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1/27/2015 Rules of Court http://www.lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_171_civil.html#r18 1/75 The Lawphil Project Arellano Law Foundation Rules 171 1997 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, AS AMENDED 1997 RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, AS AMENDED (RULES 171, RULES OF COURT) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1997 Per Resolution of the Supreme Court in Bar Matter No. 803 Adopted in Baguio City on April 8, 1997 RULES OF COURT Pursuant to the provisions of section 5 (5) of Article VIII of the Constitution, the Supreme Court hereby adopts and promulgates the following rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged: RULE 1 General Provisions Section 1. Title of the Rules. — These Rule shall be known and cited as the Rules of Court. (1) Section 2. In what courts applicable. — These Rules shall apply in all the courts, except as otherwise provided by the Supreme Court. (n) Section 3. Cases governed. — These Rules shall govern the procedure to be observed in actions, civil or criminal and special proceedings. (a) A civil action is one by which a party sues another for the enforcement or protection of a right, or the prevention or redress of a wrong, (1a, R2) A civil action may either be ordinary or special. Both are governed by the rules for ordinary civil actions, subject to the specific rules prescribed for a special civil action. (n) (b) A criminal action is one by which the State prosecutes a person for an act or omission punishable by law. (n) (c) A special proceeding is a remedy by which a party seeks to establish a status, a right, or a particular fact. (2a, R2) Section 4. In what case not applicable. — These Rules shall not apply to election cases, land registration, cadastral, naturalization and insolvency proceedings, and other cases not herein provided for, except by analogy or in a suppletory character and whenever practicable and convenient. (R143a) Section 5. Commencement of action. — A civil action is commenced by the filing of the original complaint in court. If an additional defendant is impleaded in a later pleading, the action is commenced with regard to him on the dated of the filing of such later pleading, irrespective of whether the motion for its admission, if necessary, is denied by the court. (6a) Section 6. Construction. — These Rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote their objective of securing a just, speedy and inexpensive disposition of every action and proceeding. (2a) Civil Actions Ordinary Civil Actions RULE 2

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Rules of Court

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  • 1/27/2015 RulesofCourt

    http://www.lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_171_civil.html#r18 1/75

    TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundationRules171

    1997RULESOFCIVILPROCEDURE,ASAMENDED

    1997RULESOFCIVILPROCEDURE,ASAMENDED

    (RULES171,RULESOFCOURT)

    EFFECTIVEJULY1,1997

    PerResolutionoftheSupremeCourtinBarMatterNo.803AdoptedinBaguioCityonApril8,1997

    RULESOFCOURT

    Pursuant to the provisions of section 5 (5) of Article VIII of the Constitution, the Supreme Court hereby adopts andpromulgates the followingrulesconcerning theprotectionandenforcementofconstitutional rights,pleading,practiceandprocedureinallcourts,theadmissiontothepracticeoflaw,theIntegratedBar,andlegalassistancetotheunderprivileged:

    RULE1

    GeneralProvisions

    Section1.TitleoftheRules.TheseRuleshallbeknownandcitedastheRulesofCourt.(1)

    Section2. Inwhat courts applicable. TheseRules shall apply in all the courts, except as otherwise provided by theSupremeCourt.(n)

    Section3.Casesgoverned.TheseRules shall govern the procedure to be observed in actions, civil or criminal andspecialproceedings.

    (a)Acivilactionisonebywhichapartysuesanotherfortheenforcementorprotectionofaright,orthepreventionorredressofawrong,(1a,R2)

    Acivilactionmayeitherbeordinaryorspecial.Botharegovernedbytherulesforordinarycivilactions,subjecttothespecificrulesprescribedforaspecialcivilaction.(n)

    (b)AcriminalactionisonebywhichtheStateprosecutesapersonforanactoromissionpunishablebylaw.(n)

    (c)Aspecialproceedingisaremedybywhichapartyseekstoestablishastatus,aright,oraparticularfact.(2a,R2)

    Section4. In what case not applicable. These Rules shall not apply to election cases, land registration, cadastral,naturalizationand insolvencyproceedings,andothercasesnothereinprovidedfor,exceptbyanalogyor inasuppletorycharacterandwheneverpracticableandconvenient.(R143a)

    Section5.Commencementofaction.Acivil action is commencedby the filingof theoriginal complaint in court. If anadditionaldefendantisimpleadedinalaterpleading,theactioniscommencedwithregardtohimonthedatedofthefilingofsuchlaterpleading,irrespectiveofwhetherthemotionforitsadmission,ifnecessary,isdeniedbythecourt.(6a)

    Section6.Construction.TheseRulesshallbe liberallyconstrued inorder topromotetheirobjectiveofsecuringa just,speedyandinexpensivedispositionofeveryactionandproceeding.(2a)

    CivilActions

    OrdinaryCivilActions

    RULE2

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    CauseofAction

    Section1.Ordinarycivilactions,basisof.Everyordinarycivilactionmustbebasedonacauseofaction.(n)

    Section2.Causeofaction,defined.Acauseofactionistheactoromissionbywhichapartyviolatesarightofanother.(n)

    Section3.Onesuitforasinglecauseofaction.Apartymaynotinstitutemorethanonesuitforasinglecauseofaction.(3a)

    Section4.Splittingasinglecauseofactioneffectof.Iftwoormoresuitsareinstitutedonthebasisofthesamecauseofaction,thefilingofoneorajudgmentuponthemeritsinanyoneisavailableasagroundforthedismissaloftheothers.(4a)

    Section5.Joinderofcausesofaction.Apartymayinonepleadingassert,inthealternativeorotherwise,asmanycausesofactionashemayhaveagainstanopposingparty,subjecttothefollowingconditions:

    (a)Thepartyjoiningthecausesofactionshallcomplywiththerulesonjoinderofparties

    (b)Thejoindershallnotincludespecialcivilactionsoractionsgovernedbyspecialrules

    (c)Where the causes of action are between the same parties but pertain to different venues or jurisdictions, thejoindermaybeallowedintheRegionalTrialCourtprovidedoneofthecausesofactionfallswithinthejurisdictionofsaidcourtandthevenueliesthereinand

    (d)Wheretheclaimsinall thecausesactionareprincipally forrecoveryofmoney,theaggregateamountclaimedshallbethetestofjurisdiction.(5a)

    Section6.Misjoinderofcausesofaction.Misjoinderof causesof action isnot aground fordismissal of anaction.Amisjoined cause of action may, on motion of a party or on the initiative of the court, be severed and proceeded withseparately.(n)

    RULE3

    PartiestoCivilActions

    Section1.Whomaybepartiesplaintiffanddefendant.Onlynaturalorjuridicalpersons,orentitiesauthorizedbylawmaybepartiesinacivilaction.Theterm"plaintiff"mayrefertotheclaimingparty,thecounterclaimant,thecrossclaimant,orthethird(fourth,etc.)partyplaintiff.Theterm"defendant"mayrefertotheoriginaldefendingparty,thedefendantinacounterclaim,thecrossdefendant,orthethird(fourth,etc.)partydefendant.(1a)

    Section2.Partiesininterest.Arealpartyininterestisthepartywhostandstobebenefitedorinjuredbythejudgmentinthesuit,orthepartyentitledtotheavailsofthesuit.UnlessotherwiseauthorizedbylawortheseRules,everyactionmustbeprosecutedordefendedinthenameoftherealpartyininterest.(2a)

    Section3.Representativesasparties.Wheretheactionisallowedtobeprosecutedanddefendedbyarepresentativeorsomeoneactinginafiduciarycapacity,thebeneficiaryshallbeincludedinthetitleofthecaseandshallbedeemedtobetherealpropertyininterest.Arepresentativemaybeatrusteeofanexperttrust,aguardian,anexecutororadministrator,orapartyauthorizedbylawortheseRules.Anagentactinginhisownnameandforthebenefitofanundisclosedprincipalmaysueorbesuedwithoutjoiningtheprincipalexceptwhenthecontractinvolvesthingsbelongingtotheprincipal.(3a)

    Section4.Spousesasparties.Husbandandwifeshallsueorbesuedjointly,exceptasprovidedbylaw.(4a)

    Section5.Minororincompetentpersons.Aminororapersonallegedtobeincompetent,maysueorbesuedwiththeassistanceofhisfather,mother,guardian,orifhehasnone,aguardianadlitem.(5a)

    Section6.Permissivejoinderofparties.Allpersonsinwhomoragainstwhomanyrighttoreliefinrespecttoorarisingoutofthesametransactionorseriesoftransactionsisallegedtoexist,whetherjointly,severally,orinthealternative,may,exceptasotherwiseprovidedintheseRules,joinasplaintiffsorbejoinedasdefendantsinonecomplaint,whereanyquestionoflaworfactcommontoallsuchplaintiffsortoallsuchdefendantsmayariseintheactionbutthecourtmaymakesuchordersasmay be just to prevent any plaintiff or defendant from being embarrassed or put to expense in connection with anyproceedingsinwhichhemayhavenointerest.(6n)

    Section7.Compulsoryjoinderofindispensableparties.Partiesininterestwithoutwhomnofinaldeterminationcanbehadofanactionshallbejoinedeitherasplaintiffsordefendants.(7)

    Section8.Necessaryparty.Anecessarypartyisonewhoisnotindispensablebutwhooughttobejoinedasapartyif

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    completereliefistobeaccordedastothosealreadyparties,orforacompletedeterminationorsettlementoftheclaimsubjectoftheaction.(8a)

    Section9.Nonjoinderofnecessaryparties tobepleaded.Whenever in anypleading inwhicha claim is assertedanecessarypartyisnotjoined,thepleadershallsetforthhisname,ifknown,andshallstatewhyheisomitted.Shouldthecourtfindthereasonfortheomissionunmeritorious,itmayordertheinclusionoftheomittednecessarypartyifjurisdictionoverhispersonmaybeobtained.

    Thefailuretocomplywiththeorderforhisinclusion,withoutjustifiablecause,shallbedeemedawaiveroftheclaimagainstsuchparty.

    Thenoninclusionofanecessarypartydoesnotpreventthecourtfromproceedingintheaction,andthejudgmentrenderedthereinshallbewithoutprejudicetotherightsofsuchnecessaryparty.(8a,9a)

    Section10.Unwillingcoplaintiff.Iftheconsentofanypartywhoshouldbejoinedasplaintiffcannotbeobtained,hemaybemadeadefendantandthereasonthereforshallbestatedinthecomplaint.(10)

    Section11.Misjoinderandnonjoinderofparties.Neithermisjoindernornonjoinderofpartiesisgroundfordismissalofanaction.Partiesmaybedroppedoraddedbyorderofthecourtonmotionofanypartyoronitsowninitiativeatanystagetheactionandonsuchtermsasarejust.Anyclaimagainstamisjoinedpartymaybeseveredandproceededwithseparately.(11a)

    Section12.Classsuit.Whenthesubjectmatterofthecontroversyisoneofcommonorgeneralinteresttomanypersonssonumerousthatitisimpracticabletojoinallasparties,anumberofthemwhichthecourtfindstobesufficientlynumerousand representativeas to fullyprotect the interestsofall concernedmaysueordefend for thebenefit of all.Anyparty ininterestshallhavetherighttointervenetoprotecthisindividualinterest.(12a)

    Section13.Alternativedefendants.Wheretheplaintiffisuncertainagainstwhoofseveralpersonsheisentitledtorelief,hemayjoinanyorallofthemasdefendantsinthealternative,althougharighttoreliefagainstonemaybeinconsistentwitharightofreliefagainsttheother.(13a)

    Section14.Unknownidentityornameofdefendant.Whenevertheidentityornameofadefendantisunknown,hemaybesuedastheunknownownerheirdevisee,orbysuchotherdesignationasthecasemayrequire,whenhisidentityortruenameisdiscovered,thepleadingmustbeamendedaccordingly.(14)

    Section15.Entitywithoutjuridicalpersonalityasdefendant.Whentwoormorepersonsnotorganizedasanentitywithjuridicalpersonalityenter intoatransaction, theymaybesuedunderthenamebywhichtheyaregenerallyorcommonlyknown.

    Intheanswerofsuchdefendant,thenameandaddressesofthepersonscomposingsaidentitymustallberevealed.(15a)

    Section16.Deathof party duty of counsel.Whenever a party to a pendingactiondies, and the claim is not therebyextinguished,itshallbethedutyofhiscounseltoinformthecourtwithinthirty(30)daysaftersuchdeathofthefactthereof,andtogivethenameandaddressofhislegalrepresentativeorrepresentatives.Failureofcounseltocomplywithhisdutyshallbeagroundfordisciplinaryaction.

