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Pleadings
What must be in the complaint?o Claims a cause of actiono Must contain allegations brief and concise
statement of ultimate facts, devoid of evidentiary
matters
You can also allege as to fraud, mistake,malice, illegality, condition of the mind, etc.
As to matters of fraud, how must it be alleged?o With particularity
As for mistake, how must it be alleged?o With particularity
If its a condition of the mind (malice, intent,knowledge, etc.)?
o Generally You can also base your claim on an actionable
document. How to do you allege it?
o 1. You can attach or append the document To show the court that this is where your
cause of action arises
o 2. You can reproduce the contents of thedocument in the pleading en toto
(But in practice, just always append anyway) How do you deny an allegation under an
actionable document?
o Specifically denied, under oatho
What is the exception to when you need tospecifically deny under oath an allegation
from actionable document?
1) When the adverse party is not a party tothe instrument
2) When there is an order for inspection andit is refused
What is the effect of failure to specifically denyunder oath an actionable document?
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o It is an admission ONLY as to the genuineness anddue execution of the actionable document
But what about the rights and obligations of theparties arising from that document?
o It is up to the court to determine it. What is the period to file an answer?
o 15 days after service of summonso Could it be 30 days after receipt of
summons?
For foreign corporation andservice is done togovernment official designated by law
What are the defenses available in answer?o 1) Affirmative defense
If you only hypothetically admit, withoutraising any defense, what happens?
In this case, there is no more issue.This will lead to a judgment on the
pleadings (Rule 34)
This occurs when the answer does nottender an issue or admits the material
allegations
o 2) Negative defense Specific denial of facts alleged essential to
the cause of action.
What are the kinds of specific denial? 1) general denial 2) specific denial 3) disavowal of knowledge (lack of
knowledge and belief to form a specific
denial)
Is the counterclaim or cross-claim in a separatepleading?
o No.
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What is a compulsory counterclaim?o Arises out of the transaction constituting subject
matter of the action
What is a permissive counterclaim?o Arising from an event unrelated.
What is the period to answer a counterclaim?o 10 dayso (In practice, you only answer a permissive
counterclaim. In practice, a compulsory
counterclaim is not answered.)
What is a cross claim?o Made against a person/party on the same side.
Can there be a counterclaim defendant crossclaim?
o Yes. The counterclaim defendant is the originalplaintiff. He can file a cross claim against a co-
party.
Is there a period to answer a cross claim?o 10 days
Do you need leave of court to file a counter orcross claim?
o No, whether it be a permissive/compulsorycounterclaim or a cross claim, no.
For a third party complaint, do you need leave ofcourt?
o Yes. You cannot just file a third party complaint.o Who is usually the third party plaintiff?
The defendant in the main case, who feelsthat he should file a complaint against
someone that court has yet to acquire
jurisdiction from.
This is the reason why there is need for leaveof court. You need to have the third party
impleaded.
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Why would you want a third partycomplaint?
To contribute or indemnifyo Classic case: car crash a hit b hit
c. C sued B. B sued A for
indemnification.
Subrogation Any other similar ground
o What is the period to answer a third partycomplaint?
15 days, because it is treated as an entirelynew complaint
Is the reply a mandatory pleading?o No.
What is the period to file a reply?o 10 days.
What do you do in a reply?o To controvert the new matters raised in the
answer
What is the effect of failure to file a reply?o All new matters stated in the answer are deemed
controverted
o What is the reason for this? [Didnt answer]
What happens after answer, etc?o Pre-trial
Three important things:o Signature, verification, and CNFS
What is the effect of a lawyer affixing hissignature in a pleading?
o Indicates that he has read the pleading, and to thebest of his knowledge, the information is correct
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o And that the filing of the same is not for thepurposes of delay
There are some pleadings that are left unsigned.What happens?
o It has no legal effect at all.o Is there a way to cure it?
If counsel can show it is due to mereinadvertence and not for delay
o Will the court just give effect to the pleadingor will it still require actual signing?
[Didnt answer] If a lawyer changes his address, what is his duty?
o Inform the court. Failure to do so may lead todisciplinary action.
What are the contents of the verification?o That the affiant has read the pleading and the
allegations are true.
Must it be under oath?o Yes.
Is it mandatory?o No. Only when the law requires you to verify.
