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[ TABLE OF CONTENTS ]
BENCHBOOK FOR TRIAL COURT JUDGES
INTRODUCTION | ||||||||
I. | JUDICIAL POWER AND THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY | i-1 | ||||||
II. | HOW TO USE THE BENCHBOOK | i-2 | ||||||
A. | The Benchbook as Judge’s Guide | i-3 | ||||||
B. | Organization of the Benchbook | i-3 | ||||||
C. | Benchbook Citations | i-5 | ||||||
OUTLINE OF JURISDICTION | ||||||||
I. | SUPREME COURT | 1-1 | ||||||
A. | Original | 1-1 | ||||||
1. | Exclusive | 1-1 | ||||||
2. | Concurrent | 1-1 | ||||||
B. | Appellate | 1-2 | ||||||
1. | Notice of appeal | 1-2 | ||||||
2. | Petition for review on certiorari | 1-2 | ||||||
3. | Special civil action of certiorari | 1-2 | ||||||
II. | COURT OF APPEALS | 1-3 | ||||||
A. | Original | 1-3 | ||||||
1. | Exclusive | 1-3 | ||||||
2. | Concurrent | 1-3 | ||||||
B. | Appellate | 1-3 | ||||||
1. | Ordinary appeal by notice of appeal or record on appeal | 1-3 | ||||||
2. | Petition for review | 1-3 | ||||||
III. | SANDIGANBAYAN | 1-4 | ||||||
A. | Original | 1-4 | ||||||
1. | Exclusive | 1-4 | ||||||
2. | Concurrent with Supreme Court | 1-5 | ||||||
B. | Appellate | 1-5 | ||||||
IV. | REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS | 1-5 | ||||||
A. | Original | 1-5 | ||||||
1. | Civil | 1-5 | ||||||
2. | Criminal | 1-7 | ||||||
B. | Appellate | 1-7 | ||||||
V. | FAMILY COURTS | 1-7 | ||||||
A. | Exclusive and Original | 1-7 | ||||||
VI. | METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS | 1-8 | ||||||
A. | Original | 1-8 | ||||||
1. | Civil | 1-8 | ||||||
2. | Criminal | 1-9 | ||||||
3. | Summary procedure | 1-10 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | CASE BEGINS WITH THE FILING OF COMPLAINT | 2-1 | ||||||
A. | Preliminary | 2-1 | ||||||
1. | Definition of complaint | 2-1 | ||||||
2. | Requirements | 2-1 | ||||||
B. | Filing of Complaint | 2-3 | ||||||
1. | Manner | 2-3 | ||||||
2. | Payment of docket and other lawful fees | 2-4 | ||||||
II. | COURT ACQUIRES JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES | 2-5 | ||||||
A. | Modes of Service of Summons | 2-5 | ||||||
1. | Personal service | 2-5 | ||||||
2. | Substituted service | 2-5 | ||||||
3. | Constructive service (By Publication) | 2-7 | ||||||
4. | Extraterritorial service, when allowed | 2-8 | ||||||
B. | Effect of Lack of Summons | 2-9 | ||||||
III. | INCIDENTS AFTER COURT HAS ACQUIRED JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES | 2-10 | ||||||
A. | Preliminary | 2-10 | ||||||
B. | Rules on the Specific Incidents | 2-10 | ||||||
1. | Notice of dismissal of complaint | 2-10 | ||||||
2. | Amended complaint | 2-11 | ||||||
3. | Supplemental complaint | 2-11 | ||||||
4. | Deposition | 2-12 | ||||||
5. | Written interrogatories upon defendant | 2-12 | ||||||
6. | Request for admission | 2-13 | ||||||
7. | Production or inspection of document or things | 2-13 | ||||||
8. | Physical and mental examination of a party | 2-13 | ||||||
9. | Consequences of refusal | 2-13 | ||||||
10. | Default | 2-14 | ||||||
11. | Extension of time to file responsive pleading | 2-16 | ||||||
12. | Bill of particulars | 2-17 | ||||||
13. | Motion to dismiss | 2-17 | ||||||
IV. | JOINDER OF ISSUES | 2-29 | ||||||
A. | Filing of Answer | 2-29 | ||||||
1. | Time to plead | 2-29 | ||||||
2. | Strict observance of the period | 2-30 | ||||||
3. | Effect of failure to plead | 2-30 | ||||||
B. | Counterclaim | 2-31 | ||||||
1. | Definition | 2-31 | ||||||
2 | Difference between permissive and compulsory counterclaim | 2-31 | ||||||
3. | Cognate rules | 2-32 | ||||||
V. | PRE-TRIAL | 2-33 | ||||||
A. | Concept of Pre-Trial | 2-33 | ||||||
1. | Concept of pre-trial | 2-33 | ||||||
2. | Purpose of pre-trial | 2-33 | ||||||
3. | Administrative Circular No. 3-99 | 2-34 | ||||||
4. | The pre-trial order | 2-35 | ||||||
VI. | TRIAL | 2-36 | ||||||
A. | Administrative Circular No. 3-99 | 2-36 | ||||||
B. | Some Rules | 2-38 | ||||||
VII. | ADJUDICATION | 2-40 | ||||||
A. | Concept and Requirements | 2-40 | ||||||
B. | Kinds of Judgment and Definitions | 2-40 | ||||||
1. | Without reception of evidence | 2-40 | ||||||
2. | With partial reception of evidence | 2-41 | ||||||