    The heirs of the deceasedmay be allowed to be substituted for the deceased, without requiring the appointment of anexecutororadministratorandthecourtmayappointaguardianadlitemfortheminorheirs.

    Thecourtshallforthwithordersaidlegalrepresentativeorrepresentativestoappearandbesubstitutedwithinaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromnotice.

    Ifnolegalrepresentativeisnamedbythecounselforthedeceasedparty,oriftheonesonamedshallfailtoappearwithinthespecifiedperiod,thecourtmayordertheopposingparty,withinaspecifiedtimetoprocuretheappointmentofanexecutororadministratorfortheestateofthedeceasedandthelattershallimmediatelyappearforandonbehalfofthedeceased.Thecourtchargesinprocuringsuchappointment,ifdefrayedbytheopposingparty,mayberecoveredascosts.(16a,17a)

    Section17.Deathorseparationofapartywhoisapublicofficer.Whenapublicofficerisapartyinanactioninhisofficialcapacity and during its pendency dies, resigns, or otherwise ceases to hold office, the action may be continued andmaintainedbyoragainsthissuccessor if,within thirty (30)daysafter thesuccessor takesofficeor such timeasmaybegrantedby the court, it is satisfactorily shown to the court byanyparty that there is a substantial need for continuingormaintainingitandthatthesuccessoradoptsorcontinuesorthreatenstoadoptorcontinuetoadoptorcontinuetheactionofhispredecessor.Beforeasubstitutionismade,thepartyorofficertobeaffected,unlessexpresslyassentingthereto,shallbegivenreasonablenoticeoftheapplicationthereforandaccordedanopportunitytobeheard.(18a)

    Section18.Incompetencyor incapacity. If a party becomes incompetent or incapacitated, the court, uponmotionwithnotice,mayallow theaction tobecontinuedbyoragainst the incompetentor incapacitatedpersonassistedbyhis legal

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    guardianorguardianadlitem.(19a)

    Section19.Transferofinterest.Incaseofanytransferofinterest,theactionmaybecontinuedbyoragainsttheoriginalparty,unlessthecourtuponmotiondirectsthepersontowhomtheinterestistransferredtobesubstitutedintheactionorjoinedwiththeoriginalparty.(20)

    Section20.Actionandcontractualmoneyclaims.Whentheactionisforrecoveryofmoneyarisingfromcontract,expressorimplied,andthedefendantdiesbeforeentryoffinaljudgmentinthecourtinwhichtheactionwaspendingatthetimeofsuch death, it shall not be dismissed but shall instead be allowed to continue until entry of final judgment. A favorablejudgmentobtainedbytheplaintiffthereinshallbeenforcedinthemannerespeciallyprovidedintheseRulesforprosecutingclaimsagainsttheestateofadeceasedperson.(21a)

    Section21.Indigentparty.Apartymaybeauthorizedtolitigatehisaction,claimordefenseasanindigent if thecourt,uponanexparte applicationandhearing, is satisfied that theparty isonewhohasnomoneyorproperty sufficientandavailableforfood,shelterandbasicnecessitiesforhimselfandhisfamily.

    Suchauthorityshallincludeanexemptionfrompaymentofdocketandotherlawfulfees,andoftranscriptsofstenographicnoteswhichthecourtmayordertobefurnishedhim.Theamountofthedocketandotherlawfulfeeswhichtheindigentwasexempted frompaying shall be a lien on any judgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent, unless the courtotherwiseprovides.

    Anyadversepartymaycontestthegrantofsuchauthorityatanytimebeforejudgmentisrenderedbythetrialcourt.Ifthecourt should determine after hearing that the party declared as an indigent is in fact a personwith sufficient income orproperty,theproperdocketandotherlawfulfeesshallbeassessedandcollectedbytheclerkofcourt.Ifpaymentisnotmadewithinthetimefixedbythecourt,executionshallissueorthepaymentthereof,withoutprejudicetosuchothersanctionsasthecourtmayimpose.(22a)

    Section22.Notice to theSolicitorGeneral. Inanyaction involving thevalidityofany treaty, law,ordinance,executiveorder, presidential decree, rules or regulations, the court, in its discretion, may require the appearance of the SolicitorGeneralwhomaybeheardinpersonorarepresentativedulydesignatedbyhim.(23a)

    RULE4

    VenueofActions

    Section1.Venueof real actions.Actions affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein, shall becommencedandtriedinthepropercourtwhichhasjurisdictionovertheareawhereintherealpropertyinvolved,oraportionthereof,issituated.

    Forcible entry and detainer actions shall be commenced and tried in themunicipal trial court of themunicipality or citywhereintherealpropertyinvolved,oraportionthereof,issituated.(1[a],2[a]a)

    Section2.Venueofpersonalactions.Allotheractionsmaybecommencedand triedwhere theplaintifforanyof theprincipalplaintiffsresides,orwherethedefendantoranyoftheprincipaldefendantsresides,orinthecaseofanonresidentdefendantwherehemaybefound,attheelectionoftheplaintiff.(2[b]a)

    Section3.Venue of actions against nonresidents. If any of the defendants does not reside and is not found in thePhilippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff, or any property of said defendant located in thePhilippines,theactionmaybecommencedandtriedinthecourtoftheplacewheretheplaintiffresides,orwherethepropertyoranyportionthereofissituatedorfound.(2[c]a)

    Section4.WhenRulenotapplicable.ThisRuleshallnotapply.

    (a)Inthosecaseswhereaspecificruleorlawprovidesotherwiseor

    (b)Wherethepartieshavevalidlyagreedinwritingbeforethefilingoftheactionontheexclusivevenuethereof.(3a,5a)

    RULE5

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    UniformProcedureInTrialCourts

    Section1.Uniformprocedure.Theprocedure in theMunicipalTrialCourtsshallbe thesameas in theRegionalTrialCourts,except(a)whereaparticularprovisionexpresslyorimpliedlyappliesonlytoeitherofsaidcourts,or(b)incivilcasesgovernedbytheRuleonSummaryProcedure.(n)

    Section2.Meaningof terms.Theterm"MunicipalTrialCourts"asused in theseRulesshall includeMetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsinCities,MunicipalTrialCourts,andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts.(1a)

    ProcedureInRegionalTrialCourts

    RULE6

    KindsOfPleadings

    Section1.Pleadingsdefined.Pleadingsarethewrittenstatementsoftherespectiveclaimsanddefensesofthepartiessubmittedtothecourtforappropriatejudgment.(1a)

    Section2.Pleadingsallowed.Theclaimsofapartyareassertedinacomplaint,counterclaim,crossclaim,third(fourth,etc.)partycomplaint,orcomplaintinintervention.

    Thedefensesofapartyareallegedintheanswertothepleadingassertingaclaimagainsthim.

    Ananswermayberespondedtobyareply.(n)

    Section3.Complaint.Thecomplaint is thepleadingalleging theplaintiff'scauseorcausesofaction.Thenamesandresidencesoftheplaintiffanddefendantmustbestatedinthecomplaint.(3a)

    Section4.Answer.Ananswerisapleadinginwhichadefendingpartysetsforthhisdefenses.(4a)

    Section5.Defenses.Defensesmayeitherbenegativeoraffirmative.

    (a) A negative defense is the specific denial of thematerial fact or facts alleged in the pleading of the claimantessentialtohiscauseorcausesofaction.

    (b) An affirmative defense is an allegation of a new matter which, while hypothetically admitting the materialallegations in the pleading of the claimant, would nevertheless prevent or bar recovery by him. The affirmativedefensesincludefraud,statuteoflimitations,release,payment,illegality,statuteoffrauds,estoppel,formerrecovery,dischargeinbankruptcy,andanyothermatterbywayofconfessionandavoidance.(5a)

    Section6.Counterclaim.Acounterclaimisanyclaimwhichadefendingpartymayhaveagainstanopposingparty.(6a)

    Section7.Compulsorycounterclaim.Acompulsorycounterclaimisonewhich,beingcognizablebytheregularcourtsofjustice,arisesoutoforisconnectedwiththetransactionoroccurrenceconstitutingthesubjectmatteroftheopposingparty'sclaimanddoesnotrequirefor itsadjudicationthepresenceof thirdpartiesofwhomthecourtcannotacquire jurisdiction.Suchacounterclaimmustbewithinthejurisdictionofthecourtbothastotheamountandthenaturethereof,exceptthatinanoriginalactionbeforetheRegionalTrialCourt,thecounterclaimmaybeconsideredcompulsoryregardlessoftheamount.(n)

    Section8.Crossclaim. A crossclaim is any claim by one party against a coparty arising out of the transaction oroccurrencethatisthesubjectmattereitheroftheoriginalactionorofacounterclaimtherein.Suchcrossclaimmayincludeaclaimthatthepartyagainstwhomitisassertedisormaybeliabletothecrossclaimantforallorpartofaclaimassertedintheactionagainstthecrossclaimant.(7)

    Section9.Countercounterclaimsandcountercrossclaims.Acounterclaimmaybeassertedagainstanoriginalcounterclaimant.

    Acrossclaimmayalsobefiledagainstanoriginalcrossclaimant.(n)

    Section10.Reply.Areplyisapleading,theofficeorfunctionofwhichistodeny,orallegefactsindenialoravoidanceofnewmattersallegedbywayofdefenseintheanswerandtherebyjoinormakeissueastosuchnewmatters.Ifapartydoesnotfilesuchreply,allthenewmattersallegedintheansweraredeemedcontroverted.

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    Iftheplaintiffwishestointerposeanyclaimsarisingoutofthenewmatterssoalleged,suchclaimsshallbesetforthinanamendedorsupplementalcomplaint.(11)

    Section11.Third,(fourth,etc.)partycomplaint.Athird(fourth,etc.)partycomplaintisaclaimthatadefendingpartymay,with leaveofcourt, fileagainstapersonnotapartytotheaction,calledthethird(fourth,etc.)partydefendantforcontribution,indemnity,subrogationoranyotherrelief,inrespectofhisopponent'sclaim.(12a)

    Section12.Bringingnewparties.Whenthepresenceofpartiesotherthanthosetotheoriginalactionisrequiredforthegrantingofcompletereliefinthedeterminationofacounterclaimorcrossclaim,thecourtshallorderthemtobebroughtinasdefendants,ifjurisdictionoverthemcanbeobtained.(14)

    Section13.Answertothird(fourth,etc.)partycomplaint.Athird(fourth,etc.)partydefendantmayallegeinhisanswerhisdefenses,counterclaimsorcrossclaims, includingsuchdefensesthatthethird(fourth,etc.)partyplaintiffmayhaveagainsttheoriginalplaintiff'sclaim.Inpropercases,hemayalsoassertacounterclaimagainsttheoriginalplaintiffinrespectofthelatter'sclaimagainstthethirdpartyplaintiff.(n)

    RULE7

    PartsofaPleading

    Section1.Caption.Thecaptionsetsforththenameofthecourt,thetitleoftheaction,andthedocketnumberifassigned.

    Thetitleoftheactionindicatesthenamesoftheparties.Theyshallallbenamedintheoriginalcomplaintorpetitionbutinsubsequentpleadings,itshallbesufficientifthenameofthefirstpartyoneachsidebestatedwithanappropriateindicationwhenthereareotherparties.

    Theirrespectiveparticipationinthecaseshallbeindicated.(1a,2a)

    Section2.Thebody.Thebodyofthepleadingsetsfourthitsdesignation,theallegationsoftheparty'sclaimsordefenses,thereliefprayedfor,andthedateofthepleading.(n)

    (a)Paragraphs.Theallegations in thebodyofapleadingshallbedivided intoparagraphssonumbered tobereadilyidentified,eachofwhichshallcontainastatementofasinglesetofcircumstancessofarasthatcanbedonewithconvenience.Aparagraphmaybereferredtobyitsnumberinallsucceedingpleadings.(3a)

    (b)Headings.Whentwoormorecausesofactionare joined thestatementof the firstshallbeprefacedby thewords"firstcauseofaction,''ofthesecondby"secondcauseofaction",andsoonfortheothers.

    Whenoneormoreparagraphsintheanswerareaddressedtooneofseveralcausesofactioninthecomplaint,theyshallbeprefacedbythewords"answertothefirstcauseofaction"or"answertothesecondcauseofaction"andsoon and when one or more paragraphs of the answer are addressed to several causes of action, they shall beprefacedbywordstothateffect.(4)

    (c)Relief.Thepleadingshallspecifythereliefsought,butitmayaddageneralprayerforsuchfurtherorotherreliefasmaybedeemedjustorequitable.(3a,R6)

    (d)Date.Everypleadingshallbedated.(n)

    Section3.Signatureandaddress.Everypleadingmustbesignedby thepartyorcounsel representinghim,stating ineithercasehisaddresswhichshouldnotbeapostofficebox.

