RIANO Civil Procedure Summary

8/10/2019 RIANO Civil Procedure Summary

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pg. 1

RIANO SUMMARIZED CIVIL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER I: Fundamental Concepts

I. The Basics of Civil Litigation Process

Preparation

of

Complaint

-no Cause of action

- wrong jurisdiction (motu proprio)

- wrong venue (upon motion)

- prescribed

- non compliance with conditions precedent

- no signed

- Forum shopping (upon motion

Dismissal

Filing ofcomplaint

Non payment of docket fees within the

reasonable time BUT before prescription -> no

jurisdiction

Dismissal

Service of

summonsby the COC

Dismissal by plaintiff

Before answer- matter of right

After answer- court discretion

Dismissal

Amendment by plaintiff

Before responsive pleading is SERVED - matter of right

After responsive pleading is SERVED- court discretion

Defendants procedural options: not required to outrightly file

an answer

1.

answer

2.

complaint ambiguous- file motion for bill of

particulars

3.

has ground-> motion to dismiss

4. does not answer-> judgment by default

AnswerBy

defendant

No ground for motion to dismiss or

that motion to dismiss was denied

NO answer made Judgment by default

NO answer made

NO denial. No triable

issues

Admission of claim

Judgment based on pleadings

Complaint- in- intervention:

Stranger asserts a claim against one or

all of the parties


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pg. 2

Cross claim to co-

defendent

3rd

party complaint to a

stran er

Purpose: contribution, indemnity,

subrogation, other relief

Answer- in- intervention:

Stranger unites with the defendant in

resisting a claim by plaintiff

Issue does not cover

material factSummary judgment

Reply by PlaintiffCounter claim to plaintiff

Pre-Trial

(mandatory)

After last pleading has been

served and filed

Alternative modes of

dispute resolution

Modes of discovery

Trial

No settlement or compromise

Present evidence by

plaintiff. Then rests

Defendant then:

1. presents own; or

2. demurrer to evidence

On demurrer to evidence:

1. denied-> may still present own evidence

2. granted-> denied on appeal -> waives

right to present evident

Judgment

Judgment becomes final and executory

Post-

judgment

remedies

Execution

BEFORE judgment becomes

final and executory

AFTER judgment becomes

final and executory

a) motion for reconsideration

b) motion for new trial

c) appeal

a) petition for relief

b) action to annul judgment

c) certiorari


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pg. 3

1st: Preparation of the complaint- lawyers meticulously pours over the following:

Cause of action vs. right of action.-There is no right of action without there is no cause of action.-Coa is determined by the allegations in the complaint not by the prayer.

Court having Jurisdiction.-Wrong Juris-> motu propriodismissal. Not waivable.

Venue.Wrong Venue-> dismissal upon motion.Waivable

Real party in interest Prescription. Is prescribed-> ground for dismissal Conditions precedent (eg. brgy conciliation, exhaust admin remedies, etc)

State ultimate facts. evidence is presented in the trial proper.

Relief prayed for.

Dated and signed.

-Signed by the party OR his counsel.-not signed -> no legal effect.-if counsel signs- it is a certification by him that he has read the pleading, that to the best of hiknowledge, information, and belief, there are good grounds to support it and that it is notinterposed for delay.

Address of the party OR counsel.

Should it be verified?- GR: no

Exp: law of rule requires it. ( eg. summary procedure, certiorari, mandamus, etc) Certification against forum shopping

Violation-> dismissal upon motion

Provisional remedies ( depends upon nature of action)

2nd: Filing of complaint- act of presenting the same to court Complaint filed + payment of docket fees= court acquires jurisdiction GR: must be accompanied by payment of docket or filing fees

SC Rule: relaxed it. May pay within a reasonable time BUT not beyond the prescriptive period.-Rule applies even on appeal.

Dismissal of action by plaintiff

Before defendant answers After defendant answersnotice of dismissal. Motion to dismiss

GR: A matter of rightEXP: exp: class suit (need court

approval)

Courts discretion

GR: Dismissal is without prejudice to itslater refilling.

Exp: 1) notice statesotherwise; 2) covered by 2

GR: Dismissal is without prejudice toits later refilling.

Exp: court order states otherwise


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pg. 4

dismissal rule

Amendment of complaint:

Before responsive pleading After responsive pleadingA matter of right- if court refuses to

accept, remedy is mandamus.* motion to dismiss is NOT a responsivepleading

Must be made with leave of court

Availed only once

When amendment may be denied:1. amendment was intended for delay2. no longer a matter of right3. drastic chain in the cause of action or defense or a change in the theory of the case4. no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action and the amendment is for the purpose

of conferring jurisdiction upon the court where amendment is no longer a matter of right. (

since no juris over the action-> no juris to act on motion to amend)

Amendment by implication- When issues not raised in the pleadings are tried with the express implied consent of the

parties. When this occurs, the issues tried with the consent of the parties shall be treated asif they had been raised in the pleadings.

3rd: Service of summon/ voluntary appearance

Job of clerk of court

Coercive process which places the person under court jurisdiction Purpose: comply constitutional due process; direct defendant to file an answer; acquired

jurisdiction over defendant

How to serve:- To be served in person, through substituted- Publication is not recognized

Defendants procedural options: not required to outrightly file an answer1. answer2. complaint ambiguous- file motion for bill of particulars3. has ground-> motion to dismiss4. does not answer-> judgment by default

4th: Answer Gives notice to the plaintiff as to which allegations in the complaint he decides to contest and

thus put to issue.- Failure to file -> entitles plaintiff to file motion to declare defendant in degfaultt. judgment

by default Denial must be specific. No specifically denied are deemed admitted

- No specific denial-> deemed admitted

No denial made -> no triable issue -> judgment on the pleadings Judgment on the pleadings vs summary judgment


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pg. 5

Judgment on the pleadings summary judgmentBase entirely on pleadings Base on pleadings, affidavits,

depositions, admissionsno denial was made madeNo triable issues No genuine issue. Does not concern

material fact

Counterclaim, cross-claim, 3rdparty complaint, reply, intervention

5th: Pre-trial ( mandatory)

In this stage the following are considered: amicable settlement, adr Modes of discovery

6th: Trial Plaintiff presents evidence- defendant may:

1. present own evidence2. demurer to evidence- denied: may still present own evidence- granted- but reversed on appeal- waived right to present own evidence

7th: Judgment Official determination of rights and obligation Personally and directly prepared by judge

Stating clearly the facts and law

Signed by him Filed with clerk of court Date on entry judgment = date of finality of judgment

8th: Post- judgment remedies BEFORE judgment becomes final and executory

a) motion for reconsiderationb) motion for new trialc) appeal

AFTER judgment becomes final and executorya) petition for reliefb) action to annul judgmentc) certiorari

depending upon the circumstances, he may be allowed to attack the judgment collaterally.

9th: Execution of judgment

when remedies have been exhausted

enforcement of the judgment


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pg. 6

II. POWERS OF THE SUPREME COURT

Rule making power of SC:- power to promulgate rules concerning pleading, practice, and procedures of the courts-

Limitations:a) must be simplified and inexpensive. Speedy disposition of casesb) uniform in all courtsc) not diminish, increase or modify substantive right

- versus Legislative powerSc no longer shares it with congress. It has the sole prerogative.

Liberal construction of RoC

-Construed in order to promote their objective of securing a just, speedu, and inexpensivedisposition of every action or proceeding.- free from the constraints of technicalities- must facilitate not frustrate justice-Equity jurisdiction: disregards procedural lapses and decides base on merits.- SC has allowed liberal construction in the ff:

a) rigid application will result in miscarriage of justiceb) substantial justice be servedc) where any resolution is addressed solely to the discretion of courtd) where injustice tp the adverse party is not commensurate to the degree of thisthoughtlessness of not following the procedure prescribed

- but this is not a license to violate procedural requirements- invoking liberal construction requires the party to justify the same

Power of SC to suspend its own rules or to except a case from its application when thecircumstances so warrant.-SC allowed it in the ff:a) special or compelling circumstancesb) merits of the casec) cause not entirely attributable to person benefited by such suspensiond) other party will not be unjustly enriched- compliance with the procedural rules is the GR, abandonment or suspension if the exception.

