usiness hours" un&er the supervision of the cler/ havin' custo&%
of such recor&s" unless the court shall" in an% special case" have for$i&&en their pu$licit%" in the
interest of #oralit% or &ecenc%-
SEC- 2- $rocess of superior courts enforced throughout the $hilippines..Process issue& fro# a
superior court in (hich a case is pen&in' to $rin' in a &efen&ant" Or for the arrest of an% accuse&
person" or to e1ecute an% or&er or 3u&'#ent of the court" #a% $e enforce& in an% part of the
Philippines-
SEC- 4- $rocess of inferior courts..The process of inferior courts shall $e enforcea$le (ithin
the province (here the #unicipalit% or cit% lies- !t shall not $e serve& outsi&e the $oun&aries of
the province in (hich the% are co#prise& e1cept (ith the approval of the 3u&'e of the Re'ional
Trial Court of sai& province" an& onl% in the follo(in' cases*
(a) 8hen an or&er for the &eliver% of personal propert% l%in' outsi&e the province is to $e
co#plie& (ith7
($) 8hen an attach#ent of real or personal propert% l%in' outsi&e the province is to $e
#a&e7
(c) 8hen the action is a'ainst t(o or #ore &efen&ants resi&in' in &ifferent provinces7 an&
(&) 8hen the place (here the case has $een $rou'ht is that specifie& in a contract in (ritin'
$et(een the parties" or is the place of the e1ecution of such contract as appears therefro#-
8rits of e1ecution issue& $% inferior courts #a% $e enforce& in an% part of the Philippines
(ithout an% previous approval of the 3u&'e of first instance-
Cri#inal process #a% $e issue& $% a 3ustice of the peace or other inferior court" to $e serve&
outsi&e his province" (hen the &istrict 3u&'e" or in his a$sence the provincial fiscal" shall certif%
that in his opinion the interests of 3ustice re>uire such service-
SEC- 5- Inherent powers of courts..Ever% court shall have po(er*
(a) To preserve an& enforce or&er in its i##e&iate presence7
($) To enforce or&er in procee&in's $efore it" or $efore a person or persons e#po(ere& to
con&uct a 3u&icial investi'ation un&er its authorit%7
(c) To co#pel o$e&ience to its 3u&'#ents" or&ers an& processes" an& to the la(ful or&ers of a
3u&'e out of court" in a case pen&in' therein7
(&) To control" in furtherance of 3ustice" the con&uct of its #inisterial officers" an& of all other
persons in an% #anner connecte& (ith a case $efore it" in ever% #anner appertainin' thereto7
(e) To co#pel the atten&ance of persons to testif% in a case pen&in' therein7
(f) To a&#inister or cause to $e a&#inistere& oaths in a case pen&in' therein" an& in all other
cases (here it #a% $e necessar% in the e1ercise of its po(ers7
(') To a#en& an& control its process an& or&ers so as to #a/e the# confor#a$le to la( an&
3ustice7
(h) To authori5e a cop% of a lost or &estro%e& plea&in' or other paper to $e file& an& use&
instea& of the ori'inal" an& to restore" an& suppl% &eficiencies in its recor&s an& procee&in's-
SEC- 6- !eans to carry "urisdiction into effect..8hen $% la( 3uris&iction is conferre& on a
court or 3u&icial officer" all au1iliar% (rits" processes an& other #eans necessar% to carr% it into
effect #a% $e e#plo%e& $% such court or officer7 an& if the proce&ure to $e follo(e& in the
e1ercise of such 3uris&iction is not specificall% pointe& out $% la( or $% these rules" an% suita$le
process or #o&e of procee&in' #a% $e a&opte& (hich appears confor#a$le to the spirit of sai&
la( or rules-
SEC- ?- Trials and hearings; orders in chambers..All trials upon the #erits shall $e con&ucte&
in open court an& so far as convenient in a re'ular court roo#- All other acts or procee&in's #a%
$e &one or con&ucte& $% a 3u&'e in cha#$ers" (ithout the atten&ance of the cler/ or other court
officials-
SEC- @- Interlocutory orders out of province..A 3u&'e of Re'ional Trial Court shall have po(er
to hear an& &eter#ine" (hen (ithin the &istrict thou'h (ithout his province" an% interlocutor%
#otion or issue after &ue an& reasona$le notice to the parties- On the filin' of a petition for the
(rit of habeas corpus or for release upon $ail or re&uction of $ail in an% Re'ional Trial Court"
the hearin's #a% $e ha& at an% place in the 3u&icial &istrict (hich the 3u&'e shall &ee#
convenient-
SEC- A- Signing "udgments out of province..8henever a 3u&'e appointe& or assi'ne& in an%
province or $ranch of a Re'ional Trial Court in a province shall leave the province $% transfer or
assi'n#ent to another court of e>ual 3uris&iction" or $% e1piration of his te#porar% assi'n#ent"
(ithout havin' &eci&e& a case totall% hear& $% hi# an& (hich (as ar'ue& or an opportunit%
'iven for ar'u#ent to the parties or their counsel" it shall $e la(ful for hi# to prepare an& si'n
his &ecision in sai& case an%(here (ithin the Philippines- =e shall sen& the sa#e $% re'istere&
#ail to the cler/ of the court (here the case (as hear& or ar'ue& to $e file& therein as of the &ate
(hen the sa#e (as receive& $% the cler/" in the sa#e #anner as if he ha& $een present in court
to &irect the filin' of the 3u&'#ent- !f a case has $een onl% in part" the Supre#e Court" upon
petition of an% of the parties to the case an& the reco##en&ation of the respective &istrict 3u&'e"
#a% also authori5e the 3u&'e (ho has partl% hear& the case" if no other 3u&'e ha& hear& the case
in part" to continue hearin' an& to &eci&e sai& case not(ithstan&in' his transfer or appoint#ent
to another court of e>ual 3uris&iction-
RULE ,26
COURT RECORF A+F CE+ERAL FUT!ES OF CLERRS A+F STE+OCRAP=ERS
SECT!O+ ,- Ar#s and great seal of court..The ar#s an& 'reat seal of the Supre#e Court are
these*
:Ar#s.Pale(a%s of t(o pieces a5ure an& gules super<i#pose& a $alance or center (ith t(o
ta$lets containin' the co##an&#ents of Co& or on either si&e7 a chief argent (ith three #ullets
or e>ui&istant fro# each other" in point of honor" avoi& argent over all the sun ra%onnant or (ith
ei'ht #a3or an& #inor ra%s-;
:The 'reat seal of the Supre#e Court shall $e circular in for#" (ith the ar#s as &escri$e& in the
last prece&in' para'raph an& a scroll ar'ent (ith the follo(in' inscriptions* Le1 Populus>ue"
an& surroun&in' the (hole a 'arlan& of laurel leaves in or; aroun& the 'arlan& the te1t OSupre#e
Court" Repu$lic of the Philippines-O
:The ar#s an& seal of the Court of Appeals shall $e the sa#e as that of the Supre#e Court (ith
the onl% &ifference that in the seal shall $ear aroun& the 'arlan& the te1t OCourt of Appeals"
Repu$lic of the Philippines-O
:The ar#s an& seal of the Re'ional Trial Court shall $e the sa#e as that of the Supre#e Court
(ith the onl% &ifference that the seal shall $ear aroun& the 'arlan& the te1t ORe'ional Trial
Court" the na#e of the province" Repu$lic of the Philippines-O ((s amended by Resolution of the
Supreme Court, dated %ov. >E, >9=<.)
SEC- 0- Style of process..Process shall $e un&er the seal of the court fro# (hich it issues" $e
st%le& ORepu$lic of the Philippines" Province of_____________________O to $e si'ne& $% the
cler/ an& $ear &ate the &a% it actuall% issue&-
SEC- 2- Cler)As office.2The cler/Ps office" (ith the cler/ or his &eput% in atten&ance" shall $e
open &urin' $usiness hours on all &a%s e1cept Sun&a%s an& le'al holi&a%s- The cler/ of the
Supre#e Court an& that of the Court of Appeals shall /eep office at 9anila an& all papers
authori5e& or re>uire& to $e file& therein shall $e file& at 9anila-
SEC- 4- Issuance by cler) of process..The cler/ of a superior court shall issue un&er the seal of
the court all or&inar% (rits an& process inci&ent to pen&in' cases" the issuance of (hich &oes not
involve the e1ercise of functions appertainin' to the court or 3u&'e onl%7 an& #a%" un&er the
&irection of the court or 3u&'e" #a/e out an& si'n letters of a&#inistration" appoint#ents of
'uar&ians" trustees an& receivers" an& all (rits an& process issuin' fro# the court-
SEC- 5- +uties of the cler) in the absence or by direction of the "udge..!n the a$sence of the
3u&'e" the cler/ #a% perfor# all the &uties of the 3u&'e in receivin' applications" petitions"
inventories" reports" an& the issuance of all or&ers an& notices that follo( as a #atter of course
un&er these rules" an& #a% also" (hen &irecte& so to &o $% the 3u&'e" receive the accounts off
e1ecutors" a&#inistrators" 'uar&ians" trustees" an& receivers" an& all evi&ence relatin' to the#" or
to the settle#ent of the estates of &ecease& persons" or to 'uar&ianships" trusteeships" or
receiverships an& forth(ith trans#it such reports" accounts" an& evi&ence to the 3u&'e" to'ether
(ith his fin&in's in relation to the sa#e" if the 3u&'e shall &irect hi# to #a/e fin&in's an&
inclu&e the sa#e in his report-
SEC- 6- Cler) shall receive papers and prepare minutes.. The cler/ of each superior court shall
receive an& file all plea&in's an& other papers properl% presente&" en&orsin' on each such paper
the ti#e (hen it (as file&" an& shall atten& all of the sessions of the court an& enter its
procee&in's for each &a% in a #inute $oo/ to $e /ept $% hi#-
SEC- ?- Safe)eeping of property..The cler/ shall safel% /eep all recor&s" papers" files" e1hi$its
an& pu$lic propert% co##itte& to his char'e" inclu&in' the li$rar% of the court" an& the seal an&
furniture $elon'in' to his office-
SEC- @- -eneral doc)et..The cler/ shall /eep a 'eneral &oc/et" each pa'e of (hich shall $e
nu#$ere& an& prepare& for receivin' all the entries in a sin'le case" an& shall enter therein all
cases" nu#$ere& consecutivel% in the or&er in (hich the% (ere receive&" an&" un&er the hea&in'
of each case an& a co#plete title thereof" the &ate of each paper file& or issue&" of each or&er or
3u&'#ent entere&" an& of each other step ta/en in the case" so that $% reference to a sin'le pa'e
the histor% of the case #a% $e seen-
SEC- A- udgment and entries boo)..The cler/ shall /eep a 3u&'#ent $oo/ containin' a cop%
of each 3u&'#ent ren&ere& $% the court in or&er of its &ate" an& a $oo/ of entries of 3u&'#ents
containin' at len'th in chronolo'ical or&er entries of all final 3u&'#ents or or&ers of the court-
SEC- ,B- *,ecution boo)..The cler/ shall /eep an e1ecution $oo/ in (hich he or his &eput%
shall recor& at len'th in chronolo'ical or&er each e1ecution" an& the officerPs return thereon" $%
virtue of (hich real propert% has $een sol&-
SEC- ,,- Certified copies..The cler/ shall prepare" for an% person &e#an&in' the sa#e" a cop%
certifie& un&er the seal of the court of an% paper" recor&" or&er" 3u&'#ent" or entr% in his office"
proper to $e certifie&" for the fees prescri$e& $% these rules-
SEC- ,0- Other boo)s and duties.2The cler/ shall /eep such other $oo/s an& perfor# such
other &uties as the court #a% &irect-
SEC- ,2- Inde,; separating cases..The 'eneral &oc/et" 3u&'#ent $oo/" entries $oo/ an&
e1ecution $oo/ shall each $e in&e1e& in alpha$etical or&er in the na#es of the parties" an& each
of the#- !f the court so &irects" the cler/ shall /eep t(o or #ore of either or all of the $oo/s an&
&oc/ets a$ove #entione&" separatin' civil fro# cri#inal cases" or actions fro# special
procee&in's" or other(ise /eepin' cases separate& $% classes as the court shall &ee# $est-
SEC- ,4- Ta)ing of record from the cler)As office..+o recor& shall $e ta/en fro# the cler/Ps
office (ithout an or&er of the court e1cept as other(ise provi&e& $% these rules- =o(ever" the
Solicitor Ceneral or an% of his assistants" the provincial fiscal or his &eput%" an& the attorne%s de
oficio shall $e per#itte&" upon proper receipt" to (ith&ra( fro# the cler/Ps office the recor& of
an% cases in (hich the% are intereste&-
SEC- ,5- 'nprinted papers..All unprinte& &ocu#ents presente& to the superior courts of the
Philippines shall $e (ritten on paper of 'oo& >ualit% t(elve an& three ei'ht inches in len'th $%
ei'ht an& one<half inches in (i&th" leavin' a #ar'in at the top an& at the left<han& si&e not less
than one inch an& one<half in (i&th- $apel catalan, of the first an& secon& classes" le'al cap" an&
t%pe(ritin' paper of such (ei'ht as not to per#it the (ritin' of #ore than one ori'inal an& t(o
car$ons at one ti#e" (ill $e accepte&" provi&e& that such paper is of the re>uire& si5e an& of
'oo& >ualit%- Focu#ents (ritten (ith in/ shall not $e of #ore than t(ent%<five lines to one
pa'e- T%pe(ritten &ocu#ents shall $e (ritten &ou$le<space&- One si&e onl% of the pa'e (ill $e
(ritten upon" an& the &ifferent sheets (ill $e se(n to'ether" fir#l%" $% five stitches in the left<
han& $or&er in or&er to facilitate the for#ation of the e,pedients, an& the% #ust not $e &ou$le&-
SEC- ,6- $rinted papers..All papers re>uire& $% these rules to $e printe& shall $e printe& (ith
$lac/ in/ on un'la5e& paper" (ith pa'es si1 inches in (i&th $% nine inches in len'th" in
pa#phlet for#- The t%pe use& shall not $e s#aller than t(elve point- The paper use& shall $e of
sufficient (ei'ht to prevent the printin' upon one si&e fro# $ein' visi$le upon the other-
SEC- ,?- Stenographer.2!t shall $e the &ut% of the steno'rapher (ho has atten&e& a session of a
court either in the #ornin' or in the afternoon" to &eliver to the cler/ of court" i##e&iatel% at the
close of such #ornin' or afternoon session" all the notes he has ta/en" to $e attache& to the
recor& of the case7 an& it shall li/e(ise $e the &ut% of the cler/ to &e#an& that the steno'rapher
co#pl% (ith sai& &ut%- The cler/ of court shall sta#p the &ate on (hich notes are receive& $%
hi#- 8hen such notes are transcri$e& the transcript shall $e &elivere& to the cler/" &ul% initiale&
on each pa'e thereof" to $e attache& to the recor& of the case-
8henever re>ueste& $% a part%" an% state#ent #a&e $% a 3u&'e of first instance" or $% a
co##issioner" (ith reference to a case $ein' trie& $% hi#" or to an% of the parties thereto" or to
an% (itness or attorne%" &urin' the hearin' of such case" shall $e #a&e of recor& in the
steno'raphic notes-
SEC- ,@- +oc)et and other records of inferior courts-.Ever% #unicipal or cit% 3u&'e shall /eep
a (ell<$oun& $oo/ la$ele& O&oc/et"O in (hich he shall enter for each case*
(a) The title of the case inclu&in' the na#es of all the parties7
($) The nature of the case" (hether civil or cri#inal" an& if the latter" the offense char'e&7
(c) The &ate of issuin' preli#inar% an& inter#e&iate process inclu&in' or&ers of arrest an&
su$poenas" an& the &ate an& nature of the return thereon7
(&) The &ate of the appearance or &efault of the &efen&ant7
(e) The &ate of presentin' the plea" ans(er" or #otion to >uash" an& the nature of the sa#e7
(f) The #inutes of the trial" inclu&in' the &ate thereof an& of all a&3ourn#ents7
(') The na#es an& a&&resses of all (itnesses7
(h) The &ate an& nature of the 3u&'#ent" an&" in a civil case" the relief 'rante&7
(i) An ite#i5e& state#ent of the costs7
(3) The &ate of an% e1ecution issue&" an& the &ate an& contents of the return thereon7
(/) The &ate of an% notice of appeal file&" an& the na#e of the part% filin' the sa#e-
A #unicipal or cit% 3u&'e #a% /eep t(o &oc/ets" one for civil an& one for cri#inal cases- =e
shall also /eep all the plea&in' an& other papers an& e1hi$its in cases pen&in' in his court" an&
shall certif% copies of his &oc/et entries an& other recor&s proper to $e certifie&" for the fees
prescri$e& $% these rules- !t shall not $e necessar% for the #unicipal or cit% 3u&'e to re&uce to
(ritin' the testi#on% of (itnesses" e1cept that of the accuse& in preli#inar% investi'ations-
SEC- ,A- *ntry on doc)et of inferior courts..Each 9etropolitan Trial 3u&'e shall" at the
$e'innin' an& in front of all his entries in his &oc/et" #a/e an& su$scri$e su$stantiall% the
follo(in' entr%*
OA &oc/et of procee&in's in cases $efore ______________________-"
___________________________ (#etropolitan trial 3u&'e) of the #unicipalit% (or cit%) of
________________________________________ in the province of
_____________________________________" Repu$lic of the Philippines-
8itness #% si'nature"
__________________________
!unicipal /or !etropolitan Trial udge0B

RULE ,2?
