| CONTACT: |
| Supreme Court of the Philippines Library Services, Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000 |
| (632) 8524-2706 |
| libraryservices.sc@judiciary.gov.ph |
(NAR) VOL. 12 NO. 1 / JANUARY - MARCH 2001
[ HLURB ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 06, S. 2000, August 24, 2000 ]
RESOLUTION NO. 666, ADOPTING IN THE INTERIM HIGC’S 1994 REVISED RULES OF PROCEDURE IN THE HEARING OF HOMEOWNERS’ DISPUTES
With the transfer to this Board of the power, authority and responsibility to regulate homeowners association (HOA) effective 29 March 2000 pursuant to Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8763 and the need for a smooth transition in the Board’s assumption thereof, the Board of Commissioners adopted on 13 April 2000 the subject resolution.
The HIGC rules shall govern the hearings of HOA disputes now transferred to this Board until such time that the Board has amended the same or come up with its own rules.
The complete text of the said rules is hereto attached for your reference.
Adopted: 24 Aug. 2000
(SGD.) ROMULO Q.M. FABUL
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer
Attachment:
1994 Revised Rules of Procedure in the Hearing of Homeowners’ Disputes*
To effectively carry out and implement the provisions of Republic Act No. 580, as amended by Executive Order Nos. 535 and 90, the following rules of procedure are hereby adopted to govern the proceedings before the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation:
RULE I
Definition of Terms/Construction of Rules
Section 1. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of these Rules, and as far as practicable, the following terms shall mean:
Section 2. Interpretation. — These rules shall be liberally construed to carry out the objectives of E.O. 535 and to assist the homeowners associations and their members in affecting expeditious, inexpensive and speedy settlement of their disputes.
RULE II
Disputes Triable by HIGC/Nature of Proceedings
Section 1. Types of Disputes. — The HIGC or any person, officer, body, board or committee duly designated or created by it shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide cases involving the following:
RULE III
Commencement of Actions; Pleadings; Summons
Section 1. Commencement of Actions. — A verified complaint in triplicate, accompanied by the appropriate filing fee therefor, shall commence an action before the HIGC.
The action for suspension or revocation of certificate of registration referred to in Section 1 (d) of the preceding Rule shall be commenced by the Legal Department of HIGC when directed by HIGC. The Legal Department may also bring such an action when it has good reasons to believe that a case can be established by proof, upon the instance of any interested person, but in such a case, the Legal Department must first require the payment by said interested person of the expenses incident to the action sought to be instituted: provided, however, that the action for the revocation of certificate of registration may be commenced only within five (5) years from the time the ground relied upon arose.
Section 2. Pleadings Defined; Allowed. — Pleadings are the written allegations of the parties of their respective claims and defenses submitted to the HIGC for adjudication. The pleadings allowed by these Rules are the complaint and the answer. The following pleadings, motions, or petitions shall not be allowed in the cases covered by these rules:
Section 3. Complaint and Answer. — The complaint shall contain the names and residences of the parties and a concise statement of the ultimate facts constituting the complainants’ cause or cause of action. It shall specify the relief sought or the right which the complainant seeks to enforce, but may add a general prayer for such further or other relief as may be deemed just or equitable.
The answer shall set forth the negative and affirmative defenses upon which the respondent relies and any and all compulsory counter-claims or cross-claims he may have. Should the respondent fail to allege his compulsory counter-claims or his cross-claims in his answer, the same shall be considered barred.
Section 4. Summons; Time to File Answer. — Upon the filing of the complaint and the payment of the correct filing fee, the corresponding summons to the respondent shall be issued directing the latter to answer the complaint within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, otherwise, the complainant will take judgment by default and may demand the relief prayed for.
Section 5. Default.— If the respondent fails to answer within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the complaint, he shall be declared in default and the complainant may present evidence ex-parte.
RULE IV
Grounds for Summary Dismissal of the Complaint (N)
Section 1. Grounds for Summary Dismissal. — The HIGC may, prior to the raffle of the complaint to the Hearing Officer, dismiss the same for any of the following grounds:
RULE V
Hearings: By Whom Conducted
Section 1. Who Conducts Hearings. — A Hearing Officer shall conduct the hearings and investigations of cases filed with the HIGC.