    Thesignatureofcounselconstitutesacertificatebyhimthathehasread thepleading that to thebestofhisknowledge,information,andbeliefthereisgoodgroundtosupportitandthatitisnotinterposedfordelay.

    An unsigned pleading produces no legal effect. However, the court may, in its discretion, allow such deficiency to beremediedifitshallappearthatthesamewasduetomereinadvertenceandnotintendedfordelay.Counselwhodeliberatelyfilesanunsignedpleading,orsignsapleadinginviolationofthisRule,orallegesscandalousorindecentmattertherein,orfailspromptlyreporttothecourtachangeofhisaddress,shallbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction.(5a)

    Section4.Verification.Exceptwhenotherwisespecifically requiredby lawor rule,pleadingsneednotbeunderoath,verifiedoraccompaniedbyaffidavit.(5a)

    Apleadingisverifiedbyanaffidavitthattheaffianthasreadthepleadingandthattheallegationsthereinaretrueandcorrectofhisknowledgeandbelief.

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    A pleading required to be verifiedwhich contains a verification based on "information and belief", or upon "knowledge,informationandbelief",orlacksaproperverification,shallbetreatedasanunsignedpleading.(6a)

    Section5.Certificationagainstforumshopping.Theplaintifforprincipalpartyshallcertifyunderoathinthecomplaintorother initiatory pleading asserting a claim for relief, or in a sworn certification annexed thereto and simultaneously filedtherewith:(a)thathehasnottheretoforecommencedanyactionorfiledanyclaiminvolvingthesameissuesinanycourt,tribunalorquasijudicialagencyand,tothebestofhisknowledge,nosuchotheractionorclaimispendingtherein(b) ifthereissuchotherpendingactionorclaim,acompletestatementofthepresentstatusthereofand(c)ifheshouldthereafterlearn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, he shall report that factwithin five (5) daystherefromtothecourtwhereinhisaforesaidcomplaintorinitiatorypleadinghasbeenfiled.

    Failuretocomplywiththeforegoingrequirementsshallnotbecurablebymereamendmentofthecomplaintorotherinitiatorypleadingbutshallbecauseforthedismissalofthecasewithoutprejudice,unlessotherwiseprovided,uponmotionandafterhearing. The submission of a false certification or noncompliance with any of the undertakings therein shall constituteindirectcontemptofcourt,withoutprejudicetothecorrespondingadministrativeandcriminalactions.Iftheactsofthepartyorhiscounselclearlyconstitutewillfulanddeliberateforumshopping,thesameshallbegroundforsummarydismissalwithprejudiceandshallconstitutedirectcontempt,aswellasacauseforadministrativesanctions.(n)

    RULE8

    MannerofMakingAllegationsinPleadings

    Section1.Ingeneral.Everypleadingshallcontaininamethodicalandlogicalform,aplain,conciseanddirectstatementoftheultimatefactsonwhichthepartypleadingreliesforhisclaimordefense,asthecasemaybe,omittingthestatementofmereevidentiaryfacts.(1)

    Ifadefense reliedon isbasedon law, thepertinentprovisions thereofand theirapplicability tohimshallbeclearlyandconciselystated.(n)

    Section2.Alternativecausesofactionordefenses.Apartymaysetforthtwoormorestatementsofaclaimordefensealternativelyorhypothetically,eitherinonecauseofactionordefenseorinseparatecausesofactionordefenses.Whentwoormorestatementsaremadeinthealternativeandoneofthemifmadeindependentlywouldbesufficient,thepleadingisnotmadeinsufficientbytheinsufficiencyofoneormoreofthealternativestatements.(2)

    Section3.Conditionsprecedent.Inanypleadingageneralavermentoftheperformanceoroccurrenceofallconditionsprecedentshallbesufficient.(3)

    Section4.Capacity.Factsshowingthecapacityofapartytosueorbesuedortheauthorityofapartytosueorbesuedinarepresentativecapacityorthelegalexistenceofanorganizedassociationofpersonthatismadeaparty,mustbeaverred.Apartydesiringtoraiseanissueastothelegalexistenceofanypartyorthecapacityofanypartytosueorbesuedinarepresentativecapacity,shalldosobyspecificdenial,whichshallincludesuchsupportingparticularsasarepeculiarlywithinthepleader'sknowledge.(4)

    Section5.Fraud,mistake,conditionofthemind.Inallavermentsoffraudormistakethecircumstancesconstitutingfraudormistakemustbestatedwithparticularity.Malice, intent,knowledge,orotherconditionof themindofapersonmaybeaverredgenerally.(5a)

    Section6.Judgment.Inpleadingajudgmentordecisionofadomesticorforeigncourt,judicialorquasijudicialtribunal,orofaboardorofficer, it issufficient toaver the judgmentordecisionwithoutsetting forthmattershowing jurisdiction torenderit.(6)

    Section7.Actionordefensebasedondocument.Wheneveranactionordefenseisbaseduponawritteninstrumentordocument,thesubstanceofsuchinstrumentordocumentshallbesetforthinthepleading,andtheoriginaloracopythereofshallbeattachedtothepleadingasanexhibit,whichshallbedeemedtobeapartofthepleading,orsaidcopymaywithlikeeffectbesetforthinthepleading.(7)

    Section8.Howtocontestsuchdocuments.Whenanactionordefenseisfoundeduponawritteninstrument,copiedinorattached to thecorrespondingpleadingasprovided in theprecedingsection, thegenuinenessanddueexecutionof theinstrumentshallbedeemedadmittedunlesstheadverseparty,underoathspecificallydeniesthem,andsetsforthwhatheclaimstobethefacts,buttherequirementofanoathdoesnotapplywhentheadversepartydoesnotappeartobeapartytotheinstrumentorwhencompliancewithanorderforaninspectionoftheoriginalinstrumentisrefused.(8a)

    Section9.Officialdocumentoract.Inpleadinganofficialdocumentorofficialact,itissufficienttoaverthatthedocumentwasissuedortheactdoneincompliancewithlaw.(9)

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    Section10.Specificdenial.Adefendantmustspecifyeachmaterialallegationoffactthetruthofwhichhedoesnotadmitand,wheneverpracticable,shallsetforththesubstanceofthemattersuponwhichhereliestosupporthisdenial.Whereadefendantdesirestodenyonlyapartofanaverment,heshallspecifysomuchofitasistrueandmaterialandshalldenyonly the remainder.Whereadefendant iswithoutknowledgeor informationsufficient to formabeliefas to the truthofamaterialavermentmadetothecomplaint,heshallsostate,andthisshallhavetheeffectofadenial.(10a)

    Section11.Allegationsnotspecificallydenieddeemedadmitted.Materialavermentinthecomplaint,otherthanthoseastotheamountofunliquidateddamages,shallbedeemedadmittedwhennotspecificallydenied.Allegationsofusuryinacomplainttorecoverusuriousinterestaredeemedadmittedifnotdeniedunderoath.(1a,R9)

    Section12.Strikingoutofpleadingormattercontainedtherein.Uponmotionmadebyapartybefore responding toapleadingor,ifnoresponsivepleadingispermittedbytheseRules,uponmotionmadebyapartywithintwenty(20)daysaftertheserviceofthepleadinguponhim,oruponthecourt'sowninitiativeatanytime,thecourtmayorderanypleadingtobestrickenoutorthatanyshamorfalse,redundant,immaterial,impertinent,orscandalousmatterbestrickenouttherefrom.(5,R9)

    RULE9

    EffectofFailuretoPlead

    Section1.Defensesandobjectionsnotpleaded.Defensesandobjectionsnotpleadedeitherinamotiontodismissorintheansweraredeemedwaived.However,whenitappearsfromthepleadingsortheevidenceonrecordthatthecourthasnojurisdictionoverthesubjectmatter,thatthereisanotheractionpendingbetweenthesamepartiesforthesamecause,orthattheactionisbarredbyapriorjudgmentorbystatuteoflimitations,thecourtshalldismisstheclaim.(2a)

    Section2.Compulsorycounterclaim,orcrossclaim,notsetupbarred.Acompulsorycounterclaim,oracrossclaim,notsetupshallbebarred.(4a)

    Section3.Defaultdeclarationof.If thedefendingpartyfailstoanswerwithinthetimeallowedtherefor,thecourtshall,uponmotionoftheclaimingpartywithnoticetothedefendingparty,andproofofsuchfailure,declarethedefendingpartyindefault.Thereupon,thecourtshallproceedtorenderjudgmentgrantingtheclaimantsuchreliefashispleadingmaywarrant,unlessthecourtinitsdiscretionrequirestheclaimanttosubmitevidence.Suchreceptionofevidencemaybedelegatedtotheclerkofcourt.(1a,R18)

    (a)Effectoforderofdefault.Apartyindefaultshallbeentitledtonoticeofsubsequentproceedingsbutnottotakepartinthetrial.(2a,R18)

    (b)Relieffromorderofdefault.Apartydeclaredindefaultmayatanytimeafternoticethereofandbeforejudgmentfileamotionunderoathtosetasidetheorderofdefaultuponpropershowingthathisfailuretoanswerwasduetofraud,accident,mistakeorexcusablenegligenceandthathehasameritoriousdefense.Insuchcase,theorderofdefaultmaybesetasideonsuchtermsandconditionsasthejudgemayimposeintheinterestofjustice.(3a,R18)

    (c)Effectofpartialdefault.Whenapleadingassertingaclaimstatesacommoncauseofactionagainstseveraldefendingparties,someofwhomanswerandtheothersfailtodoso,thecourtshalltrythecaseagainstallupontheanswersthusfiledandrenderjudgmentupontheevidencepresented.(4a,R18).

    (d)Extentofrelieftobeawarded.Ajudgmentrenderedagainstapartyindefaultshallnotexceedtheamountorbedifferentinkindfromthatprayedfornorawardunliquidateddamages.(5a,R18).

    (e)Wherenodefaultsallowed.Ifthedefendingpartyinanactionforannulmentordeclarationofnullityofmarriageorforlegalseparationfailstoanswer,thecourtshallordertheprosecutingattorneytoinvestigatewhetherornotacollusionbetweenthepartiesexists,andifthereisnocollusion,tointervenefortheStateinordertoseetoitthattheevidencesubmittedisnotfabricated.(6a,R18)

    RULE10

    AmendedandSupplementalPleadings

    Section1.Amendmentsingeneral.Pleadingsmaybeamendedbyaddingorstrikingoutanallegationorthenameofanyparty,orbycorrectingamistakeinthenameofapartyoramistakenorinadequateallegationordescriptioninanyotherrespect,sothattheactualmeritsofthecontroversymayspeedilybedetermined,withoutregardtotechnicalities,andinthe

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    mostexpeditiousandinexpensivemanner.(1)

    Section2.Amendmentsasamatterofright.Apartymayamendhispleadingonceasamatterofrightatanytimebeforearesponsivepleadingisservedor,inthecaseofareply,atanytimewithinten(10)daysafteritisserved.(2a)

    Section3.Amendmentsbyleaveofcourt.Exceptasprovidedinthenextprecedingsection,substantialamendmentsmaybemadeonlyuponleaveofcourt.Butsuchleavemayberefusedifitappearstothecourtthatthemotionwasmadewithintenttodelay.Ordersofthecourtuponthemattersprovidedinthissectionshallbemadeuponmotionfiledincourt,andafternoticetotheadverseparty,andanopportunitytobeheard.(3a)

    Section4.Formalamendments.Adefectinthedesignationofthepartiesandotherclearlyclericalortypographicalerrorsmaybesummarilycorrectedbythecourtatanystageof theaction,at its initiativeoronmotion,providednoprejudice iscausedtherebytotheadverseparty.(4a)

    Section5.Amendmenttoconformtoorauthorizepresentationofevidence.Whenissuesnotraisedbythepleadingsaretriedwiththeexpressorimpliedconsentofthepartiestheyshallbetreatedinallrespectsasiftheyhadbeenraisedinthepleadings.Suchamendmentofthepleadingsasmaybenecessarytocausethemtoconformtotheevidenceandtoraisetheseissuesmaybemadeuponmotionofanypartyatanytime,evenafterjudgmentbutfailuretoamenddoesnoteffecttheresultofthetrialoftheseissues.Ifevidenceisobjectedtoatthetrialonthegroundthatitisnotwithintheissuesmadebythepleadings,thecourtmayallowthepleadingstobeamendedandshalldosowithliberalityifthepresentationofthemeritsoftheactionandtheendsofsubstantial justicewillbesubservedthereby.Thecourtmaygrantacontinuancetoenabletheamendmenttobemade.(5a)

    Section6.Supplementalpleadings.Uponmotionofapartythecourtmay,uponreasonablenoticeanduponsuchtermsas are just, permit him to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions, occurrences or events which havehappenedsincethedateofthepleadingsoughttobesupplemented.Theadversepartymaypleadtheretowithinten(10)daysfromnoticeoftheorderadmittingthesupplementalpleading.(6a)

    Section7.Filingofamendedpleadings.Whenanypleadingisamended,anewcopyoftheentirepleading,incorporatingtheamendments,whichshallbeindicatedbyappropriatemarks,shallbefiled.(7a)

    Section8.Effect of amended pleadings. An amended pleading supersedes the pleading that it amends. However,admissions in superseded pleadingsmay be received in evidence against the pleader, and claims or defenses allegedthereinnotincorporatedintheamendedpleadingshallbedeemedwaived.(n)

    RULE11

    WhentoFileResponsivePleadings

    Section1.Answer to thecomplaint.Thedefendant shall file his answer to the complaintwithin fifteen (15) daysafterserviceofsummons,unlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.(la)

    Section2.Answerofadefendantforeignprivatejuridicalentity.Wherethedefendantisaforeignprivatejuridicalentityandserviceofsummonsismadeonthegovernmentofficialdesignatedbylawtoreceivethesame,theanswershallbefiledwithinthirty(30)daysafterreceiptofsummonsbysuchentity.(2a)

    Section3.Answertoamendedcomplaint.Whentheplaintifffilesanamendedcomplaintasamatterofright,thedefendantshallanswerthesamewithinfifteen(15)daysafterbeingservedwithacopythereof.