Power to amend rules- To establish simplified and inexpensive process and speedy disposition of cases-

To overturn judicial precedents

Power to stay proceedings and control its process- stay is inherent and incidental to control- Has power to reverse itself


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pg. 7

III. The Rules of Court

RoC constitutes the body of rules governing pleading, practice, and procedure

Roc are not Laws because they do not originate in the Legislative Have force and effect of Law because they are promulgated by authority of Law Substantive law vs Remedial Law

Substantive Law Remedial LawCreates, defines, and regulates rightduties concerning life, liberty, andproperty.

Prescribes the methods of enforcingthose rights and obligations created bysubstantive

When violated gives rise to a cause ofaction

Prospective effect of Rules of Court-Gr: no retroactive effect

GR: applicable to pending and undetermined at the time of their passageExp:1. statute itself or by necessary implication provides otherwise2. application impairs vested rights3. not feasible or would work injustice4. application would involve intricate problems of due process or impair theindependence of the court

On fresh period of 15 dayCase: Neypes vs CACourt applied to pending actions a new rule promulgated through case which standardized theperiod for appeal by allowing a fresh period of 15 days within which to file the notice oappeal in the RTC, counted from1. receipt of original decision2. receipt of the order dismissing a motion for new trial or motion for reconsideration.

-Exp: to the extent that in the opinion of the court their application would not be feasible orwould work injustice

Application of RoC- Civil actions, criminal actions, special proceedings- Applies in all courts, except as SC provided otherwise- Inapplicable: election cases, land registration cases, cadastral cases, naturalization cases

insolvency proceedings (except by analogy or in suppletory character and wheneverpracticable and convenient).


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pg. 8

- Roc not strictly observed in administrative proceedings. They only apply in a suppletorycharacter.

- Scope: ordinary civil actions, provisional remedies, special civil actions

IV. Philippine Courts

Courts: an organ of government belonging to the judicial department the function of which isthe application of the laws to controversies brought before it as well as the publicadministration of justice.

Court vs. Judge

Court JudgeTribunal officially assembled under theauthority of law

Simply an officer of such tribunal

Organ of govt with personality distinctfrom the person or judge who sitsimagination Physical personoffice Public officerThe circumstances of the court are not affected by the circumstances of the judge.Death of the judge does not mean the death of the court.

Courts of law and equity. Thus, both legal and equitable jurisdiction is dispensed with in thesame tribunal.

Equity jurisdiction: power of the court to resolve issues presented in a case in accordance withthe natural rules of fairness and justice in the absence of a clear, positive law governing suchissues.-denotes concept of fairness, justice, and right dealing among men. Regards spirit of the lawJustice outside legality.

-

Applies when there is no law applicable.- If there is a law, it will only supplement the law.

Principle of judicial hierarchy- Ladderized scheme which requires that lower courts initially decide on a case before it is

considered by a higher court.- SC is a court of last resort.

Application on extraordinary writs: issuance thereof is concurrent in all courts. Only ininstances where it is absolutely necessary or where serious and important reasonsclearly and specifically expressed in the petition exist that the SC may issue the same.

When the Principle of judicial hierarchy may be disregarded- If it warranted by the nature and importance of the issues raised in the interest of speedy

justice and to avoid future litigations. This in accord with the liberal interpretation of RoC

Doctrine of non-interference or doctrine of judicial stability-courts of equal and coordinate jurisdiction cannot interfere with each others orders.- doctrine applies to administrative bodies.

Types of courts:a) Constitutional court- one directly created by a direct constitutional provision.


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pg. 9

b) Statutory court- one created by law other than the constitutionNote: the sandiganbayan was created by a BP.

c) Civil courts- determine controversies between private personsd) Criminal courts- those which adjudicate offenses alleged to have been committed

against the stateNote: Philippine courts exercise crim and civ jurisdictions

e) Courts of record- those which keep a written account of its proceedings. There is a

presumption as to the veracity of its recprds that cannot be collaterally attackedexcept for fraud.

f) Courts not of record- those which are not bound to keep recordsNote: all Phil courts are now required to be court of record.

g) Superior court- one with controlling authority over other courtsh) Inferior court- one which is subordinate to another court, the judgement of which

may be reviewed by a higher tribunal.Note: a court is superior or inferior in relation to another court

Type of Jurisdiction:i) Courts of general jurisdiction- those with competence to decide on their own

jurisdiction and to take cognizance of all cases (eg. RTC)j) Special/ limited jurisdiction- those which have only a special jurisdiction for aparticular purpose OR are clothed with special powers for the performance ospecified duties beyond which they have no authority.

k) Original jurisdiction- when actions or proceedings are originally filed with itl) Appellate jurisdiction- when it has the power of review over the decisions of the

lower court.m)Concurrent jurisdiction- (aka coordinate jurisdiction) power of different courts to

take cognizance of the same subject matter.-Court first taking cognizance of the case assumes jurisdiction to the exclusion of theother courts.

-concurrent jurisdiction among different courts of different ranks is subject to thedoctrine of hierarchy of courts.

Original vs. Exclusive jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction Exclusive JurisdictionJurisdiction to take cognizance of acase at its inception, try it and passjudgement upon the law and facts

Precludesthe idea of co-existence andrefers to jurisdiction possessed to theexclusion of others.

A court may be conferred both original and exclusive jurisdiction over aparticular subject matter.

Katarungang Pambaranggay Law (RA 7160)- Barangay conciliation- Lagally, there is no brgy court.- The proceedings before the Lupong Tagapamayapaor the Pangkat ng

Tagapagkasundoof the brgy are not judicial proceedings.- Lupon/ Pangkat- they resolve disputes or attempt to do so through mediation or

conciliation.


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pg. 10

- Aim: reduce work load of the courts.- Lupon/ Pangkat does not have adjudicatory powers. Any adjudicatory powers they have

must be agreed upon by the parties in writing. Importance

-condition precedent but non-jurisdictional.- absent ground for motion to dismiss NOT motu proprio.

Waivable. If not raised seasonable can no longer raise this ground.

Dismissal is without prejudice to refilling.

Steps:1st: initiation- Complain orally or in writing before the chairman of the Lupon ( who is the punong brgy)

Complain orally or in writing before the Lupon

PLUS

Payment of appropriate fees

Chairman summons

respondents

Parties appeal

without counsel

To be resolved in 15 days

Not

resolvedResolved

Lupon sets date to constitute Pangkat

Settlement

reached

Settlement

not reached

END

END

Goes to

COURT

Pangkat

issues

certification

No

repudiation

repudiation

Goes to

COURT

Pangkat issues

certification


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pg. 11

- Payment of appropriate filing fees- Chairman summon the respondents within the next working day- Parties must appear in person

GR: without counsel or representativesExp: Minors and incapacitated who may be accompanied by their relatives of next kin whoare not lawyers.

- Parties must only be natural persons

-

Resolves within 15 days- If he fails to resolve, he shall set a date to constitute the Pangkat.- Amicable settlement NOT reached-> certification by the Lupon or Pangkat- Unless AS is repudiated -> sufficient basis for certification

Subject matter for settlement:GR: ALLEXPs:

1. where one party is the govt/its subdivision or instrumentality2. where one party is a public officer concerning his performance of official

functions

3.

offenses where imprisonment exceeds 1 year or a fine exceeding P5,0004. where no private offended party5. dispute involves real property located in different cities/ municipalities. UNLESS

parties agree to submit their differences to an appropriate Lupon.6. Parties who reside in different brgys. EXCEPT where such brgy adjoins each

other and parties agree to submit their differences to an appropriate Lupon.NOTE: Brgy conciliation NOT MANDATORY where the parties are not actualresidents in the same city or municipality or adjoining brgy.

7. Those which the President may determine in the interest of justice UPONrecommendation of the Sec of Justice.

Referral to the Lupon by the court:The court in which NON-CRIMINAL CASE is files may MOTU PRO PRIO refer the case, ATANY TIME BEFORE TRIAL, to the Lupon concerned FOR AMICABLE SETTLEMENT.