C. | Cases on Summary Judgments | 2-41 | ||||||
D. | Ordinary Judgment | 2-43 | ||||||
VIII. | REMEDIES AGAINST JUDGMENT AND FINAL ORDERS | 2-46 | ||||||
A | Kinds of Remedies | 2-46 | ||||||
1. | Before finality of judgments or final orders | 2-46 | ||||||
2. | After finality of judgments or final orders | 2-46 | ||||||
B. | Motion for Reconsideration and New Trial | 2-46 | ||||||
1. | Common rules | 2-46 | ||||||
2. | Motion for reconsideration | 2-47 | ||||||
3. | Motion for new trial | 2-47 | ||||||
C. | Appeal | 2-50 | ||||||
1. | General principles | 2-50 | ||||||
D. | Modes of Appeal | 2-52 | ||||||
E. | Cognate Rules | 2-53 | ||||||
1. | General rule | 2-53 | ||||||
2. | Difference between question of fact and question of law | 2-53 | ||||||
3. | Notice of appeal | 2-53 | ||||||
4. | Record on appeal | 2-54 | ||||||
5. | Perfection of appeal | 2-54 | ||||||
6. | Effect of perfection of appeal | 2-54 | ||||||
7. | Period to appeal | 2-55 | ||||||
IX. | EXECUTION OF JUDGMENTS AND FINAL ORDERS | 2-56 | ||||||
A. | Basic Concepts and Doctrines | 2-56 | ||||||
1. | Definition | 2-56 | ||||||
2. | Kinds of execution | 2-56 | ||||||
3. | When writ of execution may be quashed | 2-57 | ||||||
4. | Execution of final judgments and orders | 2-57 | ||||||
5. | Specific rules | 2-58 | ||||||
6. | Levy and garnishment | 2-59 | ||||||
7. | Rules on redemption | 2-61 | ||||||
8. | Rules in deed of possession | 2-62 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | COMMON RULES | 2-63 | ||||||
A. | Attachment | 2-64 | ||||||
1. | Definition | 2-64 | ||||||
2. | Concept and purpose | 2-64 | ||||||
3. | Nature and scope | 2-64 | ||||||
4. | Strict compliance with the rule | 2-65 | ||||||
5. | Attachment to acquire jurisdiction over the res | 2-65 | ||||||
6. | Stages in the issuance of the writ | 2-65 | ||||||
7. | Orders in provisional remedies | 2-66 | ||||||
8. | Important jurisprudential rules | 2-67 | ||||||
B. | Preliminary Injunction and Temporary Restraining Order | 2-68 | ||||||
1. | Two kinds of preliminary injunction | 2-68 | ||||||
2. | Purpose | 2-69 | ||||||
3. | Definition of status quo | 2-69 | ||||||
4. | Independent action to obtain preliminary injunction | 2-70 | ||||||
5. | Essential requisites for issuance of preliminary injunction | 2-70 | ||||||
6. | Rulings | 2-70 | ||||||
7. | Summary denial without adequate hearing proper | 2-70 | ||||||
8. | When hearing on the merits unnecessary | 2-71 | ||||||
9. | Cases where injunction was held improper | 2-71 | ||||||
10. | Exceptions | 2-73 | ||||||
11. | Cases where injunction prohibited | 2-73 | ||||||
12. | Cases where criminal prosecutions were enjoined | 2-73 | ||||||
13. | Mandatory injunction | 2-74 | ||||||
14. | Cases where mandatory injunction not granted | 2-74 | ||||||
15. | Injunction against courts or tribunals of equal rank is prohibited | 2-75 | ||||||
16. | Statutory prohibitions against the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction | 2-75 | ||||||
17. | Injunctions not issued where act sought to be prevented had been committed | 2-77 | ||||||
18. | No injunction beyond prayer in complaint | 2-78 | ||||||
19. | Temporary restraining order | 2-78 | ||||||
D. | Receivership | 2-79 | ||||||
1. | Appointment of a receiver | 2-79 | ||||||
2. | Specific situations when a receiver may be appointed | 2-79 | ||||||
E. | Replevin | 2-80 | ||||||
1. | Steps in the issuance and implementation of a writ of replevin | 2-80 | ||||||
2. | Notes | 2-80 | ||||||
3. | Return of property under writ of replevin | 2-81 | ||||||
F. | Support Pendente Lite | 2-81 | ||||||
1. | Notes and cases | 2-81 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | THE DIFFERENT SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS | 2-83 | ||||||
A. | Interpleader | 2-83 | ||||||
1. | Requisites | 2-83 | ||||||
2. | Decisional rules | 2-83 | ||||||
3. | Procedural peculiarities | 2-84 | ||||||
B. | Declaratory Relief and Similar Remedies | 2-84 | ||||||
1. | Requisites | 2-84 | ||||||
2. | Procedural peculiarities | 2-85 | ||||||
3. | Declaratory relief improper in the following cases | 2-85 | ||||||
C. | Certiorari | 2-86 | ||||||