    Whereitsfilingisnotamatterofright,thedefendantshallanswertheamendedcomplaintwithinten(l0)daysfromnoticeoftheorderadmittingthesame.Ananswerearlierfiledmayserveastheanswertotheamendedcomplaintifnonewanswerisfiled.

    ThisRuleshallapplytotheanswertoanamendedcounterclaim,amendedcrossclaim,amendedthird(fourth,etc.)partycomplaint,andamendedcomplaintinintervention.(3a)

    Section4.Answertocounterclaimorcrossclaim.Acounterclaimorcrossclaimmustbeansweredwithinten(10)daysfromservice.(4)

    Section5.Answertothird(fourth,etc.)partycomplaint.Thetimetoanswerathird(fourth,etc.)partycomplaintshallbegovernedbythesameruleastheanswertothecomplaint.(5a)

    Section6.Reply.Areplymaybefiledwithinten(10)daysfromserviceofthepleadingrespondedto.(6)

    Section7.Answertosupplementalcomplain.Asupplementalcomplaintmaybeansweredwithinten(10)daysfromnotice

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    oftheorderadmittingthesame,unlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.Theanswertothecomplaintshallserveastheanswertothesupplementalcomplaintifnoneworsupplementalanswerisfiled.(n)

    Section8.Existingcounterclaimorcrossclaim.Acompulsorycounterclaimoracrossclaimthatadefendingpartyhasatthetimehefileshisanswershallbecontainedtherein.(8a,R6)

    Section9.Counterclaimorcrossclaimarisingafteranswer.Acounterclaimoracrossclaimwhicheithermaturedorwasacquiredbyapartyafterservinghispleadingmay,with thepermissionof thecourt,bepresentedasacounterclaimoracrossclaimbysupplementalpleadingbeforejudgment.(9,R6)

    Section10.Omittedcounterclaimorcrossclaim.Whenapleaderfailstosetupacounterclaimoracrossclaimthroughoversight,inadvertence,orexcusableneglect,orwhenjusticerequires,hemay,byleaveofcourt,setupthecounterclaimorcrossclaimbyamendmentbeforejudgment.(3,R9)

    Section11.Extensionoftimetoplead.Uponmotionandonsuchtermsasmaybejust,thecourtmayextendthetimetopleadprovidedintheseRules.

    Thecourtmayalso,uponliketerms,allowananswerorotherpleadingtobefiledafterthetimefixedbytheseRules.(7)

    RULE12

    BillofParticulars

    Section1.Whenappliedforpurpose.Beforerespondingtoapleading,apartymaymoveforadefinitestatementorforabill of particulars of anymatterwhich is not avertedwith sufficient definiteness or particularity to enable him properly topreparehisresponsivepleading.Ifthepleadingisareply,themotionmustbefiledwithinten(10)daysfromservicethereof.Suchmotionshallpointoutthedefectscomplainedof,theparagraphswhereintheyarecontained,andthedetailsdesired.(1a)

    Section2.Actionbythecourt.Uponthefilingofthemotion,theclerkofcourtmustimmediatelybringittotheattentionofthecourtwhichmayeitherdenyorgrantitoutright,orallowthepartiestheopportunitytobeheard.(n)

    Section3.Compliancewithorder.Ifthemotionisgranted,eitherinwholeorinpart,thecompliancetherewithmustbeeffectedwithinten(10)daysfromnoticeoftheorder,unlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.Thebillofparticularsoramoredefinitestatementorderedbythecourtmaybefiledeitherinaseparateorinanamendedpleading,servingacopythereofontheadverseparty.(n)

    Section4.Effectofnoncompliance.Iftheorderisnotobeyed,orincaseofinsufficientcompliancetherewith,thecourtmayorderthestrikingoutofthepleadingortheportionsthereoftowhichtheorderwasdirectedormakesuchotherorderasitdeemsjust.(1[c]a)

    Section5.Stayofperiodtofileresponsivepleading.Afterserviceofthebillofparticularsorofamoredefinitepleading,orafternoticeofdenialofhismotion, themovingpartymay filehis responsivepleadingwithin theperiod towhichhewasentitledatthetimeoffilinghismotion,whichshallnotbelessthanfive(5)daysinanyevent.(1[b]a)

    Section6.Billapartofpleading.Abillofparticularsbecomespartofthepleadingforwhichitisintended.(1[a]a)

    RULE13

    FilingandServiceofPleadings,JudgmentsandOtherPapers

    Section1.Coverage.ThisRuleshallgovernthefilingofallpleadingsandotherpapers,aswellastheservicethereof,exceptthoseforwhichadifferentmodeofserviceisprescribed.(n)

    Section2.Filingandservice,defined.Filingistheactofpresentingthepleadingorotherpapertotheclerkofcourt.

    Serviceistheactofprovidingapartywithacopyofthepleadingorpaperconcerned.Ifanypartyhasappearedbycounsel,serviceuponhimshallbemadeuponhiscounseloroneofthem,unlessserviceuponthepartyhimselfisorderedbythecourt.Whereonecounselappearsforseveralparties,heshallonlybeentitledtoonecopyofanypaperserveduponhimbytheoppositeside.(2a)

    Section3.Manneroffiling.Thefilingofpleadings,appearances,motions,notices,orders,judgmentsandallotherpapers

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    shall bemadeby presenting the original copies thereof, plainly indicated as such, personally to the clerk of court or bysendingthembyregisteredmail.Inthefirstcase,theclerkofcourtshallendorseonthepleadingthedateandhouroffiling.Inthesecondcase,thedateofthemailingofmotions,pleadings,oranyotherpapersorpaymentsordeposits,asshownbythepostofficestampontheenvelopeortheregistryreceipt,shallbeconsideredasthedateoftheirfiling,payment,ordepositincourt.Theenvelopeshallbeattachedtotherecordofthecase.(1a)

    Section 4. Papers required to be filed and served. Every judgment, resolution, order, pleading subsequent to thecomplaint,writtenmotion,notice,appearance,demand,offerofjudgmentorsimilarpapersshallbefiledwiththecourt,andserveduponthepartiesaffected.(2a)

    Section5.Modesofservice.Serviceofpleadingsmotions,notices,orders, judgmentsandotherpapersshallbemadeeitherpersonallyorbymail.(3a)

    Section6.Personal service.Service of the papersmay bemade by delivering personally a copy to the party or hiscounsel,orbyleavingitinhisofficewithhisclerkorwithapersonhavingchargethereof.Ifnopersonisfoundinhisoffice,orhisofficeisnotknown,orhehasnooffice,thenbyleavingthecopy,betweenthehoursofeightinthemorningandsixintheevening,attheparty'sorcounsel'sresidence,ifknown,withapersonofsufficientageanddiscretionthenresidingtherein.(4a)

    Section7.Servicebymail.Servicebyregisteredmailshallbemadebydepositingthecopyinthepostofficeinasealedenvelope,plainlyaddressed to thepartyor his counsel at hisoffice, if known,otherwiseat his residence, if known,withpostagefullyprepaid,andwithinstructionstothepostmastertoreturnthemailtothesenderafterten(10)daysifundelivered.Ifnoregistryserviceisavailableinthelocalityofeitherthesendersortheaddressee,servicemaybedonebyordinarymail.(5aBarMatterNo.803,17February1998)

    Section8.Substitutedservice.Ifserviceofpleadings,motions,notices,resolutions,ordersandotherpaperscannotbemadeunderthetwoprecedingsections,theofficeandplaceofresidenceofthepartyorhiscounselbeingunknown,servicemaybemadebydeliveringthecopytotheclerkofcourt,withproofoffailureofbothpersonalserviceandservicebymail.Theserviceiscompleteatthetimeofsuchdelivery.(6a)

    Section9.Serviceofjudgments,finalorders,orresolutions.Judgments,finalordersorresolutionsshallbeservedeitherpersonallyorbyregisteredmail.Whenapartysummonedbypublicationhasfailedtoappearintheaction,judgments,finalordersorresolutionsagainsthimshallbeserveduponhimalsobypublicationattheexpenseoftheprevailingparty.(7a)

    Section10.Completenessof service.Personal service is complete upon actual delivery. Service by ordinarymail iscompleteupontheexpirationoften(10)daysaftermailing,unlessthecourtotherwiseprovides.Servicebyregisteredmailiscomplete upon actual receipt by the addressee, or after five (5) days from the date he received the first notice of thepostmaster,whicheverdateisearlier.(8a)

    Section11.Prioritiesinmodesofserviceandfiling.Wheneverpracticable,theserviceandfilingofpleadingsandotherpapersshallbedonepersonally.Exceptwithrespecttopapersemanatingfromthecourt,aresorttoothermodesmustbeaccompaniedbyawrittenexplanationwhy theserviceor filingwasnotdonepersonally.Aviolationof thisRulemaybecausetoconsiderthepaperasnotfiled.(n)

    Section12.Proofoffiling.Thefilingofapleadingorpapershallbeprovedbyitsexistenceintherecordofthecase.Ifitisnot in the record, but is claimed to have been filed personally, the filing shall be proved by the written or stampedacknowledgmentofitsfilingbytheclerkofcourtonacopyofthesameiffiledbyregisteredmail,bytheregistryreceiptandbytheaffidavitofthepersonwhodidthemailing,containingafullstatementofthedateandplaceofdepositingthemailinthepostofficeinasealedenvelopeaddressedtothecourt,withpostagefullyprepaid,andwithinstructionstothepostmastertoreturnthemailtothesenderafterten(10)daysifnotdelivered.(n)

    Section13.ProofofService.Proofofpersonalserviceshallconsistofawrittenadmissionofthepartyserved,ortheofficialreturnoftheserver,ortheaffidavitofthepartyserving,containingafullstatementofthedate,placeandmannerofservice.Iftheserviceisbyordinarymail,proofthereofshallconsistofanaffidavitofthepersonmailingoffactsshowingcompliancewithsection7ofthisRule.Ifserviceismadebyregisteredmail,proofshallbemadebysuchaffidavitandtheregistryreceiptissuedbythemailingoffice.Theregistryreturncardshallbefiledimmediatelyuponitsreceiptbythesender,orinlieuthereoftheunclaimedlettertogetherwiththecertifiedorsworncopyofthenoticegivenbythepostmastertotheaddressee.(10a)

    Section14.Noticeoflispendens.Inanactionaffectingthetitleortherightofpossessionofrealproperty,theplaintiffandthedefendant,whenaffirmativereliefisclaimedinhisanswer,mayrecordintheofficeoftheregistryofdeedsoftheprovinceinwhichthepropertyissituatednoticeofthependencyoftheaction.Saidnoticeshallcontainthenamesofthepartiesandtheobjectoftheactionordefense,andadescriptionofthepropertyinthatprovinceaffectedthereby.Onlyfromthetimeoffiling such notice for record shall a purchaser, or encumbrancer of the property affected thereby, be deemed to haveconstructivenoticeofthependencyoftheaction,andonlyofitspendencyagainstthepartiesdesignatedbytheirrealnames.