Section 2. Powers of the Hearing Officer. — The Hearing Officer designated to conduct hearings and investigations is empowered to:
Section 3. Incidental Powers. — In the adjudication of disputes under these Rules, HIGC shall also have the following powers:
Section 4. Maximum Period for Reception of Evidence. — Unless a different period is fixed by law, all proceedings for the reception of evidence under these Rules shall be terminated within a period of three (3) months from the first day of hearing, counted from the date of the preliminary conference, if one is held, and may be extended only for the most exigent reasons and only upon the written permission of the head of agency.
Section 5. Period to Decide. — The Hearing Officer shall decide the case within a period of thirty (30) working days from termination of the presentation of evidence of all parties. (A)
RULE VI
Preliminary Conference
Section 1. Preliminary Conference. — Immediately upon receipt of the last answer, the Hearing Officer shall set the case for preliminary conference not later than fifteen (15) days therefrom. The parties and their attorneys shall be directed to appear before HIGC to consider the following:
Section 2. Failure to Appear at Preliminary Conference. — A party who fails to appear at a preliminary conference may be non-suited or considered as in default.
Section 3. Judgment on the Pleadings or Summary Judgment at Preliminary Conference. — If at the preliminary conference the Hearing Officer finds that facts exist upon which a judgment on the pleadings or a summary judgment may be made, he shall render judgment on the pleadings or a judgment as the case may be.
Section 4. Amicable Settlement. — The Hearing Officer shall endeavor to effect an amicable settlement of the case at any stage of the proceedings, provided that it shall not be prejudicial to the public interest or to third parties or contrary to law, rule or regulations of the HIGC, good morals or public policy. The amicable settlement shall be reduced in writing, duly signed by the parties and their counsels, if any, and the same shall be the basis of an order or decision of the Hearing Officer.
Section 5. Order at Preliminary Conference. — Should the parties fail to arrive at an amicable settlement, the Hearing Officer must clarify and define the issues of the case, which must be clearly and distinctly set forth in an Order to be issued immediately after such preliminary conference, together with other matters taken up during the same. The Order shall also direct the parties to submit, within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days therefrom the affidavits of their respective witnesses and other evidences on the factual issues defined therein, together with a brief statement of their positions setting forth the law and the facts relied upon by them. (A)
Section 6. Affidavits. — The affidavits required to be submitted under this Rule shall state only facts of direct personal knowledge of the affiants which are admissible in evidence, and shall show their competence to testify to the matters stated therein.
A violation of this requirement may subject the party or the counsel who submits the same to disciplinary action, and shall be cause to expunge the inadmissible affidavit or portion thereof from the record.
RULE VII
Judgment: Hearing, When Ordered
Section 1. Judgment: Hearing When Ordered. — Should the Hearing Officer find, upon a consideration of the pleadings, the affidavits and other evidences, and the position statements submitted by the parties, that a judgment may be rendered thereon without need of a formal hearing, he may proceed to render judgment not later than thirty (30) working days from the submission of the position statements of the parties. (A)
In cases where the Hearing Officer deems it necessary to hold a hearing to clarify specific factual matters before rendering judgment, he shall set the case for hearing for the purpose. At such hearing, clarificatory questions shall be asked solely by the Hearing Officer. (A)
The order setting the case for hearing shall specify the witnesses who will be called to testify, and the matters on which their examination will deal.
Section 2. Hearing and Judgment. — In cases where a hearing is ordered, the same must be finished on the same date set therefor, insofar as practicable. The judgment in the case must be rendered within thirty (30) working days from filing of last pleading and draft decision required of the parties. (A)
Section 3. The parties shall file simultaneously with the last pleading required of them a draft of the decision they seek, clearly stating the facts and the laws upon which it is based. (N)
RULE VIII
Appeal; How Taken
Section 1. Who May and When to Appeal. — Any party to the action may appeal from a final decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer to the Appeals Board within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer. The Composition of the HIGC Appeals Board is as follows:
The appeal shall be resolved by the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Appeals Board.
Section 2. Appeal Fee. — The party from any decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer shall pay an appeal fee of P550.00 to HIGC. (A)
Section 3. How Appeal is Taken. — Appeal may be taken by filing with the HIGC Appeals Board within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision or judgment, order or ruling appealed from, a notice of appeal and a memorandum on appeal, together with the corresponding appeal fee therefor.
Section 4. Requisites of Appeal; When Perfected. — The memorandum on appeal shall specifically state the assignment of errors on the decision sought to be reviewed, the grounds relied upon and the arguments in support thereof. (A)
The appellee may file with the HIGC Appeals Board his reply memorandum within a non-extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of a copy of the appellant’s memorandum on appeal. Failure on his part to file his reply memorandum within said period shall be construed as a waiver on his part to file the same.
