Rem Review 1

7/30/2019 Rem Review 1

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a m + d gRemedial Law Review: Civil Procedure and Appeals

Mickey Ingles4C Ateneo Law 2012Atty Tranquil (and some stuff from Atty Guevarra); updated: March 4, 2013

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This reviewer is based on Atty. Tranquil Salvadors lectures, stuff from Atty. Guevarra, GlennTuazons brilliant lecture notes, cases, and Feria-Noches book. (No Riano since I left it in mylocker)

Good luck!

FILING FEES

Important: Payment of docket fees is not only mandatory, but JURISDICTIONAL. Know the true nature of the action because it will determine the docket fees. So take note of the

facts of each case.o It may seem like a cancellation of deed of sale, but it can ultimately be one for the

recovery of property, making it a real action. (Ruby Shelter v Formaran III, 2009)

For example: if the action is for the cancellation of a deed of sale and the titleshave already been transferred to another party, thats a real action because theultimate purpose is the recovery of real property. (thats what happened in Ruby

Shelter) If the titles have not yet been transferred, it can be considered as a

personal action. (Spouses de Leoncited in Ruby Shelter) Docket fees to be paid:

o Real action: depends on the FMV stated in the current tax declaration or current zonalvaluation of the BIR (whichever is higher), or if there is none, the stated value of theproperty in litigation.1

o Cases involving actions incapable of pecuniary estimation: flat rate Docket fees computation include interests, penalties, surcharges, damages of whatever kind,

attorneys fees, court expenses. (see footnote 1) (Proton v Banque Nationale de Paris, 2005)o So, if the plaintiff fails to pay the docket fees for alleged interest payments accruing before

the complaint is filed, plaintiff can not recover such. (Proton, wherein a certain period ofinterest payment was alleged but the corresponding docket fees pertaining to such wasnot paid)

o Important!: Compare with amount for jurisdictional purposes: only the principal claim isconsidered.

It is the duty of the parties claiming such damages to specify the amount sought on the basis ofwhich the court may make a proper determination and for the proper assessment of theappropriate fees.

o The damages sought must be placed in the PRAYER of the complaint. (Philippine First

Insurance v Pyramid Logistics, 2008, wherein Pyramid amended their complaint and stilldid not put the damages sought in the prayer. It was a sign of bad faith on their part.)

If not, the complaint will be expunged.

If the pleading specifies the claim, but the fees paid are insufficient, the court mayallow a reasonable time for the payment of the prescribed fees, or the balancethereof.

Example: if the party filing the case paid less than the correct amount forthe docket fees because of the wrong assessment of the clerk of court, theresponsibility of making a deficiency assessment lies with the same clerk.Party cannot be penalized for such, so court will continue to have jd over

the case. But party will still have to pay the fees (Montaner v ShariaDistrict, 2009)

This also happened in Bautista v Unangst (2008) which involved thedeficient assessment in the Court of Appeals. SC said that it was not the

1Rule 141, Sec. 7. Clerks of Regional Trial Courts.a) For filing an action or a permissive OR COMPULSORY counter-claim, CROSS-CLAIM, or money claim against an estate not based on

judgment, or for filing a third-party, fourth-party, etc. complaint, or a complaint-in-intervention, if the total sum claimed, INCLUSIVE OF

INTERESTS, PENALTIES, SURCHARGES, DAMAGES OF WHATEVER KIND, AND ATTORNEYS FEES, LITIGATION EXPENSESAND COSTS and/or in cases involving property, the FAIR MARKET value of the REAL property in litigation STATED IN THE CURRENT

TAX DECLARATION OR CURRENT ZONAL VALUATION OF THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER,

OR IF THERE IS NONE, THE STATED VALUE OF THE PROPERTY IN LITIGATION OR THE VALUE OF THE PERSONALPROPERTY IN LITIGATION AS ALLEGED BY THE CLAIMANT, is: xxx


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appellants fault but he still has to pay the deficient fees within thereglementary period. (since it was on appeal)

o Exception: no need to place the amount sought if the damages arise AFTER the filing ofthe complaint since you wouldnt know how much that would be

Compulsory counterclaims and cross-claims must now pay docket fees. (see footnote 1)

o This, however, has been SUSPENDED at the moment. So, at present, no docket fees arerequired for compulsory counterclaims and cross-claims.

GR: docket fees must be paid when you file the complaint. (clerk will look at prayer and thendetermine how much you have to pay.)

o Exceptions:

If the damages arose AFTER the filing, the additional docket fee will serve as a lienon the judgment

Like interests accruing after the filing of the complaint (Proton v BNP)

If the complaint is amended and new damages are alleged, the additional docketfee will be allowed to be paid within a reasonable time within the applicableprescriptive period or reglementary period (Tacay, cited in Philippine First)

If the clerk makes a wrong assessment, the full amount must be paid within the

applicable prescriptive period or reglementary period. Recipients of the service of the National Committee on Legal Aid and of the Legal Aid offices of the

IBP are EXEMPT from payment of filing, docket fees. (Re: Request for NCLA, 2009)

o This exemption does NOT apply to juridical entities, even if these entities are formed forcharitable purposes or make extremely delectable ube jam. (Query of Mr Roger Prioreschiof the Good Shepherd Foundation, AM 9-6-9-SC)

JURISDICTION

Define jurisdiction:

o The power of the court to hear, try, or decide the caseo AS CONFERRED by law

Court knows if it has jurisdiction based on the allegations of the complaint. (Villacastin v Pelaez,2008, where the SC said that the allegations of a complaint made out an ejectment case so theMTC, and not the DARAB, had jd over the case even if the case was over agri land since it was not

an agrarian dispute anyway.) The jurisdiction of a court may be questioned at any stage of the proceedings. No estoppel. It is

the duty of the court to dismiss an action whenever it appears that the court has no jurisdictionover the subject matter. (Vargas v Caminas, 2008, where jd was questioned before trial courtdecided)

o EXCEPT: laches (Tijam, where jd was questioned only after 15 years) For a court to properly exercise jd over a case, the requirements of law must be complied with.

o Hence, when a RTC takes cognizance over an indirect contempt case filed through anunverified motion (and not through a verified petition with a certificate of non-forumshopping as required by Rule 71), the RTC has gravely erred.2

Can the SC create special courts?3

o NO. It can only designate. It cant confer jurisdiction, only law can do that. SC can onlydesignate which courts will become special courts.

IMPORTANT: in determining jurisdiction, you do NOT include damages, interest, attorneys fees,

etc.o Only limit the amount to the demand or the claim.

But, of course, if your action is for damages, then the amount of damages claimedis determinative.

o The interest to exclude is the accessory interest. Not the loan interest.

2Rule 71, Sec 4:How proceedings commenced. Proceedings for indirect contempt may be initiated motu propioby the court against which the

contempt was committed by an order or any other formal charge requiring the respondent to show cause why he should not be punished forcontempt.In all other cases, charges for indirect contempt shall be commenced by a verified peti tion with supporting particulars and certified true copies of

documents or papers involved therein, and upon full compliance with the requirements for filing initiatory pleadings for civil actions in the courtconcerned. If the contempt charges arose out of or are related to a principal action pending in the court, the petit ion for contempt shall allege that

fact but said petition shall be docketed, heard and decided separately, unless the court in i ts discretion orders the consolidation of the contempt

charge and the principal action for joint hearing and decision. (n)3Examples of other special courts: Drugs court, Environment court, Commercial court, IP court


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Example: The case is in Pampanga. The promissory note is for P298,000 withinterest of 10% per annum, where do you file the collection suit for this?

In the RTC of Pampanga. The cause of action revolves around the entirepromissory note.

MTC

o Original and exclusive

Opposite of RTC Ejectment/unlawful detainer

Regardless of value MTC can determine ownership provisionally

RTCo Original and Exclusive

Amount incapable of pecuniary estimation

Can NOT be measured in money Depends on the nature of the action

o Where the basic issue is something other than the right to recovera sum of money, where the money claim is only incidental or a

consequence of the principal relief sought, the action is incapableof pecuniary estimation. (FEBTC v Shemberg, 2006, where the SCheld that an action to cancel mortgage for want of consideration isincapable of pecuniary estimation)

o Examples: rescission, reformation of contract, specific performanceo What about expropriation? Always with RTC, whether personal or

real property, regardless of value. Law zeroes in on the exercise of

such right.o What about declaratory relief? RTC, except when there is an issue

of constitutionality, SC can take it.

o What about support? Family courts, regardless of value.