Amicable settlement: shall be in writing ; language known to parties ; signed by themattested by the lupon chairman or pangkatEffect of AS and award:- have the effect of a final judgemnt of a court upon the expiration of 10 days from the datethereof UNLESS:1) repudiation of the settlement has been made

By filing with the lupon chairman a statement to that effect sworn before him where consent isvitiated by fraud, violence, or intimidation2) a petition to nullify the award has been filed before the proper court

Execution of award or settlement:

- Issued upon the expiration of 10 days from the date of settlement or receipt of the award.- May be enforced by the Lupon within 6 months from:


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pg. 12

a) the date of settlement orb) date of receipt of award orc) the date the obligation stipulated ord) adjudged in the settlement becomes due and demandable.

-If settlement or award has not been complied with: disputants may file a motion with thepunong brgy, copy furnished to other disputants

V. Pleadings in Civil Cases Nature: WRITTEN ( can not be oral) statements of the respective claims and defenses of the

parties submitted to the court for appropriate judgment.

Importance: necessary to invoke jurisdiction of courts ( done by filing)

Absent: judgement is Void: designed to present, define and narrow down the issues: limit the proof to be submitted in the trial:advise the court and the adverse party of the issues and what are relied upon as coa or

defenses

Construction: liberally construed so as to do justice, the intention of the pleader is controllingSubstance NOT formRule: parties are bound by the allegations, statements or admission made in hispleadings and cannot be permitted to take a contradictory position.

Ambiguity: construed most strongly against the pleader and no presumption in his favor. Phil system of pleading: Code Pleading- pleadings are based on codified rules or written set o

procedure as distinguished from common law procedure.

Pleadings under different rules:

RoC(ALLOWED)

Summary Procedure(ALLOWED)

Writ of Amparo/HD(NOT ALLOWED)

Complaint, answer,counterclaim, crossclaim,3rd,4th- party complaint,complaint-in-intervention, reply

Complaint, compulsorycounterclaim, cross-claimpleaded in the answer, answersthereto

In addition to RoC not allowedare: counterclaim, cross-claim,3rd-party complaint, reply,pleadings-in-intervention

FORM:

-Caption contains: name of the court, title of the action, docket number is assigned-Title contains: names of the parties and their participation indicated. (plaintiff/ defendant)

It is not the caption but the allegations contained therein which determine the nature of theaction and relief sought. Thus, the court may pass upon the real issues as raised in theallegations.

- Body of the pleading: sets forth its designation, allegations, reliefs, and date.

Shall be divided into paragraphs and shall be so numbered for ready identification. (numbering will be used as referrals)


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pg. 13

Two or more causes of action shall be names 1st, 2nd coa.

Allegations of ultimate facts:

- Must state only Ultimate Facts: facts essential to ones coa/ defense.Stated in a logical form and in a plain and concise manner.

-

Must not state: if stated -> subject to motion to strike.conclusion of law ( ratio: made by court)statements of mere evidentiary facts ( ratio: presented during trial)

Relief ( prayer/ wherefore clause) :

- Must contain an statement of the relief sought- Must be specified but may include a general prayer- Relief not part of the statement of coa. Does not also limit the issues.- Court may grant relief not prayed for, for as long as the relief is warranted by the allegation

of the complaint and the proof.

Signature and Address:- Signed by the plaintiff OR counsel, indicating eithers address- Absence notice of change of address to court->service made at the last address of their

counsel of record.

-Unsigned pleading ->

GR: produces no legal effectBUT: court may allow to sign it if plaintiff proves that lack of it is a result of mere inadvertenceand not to delay proceedings.

-Counsel at fault-> subjected to disciplinary actionif counsel signs- it is a certification by him that he has read the pleading, that to the best of hisknowledge, information, and belief, there are good grounds to support it and that it is notinterposed for delay.

-Counsel subject to disciplinary actions in CONNECTION to pleadings when:1) deliberately files unsigned pleading2) signs pleading in violation of RoC3)When he alleges in the pleading scandalous or indecent matter4) He fails to promptly report the court the change of address.

Act of signing is personal to him and can not be delegated to non-lawyer. May delegate it to alawyer. ( Code of Professional Responsibility)

- If signed by non-lawyer-void, can not be ratified.

Verification in a pleadingVerification- under oath.


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pg. 14

Significance: intended to secure that the allegations are true and correct and not mereimaginations/ speculations, AND that it is made in good faith.

-Gr: Pleading need not be verified.- Exp: law or rule requires otherwise

- absence-> will be treated as unsigned. Hence, no legal effect- formal defect. Pleading is NOT defective. Hence, court may order it to be

CORRECTED or ACT on it even if not verified.- corrected by making an oath

- A pleading, if required, is verified by an affidavit. It declares that:a) that affiant has read the pleadingb) that the allegations therein are true and correctc) of his personal knowledged) based on authentic records

Other requirements:

indicate Effect if absentProfessional Tex Receipt Number (PTRN),current IBP Official Receipt Number, Roll ofAttorneys Number

Non-compliance within 5 days after notice:a) will not be acted upon by courtb) disciplinary actions to the counselc) contempt of court by the counsel

Number and date of issue of their MCLEcertificate of Compliance or Certificate ofExemption

Would cause dismissal of the case and expunctionof the pleadings from the records.

Certification against Forum Shopping (Mandatory)

Meaning: sworn statement certifying the following matters:1) the party has not comment or files any claim involving same issues in an tribunal AND

to the best of his knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending2) that if there is such, a complete statement of the present status thereof3) that if he should learn that the same or similar action is pending, he shall report such

fact within 5 days to the court where he filed it.- Applies to special civil actions- Pleading requiring CaFS:

Complaint and other initiatory pleadings (eg. permissive counterclaim, cross-claim, 3rd,4thparty complaint, complaint in intervention, petition or any application in which a partyasserts a claim).

Does not cover compulsory counter claim, answer with a counter claim

- Who executes: the plaintiff or principal party, signed by the party himself and not by hiscounsels

If made by counsel: it is defective and a valid cause for dismissalRatio: it is the party himself who is in the best position to know if there are other similarcases.


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pg. 15

If plaintiff is a juridical person: person duly authorized by the corporation and haspersonal knowledge of the facts required to be disclosed in the certification. (eg.company lawyer)

4 violations related forum shpping:

violations Effectnon-compliance with

submission of certification

-dismissal without prejudice

a)dismissal of the case by motion and NOT motu proprio

- motion and hearing is required-dismissal made is without prejudice, unless court ordersotherwise-order of dismissal is non-appealable.

Ratio: dismissal is without prejudice. Remedy isappropriate civil action under rule 65.

b) not curable by mere amendment.

Forum shopping proper

- dismissal with prejudice

- Effect if deliberately done:a) summary dismissal of the case

- no motion to dismiss or hearing is required-dismissal is with prejudiceb) disciplinary actions to the counselc)direct contempt of court by the counseld) not cured by submitting certification after.

Submission of Falsecertification

a)indirect contempt without prejudice to administrative andcriminal sanctions

Non-compliance with thecertifications undertaking

NOTE: the failure to submit a certification against forum shopping is a ground for dismissal, separateand distinct from the forum shopping as a ground for dismissal.

-Forum shopping happens when:a) after an adverse decision, the party seeks another decision in a different tribunal Other thanby appeal or certiorarib) where he simultaneously or successively seeks favorable decisions over different courts

- abuse of court processes- malpractice

- Test to determine existence of FS:

1. WON the elements of lis pendentia are present2. WON a final judgement in one case will result to res judicata in anotherThus, identify the

a) parties or atleastsuch parties as those representing the same interest in bothactions,

b) their rights or causes of action,c)identity of relief sought


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pg. 16

- Liberal interpretation applied:SC may suspend such rule in the interest of justiceIf several parties, certification made by one is enough. Substantial compliance.Belated submission may be allowed by SC.

VI. Filing and Service of pleadings, Judgments and other papers in civil cases

Paper required to be filed and served:-judgement-resolutions-orders

-pleadings-notices

-appearances-demands-offers of judgements

-similar papers

Filing- act of presenting the pleading or other papers to the clerk of court- Two modes of Filing:

a) presenting the original copy of thepleading, etc

b) registered mail

Date of filing: Coc shall indicate or endorseon the pleading or paper filed, the date andhour of filing.

Date of mailing as shown by the post officestamp on the envelope or registry receiptshall be the date of filing.