    Thenoticeoflispendenshereinabovementionedmaybecancelledonlyuponorderofthecourt,afterpropershowingthatthenoticeisforthepurposeofmolestingtheadverseparty,orthatitisnotnecessarytoprotecttherightsoftherightsofthe

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    partywhocausedittoberecorded.(24a,R14)

    RULE14

    Summons

    Section1.Clerktoissuesummons.Uponthefilingofthecomplaintandthepaymentoftherequisitelegalfees,theclerkofcourtshallforthwithissuethecorrespondingsummonstothedefendants.(1a)

    Section2.Contents.Thesummonsshallbedirectedtothedefendant,signedbytheclerkofcourtundersealandcontain(a)thenameofthecourtandthenamesofthepartiestotheaction(b)adirectionthatthedefendantanswerwithinthetimefixedbytheseRules(c)anoticethatunlessthedefendantsoanswersplaintiffwill takejudgmentbydefaultandmaybegrantedthereliefappliedfor.

    Acopyofthecomplaintandorderforappointmentofguardianadlitemifany,shallbeattachedtotheoriginalandeachcopyofthesummons.(3a)

    Section3.Bywhomserved.Thesummonsmaybeservedbythesheriff,hisdeputy,orotherpropercourtofficer,orforjustifiablereasonsbyanysuitablepersonauthorizedbythecourtissuingthesummons.(5a)

    Section4.Return.Whentheservicehasbeencompleted,theservershall,withinfive(5)daystherefrom,serveacopyofthereturn,personallyorbyregisteredmail,totheplaintiff'scounsel,andshallreturnthesummonstotheclerk,whoissuedit,accompaniedbyproofofservice.(6a)

    Section5.Issuanceofaliassummons.Ifasummonsisreturnedwithoutbeingservedonanyorallofthedefendants,theservershallalsoserveacopyofthereturnontheplaintiff'scounsel,statingthereasonsforthefailureofservice,withinfive(5)daystherefrom.Insuchacase,orifthesummonshasbeenlost,theclerk,ondemandoftheplaintiff,mayissueanaliassummons.(4a)

    Section6.Service in personondefendant.Whenever practicable, the summons shall be served by handling a copythereoftothedefendantinperson,or,ifherefusestoreceiveandsignforit,bytenderingittohim.(7a)

    Section7.Substituted service. If, for justifiable causes, the defendant cannot be servedwithin a reasonable time asprovidedintheprecedingsection,servicemaybeeffected(a)byleavingcopiesofthesummonsatthedefendant'sresidencewithsomepersonofsuitableageanddiscretionthenresidingtherein,or(b)byleavingthecopiesatdefendant'sofficeorregularplaceofbusinesswithsomecompetentpersoninchargethereof.(8a)

    Section 8. Service upon entity without juridical personality. When persons associated in an entity without juridicalpersonalityaresuedunderthenamebywhichtheyaregenerallyorcommonlyknown,servicemaybeeffecteduponallthedefendantsbyservinguponanyoneofthem,oruponthepersoninchargeoftheofficeorplaceofbusinessmaintainedinsuchname.Butsuchserviceshallnotbindindividuallyanypersonwhoseconnectionwiththeentityhas,uponduenotice,beenseveredbeforetheactionwasbrought.(9a)

    Section9.Serviceuponprisoners.When thedefendant is a prisoner confined in a jail or institution, service shall beeffecteduponhimby theofficerhaving themanagementofsuch jailor institutionwho isdeemeddeputizedasaspecialsheriffforsaidpurpose.(12a)

    Section10.Serviceuponminorsandincompetents.Whenthedefendantisaminor,insaneorotherwiseanincompetent,serviceshallbemadeuponhimpersonallyandonhislegalguardianifhehasone,orifnonehisguardianadlitemwhoseappointmentshallbeappliedforbytheplaintiff.Inthecaseofaminor,servicemayalsobemadeonhisfatherormother.(l0a,11a)

    Section11.Serviceupondomesticprivatejuridicalentity.Whenthedefendantisacorporation,partnershiporassociationorganizedunderthelawsofthePhilippineswithajuridicalpersonality,servicemaybemadeonthepresident,managingpartner,generalmanager,corporatesecretary,treasurer,orinhousecounsel.(13a)

    Section12.Serviceuponforeignprivatejuridicalentities.WhenthedefendantisaforeignprivatejuridicalentitywhichhastransactedbusinessinthePhilippines,servicemaybemadeonitsresidentagentdesignatedinaccordancewithlawforthatpurpose,or,iftherebenosuchagent,onthegovernmentofficialdesignatedbylawtothateffect,oronanyofitsofficersoragentswithinthePhilippines.(14a)

    Section13.Serviceuponpubliccorporations.When thedefendant is theRepublicof thePhilippines, servicemaybeeffected on the Solicitor General in case of a province, city ormunicipality, or like public corporations, servicemay beeffectedonitsexecutivehead,oronsuchotherofficerorofficersasthelaworthecourtmaydirect.(15)

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    Section14.Serviceupondefendantwhoseidentityorwhereaboutsareunknown.Inanyactionwherethedefendantisdesignatedasanunknownowner,or the like,orwheneverhiswhereaboutsareunknownandcannotbeascertainedbydiligentinquiry,servicemay,byleaveofcourt,beeffecteduponhimbypublicationinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationandinsuchplacesandforsuchtimeasthecourtmayorder.(16a)

    Section15.Extraterritorialservice.WhenthedefendantdoesnotresideandisnotfoundinthePhilippines,andtheactionaffectsthepersonalstatusoftheplaintifforrelatesto,orthesubjectofwhichis,propertywithinthePhilippines,inwhichthedefendanthasorclaimsalienorinterest,actualorcontingent,orinwhichthereliefdemandedconsists,whollyorinpart,inexcludingthedefendantfromanyinteresttherein,orthepropertyofthedefendanthasbeenattachedwithinthePhilippines,servicemay,byleaveofcourt,beeffectedoutofthePhilippinesbypersonalserviceasundersection6orbypublicationinanewspaper of general circulation in such places and for such time as the courtmay order, inwhich case a copy of thesummonsandorderofthecourtshallbesentbyregisteredmailtothelastknownaddressofthedefendant,orinanyothermannerthecourtmaydeemsufficient.Anyordergrantingsuchleaveshallspecifyareasonabletime,whichshallnotbelessthansixty(60)daysafternotice,withinwhichthedefendantmustanswer.(17a)

    Section16.Residents temporarily out of the Philippines. When any action is commenced against a defendant whoordinarilyresideswithinthePhilippines,butwhoistemporarilyoutofit,servicemay,byleaveofcourt,bealsoeffectedoutofthePhilippines,asundertheprecedingsection.(18a)

    Section17.Leaveofcourt.AnyapplicationtothecourtunderthisRuleforleavetoeffectserviceinanymannerforwhichleaveofcourtisnecessaryshallbemadebymotioninwriting,supportedbyaffidavitoftheplaintifforsomepersononhisbehalf,settingforththegroundsfortheapplication.(19)

    Section18.Proofofservice.Theproofofserviceofasummonsshallbemadeinwritingbytheserverandshallsetforththemanner,place,anddateofserviceshallspecifyanypaperswhichhavebeenservedwiththeprocessandthenameofthepersonwhoreceivedthesameandshallbesworntowhenmadebyapersonotherthanasherifforhisdeputy.(20)

    Section19.Proofofservicebypublication.Iftheservicehasbeenmadebypublication,servicemaybeprovedbytheaffidavitoftheprinter,hisforemanorprincipalclerk,oroftheeditor,businessoradvertisingmanager,towhichaffidavitacopyofthepublicationshallbeattachedandbyanaffidavitshowingthedepositofacopyofthesummonsandorderforpublicationinthepostoffice,postageprepaid,directedtothedefendantbyregisteredmailtohislastknownaddress.(21)

    Section20.Voluntaryappearance.Thedefendant'svoluntaryappearanceintheactionshallbeequivalenttoserviceofsummons. The inclusion in a motion to dismiss of other grounds aside from lack of jurisdiction over the person of thedefendantshallnotbedeemedavoluntaryappearance.(23a)

    RULE15

    Motions

    Section1.Motiondefined.Amotionisanapplicationforreliefotherthanbyapleading.(1a)

    Section2.Motionsmustbeinwritings.Allmotionsshallbeinwritingexceptthosemadeinopencourtorinthecourseofahearingortrial.(2a)

    Section3.Contents.Amotionshallstatethereliefsoughttobeobtainedandthegroundsuponwhichitisbased,andifrequiredbytheseRulesornecessarytoprovefactsallegedtherein,shallbeaccompaniedbysupportingaffidavitsandotherpapers.(3a)

    Section4.Hearingofmotion.Exceptformotionswhichthecourtmayactuponwithoutprejudicingtherightsoftheadverseparty,everywrittenmotionshallbesetforhearingbytheapplicant.

    Everywrittenmotionrequiredtobeheardandthenoticeofthehearingthereofshallbeservedinsuchamannerastoensureits receiptby theotherpartyat least three (3)daysbefore thedateofhearing,unless thecourt forgoodcausesets thehearingonshorternotice.(4a)

    Section5.Noticeofhearing.Thenoticeofhearingshallbeaddressedtoallpartiesconcerned,andshallspecifythetimeanddateofthehearingwhichmustnotbelaterthanten(10)daysafterthefilingofthemotion.(5a)

    Section6.Proofofservicenecessary.Nowrittenmotionsetforhearingshallbeacteduponbythecourtwithoutproofofservicethereof.(6a)

    Section7.Motionday.Exceptformotionsrequiringimmediateaction,allmotionsshallbescheduledforhearingonFridayafternoons,orifFridayisanonworkingday,intheafternoonofthenextworkingday.(7a)

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    Section8.Omnibusmotion. Subject to the provisions of section 1 of Rule 9, a motion attacking a pleading, order,judgment, or proceeding shall includeall objections thenavailable, andall objections not so included shall be deemedwaived.(8a)

    Section9.Motionforleave.Amotionforleavetofileapleadingormotionshallbeaccompaniedbythepleadingormotionsoughttobeadmitted.(n)

    Section 10. Form. The Rules applicable to pleadings shall apply to written motions so far as concerns caption,designation,signature,andothermattersofform.(9a)

    RULE16

    MotiontoDismiss

    Section1.Grounds.Withinthetimeforbutbeforefilingtheanswertothecomplaintorpleadingassertingaclaim,amotiontodismissmaybemadeonanyofthefollowinggrounds:

    (a)Thatthecourthasnojurisdictionoverthepersonofthedefendingparty

    (b)Thatthecourthasnojurisdictionoverthesubjectmatteroftheclaim

    (c)Thatvenueisimproperlylaid

    (d)Thattheplaintiffhasnolegalcapacitytosue

    (e)Thatthereisanotheractionpendingbetweenthesamepartiesforthesamecause

    (f)Thatthecauseofactionisbarredbyapriorjudgmentorbythestatuteoflimitations

    (g)Thatthepleadingassertingtheclaimstatesnocauseofaction

    (h)That theclaimordemandset forth in theplaintiff'spleadinghasbeenpaid,waived,abandoned,orotherwiseextinguished

    (i)Thattheclaimonwhichtheactionisfoundedisenforceableundertheprovisionsofthestatuteoffraudsand

    (j)Thataconditionprecedentforfilingtheclaimhasnotbeencompliedwith.(1a)

    Section2.Hearingofmotion.Atthehearingofthemotion,thepartiesshallsubmittheirargumentsonthequestionsoflawandtheirevidenceonthequestionsoffactinvolvedexceptthosenotavailableatthattime.Shouldthecasegototrial,theevidencepresentedduringthehearingshallautomaticallybepartoftheevidenceofthepartypresentingthesame.(n)

    Section3.ResolutionofMotion.Afterthehearing,thecourtmaydismisstheactionorclaim,denythemotion,orordertheamendmentofthepleading.

    Thecourtshallnotdefertheresolutionofthemotionforthereasonthatthegroundrelieduponisnotindubitable.

