SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.

MELO 1

RULE62:INTERPLEADER

INTERPLEADER: a special civil action filed by a person against whom two conflicting 5. ANSWER: The answer shall be filed within 15 days from the service of
claimsaremadeuponthesamesubjectmatterandoverwhichheclaimsnointerest,to summonsuponhim;settingforththeclaimoftheclaimingpartyandshallbe
compel the claimants to interplead and to litigate their conflicting claims among serveduponeachoftheconflictingclaimants.Nonansweringclaimantwithin
themselves. the reglementary period will be declared in default and a judgment will be
rendered barring him from any claim in respect to the subject matter of the
REQUISITES:(NETO) action.

1. TheplaintiffclaimsNOINTERESTinthesubjectmatterorhisclaimtheretois 6. REPLY: A reply to the answer may also be filed by each of the conflicting
notdisputed; claimants. Other pleadings that may be filed: COUNTERCLAIMS, CROSS
2. ThepartiestotheinterpleadermustmakeEFFECTIVECLAIMS; CLAIMS,THIRDPARTYCOMPLAINTSandRESPONSIVEPLEADINGS.
3. TheremustbeatleastTWOORMOREconflictingclaimants;and
4. ThesubjectmattermustbeONEANDTHESAME. 7. PRETRIAL:ApretrialwillbeconductedinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt.

PURPOSE: To protect a person not against double liability but against DOUBLE 8. DETERMINATION: After the filing of pleadings and pretrial, the court shall
VEXATIONinrespectofonesliability proceed to determine their respective rights and adjudicate their several
claims.
PROCEDURE: COURTWITHJURISDICTION
MTC RTC
1. FILING:Acomplaintforinterpleaderisfiledbythepersonagainstwhomthe InMetroManila Personalproperty<P400,000 Realproperty<P50,000
conflicting claims are made. Docket, other lawful fees, costs and other OutsideMetroManila Personalproperty<P300,000 Realproperty<P20,000
litigation expenses shall be borne by the complainant; but these will
constitute a lien or charge upon the subject matter of the action, unless the DISTINCTIONSBETWEENINTERPLEADERANDINTERVENTION
courtholdotherwise. INTERPLEADER INTERVENTION
Specialcivilaction;independent Merely ancillary and depends
WHEN TO FILE: within a reasonable time after a dispute has arisen without Nature andoriginal upon the existence of a pending
waitingtobesuedbyeitherofthecontendingclaimants. action
Commencement Byfilingofacomplaint Byfilingamotiontointervenein
2. COURT ORDER: Upon filing of the complaint, the court shall issue an order ofcomplaint apendingcase
requiring the conflicting claimants to interplead with one another; the order Apersonwhohasnointerestin Apersonwhohasalegalinterest
shallbeservedupontheconflictingclaimantstogetherwiththesummonsand thesubjectmatteroftheaction inanyofthefollowing:
acopyofthecomplaint;courtmayincludeanorderdirectingthatthesubject or his interest in undisputed by 1. Subjectmatter
matteroftheactionbepaidordeliveredtothecourt. theclaimants 2. Successofeitherparty
Plaintiff
3. Successofbothparties
3. MOTION TO DISMISS: Within the time for filing an answer (15 days), each 4. Disposition or distribution of
claimantmayfileamotiontodismissonthegroundsspecifiedinRule16and property in judgments
onthegroundofimproprietyoftheactionforinterpleader. adverselyaffectinghim

Sued to interplead them and Original parties to the pending

4. Theperiodtofileananswerisinterruptedortolledbythefilingofthemotion
determine their respective suits not because of the
todismiss.Ifthemotionisdenied,themovantmayfilehisanswerwithinthe Defendant/s
rights/claims intervention but because of the
remainingperiodtoanswer,butwhichshallNOTBELESSTHAN5daysinany originalsuit
eventfromthenoticeofdenialofthemotion.
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1. Ocampov.Tirona
An action for interpleader is a remedy whereby a person who has a property
whether personal or real, in his possession, or an obligation to render wholly or
partially,withoutclaiminganyrightinboth,orclaimsaninterestwhichinwholeor
in part is not disputed by the confliction claimants, comes to court and asks that
the persons who claim the said property or who consider themselves entitled to
demandcompliancewiththeobligation,berequiredtolitigateamongthemselves,
inordertodeterminefinallywhoisentitledtooneortheotherthing.
Anactionforinterpleaderisproperwhenthelesseedoesnotknowthepersonto
whomtopayrentalsduetoconflictingclaimsontheproperty.
2. PraxedesAlvarezv.Commonwealth
There must be an active assertion or demand by the party with conflicting
interests. It is necessary that there be a declaration before the defendant may
litigateamongthemselvesandfileacomplaintofinterpleader.
3. WackWackGolfandCountryClubv.Won
Anactionforinterpleadershouldbefiledwithinareasonabletimeafteradispute
has arisen without waiting to be sued by either of the contending claimants.
Otherwise,hemaybebarredbylachesorunduedelay.
4. Ramosv.Ramos
Thisiscaseismoreofanactionofquietingoftitle,ratherthananinterpleaderas
filed.Itsoughttoresolvetheownershipofthelandandwasnotdirectedagainst
thepersonalliabilityofanyparticularperson.
5. Beltranv.PeoplesHomesiteandHousingCorp.
An action for interpleader requires that the conflicting claims upon the same
subjectmatterareormaybemadeagainsttheplaintiffininterpleaderwhoclaims
nointerestwhateverinthesubjectmatteroraninterestwhichinwholeorinpart
isnotdisputedbytheclaimants.
CASEDOCTRINES
6. SyQuiav.SheriffofIlocosSur
Interpleader is an action employed to avoid double vexation, not double liability,
forthesameliability.
7. DeJesusv.SociedadArendatariadeGallerasdePasay
To avoid risks of paying damages for withholding payment of claims, an
interpleaderisproper.
8. Mesinav.IAC
Aninterpleadermustbefiledwithinareasonabletimefromnoticeingoodfaith.
9. Vda.DeCamilov.Arcamo
An action for interpleader is IMPROPER when no conflicting claims are made
againsttherespondents.
10. MakatiDevelopmentCorp.v.Tanjuatco
FailureofRule5,19oftheROCtomakeRule62(onInterpleader)applicableto
inferior courts, merely implies that the same are not bound to follow Rule 62 in
dealing with cases of interpleading, but may apply thereto the general rules on
procedureapplicabletoordinarycivilactioninsaidcourts.
11. RCBCv.MetroContainerCorp.
The reason for interpleader ceased when the MeTC rendered judgment directing
defendanttopaypetitionerwhateverrentalsweredue.