Civil actions involving title to, or possession of, real property, or any interesttherein, where the ASSESSED value of the property involved exceeds P20,000,00or exceeds P50,000 if in Metro Manila4

EXCEPT actions for forcible entry and unlawful detainer (originaljurisdiction over which is conferred upon the MTC, MeTC, MTCC) Assessed value is the worth or value of property established by taxing

authorities on the basis of which the tax rate is applied. (vda de Barrera vHeirs of Legaspi, 2008, which was a accion publiciana case)

In all actions in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction where the demand or claimexceeds P300,000.00 or, in Metro Manila, exceeds P400,000.00

RTC acting in general jurisdiction, no special maritime courts In all matters of probate, both testate and intestate, where the gross value of the

estate exceeds P300,000.00 or, in Metro Manila, exceeds P400,000.00 What if the value of the estate is 100k, the MTC has jurisdiction over that,

right? But will it be subject to summary procedure?

o No. Of course not. Probate cases always under ordinary proceduresince you have to determine the due execution of the will.

oSummary procedure rules explicitly exclude probate proceedings.

In all actions involving the contract of marriage and marital relations Like support, annulment, nullity Courts will act as Family courts, special jurisdiction.

In all cases not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person orbody exercising jurisdiction of any court, tribunal, person or body exercisingjudicial or quasi-judicial functions

So juvenile, agrarian cases Other cases in which the demand, exclusive of interest, damages of whatever

kind, attorneys fees, litigation expenses, and costs or the value of the property incontroversy exceeds P300,000, or in Metro Manila, exceeds P400,000

Those under the securities regulation code

4So if accion publiciana case and less than P50,000 in Manila, file with MTC


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Cases involving devices or schemes employed by the corporationamounting to fraud

Intra-corporate or partnership relations Controversies in the election or appointments of directors, trustess,

officers, etc Suspension of payments, etc

o Original and Concurrent (see SC and CA)o Appellate

Cases decided by the MTC, etc Court of Appeals

o Original and Exclusive

Annul judgments of the RTC based on extrinsic fraud or lack or jurisdiction

o Concurrent with the SC

Petitions for the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus againstthe

NLRC, CSC, RTCo Concurrent with the RTC and SC

Habeas corpus, habeas data, writ of amparo, quo warranto, certiorari, mandamus,prohibition vs lower courts In Thornton, 2004, a writ of habeas corpus was filed with the CA. There

was an argument that only the RTC could issue a writ of habeas corpus.SC said the CA can issue a writ of habeas corpus especially in this casewhere the whereabout of the child was unknown so a writ of habeascorpus from the CA would be more effective than that from the RTC.5(SC

and CA writs are enforceable anywhere, while RTC writs are enforceableonly within their territorial jurisdiction.)

When it comes to concurrent jurisdiction, always remember the rule onhierarchy of courts. If you can file with the RTC first, then go ahead. Oncea court acquires jd, it excludes all other courts.

o Appellate Over RTC Exercising original jurisdiction

By ordinary notice of appeal (if question of fact or question of fact andlaw) If pure question of law in the RTC, go straight to SC!

Over RTC exercising appellate jurisdiction over the MTC: By petition for review, even if pure question of law

Over Quasi-judicial agencies By petition for review, even if pure question of law

Supreme Courto Original and Exclusive

Petitions for the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus againstthe:

CA, COMELEC, CoA, Sandiganbayan, CTA

Declaratory relief only when there is a question of constitutionality Like of treaties, laws, etc

oConcurrent with the CA

Petitions for the issuance of writs of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus againstthe

NLRC, CSC, RTCo Concurrent with the RTC and CA

Habeas corpus, habeas data, writ of amparo, quo warranto, certiorari, mandamus,prohibition vs lower courts

o Concurrent with the RTC Cases affecting ambassadors, etc

o Concurrent with the IBP

Actions against members of the Bar

5There are two kinds of writ of habeas corpus. One for the custody of minors, and the regular one under the ROC. The difference is that in theformer, pre-trial is required. In the latter, it is not.


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o Appellate over

RTC exercising original jurisdiction by petition for review on certiorari (rule 45) on pure questions of law

CA Sandiganbayan, CTA en banc, CoA, Comelec

SMALL CLAIMS(AM-8-8-7-SC, 2008)

Small claims are filed in the MTC Small claims cases involve cases with amounts NOT EXCEEDING P100k

o No distinction between cases outside Metro Manila and Metro Manila What should be included in the P100k?

o The claim itself, EXCLUSIVE OF INTERESTS and COSTS6

What if the claim is for damages itself?

Then its not covered by small claims because these damages have yet tobe ascertained. Damages cases (like from personal injury) are not akin tosum-of-money cases.

o Segue: what if the case is for P100k and is outside MM, what do you follow small claimsor summary procedure?

Atty Tranquil suggests that it is the option of the complainant since there isconcurrent jd between small claims court and court of summary procedure.

Does it cover quasi-delicts?o Yes. It covers cases of fault/negligence, quasi-contract, contract, and even the civil aspect

of criminal cases.7 No need for lawyers nor the filing of a regular complaint. You can just use the standard form

given.8 Can you join separate claims?

o Yes, as long as:

Against same defendant Total does NOT exceed P100k, exclusive of interests and costs.9

Do you have to pay docket fees?o Unfortunately, yes.10

6Section 2.Scope.- This Rule shall govern the procedure in actions before the Metropolitan trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities,

Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts for payment of money where the value of the claim does not exceed One Hundred

Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs.7Section 4.Applicability- The Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, and Municipal Circuit Trial

Courts shall apply this Rule in all act ions which are; (a) purely civil in nature where the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely forpayment or reimbursement of sum of money, and (b) the civil aspect of criminal action, or reserved upon the filing of the criminal action in court,

pursuant to Rule of 111 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.

These claims or demands may be;

(a) For money owned under any of the following;

1. Contract of Lease;2. Contract of Loan;3. Contract of Services;

4. Contract of Sale; or

5. Contract of Mortgage;(b) For damages arising from any of the following;

1. Fault or negligence;

2. Quasi-contract; or

3. Contract;

(c) The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitration award involving a money claim covered by this Rule pursuant to Sec.

417 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.8Section 5.Commencement of Small Claims Action.- A small claims action is commenced by filing with the court an accomplished and verified

Statement of Claim (Form 1 - SCC)in duplicate, accompanied by a Certification of Non-forum Shopping (Form 1-A,SCC), and two (2) duly

certified photocopies of the actionable document/s subjects of the claim, as well as the affidavits of witnesses and other evidence to support theclaim. No evidence shall be allowed during the hearing which was not attached to or submitted together with the Claim, unless good cause is

shown for the admission of additional evidence.

No formal pleading, other than the Statement of Claim described in this Rule, is necessary to initiate a small claims action.9Section 6.Joinder of Claims- Plaintiff may join in a single statement of claim one or more separate small c laims against a defendant provided

that the total amount claimed, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed P100,00.00.10Section 8.Payment of Filing Fees.- The plaintiff shall pay the docket and other legal fees prescribed under Rule 141 of the Revised Rules ofCourt, unless allowed to litigate as an indigent.


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If an indigent sues, it will immediately be referred to the executive judge. (Seefootnote)

Even if indigent, he still has to pay P1,000 for the summons fee. Can the court dismiss the case outright?

o Yes!11 If court finds no reason to dismiss outright, it will issue summons and notice of hearing to the

defendant.12o Defendant has 10 days to make a verified response. The 10 days can NOT be extended.13

If he fails to respond, the court can render judgment based on the Statement ofthe Claim. The judgment must be limited to the amount of the claim, but it can belowered by the court.14

Can the defendant file a counterclaim?

o Yes, as long as:

Also not exceeding P100k, exclusive of interests and costs Arising out of the same transaction or event that is the subject matter of the claim

Does not require for adjudication 3rdparties, and Not subject of a pending action.