1. | Requisites | 2-86 | ||||||
2. | Terminology | 2-86 | ||||||
3. | When not proper | 2-86 | ||||||
4. | Exceptions to requirements before certiorari can be availed of | 2-87 | ||||||
5. | Requirements regarding the extrinsic sufficiency of the petition | 2-87 | ||||||
6. | Time to file | 2-88 | ||||||
7. | Decisions | 2-88 | ||||||
D. | Prohibition | 2-88 | ||||||
1. | Requisites | 2-88 | ||||||
2. | Decisional rules | 2-88 | ||||||
E. | Quo Warranto | 2-89 | ||||||
1. | Definition | 2-89 | ||||||
2. | Quo Warranto as distinguished from election contest | 2-89 | ||||||
3. | Peculiarities of proceedings | 2-89 | ||||||
F. | Expropriation | 2-90 | ||||||
1. | Requisites for exercise of right | 2-90 | ||||||
2. | Two stages in expropriation proceedings | 2-90 | ||||||
G. | Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage | 2-90 | ||||||
1. | Judgment in a foreclosure proceeding | 2-90 | ||||||
2. | Distinction between right of redemption and equity of redemption | 2-91 | ||||||
3. | Writ of possession in judicial foreclosure | 2-91 | ||||||
4. | Deficiency judgment | 2-91 | ||||||
H. | Partition | 2-92 | ||||||
1. | Two stages of the action | 2-92 | ||||||
2. | Prescription of action | 2-92 | ||||||
3. | Some decisions | 2-93 | ||||||
I. | Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer | 2-93 | ||||||
1. | Nature of accion interdictal | 2-93 | ||||||
2. | Immediate execution and how to stay it | 2-93 | ||||||
3. | Important decisional rules on unlawful detainer | 2-94 | ||||||
J. | Contempt | 2-96 | ||||||
1. | Two kinds of contempt | 2-97 | ||||||
2. | Two aspects of contempt | 2-97 | ||||||
3. | Decisions | 2-97 | ||||||
4. | Necessity of hearing | 2-97 | ||||||
5. | Contempt by non-party | 2-98 | ||||||
6. | Power to punish for contempt to be exercised in preservative not vindictive principle; what constitutes disobedience | 2-98 | ||||||
ANNEX: TABLES | 2-99 | |||||||
Table 1 | Differences among Provisional Remedies | |||||||
Table 2 | Basic Characteristics of Provisional Remedies | |||||||
Table 3 | Differences of Bonds in Provisional Remedies | |||||||
Table 4 | Differences of Counterbonds in Provisional Remedies | |||||||
Table 5 | Differences among the Modes of Appeal | |||||||
Table 6 | Differences between Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus | |||||||
Table 7 | Differences between Prohibition and Injunction | |||||||
Table 8 | Differences between Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer. | |||||||
| ||||||||
I. | INTRODUCTION | 3-1 | ||||||
A. | Definition of Terms | 3-1 | ||||||
B. | Rules That Govern Special Proceedings | 3-4 | ||||||
C. | The Special Proceedings Provided in the Rules of Court | 3-5 | ||||||
D. | Special Proceedings Under Various Laws | 3-5 | ||||||
E. | Jurisdiction of Family Courts | 3-6 | ||||||
II. | SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSONS | 3-8 | ||||||
A. | In General | 3-8 | ||||||
1. | Jurisdiction and venue | 3-8 | ||||||
2. | Kinds of settlement | 3-9 | ||||||
3. | Extrajudicial settlement | 3-9 | ||||||
4. | Summary settlement of estates of small value | 3-10 | ||||||
5. | Judicial settlement with letters testamentary or with letters of administration | 3-11 | ||||||
B. | Probate of Wills | 3-12 | ||||||
1. | Will, explained | 3-12 | ||||||
2. | Time to submit to the court | 3-13 | ||||||
3. | Procedure in the probate of a will | 3-14 | ||||||
C. | Executors and Administrators | 3-17 | ||||||
1. | Requirements For The Issuance of Letters Testamentary and of Letters of Administration | 3-17 | ||||||
2. | Appointment of Executors (who may become executors) | 3-17 | ||||||
3. | Appointment of administrators; priorities | 3-18 | ||||||
4. | Appointment of special administrators | 3-18 | ||||||
5. | Bond of administrator or executor | 3-20 | ||||||
6. | General powers and duties of executors and administrators | 3-21 | ||||||
7. | Inventory and appraisal | 3-21 | ||||||
8. | Sales and mortgages | 3-22 | ||||||
9. | Actions by and against executors and administrators | 3-24 | ||||||
10. | Money claims against the estate; notice to creditors | 3-26 | ||||||
11. | Payment of debts | 3-29 | ||||||
12 | Accountability and compensation of executors and administrators | 3-31 | ||||||
