held that cases shall be determined on the merits, after full opportunity to all

G.R. No. 167471. February 5, 2007. *

parties for ventilation of their causes and defense, rather than on technicality
GLICERIA SARMIENTO, petitioner, vs. EMERITA ZARATAN, or some procedural imperfections. In so doing, the ends of justice would be
respondent. better served. Furthermore, this Court emphasized its policy that technical
rules should accede to the demands of substantial justice because there is no
Appeals; Pleadings and Practice; An order disallowing or dismissing vested right in technicalities. Litigations, should, as much as possible, be
an appeal must be brought up via a Petition for Certiorari.—It must be noted decided on their merits and not on technicality. Dismissal of appeals purely on
that respondent’s appeal in the RTC was dismissed for failure to file the technical grounds is frowned upon, and the rules of procedure ought not to be
required memorandum within the period allowed by law, as the Motion for applied in a very rigid, technical sense, for they are adopted to help secure, not
Extension of Time to file Memorandum was not acted upon for failure to override, substantial justice, and thereby defeat their very aims. As has been
attach a notice of hearing. From the said dismissal, respondent filed a Petition the constant rulings of this Court, every party-litigant should be afforded the
for Certiorari in the Court of Appeals. Respondent correctly filed said petition amplest opportunity for the proper and just disposition of his cause, free from
pursuant to Section 41 of the Rules of Court, which provides: Section constraints of technicalities. Indeed, rules of procedure are mere tools
1. Subject of appeal. An appeal may be taken from a judgment or final order designed to expedite the resolution of cases and other matters pending in
that completely disposes of the case, or of a particular matter therein when court. A strict and rigid application of the rules that would result in
declared by these Rules to be appealable. No appeal may be taken: x x x x technicalities that tend to frustrate rather than promote justice must be
(d) An order disallowing or dismissing an appeal; x x x x In all the avoided. The visible emerging trend is to afford every party-litigant the
above instances where the judgment or final order is not appealable, the amplest opportunity for the proper and just determination of his cause, free
aggrieved party may file an appropriate civil action under Rule 65. from constraints and technicalities.

Same;  Same; Verification;  The purpose of requiring a verification is Ejectment; Appeals; Execution Pending Appeal; Execution pending
to secure an assurance that the allegations of the petition have been made in appeal in an ejectment case is premature where the defendant has already
good faith, or are true and correct, not merely speculative.—The purpose of filed a supersedeas bond and the monthly rental for
requiring a verification is to secure an assur- 249
_______________