If not filed as a counterclaim, it is barred.

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o If it doesnt arise out of the same transaction or event, a counterclaim can still be filed in

the response as long as docket fees have been paid for it and the claim does not exceedP100k, exclusive of interests and costs.

Can you file Rule 65 Certiorari from an order of the small claims court?o No, its prohibited.16

A claim filed with a motion to sue as indigent (Form 6-SCC)shall be referred to the Executive Judge for immediate action in case of multi-sala

courts, or to the Presiding Judge of the court hearing the small claims case. If the motion is granted by the Executive Judge, the case shall beraffled off or assigned to the court designated to hear small claims cases. If the motion is denied, the plaintiff shall be given five (5) days within

which to pay the docket fees, otherwise, the case shall be dismissed without prejudice. In no case shall a party, even if declared an indigent, be

exempt from the payment of the P1,000.00 fee for service of summons and processes in civil cases.11Section 9.Dismissal of the Claim.- After the court determines that the case falls under this Rule, it may, from an examination of the

allegations of the Statement of Claim and such evidence attached thereto, by itself, dismiss the case outright of any of the grounds apparent from

the Claim for the dismissal of a civil action.12

Section 10.Summons and Notice of Hearing- If no ground for dismissal is found, the court shall forthwith issue Summons (Form 2-SCC)onthe day of receipt of the Statement of Claim, directing the defendant to submit a verified Response.

The court shall also issue a Notice (Form 4-SCC)to both parties, directing them to appear before it on a specific date and time for hearing, with awarning that no unjustified postponement shall be allowed, as provided in Section 19 of this Rule.

The summons and notice to be served on the defendant shall be accompanied by a copy of the Statement of Claim and documents submitted by

plaintiff, and a copy of the Response (Form 3-SCC)to be accomplished by the defendant. The Notice shall contain an express prohibition againstthe filing of a motion to dismiss or any other motion under Section 14 of this Rule.13Section 11.Response- The defendant shall file with the court and serve on the plaintiff a duly accomplished and verified Response within anon - extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of summons. The Response shall be accompanied by certified photocopies of documents, as

well as affidavits of witnesses and other evidence in support thereof. No evidence shall be allowed during the hearing which was not attached to

or submitted together with the Response, unless good cause is shown for the admission of additional evidence.14Section 12.Effect of Failure to File Response- Should the defendant fail to file his response within the required period, the court by itself shall

render judgement as may be warranted by the facts alleged in the Statement of claim limited to what is prayed for. The court however, may, in itsdiscretion, reduce the amount of damages for being excessive or unconscionable15Section 13.Counterclaims Within the Coverage of this Rule- If at the time the action is commenced, the defendant possesses a claim against

the plaintiff that (a) is within the coverage of this rule, exclusive of interest and costs; (b) arises out of the same transaction or event that is the

subject matter of the plaintiff's claim; (c) does not require for its adjudication the joinder of third parties; and (d) is not the subject of anotherpending action, the claim shall be filed as a counterclaim in the response; otherwise, the defendant shall be barred from suit on the counterclaim.

The defendant may also elect to the file a counterclaim against the plaintiff that does not arise out of the same transaction or occurrence ,

provided that the amount and nature thereof are within the coverage of this Rule and the prescribed docket and the other legal fees are paid.16Section 14.Prohibited Pleadings and Motions- The following pleadings, motions, and petitions shall not be allowed in the cases covered by

this Rule:

(a) Motion to dismiss the compliant except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction;(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;

(c) Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgement, or for reopening of trial;

(d) Petiton for relief from judgement;(e) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits, or any other paper;

(f) Memoranda;

(g) Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any interlocutory order issued by the court;(h) Motion to declare the defendant in default;

(i) Dilatory motions for postponement;

(j) Reply;(k) Third-party complaints; and


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Can a lawyer appear in the hearing?

o No. Lawyers are NEVER allowed. (unless they are the ones claiming)17 What happens if a party is absent from the hearing?

o Plaintiff: dismissal of case

Defendant who appears shall be allowed to recover from his permissivecounterclaim

Compare to normal cases where claim is dismissed (counterclaims,regardless of nature, survive. Not sure if this was an oversight only, butthats what the codal says)

o Defendant: as if he didnt file a responseo Both: dismissal of claim and counterclaim18

Are postponements allowed?

o Yes,

Only ONCE per party, and Upon proof of physical disability to appear in court.19

For judgments and execution, see footnote.20

Rule 1Section 1. Title of the Rules.These Rules shall be known and cited as the Rules of Court.

Sec. 2. In what courts applicable.These Rules shall apply in all the courts, except as otherwise provided by the Supreme Court.

Sec. 3. Cases governed.These Rules shall govern the procedure to be observed in actions, civil or criminal, and specialproceedings.(a) A civil action is one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, orthe prevention or redress of a wrong.

A civil action may either be ordinary or special. Both are governed by the rules for ordinary civilactions, subject to the specific rules prescribed for a special civil action.(b) A criminal action is one by which the State prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishableby law.

(c) A special proceeding is a remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, a right, or aparticular fact.

What is an action?o Formal demand of ones legal rights in a court of justice in the manner prescribed by the

court or by the law.o Method of applying legal remedies according to definite established rules.

Kinds of actions:o Civil

Protection or enforcement of a right, or prevention or redress of a wrong

Can be ordinary or special (sca)

o Criminal Once the information is filed in court, it becomes a criminal action.

(l) Interventions.17Section 17.Appearance of Attorneys Not Allowed.- No attorney shall appear in behalf of or represent a party at the hearing, unless the attorney

is the plaintiff or defendant.

If the court determines that a party cannot properly present his/her claim or defense and needs assistance, the court may, in its discretion, allow

another individual who is not an attorney to assist that party upon the latter's consent.18Section 18.Non-appearance of Parties.- Failure of the plaintiff to appear shall be cause for the dismissal of the claim without prejudice. The

defendant who appears shall be entitled to judgement on a permissive counterclaim.Failure of the defendant to appear shall have the same effect as failure to file a Response under Section 12 of this Rule. This shall not apply where

one of two or more defendants who are sued under a common cause of action and have pleaded a common defense appears at the hearing.

Failure of both parties to appear shall cause the dismissal with prejudice of both the claim and counterclaim.19Section 19.Postponement When Allowed.- A request for postponement of a hearing may be granted only upon proof of the physical inability

of the party to appear before the court on the scheduled date and time. A party may avail of only one (1) postponement.20Section 23.Decision.- After the hearing, the court shall render its decision on the same day, based on the facts established by the evidence(Form 13-SCC). The decision shall immediately be entered by the Clerk of Court in the court docket for civil cases and a copy thereof forthwith

served on the parties.

The decision shall be final and unappealable.

Section 24.Execution.- If the decision is rendered in favor of the plaintiff, execution shall issue upon motion (Form 9-SCC).


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o Special proceeding

Application or proceeding to establish: the status of a party, or the right of a party, or a particular fact.

Examples are petition for adoption, petition for hospitalization of an insane person,settlement of estate of a deceased person

Sec. 4. In what cases not applicable.These Rules shall not apply to election cases, land registration, cadastral, naturalization and insolvencyproceedings, and other cases not herein provided for, except by analogy or in a suppletory characterand whenever practicable and convenient.

Sec. 5. Commencement of action.

A civil action is commenced by the filing of the original complaint in court. If an additional defendant isimpleaded in a later pleading, the action is commenced with regard to him on the date of the filing ofsuch later pleading, irrespective of whether the motion for its admission, if necessary, is denied by thecourt.

The commencement of an action interrupts the period of prescription as to all the parties to theaction.

When does an action commence?

o Upon filing of the original complaint in the court With respect to an additional defendant, when does it commence?

o The present rule provides that it is the date of the filing of the amended complaint joining

the additional defendant which is the date of the commencement of the action with regardto such additional defendant.

You only file a motion for the admission of such amended complaint when thenhere has been an answer served on the plaintiff.

