REMEDIAL LAW

RULES OF SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS to real property, as a

similar remedy under
NATURE OF SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS Rule 63, may be filed
with the MTC, provided
DISTINGUISH: ORDINARY CIVIL ACTIONS AND SPECIAL that amount involved is
CIVIL ACTIONS within its jurisdiction.
ORDINARY CIVIL SPECIAL CIVIL ACTION CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION, MANDAMUS
ACTION 1. RTC of the place RTC, CA, SB, COMELEC,
As to governing law where the respondent in aid of its appellate
Governed by ordinary Governed by the court, corporation, jurisdiction.
rules ordinary rules but officer or person is
subject to specific rules situated; or Note: R.A. No 7975 as
prescribed 2. If petition is filed in amended by RA No
As to nature the CA, or SB, in which 8249, conferred
Formal demands of Special features not case the location of the certiorari jurisdiction in
one’s legal rights in a found in ordinary civil respondent is the Sandiganbayan only
court of justice in the actions immaterial. (Sec4 Rule) in aid of its appellate
manner prescribed by jurisdiction, concerning
the court or by the law cases filed pursuant to
As to requirement of a cause of action the Sequestration
It must be based on a The concept of Cases.
cause of action, which QUO WARRANTO
means that the 1. If filed with the SC, RTC, CA,
defendand has or CA, the residence of Sandiganbayan and SC
violated the plaintiff’s the respondent is
rights IMMATERIAL Note: A petition for
As to Determination of venue quo warranto
2. RTC of place where contesting the election
As to where the Action is commenced the respondent resides of the President, or
or where the Vice-President on the
respondent resides or ground of ineligibility
As to How Initiated
where any of the or disloyalty to the
respondent resides; Republic of the
However, if the SG Philippines, may be
commences the action, filed before the
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
it may be brought in Presidential Electoral
the RTC in Manila, CA Tribunal.
INTERPLEADER or SC (Rule 66 Sec 7)
RULE 62
Where the plaintiff or 1. MTC- where the 3. The SB has exclusive
any of the principal value of the claim or original jurisdiction on
plaintiffs resides or the personal property quo warranto arising or
where the defendant or does not exceed P300K that may arise in cases
any of the principal or P400K in Metro filed under EO
defendants resides Manila or where the 1,2,14,14-A but this
value of the real must be in aid of its
property does not appellate jurisdiction
exceed P20k or P50K in and not exclusive of
Metro Manila. the SC.
EXPROPRIATION
2. RTC- If the value
1. Where the property RTC (incapable of
exceeds the above
is located in case the pecuniary estimation)
amount or if the
subject is a land;
subject matter is
2. In cases where the
exclusively within the
subject of
jurisdiction of the RTC.
expropriation is
DECLARATORY RELIEF personal property,
RULE 63 venue is the place
Where the petitioner or RTC where the plaintiff or
the respondent RESIDES defendant resides
Note: Quieting of title FORECLOSURE

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Where the land or any First view – it is a real

part thereof is located. action.- thus, the MTC EXPROPRIATION
has exclusive original RULE 66
jurisdiction in all civil
actions which involve
title to, or possession RULE 67
of, real property, or
any interest therein,
depending on the RULE 68
assessed value.

2nd view- It is an action

incapable of pecuniary
RULE 69
estimation, thus RTC
has jurisdiction.

3rd view- MTC also RULE 70

has jurisdiction to take
cognizance of real
actions or those RULE 71
affecting title to real
property, or for the
recovery of possession,
or for the partition or
expropriation of, or
foreclosure of a
mortgage on real
property. (Barrido vs
Nonato)
PARTITION
1. Where the real MTC or RTC, depending
property or a portion on the assessed value.
thereof is located;
2. If the subject matter
is personal property
(Sec 13, Rule 69)m in
the place where the
plaintiff or the
defendant resides.

FORCIBLE ENTRY/ UNLAWFULY ENTRY

Where the property is MTC
located
CONTEMPT
Where the court MTC, RTC, CA, SC
involved is sitting

INTERPLEADER
RULE 62

DECLARATORY RELIEF
RULE 63

CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION, MANDAMUS

RULE 64

QUO WARRANTO
RULE 65

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RULES OF SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

RULE 62
INTERPLEADER

Section 1. When interpleader proper. — Whenever

conflicting claims upon the same subject matter are or may
be made against a person who claims no interest whatever in
the subject matter, or an interest which in whole or in part is
not disputed by the claimants, he may bring an action against
the conflicting claimants to compel them to interplead and
litigate their several claims among themselves.
Section 2. Order. — Upon the filing of the complaint, the
court shall issue an order requiring the conflicting claimants
to interplead with one another. If the interests of justice so
require, the court may direct in such order that the subject
matter be paid or delivered to the court.
Section 3. Summons. — Summons shall be served upon the
conflicting claimants, together with a copy of the complaint
and order.
Section 4. Motion to dismiss. — Within the time for filing an
answer, each claimant may file a motion to dismiss on the
ground of impropriety of the interpleader action or on other
appropriate grounds specified in Rule 16. The period to file
the answer shall be tolled and if the motion is denied, the
movant may file his answer within the remaining period, but
which shall not be less than five (5) days in any event,
reckoned from notice of denial.
Section 5. Answer and other pleadings. — Each claimant
shall file his answer setting forth his claim within fifteen (15)
days from service of the summons upon him, serving a copy
thereof upon each of the other conflicting claimants who may
file their reply thereto as provided by these Rules. If any
claimant fails to plead within the time herein fixed, the court
may, on motion, declare him in default and thereafter render
judgment barring him from any claim in respect to the
subject matter.
The parties in an interpleader action may file
counterclaims, cross-claims, third-party complaints and
responsive pleadings thereto, as provided by these Rules.
Section 6. Determination. — After the pleadings of the
conflicting claimants have been filed, and pre-trial has been
conducted in accordance with the Rules, the court shall
proceed to determine their respective rights and adjudicate
their several claims.
Section 7. Docket and other lawful fees, costs and
litigation expenses as liens. — The docket and other lawful
fees paid by the party who filed a complaint under this Rule,
as well as the costs and litigation expenses, shall constitute a
lien or change upon the subject matter of the action, unless
the court shall order otherwise.

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RULE 63
DECLARATORY RELIEF AND SIMILAR REMEDIES
Section 1. Who may file petition. — Any person interested
under a deed, will, contract or other written instrument, or
whose rights are affected by a statute, executive order or
regulation, ordinance, or any other governmental regulation
may, before breach or violation thereof bring an action in the
appropriate Regional Trial Court to determine any question of
construction or validity arising, and for a declaration of his
rights or duties, thereunder. (Bar Matter No. 803, 17
February 1998)
An action for the reformation of an instrument, to quiet
title to real property or remove clouds therefrom, or to
consolidate ownership under Article 1607 of the Civil Code,
may be brought under this Rule.
Section 2. Parties. — All persons who have or claim any
interest which would be affected by the declaration shall be
made parties; and no declaration shall, except as otherwise
provided in these Rules, prejudice the rights of persons not
parties to the action.
Section 3. Notice on Solicitor General. — In any action
which involves the validity of a statute, executive order or
regulation, or any other governmental regulation, the
Solicitor General shall be notified by the party assailing the
same and shall be entitled to be heard upon such question.
Section 4. Local government ordinances. — In any action
involving the validity of a local government ordinance, the
corresponding prosecutor or attorney of the local
governmental unit involved shall be similarly notified and
entitled to be heard. If such ordinance is alleged to be
unconstitutional, the Solicitor General shall also be notified
and entitled to be heard.
Section 5. Court action discretionary. — Except in actions
falling under the second paragraph of section 1 of this Rule,
the court, motu proprio or upon motion, may refuse to
exercise the power to declare rights and to construe
instruments in any case where a decision would not
terminate the uncertainty or controversy which gave rise to
the action, or in any case where the declaration or
construction is not necessary and proper under the
circumstances.
Section 6. Conversion into ordinary action. — If before the
final termination of the case, a breach or violation of an
instrument or a statute, executive order or regulation,
ordinance, or any other governmental regulation should take
place, the action may thereupon be converted into an
ordinary action, and the parties shall be allowed to file such
pleadings as may be necessary or proper.