*
 THIRD DIVISION.
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5,
2007 49
247
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
the current month.—To stay the immediate execution of judgment in
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5,
ejectment proceedings, Section 19 requires that the defendantappellant must
2007 47 (a) perfect his appeal, (b) file a supersedeas bond, and (c) periodically deposit
the rentals falling due during the pendency of the appeal. As correctly
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan observed by the Court of Appeals, execution pending appeal was premature as
ance that the allegations of the petition have been made in good faith, respondent had already filed a supersedeas bond and the monthly rental for the
or are true and correct, not merely speculative. This requirement is simply a current month of the premises in question.
condition affecting the form of pleadings and noncompliance therewith does
not necessarily render it fatally defective. Perusal of the verification in Same; Same; Same; Section 21, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court applies
question shows there was sufficient compliance with the requirements of the to decision of the Regional Trial Court rendered in its appellate jurisdiction,
Rules and the alleged defects are not so material as to justify the dismissal of affirming the decision of the MeTC.—The invocation of petitioner of the
the petition in the Court of Appeals. The defects are mere typographical provisions of Section 21, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court, which runs: Sec. 21.
errors. There appears to be no intention to circumvent the need for proper Immediate execution on appeal to Court of Appeals or Supreme Court.—The
verification and certification, which are intended to assure the truthfulness and judgment of the Regional Trial Court against the defendant shall be
correctness of the allegations in the petition and to discourage forum immediately executory, without prejudice to a further appeal that may be
shopping. taken therefrom—to justify the issuance of the writ of execution pending
appeal in this case is misplaced. A closer examination of the above-quoted
Same;  Same; Motions;  Notice of motion is required where a party has provision reveals that said provision applies to decision of the RTC rendered
a right to resist the relief sought by the motion and principles of natural in its appellate jurisdiction, affirming the decision of the MeTC. In the case at
justice demand that his right be not affected without an opportunity to be bar, the RTC order was an order dismissing respondent’s appeal based on
heard; The test is the presence of the opportunity to be heard, as well as to technicality. It did not resolve substantive matters delving on the merits of the
have time to study the motion and meaningfully oppose or controvert the parties’ claim in the ejectment case. Thus, the case brought to the Court of
grounds upon which it is based.—As a general rule, notice of motion is Appeals was the dismissal of the appeal for failure to file the required
required where a party has a right to resist the relief sought by the motion and memorandum within the period provided by law, and not on the merits of the
principles of natural justice demand that his right be not affected without an ejectment case.
opportunity to be heard. The three-day notice required by law is intended not
for the benefit of the movant but to avoid surprises upon the adverse party and Courts; Judges;  Disqualification and Inhibition of Judges; Bias and
to give the latter time to study and meet the arguments of the motion. Partiality; Inhibition must be for just and valid causes—the mere imputation
Principles of natural justice demand that the right of a party should not be of bias and partiality is not enough ground for judges to inhibit, especially
affected without giving it an opportunity to be heard. The test is the presence when the charge is without basis.—Inhibition must be for just and valid
of the opportunity to be heard, as well as to have time to study the motion and causes. The mere imputation of bias and partiality is not enough ground for
meaningfully oppose or controvert the grounds upon which it is based. judges to inhibit, especially when the charge is without basis. This Court has
Considering the circumstances of the present case, we believe that procedural to be shown acts or conduct clearly indicative of arbitrariness or prejudice
due process was substantially complied with. before it can brand them with the stigma of bias and partiality. This Court has
invariably held that for bias and prejudice to be considered valid reasons for
Motions; It has been said that “ex parte motions are frequently the voluntary inhibition of judges, mere suspicion is not enough. Bare
permissible in procedural matters, and also in situations and under allegations of their partiality will not suffice “in the absence of clear and
circumstances of emergency, and an exception to a rule requiring notice is convincing evidence to overcome the presump-
sometimes made where notice or the resulting delay might tend to defeat the 250
objective of the motion.”—It has been held that a “motion for extension of
time x x x is not a litigated motion where notice to the adverse party is
necessary to afford the latter an opportunity to resist the application, but an ex 2 SUPREME COURT
parte motion made to the 50 REPORTS ANNOTATED
248
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
tion that the judge will undertake his noble role to dispense justice
2 SUPREME COURT
according to law and evidence and without fear and favor.”
48 REPORTS ANNOTATED
Same; Same; Same; Same; The fact alone that the Court of Appeals
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan decided the case within eight months does not in any way indicate bias and
court in behalf of one or the other of the parties to the action, in the partiality against a party.—There is no factual support to petitioner’s charge
absence and usually without the knowledge of the other party or parties.” As a of bias and partiality. A perusal of the records of the case fails to reveal that
general rule, notice of motion is required where a party has a right to resist the any bias or prejudice motivated the Court of Appeals in granting respondent’s
relief sought by the motion and principles of natural justice demand that his petition. Neither did this Court find any questionable or suspicious
rights be not affected without an opportunity to be heard. It has been said that circumstances leading to the issuance of the questioned decision, as suggested
“ex parte motions are frequently permissible in procedural matters, and also in by petitioner. The fact alone that the Court of Appeals decided the case within
situations and under circumstances of emergency; and an exception to a rule eight months does not in any way indicate bias and partiality against
requiring notice is sometimes made where notice or the resulting delay might petitioner. It is within the constitutional mandate to decide the case within 12
tend to defeat the objective of the motion.” months.