F!SLUAL!F!CAT!O+ OF HUF!C!AL OFF!CERS
SECT!O+ ,- +is6ualification of "udges..+o 3u&'e or 3u&icial officer shall sit in an% case in
(hich he" or his (ife or chil&" is pecuniaril% intereste& as heir" le'atee" cre&itor or other(ise" or
in (hich he is relate& to either part% (ithin the si1th &e'ree of consan'uinit% or affinit%" or to
counsel (ithin the fourth &e'ree" co#pute& accor&in' to the rules of the civil la(" or in (hich he
has $een e1ecutor" a&#inistrator" 'uar&ian" trustee or counsel" or in (hich he has presi&e& in an%
inferior court (hen his rulin' or &ecision is the su$3ect of revie(" (ithout the (ritten consent of
all parties in interest" si'ne& $% the# an& entere& upon the recor&-
A 3u&'e #a%" in the e1ercise of his soun& &iscretion" &is>ualif% hi#self fro# sittin' in a case" for
3ust or vali& reasons other than those #entione& a$ove-
SEC- 0- Ob"ection that "udge dis6ualified, how made and effect..!f it $e clai#e& that an official
is &is>ualifie& fro# sittin' as a$ove provi&e&" the part% o$3ectin' to his co#petenc% #a%" in
(ritin'" file (ith the official his o$3ection" statin' the 'roun&s therefor" an& the official shall
thereupon procee& (ith the trial" or (ith&ra(" therefro# in accor&ance (ith his &eter#ination of
the >uestion of his &is>ualification- =is &ecision shall $e forth(ith #a&e in (ritin' an& file&
(ith the other papers in the case" $ut no appeal or sta% shall $e allo(e& fro#" or $% #eans of"
his &ecision in favor of his o(n co#petenc%" until after final 3u&'#ent in the case-
RULE ,2@
ATTOR+EJS A+F AF9!SS!O+ TO )AR
SECT!O+ ,- #ho may practice law..An% person heretofore &ul% a&#itte& as a #e#$er of the
$ar" or thereafter a&#itte& as such in accor&ance (ith the provisions of this rule" an& (ho is in
'oo& an& re'ular stan&in'" is entitle& to practice la(-
SEC- 0- Re6uirements for all applicants for admission to the bar..Ever% applicant for
a&#ission as a #e#$er of the $ar #ust $e a citi5en of the Philippines" at least t(ent%<one %ears
of a'e" of 'oo& #oral character" an& a resi&ent of the Philippines7 an& #ust pro&uce $efore the
Supre#e Court satisfactor% evi&ence of 'oo& #oral character" an& that no char'es a'ainst hi#"
involvin' #oral turpitu&e" have $een file& or are pen&in' in an% court in the Philippines-
SEC- 2- Re6uirements for lawyers who are citi5ens of the 'nited States of (merica..Citi5ens of
the Unite& States of A#erica (ho" $efore Hul% 4" ,A46" (ere &ul% license& #e#$ers of the
Philippine )ar" in active practice in the courts of the Philippines an& in 'oo& an& re'ular
stan&in' as such #a%" upon satisfactor% proof of those facts $efore the Supre#e Court" $e
allo(e& to continue such practice after ta/in' the follo(in' oath of office*
O!"_____________" havin' $een per#itte& to continue in the practice of la( in the Philippines"
&o sole#nl% s(ear that ! reco'ni5e the supre#e authorit% of the Repu$lic of the Philippines7 !
(ill support its Constitution an& o$e% the la(s as (ell as the le'al or&ers of the &ul% constitute&
authorities therein7 ! (ill &o no falsehoo&" nor consent to the &oin' of an% in court7 ! (ill not
(ittin'l% or (illin'l% pro#ote or sue an% 'roun&less" false or unla(ful suit" nor 'ive ai& nor
consent to the sa#e7 ! (ill &ela% no #an for #one% or #alice" an& (ill con&uct #%self as a
la(%er accor&in' to the $est of #% /no(le&'e an& &iscretion (ith all 'oo& fi&elit% as (ell to the
courts as to #% clients7 an& ! i#pose upon #%self this voluntar% o$li'ation (ithout an% #ental
reservation or purpose of evasion- So help #e Co&-O
SEC- 4- Re6uirements for applicants from other "urisdictions..Applicants for a&#ission (ho"
$ein' Filipino citi5ens" are enrolle& attorne%s in 'oo& stan&in' in the Supre#e Court of the
Unite& States or in an% circuit Court of Appeals or &istrict court therein" or in the hi'hest court
of an% State or Territor% of the Unite& States" an& (ho can sho( $% satisfactor% certificates that
the% have practice& at least five %ears in an% of sai& courts" that such practice $e'an $efore Hul%
4" ,A46" an& that the% have never $een suspen&e& or &is$arre&" #a%" in the &iscretion of the
Court" $e a&#itte& (ithout e1a#ination-
SEC- 5- (dditional re6uirements for other applicants..All applicants for a&#ission other than
those referre& to in the t(o prece&in' sections shall" $efore $ein' a&#itte& to the e1a#ination"
satisfactoril% sho( that the% have re'ularl% stu&ie& la( for four %ears" an& successfull%
co#plete& all prescri$e& courses" in a la( "school or universit%" officiall% approve& an&
reco'ni5e& $% the Secretar% of E&ucation- The affi&avit of the can&i&ate" acco#panie& $% a
certificate fro# the universit% or school of la(" shall $e file& as evi&ence of such facts" an&
further evi&ence #a% $e re>uire& $% the court-
+o applicant shall $e a&#itte& to the $ar e1a#ination unless he has satisfactoril% co#plete& the
follo(in' courses in a la( school or universit% &ul% reco'ni5e& $% the 'overn#ent* civil la("
co##ercial la(" re#e&ial la(" cri#inal la(" pu$lic an& private international la(" political la("
la$or an& social le'islation" #e&ical 3urispru&ence" ta1ation an& le'al ethics-
SEC- 6- $re&7aw..+o applicant for a&#ission to the $ar e1a#ination shall $e a&#itte& unless
he presents a certificate that he has satisfie& the Secretar% of E&ucation that" $efore he $e'an the
stu&% of la(" he ha& pursue& an& satisfactoril% co#plete& in an authori5e& an& reco'ni5e&
universit% or colle'e" re>uirin' for a&#ission thereto the co#pletion of a four<%ear hi'h school
course" the course of stu&% prescri$e& therein for a $achelorPs &e'ree in arts or sciences (ith an%
of the follo(in' su$3ects as #a3or or fiel& of concentration* political science" lo'ic" En'lish"
Spanish" histor% an& econo#ics-T
SEC- ?- Time for filing proof of 6ualifications..All applicants for a&#ission shall file (ith the
cler/ of the Supre#e Court the evi&ence re>uire& $% section 0 of this rule at least fifteen (,5)
&a%s $efore the $e'innin' of the e1a#ination- !f not e#$race& (ithin sections 2 an& 4 of this
rule the% shall also file (ithin the sa#e perio& the affi&avit an& certificate re>uire& $% section 5"
an& if e#$race& (ithin sections 2 an& 4 the% shall e1hi$it a license evi&encin' the fact of their
a&#ission to practice" satisfactor% evi&ence that the sa#e has not $een revo/e&" an& certificates
as to their professional stan&in'- Applicants shall also file at the sa#e ti#e their o(n affi&avits
as to their a'e" resi&ence" an& citi5enship-
SEC- @- %otice of applications..+otice of applications for a&#ission shall $e pu$lishe& $% the
cler/ of the Supre#e Court in ne(spapers pu$lishe& in Filipino" En'lish an& Spanish" for at
least ten (,B) &a%s $efore the $e'innin' of the e1a#ination-
SEC- A- *,amination; sub"ects..Applicants" not other(ise provi&e& for in sections 2 an& 4 of
this rule" shall $e su$3ecte& to e1a#inations in the follo(in' su$3ects* Civil La(7 La$or an&
Social Le'islation7 9ercantile La(7 Cri#inal La(7 Political La( (Constitutional La(" Pu$lic
Corporations" an& Pu$lic Officers)7 !nternational La( (Private an& Pu$lic)7 Ta1ation* Re#e&ial
La( (Civil Proce&ure" Cri#inal Proce&ure" an& Evi&ence)7 Le'al Ethics an& Practical E1ercises
(in Plea&in' an& Conve%ancin')-
SEC- ,B- 1ar e,amination, by 6uestions and answers, and in writing..Persons ta/in' the
e1a#ination shall not $rin' papers" $oo/s or notes into the e1a#ination roo#s- The >uestions
shall $e the sa#e for all e1a#inees an& a cop% thereof" in En'lish or Spanish" shall $e 'iven to
each e1a#inee- E1a#inees shall ans(er the >uestions personall% (ithout help fro# an%one-
Upon verifie& application #a&e $% an e1a#inee statin' that his pen#anship is so poor that it
(ill $e &ifficult to rea& his ans(ers (ithout #uch loss of ti#e" the Supre#e Court #a% allo(
such e1a#inee to use a t%pe(riter in ans(erin' the >uestions- Onl% noiseless t%pe(riters shall
$e allo(e& to $e use&-
The co##ittee of $ar e1a#iners shall ta/e such precautions as are necessar% to prevent the
su$stitution of papers or co##ission of other frau&s- E1a#inees shall not place their na#es on
the e1a#ination papers- +o oral e1a#ination shall $e 'iven-
SEC- ,,- (nnual e,amination..E1a#inations for a&#ission to the $ar of the Philippines shall
ta/e place annuall% in the Cit% of 9anila- The% shall $e hel& in four &a%s to $e &esi'nate& $% the
chair#an of the co##ittee on $ar e1a#iners- The su$3ect shall $e &istri$ute& as follo(s* First
&a%* Political an& !nternational La( (#ornin') an& La$or an& Social Le'islation (afternoon)7
Secon& &a%* Civil La( (#ornin') an& Ta1ation (afternoon)7 Thir& &a%* 9ercantile La(
(#ornin') an& Cri#inal La( (afternoon)7 Fourth &a%* Re#e&ial La( (#ornin') an& Le'al
Ethics an& Practical E1ercises (afternoon)-
SEC- ,0- Committee of e,aminers..E1a#inations shall $e con&ucte& $% a co##ittee of $ar
e1a#iners to $e appointe& $% the Supre#e Court- This co##ittee shall $e co#pose& of a Hustice
of the Supre#e Court" (ho shall act as chair#an" an& (ho shall $e &esi'nate& $% the court to
serve for one %ear" an& ei'ht #e#$ers of the $ar of the Philippines" (ho shall hol& office for a
perio& of one %ear- The na#es of the #e#$ers of this co##ittee shall $e pu$lishe& in each
volu#e of the official reports-
SEC- ,2- +isciplinary measures..+o can&i&ate shall en&eavor to influence an% #e#$er of the
co##ittee" an& &urin' e1a#ination the can&i&ates shall not co##unicate (ith each other nor
shall the% 'ive or receive an% assistance- The can&i&ate (ho violates this provision" or an% other
provision of this rule" shall $e $arre& fro# the e1a#ination" an& the sa#e to count as a failure
a'ainst hi#" an& further &isciplinar% action" inclu&in' per#anent &is>ualification" #a% $e ta/en
in the &iscretion of the court-
SEC- ,4- $assing average..!n or&er that a can&i&ate #a% $e &ee#e& to have passe& his
e1a#inations successfull%" he #ust have o$taine& a 'eneral avera'e of ?5 per cent in all
su$3ects" (ithout fallin' $elo( 5B per cent in an% su$3ect- !n &eter#inin' the avera'e" the
su$3ects in the e1a#ination shall $e 'iven the follo(in' relative (ei'hts* Civil La(" ,5 per cent7
La$or an& Social Le'islation" ,B per cent7 9ercantile La(" ,5 per cent7 Cri#inal La(" ,B per
cent* Political an& !nternational La(" ,5 per cent7 Ta1ation" ,B per cent7 Re#e&ial La(" 0B per
cent7 Le'al Ethics an& Practical E1ercises" 5 per cent-
SEC- ,5- Report of the committee; filing of e,amination papers..+ot later than Fe$ruar% ,5th
after the e1a#ination" or as soon thereafter as #a% $e practica$le" the co##ittee shall file its
report on the result of such e1a#ination- The e1a#ination papers an& notes of the co##ittee
shall $e file& (ith the cler/ an& #a% there $e e1a#ine& $% the parties in interest" after the court
has approve& the report-
SEC- ,6- 4ailing candidates to ta)e review course..Can&i&ates (ho have faile& the $ar
e1a#inations for three ti#es shall $e &is>ualifie& fro# ta/in' another e1a#ination unless the%
sho( to the satisfaction of the court that the% have enrolle& in an& passe& re'ular fourth %ear
revie( classes as (ell as atten&e& a pre<$ar revie( course in a reco'ni5e& la( school-
The professors of the in&ivi&ual revie( su$3ects atten&e& $% the can&i&ates un&er this rule
certif% un&er oath that the can&i&ates have re'ularl% atten&e& classes an& passe& the su$3ects
un&er the sa#e con&itions as or&inar% stu&ents an& the ratin's o$taine& $% the# in the particular
su$3ect-
SEC- ,?- (dmission and oath of successful applicants..An applicant (ho has passe& the
re>uire& e1a#ination" or has $een other(ise foun& to $e entitle& to a&#ission to the $ar" shall
ta/e an& su$scri$e $efore the Supre#e Court the correspon&in' oath of office-
SEC- ,@- Certificate.2The Supre#e Court shall thereupon a&#it the applicant as a #e#$er of
the $ar for all the courts of the Philippines" an& shall &irect an or&er to $e entere& to that effect
upon its recor&s" an& that a certificate of such recor& $e 'iven to hi# $% the cler/ of court"
(hich certificate shall $e his authorit% to practice-
SEC- ,A- (ttorneysA roll..The cler/ of the Supre#e Court shall /eep a roll of all attorne%s
a&#itte& to practice" (hich roll shall $e si'ne& $% the person a&#itte& (hen he receives his
certificate-
SEC- 0B- +uties of attorneys..!t is the &ut% of an attorne%*
(a) To #aintain alle'iance to the Repu$lic of the Philippines an& to support the Constitution
an& o$e% the la(s of the Philippines-
($) To o$serve an& #aintain the respect &ue to the courts of 3ustice an& 3u&icial officers7
(c) To counsel or #aintain such actions or procee&in's onl% as appear to hi# to $e 3ust" an&
such &efenses onl% as he $elieves to $e honestl% &e$ata$le un&er the la(7
(&) To e#plo%" for the purpose of #aintainin' the causes confi&e& to hi#" such #eans onl% as
are consistent (ith truth an& honor" an& never see/ to #islea& the 3u&'e or an% 3u&icial officer
$% an artifice or false state#ent of fact or la(7
(e) To #aintain inviolate the confi&ence" an& at ever% peril to hi#self" to preserve the secrets of
his client" an& to accept no co#pensation in connection (ith his clientPs $usiness e1cept fro#
hi# or (ith his /no(le&'e an& approval7
(f) To a$stain fro# all offensive personalit% an& to a&vance no fact pre3u&icial to the honor or