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RULE 64 therein together with other supporting papers. The requisite

REVIEW OF JUDGEMENTS AND FINAL ORDERS OR number of copies of the comments shall contain plain copies
RESOLUTIONS OF THE COMELEC AND THE COA of all documents attached to the original and a copy thereof
shall be served on the petitioner.
Section 1. Scope. — This Rule shall govern the review of No other pleading may be filed by any party unless
judgments and final orders or resolutions of the Commission required or allowed by the Court.
on Elections and the Commission on Audit. (n) Section 8. Effect of filing. — The filing of a petition
Section 2. Mode of review. — A judgment or final order or for certiorari shall not stay the execution of the judgment or
resolution of the Commission on Elections and the final order or resolution sought to be reviewed, unless the
Commission on Audit may be brought by the aggrieved party Supreme Court shall direct otherwise upon such terms as it
to the Supreme Court on certiorari under Rule 65, except as may deem just.
hereinafter provided. (n; Bar Matter No. 803, 17 February Section 9. Submission for decision. — Unless the Court sets
1998) the case for oral argument, or requires the parties to submit
Section 3. Time to file petition. — The petition shall be filed memoranda, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision
within thirty (30) days from notice of the judgment or final upon the filing of the comments on the petition, or of such
order or resolution sought to be reviewed. The filing of a other pleadings or papers as may be required or allowed, or
motion for new trial or reconsideration of said judgment or the expiration of the period to do so.
final order or resolution, if allowed under the procedural
rules of the Commission concerned, shall interrupt the period
herein fixed. If the motion is denied, the aggrieved party may
file the petition within the remaining period, but which shall
not be less than five (5) days in any event, reckoned from
notice of denial.
Section 4. Docket and other lawful fees. — Upon the filing
of the petition, the petitioner shall pay to the clerk of court
the docket and other lawful fees and deposit the amount of
P500.00 for costs. (n)
Section 5. Form and contents of petition. — The petition
shall be verified and filed in eighteen (18) legible copies. The
petition shall name the aggrieved party as petitioner and
shall join as respondents the Commission concerned and the
person or persons interested in sustaining the judgment, final
order or resolution a quo. The petition shall state the facts
with certainty, present clearly the issues involved, set forth
the grounds and brief arguments relied upon for review, and
pray for judgment annulling or modifying the questioned
judgment, final order or resolution. Findings of fact of the
Commission supported by substantial evidence shall be final
and non-reviewable.
The petition shall be accompanied by a clearly legible
duplicate original or certified true copy of the judgment,
final order or resolution subject thereof, together with
certified true copies of such material portions of the record
as are referred to therein and other documents relevant and
pertinent thereto. The requisite number of copies of the
petition shall contain plain copies of all documents attached
to the original copy of said petition.
The petition shall state the specific material dates
showing that it was filed within the period fixed herein, and
shall contain a sworn certification against forum shopping as
provided in the third paragraph of section 3, Rule 46.
The petition shall further be accompanied by proof of
service of a copy thereof on the Commission concerned and
on the adverse party, and of the timely payment of docket
and other lawful fees.
The failure of petitioner to comply with any of the
foregoing requirements shall be sufficient ground for the
dismissal of the petition.
Section 6. Order to comment. — If the Supreme Court finds
the petition sufficient in form and substance, it shall order
the respondents to file their comments on the petition within
ten (10) days from notice thereof; otherwise, the Court may
dismiss the petition outright. The Court may also dismiss the
petition if it was filed manifestly for delay or the questions
raised are too unsubstantial to warrant further proceedings.
Section 7. Comments of respondents. — The comments of
the respondents shall be filed in eighteen (18) legible copies.
The original shall be accompanied by certified true copies of
such material portions of the record as are referred to

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appellate jurisdiction, or in the Sandiganbayan if it is in aid