D. | Distribution and Partition | 3-34 | ||||||
1. | When distribution is made | 3-34 | ||||||
2. | Partial distribution, when paying estate taxes | 3-35 | ||||||
3. | Expenses of partition | 3-35 | ||||||
4. | Project of partition | 3-35 | ||||||
5. | Final order of partition; recording of order of partition of estate | 3-35 | ||||||
III. | GUARDIANS | 3-36 | ||||||
A. | Necessity for guardianship | 3-36 | ||||||
1. | “Incompetent” as subject of guardianship | 3-36 | ||||||
2. | Parents as guardians | 3-36 | ||||||
B. | Jurisdiction and Venue | 3-36 | ||||||
1. | Where to file petition for guardianship | 3-36 | ||||||
2. | Transfer of venue | 3-37 | ||||||
C. | Petition for Guardianship | 3-37 | ||||||
1. | Who may file | 3-37 | ||||||
2. | Contents of petition | 3-37 | ||||||
3. | Notice of hearing | 3-37 | ||||||
4. | Grounds for opposition | 3-38 | ||||||
5. | Order | 3-38 | ||||||
6. | Guardian for the estate of a non-resident | 3-38 | ||||||
D. | Guardian’s Bond | 3-38 | ||||||
1. | New bond | 3-38 | ||||||
2. | Bond to be filed; actions thereon | 3-38 | ||||||
E. | General Powers and Duties | 3-39 | ||||||
F. | Sale or Encumbrance | 3-40 | ||||||
G. | Petition for Termination of Guardianship | 3-40 | ||||||
IV. | ADOPTION | 3-41 | ||||||
A. | Governing Laws | 3-41 | ||||||
B. | Petition for Adoption | 3-43 | ||||||
1. | Who may adopt | 3-43 | ||||||
2. | Jurisdictional venue | 3-44 | ||||||
3. | Subjects of adoption | 3-44 | ||||||
4. | Aliens | 3-44 | ||||||
5. | Joint adoption | 3-45 | ||||||
6. | Age difference | 3-45 | ||||||
7. | Procedure | 3-45 | ||||||
8. | Civil registry record | 3-48 | ||||||
9. | Confidential nature of proceedings | 3-48 | ||||||
10. | Service of judgment | 3-48 | ||||||
C. | Rescission of Adoption | 3-49 | ||||||
1. | Grounds for rescission | 3-49 | ||||||
2. | Who may file | 3-49 | ||||||
3. | Time to file petition | 3-49 | ||||||
4. | Procedure | 3-49 | ||||||
5. | Service of judgment | 3-50 | ||||||
D. | Inter-Country Adoption | 3-50 | ||||||
1. | Adoption by aliens | 3-50 | ||||||
2. | The law and the implementing rules and regulations | 3-50 | ||||||
3. | The process | 3-50 | ||||||
4. | A legally free child | 3-50 | ||||||
5. | Adopters | 3-51 | ||||||
6. | Application | 3-51 | ||||||
7. | Functions of the RTC | 3-51 | ||||||
8. | Resident Aliens | 3-51 | ||||||
9. | Case rulings | 3-52 | ||||||
V. | CUSTODY OF MINORS | 3-53 | ||||||
A. | Jurisdiction | 3-53 | ||||||
B. | Children Under Seven Years of Age | 3-53 | ||||||
C. | Child Abuse | 3-53 | ||||||
1. | Protective custody | 3-54 | ||||||
2. | Special court proceedings | 3-54 | ||||||
3. | When parents are separated | 3-54 | ||||||
D. | Special Provisional Remedies | 3-55 | ||||||
1. | Restraining order | 3-55 | ||||||
2. | Temporary custody | 3-55 | ||||||
3. | Support pendente lite | 3-56 | ||||||
E. | Foster Care | 3-56 | ||||||
F. | Dependent, Abandoned or Neglected Children | 3-56 | ||||||
1. | Involuntary commitment | 3-56 | ||||||
2. | Voluntary commitment | 3-56 | ||||||
3. | Various other provisions | 3-57 | ||||||
4. | Special children | 3-57 | ||||||
VI. | HABEAS CORPUS | 3-58 | ||||||
A. | Definition and Nature | 3-58 | ||||||
B. | Functions and Scope of Writ | 3-58 | ||||||
C. | Grounds for Relief | 3-58 | ||||||
1. | Deprivation of fundamental or constitutional rights | 3-58 | ||||||
2. | Lack of jurisdiction of the court to impose the sentence | 3-58 | ||||||
3. | Excessive penalty | 3-59 | ||||||
D. | Power to Grant Writ; Enforceability | 3-59 | ||||||
E. | Requisites of Application | 3-59 | ||||||
F. | Procedure (issuance of writ and return) | 3-59 | ||||||
G | Discharge of Person Detained | 3-59 | ||||||
VII. | ESCHEATS | 3-60 | ||||||
A. | Meaning | 3-60 | ||||||
B. | Procedure | 3-60 | ||||||
1. | When filed | 3-60 | ||||||
2. | Who files petition | 3-60 | ||||||
3. | Where filed | 3-60 | ||||||
4. | Contents of petition | 3-60 | ||||||
5. | Order of hearing | 3-61 | ||||||
6. | Publication | 3-61 | ||||||
7. | Judgment | 3-61 | ||||||
C. | Permanent Trust | 3-61 | ||||||
D. | Claim Within Five Years | 3-62 | ||||||
E. | Other Actions For Escheat | 3-62 | ||||||