How proved: existence in the record of thecase or by written or acknowledged stamp ofits filing by the clerk of court

By registry receipt and by the affidavit other person who did the mailing, containinga full statement of the date and place odepositing the mail in the post office in asealed envelope addressed to the court, withpostage fully prepaid, and with instructionsto the postmaster to return the mail to thesender after 10 days if not delivered.

Service- act of providing a party with a copy of the pleading or paper concerned.

-

Modes of servicePersonal service Service by mail Substituted servicePreferredViolation -> treated as if notfiled

GR: Written explanation why this is used instead of personaservice. Violation -> treated as if not filed.Exps: those documents coming from courts

HOW:a) delivering a copy of the

GR: registered mailExp: ordinary mail when no

Last resort


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pg. 17

papers served to personallyto the party or his counsel;

b) leaving a copy in his officewith his clerk or a personhaving charge thereofif non-> by leaving a copy at

the partys or counselsresidence, with a person ofsufficient age and discretionresiding therein between 8in the morning to 6 in theevening.

registry of service is availablein the locality of either thesender or the addressee.

Done by depositing the copyin the post office, in a sealedenvelope, plainly addressed

to the party or his counsel athis office, if known, orotherwise at his residence, ifknown, with postage fullyprepaid and withinstructions to thepostmaster to return themail to the sender within 10days it not delivered.

Effected by delivering thecopy to the clerk of court,with proof of failure of bothpersonal service and serviceby mail.

Deemed complete: uponactual delivery

a) Registered mail- uponactual receipt by the

addressee, or after 5 daysfrom the date he received thefirst notice of thepostmaster, which ever isearlier.

b) Ordinary mail- uponexpiration of 10 days aftermailing, unless the courtotherwise provides.

Complete at the time ofdelivery of the copy to the

clerk of court.

How to prove:

a) Consist of the writtenadmission of the partyserved.b) official return of theserverc) affidavit of the partyserving, containing fullinformation of the date,place, and manner ofservice.

a) Affidavit of the person

mailing of the facts showingcompliance with sec 7, rule13.b) registry receipt issued bythe mailing office.

Registry return card: to befiled immediately upon itsreceipt by the sender, or inlieu thereof the unclaimedletter together with thecertified or sworn copy of thenotice given by thepostmaster to the addressee.


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pg. 18

VII. Motion in Civil Cases

Motion- an application for relief other than by a pleading

Form:- GR: In writing

Exp: those motions made in open court

: motions made in the course of the hearing of the trial- Rules that apply to pleadings shall also apply to written motions ( captions, designationsignature, other matters)

Contents:a) a statement of the relief sought to be obtainedb) grounds upon which the motion is basedc) the supporting affidavits and other papers. (Applies only when mandated by the rules orwhen necessary to prove the facts stated in the motion).

Hearing of the Motion-hearing set not later than ten days after filing of the motion.GR: every motion is a litigated motion ( one which requires parties to be heard before a ruling

on the motion made by court) (eg. motion to dismiss, summary judgement)Exp: ex parte motion ( one which does not require that the parties be heard and which thecourt may act upon without prejudicing the rights of the party) ( motion to set for pre-trialextension of time)

A motion that does not meet requirements set by the rules is treated as a mere scrap of paper. Notice of the motion:

- Motion which contained the notice of hearing on the motion shall be served in such manneas to ensure receipt by the other party at least 3 days before the date of hearing. Unlesscoury for good cause sets the hearing on shorter notice.

- Addressed to all parties concerned- It shall specify the time and date of hearing.

Service of the motion:-

Motion must be served upon the other party- No proof of service-> shall not be acted by court

Motion dayGR: Friday afternoonsExp:


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pg. 19

a) Friday is non-working-> next working holidayb) motions requiring immediate attention

Failure to comply with

Omnibus Motion Rule-Rule which requires that every motion that attacks a pleading, judgment, order, or proceedingshall include all grounds then available and all objections not so included shall be deemedwaived.

GR: all objections not so included shall be deemed waived.Exp: lack of jurisdiction, litis pendencia, res judicata, prescription

Illustrated:a) grounds available at the time motion to dismiss was filed: no coa, no juris, statute of fraudsimproper venue, and prescription.b) movant only assailed the first 3.c) motion was denied.d) Answer: thus, improper venue is waived BUT prescription is not waived.

1. set motion for

hearing

2. notice of hearing

3. service of motion

Mere scrap of paper.

-

It is pro forma presenting no question which the

court could decide.-

Does not sto the runnin of the eriod for filin


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pg. 20

CHAPTER II: Cause of Action and Actions

I. Cause of Action (Rule 2)

Cause of Action- the act or omission by which a party violates the right of another. Elements:

a) a right in favor of plaintiffb) obligation of defendant to respect or not to violate such rightc) act or omission by the defendant in violation of the right of the plaintiff or

constituting a breach of the obligation of the defendant to the plaintiff for whichthat latter may maintain an action for recovery of damages or other appropriaterelief

Coa applied:- administrative cases

Issue not WON there is a coa.

Issue: WON respondent has breached the norms and standards of the office.- Breach of contract of carriage

Negligence is presumed. Need not be proved.- Quasi-delict

GR: negligence must be alleged or provedExp: Art 2180 of CC. negligence is presumed.

- Promissory noteCoa arises upon the due dateIf complaint filed before due date but service made after due date-> still premature.The defect could not be cured by service of summons on the defendant after the due date.

- Unlawful detainer:

There must be a demand before coa accrues or that the term of lease contract has expired.Pay or vacate Pay and vacateSpecific performance Unlawful detainerRTC if amount within juris MTC

Coa vs Action


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Action- suit filed in a court for the enforcement or protection of a right or the prevention oredress of a wrongCoa- basis of the action

All elements of a Coa must be stated in the complaint.

Dismissal of the complaint:

Lack of CoA Failure to state CoAFailure to prove or to establish by evidence ones

stated Coa/ states no Coa

Insufficiency in the allegations in the complaint

to establish CoaRaised in the demurrer to evidence under Rule 33after the plaintiff has rested his case and can beresolved only on the basis of evidence he haspresented in support of his claim.

Ground for dismissal under Rule 16 before aresponsive pleading is filed and can bedetermined only from the allegations of thepleadings and not from evidentiary matters.

Test of sufficiency of the statement of a Coa

- WON admitting the facts alleged, the court could render a valid verdict in accordance withthe prayer of the complaint.

GR: Motion to dismiss in the ground of failure to state Coa, hypothetically admits theallegations in the complaint.

Note: hypothetical admission only extend to relevant and material facts in the complaint aswell as to inferences deductible therefrom. Does not include conclusion or interpretations olaw.

Allegations in the complaint:1. determine WON the complaint states a Coa. Thus, it is error for the court to take cognizanceof external facts/ matters aliunde or to hold preliminary hearings to determine its existence.- sufficiency should appear on the face of the complaint.- BUT court may also consider attachments, annexes or other documents, or admissions in therecords.

2. determine the nature of the Coa- nature of Coa is not determined in the prayer.-caption or designation of the complaint is not controlling

3. determines which court has jurisdiction.

How to state Coa-Must contain only ultimate facts,

Ultimate facts: essential facts of the claim. A fact is essential if it cannot be stricken ouwithout leaving the coa insufficient. It is the basis of the right of the plaintiff and whichmake up the wrongful act or omission of the defendant.

-stated in a plain, concise, methodological, and logical form-evidentiary facts must be omitted.- must not state conclusions of law- should not contain sham, false, redundant, immaterial, scandalous matters. These are subjecto motion to stike by a party 20 days after service of the pleading OR by the court at any time.


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Conditions precedent:Some Coa has condition precedent that need be complied with. Failure to comply is a groundfor a motion to dismiss under Rule 16.

Pleading of a

1. a judgement or decision of a domestic or foreign tribunal:it is sufficient to aver the judgement or decision. No need to aver details showing jurisdictionUnder Sec 3, Rule 131, there is a presumption that a court has jurisdiction.

2. official document or act:It is sufficient to aver that the document or act was issued or done in compliance with the law.

3. capacity to sue or be sued:Facts showing ones capacity must be averred.