    Ineverycase,theresolutionshallstateclearlyanddistinctlythereasonstherefor.(3a)

    Section4.Time to plead. If the motion is denied, the movant shall file his answer within the balance of the periodprescribedbyRule11towhichhewasentitledatthetimeofservinghismotion,butnotlessthanfive(5)daysinanyevent,computedfromhisreceiptofthenoticeofthedenial.Ifthepleadingisorderedtobeamended,heshallfilehisanswerwithintheperiodprescribedbyRule11countedfromserviceoftheamendedpleading,unlessthecourtprovidesalongerperiod.(4a)

    Section5.Effectofdismissal.Subjecttotherightofappeal,anordergrantingamotiontodismissbasedonparagraphs(f),(h)and(i)ofsection1hereofshallbartherefilingofthesameactionorclaim.(n)

    Section6.Pleading grounds as affirmative defenses. If nomotion to dismiss has been filed, any of the grounds fordismissalprovidedforinthisRulemaybepleadedasanaffirmativedefenseintheanswerand,inthediscretionofthecourt,apreliminaryhearingmaybehadthereonasifamotiontodismisshadbeenfiled.(5a)

    Thedismissalofthecomplaintunderthissectionshallbewithoutprejudicetotheprosecutioninthesameorseparateactionofacounterclaimpleadedintheanswer.(n)

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    RULE17

    DismissalofActions

    Section1.Dismissaluponnoticebyplaintiff.Acomplaintmaybedismissedbytheplaintiffbyfilinganoticeofdismissalatanytimebeforeserviceof theanswerorofamotionforsummary judgment.Uponsuchnoticebeingfiled, thecourtshallissueanorderconfirmingthedismissal.Unlessotherwisestatedinthenotice,thedismissaliswithoutprejudice,exceptthatanoticeoperatesasanadjudicationuponthemeritswhenfiledbyaplaintiffwhohasoncedismissedinacompetentcourtanactionbasedonorincludingthesameclaim.(1a)

    Section2.Dismissal uponmotion of plaintiff. Except as provided in the preceding section, a complaint shall not bedismissedattheplaintiff'sinstancesaveuponapprovalofthecourtanduponsuchtermsandconditionsasthecourtdeemsproper.Ifacounterclaimhasbeenpleadedbyadefendantpriortotheserviceuponhimoftheplaintiffsmotionfordismissal,the dismissal shall be limited to the complaint. The dismissal shall bewithout prejudice to the right of the defendant toprosecutehiscounterclaim inaseparateactionunlesswithin fifteen(15)days fromnoticeof themotionhemanifestshispreferencetohavehiscounterclaimresolvedinthesameaction.Unlessotherwisespecifiedintheorder,adismissalunderthisparagraphshallbewithoutprejudice.Aclasssuitshallnotbedismissedorcompromisedwithout theapprovalof thecourt.(2a)

    Section3.Dismissal due to fault of plaintiff. If, for no justifiable cause, the plaintiff fails to appear on the date of thepresentationofhisevidenceinchiefonthecomplaint,ortoprosecutehisactionforanunreasonablelengthoftime,ortocomplywiththeseRulesoranyorderofthecourt,thecomplaintmaybedismisseduponmotionofthedefendantoruponthecourt'sownmotion,withoutprejudicetotherightofthedefendanttoprosecutehiscounterclaiminthesameorinaseparateaction.Thisdismissalshallhavetheeffectofanadjudicationuponthemerits,unlessotherwisedeclaredbythecourt.(3a)

    Section4.Dismissalofcounterclaim,crossclaim,orthirdpartycomplaint.TheprovisionsofthisRuleshallapplytothedismissalofanycounterclaim,crossclaim,or thirdpartycomplaint.Avoluntarydismissalby theclaimantbynoticeas insection1ofthisRule,shallbemadebeforearesponsivepleadingoramotionforsummaryjudgmentisservedor,ifthereisnone,beforetheintroductionofevidenceatthetrialorhearing.(4a)

    RULE18

    PreTrial

    Section1.Whenconducted.Afterthelastpleadinghasbeenservedandfiled,ifshallbethedutyoftheplaintifftopromptlymoveexpartethatthecasebesetforpretrial(5a,R20)

    Section2.Natureandpurpose.Thepretrialismandatory.Thecourtshallconsider:

    (a)Thepossibilityofanamicablesettlementorofasubmissiontoalternativemodesofdisputeresolution

    (b)Thesimplificationoftheissues

    (c)Thenecessityordesirabilityofamendmentstothepleadings

    (d)Thepossibilityofobtainingstipulationsoradmissionsoffactsandofdocumentstoavoidunnecessaryproof

    (e)Thelimitationofthenumberofwitnesses

    (f)Theadvisabilityofapreliminaryreferenceofissuestoacommissioner

    (g)Theproprietyofrenderingjudgmentonthepleadings,orsummaryjudgment,orofdismissingtheactionshouldavalidgroundthereforbefoundtoexist

    (h)Theadvisabilityornecessityofsuspendingtheproceedingsand

    (i)Suchothermattersasmayaidinthepromptdispositionoftheaction.(1a,R20)

    Section3.Noticeofpretrial.Thenoticeofpretrialshallbeservedoncounsel,oronthepartywhohasnocounsel.Thecounselservedwithsuchnoticeischargedwiththedutyofnotifyingthepartyrepresentedbyhim.(n)

    Section4.Appearanceofparties.Itshallbethedutyofthepartiesandtheircounseltoappearatthepretrial.Thenon

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    appearanceofapartymaybeexcusedonlyifavalidcauseisshowntherefororifarepresentativeshallappearinhisbehalffullyauthorizedinwritingtoenterintoanamicablesettlement,tosubmittoalternativemodesofdisputeresolution,andtoenterintostipulationsoradmissionsoffactsandofdocuments.(n)

    Section5.Effectoffailuretoappear.Thefailureoftheplaintifftoappearwhensorequiredpursuanttothenextprecedingsectionshallbecausefordismissaloftheaction.Thedismissalshallbewithprejudice,unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt.Asimilarfailureonthepartofthedefendantshallbecausetoallowtheplaintifftopresenthisevidenceexparteandthecourttorenderjudgmentonthebasisthereof.(2a,R20)

    Section6.Pretrialbrief.Thepartiesshall filewith thecourtandserveon theadverseparty, insuchmannerasshallensuretheirreceiptthereofatleastthree(3)daysbeforethedateofthepretrial,theirrespectivepretrialbriefswhichshallcontain,amongothers:

    (a) A statement of their willingness to enter into amicable settlement or alternative modes of dispute resolution,indicatingthedesiredtermsthereof

    (b)Asummaryofadmittedfactsandproposedstipulationoffacts

    (c)Theissuestobetriedorresolved

    (d)Thedocumentsorexhibitstobepresentedstatingthepurposethereof

    (e)Amanifestationoftheirhavingavailedortheirintentiontoavailthemselvesofdiscoveryproceduresorreferraltocommissionersand

    (f)Thenumberandnamesofthewitnesses,andthesubstanceoftheirrespectivetestimonies.

    Failuretofilethepretrialbriefshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretoappearatthepretrial.(n)

    Section7.Recordofpretrial.Theproceedingsinthepretrialshallberecorded.Upontheterminationthereof,thecourtshall issue an order which shall recite in detail the matters taken up in the conference, the action taken thereon, theamendmentsallowed to thepleadings, and theagreementsor admissionsmadeby theparties as to anyof themattersconsidered.Shouldtheactionproceedtotrial,theordershall,explicitlydefineandlimittheissuestobetried.Thecontentsoftheordershallcontrol thesubsequentcourseof theaction,unlessmodifiedbefore trial topreventmanifest injustice. (5a,R20)

    RULE19

    Intervention

    Section1.Whomayintervene.Apersonwhohasalegalinterestinthematterinlitigation,orinthesuccessofeitheroftheparties, or an interest against both, or is so situated as to be adversely affected by a distribution or other disposition ofpropertyinthecustodyofthecourtorofanofficerthereofmay,withleaveofcourt,beallowedtointerveneintheaction.Thecourtshallconsiderwhetherornottheinterventionwillundulydelayorprejudicetheadjudicationoftherightsoftheoriginalparties,andwhetherornottheintervenor'srightsmaybefullyprotectedinaseparateproceeding.(2[a],[b]a,R12)

    Section2.Timetointervene.Themotionto intervenemaybefiledatanytimebeforerenditionof judgmentbythetrialcourt.Acopyofthepleadingininterventionshallbeattachedtothemotionandservedontheoriginalparties.(n)

    Section3.Pleadingsinintervention.The intervenor shall file a complaintinintervention if he asserts a claim againsteither or all of the original parties, or an answerinintervention if he uniteswith the defending party in resisting a claimagainstthelatter.(2[c]a,R12)

    Section4.Answertocomplaintinintervention.Theanswertothecomplaintininterventionshallbefiledwithinfifteen(15)daysfromnoticeoftheorderadmittingthesame,unlessadifferentperiodisfixedbythecourt.(2[d]a,R12)

    RULE20

    CalendarofCases

    Section1.Calendarofcases.Theclerkofcourt,underthedirectsupervisionofthejudge,shallkeepacalendarofcasesforpretrial,fortrial,thosewhosetrialswereadjournedorpostponed,andthosewithmotionstosetforhearing.Preference

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    shallbegiventohabeascorpuscases,electioncases,specialcivilactions,andthosesorequiredbylaw.(1a,R22)

    Section2.Assignmentofcases.Theassignmentofcasestothedifferentbranchesofacourtshallbedoneexclusivelybyraffle.Theassignmentshallbedone inopensessionofwhichadequatenoticeshallbegivensoas toafford interestedpartiestheopportunitytobepresent.(7a,R22)

    RULE21

    Subpoena

    Section1.Subpoenaandsubpoenaducestecum.Subpoenaisaprocessdirectedtoapersonrequiringhimtoattendandtotestifyatthehearingorthetrialofanaction,oratanyinvestigationconductedbycompetentauthority,orforthetakingofhisdeposition.Itmayalsorequirehimtobringwithhimanybooks,documents,orotherthingsunderhiscontrol,inwhichcaseitiscalledasubpoenaducestecum.(1a,R23)

    Section2.Bywhomissued.Thesubpoenamaybeissuedby

    (a)thecourtbeforewhomthewitnessisrequiredtoattend

    (b)thecourtoftheplacewherethedepositionistobetaken

    (c)theofficerorbodyauthorizedbylawtodosoinconnectionwithinvestigationsconductedbysaidofficerorbodyor

    (d) any Justice of theSupremeCourt or of theCourt of Appeals in any case or investigation pendingwithin thePhilippines.

    When application for a subpoena to a prisoner is made, the judge or officer shall examine and study carefully suchapplicationtodeterminewhetherthesameismadeforavalidpurpose.

    Noprisonersentencedtodeath,reclusionperpetuaorlifeimprisonmentandwhoisconfinedinanypenalinstitutionshallbebroughtoutsidethesaidpenalinstitutionforappearanceorattendanceinanycourtunlessauthorizedbytheSupremeCourt(2a,R23)

    Section3.Formandcontents.Asubpoenashallstatethenameofthecourtandthetitleoftheactionorinvestigation,shallbedirectedtothepersonwhoseattendanceisrequired,andinthecaseofasubpoenaducestecum,itshallalsocontainareasonabledescriptionofthebooks,documentsorthingsdemandedwhichmustappeartothecourtprimafacie relevant.(3a,R23)

    Section4.Quashingasubpoena.Thecourtmayquashasubpoenaducestecumuponmotionpromptlymadeand,inanyevent,atorbeforethetimespecifiedthereinifitisunreasonableandoppressive,ortherelevancyofthebooks,documentsorthingsdoesnotappear,orifthepersoninwhosebehalfthesubpoenaisissuedfailstoadvancethereasonablecostoftheproductionthereof.