reputation of a part% or (itness" unless re>uire& $% the 3ustice of the cause (ith (hich he is
char'e&7
(') +ot to encoura'e either the co##ence#ent or the continuance of an action or procee&in'"
or &ela% an% #anPs cause" fro# an% corrupt #otive or interest7
(h) +ever to re3ect" for an% consi&eration personal to hi#self" the cause of the &efenseless or
oppresse&7
(i) !n the &efense of a person accuse& of cri#e" $% all fair an& honora$le #eans" re'ar&less of
his personal opinion as to the 'uilt of the accuse&" to present ever% &efense that the la( per#its"
to the en& that no person #a% $e &eprive& of life or li$ert%" $ut $% &ue process of la(-
SEC- 0,- (uthority of attorney to appear..An attorne% is presu#e& to $e properl% authori5e& to
represent an% cause in (hich he appears" an& no (ritten po(er of attorne% is re>uire& to
authori5e hi# to appear in court for his client" $ut the presi&in' 3u&'e #a%" on #otion of either
part% an& on reasona$le 'roun&s therefor $ein' sho(n" re>uire an% attorne% (ho assu#es the
ri'ht to appear in a case to pro&uce or prove the authorit% un&er (hich he appears" an& to
&isclose" (henever pertinent to an% issue" the na#e of the person (ho e#plo%e& hi#" an& #a%
thereupon #a/e such or&er as 3ustice re>uires- An attorne% (ilfull% appearin' in court for a
person (ithout $ein' e#plo%e&" unless $% leave of the court" #a% $e punishe& for conte#pt as
an officer of the court (ho has #is$ehave& in his official transactions-
SEC- 00- (ttorney who appears in lower court presumed to represent client on appeal. .An
attorne% (ho appears de parte in a case $efore a lo(er court shall $e presu#e& to continue
representin' his client on appeal" unless he files a for#al petition (ith&ra(in' his appearance in
the appellate court-
SEC- 02- (uthority of attorneys to bind clients..Attorne%s have authorit% to $in& their clients in
an% case $% an% a'ree#ent in relation thereto #a&e in (ritin'" an& in ta/in' appeals" an& in all
#atters of or&inar% 3u&icial proce&ure- )ut the% cannot" (ithout special authorit%" co#pro#ise
their clientPs liti'ation" or receive an%thin' in &ischar'e of a clientPs clai# $ut the full a#ount in
cash-
SEC- 04- Compensation of attorneys; agreement as to fees..An attorne% shall $e entitle& to
have an& recover fro# his client no #ore than a reasona$le co#pensation for his services" (ith a
vie( to the i#portance of the su$3ect #atter of the controvers%" the e1tent of the services
ren&ere&" an& the professional stan&in' of the attorne%- +o court shall $e $oun& $% the opinion
of attorne%s as e1pert (itnesses as to the proper co#pensation" $ut #a% &isre'ar& such
testi#on% an& $ase its conclusion on its o(n professional /no(le&'e- A (ritten contract for
services shall control the a#ount to $e pai& therefor unless foun& $% the court to $e
unconsciona$le or unreasona$le-
SEC- 05- 'nlawful retention of clientAs funds; contempt..8hen an attorne% un3ustl% retains in
his han&s #one% of his client after it has $een &e#an&e& he #a% $e punishe& for conte#pt as an
officer of the Court (ho has #is$ehave& in his official transactions7 $ut procee&in's un&er this
section shall not $e a $ar to a cri#inal prosecution-
SEC- 06- Change of attorneys..An attorne% #a% retire at an% ti#e fro# an% action or special
procee&in'" $% the (ritten consent of his client file& in court- =e #a% also retire at an% ti#e
fro# an action or special procee&in'" (ithout the consent of his client" shoul& the court" on
notice to the client an& attorne%" an& on hearin'" &eter#ine that he ou'ht to $e allo(e& to retire-
!n case of su$stitution" the na#e of the attorne% ne(l% e#plo%e& shall $e entere& on the &oc/et
of the court in place of the for#er one" an& (ritten notice of the chan'e shall $e 'iven to the
a&verse part%-
A client #a% at an% ti#e &is#iss his attorne% or su$stitute another in his place" $ut if the
contract $et(een client an& attorne% has $een re&uce& to (ritin' an& the &is#issal of the
attorne% (as (ithout 3ustifia$le cause" he shall $e entitle& to recover fro# the client the full
co#pensation stipulate& in the contract- For the pa%#ent of such co#pensation the attorne%
shall have a lien upon all 3u&'#ents for the pa%#ent of #one%" an& e1ecution issue& in pursuant
of such 3u&'#ents" ren&ere& in the case (herein his services ha& $een retaine& $% the client- (As
amended by Rep. (ct %o. =D=.0
SEC- 0?- +isbarment or suspension of attorneys by Supreme Court, grounds therefor..A
#e#$er of the $ar #a% $e &is$arre& or suspen&e& fro# his office as attorne% $% the Supre#e
Court for an% &eceit" #alpractice" or other 'ross #iscon&uct in such office" 'rossl% i##oral
con&uct" or $% reason of his conviction of a cri#e involvin' #oral turpitu&e" or for an% violation
of the oath (hich he is re>uire& to ta/e $efore a&#ission to practice" or for a (ilful &iso$e&ience
appearin' as an attorne% for a part% to a case (ithout authorit% so to &o- The practice of
solicitin' cases at la( for the purpose of 'ain" either personall% or throu'h pai& a'ents or
$ro/ers" constitutes #alpractice-
The &is$ar#ent or suspension of a #e#$er of the Philippine )ar $% a co#petent court or other
&isciplinator% a'enc% in a forei'n 3uris&iction (here he has also $een a&#itte& as an attorne% is
a 'roun& for his &is$ar#ent or suspension if the $asis of such action inclu&es an% of the acts
hereina$ove enu#erate&-
The 3u&'#ent" resolution or or&er of the forei'n court or &isciplinar% a'enc% shall $e prima
facie evi&ence of the 'roun& for &is$ar#ent or suspension- (As amended by SC Res. dated 4eb.
>D, >99@.0
SEC- 0@- Suspension of attorney by the Court of (ppeals or a Regional Trial Court..The Court
of Appeals or a Re'ional Trial Court #a% suspen& an attorne% fro# practice for an% of the
causes na#e& in the last prece&in' section" an& after such suspension such attorne% shall not
practice his profession until further action of the Supre#e Court in the pre#ises-
SEC- 0A- 'pon suspension by Court of (ppeals or Regional Trial Court, further proceedings in
Supreme Court..Upon such suspension" the Court of Appeals or the Re'ional Trial Court shall
forth(ith trans#it to the Supre#e Court a certifie& cop% of the or&er of suspension an& a full
state#ent of the facts upon (hich the sa#e (as $ase&- Upon the receipt of such certifie& cop%
an& state#ent" the Supre#e Court shall #a/e full investi'ation of the facts involve& an& #a/e
such or&er revo/in' or e1ten&in' the suspension" or re#ovin' the attorne% fro# his office as
such" as the facts (arrant-
SEC- 2B- (ttorney to be heard before removal or suspension..+o attorne% shall $e re#ove& or
suspen&e& fro# the practice of his profession" until he has ha& full opportunit% upon reasona$le
notice to ans(er the char'es a'ainst hi#" to pro&uce (itnesses in his o(n $ehalf" an& to $e
hear& $% hi#self or counsel- )ut if upon reasona$le notice he fails to appear an& ans(er the
accusation" the court #a% procee& to &eter#ine the #atter e, parte.
SEC- 2,- (ttorneys for destitute litigants..A court #a% assi'n an attorne% to ren&er
professional ai& free of char'e to an% part% in a case" if upon investi'ation it appears that the
part% is &estitute an& una$le to e#plo% an attorne%" an& that the services of counsel are
necessar% to secure the en&s of 3ustice an& to protect the ri'hts of the part%- !t shall $e the &ut%
of the attorne% so assi'ne& to ren&er the re>uire& service" unless he is e1cuse& therefro# $% the
court for sufficient cause sho(n-
SEC- 20- Compensation for attorneys de oficio..Su$3ect to availa$ilit% of fun&s as #a% $e
provi&e& $% la( the court #a%" in its &iscretion" or&er an attorne% e#plo%e& as counsel de oficio
to $e co#pensate& in such su# as the court #a% fi1 in accor&ance (ith section 04 of this rule-
8henever such co#pensation is allo(e&" it shall not $e less than thirt% pesos (P2B) in an% case"
nor #ore than the follo(in' a#ounts* (,) Fift% pesos (P5B) in li'ht felonies7 (0) One hun&re&
pesos (P,BB) in less 'rave felonies7 (2) T(o hun&re& pesos (P0BB) in 'rave felonies other than
capital offenses7 (4) Five hun&re& pesos (P5BB) in capital offenses-
SEC- 22- Standing in court of persons authori5ed to appear for -overnment..An% official or
other person appointe& or &esi'nate& in accor&ance (ith la( to appear for the Covern#ent of
the Philippines shall have all the ri'hts of a &ul% authori5e& #e#$er of the $ar to appear in an%
case in (hich sai& 'overn#ent has an interest &irect or in&irect-
SEC- 24- 1y whom litigation conducted..!n the court of a #unicipalit% a part% #a% con&uct his
liti'ation in person" (ith the ai& of an a'ent or frien& appointe& $% hi# for that purpose" or (ith
the ai& of an attorne%- !n an% other court" a part% #a% con&uct his liti'ation personall% or $% ai&
of an attorne%" an& his appearance #ust $e either personal or $% a &ul% authori5e& #e#$er of the
$ar-
SEC- 25- Certain attorneys not to practice,.+o 3u&'e or other official or e#plo%ee of the
superior courts or of the Office of the Solicitor Ceneral" shall en'a'e in private practice as a
#e#$er of the $ar or 'ive professional a&vice to clients-
SEC- 26- (micus curiae..E1perience& an& i#partial attorne%s #a% $e invite& $% the Court to
appear as amid curiae to help in the &isposition of issues su$#itte& to it- (As amended by
Resolution of the Supreme Court, dated !ay @E, >9=F.0
SEC- 2?- (ttorneysA liens..An attorne% shall have a lien upon the fun&s" &ocu#ents an& papers
of his client" (hich have la(full% co#e into his possession an& #a% retain the sa#e until his
la(ful fees an& &is$urse#ents have $een pai&" an& #a% appl% such fun&s to the satisfaction
thereof- =e shall also have a lien to the sa#e e1tent upon all 3u&'#ents for the pa%#ent of
#one%" an& e1ecutions issue& in pursuance of such 3u&'#ents" (hich he has secure& in a
liti'ation of his client" fro# an& after the ti#e (hen he shall have cause& a state#ent of his
clai# of such lien to $e entere& upon the recor&s of the court ren&erin' such 3u&'#ent" or
issuin' such e1ecution" an& shall have cause& (ritten notice thereof to $e &elivere& to his client
an& to the a&verse part%7 an& he shall have the sa#e ri'ht an& po(er over such 3u&'#ents an&
e1ecutions as his client (oul& have to enforce his lien an& secure the pa%#ent of his 3ust fees
an& &is$urse#ents-
RULE ,2@<A
LA8 STUFE+T PRACT!CE RULE
SECT!O+ ,- Conditions for Student $ractice.2A la( stu&ent (ho has successfull% co#plete&
his 2r& %ear of the re'ular four<%ear prescri$e& la( curriculu# an& is enrolle& in a reco'ni5e&
la( schoolPs clinical le'al e&ucation pro'ra# approve& $% the Supre#e Court" #a% appear
(ithout co#pensation in an% civil" cri#inal or a&#inistrative case $efore an% trial court"
tri$unal" $oar& or officer" to represent in&i'ent clients accepte& $% the le'al clinic of the la(
school-
SEC- 0- (ppearance..The appearance of the la( stu&ent authori5e& $% this rule" shall $e un&er"
the &irect supervision an& control of a #e#$er of the !nte'rate& )ar of the Philippines &ul%
accre&ite& $% the la( school- An% an& all plea&in's" #otions" $riefs" #e#oran&a or other papers
to $e file&" #ust $e si'ne& $% the supervenin' attorne% for an& in $ehalf of the le'al clinic-
SEC- 2- $rivileged communications..The Rules safe'uar&in' privile'e& co##unications
$et(een attorne% an& client shall appl% to si#ilar co##unications #a&e to or receive& $% the
la( stu&ent" actin' for the le'al clinic-
SEC- 4- Standards of conduct and supervision..The la( stu&ent shall co#pl% (ith the
stan&ar&s of professional con&uct 'overnin' #e#$ers of the )ar- Failure of an attorne% to
provi&e a&e>uate supervision of stu&ent practice #a% $e a 'roun& for &isciplinar% action- /SC
Circular %o. >9, prom. +ec. >9, >9F=.0
RULE ,2A
F!S)AR9E+T OR SUSPE+S!O+ OF ATTOR+EJST
SECT!O+ ,- !otion or complaint..Procee&in's for the re#oval or suspension of attorne%s
#a% $e ta/en $% the Supre#e Court on its o(n #otion or upon the co#plaint un&er oath of
another in (ritin'- The co#plaint shall set out &istinctl%" clearl%" an& concisel% the facts
co#plaine& of" supporte& $% affi&avits" if an%" of persons havin' personal /no(le&'e of the facts
therein alle'e& an& shall $e acco#panie& (ith copies of such &ocu#ents as #a% su$stantiate
sai& facts-
SEC- 0- Service or dismissal..!f the co#plaint appears to #erit action" a cop% thereof shall $e
serve& upon the respon&ent" re>uirin' hi# to ans(er the sa#e (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# the &ate
of service- !f the co#plaint &oes not #erit action" or if the ans(er sho(s to the satisfaction of
the Supre#e Court that the co#plaint is not #eritorious" the sa#e shall $e &is#isse&-
SEC- 2- Investigation by Solicitor -eneral..Upon the issues raise& $% the co#plaint an&
ans(er" or upon failure of the respon&ent to ans(er" the case shall $e referre& to the Solicitor
Ceneral for investi'ation to &eter#ine if there is sufficient 'roun& to procee& (ith the
prosecution of the respon&ent- !n the investi'ation con&ucte& $% the Solicitor Ceneral" the
respon&ent shall $e 'iven full opportunit% to &efen& hi#self" to pro&uce (itnesses on his o(n
$ehalf" an& to $e hear& $% hi#self an& counsel- =o(ever" if upon reasona$le notice" the
respon&ent fails to appear" the investi'ation shall procee& e, parte.