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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 3

RULE63:DECLARATORYRELIEFANDOTHERSIMILARREMEDIES

DECLARATORYRELIEF:aspecialcivilactionbyanypersoninterestedunderadeed,will, ORDINARYACTION DECLARATORYRELIEF
contract or other written instrument or whose rights are affected by a statute, WritofExecution YES NO
ordinance, executive order or regulation to determine any question of construction or Breach or Violation
validityarisingundertheinstrument,executiveorderorregulation,orstatuteandfora YES NO
ofRight
declarationofhisrightsandduties MotiontoDismiss RULES16AND17 Additionalgrounds:
1. Decision will not terminate
REQUISITES:(SANDRA) the uncertainty or
controversy
1. The SUBJECT MATTER of the controversy must be a deed, will, contract or 2. Declaration is unnecessary
other written instrument, statute, executive order or regulation, or and improper under the
ordinance circumstances
2. There must be an ACTUAL JUSTICIABLE CONTROVERSY or the ripening
seedsofonebetweenpersonswhoseinterestsareadverse OtherSimilarRemedies
3. TheremusthavebeenNOBREACHofthedocumentsinquestion 1. ActionforReformationofanInstrument Onlytimewhenthe
4. The terms of said documents and the validity thereof are DOUBTFUL and 2. ActiontoQuietTitle courtmayNOTdismiss
requirejudicialconstruction 3. ActiontoConsolidateOwnership thecontroversy
5. The issue must be RIPE FOR JUDICIAL DETERMINATION, as, for example,
wherealladministrativeremedieshavebeenexhausted ACTUAL CONTROVERSY: controversy that is definite and concrete, touching the legal
6. ADEQUATE RELIEF is not available through other means or other forms of relations of parties having adverse legal interests. It must be real and substantial
actionorproceeding controversyadmittingofaspecificreliefthroughadecreeofaconclusivecharacter.It
meansanexistingcaseorcontroversythatisappropriateorripefordetermination,not
PURPOSE:Torelievethelitigantsofthecommonlawrulethatnodeclarationofrights conjecturaloranticipatory.
maybejudiciallyadjudgedunlessarighthasbeenviolatedandfortheviolationofwhich
reliefmaybegranted JUSTICIABILITY: the court must be satisfied that an actual controversy or the ripening
seedsofone,existsbetweenparties,allofwhomaresuijurisandbeforethecourtand
Declaratory judgments are to be distinguished from those which are advisory in thedeclarationsoughtwillbeapracticalhelpinendingthecontroversy
character, since they are res judicata and binding upon the parties and those in
privity with them, and from decisions of abstract or moot questions since they REQUISITESFORJUSTICIABILITY
mustinvolvearealcontroversy. 1. TheremustbeREALPARTIESININTEREST
2. AssertingADVERSECLAIMS
SUBJECTMATTER(Exclusivelist) 3. PresentingaRIPEISSUE
1. Deed
2. Will COURTHASDISCRETIONTOREFUSETOGRANTDECLARATORYRELIEFWHEN:
3. Contractorotherwritteninstrument
4. Statute 1. A decision on the petition will not terminate the uncertainty or controversy
5. ExecutiveOrderorRegulation whichgaverisetotheaction
6. Ordinance 2. A declaration or construction is unnecessary and improper under the
7. Anyothergovernmentalregulation circumstances as when the instrument or the statute has already been
breached