In cases where the amended complaint is attached to the motion for its admission,the date of filing thereof is the date of the commencement of the action withregard to the additional defendant, irrespective of the action of the court on the

motion.

Does the filing alone vest the court with jurisdiction over the subject matter?o No. You have to 1) file and 2) pay the docket fees.o It is important to remember that it is not simply the filing of the complaint or appropriate

initiatory pleading but also the payment of the prescribed docket fee that vests a trial

court with jurisdiction over the subject matter or nature of the action.o Without the payment of the docket fees, no original complaint or pleading is considered.

o If the complete amount of the docket fee is not paid, the prescriptive period continues torun as the complaint is deemed not filed.

Sec. 6. Construction.These Rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote their objective of securing a just, speedyand inexpensive disposition of every action and proceeding.

RULE 2 CAUSE OF ACTIONSection 1. Ordinary civil actions, basis of.Every ordinary civil action must be based on a cause of action.

Sec. 2. Cause of action, defined.A cause of action is the act or omission by which a party violates a right of another.

What is a cause of action?o It is an act or omission of one party in violation of the legal right or rights of the other.

o Its essential elements are:

Legal right of the plaintiff Correlative obligation of the defendant

Act or omission of the defendant in violation of the plaintiffs said legal right.


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Example Mario doesnt pay Luigi as agreed upon in a debt contract.

o Luigi has the legal right to be paid and Mario has the obligation to pay, arising from thecontract.

o The non-payment of debt is the act/omission or the cause of action. When must the cause of action exist?

o At the time the complaint is filed.

Hence, a complaint whose cause of action has not yet accrued cannot be cured byan amended or supplemental pleading alleging the existence or accrual of a causeof action during the pendency of the action. (Turner v Lorenzo Shipping, 2010, acorp case involving right of appraisal)

Even if there is an existing contract, a tort can still be the cause of action if what breaks thecontract is a tortious act. (Mindanao Terminal v Phoenix, 2009)

Sec. 3. One suit for a single cause of action.A party may not institute more than one suit for a single cause of action.

Sec. 4. Splitting a single cause of action; effect of.

If two or more suits are instituted on the basis of the same cause of action, the filing of one or ajudgment upon the merits in any one is available as a ground for the dismissal of the others.

The purpose of this rule is to prevent repeated litigation. The rule applies not only to complaints but also to counterclaims and cross-claims. If two or more complaints are brought for different parts of a single cause of action, the filing of

the first may be pleaded in abatement of the other. It can be set up either by means of:o A motion to dismiss or an affirmative defense in the answer.

What ground? Res judicata or litis pendentia. Splitting a cause of action is not a ground.

Where there is only one delict or wrong, there is only one cause of action regardless of thenumber of rights that may have been violated belonging to one person.

o Same cause of action but different prayers = splitting. You cant split

o Recovery of property and damages

o

Annulment of foreclosure sale and damages (Chua v MBTC, 2009)o Recovery of ownership of and income from same land

o Installments due and unpaid

o Non-payment of debt secured by a mortgage (you cant split it to payment of debt andforeclosure of mortgage, you have to choose one)

o Total breach of entire contract As a general rule, a contract to do several things at several times is divisible, and

a judgment for a single breach of a continuing contract is not a bar to a suit for asubsequent breach.

But where the contract is entire, and the breach total, there can be onlyone action in which plaintiff must recover all damages.

Can you consolidate split causes of action?

o No. So the two pending cases cant be consolidated. One (or both) will be dismissed forforum shopping. (see Rule and cases on consolidation, particularly Megaland v CE)

Sec. 5. Joinder of causes of action.

A party may in one pleading assert, in the alternative or otherwise, as many causes of action as he mayhave against an opposing party, subject to the following conditions:(a) The party joining the causes of action shall comply with the rules on joinder of parties;(b) The joinder shall not include special civil actions or actions governed by special rules; (c) Where the causes of action are between the same parties but pertain to different venues orjurisdictions, the joinder may be allowed in the Regional Trial Court provided one of the causes ofaction falls within the jurisdiction of said court and the venue lies therein; and (d) Where the claims in all the causes of action are principally for recovery of money, the aggregateamount claimed shall be the test of jurisdiction.

Maraming angal si Mario versus Luigi (hindi nagbayad ng utang tapos kinain yung pasta niya na

hindi nagpapaalam tapos hinalikan si Princess Daisy tapos sinuntok si Toad tapos hindi pina-tae siYoshi, etc)

You do this when theres 1 case but several causes of action.


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o For every breach, there is one cause of action.

If there is a claim of money and there are claims of damages (moral, exemplary)arising from the claim of money, there is only one cause of action. The claims fordamages are mere incidents of the breach (failure to pay)

If there are several promissory notes, but only one loan, and no payment on allnotes, there are several causes of action (since based on PNs).

You can even do a joinder of ALTERNATIVE causes of action.o Example: shipping contract. First cause of action is based on contract. Second cause of

action is based on tort. Can you do alternative causes of action against multiple/different parties?

Yes. Rule 3, Sec 6.21 Example: 2 buses collided with Mr. Xs car. Mr. X can file alternative

causes of action against the two buses.

What conditions must be met for a proper joinder of causes of action?o The rules on joinder of parties must be observed, meaning:

It arises from the same or series of transactions, and It involves a common question of law (Rule 3, Sec 6)

IMPORTANT: This must only be followed if there are multiple defendants.o If just between two parties, no need for this rule.

Scenario 1: X versus Y can join as many causes ofaction, even if totally UNRELATED.

See Mario v Luigi above. Totally unrelated causesof action.

Scenario 2: X versus A, B, C, D (multiple) can only join

the causes of action if it complies with the rule on joinder,meaning series of actions arising from the same or seriesof transactions involving a common question of law)

Seen in Pantanco v Standard, (2005), where theplaintiff and their insurance company sought relieffrom the bus company. Court said there wasproper joinder of parties (and thus joinder of

causes of action) because there was a singletransaction common to all the accident causedby the bus company.

Seen in Perez v Hermano (2005), where plaintiffsproperly joined defendant company and defendantX because said company allegedly misled plaintiffin signing a mortgage deed in favor of defendantX. Its an example of a question of law and factarising from a series of transactions.

To determine identity of cause of action, it must be ascertained whetherthe same evidence which is necessary to sustain the second cause ofaction would have been sufficient to authorize a recovery in the first.(Pantranco v Standard, this case is also relevant for jurisdiction, as itfocused on totality of claims)

oSpecial civil actions or actions governed by special rules are not covered.

You cant join an ejectment case with money claims because ejectment cases aregoverned by special rules on summary procedure.

You cant join two special civil actions either.

21Rule 3, Sec. 6. Permissive joinder of parties.

All persons in whom or against whom any right to relief in respect to or arising out of the same transaction or series of transactions is alleged to

exist, whether jointly, severally, or in the alternative, may, except as otherwise provided in these Rules, join as plaintiffs or be joined as

defendants in one complaint, where any question of law or fact common to all such plaintiffs or to all such defendants may arise in the action; but

the court may make such orders as may be just to prevent any plaintiff or defendant from being embarrassed or put to expense in connection withany proceedings in which he may have no interest.


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o In cases of different venues or jurisdiction between the SAME parties, the joinder may bemade in the RTC, provided it has jurisdiction over one of the causes of action and thevenue lies therein.

If one cause of action falls within the RTC and the other in the MTC, the actionshould be filed in the RTC.

If the causes of action have different venues, they may be joined in any of thecourts of proper venue.

So, a real action and a personal action may be joined either in the RTC ofthe place where the real property is located or where the parties reside.

o Case 1: Sum of money 350k, plaintiff resides in Makati, defendantin QC

o Case 2: Real property worth 80k in Cavite.

You can join those two cases in the RTC of Cavite. (foracademic purposes)

But in practice, just severe because other lawyersdont know about this.

o Where all the causes of action are for recovery of money, the aggregate amount claimed

shall be the test of jurisdiction. Important: This totality rule will only apply if ALL cases of action are for recovery

of money. Does this mean we cant have joinder of real action and personal action?

o No. We can still do it, using Sec 5(c), but you just dont use thetotality rule.