The memorandum on appeal shall state the material dates to show that the appeal was filed within the period herein fixed. Failure to pay the filing fee within the prescribed period shall be a ground for dismissal of the appeal.
The appeal shall be considered perfected upon the filing of the notice of appeal, memorandum on appeal and after the payment of the required appeal fee.
Section 5. Dismissal of the Appeal. — The Appeal shall be dismissed on any of the following grounds:
Section 6. Transmittal of Entire Records of the Case. — Immediately upon filing of the reply memorandum if one is filed, or after the expiration of the period to file the same, following the perfection of the appeal, the entire records of the case shall be transmitted to the HIGC Appeals Board.
Section 7. Frivolous or Dilatory Appeals. — To discourage frivolous or dilatory appeals, the HIGC Appeals Board may impose reasonable penalty, including fines and censure, upon the appellants and their counsel.
Section 8. Decision of Appeals Board. — The decision of the Appeals Board constitutes the decision of the Corporation. Appeals therefrom shall be made to the Court of Appeals in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Rules of Court. (A)
RULE IX
Applicability of the Revised Rules of Court
Section 1. Applicability of the Revised Rules of Court. — Unless inconsistent with these Rules, the provisions of the Revised Rules of Court shall be applicable in a suppletory character provided that the summary nature of the proceedings before the HIGC is preserved.
RULE X
Effectivity
Section 1. Effectivity of these Rules. — The foregoing Rules of Procedure in the settlement of homeowners’ disputes shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in any newspaper of general circulation. All pending cases before HIGC shall likewise be governed by these Rules.
Adopted: 08 Dec. 1994
Certified Correct:
(SGD.) ALDA G. REYES
Acting Corporate Secretary
* Filed earlier by the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation on 31 May 1995.
The HIGC rules shall govern the hearings of HOA disputes now transferred to this Board until such time that the Board has amended the same or come up with its own rules.
The complete text of the said rules is hereto attached for your reference.
Adopted: 24 Aug. 2000
(SGD.) ROMULO Q.M. FABUL
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer
Attachment:
1994 Revised Rules of Procedure in the Hearing of Homeowners’ Disputes*
To effectively carry out and implement the provisions of Republic Act No. 580, as amended by Executive Order Nos. 535 and 90, the following rules of procedure are hereby adopted to govern the proceedings before the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation:
RULE I
Definition of Terms/Construction of Rules
Section 1. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of these Rules, and as far as practicable, the following terms shall mean:
a) | HIGC — Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation, formerly Home Financing Commission, thereafter Home Financing Corporation, a government corporation created under and by virtue of R.A. 580, as amended by E.O. 535 and renamed as such under E.O. 90. |
b) | Homeowners Association — Any housing or community association duly registered with the HIGC composed of homeowners in a private or government housing project, subdivision or urban estates, organized for the purpose of facilitating the delivery of adequate housing, social and other related services to improve the quality of life of its members and/or community/subdivision concerned. (A) |
c) | Hearing Officer — Any person or officer, body, board or committee duly designated or created, as the case may be, by proper order issued by HIGC, to hear and decide a particular case. |
d) | Order — Any written directive of HIGC or such person, officer, body, board or committee duly designated or created by it, as the case may be. |
e) | Decision/Resolution — The written judgment in a homeowners’ case before the HIGC. |
f) | Complainant — Any person, natural or juridical, seeking relief either for the violation of any law, rule or regulation, or for the enforcement of a right in law, shall be referred to as complainant. |
g) | Respondent — Any person who claims interest adverse to the complainant and necessary to the complete settlement of issues shall be referred to as respondent. |
Section 2. Interpretation. — These rules shall be liberally construed to carry out the objectives of E.O. 535 and to assist the homeowners associations and their members in affecting expeditious, inexpensive and speedy settlement of their disputes.