RULE 65 of its appellate jurisdiction. If it involves the acts or
CERTIORARI, PROHIBITION, AND MANDAMUS omissions of a quasi-judicial agency, unless otherwise
provided by law or these Rules, the petition shall be filed in
Section 1. Petition for certiorari. — When any tribunal, and cognizable only by the Court of Appeals. 
board or officer exercising judicial or quasi-judicial functions No extension of time to file the petition shall be
has acted without or in excess its or his jurisdiction, or with granted except for compelling reason and in no case
grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of exceeding fifteen (15) days. (4a) (Bar Matter No. 803, 21 July
jurisdiction, and there is no appeal, or any plain, speedy, and 1998; A.M. No. 00-2-03-SC)
adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, a person Section 5. Respondents and costs in certain cases. — When
aggrieved thereby may file a verified petition in the proper the petition filed relates to the acts or omissions of a judge,
court, alleging the facts with certainty and praying that court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal, corporation, board,
judgment be rendered annulling or modifying the proceedings officer or person, the petitioner shall join, as private
of such tribunal, board or officer, and granting such respondent or respondents with such public respondent or
incidental reliefs as law and justice may require. respondents, the person or persons interested in sustaining
The petition shall be accompanied by a certified true the proceedings in the court; and it shall be the duty of such
copy of the judgment, order or resolution subject thereof, private respondents to appear and defend, both in his or
copies of all pleadings and documents relevant and pertinent their own behalf and in behalf of the public respondent or
thereto, and a sworn certification of non-forum shopping as respondents affected by the proceedings, and the costs
provided in the third paragraph of section 3, Rule 46. awarded in such proceedings in favor of the petitioner shall
Section 2. Petition for prohibition. — When the proceedings be against the private respondents only, and not against the
of any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person, judge, court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal, corporation,
whether exercising judicial, quasi-judicial or ministerial board, officer or person impleaded as public respondent or
functions, are without or in excess of its or his jurisdiction, respondents.
or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess Unless otherwise specifically directed by the court
of jurisdiction, and there is no appeal or any other plain, where the petition is pending, the public respondents shall
speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, not appear in or file an answer or comment to the petition or
a person aggrieved thereby may file a verified petition in the any pleading therein. If the case is elevated to a higher court
proper court, alleging the facts with certainty and praying by either party, the public respondents shall be included
that judgment be rendered commanding the respondent to therein as nominal parties. However, unless otherwise
desist from further proceedings in the action or matter specifically directed by the court, they shall not appear or
specified therein, or otherwise granting such incidental participate in the proceedings therein.
reliefs as law and justice may require. Section 6. Order to comment. — If the petition is sufficient
The petition shall likewise be accompanied by a in form and substance to justify such process, the court shall
certified true copy of the judgment, order or resolution issue an order requiring the respondent or respondents to
subject thereof, copies of all pleadings and documents comment on the petition within ten (10) days from receipt of
relevant and pertinent thereto, and a sworn certification of a copy thereof. Such order shall be served on the respondents
non-forum shopping as provided in the third paragraph of in such manner as the court may direct together with a copy
section 3, Rule 46. of the petition and any annexes thereto.
Section 3. Petition for mandamus. — When any tribunal, In petitions for certiorari before the Supreme Court and
corporation, board, officer or person unlawfully neglects the the Court of Appeals, the provisions of section 2, Rule 56,
performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins as a shall be observed. Before giving due course thereto, the
duty resulting from an office, trust, or station, or unlawfully court may require the respondents to file their comment to,
excludes another from the use and enjoyment of a right or and not a motion to dismiss, the petition. Thereafter, the
office to which such other is entitled, and there is no other court may require the filing of a reply and such other
plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of responsive or other pleadings as it may deem necessary and
law, the person aggrieved thereby may file a verified petition proper.
in the proper court, alleging the facts with certainty and Section 7. Expediting proceedings; injunctive relief. — The
praying that judgment be rendered commanding the court in which the petition is filed may issue orders
respondent, immediately or at some other time to be expediting the proceedings, and it may also grant a
specified by the court, to do the act required to be done to temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary
protect the rights of the petitioner, and to pay the damages injunction for the preservation of the rights of the parties
sustained by the petitioner by reason of the wrongful acts of pending such proceedings. The petition shall not interrupt
the respondent. the course of the principal case unless a temporary
The petition shall also contain a sworn certification of restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction has been
non-forum shopping as provided in the third paragraph of issued against the public respondent from further proceeding
section 3, Rule 46. in the case.
Section 4. When and where petition filed. — The petition Section 8. Proceedings after comment is filed. — After the
shall be filed not later than sixty (60) days from notice of the comment or other pleadings required by the court are filed,
judgment, order or resolution. In case a motion for or the time for the filing thereof has expired, the court may
reconsideration or new trial is timely filed, whether such hear the case or require the parties to submit memoranda. If
motion is required or not, the sixty (60) day period shall be after such hearing or submission of memoranda or the
counted from notice of the denial of said motion.  expiration of the period for the filing thereof the court finds
The petition shall be filed in the Supreme Court or, if it that the allegations of the petition are true, it shall render
relates to the acts or omissions of a lower court or of a judgment for the relief prayed for or to which the petitioner
corporation, board, officer or person, in the Regional Trial is entitled.
Court exercising jurisdiction over the territorial area as The court, however, may dismiss the petition if it finds
defined by the Supreme Court. It may also be filed in the the same to be patently without merit, prosecuted
Court of Appeals whether or not the same is in aid of its

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manifestly for delay, or that the questions raised therein are

too unsubstantial to require consideration.
Section 9. Service and enforcement of order or judgment.
— A certified copy of the judgment rendered in accordance
with the last preceding section shall be served upon the
court, quasi-judicial agency, tribunal, corporation, board,
officer or person concerned in such manner as the court may
direct, and disobedience thereto shall be punished as
contempt. An execution may issue for any damages or costs
awarded in accordance with section 1 of Rule 39. (9a)

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may be given precedence over any other civil matter pending

RULE 66 in the court.
QUO WARRANTO Section 9. Judgment where usurpation found. — When the
Section 1. Action by Government against individuals. — An respondent is found guilty of usurping into, intruding into, or
action for the usurpation of a public office, position or unlawfully holding or exercising a public office, position or
franchise may be commenced by a verified petition brought franchise, judgment shall be rendered that such respondent
in the name of the Republic of the Philippines against: be ousted and altogether excluded therefrom, and that the
(a) A person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully petitioner or relator, as the case may be, recover his costs.
holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise; Such further judgment may be rendered determining the
(b) A public officer who does or suffers an act which, by respective rights in and to the public office, position or
the provision of law, constitutes a ground for the forfeiture franchise of all the parties to the action as justice requires.
of his office; or Section 10. Rights of persons adjudged entitled to public
(c) An association which acts as a corporation within office; delivery of books and papers; damages. — If
the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without judgment be rendered in favor of the person averred in the
lawful authority so to act. complaint to be entitled to the public office he may, after
Section 2. When Solicitor General or public prosecutor taking the oath of office and executing any official bond
must commence action. — The Solicitor General or a public required by law, take upon himself the execution of the
prosecutor, when directed by the President of the office, and may immediately thereafter demand of the
Philippines, or when upon complaint or otherwise he has respondent all the books and papers in the respondent's
good reason to believe that any case specified in the custody or control appertaining to the office to which the
preceding section can be established by proof, must judgment relates. If the respondent refuses or neglects to
commence such action. deliver any book or paper pursuant to such demand, he may
Section 3. When Solicitor General or public prosecutor may be punished for contempt as having disobeyed a lawful order
commence action with permission of court. — The Solicitor of the court. The person adjudged entitled to the office may
General or a public prosecutor may, with the permission of also bring action against the respondent to recover the
the court in which the action is to be commenced, bring such damages sustained by such person by reason of the
an action at the request and upon the relation of another usurpation.
person; but in such case the officer bringing it may first Section 11. Limitations. — Nothing contained in this Rule
require an indemnity for the expenses and costs of the action shall be construed to authorize an action against a public
in an amount approved by and to be deposited in the court by officer or employee for his ouster from office unless the same
the person at whose request and upon whose relation the be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of such
same is brought. ouster, or the right of the petitioner to hold such office or
Section 4. When hearing had on application for permission position, arose, nor to authorize an action for damages in
to commence action. — Upon application for permission to accordance with the provisions of the next preceding section
commence such action in accordance with the next preceding unless the same be commenced within one (1) year after the
section, the court shall direct that notice be given to the entry of the judgment establishing the petitioner's right to
respondent so that he may be heard in opposition thereto; the office in question.
and if permission is granted, the court shall issue an order to Section 12. Judgment for costs. — In an action brought in
that effect, copies of which shall be served on all interested accordance with the provisions of this Rule, the court may
parties, and the petition shall then be filed within the period render judgment for costs against either the petitioner, the
ordered by the court. relator, or the respondent, or the person or persons claiming
Section 5. When an individual may commence such an to be a corporation, or may apportion the costs, as justice
action. — A person claiming to be entitled to a public office requires.
or position usurped or unlawfully held or exercised by
another may bring an action therefor in his own name.
Section 6. Parties and contents of petition against
usurpation. — When the action is against a person for
usurping a public office, position or franchise, the petition
shall set forth the name of the person who claim to be
entitled thereto, if any, with an averment of his right to the
same and that the respondent is unlawfully in possession
thereof. All persons who claim to be entitled to the public
office, position or franchise may be made parties, and their
respective rights to such public office, position or franchise
determined, in the same action.
Section 7. Venue. — An action under the preceding six
sections can be brought only in the Supreme Court, the Court
of Appeals, or in the Regional Trial Court exercising
jurisdiction over the territorial area where the respondent or
any of the respondents resides, but when the Solicitor
General commences the action, it may be brought in a
Regional Trial Court in the City of Manila, in the Court of
Appeals, or in the Supreme Court.
Section 8. Period for pleadings and proceedings may be
reduced; action given precedence. — The court may reduce
the period provided by these Rules for filing pleadings and for
all other proceedings in the action in order to secure the
most expeditious determination of the matters involved
therein consistent with the rights of the parties. Such action