The totality of the principal claims for money determines which court has

jurisdiction. But, in cases of joinder of parties, the first condition should apply.

Joinder of causes of action is permissive and not mandatory. Its up to the litigant if he wants toavail of such. But when he decides to do a joinder, he must comply with the requirements. (Perezv Hermano, 2005)

Sec. 6. Misjoinder of causes of action.

Misjoinder of causes of action is not a ground for dismissal of an action. A misjoined cause of actionmay, on motion of a party or on the initiative of the court, be severed and proceeded with separately.

Is misjoinder a ground for dismissal of an action?

o No. It will not cause the dismissal of the principal action.

It is severed and will proceed separately, after separate filing.

o In fact, if neither the court nor the adverse party objects, it will be adjudicated togetherwith the other causes of action. (Atty Guevarra)

o Example a joinder of collection of money and an ejectment case. Di pwede yan, boy!Pero kung walang nagobject, oh di lusot!

RULE 3 PARTIES TO CIVIL ACTIONSSection 1. Who may be parties; plaintiff and defendant.Only natural or juridical persons, or entities authorized by law may be parties in a civil action. The term

"plaintiff" may refer to the claiming party, the counter-claimant, the cross-claimant, or the third(fourth, etc.) party plaintiff. The term "defendant" may refer to the original defending party, thedefendant in a counterclaim, the cross-defendant, or the third (fourth, etc.) party defendant.

Plaintiff=claimantDefendant=against whom the claim is asserted. Who may be parties to a civil action?

o Natural persons

o Juridical personso Duly incorporated and registered with the SEC

On Foreign Corporations Isolated transaction: can sue and be sued

Doing business and not licensed here: can NOT sue, but can be sued EXCEPT: if other party is estopped because he benefitted from dealing with such

foreign corporation


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Doing business and licensed: can sue and be sued

o Entities authorized by law (see Rule 3, Sec 15) Examples:

Political parties

Labor unions

Archdiocese

Estate Rule 3, Sec 15 (as defendants)

What about entities without juridical existence?o Can NOT institute under the name of the non-juridical entity. They have to sue

individually.o But they can be parties as defendants, and named as such. (see Rule 3, Section 15)

Can estates be a party? Yes, Rule 3, Section 20.

Can executors or administrators be parties? Yes, Rule 87, Section 1. Can the state be sued?

Generally, no. Except when:o There is express consent (theres a law allowing it)

o

There is implied consent, like when: The state enters into a private contract

It enters into a business operation, unless it does so only as a necessaryincident of its prime governmental function

the state sues a private party, unless the suit is entered into only to resist aclaim.

There is failure to abide by what the law of contract requires.

Sec. 2. Parties in interest.A real party in interest is the party who stands to be benefited or injured by the judgment in the suit,or the party entitled to the avails of the suit. Unless otherwise authorized by law or these Rules, everyaction must be prosecuted or defended in the name of the real party in interest.

The real party in interest is one who:o Stands to be benefited or injured by the judgment in the suit, oro Is entitled to the avails of the suit.

Whats important here is actual interest, not merely inchoate or expectant interest.o Incidental interest also does not count.

Hence, when the managing director of a hotel files a complaint pertaining to acontract entered into by the corporation, it is the corporation which is the RPI, notthe managing director. Her interest is merely incidental. (Republic v CoalbrineInternational, 2010)

Law uses party here so it applies to defendants, third party-defendants, etc anyone who isimpleaded and who will be benefitted or be injured.

Every action must be prosecuted or defended in the name of the real party in interest.

o Hence, when a labor union fails to include the name of the employee that they representin the caption of their petition for certiorari, the court rightly dismissed the petition basedon the formal defect. (NLMK-OLALIA-KMU v Keihin, 2010)

o When the suit is against a government employee (like the zone administrator of aneconomic zone), the nature of the suit is one against the State, and the Republic is theRPI. (Republic v Coalbrine)

o When the suit involves private land, the Republic is no longer a RPI. (Republic v Agunoy,where the state made a mistake giving a land patent over private land. They tried to get itback)

o In a derivative suit, the corporation is the RPI and the suing stockholder is only a nominalparty. (Cua v Tan, 2009 more on this case in class suits v derivate suits)

Hence, when two sets of stockholders file a derivate suits based on the same facts,alleging the same causes of action, and praying for the same reliefs, itstantamount to allowing the corporation to file the same suit twice. This results toforum-shopping which is not allowed. (Cua v Tan)

In Cua, the Court noted that the indispensable parties were not only the Board ofDirectors, but also the majority stockholders who approved and ratified the actionthat was the subject of the controversy.


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o In an action for inspecting corporate books and records, it is the stockholder demandingfor the inspection that is the RPI. The right to inspect corporate books is personal. (Cua vTan)

Difference between RPI and legal standing/locus standii

o The concept of RPI will only apply to private suits.

o Locus standii usually applies to public suits filed by a private party.

It pertains to government actions wherein a person may suffer injury. You can base your legal standing as a taxpayer, voter, Congressman, citizens

suit22(for environment cases here, even generations yet unborn can be partiesbased on a citizens suit. In fact, plaintiffs dont need any interest in filing a citizenssuit. As long as hes Pinoy, he can file.)

Important: what is the remedy for impleading the wrong party? (For example, Harry sues Ron,claiming that Ron owns the property, but Ron doesnt own it and doesnt have anything to do withHarry in the first place)

o Motion to Dismiss. Ground: Pleading states no cause of action

This ground absorbs the situation wherein the party impleaded is not the RPI.(Atty. Tranquil/Riano)

Difference between pleading states no cause of action and lack of cause ofaction will be discussed when we get to Motion to Dismiss What happens when the action has commenced, but the party in interest changes?

o The original action continues, and the original plaintiff becomes the representative of thetransferee of the interest. (See Section 19)

What happens when the interest has changed, and then the action commences?o The original plaintiff is no longer the party in interest.

Sec. 3. Representatives as parties.Where the action is allowed to be prosecuted or defended by a representative or someone acting in afiduciary capacity, the beneficiary shall be included in the title of the case and shall be deemed to bethe real party in interest. A representative may be a trustee of an express trust, a guardian, anexecutor or administrator, or a party authorized by law or these Rules. An agent acting in his ownname and for the benefit of an undisclosed principal may sue or be sued without joining the principalexcept when the contract involves things belonging to the principal.

The beneficiary should be included in the title of the case and shall be deemed to be the real partyin interest.

o If the beneficiarys name is not included in the title, the defect can be cured by the simpleexpedient of requiring the association to disclose the names of the principals and to

amend the title and averments of the petition accordingly (MIAA v Rivera, 2005, wherein ahomeowners association filed in behalf of the homeowners compare to the later case ofKeihin, where the court averred that it could have dismissed the case because the Uniondid not disclose the name of the employee it was helping)

A representative may be:o A trustee of an express trust,o A guardian,

o An executor or administrator,o A party authorized by law or these Rules.

An agent acting in his own name and for the benefit of an undisclosed principal may be sued or

sue without joining the principalo EXCEPT when the contract involves things belonging to the principal.

Sec. 4. Spouses as parties.

Husband and wife shall sue or be sued jointly, except as provided by law.

General rule: Husband and wife shall sue or be sued jointly as both are co-administrators of thecommunity property.

22SEC. 5. Citizen suit.Any Filipino citizen in representation of others, including minors or generations yet unborn, may file anaction to enforce rights or obligations under environmental laws. Upon the filing of a citizen suit, the court shall issue an order which shallcontain a brief description of the cause of action and the reliefs prayed for, requiring all interested parties to manifest their interest to intervene in

the case within fifteen (15) days from notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a newspaper of a general circulation in the

Philippines or furnish all affected barangays copies of said order.Citizen suits filed under R.A. No. 8749 and R.A. No. 9003 shall be governed by their respective provisions. (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC)


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o Exceptions:

Suit of one against the other Based on a criminal act/delict

Judicial separation of property

Abandonment

Exclusive property of spouses

Suits involving the practice of ones profession

Sec. 5. Minor or incompetent persons.A minor or a person alleged to be incompetent, may sue or be sued, with the assistance of his father,mother, guardian, or if he has none, a guardian ad litem.

