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Chapter I

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS

I. THE BASICS OF THE CIVIL LITIGATION PROCESS

A signifi cant element of the Philippine judicial process is its employment of the adversarial system as an indispensable tool in dispute resolution. Under this system, the contending parties present before a court their confl icting versions of an occurrence by shaping both the facts, the issues and even the evidence to suit their own perspectives, designs and strategies in accordance with a body of rules that provides the framework for the entire litigation process. This body of rules likewise not only guides the court in its determination of legal controversies but also prevents it from rendering arbitrary orders, resolutions and decisions. In this jurisdiction, these rules have been collectively called the Rules of Court.

Lawsuits are inventions neither of the court nor of the judicial system because litigations inevitably arise within any social environment. The system is in reality a passive entity. A court for example, while having jurisdiction over certain subject matters, does not on its own accord call on the parties to litigate between or among themselves. Even the rules of procedure on their own are mere mishmash of letters and words, mere assortments of sentences and paragraphs, dormant and virtually lifeless.

Lawsuits actually originate from an individual, from one who feels aggrieved by the acts of another. A litigation arises because someone goes to court and seeks redress from it for a perceived transgression committed against his

CIVIL PROCEDURE2

person or property. It is actually the individual who decides to start the litigation process and breathes life into the rules of procedure by invoking the jurisdiction of the court. When a lawsuit is commenced, the judicial machinery is activated, is infused with life and continues to grind until the dispute is resolved and the decision executed. From an initially passive entity the judicial system becomes an active machinery in the dispensation of justice.

The material that follows presents the most basic aspects of the civil litigation process and does not pretend to be an exhaustive treatise of all the issues which may arise in all litigations. There are certain matters in the litigation process which suddenly occur in the course of the proceedings and which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Besides, there are topics which, due to the demands of both scope and priorities, have to be intentionally left out. This work contains only those topics deemed indispensable to the acquisition of the core knowledge required to pass the bar examinations and to start a career in trial practice. The other more complicated situations in remedial law would later on automatically present themselves to the new lawyer as he acquires experience in the fi eld.

Care has been taken to avoid the use of impenetrable legalese because emphasis has been made in bringing civil procedure to a more understandable and workable level. Topics in the Rules of Court have been rearranged to help the reader break free from an overly technical approach to the subject, release the mind from the “book mode” developed in law school and to approximate the application of procedural rules in both the bar examinations and the real world.

Experience has told us fairly well that it is the ability to conceptualize the relationships among procedural rules, which enables one to respond with ease to even the most cerebrally formulated questions in the bar and even to unexpected twists in the fi eld of litigation. Although there are aspects of the Rules, in fact a substantial number of them, which have to be committed to memory, route memory has never been the key to success in both litigation and the bar examinations in

3FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS

procedural law. Hence, the materials that follow have been presented to allow the reader to develop on his own a more practical approach to procedural principles.

Whenever necessary, principles in substantive law have been included in the discussion of the topics found in this work so the reader may see the rules from a better perspective. Substantive law after all, constitutes the foundation of procedural law.

The concepts that follow represent the most fundamental stages in the civil litigation process. The mastery of these concepts will enable the reader to grasp the most essential procedural principles, so he may later on proceed to a higher level of understanding of those principles and consequently help him demystify important aspects of remedial law, a subject traditionally but quite erroneously regarded as both abstract and diffi cult.

I. Complaint

Both experience and common reason have taught us that before a person learns how to walk, he should learn how to crawl and before he learns to run, he should learn how to walk.

Similarly, before one could appreciate the intricacies of remedial law, one has to start with its basics. These so-called basics are actually the elementary processes of ordinary civil actions. The practitioner and the student of remedial law have to know that an overwhelming majority of Supreme Court decisions involve issues relating to fundamental procedural matters and that the most frequently tested bar concepts during the past thirty years of bar examinations, involve the operations of ordinary civil actions.

As a starting point, it must be emphasized that the rules of civil procedure will come into play only with the fi ling of a complaint or in some actions or proceedings, a petition. Without a complaint being fi led, said rules would simply be meaningless. It is the fi ling of a complaint that gives life to procedural rules and triggers their application.

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FOREWORD

Some portions of this work have been rewritten for great-er clarity and to incorporate the latest decisions of the Su-preme Court as well as recent amendments to certain rules.

This work, as the one before it, is written primarily for the law student, the bar reviewee and the aspiring lawyer. It is a humble attempt to bring down the study of procedure to a more workable and understandable level. It is an attempt to use an approach that would hopefully strip civil procedure of the traditional and mechanical presentation of procedural principles.

The topics in these materials have veered away from the original arrangement of the rules appearing in the Rules of Court. The experienced among us know fully well that a strict adherence to such presentation leads to the impression among the uninitiated that remedial law is both abstract and circu-itous. While this impression is so far from the truth and is more of the mythical than the real, there still arises a need to provide a fresh look at the subject so the reader may see how the various pieces of the procedural puzzle fi t into a beauti-ful and logical scheme. Procedural principles have been rear-ranged in this work for the reader to appreciate the connection among scattered and seemingly unconnected provisions of the Rules of Court and for that reason, this material is called “a restatement.”

Every effort has been made to incorporate the latest doc-trines of the Supreme Court in every topic found in this work for the ready reference of every reader including the practitio-ner. Examples of past bar examinations have been liberally used for the student and the bar examinee to see how bar ex-

iv

aminers have applied procedural principles in the framing of specifi c bar questions.

The overwhelming support generously given to our ear-lier work, the Fundamentals of Civil Procedure, by students, practitioners and even members of the bench has motivated us to expand quite substantially on the content of the original material by including other aspects of civil procedure — pro-visional remedies and special civil actions.

We have been very fortunate enough to have friends like Atty. Ernesto C. Salao, Atty. Charm Nolasco and Ria Cabayan who encouraged us to go on with this work despite the con-straints of both work and time and who helped us tremen-dously in its publication. It was from Atty. Salao’s suggestions that the term, “a restatement” originated, truly a fi tting ex-pression for the very purpose of this work.

Again, as we did before, we wish to acknowledge our deep gratitude to our students and bar reviewees whose intense de-sire to become members of the legal profession has become a primary source of energy in the development of this material. We look forward to meeting them as they take their oaths as members of the bar.

Quezon City, Philippines

March 30, 2009

WILLARD B. RIANO

v

DEDICATION

Niña…Daddy…Mommy…

Nonong…Neneng…

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CONTENT

Chapter I

Fundamental Concepts

I. The Basics of the Civil Litigation Process

I. Complaint ........................................................................ 3A. Right of Action and Cause of Action ...................... 4B. Jurisdiction, Venue and Parties, Prescription and Conditions Precedent ................. 4C. Preparation of the Complaint ................................ 6D. Filing of the Complaint .......................................... 8E. Dismissal of the Action by the Plaintiff ................. 9F. Amendment of the Complaint ................................ 10

II. Summons ......................................................................... 12III. Answer ............................................................................. 14IV. Pre-Trial ........................................................................... 16V. Trial ............................................................................... 17VI. Judgment ......................................................................... 17VII. Post Judgment Remedies ................................................ 18VIII. Execution ......................................................................... 18

II. Powers of the Supreme Court

Rule-Making Power of the Supreme Court ............................ 19Limitations on the Rule-Making Power of the Supreme Court ................................................................ 19Legislative Power and the Rule-Making Power of the Supreme Court ........................................... 19Liberal Construction of the Rules of Court (Bar 1998) ........................................................................ 21 Illustration (Bar 1998) .................................................... 21 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 21Power of the Supreme Court to Suspend its Own Rules ....... 24Power to Amend the Rules ...................................................... 27Power to Stay Proceedings and Control its Processes ........... 28

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III. The Rules of Court

The Procedural Rules Under the Rules of Court Are Not Laws ................................................................... 28Substantive Law Distinguished from Remedial Law (Bar 2006) ................................................................ 28Prospective Effect of the Rules of Court ................................. 29Applicability to Pending Actions; Retroactivity ..................... 29When Procedural Rules Do Not Apply to Pending Actions.............................................................................. 30Applicable Actions or Proceedings .......................................... 30Inapplicable Actions or Proceedings ....................................... 30Scope of Civil Procedure .......................................................... 34