Same;  Procedural Rules and Technicalities; The visible emerging Same; Same; Same; Same; A judge’s appreciation or
trend is to afford every party-litigant the amplest opportunity for the proper misappreciation of the sufficiency of the evidence adduced by the parties,
and just determination of his cause, free from constraints and technicalities. without proof of malice on the part of said judge, is not sufficient to show bias
—It is well to remember that this Court, in not a few cases, has consistently and partiality.—As to petitioner’s allegation that the Court of Appeals was
selective in choosing what issues to resolve, it bears to stress again that “a It should be stressed that while the rules should be liberally construed,
judge’s appreciation or misappreciation of the sufficiency of evidence x x x the provisions on reglemenatry periods are strictly applied as they are
adduced by the parties, x x x, without proof of malice on the part of “deemed indispensable to the prevention of needless delays and necessary to
respondent judge, is not sufficient to show bias and partiality.” We also the orderly and speedy discharge of judicial business” (Legaspi-Santos vs.
emphasized that “repeated rulings against a litigant, no matter how Court of Appeals, G.R. No.
erroneously, vigorously and consistently expressed, do not amount to bias and
prejudice which can be bases for the disqualification of a judge.” _______________

PETITION for review on certiorari of the decision and resolution of 4

 Id., at p. 283.
 Id., at p. 298.
the Court of Appeals.
5

6
 Id., at p. 321.

The facts are stated in the opinion of the Court. 253

     Noel S. Sorreda for petitioner. VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 253
     The Law Firm Habitan, Ferrer, Chan, Tagapan, Patricia and
Associates for respondent. Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
251 60577, October 11, 1983) and strict compliance therewith is mandatory and
imperative (FJR Garments Industries vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-49329,
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 251 June 29, 1984). The same is true with respect to the rules on the manner and
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan periods for perfecting appeals (Gutierrez vs. Court of Appeals, L-25972,
November 26, 1968, 26 SCRA 32).
Premises considered, the instant appeal is hereby DISMISSED. This
CHICO-NAZARIO, J.: renders academic defendant-appellant’s application for a writ of preliminary
injunction.” 7

This petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of

Court seeks to nullify the Court of Appeals Decision  in CA-G.R. SP
1 On the basis of the above-quoted Order, petitioner filed a Motion for
No. 79001 entitled, “Emerita Zaratan v. Hon. Ramon A. Cruz, as Immediate Execution,  while respondent moved for the
8

Presiding Judge of RTC, Quezon City, Branch 223, and Gliceria Reconsideration.  Both motions were denied by the RTC on 31 July
9

Sarmiento,” dated 17 August 2004, which reversed and set side the 2003. The Order in part reads:
Orders dated 19 June 2003 and 31 July 2003 of the Regional Trial “In the main, defendant-appellants Motion for Reconsideration is premised on
Court (RTC) of Quezon City in Civil Case No. Q-03-49437, the argument that she filed a timely “Motion for Extension of Time To File
Memorandum,” dated and filed on June 3, 2003, but that her motion was not
dismissing respondent’s appeal for failure to file the memorandum
acted upon by this Court. She adds that her appeal memorandum was filed
within the period provided for by law. well within the period sought by her in her “Motion for Extension of Time to
On 2 September 2002, petitioner Gliceria Sarmiento filed an File Memorandum” so that her appeal should not have been dismissed.
ejectment case  against respondent Emerita Zaratan, in the
2
The argument is without merit. This Court did not take cognizance of
Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of Quezon City, Branch 36, defendant-appellant’s “Motion for Extension of Time to File Memorandum,”
docketed as Civil Case No. 29109. and rightly so, because it did not contain a notice of hearing as required by
On 31 March 2003, the MeTC rendered a decision in favor of Sections 4 and 5, Rule 15 of the Rules of Court, an omission for which it
petitioner, the dispositive portion of which reads: could offer no explanation. As declared in the case of Gozon, et al. v. Court of
“WHEREFORE, the Court finds that plaintiff has sufficiently established her Appeals (G.R. No. 105781, June 17, 1993);
causes against the defendant and hereby order the defendant and all persons xxx
It is well-entrenched in this jurisdiction that a motion does not meet the requirements of
claiming rights under her: Sections 4 and 5 of Rule 15 of the Rules of Court is considered a worthless piece of paper
which the clerk has no right to receive, and the court has no authority to act upon.
1. 1.to pay plaintiff the monthly rentals of P3,500.00 for the said
premises from August 1, 2002 until defendant vacates the xxx
premises;
_______________
2. 2.to pay plaintiff the sum of P20,000.00 plus P1,500.00 per
appearance of counsel in court, as and for attorney’s fees; and to 7
 Id., at p. 343.
pay the cost of suit.”
3