Is it jurisdictional?o No. Failure to attach is not fatal.o But why do the SC and CA dismiss cases for
failure to attach verification?
Although it can be cured, the court maydismiss a pleading for failure to comply with
procedural requirements.
Who signs the verification?o The party filing the pleading.
Can the lawyer sign it?o General rule, no. Unless there is some compelling
reason.
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o For example, the partys father is to be buried onthe day of filing of the petition the court allowed
it.
o Also, the distance of the petition from the counsel(ex. the petitioner is in the USA and the counsel is
in Manila, and there are only 15 days to file.)
Can a minor sign?o Must be assisted.
Can a married person sign by himself or herself?o One spouse is enough, but only if there is common
interest. (N.B. but see note below)
For co-owners or those in the same residence?o Signature of one is enough if there is common
interest. (N.B. but see note below)
TAKE NOTE: The key when it comes to multipleparties, all of them have to sign. However, if there is a
common interest among the parties, a signature of a
number of them may be enough.
o BUT in practice, do not take chances. CNFS: What about a juridical entity? Who can
sign?
o [Anyone, as long as authorized by a boardresolution]
What are the contents of the form?o Plaintiff/principal party shall certify under oath
that he has not filed a similar complaint involving
the same issues in another court, tribunal, QJagency
o If there is any other pending claim, provide statuso If he learns about similar action, report fact within
5 days to the court
Why does the law require that it is the party thatsigns?
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o Because it is only the party, and not even thelawyer, that knows whether there is another
action.
For those with no separate juridical existence,who signs?
o All the parties, since there is no juridicalpersonality.
What is the effect of absence of CNFS? (Note: non-compliance is different from absence)
o It will be dismissed. It can be re-filed because it iswithout prejudice.
Can it be amended to cure?o No, the defect cannot be cured by an amendment.
Just re-file.
What is the effect of non-compliance? (Note: thisoccurs when there is a CNFS, but you did not respect
your commitment under the CNFS)
o Indirect contempt (Failure to comply with order orprocess of court)
o Administrative and criminal cases (since you liedunder oath)
o Dismissal of the case What if there is willful and deliberate forum
shopping?
o (Meaning, its not only false, but you alsodeliberately disregard it)
o Dismiss the case with prejudice What kind of dismissal?
Summary dismissal cannot contesto Placed in direct contempt without opportunity
BPI v. CAo There was a CNFS filed in the first place. What
was not attached was the board resolution
showing the authority of the Vice President to sign
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the CNFS on behalf of the company. This
authorization was submitted on the MR.
o NOTE: There was a valid CNFS. There was liberalinterpretation of this provision for these reasons.
Donatoo Here, the lawyer signed the verification, not the
party. This was validly excused by the court since
the party was in the US, and could not sign the
pleading in time given the 15 day period. There
was physical impossibility.
o BUT as a general rule, the lawyer cannot sign. Young v. Seng
o There was no forum shopping, because the firstcase was dismissed due to lack of cause of action.
When a case is dismissed because of that, it is
without prejudice, and that party can file the same
case again.
o Failure to disclose this fact is not a violation of theCNFS.
OSM Shippingo Requires a duplicate original or CTC for the
decision being appealed (here, NLRC decision) and
not the prior one (Labor Arbiter in this case)
Tan v. Kaakbayo No need for a CNFS for a compulsory counterclaim
New Sampaguitao There was no forum shopping here, because thefirst case questioned whether there can be a writ
of execution when the parties agreed to
compromise in the first place, when the court
dismissed the initial case. The second case was
whether the court approved the compromise
agreement in the first place. These are different.
Solaro Is the rule on personal service mandatory?
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Yes. The rule is priority is by personalservice. If you cannot do it by personal
service, you can do it by registered mail, but
you have to make an explanation.
o In this case, it was made by registered mail andthere was no explanation. For this reason, the
decision of the court to allow it was based on its
reasonable discretion. BUT this is not the rule.
Musao What are the material dates here?
Period only commences to run from date ofreceipt of the decision
Date of filing of the MR Date of receipt of denial of the MR
Amendments and supplements There is amendment for civil cases and there is
amendment for criminal cases.
For civil cases, amendment may either be:o 1) As a matter of righto 2) With leave of court
When is it a matter right?o Before an answer or within 10 days of service of
reply
o What do you need to file? NOTICE to amend
When do you need leave of court?o After an answer has been madeo What do you need to file?