Can a minor or incompetent be a party?o Yes, but with the assistance of his father, mother, guardian, or if he has none, a guardian

ad litem. A person need not be judicially declared to be incompetent. It is enough that he be alleged to be

incompetent. (Kawawa naman. Paano kung hindi talaga bobo?)

Sec. 6. Permissive joinder of parties.All persons in whom or against whom any right to relief in respect to or arising out of the sametransaction or series of transactions is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally, or in the alternative,may, except as otherwise provided in these Rules, join as plaintiffs or be joined as defendants in onecomplaint, where any question of law or fact common to all such plaintiffs or to all such defendantsmay arise in the action; but the court may make such orders as may be just to prevent any plaintiff ordefendant from being embarrassed or put to expense in connection with any proceedings in which hemay have no interest.

What are the requisites for permissive joinder of parties?

o Claim arises from same or series of transactions

o Common questions of law or fact in the actiono Read with joinder of causes of action

Its permissive in the standpoint of the party initiating the cause of action. Examples

o Mario & Luigi versus Bowser & Princess

o Mario, Luigi & Princess versus Bowsero Mario versus Luigi, Princess & Bowser

Sec. 7. Compulsory joinder of indispensable parties.Parties in interest without whom no final determination can be had of an action shall be joined eitheras plaintiffs or defendants.

Who is an indispensable party?o Parties in interest without whom no final determination can be had.o Without them, there will be no resolution of the case, no judgment at all.

Examples (see Feria book, p. 233)o Co-owners in an action for partion of an undivided interest in land.

o Vendee in an action for annulment of a contract of sale.

o Those with titled claims over the land in a petition for reconstitution of title.

Sec. 8. Necessary party.A necessary party is one who is not indispensable but who ought to be joined as a party if completerelief is to be accorded as to those already parties, or for a complete determination or settlement of theclaim subject of the action.

Who is a necessary party? Party in interest is one who is not indispensable but who ought to be joined

o if complete relief is to be accorded as to those already parties, oro for a complete determination or settlement of the claim subject of the action.

Plaintiff may choose to file versus the necessary party not impleaded, but they ought to be joinedto avoid multiple litigation.

Examples (see Feria book, p. 237)

o Co-owners of a promissory note in an action for its collection


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o Solidarily liable, either is indispensable, and the other is not even necessary becausecomplete relief may be obtained from either.

o Jointly liable, either is indispensable, and the other is necessary to accord complete relief.Problem Action fro recovery of title and possession. X holds title, Y has possession. The action is solely for

recovery of title. Can you sue X?o Yes, hes the proper party.o Can you sue Y for recovery of title without suing X? No, Y mere possessor. X is holder of

title, hes the indispensable one.

Indispensable Necessary

Without whom no final determination of thecase can be had; inextricably intertwined withthe other parties that his legal presence is anabsolute necessity

Interest is distinct and divisible from theinterest of the other parties; will notnecessarily be prejudiced by a judgment whichdoes complete justice to the parties in court

Should be joined under any and all conditions Should be joined whenever possible; hispresence would merely permit complete relief

between him and those already parties to theaction, or simply avoid multiple litigation

Effect of failure to implead (important!) If necessary party

o GR: failure to implead is non-prejudicialo No waiver of right to implead. There is no waiver UNLESS there is an order to implead

from the court, and you still did not implead. If indispensable party

o The court should ORDER that the indispensable party be impleaded. (Domingo case)

o If despite the order, you still did not comply, the case will be dismissed. On what ground? Failure to comply with an order of the court.23

o If court did not notice the non-joinder (and thus did not order to implead the indispensableparty), and renders a decision what happens?

The judgment is null and void.24 The absence of an indispensable party renders all subsequent actions of the court

null and void for want of authority to act, not only as to the absent parties buteven to those present. (NLMK-Olalia v Keihin, 2010)

Sec. 9. Non-joinder of necessary parties to be pleaded.Whenever in any pleading in which a claim is asserted a necessary party is not joined, the pleader shallset forth his name, if known, and shall state why he is omitted. Should the court find the reason for theomission unmeritorious, it may order the inclusion of the omitted necessary party if jurisdiction over

his person may be obtained.The failure to comply with the order for his inclusion, without justifiable cause, shall be

deemed a waiver of the claim against such party.The non-inclusion of a necessary party does not prevent the court from proceeding in the

action, and the judgment rendered therein shall be without prejudice to the rights of such necessaryparty.

What if a necessary party is not joined, what happens?

o The pleader shall set forth his name and shall state why he is omitted. What if the court finds the reason for his omission unmeritorious?

o The may order the inclusion of the omitted necessary party if jurisdiction over his personmay be obtained.

23Rule 17, Sec. 3. Dismissal due to fault of plaintiff.If, for no justifiable cause, the plaintiff fails to appear on the date of the presentation of his evidence in chief on the complaint, or to prosecute his

action for an unreasonable length of time, or to comply with these Rules or any order of the court, the complaint may be dismissed upon motion

of the defendant or upon the court's own motion, without prejudice to the right of the defendant to prosecute his counterclaim in the same or in aseparate action. This dismissal shall have the effect of an adjudication upon the merits, unless otherwise declared by the court.

24The ruling in Republic v Sandiganbayan (2003) stating that the judgment is still binding on the parties present during trial (even if someindispensable parties were absent) is wrong. Atty. Tranquil said its not binding precedent and is actually a sensitive judgment.


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When if, after the order, the pleader fails to explain to the non-joinder orfails to comply, withoutjustifiable cause, with the order of the court? (Given that jurisdiction over the person may beobtained)

o Then it will be deemed a waiver of the claim against such party. What if the joint obligor cant be impleaded because jurisdiction over the person couldnt be

obtained?o The judgment rendered against the impleaded joint obligor will not prejudice the rights of

the joint obligor not impleaded.

Sec. 10. Unwilling co-plaintiff.If the consent of any party who should be joined as plaintiff can not be obtained, he may be made adefendant and the reason therefor shall be stated in the complaint.

What if the consent of a party who shouldbe joined as plaintiff can not be obtained?

o He may be made a defendant, ando The reason therefore shall be stated in the complaint.

Sec. 11. Misjoinder and non-joinder of parties.Neither misjoinder nor non-joinder of parties is ground for dismissal of an action. Parties may bedropped or added by order of the court on motion of any party or on its own initiative at any stage ofthe action and on such terms as are just. Any claim against a misjoined party may be severed andproceeded with separately.

Is misjoinder or non-joinder of parties a ground for dismissal of an action?o No.o The non-joinder of an indispensable or a necessary party is not ipso factoa ground for the

dismissal. The court should order the joinder of such party and non-compliance with the said

order would be a ground for the dismissal of the action. (its the non-compliancewith the order, not the misjoinder itself)

Remember: The absence of an indispensable party renders all subsequent actionsof the court null and void for want of authority to act, not only as to the absentparties but even as to those present.

Sec. 12. Class suit.When the subject matter of the controversy is one of common or general interest to many persons sonumerous that it is impracticable to join all as parties, a number of them which the court finds to besufficiently numerous and representative as to fully protect the interests of all concerned may sue ordefend for the benefit of all. Any party in interest shall have the right to intervene to protect hisindividual interest.

Requisites of a class suito Subject matter is one of common orgeneral interest to many persons,o The interested persons are so numerous that it is impracticable to join them all as parties,

and

o The parties bringing the class suit are sufficiently numerous or representative of the classand can fully protect the interests of all concerned (Banda v Ermita, 2010)

An action does not become a class suit merely because it is designated as such in the pleadings. Itmust depend on the facts of the case.