8
 Id., at p. 345.
9
 Id., at p. 349.
_______________
254
1
 Penned by Associate Justice Rebecca De Guia-Salvador with Associate Justices 25 SUPREME COURT REPORTS
Portia Aliño-Hormachuelos and Aurora SantiagoLagman, concurring. Rollo, pp. 231-238.
2
 Records, Vol. I, pp. 2-4. 4 ANNOTATED
3
 Id., at p. 275.
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
252 Moreover, parties and counsel should not assume that courts are bound to
grant the time they pray for. A motion that is not acted upon in due time is
25 SUPREME COURT REPORTS deemed denied (Orosa vs. Court of Appeals, 261 SCRA 376 [1996]). Thus,
2 ANNOTATED defendant-appellant’s appeal was properly dismissed on account of her failure
to file an appeal memorandum within the fifteen (15) day period provided
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan under Section 7(b), Rule 40 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.
Respondent filed her notice of appeal.  Thereafter, the case was
4 With regard to the “Motion for Immediate Execution,” dated June 23,
raffled to the RTC of Quezon City, Branch 223, docketed as Civil 2003, filed by plaintiff-appellee, the rule is explicit that the execution of a
Case No. Q-03-49437. judgment in an ejectment case, must be sought with the inferior court which
rendered the same. The appellate court which affirms a decision brought
In the Notice of Appealed Case,  the RTC directed respondent to
5

before it on appeal cannot decree its execution in the guise of an execution of

submit her memorandum in accordance with the provisions of the affirming decision. The only exception is when said appellate court grants
Section 7(b) of Rule 40 of the Rules of Court and petitioner to file a an execution pending appeal, which is not the case herein (City of Manila vs.
reply memorandum within 15 days from receipt. Court of Appeals, 204 SCRA 362; Sy vs. Romero, 214 SCRA 187).” 10

Respondent’s counsel having received the notice on 19 May

2003, he had until 3 June 2003 within which to file the requisite Petitioner moved for reconsideration of the said Order, while
memorandum. But on 3 June 2003, he filed a Motion for Extension of respondent sought clarification on whether the 31 July 2003 Order
Time of five days due to his failure to finish the draft of the said dismissing the appeal was anchored on Section (b), Rule 40 or
Memorandum. He cited as reasons for the delay of filing his illness Section 7(c) of the same Rule.
for one week, lack of staff to do the work due to storm and flood On 27 August 2003, the RTC reconsidered its previous Order by
compounded by the grounding of the computers because the wirings granting petitioner’s motion for Immediate Execution, but denied
got wet.  But the motion remained unacted.
6
respondent’s Motion for Clarification, in this wise:
On 9 June 2003, respondent filed her Memorandum. On 19 June “Section 21, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court provides that “the judgment of the
2003, the RTC dismissed the appeal as follows: Regional Trial Court against the defendant shall be immediately executory,
“Record shows that defendant-appellant received the Notice of Appealed without prejudice to a further appeal that may be taken therefrom. Pursuant to
Case, through counsel, on May 19, 2003 (Registry Return Receipt dated May this Rule and taking into account the arguments of the plaintiff in her “Urgent
12, 2003, Record, back of p. 298). Thus, under Section 7(b), Rule 40 of the Motion for Reconsideration,” the Court is inclined to grant the same. As
1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, she had fifteen (15) days or until June 3, 2003 further correctly argued by the plaintiff, through counsel, during the hearing
within which to submit a memorandum on appeal. As further appears on on her motion on August 15, 2003, the cases of City of Manila v. Court of
record, however, the required Memorandum was filed by defendant-appellant Appeals (204 SCRA 362) and Sy vs. Romero (214 SCRA 187) cited in the
only on June 9, 2003 (Record, p. 623), or six (6) days beyond the expiration of July 31, 2003 Order refer to ejectment cases which has (sic) been decided with
the aforesaid fifteen day period.
finality and hence, inapplicable to this case where a further appeal is still No appeal may be taken:
available to the defendant. It should xxxx
(d) An order disallowing or dismissing an appeal;
_______________ xxxx