Motion to amend For criminal cases, the reference point is not an
answer. Instead, it is plea.
Before plea, can you amend?o Yes, whether as to matter of form or substance
After plea, can you still amend?
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o Yes, but only as to matters of form, for as long asit will not prejudice the rights of the accused
Dont forget that last bit!o What is the test when it will prejudice the
rights ofthe accused, even if its a matter of
form?
If the original defense of the accused will notchange.
What is amendment to conform to evidence?o This is section 5 of Rule 10o Allegations are found in the body of the
complaint/answer. What is alleged must beproven.
o If the evidence you presented went beyond theallegations, you may file a motion to amend the
pleading to conform to evidence
There are two kinds of amendments to conform toevidence. What are these?
o First kind no objection on the part of the otherparty. For this reason, it will be allowed even
after judgment.
o Second kind if the other party objects, theamendment is left to the sound discretion of the
court.
Can you amend a complaint when it originally hasno cause of action?
o If in the first place there is no cause of action, noamendment will cure such an absence.o Can the court order an amendment even if
there is no application to amend?
1. Yes, if it is a mere formal (typo)amendment
2. For bill of particulars, the court can eitherorder compliance OR an amendment
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3. Motion to dismiss the court can eithergrant, deny, or order an amendment
There was an amendment of an originalcomplaint, which was the basis for the issuance
of summons. If the original complaint is
amended and that is granted by the court, is there
a need for issuance of new summons?
o No, if you already lawfully obtained jurisdictionover the defendant through summons or voluntary
appearance.
o It is a question of jurisdiction over the person, nota question of amendment.
o HOWEVER, if there are additional defendants, newsummons must be served to them.
What is a supplemental pleading?o A pleading filed in addition to a prior one that has
been filed, pursuant to new transactions,
occurrences, or events that have arisen.
o Can there be a supplemental complaint? Yes
o Can there be a supplemental answer? Yes
o Can there be a supplemental reply? Yes
o Can there be a supplemental petition? Yes
So what is the general rule?o You can file a supplemental pleading as long as
there are new transactions, occurrences, or events
that occur after the filing of the first pleading.
o What is the exception? Usually you cannot do this to the Supreme
Court, because you cannot file something to
it unless it asked for it. You would be asked
to explain why you are submitting such.
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What is the difference between amendments andsupplements?
o Amendments pertain to events, transactions, oroccurrences that exist during the filing of the
original pleading, but were not placed in the
pleading. There was just an omission.
May be filed without leave of court (beforeresponsive pleading)
o For supplements, the events, transactions, oroccurrence only arose after the filing of the
original pleading.
Always with leave of courtDefault
N.B. 1: What is the rule on objections?o General rule: all objections on grounds not raised
in an answer or motion to dismiss are deemed
waived.
o What are the exceptions? 1. Lack of jurisdiction over SM 2. Res judicata 3. Litis pendentia 4. Prescription
o What is the fifth exception provided byjurisprudence?
5. Lack or absence of cause of action This is different from Rule 16 (that the
pleading states no cause of action) N.B. 2: What is the rule on failure to allege a
counterclaim?
o Any compulsory counterclaim or cross claim notset-up: barred forever
o In special proceedings a claim against theestate must be made in the period provided
for in the notice. Otherwise it will be forever
barred. What is the exception?
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If there was a suit started by the estateagainst you, the claim can be raised as a
counterclaim.
N.B. 3: How many kinds of default do we have?o 1. In actions in rem, there is a general order of
default.
There are no defendants, so notice is madeto the public that all oppositors have to come
forward and object. Otherwise, forever
barred.
o 2. Failure to attend during pre-trial Called as in default in the 1964 Rules of
Court
If the defendant fails to attend, the plaintiffcan present evidence ex parte
When do you know when a party is in default?o 1. Did not file responsive pleadingo 2. There is proof of such failure
You have to show the return How can you set aside an order of default?
oo 1) File a motion on any of these grounds:
1. Fraud (extrinsic fraud) 2. Accident 3. Mistake 4. Excusable negligence
o 2) It has to be under oatho 3) State that you have a meritorious defense,
without necessarily giving an answer
o What kind of fraud is needed? Extrinsic fraud.
o Is the fraud needed here the same fraudneeded for motion for new trial, petition for
relief from judgment, and motion for
annulment of judgment?
