5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

1/8

A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC

RE: PROPOSED RULE ON GUIDELINES TO BE OBSERVED BY TRIALCOURT JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURT IN THE CONDUCT OF PRE-

TRIAL AND USE OF DEPOSITION-DISCOVERY MEASURES

RESOLUTION

Acting on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Committee onRevision of the Rules of Court submitting for this Court's, consideration andapproval the Proposed Rule on Guidelines to be Observed by Trial Court Judgesand Clers of Court in the Conduct of Pre!Trial and "se of #eposition!#iscovery$easures, the Court Resolved to APPROVE the same% The said Rule is heretoattached as an integral part of this Resolution%

The Rule shall tae effect on August &, ())* follo+ing its publication in a

ne+spaper of general circulation not later than July ), ())*%

July &, ())*%

-.gd%/#avide, Jr% C%J%, Puno, 0itug, Panganiban, 1uisumbing, 2nare3!.antiago, .andoval!Gutierre3, Carpio, Austria!$artine3, Corona, Carpio!$orales,Calle4o, .r%, A3cuna and Tinga JJ%

G"5#67586. TO 96 O9.6R06# 92 TR5A7 CO"RT J"#G6. A8# C76R:.O; CO"RT 58 T

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

2/8

ithin five ->/ days from date of filing of the reply,(the plaintiff must promptlymove e? parte that the case be set for pre!trial conference%5f the plaintiff fails tofile said motion +ithin the given period, the 9ranch COC shall issue a notice ofpre!trial%

(% The parties shall submit, at least three -/ days before the pre!trial, pre!trial briefs containing the follo+ing@*

a% A statement of their +illingness to enter into an amicable settlement indicatingthe desired terms thereof or to submit the case to any of the alternative modes ofdispute resolution

b% A summary of admitted facts and proposed stipulation of facts

c% The issues to be tried or resolved

d% The documents or e?hibits to be presented, stating the purpose thereof% No!"#$!%&! '()** +! )**o,!$ o +! /!'!%!$ )%$ o!/!$ $/#%2 (! /#)* #%'o/ o ) )/4' !"#$!%&!-#%-&(#! o(!/ ()% (o'! () ()$ +!!% !)/*#!/#$!%##!$ )%$ /!-5)/6!$ $/#%2 (! /!-/#)*7 !8&! # )**o,!$ + (! &o/o/ 2oo$ &)'! '(o,%

e% A manifestation of their having availed or their intention to avail themselves ofdiscovery procedures or referral to commissioners and

f% The number and names of the +itnesses, the substance of their testimonies,and the appro?imate number of hours that +ill be reDuired by the parties for the

presentation of their respective +itnesses%

A copy of the 8otice of Pre!trial Conference is hereto attached as Anne? B9%B

The rule on the contents of the pre!trial brief must strictly be complied +ith%

T(! )/#!' )/! +o%$ + (! /!/!'!%)#o%' )%$ ')!5!%' #% (!#//!'!"! /!-/#)* +/#!'.

% At the start of the pre!trial conference, the 4udge shall immediately referthe parties andor their counsel if authori3ed by their clients to the P$C

mediation unit for purposes of mediation if available%> 5f mediation fails,the 4udge +ill schedule the continuance of the pre!trial conference%9efore the continuance, the Judge may refer the case to the 9ranchCOC for a preliminary conference to assist the parties in reaching asettlement, to mar the documents or e?hibits to be presented by theparties and copies thereof to be attached to the records after comparisonand to consider such other matters as may aid in its prompt disposition%

#uring the preliminary conference, the 9ranch COC shall also ascertainfrom the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on thegenuineness and due e?ecution of the documents mared as e?hibits%

The proceedings during %the preliminary conference shall be recorded inthe B$inutes of Preliminary ConferenceB to be signed by both partiesandor counsel, the form of +hich is hereto attached as Anne?% BCB%

The minutes of preliminary conference and the e?hibits shall be attachedby the 9ranch COC to the case record before the pre!trial%

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn2http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn3http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn4http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn5http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn6http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn2http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn3http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn4http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn5http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn6

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

3/8

*% 9efore the continuation of the pre!trial conference, the 4udge muststudy all the pleadings of the case, and determine the issues thereofand the respective positions of the parties thereon to enable him tointelligently steer the parties to+ard a possible amicable settlement ofthe case, or, at the very least, to help reduce and limit the issues% The

4udge should not allo+ the termination of pre!trial simply because ofthe manifestation of the parties that they cannot settle the case% and the ans+ers to reDuest for admissions by the adverseparty under Rule (% 5t may also reDuire the production of documents

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn7http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn8http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn8http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn7http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn8