10
 Id., at pp. 387-388. 257
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 257
255
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 255 Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
In all the above instances where the judgment or final order is not
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan appealable, the aggrieved party may file an appropriate civil action under
likewise be noted that while the Supreme Court ruled in these cases that Rule 65.” (Underscoring supplied.)
execution of a judgment in an ejectment case must be sought with the inferior
court which rendered the same, it likewise provided that for an exception to Petitioner also contends that the Petition for Certiorari filed in the
this rule, that is, in cases where the appellate court grants an execution Court of Appeals should be dismissed as the certification of non-
pending appeal, as the case herein. forum shopping was defective. The verification in part reads:
With regard to defendant’s Motion for Clarification, contained in her “I, EMERITA ZARATAN, of legal age, after having been duly sworn to,
Opposition, the Court notes that the issues raised therein have already been according to law, depose and say:
squarely dealt with in the July 31, 2003 Order. The same must, therefore, be That I, Emerita Zaratan is one of the respondent (sic) in the above
denied.” 11

entitled case, hereby declare, that I have caused the preparation and filing of
the foregoing Comment on the Petition; that I have read all the allegations
Aggrieved, respondent filed a Petition for Certiorari in the Court of therein, which are true and correct to the best of my own knowledge.
Appeals, which was granted in a decision dated 17 August 2004. The That as respondent, I further certify that I have not commenced any other
appellate court nullified and set aside the 19 June 2003 and 31 July action or proceeding involving the same issues in the foregoing Petition in the
2003 Orders of the RTC and ordered the reinstatement of Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, or different Divisions thereof,
respondent’s appeal. Consequently, respondent’s appeal respectively, or any tribunal, or agency; and should it be known that a similar
action or proceeding has been filed or is pending in any of the
memorandum was admitted and the case remanded to the RTC for
abovementioned Courts or different Divisions thereof, the petitioner shall
further proceedings. 12

notify the Honorable Court to which this certification is filed, within five (5)
Petitioner filed a motion for reconsideration  on 13 September
13

days from such notice.” (Italics ours.)

2004, followed by a Motion for Inhibition  of the members of the
14

Eighth Division of the Court of Appeals on 20 September 2004. Both Petitioner avers that respondent by stating in the abovequoted
motions were denied for lack of merit on 10 March 2005. 15
certification that she was the respondent, while in truth she was the
Hence, this appeal by petitioner posing the following petitioner and by stating that respondent caused the preparation of the
issues,  thus:
16
comment on the petition, instead of the petition itself, indicate that
respondent did not understand what she was signing. The defect of
1. 1.Whether respondent’s petition for certiorari should have the verification all renders the petition in the Court of Appeals
been dismissed in the first place; without legal effect and constitutes ground for its dismissal.
2. 2.Whether the trial court committed grave abuse of The contention is baseless.
discretion in denying respondent’s motion for extension; The purpose of requiring a verification is to secure an assurance
3. 3.Whether it is Section 19 of Rule 7 that applies, and not that the allegations of the petition have been made in good faith, or
Section 21; and are true and correct, not merely speculative.
258

_______________ 25 SUPREME COURT REPORTS

8 ANNOTATED
11
 Id., at pp. 406-407.
12
 Rollo, pp. 108-115. Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
13
 Id., at pp. 116-121. This requirement is simply a condition affecting the form of
14
 Id., at pp. 122-123.
15
 Id., at pp. 126-129. pleadings and non-compliance therewith does not necessarily render
16
 Id., at pp. 10-11. it fatally defective.  Perusal of the verification in question shows there
17

was sufficient compliance with the requirements of the Rules and the
256 alleged defects are not so material as to justify the dismissal of the
25 SUPREME COURT REPORTS petition in the Court of Appeals. The defects are mere typographical
errors. There appears to be no intention to circumvent the need for
6 ANNOTATED proper verification and certification, which are intended to assure the
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan truthfulness and correctness of the allegations in the petition and to
discourage forum shopping. 18

Now, the substantial issues.