4. fraud, mistake, or condition of the mind:Circumstances constituting such must be stated with particularity.Malice or intent or knowledge must be generally averred.

5. alternative coa or defenses:A party may set forth 2 or more statements of claims or defenses, alternatively ohypothetically, either in one coa or defense or in separate coas/ defenses.Even if inconsistent claim, it is okay as long as they are consistent with the coa relied upon asan alternative.The pleadings which contain alternative coa is not made insufficient by the insufficiency of oneor more of the alternative statements as long as one of them if made independently issufficient.Rule allowing alternative defenses is consistent with the omnibus motion rule.

6. actionable documents.

- a document relied upon by either plaintiff or defendant- to plead, pleader is to set forth in the pleading the substance of the instrument or thedocument, and to attach the original or the copy of the document to the pleading as an exhibitand which shall form part of the pleading OR- to set forth in the pleading said copy of the instrument or the document.

-How to contest an actionable document: The party who has no intent of admitting thegenuineness and due execution of the document must contest the same by:a) specifically denying the genuineness and due execution of the document under oathb) setting forth what he claims to be the facts

MUST: denial + oath

Absence of oath=implied admission of the due execution and genuineness of thedocument.

Defenses cut off by absence of oath Defenses NOT cut off by absence of oatha) forger, a)payment


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b) lack of authority to execute document,c) that the party who signed it made it in

another capacity than that set in thedocument,

d) or that the document was neverdelivered,

e) or that the document was not in the

words and figures set out in thepleadings, etc.

ratio: have relp to the concepts ofgenuineness and due execution.

b) want of considerationc)illegality of considerationd) usurye) fraud

ratio: these defenses are not inconsistentwith admission of genuineness and due

execution of the instrument and are nottherefore, barred.

g) prescriptionh) releasei) waiverj) statute of fraudsk) estoppell) former recovery or discharge inbankruptcy

ratio: having no relp to the concepts ogenuineness and due execution.

Note: if answer opposing the pleading is unverified or denial in bad faith (lacksknowledge of such document), genuineness and due execution deemed admitted. Thusproper ground for judgment on the pleading.

When oath not required: thus specific denial is enough.a) when the adverse party does not appear to be a party to the documentb) when compliance with a court order for an inspection of the original instrument irefused by adverse party who is in possession thereof.

Splitting a Cause of Action- it is the act of instituting two or more suits for the same cause of action.- The pleader divides a sing coa, claim or demand,= into two or more parts, brings a suit for

one of such parts with the intent to reserve the rest for another separate action.- Prohibition against it:

a party may not institute more than one suit for a sing coa-Ratio: multiplicity of suits, clogs court dockets, vexatious litigation, instrument odharassment, unnecessary expenses.- this rule applies not only to complaints but also to counterclaims and cross-claims andcomplaint for interpleader.

- a single act may sometimes violate several right of a person. Nevertheless, the plaintiffhas only one coa regardless of the number of rights violated.Note:separate ang action for reconveyance (ownership), from action for forcible entry orunlawful detainer (possession).


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GR: Obligation on installment basis, gives rise to divisible independent obligations.Each default, separate suit. But if pending suit for one installment, one becomes due,plaintiff may file a supplemental pleading.Exp:Anticipatory breachEg. when a person is obliged to deliver good every month for 10 years, but refuses tomake any delivery under the contract-> it is an unqualified and positive refusal toperform his part of the agreement. Breach is total and there is only one coa.

- effect of splittingfiling or judgment of one upon the merits is available as a ground for the dismissal ofothers.If 2ndaction is filed pending 1staction= basis: litis pendenciaIf 2ndaction has been decided when 2ndaction filed= basis: res judicata

Note: it is not necessary that the 2ndaction be dismissed. It is a matter of judicial discretion

Joinder of Causes of Action:- Assertion of as many coa as a party may have against another in one pleading.

-

Not compulsory only permissive.- Take note of totality test= when the claims in all the coas are principally for the recovery

of money, the aggregate amount claimed shall be the test of- RULE: special civil action can not be joined with ordinary civil action.

- Joinder of parties, coas must arise from single transaction or series of transaction and theremust be a common question of law or fact. And that there are two or more defendants orplaintiffs.

- note: claim for attys fees and litigation expenses and costs are not to be included in thecomputation of jurisdiction.

- Joinder of coa vs joinder of partiesJoinder of coa will not necessarily mean joinder of parties.

- Misjoinder is not a ground for dismissal of the action.Remedy: The erroneously joined coa can be severed and proceeded with separately uponmotion by a party or upon the courts own initiative.


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II. Actions

Action- legal and formal demand of ones right from another person made and insisted upon ina court of justice. (aka. Suit)Civil action One by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right , of the

prevention or rederss of a wrong. Primary purpose: compensatoryCriminal action one by which the state prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishable by law

Primary purpose: punishment.Special civil action to establish a status, a right or a particular fact.

Real action It affects title to or possession of real property, or an interest therein.- but not every action involving real property is real action. Because the realty may only beincidental to the subject matter of the suit. The fundamental and prime objective must berelated with real property.- matter in litigation: title to, ownership, possession, partition, foreclosure of mortgage or

ang interest in the real prop.- thus, Real property + matter in litigation = real action

Personal actionIn personam Proceeding to enforce personal rights and obligations brought against the person and is

based on the jurisdiction of the person, although it may involve his right to, or to exercise ofthe ownership of, specific property, or seek to compel him to control or dispose of it inaccordance with the mandate of the court.Purpose: impose upon the defendant a responsibility or liability

In rem Directed against the whole worldQuasi in rem One brought against persons seeking to subject the property of such persons to the discharge

of the claims assailed.Purpose: subject his interests to the obligation or loan burdening the property.-deals with the status, ownership or liability or a particular property but which are intended

to operate on these questions only as between parties to the proceeding and not to ascertainor cut-off rights of interests of all possible claimants.

Real vs personal actionSignificance: determining venueReal property: local, depends upon the location of the property involved


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Personal property: transitory, venue depends upon the residence of the plaintiff or thedefendant at the option of the plaintiff.

In determining venue, steps:1. determine WON real or personal2. application of the rule 4, Roc

In rem vs in personam vs quasi in remSignificance; to determine WON jurisdiction over the person of the defendant is required andconsequently to determine the type of summons to be employed.In personam: jurisdiction over the person of defendantIn rem: jurisdiction over the resQuasi in rem: jurisdiction over the res

See further notes under summons

CHAPTER III: Jurisdiction, Venue and Parties

I. Jurisdiction Jurisdiction: power and authority of the court to hear, try and decide a case, and the power to

enforce its determination. Jurisdiction is the power of the court and not that of the judge. Test of jurisdiction: WON the court has the power to enter into the inquiry and WON the

decision is right or wrong.

Jurisdiction over the subject matter is a matter of substantive law. Jurisdiction over theparties, res, and issues are matters of procedure.

Can not be subject to waiver or stipulation of the parties. It is the duty of the court to look at first if it has jurisdiction before proceeding to other matters It may motu pro prio dismiss case if it has jurisdiction. Power to exercise jurisdiction may be enforced by mandamus. Jurisdiction vs exercise of jurisdiction:

Jurisdiction: authorityExercise: decisions made- Errors of judgment: errors committed in the exercise of jurisdiction

- Error of judgment vs error of jurisdiction:

Error of judgment Error in jurisdiction:as long as the court act within its jurisdiction,any alleged errors committed in the exerciseof its discretion will amount to nothing morethan mere errors of judgment.

one where the act complained of was issuedby the court without or in excess ojurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion

Corrected by appeal Corrected by certiorari


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Not void Decision is void

- Lack of jurisdiction- If court does not have the legal power to determine the case

- Excess of jurisdiction- Court is clothed with power but oversteps its authority determined by law

- Jurisdiction vs cause of action

Jurisdiction Cause of actionAuthority Act or omission violative of rights of othersConferred by law Not. But exist bec a right is violated

- Doctrine of primary jurisdiction:- Courts will not resolve a controversy involving a question which is within the jurisdiction o

an administrative tribunal, esp where the question demands the exercise of soundadministrative discretion requiring the special knowledge , experience, and services of theadministrative tribunal to determine technical and intricate matters of fact.