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

4/8

or things reDuested by a party under Rule (E and the results of thephysical and mental e?amination of persons under Rule (F

g% #efine and simplify the factual and legal issues arising from thepleadings% "ncontroverted issues and frivolous claims or defenses

should be eliminated% ;or each factual issue, the partiescounsel shallstate all the evidence to support their positions thereon% ;or eachlegal issue, partiescounsel shall state the applicable la+ and

4urisprudence supporting their respective positions thereon% 5f onlylegal issues are presented, the 4udge shall reDuire the parties tosubmit their respective memoranda and the court can proceed torender 4udgment=

h% #etermine the propriety of rendering a summary 4udgmentdismissing the case based on the disclosures made at the pre!trial ora 4udgment based on the pleadings, evidence identified and

admissions made during pre!trial&)

i% As parties to agree on the specific trial dates for continuous trial inaccordance +ith Circular 8o% &!F= dated January &=, &=F= adhere tothe case flo+ chart determined by the court, +hich shall contain thedifferent stages of the proceedings up to the promulgation of thedecision and use the time frame for each stage in setting the trialdates% The One!#ay 6?amination of itness Rule, that is, a +itnesshas to be fully e?amined in one -&/ day only, shall be strictly adheredto sub4ect to the courts' discretion during trial on +hether or not toe?tend the direct andor cross!e?amination for 4ustifiable reasons% On

the last hearing day allotted for each party, he is reDuired to mae hisformal offer of evidence after the presentation of his last +itness andthe opposing party is reDuired to immediately interpose his ob4ectionthereto% Thereafter, the Judge shall mae the ruling on the offer ofevidence in open court% , Rule &(

4% #etermine the most important +itnesses to be heard and limit thenumber of +itnesses -$ost 5mportant itness Rule/% The facts to beproven by each +itness and the appro?imate number of hours per+itness shall be fi?ed

% At his discretion, order the parties to use the affidavits of +itnessesas direct testimonies sub4ect to the right to ob4ect to inadmissibleportions thereof and to the right of cross!e?amination by the otherparty% The affidavits shall be based on personal no+ledge, shall setforth facts as +ould be admissible in evidence, and shall sho+affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the mattersstated therein% The affidavits shall be in Duestion and ans+er form,and shall comply +ith the rules on admissibility of evidence

l% ReDuire the parties andor counsel to submit to the 9ranch COC the

names, addresses and contact numbers of the +itnesses to besummoned by subpoena

m% Order the delegation of the reception of evidence to the 9ranchCOC under Rule ) and

n% Refer the case to a trial by commissioner under Rule (%

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn9http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn10http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn9http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn10

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

5/8

#uring the pre!trial, the 4udge shall be the one to as Duestions on issues raisedtherein and all Duestions or comments by counsel or parties must be directed tothe 4udge to avoid hostilities bet+een the parties%

% The trial 4udge shall schedule the pre!trial in the afternoon sessions and set as

many pre!trial conferences as may be necessary%

E% All proceedings during the pre!trial shall be recorded% The minutes of each pre!trial conference shall contain matters taen up therein more particularlyadmissions of facts and e?hibits and shall be signed by the parties and theircounsel%

F% The 4udge shall issue the reDuired Pre!Trial Order +ithin ten -&)/ days after thetermination of the pre!trial% .aid Order shall bind the parties, limit the trial tomatters not disposed of and control the course of the action during the trial% Asample Pre!Trial Order is hereto attached as Anne? B#%B

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

6/8

the genuineness and due e?ecution of documents mared as e?hibits andconsider such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the case%The proceedings during the preliminary conference shall be recorded in the$inutes of Preliminary Conference to be signed by both parties and counsel%-Please see Anne? B9B/

The $inutes of Preliminary Conference and the e?hibits shall be attached by the9ranch COC to the case record before the pre!trial%

*% 9efore the pre!trial conference the 4udge must study the allegations of theinformation, the statements in the affidavits of +itnesses and other documentaryevidence +hich form part of the record of the preliminary investigation%

>% #uring the pre!trial, e?cept for violations of the Comprehensive #angerous#rugs Act of ())(, the trial 4udge shall consider plea!bargaining arrangements% &here the prosecution and the offended party agree to the plea offered by the

accused, the court shall@

a% 5ssue an order +hich contains the plea bargaining arrived at

b% Proceed to receive evidence on the civil aspect of the case and

c% Render and promulgate 4udgment of conviction, including the civilliability or damages duly established by the evidence%&*