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YES. For all of these, you need extrinsicfraud.
How do you set aside an order of as in default[or allowance for plaintiff to present evidence ex
parte for the plaintiff]?
o Saguid: Remedy is to file an MR or relief fromorder of default also on the ground of FAME
o Do you have to add that you have ameritorious defense?
No need since there is already an Answer. Can there be partial default?
o Yes.o In a case where you file a case against A, B,
C, D, and E. E did not file an answer, while A
to D did. Will A to D be allowed to present
evidence?
Yes.o Will E be allowed to present evidence?
No. He is in default.o Can A to Ds evidence be used against E or in
favor of E?
Yes. In fact, E can still win the case alongwith the others.
Can the court render a judgment after an order ofdefault, without presentation of evidence ex
parte?
o Yes. This is a new provision introduced only in the1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.o This has not been asked in the Bar examination
yet. So be careful.
Where can there be no order of default?o 1. Nullification/annulment/legal separationo Can there be default in Summary Procedure?
No. When there is failure to file answer,there can be judgment rendered by court.
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o 2. Certiorari, Prohibition, etc. Some SCAsrequire a comment, so there can be no declaration
of default
Are there SCAs where there can bedeclaration of default?
Yes, like interpleader where the specialrules are deficient so there is suppletory
application of the ROC
Cerezo v. Tuazon:o Order of default failure to submit an answer, so
the defendant is declared in default
o Judgment by default after the defendant is givennotice of the court processes, the court renders a
decision without hearing defendants defense,
which he lost
o Remedy for an order of default? Motion to set aside or lift an order of default
based on FAME (under oath, and you have to
show you have a good defense)
SSS v. Chavez: This must be accompaniedby a verification (under oath), affidavit of
merit (that you have a good defense), and
notice of hearing. If this is missing, the
motion is lost.
o Remedy for a judgment by default? MNT (FAME) within period for filing an
appeal After the reglementary period (i.e. when
there is entry of judgment) Petition for
relief from judgment: 6 months from entry of
judgment AND within 60 days from
knowledge
If there is GADALEJ, Rule 65 certiorari Remington Steel:
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o When there are multiple defendants, even if onehas already answered, you may amend the
complaint as a matter of right as to the other
since there is no defense yet that would be
affected or altered by the amendment.
Philippine Export and Foreign Loans:o When it is a dismissal without prejudice, appeal is
not a remedy. Your remedy is to re-file a case or
file for a petition for certiorari.
o Amendment to conform to evidence What if itwas not allowed, but the evidence was
proven, can there be a valid judgment basedon that evidence?
Yes. It is valid, even if it is not consistentwith what was alleged.
Bill of particular
Can there be Bill of Particulars in criminal cases?o Yes. Rule 116, Sec. 9.
Only four things to remember in BOP:o 1. What is the definition of BOP?o 2. What is the period to file a BOP?o 3. What is the action taken by the court in BOP?o 4. What is the consequence of failure to comply
with order to file a BOP?
When you file for a BOP, what do you want toachieve?
o A more definite statement of facts that appear inthe complaint that are not averred with sufficient
particularity
o You are to identify the defects and the detailsdesired.
Can you file a motion for BOP after an answer hasbeen filed?
o No more, because issues have already beenjoined.
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What is the effect of filing a motion for BOP onthe period?
o The period is interrupted upon filing, but youalways have at least five days to file the answer
after.
Deadline to file an answer is December 15. Youfiled a motion on December 5. How many days do
you have?
o TWELVE, not eleven. You dont count the daycausing the interruption. [VERY IMPT]
o This is the same way you count a motion todismiss.
[Same facts] If you filed a motion for bill ofparticulars on December 14, the motion is
interrupted. How many days do you have?
o You still have Five days. What action can the court take on a BOP if you
fail to comply?
o 1. Motion to strike outo 2. The case can be dismissed (Virata v. SB)
Rule 17, Sec 3: non-compliance with court order
What if the person fails to file an answer in thetime left?
o Will be declared in defaultService and summonsFiling
What are the modes of filing?o 1. Personalo 2. Registered mail
Can there be filing by ordinary mail?o None. Because here there is no way the court can
find out when you filed it.
o But there can be service by ordinary mail. What are the requirements for personal and
registered mail?