Disputes Triable by HIGC/Nature of Proceedings
Section 1. Types of Disputes. — The HIGC or any person, officer, body, board or committee duly designated or created by it shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide cases involving the following:
a) | Devices or schemes employed by or any acts of the Board of Directors or officers of the association amounting to fraud and misrepresentation which may be detrimental to the interest of the public and/or of the members of the association or the association registered with HIGC. |
b) | Controversies arising out of intra-corporate relations between and among members of the association; between any or all of them and the association of which they are members; and between such association and the state/general public or other entity in so far as it concerns its right to exist as a corporate entity. (A) |
c) | Controversies in the membership, election, or appointment of directors or officers of the association, including the regularity thereof and eligibilities of such directors or officers. (A) |
d) | Suspension or revocation of the certificate of registration of any homeowners association duly registered by HIGC upon any of the grounds provided by law, rules and regulations of HIGC, including but not limited to the following: |
- Fraud or misrepresentation in procuring its certificate of registration;
- Serious misrepresentation as to what the association can do or is doing;
- Refusal to comply with or defiance of any lawful order of HIGC or its hearing officer;
- Misuse of a right, privilege, or franchise conferred upon it by law, or exercise of a right, privilege or franchise in contravention of law;
- Commission or omission of an act which amounts to a surrender of its corporate rights, privileges or franchise;
- Violation of any provisions of HIGC rules and regulations and those of the Corporation Code whenever the same is applicable;
- Continuous inoperation or inactivity for a period of at least five (5) years; and
- Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms as determined by HIGC within the prescribed period.
RULE III
Commencement of Actions; Pleadings; Summons
Section 1. Commencement of Actions. — A verified complaint in triplicate, accompanied by the appropriate filing fee therefor, shall commence an action before the HIGC.
The action for suspension or revocation of certificate of registration referred to in Section 1 (d) of the preceding Rule shall be commenced by the Legal Department of HIGC when directed by HIGC. The Legal Department may also bring such an action when it has good reasons to believe that a case can be established by proof, upon the instance of any interested person, but in such a case, the Legal Department must first require the payment by said interested person of the expenses incident to the action sought to be instituted: provided, however, that the action for the revocation of certificate of registration may be commenced only within five (5) years from the time the ground relied upon arose.
Section 2. Pleadings Defined; Allowed. — Pleadings are the written allegations of the parties of their respective claims and defenses submitted to the HIGC for adjudication. The pleadings allowed by these Rules are the complaint and the answer. The following pleadings, motions, or petitions shall not be allowed in the cases covered by these rules:
a) | Motion to dismiss or to quash; |
b) | Motion for a bill of particulars; |
c) | Motion for a new trial or for reconsideration; or for reopening of trial; |
d) | Petition for relief from judgment; |
e) | Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other documents; |
f) | Memoranda, except on appeal; |
g) | Motion to declare defendant in default; |
h) | Dilatory motions for postponements; |
i) | Reply, except on appeal |
j) | Third party complaints and similar complaints; and |
k) | Interventions. |
Section 3. Complaint and Answer. — The complaint shall contain the names and residences of the parties and a concise statement of the ultimate facts constituting the complainants’ cause or cause of action. It shall specify the relief sought or the right which the complainant seeks to enforce, but may add a general prayer for such further or other relief as may be deemed just or equitable.
The answer shall set forth the negative and affirmative defenses upon which the respondent relies and any and all compulsory counter-claims or cross-claims he may have. Should the respondent fail to allege his compulsory counter-claims or his cross-claims in his answer, the same shall be considered barred.
Section 4. Summons; Time to File Answer. — Upon the filing of the complaint and the payment of the correct filing fee, the corresponding summons to the respondent shall be issued directing the latter to answer the complaint within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, otherwise, the complainant will take judgment by default and may demand the relief prayed for.
Section 5. Default.— If the respondent fails to answer within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the complaint, he shall be declared in default and the complainant may present evidence ex-parte.
RULE IV
Grounds for Summary Dismissal of the Complaint (N)
Section 1. Grounds for Summary Dismissal. — The HIGC may, prior to the raffle of the complaint to the Hearing Officer, dismiss the same for any of the following grounds:
a) | Lack of jurisdiction; |
b) | Lack of cause of action; |
c) | Non-compliance with the Administrative Circular No. 04-94 of the Supreme Court which provides for a certification under oath that no other action or proceeding between the same parties involving the same issues is commenced or pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency. |
Hearings: By Whom Conducted
Section 1. Who Conducts Hearings. — A Hearing Officer shall conduct the hearings and investigations of cases filed with the HIGC.