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RULE 67 payment of just compensation to be determined as of the

EXPROPRIATION date of the taking of the property or the filing of the
Section 1. The complaint. — The right of eminent domain complaint, whichever came first.
shall be exercised by the filing of a verified complaint which A final order sustaining the right to expropriate the property
shall state with certainty the right and purpose of may be appealed by any party aggrieved thereby. Such
expropriation, describe the real or personal property sought appeal, however, shall not prevent the court from
to be expropriated, and join as defendants all persons owning determining the just compensation to be paid.
or claiming to own, or occupying, any part thereof or interest After the rendition of such an order, the plaintiff shall not be
therein, showing, so far as practicable, the separate interest permitted to dismiss or discontinue the proceeding except on
of each defendant. If the title to any property sought to be such terms as the court deems just and equitable. (4a)
expropriated appears to be in the Republic of the Philippines, Section 5. Ascertainment of compensation. — Upon the
although occupied by private individuals, or if the title is rendition of the order of expropriation, the court shall
otherwise obscure or doubtful so that the plaintiff cannot appoint not more than three (3) competent and disinterested
with accuracy or certainty specify who are the real owners, persons as commissioners to ascertain and report to the court
averment to that effect shall be made in the complaint. (1a) the just compensation for the property sought to be taken.
Section 2. Entry of plaintiff upon depositing value with The order of appointment shall designate the time and place
authorized government depositary. — Upon the filing of the of the first session of the hearing to be held by the
complaint or at any time thereafter and after due notice to commissioners and specify the time within which their report
the defendant, the plaintiff shall have the right to take or shall be submitted to the court.
enter upon the possession of the real property involved if he Copies of the order shall be served on the parties. Objections
deposits with the authorized government depositary an to the appointment of any of the commissioners shall be filed
amount equivalent to the assessed value of the property for with the court within ten (10) days from service, and shall be
purposes of taxation to be held by such bank subject to the resolved within thirty (30) days after all the commissioners
orders of the court. Such deposit shall be in money, unless in shall have received copies of the objections. (5a)
lieu thereof the court authorizes the deposit of a certificate Section 6. Proceedings by commissioners. — Before entering
of deposit of a government bank of the Republic of the upon the performance of their duties, the commissioners
Philippines payable on demand to the authorized government shall take and subscribe an oath that they will faithfully
depositary. perform their duties as commissioners, which oath shall be
If personal property is involved, its value shall be filed in court with the other proceedings in the case.
provisionally ascertained and the amount to be deposited Evidence may be introduced by either party before the
shall be promptly fixed by the court. commissioners who are authorized to administer oaths on
After such deposit is made the court shall order the sheriff or hearings before them, and the commissioners shall, unless
other proper officer to forthwith place the plaintiff in the parties consent to the contrary, after due notice to the
possession of the property involved and promptly submit a parties, to attend, view and examine the property sought to
report thereof to the court with service of copies to the be expropriated and its surroundings, and may measure the
parties. (2a) same, after which either party may, by himself or counsel,
Section 3. Defenses and objections. — If a defendant has no argue the case. The commissioners shall assess the
objection or defense to the action or the taking of his consequential damages to the property not taken and deduct
property, he may file and serve a notice of appearance and a from such consequential damages the consequential benefits
manifestation to that effect, specifically designating or to be derived by the owner from the public use or purpose of
identifying the property in which he claims to be interested, the property taken, the operation of its franchise by the
within the time stated in the summons. Thereafter, he shall corporation or the carrying on of the business of the
be entitled to notice of all proceedings affecting the same. corporation or person taking the property. But in no case
If a defendant has any objection to the filing of or the shall the consequential benefits assessed exceed the
allegations in the complaint, or any objection or defense to consequential damages assessed, or the owner be deprived of
the taking of his property, he shall serve his answer within the actual value of his property so taken. (6a)
the time stated in the summons. The answer shall specifically Section 7. Report by commissioners and judgment thereupon.
designate or identify the property in which he claims to have — The court may order the commissioners to report when any
an interest, state the nature and extent of the interest particular portion of the real estate shall have been passed
claimed, and adduce all his objections and defenses to the upon by them, and may render judgment upon such partial
taking of his property. No counterclaim, cross-claim or third- report, and direct the commissioners to proceed with their
party complaint shall be alleged or allowed in the answer or work as to subsequent portions of the property sought to be
any subsequent pleading. expropriated, and may from time to time so deal with such
A defendant waives all defenses and objections not so alleged property. The commissioners shall make a full and accurate
but the court, in the interest of justice, may permit report to the court of all their proceedings, and such
amendments to the answer to be made not later than ten proceedings shall not be effectual until the court shall have
(10) days from the filing thereof. However, at the trial of the accepted their report and rendered judgment in accordance
issue of just compensation whether or not a defendant has with their recommendations. Except as otherwise expressly
previously appeared or answered, he may present evidence ordered by the court, such report shall be filed within sixty
as to the amount of the compensation to be paid for his (60) days from the date the commissioners were notified of
property, and he may share in the distribution of the award. their appointment, which time may be extended in the
(n) discretion of the court. Upon the filing of such report, the
Section 4. Order of expropriation. — If the objections to and clerk of the court shall serve copies thereof on all interested
the defenses against the right of the plaintiff to expropriate parties, with notice that they are allowed ten (10) days
the property are overruled, or when no party appears to within which to file objections to the findings of the report,
defend as required by this Rule, the court may issue an order if they so desire. (7a)
of expropriation declaring that the plaintiff has a lawful right Section 8. Action upon commissioners' report. — Upon the
to take the property sought to be expropriated, for the expiration of the period of ten (10) days referred to in the
public use or purpose described in the complaint, upon the preceding section, or even before the expiration of such