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o PERSONAL: Stamped, dated, and signed by theclerk of court.
o REGISTERED MAIL: Pay for registry receipt andyou have to accomplish a return card
What is the proof that you personally filed?o Primary: if the pleading is found in the records of
the court.
o If it does not appear, you can present the receivedcopy
What is your proof of registered mail filing?o Registry receipto Affidavit of the person mailingo Return card
Service What are the modes of service?
o 1. Personalo 2. Registered mailo 3. Ordinary mail
What does rule 14 cover?o 1. Covers party serving to another party,o 2. party serving to court,o 3. and the court itself serving notices (section 9)
If the person to whom you are serving is notavailable, then how do you file substituted
service?
o Delivery to the clerk of court with proof of failureof both personal service and service by mail.
o There should be proof of both failure of personalservice and service by mail.
o [This is different from substituted service ofsummons]
How do you prove service by ordinary mail?o Affidavit
What is completeness of personal service?o Actual delivery
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What is completeness of registered mail?o Actual receipt or 5 days after notice of postmastero whichever comes first
What about ordinary mail?o 10 days after mailing
What are the proofs of personal service?o Written acknowledgemento Affidavit of the person servingo Official return of server
This refers to service by the court What are the proofs of registered mail?
o Registry receipto Return card
What are the proofs of ordinary mail?o Affidavit of person serving
What if I used registered mail, but I got back thereturn card ALONG WITH the document itself
(showing it is unclaimed). What do you do to
prove delivery?
o You have to file the return card plus the unclaimeddocument, plus before you file, secure a
certification from the post office.
Take note that a return card is required by law to befiled, but in practice, we do not.
What is the priority of service?o Personal service is always preferredo What is the effect of filing by registeredmail?
Put an explanation why you did not serve itthrough personal service
o What if you dont comply? As if the pleading was not filed.
Service of pleadings should be made to whom?o To the counsel, if the party is represented by
counsel.
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What if service was made to a security guard onthe ground floor of a condominium building and
your office is on the 3oth floor?
o You cannot. You have to serve it to counsel. What is Lis Pendens?
o In an action involving right, title, or interest over aproperty, you annotate it on the title of the
property.
I file a case in the bureau of lands to declare nulland void a title. Can this be subject to a notice of
Lis Pendens?
o No. This is a quasi-judicial action. Notice of lispendens only applies to judicial cases, not quasi-
judicial. (Heir of Lopez)
Atlantic Erectors: You can only apply for Lis Pendensif the property is the subject of the action.
o Can you put a notice of lis pendens in apartition case?
Yes. Do you need court approval to effect a notice of
Lis Pendens?
o Not at all. Just send a memorandum to the ROD,even without court involvement.
When do you need court approval?o When you intend to cancel the notice.o Grounds:
1) purpose is to molest other party 2) no need for the notice to protect the rights
of the parties who caused it
Payongayong:o Priority of service is ALWAYS personal. If you
cannot do it personally, you give an explanation
o Same as filing priority is personal. Otherwise,you give an explanation.
United Pulp:
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o Hypothetical There is a principal who is outof the Philippines, and he designates X as his
attorney-in-fact. Can X sign the certification
against non-forum shopping?
In general, he cannot. But in this specialcase, he can, because the principal is out of
the country.
o What is the test? Mere representation is not enough. There
must be a specific authorization and clear
authority given in the SPA that he can sign
the CNFS.
Summons
Can personal service and substituted service worksimultaneously?
o No. Personal service first, and this is the priority.You cannot have these simultaneously.
Where?o WHEREVER HE IS FOUND. Always remember theJames Yap rule.
What are the requirements for substitutedservice? Under what circumstances?
o Only if personal service is IMPOSSIBLE.o Proof of this: defendant cannot be served
summons after all efforts have been exhausted.
Is there a set of standards given by lawon how many times you have to try toserve?
A case says that it must be at leastthree times on two different days.
o There has to be an explanation.o Where will the explanation appear?
In the sheriffs return Summons must be served within reasonable time.
What do you mean by this?
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o For the sheriff, 15-30 days according tojurisprudence. After the 30th day, the court will
require the sheriff to submit the return.
o Why is this important? If you file a complaint and you dont see to it
that the summons is served, your complaint
can be dismissed for failure to prosecute.