- Doctrine of continuity of jurisdiction:Once a court has acquired jurisdiction, that jurisdiction continues until the court has done althat it can do in the exercise of that jurisdiction.

- Thus court can not be ousted by subsequent happenings or events, although of acharacter which would have prevented jurisdiction from attaching in the first instance.

- Courts jurisdiction can not be affected by a new law Except when the law providesotherwise.

- In action for ejectment already filed, court does not loose jurisdiction by the surrender othe property by the defendant.

- Court acting on a motion, doe not loose juris over said motion by the filing of notice oappeal.

- Even finality of the judgment does not totally deprive the court of jurisdiction over the caseIt still has power to enforce or execute it. What the court loses is the power to amendmodify or alter the judgment.

Jurisdiction over the subject matterIt is the power to deal with the general subject involved in the action, and means not simplyjurisdiction of a particular case, but jurisdiction of the class of cases to which the particulacase belongs.

Subject matter: item with respect to which the controversy has arisen, or concerning whichthe wrong has been done, and it ordinarily the right, the thing, or contract under dispute.How it is conferred: Substantive Law or statute, thus it can not be subject to:a) administrative policy of any courtb) by courts unilateral assumption of jurisdictionc) courts erroneous beliefd) by agreement of the parties, their silence, or waiver


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Determining jurisdiction over the subject matter:jurisdiction is determined by the allegations of the complaint, the initiatory pleadingRegardless of WON the plaintiff is entitled to his claims asserted therein.it is not determined by the defenses or by evidences in the trial.yet if court, after hearing, the real issue determined and belongs to another court, the courshould dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.In a case of reconveyance of real property, the alleged value in the complaint is 11k but the

uncontroverted value in the tax declaration raised as a defense is 50k. the latter prevails.

it is not determined by the amount substantiated or awarded. Thus if RTC has juris, lesserreward does not divest it of its jurisdiction. BUT this rule does not apply in REVERSE. Thus iMTC has juris, greater reward divests it of its jurisdiction.

- Exception to the above rule:The same is not applied with rigidity in ejectment cases in which the defendant averred thedefense of the existence of a tenancy relationship between the parties.Provided: there must first be reception of evidence and, if after hearing, tenancy had in factbeen shown to be the real issue, court may dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.

-Applicability to criminal actions:Jurisdiction determined by the allegations in the information.Goverened by law: at the time of filing.Penalty: penalty prescribed at the time of commission.Note that: in case of variance in the offense charged and proved,Trial court may try and convict defendant for offense proved which is included in the offensecharged, or of the offense charged which is included in the offense proved.Eg. charged: murder. Proved: homicide. The court may try defendant for the latter becausenecessarily included in the offense charged.

-

Jurisdiction, being a matter of substantive law, statute in force at the time of thecommencement of the action determines the jurisdiction of the court.

- Note: ex mero motu: mere motion of a partys own free will.Same as motu proprio

- Lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter:Earliest opportunity to question jurisdiction: motion to dismiss filed before the filing orservice of an answer.Gr: It maybe raised at any stage of the proceeding even on appeal.Exp: the parties barred by estoppel.(Tijam vs Sibonghanoy ruling- SC barred a belated onjection to jurisdiction after an adversedecision was rendered against the party questioning jurisdiction AND after seeking

affirmative relief from the court AND after actively participating in all stages in theproceeding. Estoppels by laches. Active participation is a recognition of courts jurisdiction.)It is an exception to omnibus motion rule.Court who dismisses a case on this ground, has no authority to forward the same to the propecourt. After dismissal, it has no authority to make any other order.


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Jurisdiction over the personOver the plaintiff: by his filing of the complaint or petition and payment of docket fees. Thus,voluntary submission. Personal appearance in court is not necessary.Over the defendant: valid service of summons or his voluntary submission in court.- Jurisdiction over defendant is only required in action in personam not in in rem or quasi in

rem.

Voluntary appearance of the defendant:- Equivalent to service of summons- it must be that amounts to a voluntary submission to the jurisdiction of the court.

- GR: seeking affirmative relief from court is voluntary appearanceExp: when the relief sought for is for the purpose of objecting to the jurisdiction of the courtover the person of the defendant.

- Examples: files necessary pleading, motion for recon of the default judgement, compromiseagreement with the approval of the court, files an answer to the contempt charge. Files apetition for certiorari without questioning the courts jurisdiction over his person.

- An appearance made without expressly objecting jurisdiction, is a submission to thejurisdiction of the court.

-Lack of jurisdiction over the person of defendant:May be raised as a ground for a motion to dismissMay be pleaded as an affirmative defense in the answer- failure to plead it deemed waived.-omnibus motion rule applies. Not an exception.

Note: JurisdictionOver the person Over the subject matterNot an exception to omnibus motion rule An exceptionNot pleaded- deemed waived Not pleaded- not waived

Acquired by: summons or voluntarysubmission

Acquired by: allegations in the pleadings

- The inclusion of a motion to dismiss on the ground aside from lack or jurisdiction over theperson of the defendant shall not be deemed voluntary appearance ( Sec 20, R14).

Jurisdiction over the issue:-Power of the court to try and decide issues raised in the pleadings of the parties-Issue: a disputed point or question to which parties to an action have narrowed down theirseveral allegations and upon which they are desirous of obtaining as decision.- where there is no disputed point ( fails to tender issue or admits allegations of complainant)> no issue -> judgment on the pleadings.

How conferred:-Conferred and determined by the pleadings of the parties.


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-may be conferred by stipulation of the parties, by entering into stipulations of facts anddocuments or enter into an agreement simplifying the issues of the case.- may be conferred by waiver or failure to object to the presentation of evidence on a matter noraised in the pleadings.

- Issues may be tried even if not raised in the pleadings if made with the express or impliedconsent of the parties. Treated as if they were raised in the pleadings.Thus, the pleadings may be amended upon motion or it is considered impliedly amended.

Question of law vs question of factOf law- when the doubt or difference arises as to what the law is on a certain set of fact.Of fact- when the doubt or difference arises as to the truth or falsehood of the alleged facts.When it involves review of evidence- Of fact

TEST: WON the court can determine the issue raised without reviewing or evaluating theevidence, in which case, it is a question of law; otherwise it is a question of fact.

Jurisdiction of the MTC, MeTC, and MCTC- RA 7691 ammended parts of BP 129 and expanded the jurisdiction of MTC, MeTC, and

MCTC- all processes issued maybe served anywhere in the Philippines, without need of RTCcertification.-decision appealable to RTC.

Coverage:1. jurisdictional amount:

Outside Metro Manila- P300kWithin Metro Manila- P400kApplies to real and personal property.Jurisdiction Said amount does not include: interest, damages of whatever kind

damages that are merely incidental to or consequence of the main action, attys fees, litigation expenses, and costs.

Filing fee Included.

Totality Rule: there are several claims or coa between the same or different partiesembodied in the same complaint, the amount of the demand shall be the totality of theclaims in all the coa, irrespective of won the coa arose out of the same or differentransaction.

2. Has exclusive and original jurisdiction over forcible entry and unlawful detainer caseregardless of assessed value. Both are ejectment cases (aka. accion interdictal)

All ejectment cases as with its jurisdiction regardless if cases involve ownership issues othe issue of possession can not be resolved without resolving ownership.


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But any adjudication made on ownership by such court is merely provisional. Thuswithout prejudice to an action between same parties involving such.What it only resolves is possession de facto NOT de jure.

3. Has exclusive and original jurisdiction over civil actions involving title to possession of anyreal property or any interest therein where values are:

Outside Metro Manila- P20k

Within Metro Manila- P50kValue determined by tax declaration or assessed value of adjacent lots.Assessed value: fair market value of the real property multiplied by the assessment level.FMV: price at which a property may be sold by a seller, who is not compelled to sell, andbought by a buyer, who is not compelled to buy.Thus,jurisdiction over accion puliciana and reinvidicatoria cases are now determined by taxdeclaration or assessed value.

4. Admiralty and maritime cases, if claim:Outside Metro Manila- P300kWithin Metro Manila- P400k

5. Probate proceedings, if gross value of the entire estate:Outside Metro Manila- P300kWithin Metro Manila- P400kProv rem follows principal action: MTC has exclusive original jurisdiction to grant/ denyprov rem where principal action is within its jurisdiction.