SEC- 4- Report of the Solicitor -eneral..)ase& upon the evi&ence a&&uce& at the hearin'" if
the Solicitor Ceneral fin&s no sufficient 'roun& to procee& a'ainst the respon&ent" he shall
su$#it a report to the Supre#e Court containin' his fin&in's of fact an& conclusion" (hereupon
the respon&ent shall $e e1onerate& unless the court or&ers &ifferentl%-
SEC- 5- Complaint of the Solicitor -eneral. (nswer of respondent..!f the Solicitor Ceneral
fin&s sufficient 'roun& to procee& a'ainst the respon&ent" he shall file the correspon&in'
co#plaint" acco#panie& (ith all the evi&ence intro&uce& in his investi'ation" (ith the Supre#e
Court" an& the respon&ent shall $e serve& $% the cler/ of the Supre#e Court (ith a cop% of the
co#plaint (ith &irection to ans(er the sa#e (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s-
SEC- 6- *vidence produced before Solicitor -eneral available..The evi&ence pro&uce& $efore
the Solicitor Ceneral in his investi'ation #a% $e consi&ere& $% the Supre#e Court in the final
&ecision of the case" if the respon&ent ha& an opportunit% to o$3ect an& cross<e1a#ine- !f in the
respon&entPs ans(er no state#ent is #a&e as to an% intention of intro&ucin' a&&itional evi&ence"
the case shall $e set &o(n for hearin'" upon the filin' of such ans(er or upon the e1piration of
the ti#e to file the sa#e-
SEC- ?- Commissioner to investigate and recommend. Rules of evidence..Upon receipt of the
respon&entPs ans(er" (herein a state#ent is #a&e as to his &esire to intro&uce a&&itional
evi&ence" the case shall $e referre& to a co##issioner (ho" in the &iscretion of the court" #a% $e
the cler/ of the Supre#e Court" a 3u&'e of the Re'ional Trial Court" or an attorne%<at<la( for
investi'ation" report" an& reco##en&ation- The Solicitor Ceneral or his representative shall
appear $efore the co##issioner to con&uct the prosecution- The respon&ent shall $e 'iven full
opportunit% to &efen& hi#self" to pro&uce a&&itional evi&ence in his o(n $ehalf" an& to $e hear&
$% hi#self an& counsel- =o(ever" if upon reasona$le notice the respon&ent fails to appear" the
investi'ation shall procee& e, parte. The rules of evi&ence shall $e applica$le to procee&in's of
this nature-
SEC- @- Report of commissioner and hearing..Upon receipt of the report of the co##issioner"
copies of (hich shall $e furnishe& the Solicitor Ceneral an& the respon&ent" the case shall $e set
&o(n for hearin' $efore the court" follo(in' (hich the case shall $e consi&ere& su$#itte& to the
court for its final &eter#ination-
SEC- A- $rocedure in Court of (ppeals or Regional Trial Court..As far as #a% $e applica$le"
the proce&ure a$ove outline& shall li/e(ise 'overn the filin' an& investi'ation of co#plaints
a'ainst attorne%s in the Court of Appeals or in Re'ional Trial Court- !n case of suspension of the
respon&ent" the 3u&'e of Re'ional Trial Court or Hustice of the Court of Appeals shall forth(ith
trans#it to the Supre#e Court a certifie& cop% of the or&er of suspension an& a full state#ent of
the facts upon (hich sa#e is $ase&-
SEC- ,B- Confidential..Procee&in's a'ainst attorne%s shall $e private an& confi&ential" e1cept
that the final or&er of the court shall $e #a&e pu$lic as in other cases co#in' $efore the court-
RULE ,2A<A
!+TECRATEF )AR OF T=E P=!L!PP!+ES,
SECT!O+ ,- Organi5ation..There is here$% or'ani5e& an official national $o&% to $e /no(n as
the :!nte'rate& )ar of the Philippines"; co#pose& of all persons (hose na#es no( appear or
#a% hereafter $e inclu&e& in the Roll of Attorne%s of the Supre#e Court-
SEC- 0- $urposes..The fun&a#ental purposes of the !nte'rate& )ar shall $e to elevate the
stan&ar&s of the le'al profession" i#prove the a&#inistration of 3ustice" an& ena$le the )ar to
&ischar'e its pu$lic responsi$ilit% #ore effectivel%-
SEC- 2- Regions..The Philippines is here$% &ivi&e& into nine Re'ions of the !nte'rate& )ar" to
(it*
(a) +orthern Lu5on" consistin' of the provinces of A$ra" )atanes" )en'uet" Ca'a%an" !fu'ao"
!locos +orte" !locos Sur" !sa$ela" Ralin'a<Apa%ao" La Union" 9ountain Province" +ueva
i5ca%a" an& Luirino7
($) Central Lu5on" consistin' of the province of )ataan" )ulacan" +ueva Eci3a" Pa#pan'a"
Pan'asinan" Tarlac" an& Qa#$ales7
(c) Creater 9anila" consistin' of the Cit% of 9anila an& Lue5on Cit%7
(&) Southern Lu5on" consistin' of the provinces of )atan'as" Cavite" La'una" 9arin&u>ue"
Occi&ental 9in&oro" Oriental 9in&oro" Lue5on" an& Ri5al7
(e) )icolan&ia" consistin' of the provinces of Al$a%" Ca#arines +orte" Ca#arines Sur"
Catan&uanes" 9as$ate" an& Sorso'on7
(f) Eastern isa%as" consistin' of the provinces of )ohol" Ce$u" Eastern Sa#ar" Le%te"
+orthern Sa#ar" Sa#ar" an& Southern Le%te7
(') 8estern isa%as" Consistin' of the provinces of A/lan" Anti>ue" Capi5" !loilo" +e'ros
Occi&ental" +e'ros Oriental" Pala(an" Ro#$lon" an& Si>ui3or7
(h) Eastern 9in&anao" consistin' of the provinces of A'usan &el +orte" A'usan &el Sur"
)u/i&non" Ca#i'uin" Favao &el +orte" Favao &el Sur" Favao Oriental" 9isa#is Oriental"
Suri'ao &el +orte" an& Suri'ao &el Sur7 an&
(i) 8estern 9in&anao" consistin' of the cities of )asilan an& Qa#$oan'a" an& the provinces of
Cota$ato" Lanao &el +orte" Lanao &el Sur" 9isa#is Occi&ental" South Cota$ato" Sulu"
Qa#$oan'a &el +orte" an& Qa#$oan'a &el Sur-
!n the event of the creation of an% ne( province" the )oar& of Covernors shall" (ith the
approval of the Supre#e Court &eter#ine the Re'ion to (hich the sai& province shall $elon'-
SEC- 4- Chapters..A Chapter of the !nte'rate& )ar shall $e or'ani5e& in ever% province-
E1cept as herein$elo( provi&e&" ever% cit% shall $e consi&ere& part of the province (ithin
(hich it is 'eo'raphicall% situate&-
A separate Chapter shall $e or'ani5e& in each of follo(in' political su$&ivisions or areas*
(a) The su$province of Aurora7
($) Each con'ressional &istrict of the Cit% of 9anila7
(c) Lue5on Cit%7
(&) Caloocan Cit%" 9ala$on an& +avotas7
(e) Pasa% Cit%" 9a/ati" 9an&alu%on' an& San Huan &el 9onte7
(f) Ce$u Cit%7 an&
(') Qa#$oan'a Cit% an& )asilan Cit%-
Unless he other(ise re'isters his preference for a particular Chapter" a la(%er shall $e
consi&ere& a #e#$er of the Chapter of the Province" cit%" political su$&ivision or area (here his
office or" in the a$sence thereof" his resi&ence is locate&- !n no case shall an% la(%er $e a
#e#$er of #ore than one Chapter-
Each Chapter shall have its o(n local 'overn#ent as provi&e& for $% unifor# rules to $e
prescri$e& $% the )oar& of Covernors an& approve& $% the Supre#e Court" the provisions of
Section ,A of this Rule not(ithstan&in'-
Chapters $elon'in' to the sa#e Re'ion #a% hol& re'ional conventions on #atters an& pro$le#s
of co##on concern-
SEC- 5- 3ouse of +elegates..The !nte'rate& )ar shall have a =ouse of Fele'ates of not #ore
than one hun&re& t(ent% #e#$ers (ho shall $e apportione& a#on' all the Chapters as nearl% as
#a% $e accor&in' to the nu#$er of their respective #e#$ers" $ut each Chapter shall have at
least one Fele'ate- On or $efore Fece#$er 2," ,A?4" an& ever% four %ears thereafter" the )oar&
of Covernors shall #a/e an apportion#ent of Fele'ates-
The ter# of the office of Fele'ate shall $e'in on the &ate of the openin' of the annual
convention of the =ouse an& shall en& on the &a% i##e&iatel% prece&in' the &ate of the openin'
of the ne1t succee&in' annual convention- +o person #a% $e a Fele'ate for #ore than t(o
ter#s-
The =ouse shall hol& an annual convention at the call of the )oar& of Covernors at an% ti#e
&urin' the #onth of April of each %ear for the election of Covernors" the rea&in' an& &iscussion
of reports inclu&in' the annual report of the )oar& of Covernors" the transaction of such other
$usiness as #a% $e referre& to it $% the )oar&" an& the consi&eration of such a&&itional #atters
as #a% $e re>ueste& in (ritin' $% at least t(ent% Fele'ates- Special conventions of the =ouse
#a% $e calle& $% the )oar& of Covernors to consi&er onl% such #atters as the )oar& shall
in&icate- A #a3orit% of the Fele'ates (ho have re'istere& for a convention" (hether annual or
special" shall constitute a >uoru# to &o $usiness-
SEC- 6- 1oard of -overnors.2The !nte'rate& )ar shall $e 'overne& $%<a )oar& of Covernors-
+ine Covernors shall $e electe& $% the =ouse of Fele'ates fro# the nine Re'ions on the
representation $asis of one Covernor fro# each Re'ion- Each Covernor shall $e chosen fro# a
list of no#inees su$#itte& $% the Fele'ates fro# the Re'ion" provi&e& that no #ore than one
no#inee shall co#e fro# an% Chapter- The Presi&ent an& the E1ecutive ice Presi&ent" if
chosen $% the Covernors fro# outsi&e of the#selves as provi&e& in Section ? of this Rule" shall
ipso facto $eco#e #e#$ers of the )oar&-
The #e#$ers of the )oar& shall hol& office for a ter# of one %ear fro# the &ate of their election
an& until their successors shall have $een &ul% electe& an& >ualifie&- +o person #a% $e a
Covernor for #ore than t(o ter#s-
The )oar& shall #eet re'ularl% once ever% three #onths" on such &ate an& at such ti#e an&
place as it shall &esi'nate- A #a3orit% of all the #e#$ers of the )oar& shall constitute a >uoru#
to &o $usiness- Special #eetin's #a% $e calle& $% the Presi&ent or $% five #e#$ers of the
)oar&-
Su$3ect to the approval of the Supre#e Court" the )oar& shall a&opt )%<La(s an& pro#ul'ate
Canons of Professional Responsi$ilit% for all #e#$ers of the !nte'rate& )ar- The )%<La(s an&
the Canons #a% $e a#en&e& $% the Supre#e Court motu proprio or upon the reco##en&ation
of the )oar& of Covernors-
The )oar& shall prescri$e such other rules an& re'ulations as #a% $e necessar% an& proper to
carr% out the purposes of the !nte'rate& )ar as (ell as the provisions of this Rule-
SEC- ?- Officers..The !nte'rate& )ar shall have a Presi&ent an& an E1ecutive ice Presi&ent
(ho shall $e chosen $% the Covernors i##e&iatel% after the latterPs election" either fro# a#on'
the#selves or fro# other #e#$ers of the !nte'rate& )ar $% the vote of at least five Covernors-
Each of the re'ional #e#$ers of the )oar& shall $e e, officio ice Presi&ent for the Re'ion
(hich he represents-
The Presi&ent an& the E1ecutive ice Presi&ent shall hol& office for a ter# of one %ear fro# the
&ate of their election an& until their successors shall have &ul% >ualifie&- The E1ecutive ice
Presi&ent shall auto#aticall% $eco#e the Presi&ent for the ne1t succee&in' full ter#- The
Presi&enc% shall rotate fro# %ear to %ear a#on' all the nine Re'ions in such or&er of rotation as
the )oar& of Covernors shall prescri$e- +o person shall $e Presi&ent or E1ecutive ice
Presi&ent of the !nte'rate& )ar for #ore than one ter#-
The !nte'rate& )ar shall have a Secretar%" a Treasurer" an& such other officer an& e#plo%ees as
#a% $e re>uire& $% the )oar& of Covernors" to $e appointe& $% the Presi&ent (ith the consent of
the )oar&" an& to hol& office at the pleasure of the )oar& or for such ter# as it #a% fi1- Sai&
officers an& e#plo%ees nee& not $e #e#$ers of the !nte'rate& )ar-
SEC- @- .acancies..!n the event the Presi&ent is a$sent or una$le to act" his &uties shall $e
perfor#e& $% the E1ecutive ice Presi&ent7 an& in the event of the &eath" resi'nation" or
re#oval of the Presi&ent" the E1ecutive ice Presi&ent shall serve as Actin' Presi&ent &urin' the
re#ain&er of the ter# of the office thus vacate&- !n the event of the &eath" resi'nation" re#oval"
or &isa$ilit% of $oth the Presi&ent an& the E1ecutive ice Presi&ent" the )oar& of Covernors
shall elect an Actin' Presi&ent to hol& office until the ne1t succee&in' election or &urin' the
perio& of &isa$ilit%-
The fillin' of vacancies in the =ouse of Fele'ates" )oar& of Covernors" an& all other positions
of Officers of the !nte'rate& )ar shall $e as provi&e& in the )%<La(s- 8henever the ter# of an
office or position is for a fi1e& perio&" the person chosen to fill a vacanc% therein shall serve
onl% for the une1pire& ter#-
SEC- A- !embership dues..Ever% #e#$er of the !nte'rate& shall pa% such annual &ues as the
)oar& of Covernors shall &eter#ine (ith the approval of the Supre#e Court- A fi1e& su#
e>uivalent to ten percent (,BU) of the collections fro# each Chapter shall $e set asi&e as a
8elfare Fun& for &isa$le& #e#$ers of the Chapter an& the co#pulsor% heirs of &ecease&
#e#$ers thereof-
SEC- ,B- *ffect of non&payment of dues..Su$3ect to the provisions of Section ,0 of this Rule"
&efault in the pa%#ent of annual &ues for si1 #onths shall (arrant suspension of #e#$ers in the
!nte'rate& )ar" an& &efault in such pa%#ent for one %ear shall $e a 'roun& for the re#oval of the
na#e of &elin>uent #e#$er fro# the Roll of Attorne%s-
SEC- ,,- .oluntary termination of membership; reinstatement..A #e#$er #a% ter#inate his
#e#$ership $% filin' a (ritten notice to that effect (ith the Secretar% of the !nte'rate& )ar" (ho
shall i##e&iatel% $rin' the #atter to the attention of the Supre#e Court- Forth(ith he shall
cease to $e a #e#$er an& his na#e shall $e stric/en $% the Court in accor&ance (ith rules an&
re'ulations prescri$e& $% the )oar& of Covernors an& approve& $% the Court-
SEC- ,0- -rievance procedures..The )oar& of Covernors shall provi&e in the )%<La(s for
'rievance proce&ures for the enforce#ent an& #aintenance of &iscipline a#on' all the #e#$ers
of the !nte'rate& )ar" $ut no action involvin' the suspension or &is$ar#ent of a #e#$er or the
re#oval of his na#e fro# the Roll of Attorne%s shall $e effective (ithout the final approval of
the Supre#e Court-
SEC- ,2- %on&political 1ar-.The !nte'rate& )ar shall $e strictl% non<political" an& ever%
activit% ten&in' to i#pair this $asic feature is strictl% prohi$ite& an& shall $e penali5e&
accor&in'l%- +o la(%er hol&in' an elective" 3u&icial" >uasi<3u&icial" or prosecutor% office in the
Covern#ent or an% political su$&ivision or instru#entalit% thereof shall $e eli'i$le for election
or appoint#ent to an% position in the !nte'rate& )ar or an% Chapter thereof- A Fele'ate"
Covernor" Officer or e#plo%ee of the !nte'rate& )ar" or an officer or e#plo%ee of an% Chapter
thereof shall $e consi&ere& ipso facto resi'ne& fro# his position as of the #o#ent he files his