Common or general interest is essential!o For example, there was a bus accident. Some passengers died, some got injured, some

got out scot-free. Can there be a class suit? No, because the interests and the possible

damages that each victim will want may differ. For there to be a class suit, their interestsmust be the same. Remember common orgeneral interest. (Atty. Tranquil)

Adequacy of representation is essential! (MVRS case)o In determining the question of fair and adequate representation of members of a class,

determine:

Whether the interest of the named party is coextensive with the interest of theother members of the class

The proportion of those made a party to the total membership of the class Any other factor bearing on the ability of the named party to speak for the rest of

the class


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Just because a person represents a number of people doesnt mean its a class suit. It has tocomply with the requisites.

o Courts exercise caution before allowing a class suit, which is the exception to the joinderof indispensable parties. Why? Because if the judgment against the class represented isnot favorable, the represented would certainly claim denial of due process. (MIAA vRivera)

Differentiate derivative suit from a class suit in the context of corporationso Derivative suits are those instituted by an individual stockholder on behalf of the

corporation in order to protect or vindicate corporate rights. Usually filed when there is anallegation of mismanagement or wrongful acts committed by the directors or trustees. Thewrong here is done to the corporation itself.

o Class suits are those instituted when the wrong is done to a group of, lets say,stockholders. An example would be a violation of the rights of preferred stockholders. Thewrong here is done to the a certain group or class.

Give an example of a class suit that has prospered.

o Oposa v Factoran. Practical tip from Atty Guevara: If a judge denies the class suit, go for a permissive joinder of

parties. The thing here is that those not pleaded will not be affected by the judgment (ascompared to having a class suit where all will get affected)

Sec. 13. Alternative defendants.

Where the plaintiff is uncertain against who of several persons he is entitled to relief, he may join anyor all of them as defendants in the alternative, although a right to relief against one may beinconsistent with a right of relief against the other.

If youre not sure who to go against, what do you do?

o Join any or all of them as defendants in the alternative, although a right to relief againstone may be inconsistent with a right of relief against the other.

o Just be careful, because this will open yourself up to counter-suits.

Sec. 14. Unknown identity or name of defendant.Whenever the identity or name of a defendant is unknown, he may be sued as the unknown owner,heir, devisee, or by such other designation as the case may require; when his identity or true name is

discovered, the pleading must be amended accord.

Sec. 15. Entity without juridical personality as defendant.When two or more persons not organized as an entity with juridical personality enter into atransaction, they may be sued under the name by which they are generally or commonly known. In theanswer of such defendant, the names and addresses of the persons composing said entity must all berevealed.

These folk can only be sued under the name which they are generally or commonly known, ie asdefendants.

o Service of summons may be effected upon all the defendants by serving upon any one ofthem; or upon the person in charge of the office or place of business maintained undersuch name.

They cant sue as an entity, they will have to file as individuals. What should be contained in their answer?

o Their answer must reveal the names and addresses of the persons composing it, so thatthe judgment rendered against them shall set out their individual or proper names.

Sec. 16. Death of party; duty of counsel.Whenever a party to a pending action dies, and the claim is not thereby extinguished, it shall be theduty of his counsel to inform the court within thirty (30) days after such death of the fact thereof, andto give the name and address of his legal representative or representatives. Failure of counsel tocomply with this duty shall be a ground for disciplinary action.

The heirs of the deceased may be allowed to be substituted for the deceased, without requiringthe appointment of an executor or administrator and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for theminor heirs.

The court shall forthwith order said legal representative or representatives to appear and besubstituted within a period of thirty (30) days from notice. If no legal representative is named bythe counsel for the deceased party, or if the one so named shall fail to appear within the specified


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period, the court may order the opposing party, within a specified time, to procure the appointment ofan executor or administrator for the estate of the deceased and the latter shall immediately appear forand on behalf of the deceased. The court charges in procuring such appointment, if defrayed by theopposing party, may be recovered as costs.

This provision applies when:o Either party dies, ando The action survives

Whats the test to determine whether the action survives or not?o If the wrong complained of affects primarily and principally property or property rights, the

action will survive, the injuries to the person being merely incidental.

Money claims

o If the injury complained of is to the person and the injuries to the property are incidental,then the action will notsurvive.

Annulment of marriage, legal separation even if it involves changes in theproperty relations

What should the lawyer do? (KNOW THIS!)o He should, within 30 days after the death, inform the court thereof.

Period: 30 days after FACT of death. Not knowledge of such.o Give the name and address of the legal representative of the deceased.o The court will order:

the representative to appear and be substituted within 30 days from notice.

o Upon failure to of the legal rep to appear, the court may order the opposing party, within agiven period, to procure the appointment of an executor or administrator who shall

immediately appear for the estate of the deceased. Who should the substitutes be?

o Those who are authorized by law, meaning The legal heirs, without requiring the appointment of an executor or administrator

The administrator The executor, or

The guardian (Sumaljag v Literato, 2008, wherein the court said the substitution

of someone who does not fall into this list is an invalid substitution) What happens if there is no valid substitution because of either the fault of the counsel or the

failure of the court to order a substitution?o It will not invalidate the proceedings and the judgment rendered thereon.

o Mere failure to substitute a deceased party is NOT sufficient ground to nullify a courtsdecision. The party alleging nullity must prove that there was an undeniable violation of

due process.

o Tag line: The rule on substitution of heirs is not a matter of jurisdiction, but aREQUIREMENT OF DUE PROCESS.

Hence, formal substitution by heirs is not necessary when they themselvesvoluntarily appear, participate in the case, and present evidence in the defense ofthe deceased. (Napere v Barbarona, 2008)

Sec. 17. Death or separation of a party who is a public officer.When a public officer is a party in an action in his official capacity and during its pendency dies,

resigns, or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action may be continued and maintained by or againsthis successor if, within thirty (30) days after the successor takes office or such time as may be grantedby the court, it is satisfactorily shown to the court by any party that there is a substantial need forcontinuing or maintaining it and that the successor adopts or continues or threatens to adopt orcontinue the action of his predecessor. Before a substitution is made, the party or officer to beaffected, unless expressly assenting thereto, shall be given reasonable notice of the applicationtherefor and accorded an opportunity to be heard.

Requisites:

o Removal/death of public officer and appointment of successor within 30 days unlessotherwise provided

o Successor adopts, continues, or threatens to continue the action sued against

o There is substantial need to continue the action Substitution is NOT automatic. The court must:


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o Give notice to the new public officer, and

o Give him an opportunity to be heard Mere fact that he is inclined to continue the action of the predecessor is not

enough

Sec. 18. Incompetency or incapacity.If a party becomes incompetent or incapacitated, the court, upon motion with notice, may

allow the action to be continued by or against the incompetent or incapacitated person assisted by hislegal guardian or guardian ad litem.

What do I do if my client becomes incompetent or incapacitated midway? File a motion with notice asking the court to continue the case and for the client to be assisted by

a legal guardian or guardian ad litem.

Sec. 19. Transfer of interest.

In case of any transfer of interest, the action may be continued by or against the original party, unlessthe court upon motion directs the person to whom the interest is transferred to be substituted in theaction or joined with the original party.

Example: Mario filed an action for replevin of his mushroom against Luigi. While the case was pending,

Luigi sold the mushroom to Bowser. What if there was a transfer of interest?

o The action may be continued by or against the original party.

He will then hold the fruits of the action as sort of trustee for the use and benefitof his transferee. In the same manner that the transferee of the original defendantis bound by the judgment against the latter.

Can the court order that Bowser be impleaded?o Yes, upon motion. If the court merely orders him to be impleaded, there is no substitution,

Bowser is just joined.o There can only be substitution if the court orders the substitution, not the mere

impleading.

o Hence, the bottom line is that there must be a court order, either to implead or tosubstitute.

The transfereependent elite is a proper party in the case but not an indispensable party. (Heritage

Park v CIAC, 2008) The substitution must be done

o during the lifetime of the transferor of the interest ando while the manifesting counsel as still the effective and authorized counsel for the client-

transferor. It cant be done if hes dead. (Sumaljag v Literato, 2008)

Sec. 20. Action on contractual money claims.When the action is for recovery of money arising from contract, express or implied, and the defendantdies before entry of final judgment in the court in which the action was pending at the time of suchdeath, it shall not be dismissed but shall instead be allowed to continue until entry of final judgment. Afavorable judgment obtained by the plaintiff therein shall be enforced in the manner especiallyprovided in these Rules for prosecuting claims against the estate of a deceased person.