IV. Nature of Philippine Courts

Courts of Law and Equity ........................................................ 35Application of Equity; Equity Jurisdiction ............................. 35Principle of Judicial Hierarchy ............................................... 36When the Doctrine of Hierarchy of Courts May Be Disregarded ........................................................ 38Doctrine of Non-Interference or Doctrine of Judicial Stability ............................................................. 39Constitutional and Statutory Courts ...................................... 39Civil and Criminal Courts ....................................................... 40Courts of Record and Courts Not of Record ............................ 40Superior and Inferior Courts ................................................... 41Courts of General and Special Jurisdiction ............................ 41Courts of Original and Appellate Jurisdiction ....................... 41Original and Exclusive Jurisdiction Distinguished ............... 43Concurrent Jurisdiction ........................................................... 43Meaning of Court ..................................................................... 44Court Distinguished From a Judge ......................................... 45Katarungang Pambarangay Law (Secs. 399-422, Chapter 7, Title One, Book III, R.A. 7160) .................... 45Initiation of Proceedings .......................................................... 46Personal Appearance of Parties .............................................. 47Parties to the Proceedings ....................................................... 47Subject Matters for Settlement ............................................... 47Referral to the Lupon by the Court ......................................... 48Form of Settlement .................................................................. 48Effect of Amicable Settlement and Award .............................. 48Execution of Award or Settlement .......................................... 49Importance of Barangay Conciliation Proceedings ................ 49

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V. Pleadings in Civil Cases

Nature of Pleadings ................................................................. 51Necessity and Purpose of Pleadings ....................................... 51Construction of Pleadings ........................................................ 52Construction of Ambiguous Allegations in Pleadings ............ 52System of Pleading in the Philippines .................................... 53Pleadings Allowed by the Rules of Court (Bar 1996) ............. 53Pleadings Allowed Under the Rules on Summary Procedure ......................................................................... 53Pleadings Not Allowed in a Petition for a Writ of Amparo or Habeas Data ................................................................ 53Caption of the Pleading ........................................................... 54Title of the Action ..................................................................... 54Variance Between Caption and Allegations in the Pleading ..................................................................... 54Body of the Pleading ................................................................ 55Designation of Causes of Actions Joined in One Complaint ................................................................. 56Allegations of Ultimate Facts .................................................. 56Relief ........................................................................................ 56Signature and Address ............................................................ 57Effect of an Unsigned Pleading ............................................... 58Signifi cance of the Signature of Counsel (Bar 1996) .............. 58When Counsel is Subject to Disciplinary Action .................... 59Verifi cation in a Pleading ........................................................ 59How a Pleading is Verifi ed ...................................................... 59Signifi cance of a Verifi cation ................................................... 60Effect of Lack of a Verifi cation ................................................ 60Other Requirements ................................................................ 61Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping ................................... 62Meaning of Forum Shopping ................................................... 63Rationale Against Forum Shopping ........................................ 64How to Determine Existence of Forum Shopping .................. 64Who Executes the Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping (Bar 2000) ........................................................ 66Liberal Interpretation of the Rules on the Signing of the Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping ................ 67Signing the Certifi cation When the Plaintiff is a Juridical Entity ............................................................... 69Pleadings Requiring a Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping .............................................................. 70Effects of Non-Compliance with the Rule on Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping (Bar 1996) ........ 70

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No Appeal Form an Order of Dismissal .................................. 71Effect of Willful and Deliberate Forum Shopping .................. 71Effect of Submission of a False Certifi cation .......................... 72Effect of Non-Compliance with the Undertakings ................. 72

VI. Filing and Service of Pleadings, Judgments and Other Papers in Civil Cases

Meaning of Filing ..................................................................... 72Meaning of Service ................................................................... 72Upon Whom Service Shall be Made ........................................ 72Manner of Filing ...................................................................... 73How to Prove Filing ................................................................. 74Papers Required to be Filed and Served ................................. 74Modes of Service ....................................................................... 74Personal Service ....................................................................... 75When Personal Service is Deemed Complete ......................... 77Service by Mail ......................................................................... 77When Service by Mail is Deemed Complete ........................... 77Substituted Service .................................................................. 77When Substituted Service is Complete ................................... 78How to Prove Service ............................................................... 78

VII. Motions in Civil Cases

Defi nition of a Motion .............................................................. 78Form of Motions ....................................................................... 78Contents of a Motion ................................................................ 79Hearing of the Motion .............................................................. 79Notice of the Motion ................................................................. 80Service of the Motion ............................................................... 80Motion Day ............................................................................... 81Effect of Failure to Set the Motion for Hearing, to Include a Notice of Hearing and to Serve the Motion (Secs. 4, 5, 6 of Rule 15) ............................... 81The Omnibus Motion Rule ...................................................... 81

Chapter II

Cause of Action and Actions

I. Cause of Action (Rule 2)

Meaning ............................................................................... 83Elements of a Cause of Action ................................................. 83

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Concept of Cause of Action as Applied to Administrative Cases ...................................................... 84Cause of Action in Specifi c Cases ............................................ 84Illustration (Bar 1999) ............................................................. 85Suggested Answer .................................................................... 86Illustration (Bar 2004) ............................................................. 87Suggested Answer .................................................................... 87Action Distinguished From Cause of Action (Bar 1999) ........ 88Failure to State a Cause of Action .......................................... 88Failure to State a Cause of Action and Lack of a Cause of Action ................................................................ 89Test of the Suffi ciency of the Statement of a Cause of Action ........................................................................... 91Allegations of the Complaint Determine Whether or not Complaint States a Cause of Action .................... 92Allegations of the Complaint Also Determine the Nature of the Cause of Action .................................. 94How to State the Cause of Action ........................................... 96Conditions Precedent ............................................................... 97Pleading a Judgment ............................................................... 97Pleading an Offi cial Document or Act ..................................... 98Pleading to Sue or be Sued ...................................................... 98Pleading, Fraud, Mistake or Condition of the Mind .............. 98Pleading Alternative Causes of Actions or Defenses ............. 99Pleading Actionable Documents .............................................. 101How to Contest an Actionable Document ............................... 102When an Oath is Not Required ............................................... 102 Illustration (Bar 1987) .................................................... 103 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 103Defenses Cut-off by the Admission of Genuineness and Due Execution .......................................................... 103Defenses Not Cut-off by the Admission of Genuineness and Due Execution .................................... 104Illustration (Bar 2005) ............................................................. 104Suggested Answer .................................................................... 105Illustration (Bar 2004) ............................................................. 105Suggested Answer .................................................................... 106Illustration (Bar 1991) ............................................................. 106Suggested Answer .................................................................... 107Splitting a Single Cause of Action .......................................... 107Prohibition Against Splitting a Single Cause of Action ......... 108 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 110 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 110

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Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 111 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 111 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 112 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 112 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 112 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 113Anticipatory Breach ................................................................. 113Effect of Splitting a Single Cause of Action (Bar 1998; 1999) .............................................................. 114Joinder of Causes of Action (Bar 1999) ................................... 114 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 117 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 117 Illustration (Bar 2002) .................................................... 118 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 118 Illustration (Bar 2002) .................................................... 118 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 118 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 119 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 119 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 119 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 119 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 120 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 120Remedy in Case of Misjoinder of Actions ............................... 120

II. Actions

Defi nition ............................................................................... 121Civil Actions and Criminal Actions ......................................... 121Actions Distinguished from Special Proceedings (Bar 1998; 1996) .............................................................. 121Real and Personal Actions (Bar 2006; 2004) .......................... 122 Illustration (Adapted from Bar 1978 and 1976) ......................................................................... 124 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 124Signifi cance of the Distinction Between a Personal and Real Action ............................................................... 126In personam and in rem actions (Bar 1994) ........................... 127Quasi in rem actions ................................................................ 129Signifi cance of Distinction Between Actions in rem, in personam and quasi in rem ........................... 130Jurisdiction over the Res ......................................................... 132Extraterritorial Service; Other Rules on Summons (Bar 1989) ........................................................................ 133Application of Principles .......................................................... 134