1. 4.Whether the Court of Appeals Justices should have
Corollary to the dismissal of the appeal by the RTC is the
inhibited themselves from further proceeding with the
question of whether the lack of notice of hearing in the Motion for
subject case.
Extension of Time to file Memorandum on Appeal is fatal, such that
the filing of the motion is a worthless piece of paper.
Stated otherwise, the main issue for resolution is whether the Court of Petitioner avers that, because of the failure of respondent to
Appeals committed a reversible error of law in granting the Writ include a Notice of Hearing in her Motion for Extension of Time to
of Certiorari. In granting the petition, the Court of Appeals ruled that file Memorandum on Appeal in the RTC, the latter’s motion is a
the RTC erred in dismissing respondent’s appeal for failure to file the worthless piece of paper with no legal effect.
required Memorandum within the period provided by law and in It is not disputed that respondent perfected her appeal on 4 April
granting petitioner’s Motion for Immediate Execution of the MeTC 2003 with the filing of her Notice of Appeal and payment of the
decision. required docket fees. However, before the expiration of time to file
Before resolving the substantive issues raised by petitioner, the the Memorandum, she filed a Motion for Extension of Time seeking
Court will first address the procedural infirmities ascribed by an additional period of five days within which to file her
petitioner. Petitioner assails the correctness and propriety of the Memorandum, which motion lacked the Notice of Hearing required
remedy resorted to by respondent by filing a Petition for Certiorari in by Section 4, Rule 15 of the 1997 Rules of Court which provides:
the Court of Appeals. According to petitioner, certiorari is not “SEC. 4. Hearing of Motion.—Except for motions which the court may act
appropriate and unavailing as the proper remedy is an appeal. upon without prejudicing the rights of the adverse party, every written motion
It must be noted that respondent’s appeal in the RTC was shall be set for hearing by the applicant.
dismissed for failure to file the required memorandum within the
_______________
period allowed by law, as the Motion for Extension of Time to file
Memorandum was not acted upon for failure to attach a notice of
 Torres v. Specialized Packaging Development Corporation, G.R. No. 149634, 6
hearing. From the said dismissal, respondent filed a Petition
17

July 2004, 433 SCRA 455, 463-464.

for Certiorari in the Court of Appeals.  Pilipinas Shell Petroleum v. John Boardman Ltd. of Iloilo, Inc., G.R. No. 159831,
18

Respondent correctly filed said petition pursuant to Section 41 of 14 October 2005, 473 SCRA 151, 162.
the Rules of Court, which provides:
“Section 1. Subject of appeal.—An appeal may be taken from a judgment or 259
final order that completely disposes of the case, or of a particular matter VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 259
therein when declared by these Rules to be appealable.
 or the resulting delay might tend to defeat the objective of the
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
motion.” 26

Every written motion required to be heard and the notice of the hearing
thereof shall be served in such a manner as to ensure its receipt by the other It is well to remember that this Court, in not a few cases, has
party at least three (3) days before the date of hearing, unless the court for consistently held that cases shall be determined on the merits, after
good cause sets the hearing on shorter notice.” full opportunity to all parties for ventilation of their causes and
defense, rather than on technicality or some procedural imperfections.
As may be gleaned above and as held time and again, the notice In so doing, the ends of justice would be better served.  Furthermore,
27

requirement in a motion is mandatory. As a rule, a motion without a this Court emphasized its policy that technical rules should accede to
Notice of Hearing is considered pro forma and does not affect the the demands of substantial justice because there is no vested right in
reglementary period for the appeal or the filing of the requisite technicalities. Litigations, should, as much as possible, be decided on
pleading. 19 their merits and not on technicality. Dismissal of appeals purely on
As a general rule, notice of motion is required where a party has technical grounds is frowned upon, and the rules of procedure ought
a right to resist the relief sought by the motion and principles of not to be applied in a very rigid, technical sense, for they are adopted
natural justice demand that his right be not affected without an to help secure, not override, substantial justice, and thereby defeat
opportunity to be heard.  The three-day notice required by law is
20 their very aims. As has been the constant rulings of this Court, every
intended not for the benefit of the movant but to avoid surprises upon party-litigant should be afforded the amplest opportunity for the
the adverse party and to give the latter time to study and meet the proper and just disposition of his cause, free from constraints of
arguments of the motion.  Principles of natural justice demand that
21 technicalities.  Indeed, rules of procedure are mere tools designed to
28

the right of a party should not be affected without giving it an expedite the resolution of cases and other matters pending in court. A
opportunity to be heard. 22 strict and rigid application of the rules that would result in
The test is the presence of the opportunity to be heard, as well as technicalities that tend to frustrate rather than promote justice must be
to have time to study the motion and meaningfully oppose or avoided. 29

controvert the grounds upon which it is based. 23

_______________
_______________
 Amante v. Judge Suñga, supra note 20 at p. 477; p. 195.
26

 Tan v. Court of Appeals, 356 Phil. 1058, 1067-1068; 295 SCRA 755, 763 (1998).
19
 Durban Apartments Corporation v. Catacutan, G.R. No. 167136, 14 December
27