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period but after all the interested parties have filed their any act, matter, or thing respecting the expropriation for
objections to the report or their statement of agreement public use or purpose of property belonging to such minor or
therewith, the court may, after hearing, accept the report person judicially declared to be incompetent, which such
and render judgment in accordance therewith, or, for cause minor or person judicially declared to be incompetent could
shown, it may recommit the same to the commissioners for do in such proceedings if he were of age or competent. (14a)
further report of facts, or it may set aside the report and
appoint new commissioners; or it may accept the report in
part and reject it in part and it may make such order or
render such judgment as shall secure to the plaintiff the
property essential to the exercise of his right of
expropriation, and to the defendant just compensation for
the property so taken. (8a)
Section 9. Uncertain ownership; conflicting claims. — If the
ownership of the property taken is uncertain, or there are
conflicting claims to any part thereof, the court may order
any sum or sums awarded as compensation for the property
to be paid to the court for the benefit of the person
adjudged in the same proceeding to be entitled thereto. But
the judgment shall require the payment of the sum or sums
awarded to either the defendant or the court before the
plaintiff can enter upon the property, or retain it for the
public use or purpose if entry has already been made. (9a)
Section 10. Rights of plaintiff after judgment and payment. —
Upon payment by the plaintiff to the defendant of the
compensation fixed by the judgment, with legal interest
thereon from the taking of the possession of the property, or
after tender to him of the amount so fixed and payment of
the costs, the plaintiff shall have the right to enter upon the
property expropriated and to appropriate it for the public use
or purpose defined in the judgment, or to retain it should he
have taken immediate possession thereof under the
provisions of section 2 hereof. If the defendant and his
counsel absent themselves from the court, or decline to
receive the amount tendered, the same shall be ordered to
be deposited in court and such deposit shall have the same
effect as actual payment thereof to the defendant or the
person ultimately adjudged entitled thereto. (10a)
Section 11. Entry not delayed by appeal; effect of reversal. —
The right of the plaintiff to enter upon the property of the
defendant and appropriate the same for public use or
purpose shall not be delayed by an appeal from the
judgment. But if the appellate court determines that plaintiff
has no right of expropriation, judgment shall be rendered
ordering the Regional Trial Court to forthwith enforce the
restoration to the defendant of the possession of the
property, and to determine the damages which the
defendant sustained and may recover by reason of the
possession taken by the plaintiff. (11a)
Section 12. Costs, by whom paid. — The fees of the
commissioners shall be taxed as a part of the costs of the
proceedings. All costs, except those of rival claimants
litigating their claims, shall be paid by the plaintiff, unless an
appeal is taken by the owner of the property and the
judgment is affirmed, in which event the costs of the appeal
shall be paid by the owner. (12a)
Section 13. Recording judgment, and its effect. — The
judgment entered in expropriation proceedings shall state
definitely, by an adequate description, the particular
property or interest therein expropriated, and the nature of
the public use or purpose for which it is expropriated. When
real estate is expropriated, a certified copy of such judgment
shall be recorded in the registry of deeds of the place in
which the property is situated, and its effect shall be to vest
in the plaintiff the title to the real estate so described for
such public use or purpose. (13a)
Section 14. Power of guardian in such proceedings. — The
guardian or guardian ad litem of a minor or of a person
judicially declared to be incompetent may, with the approval
of the court first had, do and perform on behalf of his ward

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RULE 68 sufficient therefor, there being a rebate of interest where

Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage such rebate is proper. (5a)
Section 1. Complaint in action for foreclosure. — In an action Section 6. Deficiency judgment. — If upon the sale of any real
for the foreclosure of a mortgage or other encumbrance upon property as provided in the next preceding section there be a
real estate, the complaint shall set forth the date and due balance due to the plaintiff after applying the proceeds of
execution of the mortgage; its assignments, if any; the names the sale, the court, upon motion, shall render judgment
and residences of the mortgagor and the mortgagee; a against the defendant for any such balance for which, by the
description of the mortgaged property; a statement of the record of the case, he may be personally liable to the
date of the note or other documentary evidence of the plaintiff, upon which execution may issue immediately if the
obligation secured by the mortgage, the amount claimed to balance is all due at the time of the rendition of the
be unpaid thereon; and the names and residences of all judgment; otherwise; the plaintiff shall be entitled to
persons having or claiming an interest in the property execution at such time as the balance remaining becomes
subordinate in right to that of the holder of the mortgage, all due under the terms of the original contract, which time
of whom shall be made defendants in the action. (1a) shall be stated in the judgment. (6a)
Section 2. Judgment on foreclosure for payment or sale. — If Section 7. Registration. — A certified copy of the final order
upon the trial in such action the court shall find the facts set of the court confirming the sale shall be registered in the
forth in the complaint to be true, it shall ascertain the registry of deeds. If no right of redemption exists, the
amount due to the plaintiff upon the mortgage debt or certificate of title in the name of the mortgagor shall be
obligation, including interest and other charges as approved cancelled, and a new one issued in the name of the
by the court, and costs, and shall render judgment for the purchaser.
sum so found due and order that the same be paid to the Where a right of redemption exists, the certificate of title in
court or to the judgment obligee within a period of not less the name of the mortgagor shall not be cancelled, but the
than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty certificate of sale and the order confirming the sale shall be
(120) days from the entry of judgment, and that in default of registered and a brief memorandum thereof made by the
such payment the property shall be sold at public auction to registrar of deeds upon the certificate of title. In the event
satisfy the judgment. (2a) the property is redeemed, the deed of redemption shall be
Section 3. Sale of mortgaged property; effect. — When the registered with the registry of deeds, and a brief
defendant, after being directed to do so as provided in the memorandum thereof shall be made by the registrar of deeds
next preceding section, fails to pay the amount of the on said certificate of title.
judgment within the period specified therein, the court, If the property is not redeemed, the final deed of sale
upon motion, shall order the property to be sold in the executed by the sheriff in favor of the purchaser at the
manner and under the provisions of Rule 39 and other foreclosure sale shall be registered with the registry of
regulations governing sales of real estate under execution. deeds; whereupon the certificate of title in the name of the
Such sale shall not affect the rights of persons holding prior mortgagor shall be cancelled and a new one issued in the
encumbrances upon the property or a part thereof, and when name of the purchaser. (n)
confirmed by an order of the court, also upon motion, it shall Section 8. Applicability of other provisions. — The provisions
operate to divest the rights in the property of all the parties of sections 31, 32 and 34 of Rule 39 shall be applicable to the
to the action and to vest their rights in the purchaser, judicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages under this Rule
subject to such rights of redemption as may be allowed by insofar as the former are not inconsistent with or may serve
law. to supplement the provisions of the latter. (8a)
Upon the finality of the order of confirmation or upon the
expiration of the period of redemption when allowed by law,
the purchaser at the auction sale or last redemptioner, if
any, shall be entitled to the possession of the property unless
a third party is actually holding the same adversely to the
judgment obligor. The said purchaser or last redemptioner
may secure a writ of possession, upon motion, from the court
which ordered the foreclosure. (3a)
Section 4. Disposition of proceeds of sale. — The amount
realized from the foreclosure sale of the mortgaged property
shall, after deducting the costs of the sale, be paid to the
person foreclosing the mortgage, and when there shall be any
balance or residue, after paying off the mortgage debt due,
the same shall be paid to junior encumbrancers in the order
of their priority, to be ascertained by the court, or if there
be no such encumbrancers or there be a balance or residue
after payment to them, then to the mortgagor or his duly
authorized agent, or to the person entitled to it. (4a)
Section 5. How sale to proceed in case the debt is not all
due. — If the debt for which the mortgage or encumbrance
was held is not all due as provided in the judgment as soon as
a sufficient portion of the property has been sold to pay the
total amount and the costs due, the sale shall terminate; and
afterwards as often as more becomes due for principal or
interest and other valid charges, the court may, on motion,
order more to be sold. But if the property cannot be sold in
portions without prejudice to the parties, the whole shall be
ordered to be sold in the first instance, and the entire debt
and costs shall be paid, if the proceeds of the sale be