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COURTWITHJURISDICTION:RTC(issuesareNOTcapableofpecuniaryestimation)
PARTIES
PETITIONER
a. Subjectmatterisadeed,will,contractorotherwritteninstrument
i. Personsinterestedinthedeed,will,contract,etc
b. Subjectmatterisastatute,executiveorder,regulationorordinance
i. Persons whose rights are affected by the statute, executive order,
regulationorordinance
c. Others
i. All persons who have or claim any interest which would be affected by
thedeclaration
FailuretoimpleadsuchpersonsdoesNOTaffectthejurisdictionofthecourtover
thepetition;theirrightsareNOTtobeprejudicedbytheirnoninclusion.
WHEN TO FILE: before there occurs any breach or violation of the deed, contract,
statute,ordinanceorexecutiveorderorregulation.
CONVERSION: If before the final termination of the case, a breach or violation of the
instrumentorstatuteoccurs,thenthesamemaybeconvertedintoanordinaryaction.
WHENANACTIONFORDECLARATORYRELIEFWILLNOTLIE
1. Actiontoobtainjudicialdeclarationofcitizenship
2. Action to establish illegitimate filiation and actions to determine hereditary
rights
3. Wherethetermsoftheassailedordinancesarenotambiguousorofdoubtful
meaning
4. Thesubjectoftheactionisacourtdecision
5. Actiontoresolveapoliticalquestionorissue
6. Thosedeterminativeoftheissuesratherthanaconstructionofdefinitestatus,
rightsandrelations
7. Wherethecontractorstatuteonwhichtheactionisbasedhasbeenbreached
8. Actionismerelytoseekadvisoryopinionfromthecourtonamootquestion
9. Whenthepetitionisbasedonthehappeningofacontingentevent
10. Whenpetitionerisnottherealpartyininterest
11. Whereadministrativeremedieshavenotyetbeenexhausted
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ACTION FOR REFORMATION: action brought to reform the instrument evidencing the
contract;presupposedthatthereisnothingwrongwiththecontractitselfbecausethere
isameetingofthemindsbetweentheparties.
Thecontractistobereformedbecausedespitethemeetingofthemindsoftheparties
astotheobjectandcauseofthecontract,theinstrumentwhichissupposedtoembody
theagreementofthepartiesdoesnotreflectthetrueagreementbyreasonofmistake,
fraud,inequitableconductoraccident.
ReformationoftheinstrumentCANNOTbebroughttoreform:
1. Simpledonationsintervivoswhereinnoconditionisimposed
2. Will
3. Voidagreement
Wheretheconsentofapartytoacontracthasbeenprocuredbyfraud,inequitable
conductoraccident,andaninstrumentwasexecutedbythepartiesinaccordance
withthecontract,theremedyistofileanactionfortheannulmentofthecontract,
notactionforreformation.
CONSOLIDATION OF OWNERSHIP: a petition whereby a party seeks to consolidate
ownershiportitleuponthepersonofthevendeewheneverthesellerfailstoexercise
hisrightofredemptionwithinthestipulatedperiod.
LEGALREDEMPTION:retractolegal;astatutorymandatedredemption
ofapropertypreviouslysold.
CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION: pacto de retro; sale is one that is not
mandated by the statute but one which takes place because of the
stipulationofthepartiestothesale.
PURPOSE:Toregistertheproperty
QUIETINGOFTITLE:anactiontodetermineownershipofaproperty
PURPOSE: To remove a cloud on title to real property or any interest therein; as a
preventiveremedytopreventacloudfrombeingcastupontitletorealpropertyorany
interesttherein
Plaintiffneednotinpossessionoftherealpropertybeforehemaybringtheaction
as long as he can show that he has a legal or an equitable title to the property
whichisthesubjectmatteroftheaction.
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CASEDOCTRINES