certificate of can&i&ac% for an% elective pu$lic office or accepts appoint#ent to an% 3u&icial"
>uasi<3u&icial" or prosecutor% office in the Covern#ent or an% political su$&ivision or
instru#entalit% thereof-
SEC- ,4- $ositions honorary..E1cept as #a% $e specificall% authori5e& or allo(e& $% the
Supre#e Court" no Fele'ate or Covernor an& no national or local Officer or co##ittee #e#$er
shall receive an% co#pensation" allo(ance or e#olu#ent fro# the fun&s of the !nte'rate& )ar
for an% service ren&ere& therein or $e entitle& to rei#$urse#ent for an% e1pense incurre& in the
&ischar'e of his functions-
SEC- ,5- 4iscal matters..The )oar& of Covernors shall a&#inister the fun&s of the !nte'rate&
)ar an& shall have the po(er to #a/e appropriations an& &is$urse#ents therefro#- !t shall cause
proper )oo/s of Accounts to $e /ept an& Financial State#ents to $e ren&ere& an& shall see to it
that the proper au&it is #a&e of all accounts of the !nte'rate& )ar an& all the Chapters thereof-
SEC- ,6- ournal..The )oar& of Covernors shall cause to $e pu$lishe& a >uarterl% Hournal of
the !nte'rate& )ar" free copies of (hich shall $e &istri$ute& to ever% #e#$er of the !nte'rate&
)ar-
SEC- ,?- .oluntary 1ar associations..All voluntar% )ar associations no( e1istin' or (hich
#a% hereafter $e for#e& #a% co<e1ist (ith the !nte'rate& )ar $ut shall not operate at cross<
purposes there(ith-
SEC- ,@- (mendments..This Rule #a% $e a#en&e& $% the Supre#e Court motu proprio or
upon the reco##en&ation of the )oar& of Covernors or an% Chapter of the !nte'rate& )ar-
SEC- ,A- Organi5ational period..The Co##ission on )ar !nte'ration shall or'ani5e the local
Chapters an& to(ar& this en& shall secure the assistance of the Fepart#ent of Hustice an& of all
Hu&'es throu'hout the Philippines- All Chapter or'ani5ational #eetin's shall $e hel& on
Satur&a%" Fe$ruar% ,?" ,A?2- !n ever% case" the Co##ission shall cause proper notice of the
&ate" ti#e an& place of the #eetin' to $e serve& upon all the la(%ers concerne& at their
a&&resses appearin' in the recor&s of the Co##ission- The la(%ers present at the #eetin' calle&
to or'ani5e a Chapter shall constitute a >uoru# for the purpose" inclu&in' the election of a
Presi&ent" ice Presi&ent" Secretar%" Treasurer" an& five Firectors-
The Co##ission shall initiall% fi1 the nu#$er of Fele'ates an& apportion the sa#e a#on' all
the Chapters as nearl% as #a% $e in proportion to the nu#$er of their respective #e#$ers" $ut
each chapter shall have at least one Fele'ate- The Presi&ent of each Chapter shall concurrentl%
$e its Fele'ate to the =ouse of Fele'ates- The ice Presi&ent shall $e his alternate" e1cept
(here the Chapter is entitle& to have #ore than one Fele'ate" in (hich case the ice Presi&ent
shall also $e a Fele'ate- The )oar& of Firectors of the Chapter shall in proper cases elect
a&&itional as (ell as alternative Fele'ates-
The =ouse of Fele'ates shall convene in the Cit% of 9anila on Satur&a%" 9arch ,?" ,A?2 for the
purpose of electin' a )oar& of Covernors- The Covernors shall i##e&iatel% assu#e office an&
forth(ith #eet to elect the Officers of the !nte'rate& )ar- The Officers so chosen shall
i##e&iatel% assu#e their respective positions-
SEC- 0B- *ffectivity.2This Rule shall ta/e effect on Hanuar% ,6",A?2-
RULE ,2A<)
F!S)AR9E+T A+F F!SC!PL!+E OF ATTOR+EJS
SECT!O+ ,- 3ow Instituted.2Procee&in's for the &is$ar#ent" suspension" or &iscipline of
attorne%s #a% $e ta/en $% the Supre#e Court motu proprio, or $% the !nte'rate& )ar of the
Philippines (!)P) upon the verifie& co#plaint of an% person- The co#plaint shall state clearl%
an& concisel% the facts co#plaine& of an& shall $e supporte& $% affi&avits of persons havin'
personal /no(le&'e of the facts therein alle'e& an&Mor $% such &ocu#ents as #a% su$stantiate
sai& facts-
The !)P )oar& of Covernors #a%" motu proprio or upon referral $% the Supre#e Court or $% a
Chapter )oar& of Officers" or at the instance of an% person" initiate an& prosecute proper char'es
a'ainst an% errin' attorne%s inclu&in' those in the 'overn#ent service* $rovided, however, That
all char'es a'ainst Hustices of the Court of Appeals an& the Sandiganbayan, an& Hu&'es of the
Court of Ta1 Appeals an& lo(er courts" even if la(%ers are 3ointl% char'e& (ith the#" shall $e
file& (ith the Supre#e Court* $rovided, further, That char'es file& a'ainst Hustices an& Hu&'es
$efore the !)P" inclu&in' those file& prior to their appoint#ent in the Hu&iciar%" shall
i##e&iatel% $e for(ar&e& to the Supre#e Court for &isposition an& a&3u&ication- ((s amended
by 1ar !atter %o. >9=E, !ay >, @EEE.0
Si1 (6) copies of the verifie& co#plaint shall $e file& (ith the Secretar% of the !)P or the
Secretar% of an% of its chapters (ho shall forth(ith trans#it the sa#e to the !)P )oar& of
Covernors for assi'n#ent to an investi'ator-
A- PROCEEF!+CS !+ T=E !+TECRATEF )AR OF T=E P=!L!PP!+ES
SEC- 0- %ational -rievance Investigators..The )oar& of Covernors shall appoint fro# a#on'
!)P #e#$ers an !nvesti'ator or" (hen special circu#stances so (arrant" a panel of three (2)
investi'ators to investi'ate the co#plaint- All !nvesti'ators shall ta/e an oath of office in the
for# prescri$e& $% the )oar& of Covernors- A cop% of the !nvesti'atorPs appoint#ent an& oath
shall $e trans#itte& to the Supre#e Court-
An !nvesti'ator #a% $e &is>ualifie& $% reason of relationship (ithin the fourth &e'ree of
consan'uinit% or affinit% to an% of the parties or their counsel" pecuniar% interest" personal $ias"
or his havin' acte& as counsel for either part%" unless the parties si'n an& enter upon the recor&
their (ritten consent to his actin' as such !nvesti'ator- 8here the !nvesti'ator &oes not
&is>ualif% hi#self" a part% #a% appeal to the !)P )oar& of Covernors" (hich $% #a3orit% vote of
the #e#$ers present" there $ein' a >uoru#" #a% or&er his &is>ualification-
An% !nvesti'ator #a% also $e re#ove& for cause" after the hearin'" $% the vote of at least si1 (6)
#e#$ers of the !)P )oar& of Covernors- The &ecision of the )oar& of Covernors in all cases of
&is>ualification or re#oval shall $e final-
SEC- 2- +uties of the %ational -rievance Investigator..The +ational Crievance !nvesti'ators
shall investi'ate all co#plaints a'ainst #e#$ers of the !nte'rate& )ar referre& to the# $% the
!)P )oar& of Covernors-
SEC- 4- Chapter assistance to complainant..The proper !)P Chapter #a% assist the
co#plainants) in the preparation an& filin' of his co#plaint(s)-
SEC- 5- Service or dismissal..!f the co#plaint appears to $e #eritorious" the !nvesti'ator shall
&irect that a cop% thereof $e serve& upon the respon&ent" re>uirin' hi# to ans(er the sa#e
(ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# the &ate of service- !f the co#plaint &oes not #erit action" or if the
ans(er sho(s to the satisfaction of the !nvesti'ator that the co#plaint is not #eritorious" the
sa#e #a% $e &is#isse& $% the )oar& of Covernors upon his reco##en&ation- A cop% of the
resolution of &is#issal shall $e furnishe& the co#plainant an& the Supre#e Court (hich #a%
revie( the case motu proprio or upon ti#el% appeal of the co#plainant file& (ithin ,5 &a%s
fro# notice of the &is#issal of the co#plaint-
+o investi'ation shall $e interrupte& or ter#inate& $% reason of the &esistance" settle#ent"
co#pro#ise" restitution" (ith&ra(al of the char'es" or failure of the co#plainant to prosecute
the sa#e-
SEC- 6- .erification and service of answer..The ans(er shall $e verifie&- The ori'inal an& five
(5) le'i$le copies of the ans(er shall $e file& (ith the !nvesti'ator" (ith proof of service of a
cop% thereof on the co#plainant or his counsel-
SEC- ?- (dministrative counsel..The !)P )oar& of Covernors shall appoint a suita$le #e#$er
of the !nte'rate& )ar as counsel to assist the co#plainant or the respon&ent &urin' the
investi'ation in case of nee& for such assistance-
SEC- @- Investigation..Upon 3oin&er of issues or upon failure of the respon&ent to ans(er" the
!nvesti'ator shall" (ith &eli$erate spee&" procee& (ith the investi'ation of the case- =e shall
have the po(er to issue su$poenas an& a&#inister oaths- The respon&ent shall $e 'iven full
opportunit% to &efen& hi#self" to present (itnesses on his $ehalf" an& $e hear& $% hi#self an&
counsel- =o(ever" if upon reasona$le notice" the respon&ent fails to appear" the investi'ation
shall procee& e, parte.
The !nvesti'ator shall ter#inate the investi'ation (ithin three (2) #onths fro# the &ate of its
co##ence#ent" unless e1ten&e& for 'oo& cause $% the )oar& of Covernors upon prior
application-
8illful failure to refusal to o$e% a su$poena or an% other la(ful or&er issue& $% the !nvesti'ator
shall $e &ealt (ith as for in&irect conte#pt of court- The correspon&in' char'e shall $e file& $%
the !nvesti'ator $efore the !)P )oar& of Covernors (hich shall re>uire the alle'e& conte#nor to
sho( cause (ithin ten (,B) &a%s fro# notice- The !)P )oar& of Covernors #a% thereafter
con&uct hearin's" if necessar%" in accor&ance (ith the proce&ure set forth in this Rule for
hearin's $efore the !nvesti'ator- Such hearin' shall as far as practica$le $e ter#inate& (ithin
fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# its co##ence#ent- Thereafter" the !)P )oar& of Covernors shall (ithin a
li/e perio& of fifteen (,5) &a%s issue a resolution settin' forth its fin&in's an& reco##en&ations"
(hich shall forth(ith $e trans#itte& to the Supre#e Court for final action an& if (arrante&" the
i#position of penalt%-
SEC- A- +epositions..Fepositions #a% $e ta/en in accor&ance (ith the Rules of Court (ith
leave of the investi'ators)-
8ithin the Philippines" &epositions #a% $e ta/en $efore an% #e#$er of the )oar& of Covernors"
the Presi&ent of an% Chapter" or an% officer authori5e& $% la( to a&#inister oaths-
Fepositions #a% $e ta/en outsi&e the Philippines $efore a &iplo#atic or consular representative
of the Philippine Covern#ent or $efore an% person a'ree& upon $% the parties or &esi'nate& $%
the )oar& of Covernors-
An% suita$le #e#$er of the !nte'rate& )ar in the Place (here a &eposition shall $e ta/en #a%
$e &esi'nate& $% the !nvesti'ator to assist the co#plainant or the respon&ent in ta/in' a
&eposition-
SEC- ,B- Report of Investigator.2+ot later than thirt% (2B) &a%s fro# the ter#ination of the
investi'ation" the !nvesti'ator shall su$#it a report containin' his fin&in's of fact an& reco#<
#en&ations to the !)P )oar& of Covernors" to'ether (ith the steno'raphic notes an& the
transcript thereof" an& all the evi&ence presente& &urin' the investi'ation- The su$#ission of the
report nee& not a(ait the transcription of the steno'raphic notes" it $ein' sufficient that the
report repro&uce su$stantiall% fro# the !nvesti'atorPs personal notes an% relevant an& pertinent
testi#onies-
SEC- ,,- +efects..+o &efect in a co#plaint" notice" ans(er" or in the procee&in' or the
!nvesti'atorPs Report shall $e consi&ere& as su$stantial unless the )oar& of Covernors" upon
consi&erin' the (hole recor&" fin&s that such &efect has resulte& or #a% result in a #iscarria'e
of 3ustice" in (hich event the )oar& shall ta/e such re#e&ial action as the circu#stances #a%
(arrant" inclu&in' invali&ation of the entire procee&in's-
SEC- ,0- Review and decision by the 1oard of -overnors..
(a) Ever% case hear& $% an investi'ator shall $e revie(e& $% the !)P )oar& of Covernors upon
the recor& an& evi&ence trans#itte& to it $% the !nvesti'ator (ith his report- The &ecision of the
)oar& upon such revie( shall $e in (ritin' an& shall clearl% an& &istinctl% state the facts an& the
reasons on (hich it is $ase&- !t shall $e pro#ul'ate& (ithin a perio& not e1cee&in' thirt% (2B)
&a%s fro# the ne1t #eetin' of the )oar& follo(in' the su$#ittal of the !nvesti'atorPs Report-
($) !f the )oar&" $% the vote of a #a3orit% of its total #e#$ership" &eter#ines that the
respon&ent shoul& $e suspen&e& fro# the practice of la( or &is$arre&" it shall issue a resolution
settin' forth its fin&in's an& reco##en&ations (hich" to'ether (ith the (hole recor& of the
case" shall forth(ith $e trans#itte& to the Supre#e Court for final action-
(c) !f the respon&ent is e1onerate& $% the )oar& or the &isciplinar% sanction i#pose& $% it is less
than suspension or &is$ar#ent (such as a&#onition" repri#an&" or fin&) it shall issue a &ecision
e1oneratin' respon&ent or i#posin' such sanction- The case shall $e &ee#e& ter#inate& unless
upon petition of the co#plainant or other intereste& part% file& (ith the Supre#e Court (ithin
fifteen (,5) &a%s fro# notice of the )oar&Ps resolution" the Supre#e Court or&ers other(ise-
(&) +otice of the resolution or &ecision of the )oar& shall $e 'iven to all parties throu'h their
counsel- A cop% of the sa#e shall $e trans#itte& to the Supre#e Court-
)- PROCEEF!+CS !+ T=E SUPRE9E COURT
SEC- ,2- Supreme Court Investigators..!n procee&in's initiate& motu proprio $% the Supre#e
Court or in other procee&in's (hen the interest of 3ustice so re>uires" the Supre#e Court #a%
refer the case for investi'ation to the Solicitor Ceneral or to an% officer of the Supre#e Court or
3u&'e of a lo(er court" in (hich case the investi'ation shall procee& in the sa#e #anner
provi&e& in sections 6 to ,, hereof" save that the revie( of the report of investi'ation shall $e
con&ucte& &irectl% $% the Supre#e Court-
SEC- ,4- Report of the Solicitor -eneral or other Court designated Investigator..)ase& upon
the evi&ence a&&uce& at the investi'ation" the Solicitor Ceneral or other !nvesti'ator &esi'nate&
$% the Supre#e Court shall su$#it to the Supre#e Court a report containin' his fin&in's of fact
an& reco##en&ations to'ether (ith the recor& an& all the evi&ence presente& in the
investi'ation for the final action of the Supre#e Court-
C- CO99O+ PRO!S!O+S
SEC- ,5- Suspension of attorney by Supreme Court..After receipt of respon&entPs ans(er or
lapse of the perio& therefor" the Supre#e Court" motu proprio, or at the instance of the !)P
)oar& of Covernors upon the reco##en&ation of the !nvesti'ators" #a% suspen& an attorne%
fro# the practice of his profession for an% of the causes specifie& in Rule ,2@" Section 0?"