VIII. | CHANGE OF NAME | 3-63 | ||||||
A. | Name Defined | 3-63 | ||||||
1. | Minor | 3-63 | ||||||
2. | Resident aliens | 3-63 | ||||||
B. | Procedure | 3-63 | ||||||
1. | Venue | 3-63 | ||||||
2. | Petition | 3-63 | ||||||
3. | Hearing | 3-64 | ||||||
C. | Case Rulings | 3-64 | ||||||
1. | Joinder or causes of action | 3-64 | ||||||
2. | Resumption of use of maiden name after divorce | 3-64 | ||||||
3. | Absence of cause | 3-64 | ||||||
4. | Causes for change of name | 3-64 | ||||||
5. | Erasing signs of former nationality | 3-65 | ||||||
6. | Resulting confusion | 3-65 | ||||||
7. | Improving personality or social standing | 3-65 | ||||||
8. | Legitimate minor child | 3-65 | ||||||
IX. | ABSENTEES | 3-67 | ||||||
A. | Basic Concepts | 3-67 | ||||||
1. | Provisional representative | 3-67 | ||||||
2. | Trustee or administrator | 3-67 | ||||||
3. | Notice and publication required | 3-67 | ||||||
4. | Preferences | 3-67 | ||||||
5. | Termination | 3-67 | ||||||
X. | CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY | |||||||
XI | SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE FAMILY CODE | 3-69 | ||||||
A. | Summary Proceedings Under the Family Code | 3-69 | ||||||
1. | Rationale | 3-69 | ||||||
2. | Procedural rules | 3-69 | ||||||
3. | Coverage | 3-69 | ||||||
4. | Procedure | 3-70 | ||||||
XII | TRUSTEES | 3-72 | ||||||
A. | Basic Concepts | 3-72 | ||||||
1. | Appointment | 3-72 | ||||||
2. | Venue | 3-72 | ||||||
3. | Notice | 3-72 | ||||||
4. | Bond, inventory and sale of trust estate | 3-72 | ||||||
XIII | PROCEEDINGS FOR THE HOSPITALIZATION OF INSANE PERSONS | 3-73 | ||||||
XIV | OTHER SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS | 3-74 | ||||||
A. | Voluntary Distribution of Corporations | 3-74 | ||||||
B. | Judicial Approval of Voluntary Recognition of Minor Natural Children | 3-75 | ||||||
C. | Constitution of the Family Home | 3-77 | ||||||
XV | APPEALS IN SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS | 3-78 | ||||||
A. | Appealability | 3-78 | ||||||
B. | Who May Appeal | 3-78 | ||||||
C. | Perfection of Appeal | 3-79 | ||||||
D. | Advanced Distribution | 3-80 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | JURISDICTION IN CRIMINAL CASES | 4-1 | ||||||
A. | Introduction | 4-1 | ||||||
1. | Criminal jurisdiction defined | 4-1 | ||||||
2. | Elements | 4-1 | ||||||
B. | Requisites For Its Valid Exercise | 4-1 | ||||||
C. | Jurisdiction Determined by Allegations of Complaint or Information | 4-2 | ||||||
D. | Jurisdiction Over Complex Crimes | 4-3 | ||||||
E. | Crimes Punishable by Destierro | 4-3 | ||||||
II. | TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION | 4-4 | ||||||
A. | General Rule | 4-4 | ||||||
B. | Jurisdiction Over the Person of Accused | 4-4 | ||||||
C. | Criminal Jurisdiction of Municipal Trial Courts | 4-4 | ||||||
D. | Cases Governed by the Summary Rules | 4-8 | ||||||
E. | Cases Governed by the Regular Rules | 4-8 | ||||||
F. | Damage to Property Through Criminal Negligence | 4-11 | ||||||
G. | Special Jurisdiction in Certain Cases | 4-11 | ||||||
III. | PROSECUTION OF OFFENSES | 4-12 | ||||||
A. | Institution of Criminal Action | 412 | ||||||
1. | Prosecution of offenses is instituted either by complaint or information | 4-12 | ||||||
2. | Procedure for institution of criminal actions | 4-12 | ||||||
3. | Who must prosecute criminal actions | 4-13 | ||||||
4. | Recovery of civil liability | 4-13 | ||||||
5. | Prosecution of private crimes | 4-13 | ||||||
B. | Distinction Between Control of Prosecution and Control of Court | 4-14 | ||||||
1. | Control by prosecution | 4-14 | ||||||
2. | Control by court once case is filed | 4-14 | ||||||
3. | Limitations on control by court | 4-15 | ||||||
C. | Testing Sufficiency of Complaint or Information | 4-15 | ||||||
D. | Strict Scrutiny in Heinous Crimes | 4-16 | ||||||
1. | Cause of the accusation | 4-16 | ||||||
E. | Duplicity of the Offense and Continuing Crimes | 4-17 | ||||||
1. | Duplicity of the offense | 4-17 | ||||||
2. | Continuing crimes: the principle of delito continuado | 4-18 | ||||||
3. | Exceptions to rule on duplicity | 4-20 | ||||||
4. | Rule on complex crimes | 4-20 | ||||||