1. AlliedBroadcastingCenterv.Republic 7. Mirandov.WellingtonTy
A petition for declaratory relief is not among those petitions within the original Requisitesarewanting.Atnotimedidthepetitioners(squatters)acquireanyright
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court even if only questions of law are involved. whatsoeverontheparcelsofland.Paymentofnominalrentalsisimmaterials.
Jurisdiction for petition for declaratory relief is lodged with the RTC (issues are
incapableofpecuniaryestimation). 8. Delumenv.Republic
Justiciablecontroversyexistswhenthereisanantagonisticassertionofalegalright
2. Salvacionv.CentralBank on one side and a denial thereof on the other concerning a real, and not a mere
The Supreme Court has no original and exclusive jurisdiction over a petition for theoreticalquestionorissue.
declaratoryrelief.HOWEVER,exceptionstothisrulehavebeenrecognizedwhere
the petition has farreaching implications and raises questions that should be 9. Limv.Republic
resolved,itmaybetreatedasoneformandamus. Generally,adeclaratoryreliefcannotbeinvokedsolelytodetermineortryissues
or to determine moot, abstract or theoretical questions. This includes resolving
3. Tolentinov.BoardofAccountancy doubtsconcerningonescitizenship.
RequisitesforPetitionforDeclaratoryRelief:
a. Justiciablecontroversy 10. DelaLlanav.COMELEC
b. Controversybetweenpersonswithadverseinterests Theholdingofareferendumisapoliticalandnonjusticiablequestion,involvingas
c. Party seeking declaratory relief must have a legal interest in the itdoesthewisdom,nomoreorless,ofthedecisiontocallforareferendum.The
controversy power to determine when a referendum should be called and what matter is
d. Issueinvolvedmustberipeforjudicialdetermination important for referral to the people, resides in the political branch of the
government,theexerciseofwhichinvolvesconsiderationofamultitudeoffactors,
4. PACUv.SecretaryofEducation normallyoutsidetheperipheryofcompetenceofcourts.
Nojusticiablecontroversybecausetherewerenothreatstorevokepermitsinthe
firstplace. 11. Samsonv.Andal
Iftherehasbeenaviolation,declaratoryreliefcannotbegranted.Afterthebreach,
5. Cutaranv.DENR theregularremedyobtains.
No justiciable controversy because the application for a land claim has yet to be
approved. 12. Olladav.CentralBank
Acomplaintfordeclaratoryreliefwillnotprosperiffiledafteracontract,statuteor
Justiciablecontroversy:adefiniteandconcretedisputetouchingonlegalrelations righthasbeenbreachedorviolated.Anactionfordeclaratoryreliefshouldbefiled
ofpartieshavingadverselegalinterests before there has been a breach of a contract, statute or right. An action for
declaratory relief is proper only if adequate relief is not available through the
6. Caltexv.Palomar meansofotherexistingformsofactionorproceeding.
Thereisjusticiablecontroversybecauseitsmaterialwillbesubjecttoafraudorder
ifimplemented. 13. Sarmientov.Capapas
Ifanactionfordeclaratoryreliefistobeallowedafterabreachofthestatute,the
Elementsofjusticiablecontroversy: decisionofthecourtintheactionfordeclaratoryreliefwouldprejudgetheaction
a. Assertionofaclaim forviolationofthebarterlawandviolatestheruleonmultiplicityofsuits.
b. Denialofaright
c. Legalinterest 14. Tandav.Aldaya
d. Ripeforadjudication Acourtdecisioncannotbethesubjectofdeclaratoryreliefforthereasonthatifa
partyisnotagreeabletoadecisioneitheronquestionsoflaoroffact,hemayfile
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withthecourtamotionforreconsiderationoranewtrialinorderthatthedefect
maybecorrected.
The fundamental reason why the decision of the court cannot be subject of
declaratoryreliefispredicatedupontheprincipleofresjudicata.Partiesoughtnot
tobepermittedtolitigatethesameissuesmorethanonce.
15. Edadesv.Edades
Petition for declaratory relief is an improper action in the determination of
hereditaryrights.
16. Degalav.Reyes
Nonjoinderofthenecessarypartieswoulddeprivethedeclarationofthatfinaland
pacifying function it is calculated to observe, as they would not be bound by the
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 6
declaration and may raise the identical issue. The absence of the defendant with
suchadverseinterestisajurisdictionaldefect,andnodeclaratoryjudgmentcanbe
rendered.
17. BaguioCitizensActionv.CityCouncil
A declaration on the nullity of the ordinance would give the squatters no right
which they are entitled to protect. They are not necessary parties because the
questioninvolvedisthepoweroftheMunicipalCounciltoenacttheOrdinancesin
question.
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RULE64:REVIEWOFJUDGMENTSANDFINALORDERSORRESOLUTIONS
OFTHECOMELECANDCOMMISSIONONAUDIT

SCOPE:ReviewofjudgmentsandfinalordersorresolutionsofCOMELECandCOA OutrightDismissal:
1. ifpetitionisnotsufficientinformandsubstance
PETITION:CertiorariwiththeSupremeCourtunderRule65,notRule45 2. petitionisfiledmanifestlyfordelay
Petitioner must anchor the petition on jurisdictional groundsthat the 3. thequestionraisedistoounsubstantialtowarrantfurtherproceedings
commissioncommittedGADLEJ
Petition cannot question the findings of fact of the commission where EFFECT OF FILING: Filing of a Petition for Rule 64 does NOT stay the execution of the
such findings are supported by substantial evidencefinal and non judgment, final order or resolution of the commission concerned, unless the Supreme
reviewable. Courtdirectsotherwise.

TIMETOFILE:30daysfromnoticeofjudgment A TRO or writ of preliminary injunction is required to prevent the execution of the
Ifmotionforreconsiderationisdenied,thepetitionmustbefiledwithintheREMAINING judgment, final order or resolution of the commission concerned because the filing of
period,butwhichshallnotbelessthan5daysinanyevent,fromthenoticeofdenial. thepetitiondoesNOTinterruptthecourseoftheprincipalcase.