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Chapter III

Jurisdiction, Venue and Parties

I. Jurisdiction

Meaning of Jurisdiction ........................................................... 138Power of the Court ................................................................... 138Test of Jurisdiction .................................................................. 139Matter of Substantive Law ...................................................... 139Not Subject to Waiver or Stipulation ...................................... 139Duty of a Court to Determine its Jurisdiction ........................ 139Jurisdiction Versus the Exercise of Jurisdiction .................... 140Error of Judgment and Error of Jurisdiction; Distinctions (Bar 1989) ................................................... 140Lack of Jurisdiction and Excess of Jurisdiction ..................... 142Jurisdiction and Cause of Action (Bar 1988) .......................... 142Jurisdiction Over the Subject Matter ..................................... 142How Jurisdiction Over the Subject Matter is Conferred ..................................................................... 143How Jurisdiction Over the Subject Matter is Determined ...................................................................... 144Jurisdiction is not Determined Either by the Defenses or by the Evidences in the Trial ..................... 145Applicability to Criminal Actions ............................................ 147Exception to the Rule that Jurisdiction is Determined by the Allegations of the Complaint ............................... 148Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction ............................................ 151Doctrine of Continuity of Jurisdiction (adherence of jurisdiction) .............................................. 152Law Which Governs Jurisdiction ............................................ 153Objections to Jurisdiction Over the Subject Matter .............. 154 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 155 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 155Effect of Estoppel on Objections to Jurisdiction ..................... 156Tijam Ruling, an Exception Rather Than the Rule ............... 157Jurisdiction Over the Parties .................................................. 158 Illustration (Bar 1981) .................................................... 158 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 158 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 159 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 159 Illustration (Bar 1994) .................................................... 160 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 160When Jurisdiction Over the Person of the Defendant is Required .................................................... 160

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Voluntary Appearance of the Defendant ................................ 161Objections to Jurisdiction Over the Person of the Defendant ........................................................................ 162 Illustration (Bar 1990) .................................................... 162 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 162Effect of Pleading Additional Defenses Aside from Lack of Jurisdiction Over the Person of the Defendant .................................................. 163Jurisdiction Over the Issue ..................................................... 163How Jurisdiction Over the Issue is Conferred and Determined ...................................................................... 164Distinction Between a Question of Law and a Question of Fact (Bar 2004) ............................................................ 165When an Issue Arises Even if Not Raised in the Pleadings .......................................................................... 166 Illustration (Bar 2004, No. 1) ......................................... 167 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 167 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 167 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 168Jurisdiction of Municipal Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Court and Municipal Circuit Trial Court (Under B.P. 129 as Amended by R.A. 7691) ........ 168Actions for Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer ................ 169Real Actions Other than Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer ................................................... 169Demand not Exceeding P300,000.00 or P400,000.00 ............. 174 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 174 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 174Actions Involving Personal Property ...................................... 175Admiralty and Maritime Cases ............................................... 175Probate Proceedings; Provisional Remedies ........................... 175Delegated Jurisdiction ............................................................. 176Special Jurisdiction .................................................................. 176Cases Subject to Summary Procedure (Bar 2004; 1995; 1993; 1991; 1989; 1988) ......................................... 176Determination of Jurisdictional Amount ................................ 179 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 179 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 180Totality Rule ............................................................................. 180Territorial Extent of Court Processes ..................................... 180Review of Judgments of the MTC ........................................... 180Jurisdiction Over small claims Cases ..................................... 180Jurisdiction of Regional Trial Courts (Under B.P. 129 as amended by R.A. 7691) ................... 187

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Special Jurisdiction to Try Special Cases ............................... 189Jurisdiction Over Intracorporate Controversies .................... 189The RTC is a Court of General Jurisdiction ........................... 190Actions Incapable of Pecuniary Estimation ........................... 190 Illustration (Bar 2000) .................................................... 191 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 191Extent of Trial Court’s Jurisdiction When Acting as a Probate Court ........................................................... 193Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals (Under B.P. 129 as amended by R.A. 7902) ................... 194Power to Try and Conduct Hearings ....................................... 195Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court .......................................... 196 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 197 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 198The Supreme Court is not a Trier of Facts ............................. 198Exceptions ............................................................................... 198Cases Which Under the Constitution Must be Heard En Banc ................................................................ 199Jurisdiction of the Family Courts ........................................... 200

II. Venue (Rule 4)

Meaning of Venue .................................................................... 201Venue is not a Matter of Substantive Law ............................. 201Dismissal Based on Improper Venue ...................................... 201When Court may make a Motu Proprio Dismissal based on Improper Venue ............................................... 202How Venue is Determined ....................................................... 203 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 204 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 204 Stipulations on Venue .............................................................. 204Adopted Illustrations ............................................................... 208Denial of a Motion to Dismiss Based on Improper Venue; No Appeal ............................................................ 209Improper Venue is not Jurisdictional ..................................... 209Venue Distinguished from Jurisdiction (Bar 2006) ........................................................................ 210

III. Parties (Rule 3)

Parties to a Civil Action ........................................................... 210Who May be Parties ................................................................. 211Judicial Persons as Parties ..................................................... 211Entities Authorized by Law to be Parties ............................... 212

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Entity Without a Juridical Personality as a Defendant ........ 212Remedy When a Party Impleaded is not Authorized to be a Party ................................................. 213Averment of Capacity to Sue or Be Sued ................................ 214A Minor or an Incompetent as a Party ................................... 214Real Party in Interest .............................................................. 214 Illustration (Bar 1989) .................................................... 217 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 218 Illustration (Bar 1988) .................................................... 218 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 218Prosecution/Defenses of an Action in the Name of the Real Party in Interest ........................................... 219Failure to Include the Name of a Party in the Pleading ........ 219Rule on Standing as Distinguished From the Concept of Real Party in Interest ................................... 219Indispensable Parties .............................................................. 220 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 221 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 222Compulsory Joinder of Indispensable Parties ........................ 222Dismissal for Failure to Implead an Indispensable Party ........................................................ 222Necessary Parties ..................................................................... 224Distinction Between an Indispensable and a Necessary Party ............................................................... 224Effect of Justifi ed Failure to Implead a Necessary Party (Bar 1998) .............................................................. 227Duty to of Pleader When a Necessary Party is Not Joined ........................................................................ 227When Court May Order Joinder of a Necessary Party (Bar 1998) .............................................................. 227Effect of Failure to Comply With Order of the Court (Bar 1998) .............................................................. 227Unwilling Co-Plaintiff .............................................................. 228Alternative Defendants ........................................................... 228Misjoinder and Non-Joinder of Parties ................................... 229Unknown Defendant ................................................................ 229Effect of Death of a Party on the Attorney-Client Relationship ..................................................................... 230Duty of Counsel Upon the Death of His Client ...................... 230Action of Court Upon Notice of Death; Effect of Death on the Case ....................................................... 230When There is no Need to Procure an Executor or Administrator .............................................. 231

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No Requirement for Service of Summons ............................... 232Purpose and Importance of Substitution of the Deceased ................................................................ 232Examples of Actions Which Survive the Death of a Party .... 233Actions for the Recovery of Money on Contractual Claims ......................................................... 234Incompetency or Incapacity of a Party During the Pendency of the Action ............................................. 234Transfer of Interest .................................................................. 234Indigent Parties ....................................................................... 235Role of the Solicitor General .................................................... 235Suit by or Against Spouses ...................................................... 236Class Suit; Requisites .............................................................. 236Commonality of Interest in the Subject Matter ..................... 236No Class Suit When Interests are Confl icting ....................... 238No Class Suit by a Corporation to Recover Property of its Members .................................................. 238No Class Suit to Recover Real Property Individually Held............................................................. 239No Class Suit to Recover Damages for Personal Reputation ....................................................................... 239Common or General Interest in the Environment and Natural Resources .................................................... 239 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 240 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 240 Illustration (Bar 1994) .................................................... 241 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 241 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 241 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 242

Chapter IV

Filing, Amendment and Dismissal by the Plaintiff

A. Filing of the Complaint (Rules 1 & 13)

Meaning of fi ling ...................................................................... 243Signifi cance of Filing of the Complaint ................................... 243Payment of Docket Fees and Acquisition of Jurisdiction ...... 243Payment of Docket Fees for Cases on Appeal ........................ 244

B. Amendment of Complaint (Rule 10)

Amendment as a Matter of Right ............................................ 245Applicability of Mandamus ..................................................... 246