5. | No duplicity in rape with homicide | 4-21 | ||||||
6. | No duplicity in charge of estafa | 4-21 | ||||||
7. | Illegal possession of firearm and unlawful killing with the use thereof | 4-22 | ||||||
8. | Reckless imprudence cases | 4-23 | ||||||
9. | Amendment or substitution | 4-23 | ||||||
III. | PROSECUTION OF CIVIL ACTION | 4-24 | ||||||
A. | Basic Rule | 4-24 | ||||||
B. | Civil Actions not Based on Crime not Extinguished | 4-25 | ||||||
C. | Criminal Actions to Recover Civil Liability Arising from Delict and Civil Actions Based on Quasi-Delict may proceed Simultaneously | 4-26 | ||||||
D. | Extinction of the Penal does not Carry with it Extinction of the Civil | 4-27 | ||||||
IV. | PROCEDURAL CHECKLISTS ON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE | 4-28 | ||||||
A. | For Cases Cognizable by the Municipal Trial Courts | 4-28 | ||||||
Checklist I - Things to check/do upon receipt of complaint or information | 4-28 | |||||||
When Case is for Preliminary Investigation | 4-28 | |||||||
When Case is for Trial on the Merits | 4-29 | |||||||
Checklist II - Things to check/do after the issuance of arrest warrant and before trial stage | 4-32 | |||||||
B. | For Cases Cognizable by the Regional Trial Courts | 4-32 | ||||||
Checklist I - Things to do upon receipt of complaint or information up to issuance of the warrant of arrest | 4-34 | |||||||
Checklist II - Incidents after issuance of warrant of arrest or commitment order | 4-35 | |||||||
C. | Common Procedures in First and Second Level Courts | 4-39 | ||||||
Checklist I - Things to do at the arraignment of the accused | 4-39 | |||||||
Checklist II - Pre-Trial | 4-42 | |||||||
Things to do during the pre-trial conference | 4-42 | |||||||
When there is plea bargaining | 4-43 | |||||||
When there is no plea bargaining | 4-44 | |||||||
Checklist III - What to do after pre-trial to initial trial | 4-46 | |||||||
Ten Commandments for a Judge on Applications for Bail | 4-48 | |||||||
Checklist IV - Incidents during trial | 4-50 | |||||||
What to do when there is application to discharge accused to be state witness | 4-50 | |||||||
Effects of discharge | 4-53 | |||||||
When a motion/petition to suspend a criminal action based upon the alleged pendency of a prejudicial question in a civil action is filed in the criminal action | 4-54 | |||||||
What a judge should do if accused is reported to have died | 4-56 | |||||||
What a judge should do in case a motion for disqualification or inhibition is filed | 4-57 | |||||||
V. | CONDUCTING THE TRIAL | 4-60 | ||||||
A. | Supreme Court Circulars | 4-60 | ||||||
B. | Compliance with Periods | 4-60 | ||||||
C. | Pertinent Rules | 4-61 | ||||||
1. | Time to prepare for trial | 4-61 | ||||||
2. | Continuous trial until terminated; postponements | 4-61 | ||||||
3. | Exclusions | 4-61 | ||||||
4. | Factors for granting continuance | 4-63 | ||||||
5. | Time limit following an order for new trial | 4-63 | ||||||
6. | Extended time limit | 4-64 | ||||||
7. | Public attorney’s duties when accused is imprisoned | 4-64 | ||||||
8. | Sanctions | 4-65 | ||||||
9. | Remedy where accused is not brought to trial within the time limit | 4-65 | ||||||
10. | Law on speedy trial not a bar to provision on speedy trial in the Constitution | 4-66 | ||||||
11. | Order of trial | 4-66 | ||||||
D. | How to Deal with Accused’s Motion for Examination of his/her Witness before Trial | 4-66 | ||||||
E. | How to Deal with Prosecution’s Motion for Examination of its Witness before Trial | 4-68 | ||||||
F. | If a Motion for Confinement of an Accused in a Mental Hospital is Filed | 4-69 | ||||||
G. | Demurrer to Evidence | 4-70 | ||||||
Checklist - Steps to Take When Demurrer to Evidence is Filed | 4-70 | |||||||
VI. | JUDGMENT | 4-72 | ||||||
A. | Definition | 4-72 | ||||||
Checklist - Steps to Take in Rendering Judgment | 4-72 | |||||||
B. | Extent of Damages Awarded in Civil Liability Arising from Crimes | 4-74 | ||||||
C. | Promulgation of Judgment | 4-75 | ||||||
D. | Modification of Judgment | 4-77 | ||||||
E. | Entry of Judgment | 4-77 | ||||||
VII. | MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL OR RECONSIDERATION | 4-78 | ||||||
A. | Grounds for New Trial | 4-78 | ||||||