BASICREQUIREMENTSFORTHEPETITION ORALARGUMENTS,MEMORANDA,SUBMISSIONFORDECISION

1. Verifiedpetitionanin18copiesaccompaniedbyacertifiedtruecopyofthe Uponthefilingofthecomments,orupontheexpirationoftheperiodtodoso(10days
judgment fromnotice),thecaseshallbedeemedsubmittedfordecision
2. Aggrieved party as petitioner while commission concerned and person
interestedinsustainingthejudgmentasrespondents EXCEPTiftheCourtdecidestosetthecasefororalargumentsorrequiresthepartiesto
3. Findingsoffactofthecommissionsupportedbysubstantialevidenceshallbe submitmemoranda.
finalandnonreviewable
4. Petitionshallstatethespecificmaterialdatesshowingthatitwasfiledontime RULE64 RULE65
5. Petitionshallbeaccompaniedbyasworncertificationagainstforumshopping Object Directed only to the Directed to any tribunal, board
judgments, final orders or or officer, exercising JUDICIAL
resolutions of COMELEC or orQUASIJUDICIALfunctions
6. Proof of service of its copy on the commission concerned and the adverse COA
party,andofpaymentofdocketandotherlawfulfees. Period 30 days from notice of 60 days from notice of
judgmentorresolution judgmentorresolution
Failure to comply with any of the requirements shall be sufficient ground for its Motion for If MR is denied, file petition If MR is denied, FRESH PERIOD
dismissal. Recon within the REMAINING of60daysfromnoticeofdenial
PERIOD,butwhichshallnotbe withinwhichtofilethepetition
ORDERTOCOMMENT;OUTRIGHTDISMISSAL lessthan5days
Certification CertifyALLANNEXES CertifyonlyORDERASSAILED
Order to Comment: if the petition is found to be sufficient in form and substance; file
within10daysfromnotice;18copieswiththeoriginaltobeaccompaniedbycertified
true copies of the material portions of the records referred to with other supporting
papers.

Nootherpleadingmaybefiledbyanypartyunlessrequiredorallowedbythecourt.
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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 8

CASEDOCTRINES

1. Aratucv.COMELEC
Underthe1973Constitutionandstatutoryprovisions,thecertiorarijurisdictionof
theSupremeCourtoverordersanddecisionsoftheCOMELECisNOTasbroadasit
used to be and should be confined to instances of grave abuse of discretion
amountingtopatentandsubstantialdenialofdueprocess.

2. Dariov.Mison
ThejurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtovercasesemanatingfromtheCivilService
Commission is limited to complaints of lack of excess of jurisdiction, complaints
thatjustifycertiorariunderRule65.

3. AmbilJr.v.COMELEC
The mode by which a decision, order or ruling of the COMELEC en banc may be
elevatedtotheSupremeCourtisbythespecialcivilactionofcertiorariunderRule
65,whichrequiresthatnoappealoranyplain,speedyandadequateremedyinthe
ordinarycourseofthelawisavailable.AMotionforReconsiderationisaplainand
adequate remedy provided for by law. Failure to abide by this procedural
requirementconstitutesagroundfordismissalofthepetition.

4. ABSCBNv.COMELEC
Theproceduralrequirementoffilingamotionforreconsiderationmaybeglossed
over to prevent a miscarriage of justice, when the issue involves the principle of
socialjusticeortheprotectionoflabor,whenthedecisionorresolutionsoughtto
be set aside is a nullity, or when the need for relief is extremely urgent and
certiorariistheonlyadequateandspeedyremedyavailable.

5. Repolv.COMELEC
Interlocutory orders merely rule on an incidental issue and do not terminate or
finally dispose of the case as they leave something to be done before it is finally
decidedonthemerits.

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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 9

RULE65:CERTIORARI,PROHIBITIONANDMANDAMUS

CERTIORARI

WRIT OF CERTIORARI: a writ emanating from a superior court directed against an o Whenappealislostwithouttheappellantsnegligence
inferiorcourt,tribunalorofficerexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctions. o Whenpublicwelfareandtheadvancementofpublicpolicydictates
o Whenthebroaderinterestofjusticesorequires
PURPOSE:Tocorrecterrorsofjurisdiction o Whenthewritsissuedarenullandvoid
o When the questioned order amounts to an oppressive exercise of
REQUISITES(CJWING) judicialauthority

1. TheremustbeaCONTROVERSY. RULE45 RULE65
2. RespondentexercisesJUDICIALORQUASIJUDICIALFUNCTIONS. Petitionforreviewoncertiorari Petitionforcertiorari
3. Respondents acted WITHOUT OR IN EXCESS OF ITS JURISDICTION or acted
withGRAVEABUSEOFDISCRETIONamountingtolackofjurisdiction. Continuation of the appellate process Not a part of the appellate process but
4. TheremustbeNOAPPEALorotherplain,speedyandadequateremedy. overtheoriginalcase anindependentaction
Correctserrorofjudgment:errorsoflaw Corrects error of jurisdiction: lack or
A petition for certiorari is a remedy designed for the correction of errors of oflawofthelowercourts excess of jurisdiction or grave abuse of
jurisdiction,noterrorsofjudgmentaswhenacourtorbodyactedwithgraveabuse discretionamountingtolackorexcessof
ofdiscretionamountingtolackofjurisdiction. jurisdiction
Appeal to the Supreme Court from the SpecialcivilactiontotheSupremeCourt
Writ of certiorari is granted to keep an inferior court within the bounds of its Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan and orpropercourtagainstaninferiorcourt,
jurisdiction or to prevent it from committing such a grave abuse of discretion RTC tribunal or officer exercising judicial or
amountingtolackorexcessofjurisdiction. quasijudicialfunctions
Filed within 15 days from notice of Filed within 60 days from notice of the
The filing of the petition for certiorari does NOT interrupt the course of the judgment or final order or resolution judgment, order or resolution sought to
principal action nor the running of the reglementary periods involved in the appealed from, or of the denial of the be assailed or the denial of the MR or
proceeding, unless an application for a restraining order or a writ of preliminary MRorMNT(nofreshperiod) MNT(freshperiod)
injunctiontotheappellatecourtisgranted. Lower court is not impleaded as a Lowercourtisimpleadedasrespondent
respondent
Insummaryproceedings,petitionsforcertiorari,prohibitionormandamusagainst Plain,speedyandadequaterelief Last resort; cannot be used as a
aninterlocutoryorderofthecourtareNOTallowed. substituteforalostappeal