% hen plea bargaining fails, the Court shall@

a% Adopt the minutes of preliminary conference as part of the pre!trial proceedings, confirm marings of e?hibits or substitutedphotocopies and admissions on the genuineness and due e?ecutionof documents and list ob4ect and testimonial evidence

b% .crutini3e every allegation of the information and the statementsin the affidavits and other documents +hich form part of the recordof the preliminary investigation and other documents identified andmared as e?hibits in determining farther admissions of facts,documents and in particular as to the follo+ing@&>

&% the identity of the accused

(% court's territorial 4urisdiction relative to the offenses charged

% Dualification of e?pert +itnesses

*% amount of damages

>% genuineness and due e?ecution of documents

% the cause of death or in4ury, in proper cases

E% adoption of any evidence presented during the preliminaryinvestigation

F% disclosure of defenses of alibi, insanity, self!defense,e?ercise of public authority and 4ustifying or e?emptingcircumstances and

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn13http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn14http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn15http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn13http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn14http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn15

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

7/8

=% such other matters that +ould limit the facts in issue%

c% #efine factual and legal issues

d% As parties to agree on the specific trial dates and adhere to the

flo+ chart determined by the court +hich shall contain the time framesfor the different stages of the proceeding up to promulgation ofdecision and use the time frame for each stage in setting the trialdates

e% ReDuire the parties to submit to the 9ranch COC the names,addresses and contact numbers of +itnesses that need to besummoned by subpoena;16and

f% Consider modification of order of trial if the accused admits thecharge but interposes a la+ful defense%

E% #uring the pre!trial, the 4udge shall be the one to as Duestions on issuesraised therein and all Duestions must be directed to him to avoid hostilitiesbet+een parties%

F% All agreements or admissions made or entered during the pre!trial conferenceshall be reduced in +riting and signed by the accused and counsel, other+ise,they cannot be used against the accused% The agreements covering the mattersreferred to in .ection & of Rule &&F shall be approved by the court% -.ection (,Rule &&F/

=% All proceedings during the pre!trial shall be recorded, the transcripts preparedand the minutes signed by the parties andor their counsels%

&)% The trial 4udge shall issue a Pre!trial Order +ithin ten -&)/ days after thetermination of the pre!trial setting forth the actions taen during the pre!trialconference, the facts stipulated, the admissions made, evidence mared, thenumber of +itnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial% .aid Order shallbind the parties, limit the trial to matters not disposed of and control the coursethe action during the trial%&E

6ncl@

Anne? BAB ! .ummonsAnne? B9B ! 8otice of Pre!trial Conference in Civil CasesAnne? BCB ! $inutes of Preliminary ConferenceAnne? B#B ! Pre!trial Order in Civil CasesAnne? B6B ! 8otice of Pre!trial Conference in Criminal Cases

&According to Justice Jose 2% ;eria, Co!Chairman of the Revision of the Rules of Court Committee, Rules (> and (reDuire the parties to avail of said rules% -&==E Rules of Civil Procedure, p% FF and p% F=, Philippine 7egal .tudies, .eries

8o% >, &==F/

(Administrative Circular 8o% !== dated &> January &===%

.ec% &, Rule &F, &==E Rules of Civil Procedure%

*.ec% , Rule &F, &==E Rules of Civil Procedure%

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn16http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn17http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_a.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretiral_annex_b.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_c.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_d.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretiral_annex_e.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref1http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref1http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref2http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref2http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref3http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref3http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref4http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref4http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn16http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftn17http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_a.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretiral_annex_b.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_c.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretrial_annex_d.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pretiral_annex_e.htmhttp://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref1http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref2http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref3http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref4

5/19/2018 A.M. No. 03-1-09-SC - Guidelines on Pre-trial

8/8

>5ssuances of the Court in A%$% 8o% )&!&)!>!.C!P!.C!P January &===%

F5bid%

=Administrative Circular 8o% !== dated &> January &===%

&)Ibid.

&&.ec% &, Rule &&, Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, as amended%

&(.ec% &, Rule &&F, Id

&9ellosillo, J%, 6ffective Pre!trial TechniDue, pp% *!*(%

&*Id., pp% *!*%

&>Id., pp% *!**%

&Id., pp% *!*>%

&E9ellosillo, 6ffective Pre!trial TechniDue, &==), p% ((, .ec% E, Rule &F, &==E Rules of Civil Procedure and .ec% *, Rule&&F, Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure%

http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref5http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref5http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref6http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref6http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref7http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref7http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref8http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref8http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref9http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref9http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref10http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref11http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref11http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref12http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref13http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref14http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref15http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref16http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref17http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref5http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref6http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref7http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref8http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref9http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref10http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref11http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref12http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref13http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref14http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref15http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref16http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/rulesofcourt/2004/pre_trial.htm#_ftnref17