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RULE 69 such period but after the interested parties have filed their
Partition objections to the report or their statement of agreement
Section 1. Complaint in action for partition of real estate. — therewith the court may, upon hearing, accept the report
A person having the right to compel the partition of real and render judgment in accordance therewith, or, for cause
estate may do so as provided in this Rule, setting forth in his shown recommit the same to the commissioners for further
complaint the nature and extent of his title and an adequate report of facts; or set aside the report and appoint new
description of the real estate of which partition is demanded commissioners; or accept the report in part and reject it in
and joining as defendants all other persons interested in the part; and may make such order and render such judgment as
property. (1a) shall effectuate a fair and just partition of the real estate, or
Section 2. Order for partition and partition by agreement of its value, if assigned or sold as above provided, between
thereunder. — If after the trial the court finds that the the several owners thereof. (7)
plaintiff has the right thereto, it shall order the partition of Section 8. Accounting for rent and profits in action for
the real estate among all the parties in interest. Thereupon partition. — In an action for partition in accordance with this
the parties may, if they are able to agree, make the partition Rule, a party shall recover from another his just share of
among themselves by proper instruments of conveyance, and rents and profits received by such other party from the real
the court shall confirm the partition so agreed upon by all estate in question, and the judgment shall include an
the parties, and such partition, together with the order of allowance for such rents and profits. (8a)
the court confirming the same, shall be recorded in the Section 9. Power of guardian in such proceedings. — The
registry of deeds of the place in which the property is guardian or guardian ad litem of a minor or person judicially
situated. (2a) declared to be incompetent may, with the approval of the
A final order decreeing partition and accounting may be court first had, do and perform on behalf of his ward any act,
appealed by any party aggrieved thereby. (n) matter, or thing respecting the partition of real estate, which
Section 3. Commissioners to make partition when parties fail the minor or person judicially declared to be incompetent
to agree. — If the parties are unable to agree upon the could do in partition proceedings if he were of age or
partition, the court shall appoint not more than three (3) competent. (9a)
competent and disinterested persons as commissioners to Section 10. Costs and expenses to be taxed and collected. —
make the partition, commanding them to set off to the The court shall equitably tax and apportion between or
plaintiff and to each party in interest such part and among the parties the costs and expenses which accrue in the
proportion of the property as the court shall direct. (3a) action, including the compensation of the commissioners,
Section 4. Oath and duties of commissioners. — Before having regard to the interests of the parties, and execution
making such partition; the commissioners shall take and may issue therefor as in other cases. (10a)
subscribe an oath that they will faithfully perform their Section 11. The judgment and its effect; copy to be recorded
duties as commissioners, which oath shall be filed in court in registry of deeds. — If actual partition of property is made,
with the other proceedings in the case. In making the the judgment shall state definitely, by metes and bounds and
partition, the commissioners shall view and examine the real adequate description, the particular portion of the real
estate, after due notice to the parties to attend at such view estate assigned to each party, and the effect of the judgment
and examination, and shall hear the parties as to their shall be to vest in each party to the action in severalty the
preference in the portion of the property to be set apart to portion of the real estate assigned to him. If the whole
them and the comparative value thereof, and shall set apart property is assigned to one of the parties upon his paying to
the same to the parties in lots or parcels as will be most the others the sum or sums ordered by the court, the
advantageous and equitable, having due regard to the judgment shall state the fact of such payment and of the
improvements, situation and quality of the different parts assignment of the real estate to the party making the
thereof. (4a) payment, and the effect of the judgment shall be to vest in
Section 5. Assignment or sale of real estate by the party making the payment the whole of the real estate
commissioners. — When it is made to appear to the free from any interest on the part of the other parties to the
commissioners that the real state, or a portion thereof, action. If the property is sold and the sale confirmed by the
cannot be divided without prejudice to the interests of the court, the judgment shall state the name of the purchaser or
parties, the court may order it assigned to one of the parties purchasers and a definite description of the parcels of real
willing to take the same, provided he pays to the other estate sold to each purchaser, and the effect of the
parties such amount as the commissioners deem equitable, judgment shall be to vest the real estate in the purchaser or
unless one of the interested parties asks that the property be purchasers making the payment or payments, free from the
sold instead of being so assigned, in which case the court claims of any of the parties to the action. A certified copy of
shall order the commissioners to sell the real estate at public the judgment shall in either case be recorded in the registry
sale under such conditions and within such time as the court of deeds of the place in which the real estate is situated, and
may determine. (5a) the expenses of such recording shall be taxed as part of the
Section 6. Report of commissioners; proceedings not binding costs of the action. (11a)
until confirmed. — The commissioners shall make a full and Section 12. Neither paramount rights nor amicable partition
accurate report to the court of all their proceedings as to the affected by this Rule. — Nothing in this Rule contained shall
partition, or the assignment of real estate to one of the be construed so as to prejudice, defeat, or destroy the right
parties, or the sale of the same. Upon the filing of such or title of any person claiming the real estate involved by
report, the clerk of court shall serve copies thereof on all the title under any other person, or by title paramount to the
interested parties with notice that they are allowed ten (10) title of the parties among whom the partition may have been
days within which to file objections to the findings of the made, nor so as to restrict or prevent persons holding real
report, if they so desire. No proceeding had before or estate jointly or in common from making an amicable
conducted by the commissioners and rendered judgment partition thereof by agreement and suitable instruments of
thereon. (6a) conveyance without recourse to an action. (12a)
Section 7. Action of the court upon commissioners report. — Section 13. Partition of personal property. — The provisions
Upon the expiration of the period of ten (10) days referred to of this Rule shall apply to partitions of estates composed of
in the preceding section or even before the expiration of

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personal property, or of both real and personal property, in

so far as the same may be applicable. (13)

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RULE 70 conference unless inconsistent with the provisions of this

Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer Rule.
Section 1. Who may institute proceedings, and when. — The failure of the plaintiff to appear in the preliminary
Subject to the provisions of the next succeeding section, a conference shall be cause for the dismissal of his complaint.
person deprived of the possession of any land or building by The defendant who appears in the absence of the plaintiff
force, intimidation, threat, strategy, or stealth, or a lessor, shall be entitled to judgment on his counterclaim in
vendor, vendee, or other person against whom the possession accordance with the next preceding section. All cross-claims
of any land or building is unlawfully withheld after the shall be dismissed. (7, RSP)
expiration or termination of the right to hold possession, by If a sole defendant shall fail to appear, the plaintiff shall
virtue of any contract, express or implied, or the legal likewise be entitled to judgment in accordance with the next
representatives or assigns of any such lessor, vendor, vendee, preceding section. This procedure shall not apply where one
or other person, may, at any time within one (1) year after of two or more defendants sued under a common cause of
such unlawful deprivation or withholding of possession, bring action defense shall appear at the preliminary conference.
an action in the proper Municipal Trial Court against the No postponement of the preliminary conference shall be
person or persons unlawfully withholding or depriving of granted except for highly meritorious grounds and without
possession, or any person or persons claiming under them, for prejudice to such sanctions as the court in the exercise of
the restitution of such possession, together with damages and sound discretion may impose on the movant. (n)
costs. (1a) Section 9. Record of preliminary conference. — Within five
Section 2. Lessor to proceed against lessee only after (5) days after the termination of the preliminary conference,
demand. — Unless otherwise stipulated, such action by the the court shall issue an order stating the matters taken up
lesser shall be commenced only after demand to pay or therein, including but not limited to:
comply with the conditions of the lease and to vacate is 1. Whether the parties have arrived at an amicable
made upon the lessee, or by serving written notice of such settlement, and if so, the terms thereof; 
demand upon the person found on the premises if no person 2. The stipulations or admissions entered into by the parties;
be found thereon, and the lessee fails to comply therewith 3. Whether, on the basis of the pleadings and the stipulations
after fifteen (15) days in the case of land or five (5) days in and admission made by the parties, judgment may be
the case of buildings. (2a) rendered without the need of further proceedings, in which
Section 3. Summary procedure. — Except in cases covered by event the judgment shall be rendered within thirty (30) days
the agricultural tenancy laws or when the law otherwise from issuance of the order;
expressly provides, all actions for forcible entry and unlawful 4. A clear specification of material facts which remain
detainer, irrespective of the amount of damages or unpaid converted; and
rentals sought to be recovered, shall be governed by the 5. Such other matters intended to expedite the disposition of
summary procedure hereunder provided. (n) the case. (8, RSP)
Section 4. Pleadings allowed. — The only pleadings allowed to Section 10. Submission of affidavits and position papers. —
be filed are the complaint, compulsory counterclaim and Within ten (10) days from receipt of the order mentioned in
cross-claim pleaded in the answer, and the answers thereto. the next preceding section, the parties shall submit the
All pleadings shall be verified. (3a, RSP) affidavits of their witnesses and other evidence on the
Section 5. Action on complaint. — The court may, from an factual issues defined in the order, together with their
examination of the allegations in the complaint and such position papers setting forth the law and the facts relied
evidence as may be attached thereto, dismiss the case upon by them. (9, RSP)
outright on any of the grounds for the dismissal of a civil Section 11. Period for rendition of judgment. — Within thirty
action which are apparent therein. If no ground for dismissal (30) days after receipt of the affidavits and position papers,
is found, it shall forthwith issue summons. (n) or the expiration of the period for filing the same, the court
Section 6. Answers. — Within ten (10) days from service of shall render judgment.
summons, the defendant shall file his answer to the However, should the court find it necessary to clarify certain
complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. material facts, during the said period, issue an order
Affirmative and negative defenses not pleaded therein shall specifying the matters to be clarified, and require the parties
be deemed waived, except lack of jurisdiction over the to submit affidavits or other evidence on the said matters
subject matter. Cross-claims and compulsory counterclaims within ten (10) days from receipt of said order. Judgment
not asserted in the answer shall be considered barred. The shall be rendered within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of
answer to counterclaims or cross-claims shall be served and the last affidavit or the expiration of the period for filing the
filed within ten (10) days from service of the answer in which same.
they are pleaded. (5 RSP) The court shall not resort to the foregoing procedure just to
Section 7. Effect of failure to answer. — Should the gain time for the rendition of the judgment. (n)
defendant fail to answer the complaint within the period Section 12. Referral for conciliation. — Cases requiring
above provided, the court, motu proprio or on motion of the referral for conciliation, where there is no showing of
plaintiff, shall render judgment as may be warranted by the compliance with such requirement, shall be dismissed
facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what is prayed without prejudice, and may be revived only after that
for therein. The court may in its discretion reduce the requirement shall have been complied with. (18a, RSP)
amount of damages and attorney's fees claimed for being Section 13. Prohibited pleadings and motions. — The
excessive or otherwise unconscionable, without prejudice to following petitions, motions, or pleadings shall not be
the applicability of section 3 (c), Rule 9 if there are two or allowed:
more defendants.  1. Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the ground of
(6, RSP) lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, or failure to
Section 8. Preliminary conference; appearance of parties. — comply with section 12;
Not later than thirty (30) days after the last answer is filed, a 2. Motion for a bill of particulars;
preliminary conference shall be held. The provisions of Rule 3. Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment,
18 on pre-trial shall be applicable to the preliminary or for reopening of trial;
4. Petition for relief from judgment;

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5. Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or shall deposit with the Regional Trial Court the reasonable
any other paper; value of the use and occupation of the premises for the
6. Memoranda; preceding month or period at the rate determined by the
7. Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against judgment of the lower court on or before the tenth day of
any interlocutory order issued by the court; each succeeding month or period. The supersedeas bond shall
8. Motion to declare the defendant in default; be transmitted by the Municipal Trial Court, with the papers,
9. Dilatory motions for postponement; to the clerk of the Regional Trial Court to which the action is
10. Reply; appealed.
11. Third-party complaints; All amounts so paid to the appellate court shall be deposited
12. Interventions. (19a, RSP) with said court or authorized government depositary bank,
Section 14. Affidavits. — The affidavits required to be and shall be held there until the final disposition of the
submitted under this Rule shall state only facts of direct appeal, unless the court, by agreement of the interested
personal knowledge of the affiants which are admissible in parties, or in the absence of reasonable grounds of opposition
evidence, and shall show their competence to testify to the to a motion to withdraw, or for justifiable reasons, shall
matters stated therein. decree otherwise. Should the defendant fail to make the
A violation of this requirement may subject the party or the payments above prescribed from time to time during the
counsel who submits the same to disciplinary action, and pendency of the appeal, the appellate court, upon motion of
shall be cause to expunge the inadmissible affidavit or the plaintiff, and upon proof of such failure, shall order the
portion thereof from the record. (20, RSP) execution of the judgment appealed from with respect to the
Section 15. Preliminary injunction. — The court may grant restoration of possession, but such execution shall not be a
preliminary injunction, in accordance with the provisions of bar to the appeal taking its course until the final disposition
Rule 58 hereof, to prevent the defendant from committing thereof on the merits.
further acts of dispossession against the plaintiff. After the case is decided by the Regional Trial Court, any
A possessor deprived of his possession through forcible from money paid to the court by the defendant for purposes of the
the filing of the complaint, present a motion in the action for stay of execution shall be disposed of in accordance with the
forcible entry or unlawful detainer for the issuance of a writ provisions of the judgment of the Regional Trial Court. In any
of preliminary mandatory injunction to restore him in his case wherein it appears that the defendant has been
possession. The court shall decide the motion within thirty deprived of the lawful possession of land or building pending
(30) days from the filing thereof. (3a) the appeal by virtue of the execution of the judgment of the
Section 16. Resolving defense of ownership. — When the Municipal Trial Court, damages for such deprivation of
defendant raises the defense of ownership in his pleadings possession and restoration of possession and restoration of
and the question of possession cannot be resolved without possession may be allowed the defendant in the judgment of
deciding the issue of ownership, the issue of ownership shall the Regional Trial Court disposing of the appeal. (8a)
be resolved only to determine the issue of possession. (4a) Section 20. Preliminary mandatory injunction in case of
Section 17. Judgment. — If after trial court finds that the appeal. — Upon motion of the plaintiff, within ten (10) days
allegations of the complaint are true, it shall render from the perfection of the appeal to the Regional Trial Court,
judgment in favor of the plaintiff for the restitution of the the latter may issue a writ of preliminary mandatory
premises, the sum justly due as arrears of rent or as injunction to restore the plaintiff in possession if the court is
reasonable compensation for the use and occupation of the satisfied that the defendant's appeal is frivolous or dilatory or
premises, attorney's fees and costs. If a counterclaim is that the appeal of the plaintiff is prima facie meritorious.
established, the court shall render judgment for the sum (9a)
found in arrears from either party and award costs as justice Section 21. Immediate execution on appeal to Court of
requires. (6a) Appeals or Supreme Court. — The judgment of the Regional
Section 18. Judgment conclusive only on possession; not Trial Court against the defendant shall be immediately
conclusive in actions involving title or ownership. — The executory, without prejudice to a further appeal that may be
judgment rendered in an action for forcible entry or detainer taken therefrom. (10a)
shall be conclusive with respect to the possession only and
shall in no wise bind the title or affect the ownership of the
land or building. Such judgment shall not bar an action
between the same parties respecting title to the land or
building.
The judgment or final order shall be appealable to the
appropriate Regional Trial Court which shall decide the same
on the basis of the entire record of the proceedings had in
the court of origin and such memoranda and/or briefs as may
be submitted by the parties or required by the Regional Trial
Court. (7a)
Section 19. Immediate execution of judgment; how to stay
same. — If judgment is rendered against the defendant,
execution shall issue immediately upon motion unless an
appeal has been perfected and the defendant to stay
execution files a sufficient supersedeas bond, approved by
the Municipal Trial Court and executed in favor of the
plaintiff to pay the rents, damages, and costs accruing down
to the time of the judgment appealed from, and unless,
during the pendency of the appeal, he deposits with the
appellate court the amount of rent due from time to time
under the contract, if any, as determined by the judgment of
the Municipal Trial Court. In the absence of a contract, he