Section 2. Powers of the Hearing Officer. — The Hearing Officer designated to conduct hearings and investigations is empowered to:
a) | To issue preliminary or permanent injunctions, whether prohibitory or mandatory, in which case the pertinent provisions of the Revised Rules of Court as far as practicable, shall apply; |
b) | To punish for contempt in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Revised Rules of Court; |
c) | To compel the officers of any homeowners association registered with it to call a meeting of members thereof or in the exercise of discretion, directly order the calling of said meeting; |
d) | To pass upon the validity of the issuance and use of proxies of absent members; |
e) | To issue subpoena duces tecum and summon witnesses to appear in any proceedings before HIGC; |
f) | To impose fines and or other penalties for violation of these rules and related regulations, and any Order or Decision of HIGC; |
g) | To suspend or revoke, after proper notice and hearing, the certificate of registration of the association upon any ground provided by law, rules and regulations of HIGC, including, but not limited to the following: |
- Fraud or misrepresentation in procuring its certificate of registration;
- Serious misrepresentation as to what the association can do or is doing;
- Refusal to comply with or defiance of any lawful order of HIGC or its hearing officer;
- Misuse of a right, privilege, or franchise conferred upon it by law, or exercise of a right, privilege or franchise in contravention of law;
- Commission or omission of an act which amounts to a surrender of its corporate rights, privileges or franchise;
- Violation of any provisions of HIGC rules and regulations and those of the Corporation Code whenever the same is applicable;
- Continuous inoperation or inactivity for a period of at least five (5) years;
- Failure to file required reports in appropriate forms as determined by HIGC within the prescribed period; and
- Failure to file By-Laws within thirty (30) days from receipt of the notice of issuance of certificate of incorporation. (N)
h) | To place, upon proper petition or application, and after due notice and hearing, any homeowners association under receivership or administration; (N) |
i) | To order and direct upon proper application, the production, inspection, examination, investigation and submission of records, books of accounts and financial reports of registered homeowners associations. (N). |
Section 3. Incidental Powers. — In the adjudication of disputes under these Rules, HIGC shall also have the following powers:
a) | To enlist the aid and support of any and all enforcement agencies of the government, civil or military; and |
b) | To exercise such other powers as may be implied, necessary or incidental to carry out the express powers granted to it or to achieve the objectives and purposes of the HIGC as provided for in its Charter. |
Section 4. Maximum Period for Reception of Evidence. — Unless a different period is fixed by law, all proceedings for the reception of evidence under these Rules shall be terminated within a period of three (3) months from the first day of hearing, counted from the date of the preliminary conference, if one is held, and may be extended only for the most exigent reasons and only upon the written permission of the head of agency.
Section 5. Period to Decide. — The Hearing Officer shall decide the case within a period of thirty (30) working days from termination of the presentation of evidence of all parties. (A)
Preliminary Conference
Section 1. Preliminary Conference. — Immediately upon receipt of the last answer, the Hearing Officer shall set the case for preliminary conference not later than fifteen (15) days therefrom. The parties and their attorneys shall be directed to appear before HIGC to consider the following:
a) | The possibility of an amicable settlement; |
b) | The necessity of desirability of amendments to pleadings; |
c) | The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions of facts and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof; |
d) | The limitations of the number of witnesses; the simplification of the issues; and |
e) | Such other matters as may aid in the just and speedy disposition of the case. |
Section 2. Failure to Appear at Preliminary Conference. — A party who fails to appear at a preliminary conference may be non-suited or considered as in default.
Section 3. Judgment on the Pleadings or Summary Judgment at Preliminary Conference. — If at the preliminary conference the Hearing Officer finds that facts exist upon which a judgment on the pleadings or a summary judgment may be made, he shall render judgment on the pleadings or a judgment as the case may be.
Section 4. Amicable Settlement. — The Hearing Officer shall endeavor to effect an amicable settlement of the case at any stage of the proceedings, provided that it shall not be prejudicial to the public interest or to third parties or contrary to law, rule or regulations of the HIGC, good morals or public policy. The amicable settlement shall be reduced in writing, duly signed by the parties and their counsels, if any, and the same shall be the basis of an order or decision of the Hearing Officer.
Section 5. Order at Preliminary Conference. — Should the parties fail to arrive at an amicable settlement, the Hearing Officer must clarify and define the issues of the case, which must be clearly and distinctly set forth in an Order to be issued immediately after such preliminary conference, together with other matters taken up during the same. The Order shall also direct the parties to submit, within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days therefrom the affidavits of their respective witnesses and other evidences on the factual issues defined therein, together with a brief statement of their positions setting forth the law and the facts relied upon by them. (A)
Section 6. Affidavits. — The affidavits required to be submitted under this Rule shall state only facts of direct personal knowledge of the affiants which are admissible in evidence, and shall show their competence to testify to the matters stated therein.