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A Motion to Dismiss is not a Responsive Pleading (Bar 1979; 2005) .............................................................. 246Amendment by Leave of Court (Bar 1994; 1986) ................... 247Amendment to Cure a Failure to State a Cause of Action .... 248Amendment Where No Cause of Action Exist ........................ 249 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 251 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 251 Alternative Answer ......................................................... 252Amendment to Correct a Jurisdictional Defect Before a Responsive Pleading is Served......................... 253Amendment to Correct a Jurisdictional Defect After a Responsive Pleading is Served .................................... 254 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 255 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 255Amendment to Conform to the Evidence ................................ 256 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 256 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 257 Illustration (Bar 1992) .................................................... 258 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 258Effect of the Amendment on the Original Pleading ............... 258Effect of the Amendment on Admissions Made i59 the Original Pleading ...................................................... 259 Illustration (Bar 1993) .................................................... 259 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 259When Summons not Required After Complaint is Amended ...................................................................... 260 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 260 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 261Supplemental Pleadings .......................................................... 261Cause of Action in Supplemental Pleadings ........................... 261

Answer To a Supplemental pleading; not Mandatory ........... 262

C. Dismissal by the Plaintiff (Rule 17)

Dismissal by Mere Notice of Dismissal ................................... 263 Illustration (Bar 1989) .................................................... 264 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 264Dismissal Without Prejudice ................................................... 264Two-Dismissal Rule ................................................................. 265 Illustration (Bar 1989) .................................................... 265 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 266Dismissal by Filing a Motion to Dismiss ................................ 266

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Effect of Dismissal Upon a Counterclaim Already Pleaded .............................................................. 266 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 267 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 267Dismissal Without Prejudice ................................................... 268Dismissal Due to the Fault of Plaintiff ................................... 268Effect of Dismissal on the Counterclaim Under Sec. 3 .......... 268Dismissal With Prejudice ........................................................ 271

Chapter V

Summons

Nature of Summons (Rule 14) ................................................. 272Purpose of Summons ............................................................... 272To Whom Summons is Directed .............................................. 273Who Serves Summons ............................................................. 273Duty of Server Upon Completion of Service ........................... 273Uniformity of the Rules on Summons ..................................... 274Contents of the Summons ........................................................ 274Service of Summons Without Copy of the Complaint ............ 274Service Upon an Entity Without a Juridical Personality ...... 275Service Upon a Prisoner .......................................................... 276Service Upon a Minor and an Incompetent ............................ 276Service Upon a Private Domestic Juridical Entity ................ 281Service Upon a Public Corporation ......................................... 281Service Upon a Defendant Whose Identity or Whereabouts are Unknown ............................................ 281Service Upon a Resident Temporarily Out of the Philippines ....................................................................... 283Service Upon a Foreign Private Juridical Entity ................... 284Acquisition of Jurisdiction Over the Person of the Defendant ........................................................................ 285A. Service in Person on the Defendant ............................... 286B. Substituted Service of Summons .................................... 288How Substituted Service is Made ........................................... 290When Defendant Prevents Service of Summons .................... 291 Illustration (Bar 2006) .................................................... 293 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 294 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 294 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 295C. Summons by Publication ................................................ 295Extraterritorial Service of Summons ...................................... 296

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Modes of Extraterritorial Service ............................................ 297 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 301Summons when Complaint is Amended ................................. 303

Chapter VI

Proceedings After Service of Summons

Preliminary Statements .......................................................... 305

A. Motion for Bill of Particulars

When to File the Motion .......................................................... 306Purpose of the Motion .............................................................. 307Requirements for the Motion .................................................. 308Action of the Court ................................................................... 308 Illustration (Bar 2008) ................................................... 308 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 309Effect of Non-Compliance with the Order of the Court or Insuffi cient Compliance ............................. 310When the Movant Shall File his Responsive Pleading .......... 310

B. Motion to Dismiss

A Motion to Dismiss is not a Pleading .................................... 311Hypothetical Admissions of a Motion to Dismiss ................... 311Omnibus Motion ....................................................................... 312Contents and Form of the Motion ........................................... 313Time to File the Motion ........................................................... 313Grounds for Motion to Dismiss ............................................... 314Laches as a Ground for a Motion to Dismiss Under Rule 16 .................................................................. 315Res Judicata as a Ground for Motion to Dismiss ................... 315Concepts of Res Judicata ......................................................... 316Elements of Res Judicata ........................................................ 317Application of Res Judicata to Quasi-Judicial Proceedings ...................................................................... 317No Res Judicata in Criminal Proceedings .............................. 317Pleading Grounds as Affi rmative Defenses ............................ 318Remedy of the Defendant if the Motion is Denied ................. 318Remedies of the Plaintiff if the Motion to Dismiss is Granted ........................................................................ 319When Complaint Cannot be Refi led ........................................ 321Effect of Dismissal of Complaint on the Counterclaim .......... 321

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Chapter VII

Answer, Other Pleadings, Default, Judgment on the Pleadings, Summary Judgment

A. Answer

Nature of an Answer ................................................................ 323Defenses in the Answer ........................................................... 323Effect of Absence of a Specifi c Denial ..................................... 323Purpose of a Specifi c Denial .................................................... 324Kinds of Specifi c Denials ......................................................... 324Negative Pregnant ................................................................... 327When a Specifi c Denial Must be Coupled with an Oath ........ 327Matters Not Deemed Admitted by the Failure to Make a Specifi c Denial ................................................ 329Affi rmative Defenses ................................................................ 329

B. Counterclaim

Nature of a Counterclaim (Bar 1999) ..................................... 330Compulsory Counterclaim ....................................................... 331Incompatibility between a Compulsory Counterclaim and a Motion to Dismiss ................................................. 334Permissive Counterclaim ......................................................... 334Distinctions Between a Compulsory and a Permissive Counterclaim ................................................ 335How to Set up an Omitted Compulsory Counterclaim .......... 338How to Set up a Counterclaim Arising After the Filing of the Answer ........................................................ 339Period to Answer a Counterclaim ........................................... 339Effect of the Dismissal of a Complaint on the Counterclaim Already Set Up ......................................... 339

C. Cross-Claim

Nature of a Cross-Claim .......................................................... 340Distinctions Between a Counterclaim and a Cross-Claim (Bar 1999) ................................................... 341Period to Answer a Cross-Claim ............................................. 342

D. Third (Fourth, Etc.) –Party Complaint

Nature of a Third-Party Complaint ........................................ 340Leave of Court .......................................................................... 344

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Answer to a Third-Party Complaint ....................................... 344

E. Intervention

Nature of Intervention ............................................................. 344Requisites for Intervention (Bar 2000) ................................... 345Procedure for Intervention ...................................................... 346Meaning of Legal Interest ....................................................... 346Time for Intervention .............................................................. 347

F. Reply

Nature of a Reply ..................................................................... 347Filing of Reply, not Mandatory ............................................... 347When Filing of Reply is Advisable .......................................... 348

G. Default

Nature of Default ..................................................................... 348Requisites Before a Party May Be Declared in Default (Bar 1999) ........................................................... 349No Motu Proprio Declaration of Default ................................. 351Failure to File an Answer Under the Rule on Summary Procedure ................................................... 352Effect of a Declaration/Order of Default ................................. 352Effect of partial Default ........................................................... 352Action of the Court After the Declaration/Order of Default ......................................................................... 353Judicial Discretion to Admit Answer Filed Out of Time ....... 353Remedies of a Defending Party Declared in Default (Bar 1998) ........................................................... 354Current Judicial Trend on Default ......................................... 355Implied Lifting of the Order of Default .................................. 355Extent of Relief in a Judgment by Default ............................. 359Cases Where a Declaration/Order of Default Cannot be Made ............................................................... 359Judgment by Default for Refusal to Comply with the Modes of Discovery ........................................... 359

H. Judgment on the Pleadings (Bar 1999; 1993; 1978)

Nature of Judgment on the Pleadings .................................... 360Motion Required ....................................................................... 360

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Cases Where Judgment on the Pleadings Will Not Apply ......................................................................... 360

I. Summary Judgment (Bar 1989)

Nature of Summary Judgment (Bar 1986; 1989; 1996; 1999) ....................................................................... 361Distinctions Between a Judgment on the Pleadings and a Summary Judgment (Bar 1989) .................................. 363