6. SC Delegated jurisdiction: MTC is acting as RTC; thus appeal is to CA.cadastral and land registration cases covering lots:a) where there is no controversy/ opposition, orb) P of land : =/< P100k

- value ascertained by affidavit of claimant/ agreement of the parties/ tax dec

7. Special jurisdiction:a) petitions for habeas corpus ( RTC absent)

8. Summary ProcedureBasic principles:

1) not all pleadings allowed.ONLY allowed are: complaint, compulsory counterclaim, cross-claim pleaded in the answeranswer to these pleadings.

PROHIBITED: motion to dismiss, new trial/ recon/ reopening of trial, Relief from judgementextension, memoranda, certiorari/ mandamus/ interlocutory order, declare defendant indefault, dilatory postponement, reply, 3rdparty complaints, interventions.Exp: certiorari allowed when court acted contrary to rules of summary procedure.


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2) Court may dismiss case outright if ground exists.3) Defendant does not answer in 10 days from service of summons- court (motu proprio /

motion) render judgement.4) No trial. Only preliminary conference.5) Parties submit affidavits and position papers.6) Render judgement- 30 days from receipt of last affidavit or position paper or expiration of

period for filing the same.

7)

GR: motion to dismiss not allowed. Exp: lack of jurisdiction over subj matter and failiure tocomply with brgy conciliation.

9. small claims:- RoC applies suppletory to these kinds of cases.- pleadings prohibited: same as summary procedure BUT add bill of particulars.- uses forms to be filled up- purpose: inexpensive and expeditious means to settle disputes.- NO: lawyers, no formal pleadings, no strict rules on evidence.

- Procedure:

action commenced:

1)filing form I-SCC ( statement of claims, accomplished and verified, duplicate)

2) paying docket and other legal fees (unless, indigent)

3) attachements:

- if with actionable document, accompany with 2 duly certified copies

- affidavits of witnesses and other evidences in support of claim. ( state only facts of personal knowledge), non-

compliance: inadmissible with disciplinary action.

- ratio- evidence not attached shall not be entertained. Unless, good cause.

Upon receipt by court: court determines won within small claims:

- Coverage:

a)MTC cases where value of claim does not exceed 100k exclusive of interest or costs.

b) purely civil in nature, where claim is solely for payment/ reimbursement of sum of moneyclaim:

money owed- in contract of lease/ loan/ services/sale/ mortgage.

Damages-fault or negligence/ quasi-contract, contract

enforcement of brgy amicable settlements/ arbitration ward involving money claims)

c) civil aspect of criminal actions ( filed prior to crim case/ reserved).

-several claims: such claims may be joined provided does not exceed 100k. ( interest and cost not

included).


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pg. 33

Within:

Court issue form 2- SCC (

summons): directing to file

response.

Then form 4-SCC, notice to

appear in court.

Not within jurisdiction:

Dismiss case outright.

Basis: allegations in the claim/

evidences.

Parties appear at hearing personally or through representative (SPA form 5-SCC)

to: 1) Amicable settlement; 2) JDR; 3) enter into stipulation of facts or admissionof facts and of documentary exhibits. NO LAWYERS

Failure to appear:

a) Plaintiff- dismissal of claim.

END.

b) Defendant- failure to file

reponse. Render judgement.

EXP: several defendants sued

under a common coa and who

plead a common defense andone or more of them appear at

At hearing:

- JDR

JDR works:

- Settelement form 7-SCC

- Resolution form 8-SCC

-

Writing, signed by the parties for court approval ( form 12-SCC).

JDR fails:

-

JDR to be presided by judge- -terminated in 1 day

2nd

JDR fails

Defendant to file response within 10 days in form 3-SCC.Period non-extendible.

-

Form accompanied with affid/evids.

Fails to respond:

Court render judgement

limited to prayer but may

reduce if excessive.

END

Defendant files counter claim with response if:

a) within coverage of rule exclusive or interests

costs. ( if not within, filing of it shall be at the

election of the plaintiff provided with in jurisdict

b) arises of the same transaction or event that is

subj matter of plaintiffs claimc) does not require the joinder of 3

rdparties AND

d) not subj of another pending action

- interposed, or else, barred.


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Jurisdiction of the RTC- Decisions appealble to RTC- Has general jurisdiction.

Coverage:1. exclusive and orginal jurisdiction:a) subj matter not capable of pecuniary estimation.

CAPABLE: jurisdictional amountsNOT CAPABLE: RTC

Case Capable/ not capableAction primarily for recovery of money CapableNullity of assignment of rights NotExpropriation NotAnnul GOCC reso NotAnnul deed of declaration of heirs with partition(partition incidental)

Not

Extrajudicial foreclosure of sale of real prop Not (ratio: not real action)

Partition of real prop with determination ofhereditary rights Not

Specific performance NotSpecific performance to compel one to execute deedof conveyance covering land

Not (ratio: main issue is right tocompel specific performance)

Specific performance to compel one to execute deedof conveyance covering land BUT with alternativeanswer which asserts where primary action is toobtain ownership

Capable

Specific performance AND damages NotSpecific performance OR damages Capable

Injunction NotReplevin CapableInterpleader Capable

b) title to or possession of real property or an interest therein, assessed value:exceeds 20k ( outside MMla); exceeds 50k ( MMla)c) demand or claim: exceeds 300k ( outside MMla); exceeds 400k ( MMla)

d) probate, testate/ intestate, gross value of estate: exceeds 300k ( outside MMla); exceeds 400k (MMla)Note: probate court can only determine won property included in the inventory. Not adjudicateExp: parties agreed otherwise.

e) not falling with juris of other courts.

2. concurrent and original juris:a) with SC: actions affecting amabassadors, public ministers/ consuls.b) with SC and CA: certiorari, madamus, madamus vs lower courts and quo warranto and hbc


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3. appellate jurisdiction: decisions of lower courts

4. special jurisdiction: may be designated by SC to handle exclusively criminal cases , juveniledomestic relations, agrarian, urban and land reform which do not fall under other tribunal ORcases determined by court in the interest of speedy and efficient administration of justice.

5. intra- corporate controversies: provided in the SRCa) cases involving devises or schemes employed or any acts of BoD, bus assoc, its officers opartnership amounting to fraud and misrepresentation- that is detrimental to interest of public/sth/ partners/ assoc mems/ org mems registeredwith SEC.b) controversies arising out or intra-corporate or partnership relations ( between sth, memassociates; between any or all of them and the corp, partnersip, assoc; and between corppartnership, assoc and the state) in so far as it concerns their individual franchise or right to existas such entity.c) controversies in the election/ appointmemts of dir/ trustees/ officers or managers of such corppart/ assoc.d) petitions of such entities to be decalred in a state of suspension of payments.

Jurisdiction of CA:- Though not a trial court, have power to try cases, hearing, recevive evid, grant and conduct

new trial or further proceedings.Coverage:1. Exclusive and original jurisdiction: annulment of judgement of RTC2. concurrent and original jurisdictiona) with SC: certiorari, prohibition, mandamus against RTC, CSC, CBAA, quasi-judicial agencies inRule 43, NLRC. Note: follow hierarchy of courts.b) with SC and RTC: certiorari, prohibition, mandamus against lower courts and bodies and quo

warranto and hbc (won in aid of appellate jurisdiction)3. exclusive appellate jurisdiction:a)ordinary appeals from RTC and FCb) RTC decisionc) decisions/ reso/ orders/ awards of RTC, CSC, CBAA, quisi-judicial agencies in Rule 43, andoffice of ombudsman in admin disciplinary cases.Note: en banc CTA decision now appealble to SC ( Rule 45).d) MTC decision on cadastral or land reg cases pursuant to delegated jurisdiction. ( note MTCdecision on this is as if RTC decision).

Jurisdiction of SC:

-

GR: Not trier of facts- Exps:

a)Findings are grounded entirely on speculation/ surmises/ conjectures.b)inference made: manifestly mistaken/ absurd/ impossiblec) grave abuse of discretiond) judgment: based on misapprehension of facts


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e) finding of facts: conflictingf) CA findings: beyond issues of the case or contrary to the admission of parties.g) findings: contrary to the trial courth) findings: conclusions without citation of specific evidence on which they are based.i) facts in the petition, reply briefs: not disputed by respondentj: findings of fact are premised on the supposed absence of evidence and contradicted by thevidence on record.

k) CA manifestly overlookes certain relevant facts not disputed by the parties, which ifproperly considered, could justify a different conclusion.