B. | Ground for Reconsideration | 4-78 | ||||||
C. | Form of Motion for a New Trial or Reconsideration | 4-78 | ||||||
D. | Steps to Take | 4-79 | ||||||
Checklist I - Steps from Filing of Application to Referral Thereof to Probation Officer | 4-79 | |||||||
SampleProbation Court Forms | 4-81 | |||||||
Checklist II - Steps from receipt of Post-Sentence Investigation Report to issuance of Probation Order | 4-84 | |||||||
Checklist III - How to Deal with Incidents During Probation | 4-85 | |||||||
Sample forms Revoking/Modifying Conditions of Probation | 4-88 | |||||||
VIII. | ISSUANCE OF SEARCH WARRANTS | 4-91 | ||||||
A. | Rule on Forum Shopping | 4-91 | ||||||
B. | Meaning of Probable Cause | 4-92 | ||||||
C. | Basis of Probable Cause; Personal Knowledge | 4-92 | ||||||
1. | Meaning of knowledge; test is liability for perjury | 4-92 | ||||||
2. | Insufficiency of affidavits | 4-93 | ||||||
3. | Prudente v. Hon. Executive Judge A.M. Dayrit | 4-93 | ||||||
4. | Factors that may be considered in determination of probable cause | 4-94 | ||||||
5. | The need of competent proof of particular acts or specific omissions | 4-95 | ||||||
6. | Probable cause to be determined only by judge | 4-96 | ||||||
7. | Manner of examination | 4-97 | ||||||
8. | Examination is heard ex-parte and may be done in chambers but action must be expedited | 4-97 | ||||||
9. | The need for searching questions and answers by the judge | 4-98 | ||||||
10. | Requisite of particular description of things to be seized | 4-99 | ||||||
11. | Tests to determine Particularity | 4-100 | ||||||
12. | Description of place to be seized | 4-100 | ||||||
13. | Determination of whether search warrant describes premises with particularity | 4-101 | ||||||
IX. | PROVISIONAL REMEDIES | 4-102 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | STAGES TN CRIMINAL CASES | 4-103 | ||||||
II. | CIVIL CASES | 4-105 | ||||||
III. | PROCEDURE ON APPEALED CASES | 4-106 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | WHEN EVIDENCE IS NECESSARY | 5-1 | ||||||
II. | ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE | 5-2 | ||||||
A. | Axiom of Admissibility of Evidence | 5-2 | ||||||
B. | Proper Presentation of Evidence | 5-3 | ||||||
1. | Object evidence | 5-3 | ||||||
2. | Oral evidence | 5-3 | ||||||
3. | Documentary evidence | 5-4 | ||||||
C. | Formal Offer of Evidence; Need for Statement of the Purpose of Evidence | 5-5 | ||||||
III. | MODES OF EXCLUDING INADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE | 5-7 | ||||||
A. | Evidence is objected to at the time it is offered and not before | 5-7 | ||||||
B. | Motion to strike out answer to testimony | 5-7 | ||||||
C. | Objections and Ruling | 5-8 | ||||||
IV. | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR EVIDENCE | 5-12 | ||||||
A. | Judicial Notice | 5-12 | ||||||
1. | Mandatory and discretionary judicial notice | 5-12 | ||||||
2. | Hearing the parties on discretionary judicial notice | 5-13 | ||||||
3. | Judicial notice of proceedings in another case | 5-13 | ||||||
B. | Admissions: Judicial and Extra-Judicial | 5-14 | ||||||
C. | Best Evidence Rule | 5-17 | ||||||
D. | Parol Evidence Rule | 5-19 | ||||||
E. | Admissibility of Extra-Judicial Confessions | 5-19 | ||||||
F. | Examination of Witnesses | 5-21 | ||||||
G. | Authentication and Proof of Documents | 5-24 | ||||||
H. | Tender of Excluded Evidence | 5-26 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | THE ROLE OF THE JUDGE | 6-1 | ||||||
II | ETHICAL RULES OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT | 6-3 | ||||||
1. | Necessity and Sources of Judicial Ethics | 6-3 | ||||||
2. | Ethical Rules Relating to Competence | 6-3 | ||||||
3. | Ethical Rules Relating to Independence | 6-9 | ||||||
4. | Ethical Rules Relating to Integrity | 6-13 | ||||||
5. | Social Justice | 6-15 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | METHODS OF REASONING | 7-1 | ||||||
1. | Analogy | 7-1 | ||||||
2. | Induction | 7-2 | ||||||
3. | Deduction | 7-2 | ||||||
II. | FREQUENTLY COMMITTED FALLACIES | 7-3 | ||||||
1. | Misplaced authority | 7-3 | ||||||
2. | Post hoc, ergopropter hoc | 7-3 | ||||||
3. | Tu quoque | 7-3 | ||||||