Chapter VIII

Pre-Trial and Modes of Discovery

A. Pre-Trial

Nature and Purpose of a Pre-Trial .......................................... 364Referral to the Philippine Mediation Center .......................... 365How Pre-Trial is Called (Bar 1999) ......................................... 366The Meaning of Last Pleading ................................................ 366Notice of Pre-Trial (Bar 1977) ................................................. 367Appearance in the Pre-Trial (Bar 1992) ................................. 367Effect of Failure to Appear by the Plaintiff (Bar 1989; 1981; 1980) .................................................... 367Effect of Failure to Appear by the Defendant ........................ 368How Non-Appearance is Excused ........................................... 368Filing and Contents of Pre-Trial Briefs .................................. 369Importance of Identifi cation and Marking of Evidence ......... 370Legal Effect of Representations and Statements in the Pre-trial Brief ........................................................ 370Effect of Failure to File a Pre-Trial Brief ............................... 370No Termination of Pre-Trial for Failure to Settle .................. 371Questions to be Asked by the Judge ....................................... 372Pre-Trial Order ........................................................................ 372Pre-Trial in Civil Cases Compared to Pre-Trial in Criminal Cases (Bar 1997) .............................................. 373Preliminary Conference Under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure ........................................ 374The Enhanced Pre-Trial Proceedings ..................................... 374

B. Modes of Discovery

Meaning of Discovery ............................................................... 375Purpose of Discovery ................................................................ 375Duty of the Court in Relation to the Modes of Discovery ...... 375

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Modes of Discovery Under the Rules of Court (Bar 2000) ........................................................................ 376Depositions (Rules 23-24) ........................................................ 376When Leave of Court is Required and not Required for Taking a Deposition Pending Action ........................ 376Deposition of a Prisoner ........................................................... 378Before Whom Taken (Depositions Pending Action) ............... 378Examination of the Deponent ................................................. 379Use of Depositions Pending Action ......................................... 380Deposition Upon Written Interrogatories .............................. 380Perpetuation of Testimony Before Action or Pending Appeal ............................................................... 381

Interrogatories to Parties (Rule 25)

Purpose of Interrogatories to Parties ...................................... 381Distinguished From a Bill of Particulars ............................... 381Distinguished From Written Interrogatories in a Deposition ........................................................................ 382Procedure ............................................................................... 382Effect of Failure to Serve Written Interrogatories ................. 383

Admission by Adverse Party (Rule 26)

Purpose of Admission by Adverse Party ................................. 383Filing of Written Request for Admission ................................ 383Filing and Service of a Sworn Statement of Admission or Denial; Effect of Failure to File and Serve ................ 384Deferment of Compliance ........................................................ 384Withdrawal of Admission ........................................................ 384

Production or Inspection of Documents or Things (Rule 27)

Purpose ............................................................................... 385Filing of a Motion; Order of the Court .................................... 388

Physical and Mental Examination of Persons (Rule 28)

Applicability ............................................................................. 389Procedure ............................................................................... 389Waiver of Privilege ................................................................... 390Refusal to Comply with the Modes of Discovery (Rule 29) .... 390

A. Refusal to Answer Any Question ......................... 390

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B. Refusal to Answer Designated or Particular Questions or Refusal to Produce Documents or Things or to Submit to Physical or Mental Examination ................ 391C. Refusal to be Sworn .............................................. 391D. Refusal to Admit ................................................... 392E. Failure to Attend Depositions or to Serve Answers to Interrogatories .......................... 392

Chapter IX

Trial, Demurrer to Evidence and Judgment

A. Trial

Nature of Trial ......................................................................... 394Trial and Hearing .................................................................... 394When Trial is Unnecessary (Bar 1996) ................................... 394Notice of Trial ........................................................................... 395Calendaring of Cases ............................................................... 395Session Hours ........................................................................... 395Adjournment and Postponements ........................................... 396Limitation on the Authority to Adjourn ................................. 396Postponement on the Ground of Illness .................................. 396Postponement on the Ground of Absence of Evidence (Bar 1975) ........................................................ 397Postponement is not a Matter of Right ................................... 397Reception of Evidence .............................................................. 397Issues in the Trial .................................................................... 398Agreed Statement of Facts ...................................................... 398Consolidation or Severance ..................................................... 398

B. Demurrer to Evidence

Motion to Dismiss in Rule 16 Distinguished from Demurrer to Evidence ..................................................... 399Effect of Denial of the Demurrer to Evidence ........................ 400Effect of Granting of the Demurrer to Evidence .................... 400Demurrer in a Civil Case as Distinguished From a Demurrer in a Criminal Case ...................................... 401

C. Judgment

Meaning of a Judgment ........................................................... 402Judgment and Decision ........................................................... 402

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Requisites of a Valid Judgment .............................................. 402Orders Granting or Denying a Motion to Dismiss ................. 404Denials of a Petition for Review or of a Motion for Reconsideration ............................................. 404Confl ict Between the Dispositive Portion and Body of the Decision ........................................................ 404Ambiguity in the Judgment; Clarifi catory Judgment ............ 405Resolutions of the Supreme Court .......................................... 405Interlocutory Orders ................................................................ 406Memorandum Decisions .......................................................... 406Meaning of Rendition of Judgment ......................................... 407Period Within Which to Render a Decision ............................ 408Extension of the Period to Render a Decision ........................ 409Judgment Penned by a Judge who did not Hear the Evidence .................................................................... 409Judgment Penned by a Judge who had Ceased to be a Judge ........................................................................ 410Judgment Penned by a Judge who was Transferred ............. 411Judgments of the Supreme Court ........................................... 411Rule of Stare Decisis ................................................................ 412Obiter Dictum .......................................................................... 413When a Judgment Becomes Final ........................................... 413Conclusiveness of Judgments (Immutability of Judgments) .................................................................. 414Exceptions to the Rule of Immutability of Judgments ................................................................... 415Res Judicata Effect of a Final Judgment or Final Order .................................................................. 416Judgment on the Merits .......................................................... 418Doctrine of Law of the Case ..................................................... 419Several Judgment .................................................................... 419Separate Judgment .................................................................. 420Conditional Judgment ............................................................. 420Judgment Sin Perjuicio ........................................................... 420Judgment Nunc Pro Tunc ........................................................ 421Judgment Upon a Compromise (Bar 1996) ............................ 421Judgment Upon a Confession (Cognovit Actionem) ............... 423Judgment Against an Entity Without a Juridical Personality ....................................................................... 424Entry of Judgment; Date Thereof ........................................... 424Relevance of Knowing the Date of the Entry of a Judgment .................................................................. 425

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Chapter X

Post Judgment Remedies

I. Remedies Before a Judgment Becomes Final and Executory

Available Remedies to the Aggrieved Party ........................... 426

A. Motion for Reconsideration (Rule 37)

Object of the Motion ................................................................. 427When to File ............................................................................. 427Effect of the Filing the Motion on the Period to Appeal ........ 428Grounds for a Motion for Reconsideration ............................. 428Pro Forma Motion .................................................................... 429Resolution of the Motion .......................................................... 430Denial of the Motion; the Fresh Period Rule .......................... 430Order of Denial, Not Appealable ............................................. 433Remedy When Motion is Denied ............................................. 434Effect of Granting a Motion for Reconsideration ................... 434Partial Reconsideration ........................................................... 435The Single Motion Rule ........................................................... 435

B. Motion for New Trial (Rule 37)

When to File ............................................................................. 435Effect of the Filing of the Motion on the Period to Appeal .... 436Form of a Motion for New Trial .............................................. 436Grounds for a Motion for New Trial ....................................... 436Affi davit of Merit ...................................................................... 437Gross Negligence of Counsel not a Ground for New Trial.................................................................... 437Resolution of the Motion .......................................................... 438Denial of the Motion; the “fresh period” Rule ........................ 438Order of Denial, not Appealable .............................................. 438Remedy When Motion is Denied ............................................. 438Effect of Granting the Motion for New Trial .......................... 439Partial New Trial ..................................................................... 439Second Motion for New Trial ................................................... 439

APPEALS

General Principles on Appeal .................................................. 440Judgments or Orders that are Not Appealable ...................... 441