Certiorari is and cannot be made a substitute for an appeal where the latter DoesnotrequireapriorMR RequiresapriorMR
remedy is available but was lost through fault or negligence. The existence and Staysthejudgmentappealedfrom Does NOT stay the judgment or order
availability of the right to appeal prohibits the resort to certiorari because of the subject of the petition unless an
requirementsforcertiorariisthatthereisnoappeal. injunctivereliefisissued


Generally, certiorari is not available when the period for appeal has lapsed.
However,certiorarimaystillbeinvokedinthefollowinginstances:





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RESPONDENTMUSTEXERCISEJUDICIALORQUASIJUDICIALFUNCTIONS
JUDICIALFUNCTION:powertodeterminewhatthelawisandwhatthelegal
rights of the parties are, and then undertakes to determine these questions
andadjudicateupontherightsoftheparties.
QUASIJUDICIAL FUNCTION: action, discretion etc of public administrative
officers or bodies, which are required to investigate facts or ascertain the
existence of facts, hold hearings and draw conclusions from them as a basis
fortheirofficialactionandtoexercisediscretionofajudicialnature.
JURISDICTIONALISSUE
Petitionforcertiorarimustbebasedonjurisdictionalgroundsbecauseaslong
astherespondentactedwithjurisdiction,anyerrorcommittedbyhimortin
the exercise thereof will amount to nothingmore thanan errorofjudgment
whichmaybereviewedorcorrectedbyappeal
ERRORS OF JURISDICTION: the act complained of was issued by the court,
officer or a quasijudicial body without or in excess of jurisdiction, or with
grave abuse of discretion, which is tantamount to lack or in excess of
jurisdiction.
EXCESSOFJURISDICTIONvs.ABSENCEOFJURISDICTION
o EXCESSOFJURISDICTION:anact,thoughwithinthegeneralpower
of a tribunal, board or officer, is not authorized and invalid with
respect to the particular proceeding because the conditions which
aloneauthorizetheexerciseofthegeneralpowerinrespectofitare
wanting.
o ABSENCE OF JURISDICTION: lack or want of legal power, right or
authority to hear and determine the cause or causes, considered
either in general or with reference to a particular matter (lack of
powertoexerciseauthority).
GRAVEABUSEOFDISCRETION:powerisexercisedinanarbitraryanddespotic
manner by reason of passion or hostility; such capricious, whimsical exercise
ofjudgmentbythetribunalexercisingjudicialorquasijudicialfunctionsasto
amounttolackofpower.
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 10
NOAPPEALOROTHERPLAIN,SPEEDYORADEQUATERELIEF
Generally, the filing of a motion for reconsideration is a sine qua non to the
filingofapetitionforcertioraritoallowthecourtanopportunitytocorrectits
imputederrors.
Certiorari as a special civil action will not lie unless a motion for
reconsideration is first filed before the respondent court to allow it an
opportunitytocorrectitself.
EXCEPTION:
1. Whentheorderisapatentnullity,aswherethecourtaquohasno
jurisdiction
2. When the questions raised in the certiorari proceeding have been
dulyraisedandpassedbythelowercourt,orarethesameasthose
raisedandpasseduponinthelowercourt
3. Wherethereisanurgentnecessityfortheresolutionofthequestion
and any further delay would prejudice the interests of the
governmentorofthepetitioner
4. Wherethesubjectmatteroftheactionisperishable
5. Whereunderthecircumstances,amotionforreconsiderationwould
beuseless
6. Where the petitioner was deprived of due process and there is
extremeurgencyforrelief
7. Whereinacriminalcase,relieffromorderofarrestisurgentandthe
grantingofsuchreliefbythetrialcourtisimprobable
8. Where the proceedings in the lower court are a nullity for lack of
dueprocess
9. Wheretheproceedingswasexparteorinwhichthepetitionerhad
noopportunitytoobject
10. Wheretheissueraisedisonlypurelyoflaworwherepublicinterest
isinvolved
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1. Tuazonv.RegisterofDeeds
The extraordinary writ of certiorari may properly issue to nullify only judicial and
quasijudicial, unlike the writ of prohibition, which may be directed against acts
eitherjudicialorministerial.
Certiorari is an action properly laid against governmental bodies, not to private
courts/tribunal/boardorofficer.
2. MeralcoSecuritiesIndustrialCorp.v.CentralBoardofAssessmentAppeals
Judicial review of the decision of an official or administrative agency exercising
quasijudicialfunctionsisproperincasesoflackofjurisdiction,erroroflaw,grave
abuse of discretion, fraud or collusion or in case the administrative decision is
corrupt,arbitraryorcapricious.
3. Angarav.FedmanDevelopmentCorp.
Certioraricanonlybeinvokedforanerrorofjurisdiction,wheretheactcomplained
ofwasissuedbythecourt,officeroraquasijudicialbodywithoutorinexcessof
jurisdictionorwithGADLEJ.
4. IntestateEstateofCarmendeLunav.IAC
Findings of the trial court are accorded with great respect absent any evidence
from the respondent, aside from the allegations that valuation was without basis
andpurelyconjectural.Absentanyshowingthatthetrialcourtcommittedabuseof
discretion, there is no justification as to why the appellate court should interfere
withtheexerciseofthetrialcourtsdiscretion.
5. BigFiveProductsv.CIR
Petitonforcertiorariisimproperwhenthelegalprovisionconferringdiscretiontoa
government body is neither unlimited nor arbitrary, capricious, inquisitorial or
oppressiveinnature,butasound,legaldiscretion,limitedbytheevidentpurpose
of lawto assure the freedom of laborers and employees engaged in union
activities,byprohibitingtheperformanceofactsconstitutingULP.
6. Lalicanv.Vergara
Certiorariisanimproperremedywhereamotiontoquashininformationisdenied.
Certiorari may NOT be availed of where it is shown that the respondent court
lacked or exceeded its jurisdiction or committed GAD. Where the court has
jurisdiction over the case, even if its findings are not correct, its questioned acts