 Commercial Union Assurance Company Limited v. Lepanto Consolidated Mining

20
2005, 477 SCRA 801, 809.
Company, G.R. No. L-43342, 30 October 1978, 86 SCRA 79, 96; citing Amante v. Judge  Fonseca v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-36035, 30 August 1988, 165 SCRA 40,
28

Suñga, 159-A Phil. 476; 64 SCRA 192 (1975); Pimentel v. Court of Appeals, 159-A Phil. 46.

728; 64 SCRA 475 (1975).  Durban Apartments Corporation v. Catacutan, supra note 27 at p. 809.
29

 J.M. Tuason & Co., Inc. v. Magdangal, G.R. No. L-15539, 30 January 1962, 4
21

SCRA 84, 86. 262

 Gonzales v. Balikatan Kilusang Bayan sa Pananalapi, Inc., G.R. No. 150859, 28
26 SUPREME COURT REPORTS
22

March 2005, 454 SCRA 111, 117.

 Jehan Shipping Corporation v. National Food Authority, G.R. No. 159750, 14
23

December 2005, 477 SCRA 781, 789.

2 ANNOTATED
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
260 The visible emerging trend is to afford every party-litigant the
26 SUPREME COURT REPORTS amplest opportunity for the proper and just determination of his
0 ANNOTATED cause, free from constraints and technicalities.
Parenthetically, it must be noted also that when the appeal was
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan dismissed on 19 June 2003, the memorandum was already filed in
Considering the circumstances of the present case, we believe that court on 9 June 2003.
procedural due process was substantially complied with. On the issue of immediate execution of judgment. The applicable
There are, indeed, reasons which would warrant the suspension provision is Section 19, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court, which reads:
of the Rules: (a) the existence of special or compelling “SEC. 19. Immediate Execution of judgment; how to stay the same.—If
circumstances, (b) the merits of the case, (c) a cause not entirely judgment is rendered against the defendant, execution shall issue immediately
attributable to the fault or negligence of the party favored by the upon motion, unless an appeal has been perfected and the defendant to stay
suspension of rules, (d) a lack of any showing that the review sought 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
is merely frivolous and dilatory, and (e) the other party will not be costs accruing down to the time of the judgment appealed from, and unless,
unjustly prejudiced thereby.  Elements or circumstances (c), (d) and
24

during the pendency of the appeal, he deposits with the appellate court the
(e) exist in the present case. amount of rent due from time to time under the contract, if any, as determined
The suspension of the Rules is warranted in this case. The by the judgment of the Municipal Trial Court. x x x.”
motion in question does not affect the substantive rights of petitioner
as it merely seeks to extend the period to file Memorandum. The To stay the immediate execution of judgment in ejectment
required extension was due to respondent’s counsel’s illness, lack of proceedings, Section 19 requires that the defendant-appellant must
staff to do the work due to storm and flood, compounded by the (a) perfect his appeal, (b) file a supersedeas bond, and (c) periodically
grounding of the computers. There is no claim likewise that said deposit the rentals falling due during the pendency of the appeal.
motion was interposed to delay the appeal.  As it appears, respondent
25
As correctly observed by the Court of Appeals, execution
sought extension prior to the expiration of the time to do so and the pending appeal was premature as respondent had already filed a
memorandum was subsequently filed within the requested extended supersedeas bond and the monthly rental for the current month of the
period. Under the circumstances, substantial justice requires that we premises in question. 30

go into the merits of the case to resolve the issue of who is entitled to The invocation of petitioner of the provisions of Section 21, Rule
the possession of the land in question. 70 of the Rules of Court, which runs:
Further, it has been held that a “motion for extension of time x x “Sec. 21. Immediate execution on appeal to Court of Appeals or Supreme
x is not a litigated motion where notice to the adverse party is Court.—The judgment of the Regional Trial Court
necessary to afford the latter an opportunity to resist the application,
_______________
but an ex parte motion made to the court in behalf of one or the other
of the parties to the action, in the absence and usually without the 30
 CA Decision, p. 7; Rollo, p. 114.
knowledge of the other party or parties.” As a general rule, notice of
motion is required where a party has a right to resist the relief sought 263
by
_______________ VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 263
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
 Sanchez v. Court of Appeals, 452 Phil. 665, 674; 404 SCRA 540, 546 (2003).
against the defendant shall be immediately executory, without prejudice to a
24