&urin' the pen&enc% of the investi'ation until such suspension is lifte& $% the Supre#e Court-
SEC- ,6- Suspension of attorney by the Court of (ppeals or a Regional Trial Court.2The Court
of Appeals or Re'ional Trial Court #a% suspen& an attorne% fro# practice for an% of the causes
na#e& in Rule ,2@" Section 0?" until further action of the Supre#e Court in the case-
SEC- ,?- 'pon suspension by Court of (ppeals or Regional Trial Court, further proceedings in
Supreme Court..Upon such suspension" the Court of Appeals or a Re'ional Trial Court shall
forth(ith trans#it to the Supre#e Court a certifie& cop% of the or&er of suspension an& a full
state#ent of the facts upon (hich the sa#e (as $ase&- Upon receipt of such certifie& cop% an&
state#ent" the Supre#e Court shall #a/e a full investi'ation of the case an& #a% revo/e"
shorten or e1ten& the suspension" or &is$ar the attorne% as the facts #a% (arrant-
SEC- ,@- Confidentiality..Procee&in's a'ainst attorne%s shall $e private an& confi&ential-
=o(ever" the final or&er of the Supre#e Court shall $e pu$lishe& li/e its &ecisions in other
cases-
SEC- ,A- *,penses..All reasona$le an& necessar% e1penses incurre& in relation to &isciplinar%
an& &is$ar#ent procee&in's are la(ful char'es for (hich the parties #a% $e ta1e& as costs-
SEC- 0B- *ffectivity and Transitory $rovision.2This Rule shall ta/e effect on Hune ," ,A@@ an&
shall superse&e the present Rule ,2A entitle& OF!S)AR9E+T OR SUSPE+S!O+ OF
ATTOR+EJS-O All cases pen&in' investi'ation $% the Office of the Solicitor Ceneral shall $e
transferre& to the !nte'rate& )ar of the Philippines )oar& of Covernors for investi'ation an&
&isposition as provi&e& in this Rule e1cept those cases (here the investi'ation has $een su$stan<
tiall% co#plete&- /1ar !atter %o. DG=, Resolution (pril >D, >9FF.0
RULE ,4B
F!SC!PL!+E OF HUFCES OF RECULAR A+F SPEC!AL COURTS A+F HUST!CES OF
T=E COURT OF APPEALS A+F T=E SA+F!CA+)AJA+
SECT!O+ ,- 3ow instituted..Procee&in's for the &iscipline of Hu&'es of re'ular an& special
courts an& Hustices of the Court of Appeals an& the San&i'an$a%an #a% $e institute& motu
proprio $% the Supre#e Court or upon a verifie& co#plaint" supporte& $% affi&avits of persons
(ho have personal /no(le&'e of the facts alle'e& therein or $% &ocu#ents (hich #a%
su$stantiate sai& alle'ations" or upon an anon%#ous co#plaint" supporte& $% pu$lic recor&s of
in&u$ita$le inte'rit%- The co#plaint shall $e in (ritin' an& shall state clearl% an& concisel% the
acts an& o#issions constitutin' violations of stan&ar&s of con&uct prescri$e& for Hu&'es $% la("
the Rules of Court" or the Co&e of Hu&icial Con&uct-
SEC- 0- (ction on the complaint..!f the co#plaint is sufficient in for# an& su$stance" a cop%
thereof shall $e serve& upon the respon&ent" an& he shall $e re>uire& to co##ent (ithin ten (,B)
&a%s fro# the &ate of service- Other(ise" the sa#e shall $e &is#isse&-
SEC- 2- 1y whom complaint investigated..Upon the filin' of the respon&entPs co##ent" or
upon the e1piration of the ti#e for filin' the sa#e an& unless other plea&in's or &ocu#ents are
re>uire&" the Court shall refer the #atter to the Office of the Court A&#inistrator for evaluation"
report" an& reco##en&ation or assi'n the case for investi'ation" report" an& reco##en&ation to
a retire& #e#$er of the Supre#e Court" if the respon&ent is a Hustice of the Court of Appeals
an& the Sandiganbayan" or to a Hustice of the Court of Appeals" if the respon&ent is a Hu&'e of a
Re'ional Trial Court or of a special court of e>uivalent ran/ or" to a Hu&'e of the Re'ional Trial
Court if the respon&ent is a Hu&'e of an inferior court-
SEC 4- 3earing..The investi'atin' Hustice or Hu&'e shall set a &a% for the hearin' an& sen&
notice thereof to $oth patties- At such hearin'" the parties #a% present oral an& &ocu#entar%
evi&ence- !f" after &ue notice" the respon&ent fails to appear" the investi'ation shall" procee& e,
parte.
The !nvesti'atin' Hustice or Hu&'e shall ter#inate the investi'ation (ithin ninet% (AB) &a%s fro#
the &ate of its co##ence#ent or (ithin such e1tension as the Supre#e Court #a% 'rant-
SEC- 5- Report..8ithin thirt% (2B) fro# the ter#ination of the investi'ation" the investi'atin'
Hustice or Hu&'e shall su$#it to the Supre#e Court a report containin' fin&in's of fact an&
reco##en&ation- The report shall $e acco#panie& $% the recor& containin' the evi&ence an& the
plea&in's file& $% the parties- The report shall $e confi&ential an& shall $e for e1clusive use of
the Court-
SEC- 6- (ction..The Court shall ta/e such action on the report as the facts an& the la( #a%
(arrant-
SEC- ?- Classification of charges..A&#inistrative char'es are classifie& as serious" less
serious" or li'ht-
SEC- @- Serious charges..Serious char'es inclu&e*
,- )ri$er%" &irect or in&irect7
0- Fishonest% an& violations of the Anti<Craft an& Corrupt Practices La( (R-A- +o- 2B,A)7
2- Cross #iscon&uct constitutin' violations of the Co&e of Hu&icial Con&uct7
4- Rno(in'l% ren&erin' an un3ust 3u&'#ent or or&er as &eter#ine& $% a co#petent court in an
appropriate procee&in'7
5- Conviction of a cri#e involvin' #oral turpitu&e7
6- 8illful failure to pa% a 3ust &e$t7
?- )orro(in' #one% or propert% fro# la(%ers an& liti'ants in a case pen&in' $efore the court7
@- !##oralit%7
A- Cross i'norance of the la( or proce&ure7
,B- Partisan political activities7 an&
,,- Alcoholis# an&Mor vicious ha$its-
SEC- A- 7ess Serious Charges..Less serious char'es inclu&e*
,- Un&ue &ela% in ren&erin' a &ecision or or&er" or in trans#ittin' the recor&s of a case7
0- Fre>uent an& un3ustifie& a$sences (ithout leave or ha$itual tar&iness7
2- Unauthori5e& practice of la(7
4- iolation of Supre#e Court rules" &irectives" an& circulars7
5- Receivin' a&&itional or &ou$le co#pensation unless specificall% authori5e& $% la(7
6- Untruthful state#ents in the certificate of service7 an&
?- Si#ple 9iscon&uct-
SEC- ,B- 7ight Charges..Li'ht char'es inclu&e*
,- ul'ar an& un$eco#in' con&uct7
0- Ca#$lin' in pu$lic7
2- Fraterni5in' (ith la(%ers an& liti'ants (ith pen&in' caseMcases in his court7 an&
4- Un&ue &ela% in the su$#ission of #onthl% reports-
SEC- ,,- Sanctions..A- !f the respon&ent is 'uilt% of a serious char'e" an% of the follo(in'
sanctions #a% $e i#pose&*
,- Fis#issal fro# the service" forfeiture of all or part of the $enefits as the Court #a% &eter#ine"
an& &is>ualification fro# reinstate#ent or appoint#ent to an% pu$lic office" inclu&in'
'overn#ent<o(ne& or controlle& corporations* Provi&e&" ho(ever" that the forfeiture of $enefits
shall in no case inclu&e accrue& leave cre&its7
0- Suspension fro# office (ithout salar% an& other $enefits for #ore than three (2) $ut not
e1cee&in' si1 (6) #onths7 or
2- A fine of #ore than P0B"BBB-BB $ut not e1cee&in' P4B-BBB-BB-
)- !f the respon&ent is 'uilt% of a less serious char'e" an% of the follo(in' sanctions shall $e
i#pose&*
,- Suspension fro# office (ithout salar% an& other $enefits for not less than one (,) nor #ore
than three (2) #onths7 or
0- A fine of #ore than P,B"BBB-BB $ut not e1cee&in' P0B"BBB-BB-
C- !f the respon&ent is 'uilt% of a li'ht char'e" an% of the follo(in' sanctions shall $e i#pose&*
,- A fine of not less than P,"BBB-BB $ut not e1cee&in' P,B"BBB-BB an&Mor7
0- Censure7
2- Repri#an&7
4- A&#onition (ith (arnin'-
SEC- ,0- Confidentiality of proceedings..Procee&in's a'ainst Hu&'es of re'ular an& special
courts an& Hustices of the Court of Appeals an& the San&i'an$a%an shall $e private an&
confi&ential" $ut a cop% of the &ecision or resolution of the Court shall $e attache& to the recor&
of the respon&ent in the Office of the Court A&#inistrator-
RULE ,4,T
LECAL FEES
SECT!O+ ,- $ayment of fees.2Upon the filin' of the plea&in' or other application (hich
initiates an action or procee&in'" the fees prescri$e& therefor shall $e pai& in full- (n)
SEC- 0- 4ees as lien.28here the court in its final 3u&'#ent a(ar&s a clai# not alle'e&" or a
relief &ifferent fro# or #ore than that clai#e& in the plea&in'" the part% concerne& shall pa% the
a&&itional fees (hich shall constitute a lien on the 3u&'#ent in satisfaction of sai& lien- The
cler/ of court shall assess an& collect the correspon&in' fees- (n)
SEC- 2- $ersons authori5ed to collect legal fees..E1cept as other(ise provi&e& in this rule" the
officers an& persons hereinafter #entione&" to'ether (ith their assistants an& &eputies" #a%
&e#an&" receive" an& ta/e the several fees hereinafter #entione& an& allo(e& for an% $usiness
$% the# respectivel% &one $% virtue of their several offices" an& no #ore- All fees so collecte&
shall $e forth(ith re#itte& to the Supre#e Court- The fees collecte& shall accrue to the 'eneral
fun&- =o(ever" all increases in the le'al fees prescri$e& in a#en&#ents to this rule as (ell as
ne( le'al fees prescri$e& herein shall pertain to the Hu&iciar% Fevelop#ent Fun& as esta$lishe&
$% la(- The persons herein authori5e& to collect le'al fees shall $e accounta$le officers an& shall
$e re>uire& to post $on& in such a#ount as prescri$e& $% la(- (,a)
SEC- 4- Cler)s of the Court of (ppeals and of the Supreme Court..
(a) For filin' an action" procee&in'" appeal $% notice or recor& on appeal (hen re>uire&"
enterin' appearance of the parties" enterin' or&ers of the court" filin' an& &oc/etin' all #otions"
&oc/etin' of case on all proper &oc/ets" an& in&e1in' the sa#e" enterin'" recor&in' an&
certification of 3u&'#ent an& re#an&in' of recor&s to the lo(er court" ta1in' an& costs"
a&#inisterin' all necessar% oaths or affir#ations in the action or procee&in'" recor&in' the
opinion of the court" an& issuin' all necessar% process in the action or procee&in' not herein
other(ise provi&e& for" each action or special procee&in'" five hun&re& (P5BB-BB) pesos7
($) For the perfor#ance of #arria'e cere#on%" inclu&in' issuance of certificate of #arria'e"
three hun&re& (P2BB-BB) pesos7
(c) For furnishin' transcripts of the recor& or copies of an% recor&" 3u&'#ent" or entr% of (hich
an% person is entitle& to &e#an& an& receive a cop%" for each pa'e" four (P4-BB) pesos7
(&) For each certificate not on process" thirt% (P2B-BB) pesos7
(e) For ever% search for an%thin' a$ove a %earPs stan&in' an& rea&in' the sa#e" fifteen (P,5-BB)
pesos7
(f) For a co##ission on all #one% co#in' into his han&s $% these rules or or&er of the court
an& carin' for the sa#e" t(o an& one<half (0-5U) percent on all su#s not e1cee&in' four
thousan& (P4"BBB-BB) pesos an& one an& one<half (,-5U) percent upon all su#s in e1cess of four
thousan& P4"BBB-BB pesos an& one (,U) percent on all su#s in e1cess of fort% thousan&
(P4B-BBB-BB) pesos- (0a)
SEC- 5- 4ees to be paid by the advancing party..The fees of the cler/ of the Court of Appeals
or of the Supre#e Court shall $e pai& hi# at the ti#e of the entr% of the action or procee&in' in
the court $% the part% (ho enters the sa#e $% appeal" or other(ise" an& the cler/ shall in all
cases 'ive a receipt for the sa#e an& shall enter the a#ount receive& upon his $oo/" specif%in'
the &ate (hen receive&" person fro# (ho# receive&" na#e of action in (hich receive&" an&
a#ount receive&- !f the fees are not pai&" the court #a% refuse to procee& (ith the action until
the% are pai& an& #a% &is#iss the appeal or the action or procee&in'- (2a)
SEC- 6- 4ees of bar candidates..
(a) For filin' the application for a&#ission to the $ar" (hether a&#itte& to the e1a#ination or
not" one thousan& seven hun&re& fift% (P,"?5B-BB) pesos for ne( applicants an& for repeaters"
plus the a&&itional a#ount of t(o hun&re& (P0BB-BB) pesos #ultiplie& $% the nu#$er of ti#es
the applicant has faile& in the $ar e1a#inations7
($) For a&#ission to the $ar" inclu&in' oath ta/in'" si'nin' of the roll of attorne%s" the issuance
of &iplo#a of a&#ission to the Philippine )ar" one thousan& an& seven hun&re& fift% (P,"?5B-BB)
pesos7
(c) Other )ar Fees- . For the issuance of*
,- Certification of a&#ission to the Philippine )arV----------------- P 5B-BB
0- Certificate of 'oo& stan&in' (local) ------------------------------------------- 5B-BB
2- Certificate of 'oo& stan&in' (forei'n) --------------------------------------- ,BB-BB
4- erification of #e#$ership in the $ar------------------------------------------ 5B-BB
5- Certificate of 'ra&es in the $ar e1a#inations ----------------------------- 5B-BB
6- Other certification of recor&s at the )ar Office" per
pa'e ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ,5-BB
?-A &uplicate &iplo#a of a&#ission to the Philippine
)ar - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5BB-BB
For services in connection (ith the return of e1a#ination note$oo/s to e1a#inees" a fee of thirt%
(P2B-BB) pesos shall also $e char'e&- (6a)
SEC- ?- Cler)s of Regional Trial Courts..