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Remedy in Case the Judgment or Final Order is Not Appealable ................................................. 443Issues that may be Raised on Appeal ..................................... 443Issues that the Appellate Court Decides on Appeal ............... 444When Errors Not Raised on Appeal may be Considered .................................................................. 445Appeals in Criminal Cases ...................................................... 446Payment of Docket Fee ............................................................ 447Record on Appeal; Notice of Appeal ........................................ 448

A. Appeal from Municipal Trial Courts to the Regional Trial Courts (Rule 40)

Where to Appeal from a Judgment or Final Order of a Municipal Court ............................................. 450When to Appeal ........................................................................ 450How to Appeal .......................................................................... 454Perfection of the Appeal ........................................................... 451Duty of the Clerk of Court ....................................................... 451When Case is deemed Submitted for Decision ....................... 452Appeal from an Order Dismissing a Case for Lack of Jurisdiction ................................................... 452

B. Appeal from The Regional Trial Courts to the Court of Appeals (Rule 41)

Modes of Appeal from the Decision of the Regional Trial Court ....................................................................... 453Application of Rule 41 .............................................................. 454When to Appeal ........................................................................ 454How to Appeal .......................................................................... 454Questions That may be Raised on Appeal .............................. 456Residual Jurisdiction ............................................................... 456

C. Petition for Review from the Regional Trial Courts to the Court of Appeals (Rule 42)

Application of Rule 42 .............................................................. 457When to Appeal ........................................................................ 457How to Appeal .......................................................................... 457Dismissal of the Appeal ........................................................... 459Residual Jurisdiction ............................................................... 460Stay of Judgment ..................................................................... 460

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D. Appeal by Certiorari to the Supreme Court (Rule 45)

Application of Rule 45 .............................................................. 461Provisional Remedies ............................................................... 462Not a Matter of Right ............................................................... 462Questions of Law ...................................................................... 463Exceptions to the Rule ............................................................. 464Appeal from Judgment in a Petition for a Writ of Amparo Or Writ of Habeas Data ....................... 466Certiorari Under Rule 45 is not the Certiorari Under Rule 65 (Bar 1998; 1999) ..................................... 466When to Appeal ........................................................................ 469How to Appeal .......................................................................... 470Provisional Remedies in a Rule 45 Petition ........................... 471Appeals from Quasi-Judicial Bodies ....................................... 471Review of Decision of the NLRC (Bar 2006) ........................... 472Appeals from the Sandiganbayan ........................................... 472Review of the Rulings of the Ombudsman (Bar 2006) ........... 472Appeals from Judgments of the Court of Tax Appeals (Bar 2006) ............................................... 475Review of Judgments of the Commission on Elections .......... 475Review of Judgments of the Commission on Audit ................ 476Appeals from Judgments of the Civil Service Commission ........................................................ 476Appeals from Judgments of the Offi ce of the President ............................................................... 476

II. Remedies After a Judgment has Become Final and Executory

Illustration (Bar 1995) .................................................... 477 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 477

A. Petition for Relief or Relief from Judgments. Orders or Other Proceedings (Rule 38)

Nature of the Petition .............................................................. 477Grounds for a Petition for Relief; Proper Court ..................... 477Petition is Available Only to the Parties ................................ 478Petition is Available to Proceedings after the Judgment ...... 479When to File ............................................................................. 479Form of the Petition; Affi davit of Merit .................................. 480Order to Answer ....................................................................... 480

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Hearing of the Petition ............................................................ 480Action of the Court ................................................................... 480Preliminary Injunction Pending the Petition for Relief ........ 481No Petition for Relief in the Supreme Court .......................... 482

B. Annulment of Judgments or Final Orders or Resolutions (Rule 47)

Nature of the Action ................................................................ 483Grounds for Annulment ........................................................... 484Extrinsic Fraud ........................................................................ 485Lack of Jurisdiction ................................................................. 485Period for Filing the Action ..................................................... 486Who May File the Action ......................................................... 486Basic Procedure ........................................................................ 487Effect of a Judgment of Annulment ........................................ 487Application of Rule 47; Annulment of Judgments of the MTC .................................................... 488Annulment of Judgments of Quasi-Judicial Bodies ............... 488

C. Certiorari (Rule 65)

Nature of the Remedy .............................................................. 489Motion for Reconsideration ..................................................... 490Material Data (Date) Rule ....................................................... 492Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping ................................... 492Observance of Hierarchy of Courts ......................................... 492Amendments to Rule 65 .......................................................... 492

D. Collateral Attack of a Judgment

Distinction Between a Direct from a Collateral Attack ......... 493

Chapter XI

Execution of Judgments

Meaning of Execution .............................................................. 494Part of the Judgment to be Executed ...................................... 494When Execution Shall Issue .................................................... 494How Execution Shall Issue ...................................................... 495Where Application for Execution Made .................................. 496No Appeal from an Order of Execution ................................... 496Form and Contents of Writ of Execution ................................ 497Writ of Execution Must Conform with Judgment .................. 497

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Lifetime of the Writ of Execution (Bar 1995) ......................... 499When Execution Will be Denied .............................................. 499Quashal of a Writ of Execution ............................................... 500Duty of Sheriff .......................................................................... 501Modes of Execution of a Judgment (Bar 1982; 1987; 1997) .................................................... 501Revival of judgment (Bar 1997) ............................................... 502 Illustration (Bar 1997) .................................................... 508 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 508When the Five-Year Period is Interrupted (Bar 1993) .......... 509When the Five and Ten-Year Periods Do Not Apply ............. 510Stay of Execution of a Judgment; Exceptions ........................ 510Judgments Not Stayed by Appeal ........................................... 510Discretionary Execution (Bar 1991; 1995) .............................. 511Requisites for Discretionary Execution .................................. 512Discretionary Execution is to be Strictly Construed .............. 512Good Reasons ........................................................................... 512 Illustration (Bar 1995) .................................................... 514 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 514Frivolous Appeal as Reason for Discretiona Execution ......................................................................... 514Posting of Bond as Reason for Discretionary Execution (Bar 1991) ....................................................... 515Financial Distress as Reason for Discretionary Execution ... 515Where to File an Application for Discretionary Execution .... 516Remedy Where the Judgment Subject to Discretionary Execution is Reversed or Annulled ................................ 516Execution in Case the Judgment Obligee Dies ...................... 516Execution in Case the Judgment Obligor Dies ...................... 516How to Execute Judgments for Money ................................... 517Garnishment of Debts and Credits ......................................... 518Execution of a Judgment for the Performance of a Specifi c Act ................................................................ 519Execution for a Judgment for the Delivery or Restitution of Real Property (Bar 1995) ........................ 519Contempt is not a Remedy ...................................................... 520Removal of Improvements on the Property Subject of Execution ..................................................................... 520Property Exempt from Execution (Bar 1981) ......................... 521When the Property Mentioned is not Exempt form Execution ................................................................ 522Proceedings When Property Levied Upon is Claimed by Third Persons; Terceria (Bar 1982; 1984; 1993) ....... 522

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Illustration (Bar 1993) .................................................... 525 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 525Miscellaneous Principles to be Remembered in Execution Sales ............................................................... 526Sale and Redemption of Real Property ................................... 528Effect if no Redemption is Made ............................................. 528Rents, Income and Earnings of the Property Pending the Redemption ................................................. 529Remedy When the Judgment is Unsatisfi ed (Bar 1983; 2002) .............................................................. 529Effect of Final Judgments ....................................................... 529

Chapter XII

Provisional Remedies

Nature of Provisional Remedies .............................................. 532Purpose of Provisional Remedies (Bar 1996) .......................... 532Court Which Grants Provisional Remedies ............................ 532Kinds of Provisional Remedies (Bar 1999) ............................. 533Deposit as a Provisional Remedy ............................................ 533Provisional Remedies (interim Reliefs) in a Petition for a Writ of Amparo ...................................... 536Availability of Interim Reliefs to Respondent in a Petition for a Writ of Amparo .................................. 536

I. Preliminary Attachment (Rule 57)

Nature of Preliminary Attachment ......................................... 537Purpose of Preliminary Attachment ....................................... 539Kinds of Attachments; Distinctions (Bar 1975; 1999) .............................................................. 539Cases in Which Preliminary Attachment is Proper ............... 540 Illustration (Bar 1981) .................................................... 545 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 546 Illustration (Bar 1982) .................................................... 546 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 546 Illustration (Bar 1983) .................................................... 546 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 547 Illustration (Bar 1990) .................................................... 548 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 548When to Apply for Preliminary Attachment .......................... 548By Whom Applied For .............................................................. 548Ex Parte Issuance of the Writ (Bar 2005; 2001; 1996; 1993; 1991) ............................................................. 549