25
 Records, Vol. 1, p. 321.
further appeal that may be taken therefrom.”
261
to justify the issuance of the writ of execution pending appeal in this
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 261 case is misplaced.
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan A closer examination of the above-quoted provision reveals that
the motion and principles of natural justice demand that his rights be said provision applies to decision of the RTC rendered in its appellate
not affected without an opportunity to be heard. It has been said that jurisdiction, affirming the decision of the MeTC. In the case at bar,
“ex parte motions are frequently permissible in procedural matters, the RTC order was an order dismissing respondent’s appeal based on
and also in situations and under circumstances of emergency; and an technicality. It did not resolve substantive matters delving on the
exception to a rule requiring notice is sometimes made where notice merits of the parties’ claim in the ejectment case. Thus, the case
brought to the Court of Appeals was the dismissal of the appeal for
failure to file the required memorandum within the period provided
by law, and not on the merits of the ejectment case.
Lastly, petitioner posited the view that the Court of Appeals’
justices should have inhibited themselves because of bias and
partiality for deciding the case within eight months and for being
very selective in discussing the issues.
We reject the proposition.
Inhibition must be for just and valid causes. The mere imputation
of bias and partiality is not enough ground for judges to inhibit,
especially when the charge is without basis. This Court has to be
shown acts or conduct clearly indicative of arbitrariness or prejudice
before it can brand them with the stigma of bias and partiality.  This 31

Court has invariably held that for bias and prejudice to be considered
valid reasons for the voluntary inhibition of judges, mere suspicion is
not enough. Bare allegations of their partiality will not suffice “in the
absence of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the
presumption that the judge will undertake his noble role to dispense
justice according to law and evidence and without fear and favor.” 32

_______________

31
 Gochan v. Gochan, 446 Phil. 433, 447; 398 SCRA 323, 333 (2003).
32
 People v. Kho, G.R. No. 139381, 20 April 2001, 357 SCRA 290, 297.

264
26 SUPREME COURT REPORTS
4 ANNOTATED
Sarmiento vs. Zaratan
There is no factual support to petitioner’s charge of bias and
partiality. A perusal of the records of the case fails to reveal that any
bias or prejudice motivated the Court of Appeals in granting
respondent’s petition. Neither did this Court find any questionable or
suspicious circumstances leading to the issuance of the questioned
decision, as suggested by petitioner.
The fact alone that the Court of Appeals decided the case within
eight months does not in any way indicate bias and partiality against
petitioner. It is within the constitutional mandate to decide the case
within 12 months. 33

As to petitioner’s allegation that the Court of Appeals was

selective in choosing what issues to resolve, it bears to stress again
that “a judge’s appreciation or misappreciation of the sufficiency of
evidence x x x adduced by the parties, x x x, without proof of malice
on the part of respondent judge, is not sufficient to show bias and
partiality.”  We also emphasized that “repeated rulings against a
34

litigant, no matter how erroneously, vigorously and consistently

expressed, do not amount to bias and prejudice which can be bases
for the disqualification of a judge.” 35

IN ALL, petitioner utterly failed to show that the appellate court

erred in issuing the assailed decision. On the contrary, it acted
prudently in accordance with law and jurisprudence.
WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DENIED for lack
of merit. The Decision dated 17 August 2004 and the Resolution
dated 10 March 2005 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No.
79001 are hereby AFFIRMED. No costs.
_______________

33
 Section 15, Article 8 of the 1987 Constitution. All cases or matters filed after the
effectivity of this Constitution must be decided or resolved within x x x twelve months
for all lower collegiate courts x x x.
34
 Republic v. Evangelista, G.R. No. 156015, 11 August 2005, 466 SCRA 544, 555.
35
 Id.

265
VOL. 514, FEBRUARY 6, 2007 265
Patawaran vs. Nepomuceno
SO ORDERED.
     Ynares-Santiago (Chairperson), Austria-Martinez and Call
ejo, Sr., JJ., concur.

Petition denied, judgment and resolution affirmed.