    Thecourtmayquashasubpoenaadtestificandumonthegroundthatthewitnessisnotboundthereby.Ineithercase,thesubpoenamaybequashedonthegroundthatthewitnessfeesandkilometrageallowedbytheseRuleswerenottenderedwhenthesubpoenawasserved.(4a,R23)

    Section5.Subpoenafordepositions.Proofofserviceofanoticetotakeadeposition,asprovidedinsections15and25ofRule23,shallconstitutesufficientauthorizationfortheissuanceofsubpoenasforthepersonsnamedinsaidnoticebytheclerkofthecourtoftheplaceinwhichthedepositionistobetaken.Theclerkshallnot,however,issueasubpoenaducestecumtoanysuchpersonwithoutanorderofthecourt.(5a,R23)

    Section6.Service.Service of a subpoena shall bemade in the samemanner as personal or substituted service ofsummons.Theoriginalshallbeexhibitedandacopythereofdeliveredtothepersononwhomitisserved,tenderingtohimthefeesforoneday'sattendanceandthekilometrageallowedbytheseRules,exceptthat,whenasubpoenaisissuedbyoronbehalfoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesoranofficeroragencythereof,thetenderneednotbemade.Theservicemustbemadesoastoallowthewitnessareasonabletimeforpreparationandtraveltotheplaceofattendance.Ifthesubpoenaisducestecum,thereasonablecostofproducingthebooks,documentsorthingsdemandedshallalsobetendered.(6a,R23)

    Section7.Personalappearanceincourt.Apersonpresentincourtbeforeajudicialofficermayberequiredtotestifyasifhewereinattendanceuponasubpoenaissuedbysuchcourtorofficer.(10,R23)

    Section8.Compellingattendance.Incaseoffailureofawitnesstoattend,thecourtorjudgeissuingthesubpoena,uponproofoftheservicethereofandofthefailureofthewitness,mayissueawarranttothesheriffoftheprovince,orhisdeputy,toarrestthewitnessandbringhimbeforethecourtorofficerwherehisattendanceisrequired,andthecostofsuchwarrantand

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    seizure of suchwitness shall be paid by thewitness if the court issuing it shall determine that his failure to answer thesubpoenawaswillfulandwithoutjustexcuse.(11,R23)

    Section9.Contempt.Failure by any personwithout adequate cause to obey a subpoena served upon him shall bedeemed a contempt of the court from which the subpoena is issued. If the subpoena was not issued by a court, thedisobediencetheretoshallbepunishedinaccordancewiththeapplicablelaworRule.(12aR23)

    Section10.Exceptions.Theprovisionsofsections8and9ofthisRuleshallnotapplytoawitnesswhoresidesmorethanonehundred(100)kilometersfromhisresidencetotheplacewhereheistotestifybytheordinarycourseoftravel,ortoadetentionprisonerifnopermissionofthecourtinwhichhiscaseispendingwasobtained.(9a,R23)

    RULE22

    ComputationofTime

    Section1.Howtocomputetime.IncomputinganyperiodoftimeprescribedorallowedbytheseRules,orbyorderofthecourt,orbyanyapplicablestatute,thedayoftheactoreventfromwhichthedesignatedperiodoftimebeginstorunistobeexcludedandthedateofperformanceincluded.Ifthelastdayoftheperiod,asthuscomputed,fallsonaSaturdayaSunday,oralegalholidayintheplacewherethecourtsits,thetimeshallnotrununtilthenextworkingday.(a)

    Section2.Effectofinterruption.Shouldanactbedonewhicheffectivelyinterruptstherunningoftheperiod,theallowableperiodaftersuchinterruptionshallstarttorunonthedayafternoticeofthecessationofthecausethereof.

    Thedayoftheactthatcausedtheinterruptionshallbeexcludedinthecomputationoftheperiod.(n)

    RULE23

    DepositionsPendingAction

    Section1.Depositionspendingaction,whenmaybetaken.Byleaveofcourtafterjurisdictionhasbeenobtainedoveranydefendantoroverpropertywhichisthesubjectof theaction,orwithoutsuchleaveafterananswerhasbeenserved,thetestimony of any person, whether a party or not, may be taken, at the instance of any party, by deposition upon oralexaminationorwritteninterrogatories.TheattendanceofwitnessesmaybecompelledbytheuseofasubpoenaasprovidedinRule21.DepositionsshallbetakenonlyinaccordancewiththeseRules.Thedepositionofapersonconfinedinprisonmaybetakenonlybyleaveofcourtonsuchtermsasthecourtprescribes.(1a,R24)

    Section2.Scopeofexamination.Unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourtasprovidedbysection16or18ofthisRule,thedeponentmaybe examined regarding anymatter, not privileged,which is relevant to the subject of the pending action,whetherrelatingtotheclaimordefenseofanyotherparty,includingtheexistence,description,nature,custody,condition,andlocationofanybooks,documents,orothertangiblethingsandtheidentityandlocationofpersonshavingknowledgeofrelevantfacts.(2,R24)

    Section 3. Examination and crossexamination. Examination and crossexamination of deponents may proceed aspermittedatthetrialundersections3to18ofRule132.(3a,R24)

    Section4.Useofdepositions.Atthetrialoruponthehearingofamotionoraninterlocutoryproceeding,anypartorallofadeposition,sofarasadmissibleundertherulesofevidence,maybeusedagainstanypartywhowaspresentorrepresentedatthetakingofthedepositionorwhohadduenoticethereof,inaccordancewithanyoneofthefollowingprovisions

    (a)Anydepositionmaybeusedbyanypartyforthepurposeofcontradictingorimpeachingthetestimonyofdeponentasawitness

    (b) The deposition of a party or of any one who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, ormanagingagentofapublicorprivatecorporation,partnership,orassociationwhichisapartymaybeusedbyanadversepartyforanypurpose

    (c)Thedepositionofawitness,whetherornotaparty,maybeusedbyanypartyforanypurposeifthecourtfinds:(1)thatthewitnessisdead,or(2)thatthewitnessresidesatadistancemorethanonehundred(100)kilometersfromtheplaceof trialorhearing,or isoutof thePhilippines,unless itappears thathisabsencewasprocuredbythepartyoffering thedeposition, or (3) that thewitness is unable to attendor testify becauseof age, sickness, infirmity, orimprisonment,or(4)thatthepartyofferingthedepositionhasbeenunabletoprocuretheattendanceofthewitnessby

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    subpoenaor(5)uponapplicationandnotice,thatsuchexceptionalcircumstancesexistastomakeitdesirable,intheinterestofjusticeandwithdueregardtotheimportanceofpresentingthetestimonyofwitnessesorallyinopencourt,toallowthedepositiontobeusedand

    (d)Ifonlypartofadepositionisofferedinevidencebyaparty,theadversepartymayrequirehimtointroduceallofitwhichisrelevanttothepartintroduced,andanypartymayintroduceanyotherparts.(4a,R24)

    Section5.Effectofsubstitutionofparties.Substitutionofpartiesdoesnotaffect theright tousedepositionspreviouslytakenand,whenanactionhasbeendismissedandanotheractioninvolvingthesamesubjectisafterwardbroughtbetweenthesamepartiesortheirrepresentativesorsuccessorsininterest,alldepositionslawfullytakenanddulyfiledintheformeractionmaybeusedinthelatterasiforiginallytakentherefor.(5,R24)

    Section6.Objectionstoadmissibility.Subjecttotheprovisionsofsection29ofthisRule,objectionmaybemadeatthetrialorhearing,toreceivinginevidenceanydepositionorpartthereofforanyreasonwhichwouldrequiretheexclusionoftheevidenceifthewitnesswerethenpresentandtestifying(6,R24)

    Section7.Effectoftakingdepositions.Apartyshallnotbedeemedtomakeapersonhisownwitnessforanypurposebytakinghisdeposition.(7,R24)

    Section8.Effectofusingdepositions.Theintroductioninevidenceofthedepositionoranypartthereofforanypurposeother than thatofcontradictingor impeaching thedeponentmakes thedeponent thewitnessof theparty introducing thedeposition,butthisshallnotapplytotheusebyanadversepartyofadepositionasdescribedinparagraph(b)ofsection4ofthisRule.(8,R24)

    Section 9. Rebutting deposition. At the trial or hearing any party may rebut any relevant evidence contained in adepositionwhetherintroducedbyhimorbyanyotherparty.(9,R24)

    Section10.PersonsbeforewhomdepositionsmaybetakenwithinthePhilippines.WithinthePhilippinesdepositionsmaybetakenbeforeanyjudge,notarypublic,orthepersonreferredtoinsection14hereof.(10a,R24)

    Section11.Personsbeforewhomdepositionsmaybetakeninforeigncountries.Inaforeignstateorcountry,depositionsmaybetaken(a)onnoticebeforeasecretaryofembassyorlegation,consulgeneral,consul,viceconsul,orconsularagentof theRepublicof thePhilippines, (b)beforesuchpersonorofficerasmaybeappointedbycommissionorunder lettersrogatoryor(c)thepersonreferredtoinsection14hereof.(11a,R24)

    Section12.Commissionor letters rogatory.A commissionor letters rogatory shall be issuedonlywhennecessaryorconvenient,onapplicationandnotice,andonsuchterms,andwithsuchdirectionasarejustandappropriate.Officersmaybedesignated innoticesorcommissionseitherbynameordescriptive titleand lettersrogatorymaybeaddressedto theappropriatejudicialauthorityintheforeigncountry.(12a,R24)

    Section13.Disqualificationby interest.Nodepositionshallbetakenbeforeapersonwho isarelativewithin thesixthdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity,oremployeeorcounselofanyoftheparties,orwhoisarelativewithinthesamedegree,oremployeeofsuchcounselorwhoisfinanciallyinterestedintheaction.(13a,R24)

    Section14.Stipulationsregardingtakingofdepositions.If thepartiessostipulate inwriting,depositionsmaybe takenbeforeanypersonauthorizedtoadministeroaths,atanytimeorplace,inaccordancewiththeseRulesandwhensotakenmaybeusedlikeotherdepositions.(14a,R24)

    Section15.Depositionuponoralexaminationnoticetimeandplace.Apartydesiringtotakethedepositionofanypersonuponoralexaminationshallgivereasonablenoticeinwriting,toeveryotherpartytotheaction.Thenoticeshallstatethetimeandplacefortakingthedepositionandthenameandaddressofeachpersontobeexamined,ifknown,andifthenameisnotknown,ageneraldescriptionsufficienttoidentifyhimortheparticularclassorgrouptowhichhebelongs.Onmotionofanypartyuponwhomthenoticeisserved,thecourtmayforcauseshownenlargeorshortenthetime.(15,R24)

    Section16.Orders for the protection of parties and deponents. After notice is served for taking a deposition by oralexamination,uponmotionseasonablymadebyanypartyorbythepersontobeexaminedandforgoodcauseshown,thecourtinwhichtheactionispendingmaymakeanorderthatthedepositionshallnotbetaken,orthatitmaybetakenonlyatsomedesignatedplaceother than thatstated in thenotice,or that itmaybe takenonlyonwritten interrogatories,or thatcertainmattersshallnotbeinquiredinto,orthatthescopeoftheexaminationshallbeheldwithnoonepresentexceptthepartiestotheactionandtheirofficersorcounsel,orthatafterbeingsealedthedepositionshallbeopenedonlybyorderofthecourt,orthatsecretprocesses,developments,orresearchneednotbedisclosed,orthatthepartiesshallsimultaneouslyfilespecifieddocumentsorinformationenclosedinsealedenvelopestobeopenedasdirectedbythecourtorthecourtmaymakeanyotherorderwhichjusticerequirestoprotectthepartyorwitnessfromannoyance,embarrassment,oroppression.(16a,R24)

    Section17.Recordofexamination,oathobjections.Theofficerbeforewhomthedepositionistobetakenshallputthewitnessonoathandshallpersonally,orbysomeoneactingunderhisdirectionandinhispresence,recordthetestimonyof

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    thewitness.Thetestimonyshallbetakenstenographicallyunlessthepartiesagreeotherwise.Allobjectionsmadeatthetimeoftheexaminationtothequalificationsoftheofficertakingthedeposition,ortothemanneroftalkingit,ortotheevidencepresented,ortotheconductofanyparty,andanyotherobjectiontotheproceedings,shallbenotedbytheofficeruponthedeposition.Evidenceobjected to shall be takensubject to theobjections. In lieuof participating in theoral examination,partiesservedwithnoticeoftakingadepositionmaytransmitwritteninterrogatoriestotheofficers,whoshallpropoundthemtothewitnessandrecordtheanswersverbatim.(17,R24)

    Section18.Motiontoterminateorlimitexamination.Atanytimeduringthetakingofthedeposition,onmotionorpetitionofanypartyorofthedeponent,anduponashowingthattheexaminationisbeingconductedinbadfaithorinsuchmannerasunreasonablytoannoy,embarrass,oroppressthedeponentorparty,thecourtinwhichtheactionispendingortheRegionalTrial Court of the placewhere the deposition is being takenmay order the officer conducting the examination to ceaseforthwithfromtakingthedeposition,ormaylimitthescopeandmannerofthetakingofthedeposition,asprovidedinsection16ofthisRule.Iftheordermadeterminatestheexamination,itshallberesumedthereafteronlyupontheorderofthecourtinwhich the action is pending. Upon demand of the objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall besuspendedforthetimenecessarytomakeanoticeforanorder.Ingrantingorrefusingsuchorder,thecourtmayimposeuponeitherpartyoruponthewitnesstherequirementtopaysuchcostsorexpensesasthecourtmaydeemreasonable.(18a,R24)

    Section19.Submission towitnesschangessigning.When the testimony is fully transcribed, thedeposition shall besubmittedtothewitnessforexaminationandshallbereadtoorbyhim,unlesssuchexaminationandreadingarewaivedbythewitnessandbytheparties.Anychangesinformorsubstancewhichthewitnessdesirestomakeshallbeentereduponthedepositionbytheofficerwithastatementofthereasonsgivenbythewitnessformakingthem.Thedepositionshallthenbesignedbythewitness,unlessthepartiesbystipulationwaivethesigningorthewitnessisillorcannotbefoundorrefusestosign.Ifthedepositionisnotsignedbythewitness,theofficershallsignitandstateontherecordthefactofthewaiveroroftheillnessorabsenceofthewitnessorthefactoftherefusaltosigntogetherwiththereasonbegiventherefor,ifany,andthedepositionmaythenbeusedasfullyasthoughsigned,unlessonamotiontosuppressundersection29(f)ofthisRule,thecourtholdsthatthereasonsgivenfortherefusaltosignrequirerejectionofthedepositioninwholeorinpart.(19a,R24)