A violation of this requirement may subject the party or the counsel who submits the same to disciplinary action, and shall be cause to expunge the inadmissible affidavit or portion thereof from the record.
RULE VII
Judgment: Hearing, When Ordered
Section 1. Judgment: Hearing When Ordered. — Should the Hearing Officer find, upon a consideration of the pleadings, the affidavits and other evidences, and the position statements submitted by the parties, that a judgment may be rendered thereon without need of a formal hearing, he may proceed to render judgment not later than thirty (30) working days from the submission of the position statements of the parties. (A)
In cases where the Hearing Officer deems it necessary to hold a hearing to clarify specific factual matters before rendering judgment, he shall set the case for hearing for the purpose. At such hearing, clarificatory questions shall be asked solely by the Hearing Officer. (A)
The order setting the case for hearing shall specify the witnesses who will be called to testify, and the matters on which their examination will deal.
Section 2. Hearing and Judgment. — In cases where a hearing is ordered, the same must be finished on the same date set therefor, insofar as practicable. The judgment in the case must be rendered within thirty (30) working days from filing of last pleading and draft decision required of the parties. (A)
Section 3. The parties shall file simultaneously with the last pleading required of them a draft of the decision they seek, clearly stating the facts and the laws upon which it is based. (N)
Appeal; How Taken
Section 1. Who May and When to Appeal. — Any party to the action may appeal from a final decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer to the Appeals Board within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer. The Composition of the HIGC Appeals Board is as follows:
a) | The HIGC President; |
b) | The Executive Vice-President and General Manager; |
c) | Any two (2) Vice-Presidents; and |
d) | The head of the Legal Division. |
The appeal shall be resolved by the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Appeals Board.
Section 2. Appeal Fee. — The party from any decision or judgment, order or ruling of the Hearing Officer shall pay an appeal fee of P550.00 to HIGC. (A)
Section 3. How Appeal is Taken. — Appeal may be taken by filing with the HIGC Appeals Board within a non-extendible period of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision or judgment, order or ruling appealed from, a notice of appeal and a memorandum on appeal, together with the corresponding appeal fee therefor.
Section 4. Requisites of Appeal; When Perfected. — The memorandum on appeal shall specifically state the assignment of errors on the decision sought to be reviewed, the grounds relied upon and the arguments in support thereof. (A)
The appellee may file with the HIGC Appeals Board his reply memorandum within a non-extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of a copy of the appellant’s memorandum on appeal. Failure on his part to file his reply memorandum within said period shall be construed as a waiver on his part to file the same.
The memorandum on appeal shall state the material dates to show that the appeal was filed within the period herein fixed. Failure to pay the filing fee within the prescribed period shall be a ground for dismissal of the appeal.
The appeal shall be considered perfected upon the filing of the notice of appeal, memorandum on appeal and after the payment of the required appeal fee.
Section 5. Dismissal of the Appeal. — The Appeal shall be dismissed on any of the following grounds:
a) | Joint motion to dismiss the appeal; |
b) | Withdrawal of the appeal; |
c) | Failure to pay the appeal fee; |
d) | Failure to file the memorandum on appeal within the prescribed period; |
d) | Failure to comply with the orders of the Appeals Board. (N) |
Section 7. Frivolous or Dilatory Appeals. — To discourage frivolous or dilatory appeals, the HIGC Appeals Board may impose reasonable penalty, including fines and censure, upon the appellants and their counsel.
Section 8. Decision of Appeals Board. — The decision of the Appeals Board constitutes the decision of the Corporation. Appeals therefrom shall be made to the Court of Appeals in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Rules of Court. (A)
Applicability of the Revised Rules of Court
Section 1. Applicability of the Revised Rules of Court. — Unless inconsistent with these Rules, the provisions of the Revised Rules of Court shall be applicable in a suppletory character provided that the summary nature of the proceedings before the HIGC is preserved.
RULE X
Effectivity
Section 1. Effectivity of these Rules. — The foregoing Rules of Procedure in the settlement of homeowners’ disputes shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in any newspaper of general circulation. All pending cases before HIGC shall likewise be governed by these Rules.
Adopted: 08 Dec. 1994
Certified Correct:
(SGD.) ALDA G. REYES
Acting Corporate Secretary
* Filed earlier by the Home Insurance and Guaranty Corporation on 31 May 1995.