would at most constitute errors of law and not abuse of discretion correctible by
certiorari.
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 11
CASEDOCTRINES
7. GoldCityIntegratedPortsSystem,Inc.v.IAC
Thetestindeterminingwhetherornotajudgmentororderisfinaliswhetheror
notsomethingremainstobedonebytheCourt.Afinaljudgment,orderordecree
isonethatfinallydisposesof,adjudicatesordeterminestherightsorsomerightor
rights of the parties, either on the entire controversy or on some definite and
separatebranchthereof,andwhichconcludesthemuntilitisreversedorsetaside.
8. St.PeterMemorialParkInc.v.Campos
GR: The extraordinary writ of certiorari is improper when an ordinary appeal is
available. The writ is granted in cases where it is shown that appeal would be
inadequate, slow, insufficient and will not promptly relieve petitioner from the
injuriouseffectoftheordercomplainedof.
9. Valenciav.CA
Certiorari lies against a judgment allowing execution pending appeal, when such
writofexecutionwasissuedfornogoodreason.
10. NationalElectrificationAdministrationv.CA
Dismissal of appeal for failure to comply with the requisite record of appeal and
amended record of appeal amounts to GADLEJ because the lower court merely
gave a vague judgment (of such failure to comply) without saying what the
deficienciesoftherecordswere.
11. Abrahamv.NLRC
GR: A MR should be filed before resorting to certiorari, to give the court an
opportunitytorectifyitsownmistake,subjecttoexceptions(listedabove).
12. MetroTransitOrganizationInc.v.CA
Generally, a MR is indispensable before resort to certiorari, subject to certain
exceptions. Certiorari is NOT a shield from the adverse consequences of an
omissiontofiletherequiredMR.
13. Contiv.CA
An essential requisite for the availability of the extraordinary remedies under the
Rules is an absence of an appeal or any plain, speedy and adequate relief in the
ordinary course of law, one which has been so defined as a remedy which would
equally be beneficial, speedy and sufficient NOT merely a remedy which at some
timeinthefuturewillbringaboutarevivalofthejudgmentcomplainedofinthe
certiorariproceeding,butaremedywhichwillpromptlyrelievethepetitionerfrom
theinjuriouseffectsofthatjudgmentandtheactsoftheinferiorcourtortribunal
concerned.
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14. Peoplev.Albano
Achallengetothevalidityofthecriminalproceedingsonthegroundthattheacts
forwhichtheaccusedischargeddonotconstituteaviolationoftheprovisionsof
RA 3019, or the provisions on bribery of the RPC, should be treated only in the
same manner as a challenge to the criminal proceeding by way of a motion to
quashonthegroundprovidedinRule1172oftheROC(thatthefactschargeddo
not constitute an offense). A resolution of the challenge to the validity of the
criminalproceeding,onsuchground,shouldbelimitedtoaninquirywhetherthe
factsallegedintheinformation,ifhypotheticallyadmitted,constitutetheelements
ofanoffensepunishableunderRA3019ortheRPC.
15. Escuderov.Dulay
GR:Certiorariwillnotbeasubstituteoracureforfailuretofileatimelypetitionfor
reviewoncertiorariunderRule45.
EXCEPT: Where the application of the rule will result in a manifest failure or
miscarriageofjustice.
16. Leonorv.CA
Avoidjudgmentforwantofjurisdictionisnojudgmentatall.Itcannotbeasource
ofanyrightorthecreatorofanyobligation.Allactsperformedpursuanttoitand
allclaimsemanatingfromithavenolegaleffect.Itcanneverbecomefinalandany
writofexecutionbasedonitisvoid.
17. PastorJr.v.CA
Daugherinlaw was no party to the lower court proceeding but aggrieved by the
decision,andthuscanfileapetitionforcertiorariandprohibition.
NB:Courtwasmoreliberalandinaccordancewithsubstantialjusticeinthiscase.
18. Chuav.CA
WhenacourtcommitsGADLEJ,thepersonaggrievedcanfileaspecialcivilaction
forcertiorari.Onlyapartyininterestorthoseaggrievedmayfilecertioraricases.It
is settled that the offended parties in criminal cases have sufficient interest and
personality as persons aggrieved to file special civil action of prohibition and
certiorari.
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 12
19. Tangv.CA
Personaggrievedisnottobeconstruedtomeanthatanypersonwhofeelsinjured
bythelowercourtsorderordecisioncanquestionthesaidcourtsdispositionvia
certiorari.Itisonewhoisapartyintheproceedingsbeforethelowercourt.
Ifanonpartyintheproceedings beforethe lower courthas nostanding tofilea
MR,logicwouldleadustotheconclusionthathewouldlikewisehavenostanding
toquestionthesaidorderordecisionbeforetheappellatecourtviacertiorari.
20. Yuchengcov.CA
Ajudgmentofacquittalinacriminalcasemaybeassailedinapetitionforcertiorari
under Rule 65, but only upon a clear showing by the petitioner that the lower
court, in acquitting the accused, committed not merely reversible errors of
judgment but also GADLEJ or denied of due process, thus rendering the assailed
judgmentvoid.
21. Castrov.People
Errors of judgment cannot be raised in Rule 65, as a writ of certiorari can only
correcterrorsofjurisdictionorthoseinvolvingthecommissionofGAD.
22. TanjuanvPhil.PostalSavingsBank
Generally,issuesoffactscannotbeentertainedinapetitionforcertiorari,subject
toexceptions:
InNLRCcases,theCAcanadjudicatequestionsoffact.
IfthesamewasraisedintheSC,itcannotprosperbecausetheSCcannot
receiveevidence,althoughitmayhavethepowertodoso.
23. Rodriguezv.Gadiane
A special civil action for certiorari may be filed by an aggrieved party alleging
GADLEJonthepartofthetrialcourt.Aggrievedpartiesareconstruedtoinclude
the State and the private offended party or complainant. The complainant has in
interestinthecivilaspectofthecasesohemayfilesuchpetitionquestioningthe
decisionoractionoftherespondentcourtonjurisdictionalgrounds.
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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 13