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Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 549 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 550 Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 550 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 550 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 551 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 551 Illustration (Bar 1993) .................................................... 551 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 552 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 552 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 553 Illustration (Bar 1978) .................................................... 553 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 554Why Ex Parte Grant of the Writ is Allowed ........................... 554Stages in the Grant of Preliminary Attachment .................... 554When Contemporaneous Service is not Required .................. 555Requisites for the Issuance of an Order/Writ of Preliminary Attachment ............................................. 555Grant of Preliminary Attachment, Discretionary .................. 556Strict Construction of the Rule ............................................... 557How to Prevent the Attachment ............................................. 557How to Have the Attachment Discharged .............................. 557Damages for a Wrongful Attachment ..................................... 558 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 560 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 560Attachment of Property in Custodia Legis ............................. 560 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 561 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 561Proceedings Where Property Attached is Claimed by a Third Person ............................................................ 561 Illustration (Bar 2000) .................................................... 563 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 563No Sale of Property Covered by a Writ of Preliminary Attachment Before Entry of Judgment; Exception ....... 564

II. Preliminary Injunction (Rule 58)

Nature of Preliminary Injunction ........................................... 564Main Action for Injunction Distinguished from a Preliminary Injunction (Bar 2006) .............................. 567Purpose of Preliminary Injunction .......................................... 568 Illustration (Bar 1978) .................................................... 568 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 568Preliminary Injunction Distinguished from a Final Injunction ............................................................... 569

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Prohibitory and Mandatory Injunctions ................................. 569Prohibitory Injunction Distinguished from Prohibition ........ 569Mandatory Injunction Distinguished from Mandamus ......... 570Stage of Proceedings When Granted ....................................... 570Court that Issues Preliminary Injunction .............................. 570Requisites for Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction (Bar 2006) or Temporary Restraining Order ........................................................... 571Quantum of Evidence Required .............................................. 573Notice and Hearing (Bar 2001; 1998) ..................................... 574Temporary Restraining Order (Bar 2006) .............................. 574 Illustration (Bar 1993) ................................................... 576 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 576 Illustration (Bar 1998) .................................................... 577 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 577 Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 578 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 578 Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 578 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 578Issuance of Temporary Restraining Order by the Court of Appeals (Bar 2006) and the Supreme Court ................................................................ 579Illustration (Bar 1988) ............................................................. 579 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 579Nature of an Order Granting a Preliminary injunction ......................................................................... 579Examples of Cases Justifying the Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction ................................ 580 Illustration (Bar 2003) .................................................... 581 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 581 Illustration (Bar 1984) .................................................... 581 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 582 Illustration (Bar 2002) .................................................... 582 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 583Examples of Cases in Which Injunction/ Preliminary Injunction Will Not be Issued .................... 583 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 588 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 588 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 588 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 588How to Dissolve a Writ of Preliminary Injunction or Restraining Order ..................................... 589Duty of the Court that Issued the Writ .................................. 589

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III. Receivership (Rule 59)

Nature of Receivership ............................................................ 590 Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 590 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 591 Illustration (Bar 1995) .................................................... 591 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 591Court That Can Grant Receivership ....................................... 592Procedure for Appointment of a Receiver ............................... 592Powers of a Receiver ................................................................ 592Investment of Funds by Receiver ............................................ 593Suits Against a Receiver .......................................................... 593Appointment of a Party as a Receiver .................................... 593

IV. Replevin (Sec. 60)

Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 594 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 594Procedure for the Application for Replevin ............................ 594 Illustration (Bar 1976) .................................................... 595 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 595 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 595 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 596Undertaking of the Replevin Bond ......................................... 596Order of the Court and Duty of Sheriff ................................... 596How Adverse Party Can Seek the Return of the Property ................................................................. 597Replevin Distinguished form Preliminary Attachment ...................................................................... 597

V. Support Pendente Lite (Rule 61)

Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 599 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 599 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 599 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 600Procedure for Application for Support Pendente Lite .................................................................. 600 Illustration (Bar 1981) .................................................... 601 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 601Enforcement of the Order ........................................................ 601Restitution ............................................................................... 601

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Chapter XIII

Special Civil Actions

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 602

I. Interpleader (Rule 62)

Meaning of Interpleader (Bar 1998) ....................................... 605 Illustration (Bar 1988) .................................................... 606 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 607 Illustration (Bar 1996) .................................................... 607 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 607 Illustration (Bar 1978) .................................................... 607 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 608Basic Procedure ........................................................................ 608Court With Jurisdiction ........................................................... 610 Illustration (Bar 1997) .................................................... 611 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 611Distinctions Between Interpleader and Intervention ..................................................................... 611

II. Declaratory Relief and Other Similar

Remedies (Rule 63)

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 612Subject Matter in a Petition for Declaratory Relief ............... 613 Illustration (Bar 1998) .................................................... 614 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 614Court With Jurisdiction ........................................................... 615Purpose of the Petition ............................................................ 616The Petitioner and Other Parties ........................................... 617Filing Before Any Breach or Violation; Justifi able Controversy ................................................... 618Summary of Requisites for the Petition ................................. 619Reformation of an Instrument ................................................ 620Consolidation of Ownership .................................................... 621Quieting of Title ....................................................................... 623

III. Review of Judgment and Final Orders or Resolutions of the Commission on Elections and the

Commission on Audit (Rule 64)

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 623Remedy of the Aggrieved Party ............................................... 624

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Rule 64 does Not Apply to the Civil Service Commission ..... 624Findings of Fact; Not Reviewable ........................................... 624Motion for New Trial or Motion for Reconsideration ............. 625Basic Requirements for the Petition ....................................... 625Order to Comment; Outright Dismissal ................................. 626Filing of Petition Does not Stay Execution ............................. 627Oral Arguments; Memoranda; Submission for Decision ....... 627

IV. Certiorari; Prohibition and Mandamus (Rule 65)

A. Certiorari

Nature and Purpose of the Remedy ........................................ 628 Illustration (Bar 2005) .................................................... 629 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 629Correction of Errors of Jurisdiction ........................................ 629Certiorari Distinguished From Appeal ................................... 630Necessity for Writ of Injunction; Certiorari not Suffi cient .... 631Duty of the Court When a Petition for Certiorari is Filed ..... 632No Petition for Certiorari in a Summary Proceeding ............ 632 Illustration (Bar 2004) .................................................... 632 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 633Certiorari Not Substitute for Lost Appeal .............................. 634 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 634 Suggested Answers.......................................................... 635When Certiorari is Available Despite the Loss of Appeal ..... 636Essential Requisites for a Petition for Certiorari .................. 637Respondent Must Exercise Judicial or Quasi-Judicial Functions ................................................ 638Jurisdictional Issue .................................................................. 639Excess of Jurisdiction Distinguished From Absence of Jurisdiction ................................................... 640Grave Abuse of Discretion ....................................................... 640Necessity for a Motion for Reconsideration ............................ 643Exceptions to the Requirement of a Motion for Reconsideration (Bar 1989) .......................... 643 Illustration (Bar 1989) .................................................... 645 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 645Absence of Appeal or Any Plain, Speedy and Adequate Remedy (Bar 1999) ......................................... 645 Illustration (Bar 2002) .................................................... 647 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 648 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 648 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 648

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How to Avail of the Remedy of Certiorari .............................. 648When to File ............................................................................. 649Certifi cation Against Forum Shopping ................................... 650Material Dates in the Petition; Material Date Rule .............. 650Court Where Petition is Filed ................................................. 650Observance of the Hierarchy of Courts Principle ................... 651Parties to the Petition .............................................................. 652Public Respondent is Not Required to Appear or File Answer of Comment; Exception .............................. 652Injunctive Relief ....................................................................... 653Order to Comment ................................................................... 653Proceedings After Comment; Judgment ................................. 654Sanction in Case of Unmeritorious Petitions ......................... 654Service of Copy of Judgment to Public Respondent ............... 654Relief ........................................................................................ 655Distinctions Between Certiorari Under Rule 45 and Certiorari Under Rule 65 (Bar 1999; 1998; 1991) .................................................... 655 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 657 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 657When a Rule 45 Petition is Considered as a Rule 65 Petition ............................................................ 657Distinctions Between Certiorari Under Rule 64 and Certiorari Under Rule 65 ........................... 658