(a) For filin' an action or a per#issive counter<clai# or #one% clai# a'ainst an estate not $ase&
on 3u&'#ent" or for filin' (ith leave of court a thir&<part%" fourth<part%" etc- co#plaint" or a
co#plaint in intervention" an& for all clerical services in the sa#e" if the total<su# clai#e&"
e1clusive of interest" or the state& value of the propert% in liti'ation" is*
,- Less than P,BB"BBB-BB --------------------------------------------------------- P 5BB-BB
0- P,BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than P,5B"BBB-BB -------------@BB-BB
2- P,5B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P0BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-------------- ,"BBB-BB
4- P0BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P05B"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV----------------- ,"5BB-BB
5- P05B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P2BB-BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-------------- ,"?5B-BB
6- P2BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P25B"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV---------------0"BBB-BB
?- P25B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut not #ore than
P4BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV---------------0"05B-BB
@- For each P,"BBB-BB in e1cess of
P4BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-------------------- ,B-BB
($) For filin'*
,- Actions (here the value of the su$3ect #atter cannot
$e esti#ate& VVV--------------------------------------------------------------------- P 6BB-BB
0- Special civil actions e1cept 3u&icial foreclosure of #ort'a'e (hich shall
$e 'overne& $% para'raph (a) a$ove --------------------------------------------6BB-BB
2- All other actions not involvin' propert% --------------------------------------6BB-BB
!n a real action" the assesse& value of the propert%" or if there is none" the esti#ate& value"
thereof shall $e alle'e& $% the clai#ant an& shall $e the $asis in co#putin' the fees-
(c) For filin' re>uests for e1tra3u&icial foreclosure of real estate or chattel #ort'a'e" if the
a#ount of the in&e$te&ness" or the #ort'a'eePs clai#" is*
,- Less than P5B"BBB-BB ------------------------------------------------------- P 0?5-BB
0- P5B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P,BB"BBB-BB---------------------------------------------------------------------------4BB-BB
2- P,BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P,5B"BBB-BB-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5BB-BB
4- P,5B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P0BB"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65B-BB
5- P0BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P05B"BBB-BB----------------------------------------------------------------------- ,"BBB-BB
6- P05B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P2BB"BBB-BB ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ,"05B-BB
?- P2BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P4BB"BBB-BB ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ,"5BB-BB
@- P4BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
5BB"BBB-BB--------------------------------------------------------------------------,"?5B-BB
A- P5BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P,"BBB"BBB-BB-------------------------------------------------------------------- 0"BBB-BB
,B- For each P,"BBB-BB in e1cess of
P,"BBB"BBB-BB---------------------------------------------------------------------------,B-BB
(&) For initiatin' procee&in's for the allo(ance of (ills" 'rantin' letters of a&#inistration"
appoint#ent of 'uar&ians" trustees" an& other special procee&in's" the fees pa%a$le shall $e
collecte& in accor&ance (ith the value of the propert% involve& in the procee&in's" (hich #ust
$e state& in the application or petition" as follo(s*
,- 9ore than P,BB"BBB-BB $ut less than
P,5B"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-VV-V-P0"BBB-BB
0- P,5B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P0BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV----------- 05B-BB
2- P0BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P05B"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV---- 0"5BB-BB
4- P05B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P2BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV---- 0"?5B-BB
5- P2BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P25B-BBB-BBVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-V---- 2"BBB-BB
6- P,BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut not #ore than
P4BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV--V--V 2"05B-BB
?- For each P,"BBB-BB in e1cess of
P4BB"BBB-BB VVVVVVVVVVV--VVVVVV------------------,B-BB
!f the value of the estate as &efinitel% appraise& $% the courts is #ore than the value &eclare& in
the application" the &ifference of fee shall $e pai&7 provi&e&" that a certificate fro# the cler/ of
court that the proper fees have $een pai& shall $e re>uire& prior to the closure of the
procee&in's-
(e) For filin' petitions for naturali5ation or other #o&es of ac>uisition of citi5enship" t(o
thousan& (P0"BBB-BB) pesos7
(f) For filin' petitions for a&option" support" annul#ent of #arria'e" le'al separation an& other
actions or procee&in's un&er the Fa#il% Co&e" t(o hun&re& (P0BB-BB) pesos7
!f the procee&in's involve separation of propert%" an a&&itional fee correspon&in' to the value of
the propert% involve& shall $e collecte&" co#pute& in accor&ance (ith the rates for special
procee&in's-
(') For all other special procee&in's not concernin' propert% t(o hun&re& (P0BB-BB) pesos7
(h) For the perfor#ance of #arria'e cere#on% inclu&in' issuance of certificate of #arria'e"
three hun&re& (P2BB-BB) pesos7
(i) For filin' an application for co##ission as notar% pu$lic" five hun&re& (P5BB-BB) pesos7
(3) For certifie& copies of an% paper" recor&" &ecree" 3u&'#ents or entr% thereof for each pa'e"
four (P4-BB) pesos an& fifteen (P,5-BB) pesos for certification7
(/) For a co##ission on all #one% co#in' into the cler/sP han&s $% la(" rule" or&er or (rit of
court an& carin' for the sa#e" one an& one<half (,-5U) per centu# on all su#s not e1cee&in'
fort% thousan& (P4B"BBB-BB) pesos" an& one (,U) per centu# on all su#s in e1cess of fort%
thousan& (P4B"BBB-BB) pesos7
(l) For an% other services as cler/ not provi&e& in this section" one hun&re& an& fift% (,5B-BB)
pesos shall $e collecte&- (?a)
SEC- @- Cler)s of Courts of the 4irst 7evel.2
(a) For each civil action or procee&in'" (here the value of the su$3ect #atter involve&"
or the a#ount of the &e#an&" inclusive of interest" &a#a'es of (hatever /in&" attorne%Ps fees"
liti'ation e1penses" an& costs" is*
,- +ot #ore than P0B"BBB-BB V---------------------------------------------P ,5B-BB
0- 9ore than P0B"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
P,BB"BBB-BB -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5BB-BB
2- 9ore than P,BB"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
P0BB"BBB-BBV---------------------------------------------------------------------,"05B-BB
4- 9ore than P0BB"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
2BB"BBB-BB V-----------------------------------------------------------------------,"?5B-BB
5- 9ore than P2BB"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
P4BB"BBB-BB V------------------------------------------------------------------- 0"5BB-BB
!n a real action" other than for forci$le entr% an& unla(ful &etainer" the assesse& value of the
propert% or if not &eclare& for ta1ation purposes" the assesse& value of the a&3acent lots" or if
there is none" the esti#ate& value thereof shall $e alle'e& $% the clai#ant an& shall $e the $asis
in co#putin' the fees-
($) For initiatin' procee&in's for the allo(ance of (ills" 'rantin' of letters of
a&#inistration an& settle#ent of estates of s#all value" (here the value of the estate is*
,- +ot #ore than P0B"BBB-BB -------------------------------------------------- P 05B-BB
0- 9ore than P0B"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
P,BB"BBB-BB -------------------------------------------------------------------------,"25B-BB
2- 9ore than P,BB"BBB-BB $ut not #ore than
P0BB"BBB-BB -------------------------------------------------------------------------0"BBB-BB
4- For each procee&in' other than the allo(ance of (ills (pro$ate)" 'rantin' a
letter of a&#inistration" settle#ent of estate of s#all value" t(o hun&re&
(P0BB-BB) pesos-

(c) For forci$le entr% an& unla(ful &etainer cases" one hun&re& an& fift%
(P,5B-BB) pesos7
(&) For appeals in all actions or procee&in's" inclu&in' forci$le entr% an& &etainer cases"
ta/en fro# courts of first level" t(o hun&re& (P0BB-BB) pesos7
(e) For the perfor#ance of #arria'e cere#on%" inclu&in' issuance of certificate of
#arria'e" three hun&re& (P2BB-BB) pesos7
(f) For ta/in' affi&avit" t(ent%<five (P05-BB) pesos7
(') For ta/in' ac/no(le&'#ent" thirt% (P2B-BB) pesos7
(h) For ta/in' an& certif%in' &epositions" inclu&in' oath" per pa'e" ei'ht (P@-BB) pesos7
(i) For certifie& copies of an% recor&" per pa'e" ten (P,B-BB) pesos7
(3) For sta#pin' an& re'isterin' $oo/s as re>uire& $% Articles nineteen an& thirt%<si1 of
the Co&e of Co##erce" each $oo/" thirt% (P2B-BB) pesos7
(/) For perfor#in' notarial acts for (hich fees are not specificall% fi1e& in this section"
the sa#e fees (hich notaries pu$lic are entitle& to receive- (@a)
SEC- A- Sheriffs and other persons serving processes..
(a) For servin' su##ons an& cop% of co#plaint" for each &efen&ant" si1t% (P6B-BB)
pesos7
($) For servin' su$poenas in civil action or procee&in'" for each (itness to $e serve&"
t(ent%<four (04-BB) pesos7
(c) For e1ecutin' a (rit of attach#ent a'ainst the propert% of &efen&ant" si1t% (P6B-BB)
pesos7
(&) For servin' a te#porar% restrainin' or&er" or (rit of in3unction" preli#inar% or final"
of an% court" si1t% (P6B-BB) pesos7
(e) For e1ecutin' a (rit of replevin" si1t% (P6B-BB) pesos7
(f) For filin' $on&s or other instru#ents or securit% in provisional re#e&ies" for each
$on& or instru#ent" fift% (P5B-BB) pesos7
(') For e1ecutin' a (rit or process to place a part% in possession of real estates" one
hun&re& an& fift% (P,5B-BB) pesos7
(h) For a&vertisin' a sale" $esi&es cost of pu$lication" sevent%<five (P?5-BB) pesos7
(i) For ta/in' inventor% of 'oo&s levie& upon (hen the inventor% is or&ere& $% the court"
one hun&re& an& fift% (P,5B-BB) pesos per &a% of actual inventor% (or/7
(3) For lev%in' on e1ecution on personal or real propert%" sevent%<five (P?5-BB) pesos7
(/) For issuin' a notice of 'arnish#ent" for each notice" thirt% (P2B-BB) pesos7
(l) For #one% collecte& $% hi# $% or&er" e1ecution" attach#ent" or an% other process"
3u&icial or e1tra3u&icial" the follo(in'" to (it*
,- On the first four thousan& (P4"BBB-BB) pesos" five (5U) per centu#7
0- On all su#s in e1cess of four thousan& (P4"BBB-BB) pesos" t(o an& one<half (0-5U) per
centu#-
!n a&&ition to the fees hereina$ove fi1e&" the part% re>uestin' the process of an% court"
preli#inar%" inci&ental" or final" shall pa% the sheriffs e1penses in servin' or e1ecutin' the
process" or safe'uar&in' the propert%" levie& upon" attache& or sei5e&" inclu&in' /ilo#etra'e for
each /ilo#eter of travel" 'uar&sP fees" (arehousin' an& si#ilar char'es" in an a#ount esti#ate&
$% the sheriff" su$3ect to the approval of the court- Upon approval of sai& esti#ate& e1penses"
the intereste& part% shall &eposit such a#ount (ith the cler/ of court an& e, officio sheriff" (ho
shall &is$urse the sa#e to the &eput% sheriff assi'ne& to effect the process" su$3ect to li>ui&ation
(ithin the sa#e perio& for ren&erin' a return on the process- An% unspent a#ount shall $e
refun&e& to the part% #a/in' the &eposit- A full report shall $e su$#itte& $% the &eput% sheriff
assi'ne& (ith his return" an& the sheriffs e1penses shall $e ta1e& as costs a'ainst the 3u&'#ent
&e$tor-(Aa)
SEC- ,B- Stenographers..Steno'raphers shall 'ive certifie& transcript of notes ta/en $% the# to
ever% person re>uestin' the sa#e upon pa%#ent of (a) si1 (P6-BB) pesos for each pa'e of not
less than t(o hun&re& an& fift% (or&s $efore the appeal is ta/en an& ($) three pesos an& si1t%
centavos (P2-6B) for the sa#e pa'e" after the filin' of the appeal* $rovided, however, That one<
thir& of the total char'es shall $e pai& to the court an& the re#ainin' t(o<thir&s to the
steno'rapher concerne&-(,Ba)
SEC- ,,- %otaries..+o notar% pu$lic shall char'e or receive for an% service ren&ere& $% hi#
an% fee" re#uneration or co#pensation in e1cess of those e1pressl% prescri$e& in the follo(in'
sche&ule*
(a) For protests of &rafts" $ills of e1chan'e" or pro#issor% notes for nonacceptance or
nonpa%#ent" an& for notice thereof" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
($) For the re'istration of such protest an& filin' or safe/eepin' of the sa#e" thirt%<si1
(P26-BB) pesos7
(c) For authenticatin' po(ers of attorne%" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
(&) For s(orn state#ent concernin' correctness of an% account for other &ocu#ent"
thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
(e) For each oath of affir#ation" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
(f) For receivin' evi&ence of in&e$te&ness to $e sent outsi&e" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
(') For issuin' a certifie& cop% of all or part of his notarial re'ister or notarial recor&s" for
each pa'e" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7
(h) For ta/in' &epositions" for each pa'e" thirt%<si1 (P26-BB) pesos7 an&
(i) For ac/no(le&'in' other &ocu#ents not enu#erate& in this section" thirt%<si1
(P26-BB) pesos- (,,a)
SEC- ,0- Other officers ta)ing depositions..Other officers ta/in' &epositions shall receive the
sa#e co#pensation as a$ove provi&e& for notaries pu$lic for ta/in' an& certif%in' &epositions-
(,B)
SEC- ,2- #itness fees..(a) 8itnesses in the Supre#e Court" in the Court of Appeals an& in the
Re'ional Trial Courts" either in actions or special procee&in's" shall $e entitle& to one hun&re&
(P,BB-BB) pesos per &a% inclusive of travel ti#e7
($) 8itnesses $efore courts of the first level shall $e allo(e& fift% (P5B-BB) pesos per &a%7
(c) Fees to (hich (itnesses #a% $e entitle& in a civil action shall $e allo(e&" on the certification
of the cler/ of court or 3u&'e of his appearance in the case- A (itness shall not $e allo(e&
co#pensation for his atten&ance in #ore than one case or #ore then one si&e of the sa#e case at
the sa#e ti#e" $ut #a% elect in (hich of several cases or on (hich si&e of a case" (hen he is
su##one& $% $oth si&es" to clai# his atten&ance- A person (ho is co#pelle& to atten& court on
other $usiness shall not $e pai& as (itness- (,,a)
SEC- ,4- 4ees of appraisers..Appraisers appointe& to appraise the estate of a (ar& or of a
&ecease& person shall each receive a co#pensation of one hun&re& (P,BB-BB) pesos per &a% for
the ti#e actuall% an& necessaril% e#plo%e& in the perfor#ance of then &uties an& in #a/in'
their reports" (hich fees" in each instance" shall $e pai& out of the estate of the (ar& or &ecease&
person" as the case #a% $e- An% actual an& necessar% travelin' e1penses incurre& in the
perfor#ance of the &uties of such appraisers #a% li/e(ise $e allo(e& an& pai& out of the estate-
(,0a)
SEC- ,5- 4ees of commissioners in eminent domain proceedings..The co##issioners
appointe& to appraise lan& sou'ht to $e con&e#ne& for pu$lic uses in accor&ance (ith these
rules shall each receive a co#pensation of one hun&re& (P,BB-BB) pesos per &a% for the ti#e
actuall% an& necessaril% e#plo%e& in the perfor#ance of their &uties an& in #a/in' their report
to the court" (hich fees shall $e ta1e& as a part of the costs of the procee&in's- (,2a)
SEC- ,6- 4ees of commissioners in proceedings for partition of real estate..The co##issioners
appointe& to #a/e partition of real estate shall each receive a co#pensation of one hun&re&
(P,BB-BB) pesos per &a% for the ti#e actuall% an& necessaril% e#plo%e& in the perfor#ance of
their &uties an& in #a/in' their report to the court" (hich fees shall $e ta1e& as a part of the
costs of the procee&in's- (,4a)
SEC- ,?- 4ees, and the account thereof..The cler/" un&er the &irection of the 3u&'e" shall /eep
a $oo/ in (hich shall $e entere& the ite#s of fees (hich have accrue& for the transaction of
$usiness covere& $% the provisions of this rule" for (hich fees are pa%a$le" specif%in' for (hat