4. | Dicta simpliciter | 7-3 | ||||||
5. | Argumentum adpopulum | 7-3 | ||||||
6. | Argumentum ad baculum | 7-3 | ||||||
III. | THE LOGICAL FLOW IN CASE ANALYSIS | 7-4 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | INTRODUCTION | 7-7 | ||||||
II. | POINTERS FOR JUDICIAL WRITING | 7-7 | ||||||
1. | The Three “Cs” in Judicial Writing | 7-7 | ||||||
1.1 | Use of single words in place of several words | 7-8 | ||||||
1.2 | Diction | 7-8 | ||||||
1.3 | Spell words correctly | 7-13 | ||||||
1.4 | Verbs not followed by prepositions | 7-13 | ||||||
2. | Writing Style | 7-13 | ||||||
2.1 | Stages of writing process | 7-13 | ||||||
2.2 | Pointers on style | 7-14 | ||||||
2.3 | Effective sentences | 7-20 | ||||||
| ||||||||
GLOSSARY OF LEGAL TERMS | 7-25 | |||||||
| ||||||||
I. | INTRODUCTION | 7-29 | ||||||
II. | CONDUCTING LEGAL RESEARCH | 7-29 | ||||||
1. | Critical Fact-Related Steps that Must Precede Research in Law Books | 7-29 | ||||||
1.1 | Gathering the facts | 7-29 | ||||||
1.2 | Analyzing the facts — the TARP rule | 7-30 | ||||||
1.3 | Identifying the legal issues | 7-30 | ||||||
1.4 | Organizing the legal issues in a logical order | 7-30 | ||||||
1.5 | Doing legal research | 7-31 | ||||||
2. | Law Finding Techniques | 7-31 | ||||||
2.1 | Approaches | 7-31 | ||||||
3. | Classifying the Issues Involved in the Problem | 7-31 | ||||||
4. | Finding the Law | 7-31 | ||||||
4.1 | Sources of law | 7-31 | ||||||
5. | Research in Statutory Law | 7-34 | ||||||
5.1 | Constitution | 7-34 | ||||||
5.2 | Treaties and international agreements | 7-35 | ||||||
5.3 | Statutes proper | 7-35 | ||||||
5.4 | Administrative regulations and rules | 7-37 | ||||||
5.5 | Ordinances | 7-38 | ||||||
5.6 | Court Rules | 7-38 | ||||||
5.7 | Military rules | 7-39 | ||||||
6. | Researching in Case Law | 7-39 | ||||||
6.1 | Types of case law | 7-39 | ||||||
6.2 | Supreme Court decisions | 7-39 | ||||||
6.3 | Court of Appeals decisions | 7-40 | ||||||
6.4 | Other courts | 7-40 | ||||||
6.5 | Decisions of administrative agencies and boards | 7-40 | ||||||
6.6 | American setting | 7-40 | ||||||
7. | Reading the Law | 7-41 | ||||||
7.1 | Internal evaluation | 7-42 | ||||||
8. | Updating the Law | 7-41 | ||||||
9. | Writing Your Decision | 7-42 | ||||||
10 | General Pointers in Legal Research | 7-42 | ||||||
III. | CONCLUSION | 7-43 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I | INTRODUCTION | 8-1 | ||||||
II | KEY ELEMENTS OF MEASURES | 8-1 | ||||||
1. | Methods | 8-1 | ||||||
2. | Tools | 8-2 | ||||||
3. | People | 8-2 | ||||||
III | CREATION OF CORE TEAM | 8-2 | ||||||
IV | APPLICATION OF MEASURES | 8-3 | ||||||
1. | Court Reviews and Case Data Examination | 8-3 | ||||||
2. | Observations and Simulations | 8-3 | ||||||
3. | Surveys and Questionnaires | 8-4 | ||||||
4. | Interviews | 8-4 | ||||||
5. | Group Technique | 8-4 | ||||||
| ||||||||
I. | Concept | 8-5 | ||||||
II | Rationale | 8-5 | ||||||
III | Organizing a TQM-CORE Team | 8-5 | ||||||
1. | Developing Leadership Qualities | 8-5 | ||||||
2. | Applying Teamwork Concepts | 8-6 | ||||||
3. | Formulating Vision and Mission Statements and Implementing Strategies | 8-6 | ||||||
4. | Values | 8-7 | ||||||
IV | Setting up an Ideal Climate for TQM Implementation | 8-7 | ||||||
1. | The Self-Assessment Process | 8-7 | ||||||
2. | Assessment of Facilities | 8-8 | ||||||
3. | Regular Evaluation Meetings | 8-8 | ||||||
V. | Case Management | 8-9 | ||||||
1. | Concept and Purpose | 8-9 | ||||||
2. | Objectives of Case Management | 8-9 | ||||||
3. | Basic Principles | 8-9 | ||||||
4. | Five Steps to Caseflow Management | 8-10 | ||||||
5. | Implementing Guidelines | 8-11 | ||||||
VI | Records Management | 8-12 | ||||||
1. | Concept | 8-12 | ||||||
2. | Types of Trial Court Records | 8-12 | ||||||
3. | Protection and Preservation of Records | 8-13 | ||||||
4. | Destruction of Records | 8-14 | ||||||
VII | Pre-Trial as Component of Caseflow Management | 8-15 | ||||||
1. | Nature, Concept and Purpose | 8-15 | ||||||
2. | Rules on Pre-Trial | 8-15 | ||||||
3. | The Mechanics of Pre-Trial | 8-15 | ||||||
4. | The Pre-Trial Order | 8-18 | ||||||
Annex “A” - Sample Chart for Fast Track System | 8-19 |