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RULE 71 court in its discretion orders the consolidation of the

Contempt contempt charge and the principal action for joint hearing
Section 1. Direct contempt punished summarily. — A person and decision. (n)
guilty of misbehavior in the presence of or so near a court as Section 5. Where charge to be filed. — Where the charge for
to obstruct or interrupt the proceedings before the same, indirect contempt has been committed against a Regional
including disrespect toward the court, offensive personalities Trial Court or a court of equivalent or higher rank, or against
toward others, or refusal to be sworn or to answer as a an officer appointed by it, the charge may be filed with such
witness, or to subscribe an affidavit or deposition when court. Where such contempt has been committed against a
lawfully required to do so, may be summarily adjudged in lower court, the charge may be filed with the Regional Trial
contempt by such court and punished by a fine not exceeding Court of the place in which the lower court is sitting; but the
two thousand pesos or imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) proceedings may also be instituted in such lower court
days, or both, if it be a Regional Trial Court or a court of subject to appeal to the Regional Trial Court of such place in
equivalent or higher rank, or by a fine not exceeding two the same manner as provided in section 11 of this Rule. (4a;
hundred pesos or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) day, or Bar Matter No. 803, 21 July 1998)
both, if it be a lower court. (1a) Section 6. Hearing; release on bail. — If the hearing is not
Section 2. Remedy therefrom. — The person adjudged in ordered to be had forthwith, the respondent may be released
direct contempt by any court may not appeal therefrom, but from custody upon filing a bond, in an amount fixed by the
may avail himself of the remedies of certiorari or prohibition. court, for his appearance at the hearing of the charge. On
The execution of the judgment shall be suspended pending the day set therefor, the court shall proceed to investigate
resolution of such petition, provided such person files a bond the charge and consider such comment, testimony or defense
fixed by the court which rendered the judgment and as the respondent may make or offer. (5a)
conditioned that he will abide by and perform the judgment Section 7. Punishment for indirect contempt. — If the
should the petition be decided against him. (2a) respondent is adjudged guilty of indirect contempt
Section 3. Indirect contempt to be punished after charge and committed against a Regional Trial Court or a court of
hearing. — After a charge in writing has been filed, and an equivalent or higher rank, he may be punished by a fine not
opportunity given to the respondent to comment thereon exceeding thirty thousand pesos or imprisonment not
within such period as may be fixed by the court and to be exceeding six (6) months, or both. If he is adjudged guilty of
heard by himself or counsel, a person guilty of any of the contempt committed against a lower court, he may be
following acts may be punished for indirect contempt; punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos or
(a) Misbehavior of an officer of a court in the performance of imprisonment not exceeding one (1) month, or both. If the
his official duties or in his official transactions; contempt consists in the violation of a writ of injunction,
(b) Disobedience of or resistance to a lawful writ, process, temporary restraining order or status quo order, he may also
order, or judgment of a court, including the act of a person be ordered to make complete restitution to the party injured
who, after being dispossessed or ejected from any real by such violation of the property involved or such amount as
property by the judgment or process of any court of may be alleged and proved.
competent jurisdiction, enters or attempts or induces The writ of execution, as in ordinary civil actions, shall issue
another to enter into or upon such real property, for the for the enforcement of a judgment imposing a fine unless the
purpose of executing acts of ownership or possession, or in court otherwise provides. (6a)
any manner disturbs the possession given to the person Section 8. Imprisonment until order obeyed. — When the
adjudged to be entitled thereto; contempt consists in the refusal or omission to do an act
(c) Any abuse of or any unlawful interference with the which is yet in the power of the respondent to perform, he
processes or proceedings of a court not constituting direct may be imprisoned by order of the court concerned until he
contempt under section 1 of this Rule; performs it. (7a)
(d) Any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to Section 9. Proceeding when party released on bail fails to
impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice; answer. — When a respondent released on bail fails to appear
(e) Assuming to be an attorney or an officer of a court, and on the day fixed for the hearing, the court may issue another
acting as such without authority; order of arrest or may order the bond for his appearance to
(f) Failure to obey a subpoena duly served; be forfeited and confiscated, or both; and, if the bond be
(g) The rescue, or attempted rescue, of a person or property proceeded against, the measure of damages shall be the
in the custody of an officer by virtue of an order or process of extent of the loss or injury sustained by the aggrieved party
a court held by him. by reason of the misconduct for which the contempt charge
But nothing in this section shall be so construed as to prevent was prosecuted, with the costs of the proceedings, and such
the court from issuing process to bring the respondent into recovery shall be for the benefit of the party injured. If there
court, or from holding him in custody pending such is no aggrieved party, the bond shall be liable and disposed of
proceedings. (3a) as in criminal cases. (8a)
Section 4. How proceedings commenced. — Proceedings for Section 10. Court may release respondent. — The court which
indirect contempt may be initiated motu propio by the court issued the order imprisoning a person for contempt may
against which the contempt was committed by an order or discharge him from imprisonment when it appears that public
any other formal charge requiring the respondent to show interest will not be prejudiced by his release. (9a)
cause why he should not be punished for contempt. Section 11. Review of judgment or final order; bond for stay.
In all other cases, charges for indirect contempt shall be — The judgment or final order of a court in a case of indirect
commenced by a verified petition with supporting particulars contempt may be appealed to the proper court as in criminal
and certified true copies of documents or papers involved cases. But execution of the judgment or final order shall not
therein, and upon full compliance with the requirements for be suspended until a bond is filed by the person adjudged in
filing initiatory pleadings for civil actions in the court contempt, in an amount fixed by the court from which the
concerned. If the contempt charges arose out of or are appeal is taken, conditioned that if the appeal be decided
related to a principal action pending in the court, the against him he will abide by and perform the judgment or
petition for contempt shall allege that fact but said petition final order. (10a)
shall be docketed, heard and decided separately, unless the

ENGR. ARIEL MARK PILOTIN 16

 REMEDIAL LAW
RULES OF SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

Section 12. Contempt against quasi-judicial entities. — Unless

otherwise provided by law, this Rule shall apply to contempt
committed against persons, entities, bodies or agencies
exercising quasi-judicial functions, or shall have suppletory
effect to such rules as they may have adopted pursuant to
authority granted to them by law to punish for contempt.
The Regional Trial Court of the place wherein the contempt
has been committed shall have jurisdiction over such charges
as may be filed therefor. (n)

ENGR. ARIEL MARK PILOTIN 17