    Section20.Certification,andfilingbyofficer.Theofficershallcertifyonthedepositionthatthewitnesswasdulysworntoby him and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness. He shall then securely seal thedepositioninanenvelopeindorsedwiththetitleoftheactionandmarked"Depositionof(hereinsertthenameofwitness)"andshallpromptlyfileitwiththecourtinwhichtheactionispendingorsenditbyregisteredmailtotheclerkthereofforfiling.(20,R24)

    Section21.Noticeoffiling.Theofficertakingthedepositionshallgivepromptnoticeofitsfilingtoalltheparties.(21,R24)

    Section22.Furnishing copies. Upon payment of reasonable charges therefor, the officer shall furnish a copy of thedepositiontoanypartyortothedeponent.(22,R24)

    Section23.Failuretoattendofpartygivingnotice.Ifthepartygivingthenoticeofthetakingofadepositionfailstoattendandproceed therewithandanotherattends inpersonorbycounselpursuant to thenotice, thecourtmayorder thepartygiving thenotice topaysuchotherparty theamountof the reasonableexpenses incurredbyhimandhiscounsel insoattending,includingreasonableattorney'sfees.(23a,R24)

    Section24.Failureofpartygivingnoticetoservesubpoena.Ifthepartygivingthenoticeofthetakingofadepositionofawitnessfailstoserveasubpoenauponhimandthewitnessbecauseofsuchfailuredoesnotattend,andifanotherpartyattendsinpersonorbycounselbecauseheexpectsthedepositionofthatwitnesstobetaken,thecourtmayorderthepartygivingthenoticetopaytosuchotherpartytheamountofthereasonableexpensesincurredbyhimandhiscounselinsoattending,includingreasonableattorney'sfees.(24a,R24)

    Section25.Depositionuponwritteninterrogatoriesserviceofnoticeandofinterrogatories.Apartydesiringtotakethedepositionofanypersonuponwritteninterrogatoriesshallservethemuponeveryotherpartywithanoticestatingthenameandaddressofthepersonwhoistoanswerthemandthenameordescriptivetitleandaddressoftheofficerbeforewhomthedepositionistobetaken.Withinten(10)daysthereafter,apartysoservedmayservecrossinterrogatoriesuponthepartyproposingtotakethedeposition.Withinfive(5)daysthereafter,thelattermayserveredirectinterrogatoriesuponapartywhohasservedcrossinterrogatories.Within three(3)daysafterbeingservedwith redirect interrogatories,apartymayserverecrossinterrogatoriesuponthepartyproposingtotakethedeposition.(25,R24)

    Section26.Officerstotakeresponsesandpreparerecord.Acopyofthenoticeandcopiesofallinterrogatoriesservedshallbedeliveredbythepartytakingthedepositiontotheofficerdesignatedinthenotice,whoshallproceedpromptly,inthemannerprovidedbysections17,19and20ofthisRule,totakethetestimonyofthewitnessinresponsetotheinterrogatoriesandtoprepare,certify,andfileormailthedeposition,attachingtheretothecopyofthenoticeandtheinterrogatoriesreceivedbyhim.(26,R24)

    Section27.Noticeoffilingandfurnishingcopies.Whenadepositionuponinterrogatoriesisfiled,theofficertakingitshallpromptlygivenoticethereoftoalltheparties,andmayfurnishcopiestothemortothedeponentuponpaymentofreasonable

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    chargestherefor.(27,R24)

    Section28.Orderfortheprotectionofpartiesanddeponents.Aftertheserviceoftheinterrogatoriesandpriortothetakingofthetestimonyofthedeponent,thecourtinwhichtheactionispending,onmotionpromptlymadebyapartyoradeponent,andforgoodcauseshown,maymakeanyorderspecifiedinsections15,16and18ofthisRulewhichisappropriateandjustoranorderthatthedepositionshallnotbetakenbeforetheofficerdesignatedinthenoticeorthatitshallnotbetakenexceptuponoralexamination.(28a,R24)

    Section29.Effectoferrorsandirregularitiesindepositions.

    (a)Astonotice.Allerrorsandirregularitiesinthenoticefortakingadepositionarewaivedunlesswrittenobjectionispromptlyserveduponthepartygivingthenotice.

    (b)Astodisqualificationofofficer.Objectiontotakingadepositionbecauseofdisqualificationoftheofficerbeforewhomitistobetakeniswaivedunlessmadebeforethetakingofthedepositionbeginsorassoonthereafterasthedisqualificationbecomesknownorcouldbediscoveredwithreasonablediligence.

    (c)As to competency or relevancy of evidence. Objections to the competency of witness or the competency,relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not waived by failure to make them before or during the taking of thedeposition,unlesstheground,oftheobjectionisonewhichmighthavebeenobviatedorremovedifpresentedatthattime.

    (d)Astooralexaminationandotherparticulars.Errorsandirregularitiesoccurringattheoralexaminationinthemanneroftakingthedepositionintheformofthequestionsoranswers,intheoathoraffirmation,orintheconductofthepartiesanderrorsofanykindwhichmightbeobviated, removed,orcured ifpromptlyprosecuted,arewaivedunlessreasonableobjectiontheretoismadeatthetakingofthedeposition.

    (e)Astoformofwritteninterrogatories.Objectionstotheformofwritteninterrogatoriessubmittedundersections25and26ofthisRulearewaivedunlessservedinwritinguponthepartypropoundingthemwithinthetimeallowedforservingsucceedingcrossorother interrogatoriesandwithin three (3)daysafterserviceof the last interrogatoriesauthorized.

    (f)Astomannerofpreparation.Errorsandirregularitiesinthemannerinwhichthetestimonyistranscribedorthedeposition is prepared, signed, certified, sealed, indorsed, transmitted, filed, or otherwise dealtwith by the officerundersections17,19,20and26ofthisRulearewaivedunlessamotiontosuppressthedepositionorsomepartthereofismadewithreasonablepromptnessaftersuchdefectis,orwithduediligencemighthavebeen,ascertained.(29a,R24)

    RULE24

    DepositionsBeforeActionorPendingAppeal

    Section1.Depositionsbeforeactionpetition.ApersonwhodesirestoperpetuatehisowntestimonyorthatofanotherpersonregardinganymatterthatmaybecognizableinanycourtofthePhilippinesmayfileaverifiedpetitioninthecourtoftheplaceoftheresidenceofanyexpectedadverseparty.(1aR134)

    Section2.Contentsofpetition.Thepetitionshallbeentitled in thenameof thepetitionerandshallshow: (a) that thepetitionerexpectstobeapartytoanactioninacourtofthePhilippinesbutispresentlyunabletobringitorcauseittobebrought(b)thesubjectmatteroftheexpectedactionandhisinteresttherein(c)thefactswhichhedesirestoestablishbytheproposedtestimonyandhisreasonsfordesiringtoperpetuateit(d)thenamesoradescriptionofthepersonsheexpectswillbeadversepartiesandtheiraddressessofarasknownand(e)thenamesandaddressesofthepersonstobeexaminedandthesubstanceofthetestimonywhichheexpectstoelicitfromeach,andshallaskforanorderauthorizingthepetitionertotakethedepositionsofthepersonstobeexaminednamedinthepetitionforthepurposeofperpetuatingtheirtestimony.(2,R134)

    Section3.Noticeandservice.Thepetitionershallserveanoticeuponeachpersonnamedinthepetitionasanexpectedadverseparty,togetherwithacopyofthepetition,statingthatthepetitionerwillapplytothecourt,atatimeandplacenamedtherein,fortheorderdescribedinthepetition.Atleasttwenty(20)daysbeforethedateofthehearing,thecourtshallcausenoticethereoftobeservedonthepartiesandprospectivedeponentsinthemannerprovidedforserviceofsummons.(3a,R134)

    Section4.Orderandexamination.Ifthecourtissatisfiedthattheperpetuationofthetestimonymaypreventafailureordelayofjustice,itshallmakeanorderdesignatingordescribingthepersonswhosedepositionmaybetakenandspecifyingthe subject matter of the examination and whether the depositions shall be taken upon oral examination or written

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    interrogatories.ThedepositionsmaybetakeninaccordancewithRule23beforethehearing.(4a,R134)

    Section5.Reference to court. For the purpose of applying Rule 23 to depositions for perpetuating testimony, eachreferencethereintothecourtinwhichtheactionispendingshallbedeemedtorefertothecourtinwhichthepetitionforsuchdepositionwasfiled.(5a,R134)

    Section6.Useofdeposition.IfadepositiontoperpetuatetestimonyistakenunderthisRule,orif,althoughnotsotaken,itwouldbeadmissibleinevidence,itmaybeusedinanyactioninvolvingthesamesubjectmattersubsequentlybroughtinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsections4and5ofRule23.(6a,R134)

    Section7.Depositionspendingappeal.Ifanappealhasbeentakenfromajudgmentofacourt, includingtheCourtofAppealsinpropercases,orbeforethetakingofanappealifthetimethereforhasnotexpired,thecourtinwhichthejudgmentwas renderedmay allow the taking of depositions of witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for in the event of furtherproceedingsinthesaidcourt.Insuchcasethepartywhodesirestoperpetuatethetestimonymaymakeamotioninthesaidcourtforleavetotakethedepositions,uponthesamenoticeandservicethereofasiftheactionwaspendingtherein.Themotionshallstate(a)thenamesandaddressesofthepersonstobeexaminedandthesubstanceofthetestimonywhichheexpectstoelicitfromeach,and(b)thereasonforperpetuatingtheirtestimony.Ifthecourtfindsthattheperpetuationofthetestimony is proper to avoida failureor delayof justice, itmaymakeanorder allowing thedeposition to be taken, andthereuponthedepositionsmaybetakenandusedinthesamemannerandunderthesameconditionsasareprescribedintheseRulesfordepositionstakeninpendingactions.(7a,R134)

    RULE25

    InterrogatoriestoParties

    Section1.Interrogatoriestopartiesservicethereof.Underthesameconditionsspecifiedinsection1ofRule23,anypartydesiringtoelicitmaterialandrelevantfactsfromanyadversepartiesshallfileandserveuponthelatterwritteninterrogatoriestobeansweredbythepartyservedor,ifthepartyservedisapublicorprivatecorporationorapartnershiporassociation,byanyofficerthereofcompetenttotestifyinitsbehalf.(1a)

    Section2.Answertointerrogatories.Theinterrogatoriesshallbeansweredfullyinwritingandshallbesignedandsworntobythepersonmakingthem.Thepartyuponwhomtheinterrogatorieshavebeenservedshallfileandserveacopyoftheanswersonthepartysubmittingtheinterrogatorieswithinfifteen(15)daysafterservicethereofunlessthecourtonmotionandforgoodcauseshown,extendsorshortensthetime.(2a)

    Section3.Objectionstointerrogatories.Objectionstoanyinterrogatoriesmaybepresentedtothecourtwithinten(10)daysafterservicethereof,withnoticeasincaseofamotionandanswersshallbedeferreduntiltheobjectionsareresolved,whichshallbeatasearlyatimeasispracticable.(3a)

    Section4.Numberofinterrogatories.Nopartymay,withoutleaveofcourt,servemorethanonesetofinterrogatoriestobeansweredbythesameparty.(4)

    Section5.Scopeanduseof interrogatories. Interrogatoriesmay relate toanymatters that canbe inquired intoundersection2ofRule23,andtheanswersmaybeusedforthesamepurposesprovidedinsection4ofthesameRule.(5a)

    Section6.Effectoffailuretoservewritteninterrogatories.Unlessthereafterallowedbythecourtforgoodcauseshownandtopreventafailureofjustice,apartynotservedwithwritteninterrogatoriesmaynotbecompelledbytheadversepartytogivetestimonyinopencourt,ortogiveadepositionpendingappeal.(n)

    RULE26

    AdmissionbyAdverseParty

    Section1.Requestforadmission.Atanytimeafterissueshavebeenjoined,apartymayfileandserveuponanyotherpartymay fileandserveuponanyotherpartyawrittenrequest for theadmissionby the latterof thegenuinenessofanymaterialandrelevantdocumentdescribedinandexhibitedwiththerequestorofthetruthofanymaterialandrelevantmatteroffactsetforthintherequest.Copiesofthedocumentsshallbedeliveredwiththerequestunlesscopyhavealreadybeenfurnished.(1


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