What is alias summons?o If the original summons has been lost or the
original summons was returned to court,
unserved.
o Then you can apply for alias summons. When do you talk about suitable age or
discretion, to what kind of substituted service
does this apply?
o To service at the residence. When you talk about suitable age or discretion for
substituted service, what do you mean?
o There is nothing in the law that says there mustbe age of majority but from Manotocto Pascual,
there is consistent jurisprudence that it must be
age of majority.
Who must it be? Could it be a house helper?o She or he must reside therein. This must concur
with suitable age or discretion. So these are two
elements.
o A visitor or a transient cannot receive summons.But a house helper can. For offices, to whom must it be served?
o To a a) competent person b) in charge.o Can a middle manager the same rank as Mr.
X receive summons for Mr. X?
He must be in charge of receiving summonsin the office.
o What does in charge mean?
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In charge of the office. President ormanager.
For corporations, what is the special rule?o President, General Manager, Managing Partner,
Corporate Secretary, Corporate Treasurer, In-
house Counsel
o Memorize this. It is a closed list. But for personal cases of an individual, will the
office receive it for you?
Can substituted service be served on non-residents?
o No. None as a general rule. You cannot dosubstituted service to a non-resident.
o [Sec. 15 does not talk about this situation. Sec.15 talks about non-resident and cannot be found.]
o Is there an exception? Yes, but its very narrow. But there must a
a) resident spouse b) who was previously
appointed as attorney-in-fact.
In Secs. 14, 15, and 16: how can summons bedone?
o By publication. Distinguish.
o Section 14: Defendant is unknown or hiswhereabouts are unknown.
How do you do this? Just publish.
Do you even have to try personalservice?
No need for personal service (since youdont know him or where he is).
In what kind of case? Whatever kind of action, whether in rem
or in personam you can do it by
publication, as clarified by the SC.
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Not just in rem or quasi in remanymore.
How does publication in 14 differ from15 and 16?
In 14, ONLY publication is needed. Itdoes not require service by registered
mail in the last known address.
o Section 15: Extra-territorial service Against who?
Against a defendant that does not residein the Philippines and is not found in the
Philippines. In what subject matter?
1. Involving personal status of thedefendant
2. Property of non-resident defendant 3. Property is attached 4. Where defendant has actual or
contingent interest over property
What are the modes of service? 1. Personal service outside the
Philippines
2. Publication AND service by registeredmail in his last known address
o N.B. Both must concur. Take noteof this.
3. Other modes deemed applicable bythe courto Section 16: Temporarily absent
Can he be a resident of the Philippines? Yes. But hes just temporarily absent.
What is the length of time needed here? None provided
How do you do serve summons? Any of those in Sec. 15.
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Add: Substituted service, if there isimpossibility and there are earnest
efforts to serve.
What is the purpose of summons?o So the court can peg a date when it acquired
jurisdiction over the person.
What is the proof of service of summons?o Sheriffs return.
Note the rules on:o Provinceso Prisons
What is the rule on voluntary appearance?o It is not equivalent to summons, but if there is
voluntary appearance, summons can be dispensed
with.
What is the rule on Motions to Dismiss?o If you file a Motion to Dismiss, even if you join
other grounds other than lack of jurisdiction, you
are not deemed to have submitted to the
jurisdiction of the court.
o Old rule: you have to separate the MTD based onlack of jurisdiction.
Maximo v. Montalban:o In this case, his residence is known and he is just
temporarily absent. So substituted service is not
proper.
Samarino v. Ralu:o Here, the sheriff did not prove that facts and
circumstances that would allow substituted service
(repeated failure to personally serve, etc.) it
must be shown in the sheriffs return
Ancheta:o There are only a few remedies when the judgment
is already final and executory. Here, the
petitioner filed a petition to annul the judgment
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26/26
based on lack of jurisdiction over the person
(because lack of jurisdiction is used, it can cover
both lack of jurisdiction over both SM and the
person).
Gomez v. CA:o Does it mean that if you are talking about an in
rem action you can venture on trying to serve it
personally?
You can still do personal service, in case youfind him somewhere in the Philippines by
chance.
o Section 14 before limits itself to in rem or quasi inrem. It now extends likewise to actions in
personam.