$usiness each ti#e of fees has accrue&- Receipts shall $e 'iven for all fees receive& an& the%
shall $e accounte& for in the #anner provi&e& in relation to the fees of cler/s of court in actions-
The $oo/ of fees /ept $% the cler/ shall $e su$3ect to the inspection of au&itin' officers an&
others intereste& therein- (,5)
SEC- ,@- Indigent litigants e,empt from payment of legal fees..!n&i'ent liti'ants (a) (hose
'ross inco#e an& that of their i##e&iate fa#il% &o not e1cee& four thousan& (P4"BBB-BB) pesos
a #onth if resi&in' in 9etro 9anila" an& three thousan& (P2"BBB-BB) pesos a #onth if resi&in'
outsi&e 9etro 9anila" an& ($) (ho &o not o(n real propert% (ith an assesse& value of #ore than
fift% thousan& (P5B"BBB-BB) pesos shall $e e1e#pt fro# the pa%#ent of le'al fees-
The le'al fees shall $e a lien on an% 3u&'#ent ren&ere& in the case favora$l% to the in&i'ent
liti'ant" unless the court other(ise provi&es-
To $e entitle& to the e1e#ption herein provi&e&" the liti'ant shall e1ecute an affi&avit that he an&
his i##e&iate fa#il% &o not earn a 'ross inco#e a$ove#entione&" nor the% o(n an% real
propert% (ith the assesse& value afore#entione&" supporte& $% an affi&avit of a &isintereste&
person attestin' to the truth of the liti'antPs affi&avit-
An% falsit% in the affi&avit of a liti'ant or &isintereste& person shall $e sufficient cause to stri/e
out the plea&in' of that part%" (ithout pre3u&ice to (hatever cri#inal lia$ilit% #a% have $een
incurre&- (,6a) (Rea& also RAs 6B24 an& 6B25" App-)
SEC- ,A- !n a&&ition to the fees i#pose& in the prece&in' sections" a victi# co#pensation fee of
five (P5-BB) pesos pursuant to Rep- Act +o- ?2BA shall $e assesse& an& collecte& for the filin' of
ever% co#plaint or petition initiatin' an or&inar% civil action" special civil action or special
procee&in' in the trial courts inclu&in' civil actions i#plie&l% institute& (ith cri#inal actions
un&er Rule ,,," Revise& Rules of Cri#inal Proce&ure (here a filin' fee is li/e(ise collecte&-
All su#s collecte& shall $e re#itte& to the Fepart#ent of Hustice ever% >uarter $% the Cler/ of
Court concerne&- (,@<A) /Read R( <DE9, (pp.0
SEC- 0B- Other fees.2The follo(in' fees shall also $e collecte& $% the cler/s of Re'ional Trial
Courts or courts of the first level" as the case #a% $e*
(a) !n estafa cases (here the offen&e& part% fails to #anifest (ithin fifteen (,5) &a%s follo(in'
the filin' of the infor#ation that the civil lia$ilit% arisin' fro# the cri#e has $een or (oul& $e
separatel% prosecute&*
,- Less than P,BB"BBB-BB--------------------------------------------- P 5BB-BB
0- P,BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P,5B"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ @BB-BB
2- P,5B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P0BB"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ,"BBB-BB
4- P0BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P05B"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ,"5BB-BB
5- P05B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P2BB"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ,"?5B-BB
6- P2BB"BBB-BB or #ore $ut less than
P25B"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0"BBB-BB
?- P25B"BBB-BB or #ore $ut no #ore than
P4BB"BBB-BB------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0"05B-BB
($) For #otions for postpone#ent after co#pletion of the pre<trial sta'e" one hun&re&
(P,BB-BB) pesos for the first" an& an a&&itional fift% (P5B-BB) pesos for ever% postpone#ent
thereafter $ase& on that for the i##e&iatel% procee&in' #otion* Provi&e&" ho(ever" That no fee
shall $e i#pose& (hen the #otion is foun& to $e $ase& on 3ustifia$le an& co#pellin' reason7
(c) For $on&s $% sureties in cri#inal an& civil cases" three hun&re& (P2BB-BB) pesos7
(&) For applications for an& entries of certificates of sale an& final &ee&s of sale in
e1tra3u&icial foreclosures of #ort'a'es" three hun&re& (P2BB-BB) pesos7
(e) For applications for an& certificates of sale in notarial foreclosures*
,- On the first four thousan& (P4-BBB-BB) pesos" five (5U) percent7
0- On all su#s in e1cess of four thousan& (P4-BBB-BB) pesos" t(o an& one<half (0-5U) percent-
(A9- !o. 99&F&E>&SC, Sept. >;, >999.0
SEC- 0,- -overnment e,empt.2The Repu$lic of the Philippines" its a'encies an&
instru#entalities" are e1e#pt fro# pa%in' the le'al fees provi&e& in this rule- Local
'overn#ents an& 'overn#ent<o(ne& or controlle& corporations (ith or (ithout in&epen&ent
charters are not e1e#pt fro# pa%in' such fees- (,A) /(s amended by (dm. !emo. %o. EE&@&E>&
SC, and it too) effect on the >st day of !arch @EEE.0
RULE ,40
COSTS
SECT!O+ ,- Costs ordinarily follow results of suit2'nless other(ise provi&e& in these rules"
costs shall $e allo(e& to the prevailin' part% as a #atter of course" $ut the court shall have
po(er" for special reasons" to a&3u&'e that either part% shall pa% the costs of an action" or that the
sa#e $e &ivi&e&" as #a% $e e>uita$le- +o costs shall $e allo(e& a'ainst the Repu$lic of the
Philippines unless other(ise provi&e& $% la(-
SEC- 0- #hen action or appeal dismissed..!f an action or appeal is &is#isse& for (ant of
3uris&iction or other(ise" the court nevertheless shall have the po(er to ren&er 3u&'#ent for
costs" as 3ustice #a% re>uire-
SEC- 2- Costs when appeal frivolous..8here an action or an appeal is foun& to $e frivolous"
&ou$le or tre$le costs #a% $e i#pose& on the plaintiff or appellant" (hich shall $e pai& $% his
attorne%" if so or&ere& $% the court-
SEC- 4- 4alse allegations..An aver#ent in a plea&in' #a&e (ithout reasona$le cause an&
foun& untrue shall su$3ect the offen&in' part% to the pa%#ent of such reasona$le e1penses as
#a% have $een necessaril% incurre& $% the other part% $% reason of such untrue plea&in'- The
a#ount of e1penses so pa%a$le shall $e fi1e& $% the 3u&'e in the trial" an& ta1e& as costs-
SEC- 5- %o costs for irrelevant matters..8hen the recor& contains an% unnecessar%" irrelevant"
or i##aterial #atter" the part% at (hose instance the sa#e (as inserte& or at (hose instance the
sa#e (as printe&" shall not $e allo(e& as costs an% &is$urse#ent for preparin'" certif%in'" or
printin' such #atter-
SEC- 6- (ttorneyAs fees as costs..+o attorne%Ps fees shall $e ta1e& as costs a'ainst the a&verse
part%" e1cept as provi&e& $% the rules of civil la(- )ut this section shall have no relation to the
fees to $e char'e& $% an attorne% as a'ainst his client-
SEC- ?- Restriction of costs..!f the plaintiff in an% action shall recover a su# not e1cee&in' ten
pesos as &e$t or &a#a'es" he shall recover no #ore costs than &e$t or &a#a'es" unless the court
shall certif% that the action involve& a su$stantial an& i#portant ri'ht to the plaintiff in (hich
case full costs #a% $e allo(e&-
SEC- @- Costs, how ta,ed..!n inferior courts" the costs shall $e ta1e& $% the #unicipal or cit%
3u&'e an& inclu&e& in the 3u&'#ent- !n superior courts" costs shall $e ta1e& $% the cler/ of the
correspon&in' court on five &a%sP (ritten notice 'iven $% the prevailin' part% to the a&verse
part%- 8ith this notice shall $e serve& a state#ent of the ite#s of costs clai#e& $% the prevailin'
part%" verifie& $% his oath or that of his attorne%- O$3ections to the ta1ation shall $e #a&e in
(ritin'" specif%in' the ite#s o$3ecte& to- Either part% #a% appeal to the court fro# the cler/Ps
ta1ation- The costs shall $e inserte& in the 3u&'#ent if ta1e& $efore its entr%" an& pa%#ent
thereof shall $e enforce& $% e1ecution-
SEC- A- Costs in municipal or city courts..!n an action or procee&in' pen&in' $efore a
#unicipal or cit% 3u&'e" the prevailin' part% #a% recover the follo(in' costs" an& no other*
(a) For the co#plaint or ans(er" t(o pesos7
($) For the atten&ance of hi#self" or his counsel" or $oth" on the &a% of trial" five pesos7
(c) For each a&&itional &a%Ps atten&ance re>uire& in the actual trial of the case" one peso7
(&) For each (itness pro&uce& $% hi#" for each &a%Ps necessar% atten&ance at the trial" one peso"
an& his la(ful travelin' fees7
(e) For each &eposition la(full% ta/en $% hi# an& pro&uce& in evi&ence" five pesos7
(f) For ori'inal &ocu#ents" &ee&s" or papers of an% /in& pro&uce& $% hi#" nothin'7
(') For official copies of such &ocu#ents" &ee&s or papers" the la(ful fees necessaril% pai& for
o$tainin' such copies7
(h) The la(ful fees pai& $% hi# for service of the su##ons an& other process in the action7
(i) The la(ful fees char'e& a'ainst hi# $% the 3u&'e of the court in enterin' an& &oc/etin' an&
tr%in' the action or procee&in'-
SEC- ,B- Costs in Regional Trial Courts..!n an action or procee&in' pen&in' in a Re'ional
Trial Court" the prevailin' part% #a% recover the follo(in' costs" an& no other*
(a) For the co#plaint or ans(er" fifteen pesos7
($) For his o(n atten&ance" an& that of his attorne%" &o(n to an& inclu&in' final 3u&'#ent"
t(ent% pesos7
(c) For each (itness necessaril% pro&uce& $% hi#" for each &a%Ps necessar% atten&ance of such
(itness at the trial" t(o pesos" an& his la(ful travelin' fees7
(&) For each &eposition la(full% ta/en $% hi#" an& pro&uce& in evi&ence" five pesos7
(e) For ori'inal &ocu#ents" &ee&s" or papers of an% /in& pro&uce& $% hi#" nothin'7
(f) For official copies of such &ocu#ents" &ee&s" or papers" the la(ful fees necessaril% pai& for
o$tainin' such copies7
(') The la(ful fees pai& $% hi# in enterin' an& &oc/etin' the action or recor&in' the
procee&in's" for the" service of an% process in action" an& all la(ful cler/Ps fees pai& $% hi#-
SEC- ,,- Costs in Court of (ppeals and in Supreme Court.. !n an action or procee&in' pen&in'
in the Court of Appeals or in the Supre#e Court" the prevailin' part% #a% recover the follo(in'
costs" an& no other*
(a) For his o(n atten&ance" an& that of his attorne%" &o(n to an& inclu&in' final 3u&'#ent"
thirt% pesos in the Court of Appeals an& fift% pesos in the Supre#e Court7
($) For official copies of recor& on appeal an& the printin' thereof" an& all other copies re>uire&
$% the Rules of Court the su# actuall% pai& for the sa#e7
(c) All la(ful fees char'e& a'ainst hi# $% the cler/ of the Court of Appeals or of the Supre#e
Court" in enterin' an& &oc/etin' the action an& recor&in' the procee&in's an& 3u&'#ent therein
an& for the issuin' of all process7
(&) +o allo(ance shall $e #a&e to the prevailin' part% in the Supre#e Court or Court of
Appeals for the $rief or (ritten or printe& ar'u#ents of his attorne%" or copies thereof" asi&e
fro# the thirt% or fift% pesos a$ove state&7
(e) !f testi#on% is receive& in the Supre#e Court or Court of Appeals not ta/en in another court
an& trans#itte& thereto" the prevailin' part% shall $e allo(e& the sa#e costs for (itness fees"
&epositions" an& process an& service thereof as he (oul& have $een allo(e& for such ite#s ha&
the testi#on% $een intro&uce& in a Re'ional Trial Court7
(f) The la(ful fees of a co##issioner in an action #a% also $e ta1e& a'ainst the &efeate& part%"
or apportione& as 3ustice re>uires-
SEC- ,0- Costs when witness fails to appear..!f a (itness fails to appear at the ti#e an& place
specifie& in the su$poena issue& $% an% inferior court" the costs of the (arrant of arrest an& of
the arrest of the (itness shall $e pai& $% the (itness if the court shall &eter#ine that his failure
to ans(er the su$poena (as (illful or (ithout 3ust e1cuse-
SEC- ,2- Costs when person cited for e,amination in probate proceedings..8hen a person is
cite&" on #otion of another" to appear $efore the court to $e e1a#ine& in pro$ate procee&in's"
the court #a%" in its &iscretion" ta1 costs for the person so cite& an& issue e1ecution therefor"
allo(in' the sa#e fees as for (itnesses in Re'ional Trial Court-
RULE ,42
APPL!CA)!L!TJ OF T=E RULES
These rules shall not appl% to lan& re'istration" ca&astral an& election cases" naturali5ation an&
insolvenc% procee&in's" an& other cases not herein provi&e& for" e1cept $% analo'% or in a
suppletor% character an& (henever practica$le an& convenient-
RULE ,44
EFFECT!E+ESS
These rules shall ta/e effect on Hanuar% ," ,A64- The% shall 'overn all cases $rou'ht after the%
ta/e effect" an& also all further procee&in's in cases then pen&in'" e1cept to the e1tent that in the
opinion of the court their application (oul& not $e feasi$le or (oul& (or/ in3ustice" in (hich
event the for#er proce&ure shall appl%-
, These Rules (ere revise& an& approve& on Octo$er 2" 0BBB to ta/e effect on Fece#$er ,"
0BBB- The sa#e (ere pu$lishe& in the 9anila )ulletin an& the Philippine Star" Octo$er ,6 an&
,@" respectivel%-T (For#* Application for Search 8arrant)
PEOPLE OF T=E P=!L!PP!+ES
Plaintiff"
Cri#inal Case +o-____
ersus for
A-)-" SState nature of the offense)
Accuse&"
1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1
APPL!CAT!O+ FOR SEARC= 8ARRA+T
The un&ersi'ne& (na#e of applicant) after havin' $een &ul% s(orn7 states*
, That (na#e of the person to $e searche&)" (ho #a% $e foun& at (&escri$e pre#ises) is in
possession or has in his control (na#e propert% su$3ect of the offense7 or stolen or e#$e55le&
an& other procee&s or fruits of the offense7 or use& or inten&e& to $e use& as the #eans of
co##ittin' an offense) (hich he is /eepin' an& concealin' in pre#ises a$ove &escri$e&-
(Cancel &escription not applica$le)-
0- That a search (arrant shoul& $e issue& to ena$le an& a'ent of the la( to ta/e possession an&
$rin' to his court the follo(in' &escri$e& propert%* ('ive a co#plete an& &etaile& &escription of
the propert% to $e sei5e&)-
8herefore" the un&ersi'ne& pra%s this =onora$le Court to issue a search (arrant authori5in'
an% a'ent of the la( to search the pre#ises a$ove &escri$e& an& to sei5e an& surren&er to this
=onora$le Court the personal propert% #entione& a$ove to $e &ealt (ith as the la( &irects-
______________" Philippines"______,A______
______________
Applicant
(For#* Search 8arrant)
PEOPLE OF T=E P=!L!PP!+ES
Plaintiff"
Cri#inal Case +o-_______
ersus for
A-)-" (State nature of the offense)
Accuse&"
1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1
TO A+J PEACE OFF!CER
Creetin's*
!t appearin' to the satisfaction of the un&ersi'ne& after e1a#inin' un&er oath (na#e of
applicant) an& his (itness (na#e of (itness) that there is pro$a$le cause to $elieve that (&escri$e
the act char'e&) has $een co##itte& or is a$out to $e co##itte& an& that there are 'oo& an&
sufficient reasons to $elieve that (na#e of person or persons to $e searche&) has in his
possession or control in (&escri$e pre#ises) in (na#e of street)" &istrict
of_______________________" (na#e of propert% su$3ect of the offense" or stolen or e#$e55le&
an& other procee&s or fruits of the offense or use& or inten&e& to $e use& as a #eans of
co##ittin' an offense) (hich shoul& $e sei5e& an& $rou'ht to the un&ersi'ne&- (Cancel
&escription not applica$le)
Jou are here$% co##an&e& to #a/e an i##e&iate search at an% ti#e in the &a% (or ni'ht) of the
pre#ises a$ove &escri$e& an& forth(ith sei5e an& ta/e possession of the follo(in' personal
propert%" to (it* ('ive a co#plete an& &etaile& &escription of the propert% to $e sei5e&) an& $rin'
sai& propert% to the un&ersi'ne& to $e &ealt (ith as the la( &irects-
8itness #% han& this_____&a% of_______________" ,A____
_____________
Hu&'e

T As a#en&e& per Resolution a&opte& on 9arch ,4" ,A@A an& too/ effect Hul% ," ,A@A-
, This rule (ill $e transpose& to Part ! of the Rules of Court on Fepositions an& Fiscover%-
(Rule 04)T Resolution of the Court en banc &ate& Hul% 0?" ,AA2" provi&es that $e'innin' ne1t
%ear (,AA4)" the Court (ill not allo( 'ra&uates of forei'n la( schools to ta/e the $ar
e1a#inations- An applicant (ho &esires to ta/e the $ar e1a#inations #ust not onl% have stu&ie&
la( in a local school $ut has to present the certifications re>uire& un&er Sections 5 an& 6 of Rule
,2@ (Rules of Court) in or&er to ta/e the $ar e1a#inations- Since 'ra&uates of forei'n la(
schools cannot su$#it sai& certifications" the% shall henceforth not $e allo(e& to ta/e the $ar
e1a#inations- (S-C- Res- issue& Au'ust 2" ,AA2-)
Re* Cui&elines for the re'istration of forei'n professionals allo(e& $% la( to practice the
re'istere& professions in the Philippines- See PRC Resolution +o- A@<54?- S- ,AA@" issue&
Hanuar% 0B" ,AA@-
T Superse&e& $% Sec- 0B" Rule ,2A<)-, !nserte& $% Repu$lic Act +o- 62A?" it too/ effect on
Hanuar% ,6" ,A?2-T As a#en&e& $% A-9- +o- BB<0<B,<SC" (hich too/ effect on the ,st &a% of
9arch ," 0BBB-