Applies only if:

o Money claim, and

o Defendant dies Differentiate from Section 16 (where either of the party dies and no need for it to

be a money claim, as long as the action survives)

What happens if the defendant dies in a case involving a money claim?o No substitution (law does not mandate any substitution). It just continues.o Once a final judgment is entered against the estate of the deceased, it shall be enforced

as a claim without need of proving the same.o If based on a contract, file money claim in probate court.o If based on tort or delict, file against the executor or administrator.

Sec. 21. Indigent party.A party may be authorized to litigate his action, claim or defense as an indigent if the court, upon an exparte application and hearing, is satisfied that the party is one who has no money or property sufficientand available for food, shelter and basic necessities for himself and his family.


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Such authority shall include an exemption from payment of docket and other lawful fees, and of

transcripts of stenographic notes which the court may order to be furnished him. The amount of thedocket and other lawful fees which the indigent was exempted from paying shall be a lien on anyjudgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent, unless the court otherwise provides.

Any adverse party may contest the grant of such authority at any time before judgment isrendered by the trial court. If the court should determine after hearing that the party declared as anindigent is in fact a person with sufficient income or property, the proper docket and other lawful feesshall be assessed and collected by the clerk of court. If payment is not made within the time fixed bythe court, execution shall issue for the payment thereof, without prejudice to such other sanctions asthe court may impose.

Who can be considered an indigent? Algura v LGU of Naga, 2006, answers this by juxtaposing this section with Rule 141, Section 9. It

gives a two tier test.

o If the indigent fits within the parameters set out by Rule 141, Section 9, it is MANDATORYupon the court to declare him an indigent.

Gross income + family income does not exceed twice of monthly minimum wage,and

Owns real property whose FMV is less or equal to P300k25

o If he fails that test, the court is given the discretion to determine whether he is anindigent or not based on Rule 3, Section 21. (Indigency Test)

Party is one who has:o No money or property sufficient and available for

Food

Shelter

Basic necessities for himself and his family.

Benefits of indigent parties:

o Stenographic notes: freeo Filing fees: no need to pay, but lien on judgment

What if he wasnt an indigent and he claimed he was?o The proper docket and lawful fees shall be assessed and collected by the clerk of court.

o If payment is not made within the time fixed by the court, execution shall issue or the

payment thereof, without prejudice to such other sanctions as the court may impose.

Sec. 22. Notice to the Solicitor General.In any action involving the validity of any treaty, law, ordinance, executive order, presidential decree,rules or regulations, the court, in its discretion, may require the appearance of the Solicitor Generalwho may be heard in person or through a representative duly designated by him.

RULE 4 VENUE OF ACTIONS

In determining the proper venue for an action, you must consider two thingso First: Is it a real or personal action?

Use Section 1 and 2 for that, and our lesson in determining the real natureof anaction.

o Second: Is it covered by a special law or by stipulation? Use Section 4 for this. Remember: if venue is determined by special law or by a particular rule in the

ROC, you cant stipulate on venue. The law takes precedence over the stipulation.

25Sec. 19. Indigent litigants exempt from payment of legal fees. - Indigent litigants (a) whose gross income and that of their immediate family

do not exceed an amount double the monthly minimum wage of an employee and (b) who do not own real property with A FAIR MARKET

VALUE AS STATED IN THE CURRENT TAX DECLARATION of more than THREE hundred thousand (P300,000.00) pesos shall be exemptfrom the payment of legal fees.

The legal fees shall be a lien on any judgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent litigant unless the court otherwise provides.

To be entitled to the exemption herein provided, the litigant shall execute an affidavit that he and his immediate family do not earn a grossincome abovementioned, nor they own any real property with the fair value aforementioned, supported by an affidavit of a disinterested person

attesting to the truth of the litigants affidavit. The current tax declaration, if any, shall be attached to the litigants affidavit.

Any falsity in the affidavit of litigant or disinteres ted person shall be sufficient cause to dismiss the complaint or act ion or to strike out thepleading of that party, without prejudice to whatever criminal liability may have been incurred. (16a)


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Section 1. Venue of real actions.

Actions affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein, shall be commenced andtried in the proper court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property involved, or aportion thereof, is situated.

Forcible entry and detainer actions shall be commenced and tried in the municipal trial court ofthe municipality or city wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated.

What is the venue of real actions?o Its the proper court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property, or a

portion thereof, is situated. Real action

o Those affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein.

All else are personal actions.

o The principal objective or relief sought is either ownership or possession of real property.

o Remember the lessons in docket fees! Look for the true nature of the action!

o These include Partition, Expropriation Action for the annulment or rescission of sale of land (but if the title has not yet

passed to the vendee, it canbe considered a personal action Atty. Tranquil).

Venue for ejectment caseso The MTC where the property or a portion thereof is situated.

EX: if theres a stipulation Wait! Can the venue for ejectment cases be stipulated?

o Yes! The rule governing ejectment cases (Rule 70, Sec 1) merelystates that it should be filed in the MTC, but it doesnt say whichMTC. (Other words, jurisdiction is indicated, but the venue isnt.)26

Where do you file an action for extra-judicial foreclosure?o Extrajd foreclosure is NOT a judicial action and not covered by the RoC. Its covered by Act

2135.o It should be filed where the property is located.o But the mere filing and payment of fees (for multiple properties in various areas) can be

paid in one office, as long as it can be established that it covers all areas. But the actualsale will only be done in the place where the properties are located.

o Note: no need for Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping in a petition to get possession(since its not really a petition but a motion PTA case)

For judicial foreclosureo Rule 68 does not provide for the venue of this SCA, but it is filed where the property is

located.o If the contract of mortgage covers various properties in different provinces, file in RTC of

any of the provinces covering the property. (Atty Guevara)

Sec. 2. Venue of personal actions.All other actions may be commenced and tried where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs

resides, or where the defendant or any of the principal defendants resides, or in the case of a non-resident defendant where he may be found, at the election of the plaintiff.

Whats the venue of personal actions?o Either in the place whereo The plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiff resides, or

26 RULE 70Section 1. Who may institute proceedings, and when.Subject to the provisions of the next succeeding section, a person deprived of the possession of any land or building by force, intimidation, threat,

strategy, or stealth, or a lessor, vendor, vendee, or other person against whom the possession of any land or building is unlawfully withheld afterthe expiration or termination of the right to hold possession, by virtue of any contract, express or implied, or the legal representatives or assigns

of any such lessor, vendor, vendee, or other person, may, at any time within one (1) year after such unlawful deprivation or withholding of

possession, bring an action in the proper Municipal Trial Court against the person or persons unlawfully withholding or depriving of possession,or any person or persons claiming under them, for the restitution of such possession, together with damages and costs.


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o The defendant or any of the principal defendant resides, or

o In the case of a non-resident defendant, where he may be found At the election of the plaintiff

On the issue of who the principal plaintiff is

o In Marcos-Araneta v CA (2008), Court ruled that it is the beneficiary of a trust who is theprincipal plaintiff. The beneficiary is the RPI, not the trustees who merely represent thebeneficiary. Hence, when the beneficiary lives in Makati, the action must be commencedthere, and not where the trustees reside.

Action was a personal one: suit for reconveyance of stockso The rule is such to prevent the plaintiff from choosing the residence of a minor plaintiff or

defendant as the venue. What does residence mean in this rule?

o Actual residence, where there is personal, actual and physical habitation.

Examples of personal actionso Damages

o Recovery of personal propertyo Cancellation of real estate mortgage (to compel the mortgagee to accept payment of the

mortgage debt)

Sec. 3. Venue of actions against non-residents.If any of the defendants does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects thepersonal status of the plaintiff, or any property of said defendant located in the Philippines, the actionmay be commenced and tried in the court of the place where the plaintiff resides, or where theproperty or any portion thereof is situated or found.

What if any of the defendants does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, whats thevenue?

o If it involves the personal status of the plaintiff, then in the court of the place where the

plaintiff resides.o If it involves the property of the defendant located in the Philippines, where the property

or any portion thereof is situated or found.

Jurisdiction is limited to the res, namely, the personal status of the plaintiff or the property of thedefendant located in the Philippines.

The judgment must be confined to the res, and no personal judgment can be rendered against the

defendant, unless he submits to t

Rem Review 1

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