B. Prohibition (Rule 65)

Nature and Purpose of the Remedy ........................................ 658Requisites for a Writ of Prohibition ........................................ 659Prohibition Distinguished From Injunction ........................... 660Prohibition Distinguished From Certiorari ............................ 660Basic Requirements of Both Certiorari and Prohibition ....... 661 Illustration (Bar 1980) .................................................... 662 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 662

C. Mandamus (Rule 65)

Nature and Purpose of Mandamus ......................................... 662Ministerial Act or Duty ............................................................ 663Discretionary Acts not Compelled by Mandamus .................. 665 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 665 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 666Contractual Duties not Compellable by Mandamus .............. 666Mandamus Distinguished form Injunction ............................ 666

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Mandamus Distinguished from Quo Warranto ...................... 667Illustration (Bar 2001) ............................................................. 667 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 667Requisites for Mandamus ........................................................ 667 Illustration (Bar 1978) .................................................... 668 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 668

V. Quo Warranto (Rule 66)

Nature and Purpose of the Action ........................................... 669The Petitioner .......................................................................... 669Jurisdiction and Venue ............................................................ 670 Illustration (Bar 2001) .................................................... 670 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 670Period for Filing ....................................................................... 671 Illustration (Bar 1980) .................................................... 671 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 671Right to Damages ..................................................................... 671Quo Warranto Under the Omnibus Election Code ................ 671Quo Warranto in an Elective Offi ce Against Quo Warranto in an Appointive Offi ce Distinguished .. 672Quo Warranto Proceedings and Election Protests ................. 673Quo Warranto Against Corporations ...................................... 673

VI. Expropriation (Rule 67)

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 674Exercise of Eminent Domain by Local Government Units ........................................................... 676Stages in the Expropriation Process ....................................... 677How Expropriation is Commenced .......................................... 678Court with Jurisdiction ........................................................... 679Answer of the Defendant ......................................................... 679Counter-claims, Cross-Claims or Third-party Complaints .... 680Waiver of Defenses or Failure to Answer; Effect ................... 680When an Answer is Not Required ........................................... 681Entry Upon the Property or Possession Thereof .................... 681Effect of Making the Required Deposit ................................... 682Purpose of the Deposit ............................................................. 682Sec. 2 of Rule 67 Deemed Modifi ed by R.A. 8974 ................... 683Order of Expropriation ............................................................ 685Appeal from the Order of Expropriation ................................ 685Matters Not Affected by the Appeal ....................................... 685Rule If the Trial Court is Reversed on Appeal ....................... 686

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Ascertainment of Compensation ............................................. 686Judgment as to Compensation ................................................ 688Appeal from the Judgment as to Compensation .................... 688Meaning of Just Compensation ............................................... 688Point of Determination of Just Compensation ....................... 691Payment of Just Compensation .............................................. 692Right of Plaintiff After Payment ............................................. 693Recording of the Judgment and its Effect .............................. 693Nonpayment of Just Compensation; Effect ............................ 694

VII. Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage (Rule 68)

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 694Alternative Remedies of a Creditor ........................................ 697Splitting of a Single Cause of Action ...................................... 698 Illustration (Bar 1999) .................................................... 698 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 699Modes of Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage ...................... 699Applicability of Rule 68 ........................................................... 699Complaint for Foreclosure ....................................................... 700Procedure ............................................................................... 700Judgment on Foreclosure ........................................................ 701Equity of Redemption .............................................................. 701Right of Redemption ................................................................ 702 Illustration (Bar 2000) .................................................... 703 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 704Sale of the Mortgaged Property .............................................. 704Confi rmation of the Sale .......................................................... 706 Illustration (Bar 1984) .................................................... 706 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 707Effect of Confi rmation of the Sale ........................................... 707Effect of the Finality of the Confi rmation of the Sale ............ 707Registration of the Sale ........................................................... 708Disposition of the Proceeds of the Foreclosure Sale ............... 709Defi ciency Judgment ................................................................ 709Rule in Case There is a Surplus Instead of a Defi ciency ....... 710Summary of Distinctions Between Judicial Foreclosure and ExtraJudicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage .................................................. 710

VIII. Partition (Rule 69)

Preliminaries ............................................................................ 711Modes of Partition .................................................................... 712

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Action for Partition .................................................................. 712Order of Partition ..................................................................... 713Partition by Agreement ........................................................... 716Partition by Court-Appointed Commissioners ....................... 716Report of the Commissioners .................................................. 717Judgment of Partition .............................................................. 717Rule When There are Expenses to be Paid from the Estate ................................................................ 718

IX. Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer (Rule 70)

Actions to Recover Possession of Real Property ..................... 718Accion Interdictal ..................................................................... 719Accion Publiciana and Accion Reivindicatoria ....................... 719Possession as the Issue ............................................................ 720Summary Nature of the Actions ............................................. 720Real and in Personam Actions ................................................ 721 Illustration (Bar 1991) .................................................... 721 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 721Jurisdiction of the MTC; Summary Procedure ....................... 722Effect of the Pendency of an Action Involving Ownership on the Action for Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer ......................................... 722Examples of Cases in the RTC Which do not Bar an Action for Forcible Entry or Unlawful Detainer ........................................................... 723 Illustration (Bar 2000) .................................................... 723 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 723Distinctions Between Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer ........................................................... 724When Defendant Occupies Premises by Mere Tolerance ...... 725Demand in Unlawful Detainer Cases ..................................... 726Form of Demand ...................................................................... 728Effect of Non-Compliance With the Demand ......................... 728 Illustration (Bar 1990) .................................................... 728 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 728When Demand is not Required in Unlawful Detainer Cases ................................................................ 729 Illustration (Bar 1997) .................................................... 729 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 729Tacita Reconduccion ................................................................ 730Defense of Tenancy .................................................................. 730Defense of Ownership .............................................................. 731Judgment Not Binding on Ownership .................................... 732

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How to Obtain Possession of the Premises During the Pendency of the Action................................. 733Damages Recoverable .............................................................. 733Immediate Execution of Judgment ......................................... 734How to Stay Immediate Execution of the Judgment ............. 734 Illustration (Bar 1997) .................................................... 735 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 735 Illustration (Bar 1990) .................................................... 735 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 736Where to Appeal ....................................................................... 736Persons Bound by the Judgment in Ejectment Cases ........... 736

X. Contempt (Rule 71)

Meaning of Contempt .............................................................. 737Functions of Contempt ............................................................ 738Kinds of Contempt According to Nature ................................. 738Kinds of Contempt According to the Manner of Commission.................................................................. 739Direct Contempt ....................................................................... 739Acts Constituting Direct Contempt ........................................ 740No Formal Proceeding Required ............................................. 741Penalty ............................................................................... 741Remedy of a Person Adjudged in Direct Contempt ................ 741Indirect Contempt .................................................................... 742Examples of Specifi c Acts Constituting indirect Contempt ......................................................................... 742 Illustration (Bar 1995) .................................................... 743 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 743 Illustration (Bar 1993) .................................................... 744 Suggested Answer ........................................................... 744Criticism of Courts ................................................................... 744Court where the Charge for Indirect Contemt is to be Filed ..................................................................... 749Contempt in Relation to Execution of Judgments ................. 746How a Proceeding for Indirect Contempt is Commenced .................................................................. 747Necessity for Hearing .............................................................. 748Punishment for Indirect Contempt ......................................... 750Imprisonment ........................................................................... 750Remedy of a Person Adjudged in Indirect Contempt ............. 751Contempt Against Quasi-Judicial Entities ............................. 751

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APPENDICES

Appendix A Republic Act No. 7691 ..................................................... 753

Appendix B Revised Rules on Summary Procedure .......................... 757

Appendix C A.M. No. 02-11-09-SC ...................................................... 763

Appendix D A.M. No. 04-1-12-SC-PhilJa ............................................ 765Appendix E Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases..................... 771Appendix F Amendments to Rules 41, 45, 58 and 65 of the Rules of Court ......................................... 777

General Index ........................................................................... 781

Case Index ............................................................................... 802