Coverage:1. Exclusive Original jurisdiction in certiorari, prohibition, mandamus against CA, Comelec, CoaSandiganbayan.

2. Concurrent original jurisdictiona) with CA: certiorari, prohibition, mandamus against RTC, CSC, CBAA, quasi-judicial agencies inRule 43, NLRC. Note: follow hierarchy of courts.b) with CA and RTC: certiorari, prohibition, mandamus against lower courts and bodies and quo

warranto and hbc (won in aid of appellate jurisdiction)c) with RTC: actions affecting amabassadors, public ministers/ consuls.

3. Appellate jurisdiction (rule 45): CA, Sandiganbayan, RTC on pure questions of lawconstitutionality or validity of law or treaty, international or executive agreement, law pd, procorder, instruction, ordinance or regulation, legality of tax/ impost/ assessment/ toll/ penaltyjurisdiction of lower court and CTA decisions.

Question: may aggrieved party choose between Rule 65 and Ryle 45 for nullification of CA decisionin the exercise of its original or appellate jurisdiction?Rule 65 not advisable. Appropriate remedy if Rule 45 which shall raise only pure questions of law.

4. cases under 187 consti= must be SC en banca) cases; constitutionality of a treaty, international agreement, exec agreement, lawb) Roc requires en bancc) constitutionality/ application/ operation of pd, proc, orders, instructions, ordinancesregulationsd) cases heard by SC decision but majority vote not obtained,e) modification or reversal: doctrine or principle of law by a previous SC en banc decisionf) discipline of judges in the lower courtg) contests on: election, returns, qualification of pre or vp.

Jurisdiction of Family Court:

1) exclusive original jurisdiction:a) petition for guardianship/ custody/ hbc of children.b) adoption of children, revocation


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c) annulment of marriage/ dec of nullity of marriage/ those relating to status or property relationof H/W or those living together under different status and agreements, and petitions fordissolution of cpg.d) petitions for support/ acknowledgemente) summary judicial proceedings under Family Codef) petitions for declaration of status of children as: abandoned, dependent, neglectedg) petitions for voluntary or involuntary commitment of children

h) suspension/ termination/ restoration of parental authorityi) petition for the constitution of family home

II. Venue (Rule 4)

Venue: place or the geographical area where an action is to be filed and tried.

Civil cases: relates only to place of suit.Crim cases: place of suit and jurisdiction

In determining venue, steps:1. determine WON real or personal2. application of the rule 4, Roc

Not a matter of substantive law. Merely procedural.- Thus, parties may waive it- Thus, Improper venue= not lack of jurisdiction

Dismissal based on improper venue:

- GR: TC can not motu proprio. Dismissal made on such, motu proprio, plain error.- Must be in a motion to dismiss.- Exp: action covered by the rules on summary procedure.

Determination of Venue:1st: determine if action is personal or real.Action is Where is party? Thus, venue:personal resident Residence of plaintiff or

defendant at plaintiffs option.personal Non-resident Residence of plaintiff or where

defendant may be found atplaintiffs option.

real Where real prop is situatedreal Non- resident and nor found in phil

-Action affect personal status of plaintiff- any prop of defendant located in phil

-residence of plaintiff or wherethe property or any portionthereof is situated.

personal Action for damages and actions to collectsum of money

Residence of plaintiff ordefendant at plaintiffs option

real Action to recover ownership of realproperty

Place where located

real Unlawful detainer, forcible entry, accionpublicianaRecovery of possession of leased real prop

Place where located


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and payment of accrued rentals.

Stipulations on venue:- Parties may agree which could be place where they or neither of them resides.- Agreement valid: a) writing; b) made before filing of action; c) words of exclusivity o

venues (eg. only, solely, exclusively, in no other court, particularly, nowhere else but)- iexclusive= only in such venue stipulated; if not or merely permissive= in addition to where

parties reside). Denial of a motion to dismiss based on improper venue is not appealable.

- Merely interlocutory order- Remedy: file an answer and interpose the ground as an affirmative defense, go to trial and

appeal from the adverse judgment.- But is denial is tainted with grave abuse of discretion- remedy is certiorari/ prohibition.

Case dismissed on ground of improper venue and not lack of jurisdiction. Note that territorialjurisdiction is irrelevant in civil cases.-Venue vs jurisdictionVenue JurisdictionPlace where case to be heard Authority to hear and determine case

Procedural law Substantive lawEstablishes relation between plaintiff anddefendant

Between court and subject matter

May be conferred by agreement/ law By lawNot ground for motu proprio dismissal Ground


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III. Parties (Rule 3) Two main categories:

Plaintiff- claiming party or more appropriately, original claiming party and one who files the

complaint or party claiming in a counterclaim, etcDefendant- party against whom there is a claim

Who may be parties:

Natural persons; juridical persons; entities authorized by law.

a) juridical persons: Art 44 in the Civil Code- state and its political subdivisions-corp/ inst/ entities for public interest or purpose, created by law-corporations/ partnerships/ assoc for private interest or purpose to which the law grants ajuridical personality, seprate and distinct from that of each shareholder, partner, or member.

b) entities authorized by law, examples:-corporation by estoppels- contract of partnership with P3000 as capital but failed to register-estate of deceased-legit labor organization-Roman Catholic churchd-dissolved corporation: provided suits a) occur within 3 years after dissolution; b) connectedwith settlement and closure of its affairs.

c) entity without a juridical personality as defendant:

Sec 15, Rule 3 or RoC, entity by estoppel.

Remedy when there is a defect in the parties:

defect Remedy/ action:Person not authorized:plaintiff

Motion to dismiss on the ground that plaintiff has no legacapacity to sue.

Person not authorized:defendant

Motion to dismiss on the ground that the pleading asserting theclaim states no cause of action or failure to state cause of actionRatio: there cannot be a coa against one who cannot be a party to acivil action.

Plaintiff not real party ininterest

Motion to dismiss on the ground that the pleading asserting theclaim states no cause of action or failure to state cause of action

Failure to include name ofa party in the title.

not fatal. Averments are controlling and not the title. Court goesinto the substance of the complaint.

No indispensible party Case will be dismissed


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Non joinder of IPs 1. court order them to be impleaded.2. court order ignored. still not all are impleaded, case dismissedThus all court actions are null and void and will not bind strangers

Failure to implead NP Action will proceed. Judmenet valid but withour prejudice to righof such NP.

Court ordered NP be

impleaded

failure to comply: a waiver of claim against such party.

Fact showing ones capacity to sue or be sued must e averred. Minor or incompetent may sue with parent/s/ guardian/ ad litem

Real party in interest-party who stands to be benefited or injured by the jdugement in the suit or party entitled tothe avails of the suit.- interest must be real. Substantial interest. Interest that is material and direct.-determination of real party in interest requires going back to the elements of the coa.

-GR: person who is not party to a contract can not sue by virtue thereofExp:a) pour autrui- stipulations expressly conferring benefits to a non-party may sue under acontract provided,such benefits have been accepted by the beneficiary prior to its revocation bythe contracting parties.b) he shows that his interest is affected thereby. ( eg. in fraud of cds)

- 3rd party to an amicable settlement can not ask for its enforcement, modificationamendment.

Real-party-in-interestAgency A mere agent can not sue on a contract entered into

in behalf of his principal.An agent, acting in his own name and for benefit ounknown principal, may be sued. Except when itinvolves properties belonging to the principal.Atty-in-fact is not real party in interest

Possessor not the owner in a recoveryof possession/ forcible entry.

Lawful possessor disturbed of his possession.

Damages arising from Deteriorationto property

Owner

Corporate office illegally searched. Corporation alone through officers.

If officers refuse- corp may sue through STHs(latter as nominal party).

ejectment Co-ownersAnnulment of marriage H or WPartnership PartnershipReversion of public lands Person occupying the land


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Documents

RIANO Civil Procedure Summary