PROHIBITION

WRIT OF PROHIBITION: a writ issued by a superior court and directed against and PROHIBITIONvs.CERTIORARI
inferior court, corporation, board, officer or other person whether exercising judicial,
quasijudicial or ministerial functions for the purpose of preventing the latter from PROHIBITION CERTIORARI
usurpingjurisdictionwithwhichitisnotlegallyvested. Directednotonlytoajudicialoraquasi Seekstoannulajudicialorquasijudicial
judicialact,buteventoaministerialact act
REQUISITES(CJWING) Directed to the court itself to restrain it Directedtotheactionofthecourtwhich
fromfurtherproceedingwiththecase issoughttobeannulled
1. TheremustbeaCONTROVERSY. Purpose:Tocommandtherespondentto Purpose: To annul or modify the
2. Respondent exercises JUDICIAL, QUASIJUDICIAL OR MINISTERIAL desistfromfurtherproceedings judgment, order, resolution or
FUNCTIONS. proceedingsofthepublicrespondent
3. Respondents acted WITHOUT OR IN EXCESS OF ITS JURISDICTION or acted
withGRAVEABUSEOFDISCRETIONamountingtolackofjurisdiction.
4. TheremustbeNOAPPEALorotherplain,speedyandadequateremedy. CASEDOCTRINES

PURPOSE:Tosecureanordertocommandtherespondenttribunal,board,corporation 1. MatuginaIntegratedWoodProductsv.CA
orofficertodesistfromfurtherproceedingsintheaction;topreventanencroachment, Prohibitionisaremedytopreventinferiorcourts,corporations,boardsofpersons
excess, usurpation or assumption of jurisdiction on the part of tribunal, corporation, fromusurpingorexercisingajurisdictionorpowerwithwhichtheyhavenotbeen
boardorofficer. vestedbylaw.

ACTSFAITACCOMPLI(ACCOMPLISHEDFACTS) 2. Aurillov.Rabi
Pendency of the special civil action for prohibition will NOT interrupt the
GR:ProhibitiondoesNOTordinarilylietorestrainanactwhichisalreadyafaitaccompli. investigation in the case. The relief granted in a prohibition is governed by the
natureofthegrievanceprovedandthesituationatthetimeofjudgment.
EXCEPT:Topreventthecreationofanewprovincebythoseinthecorridorsofpower
who could avoid judicial intervention and review by merely speedily and stealthily Althoughthegeneralruleisthatthewritofprohibitionissuesonlytorestrainthe
completingthecommissionofsuchillegality. commission of a future act, and not to undo an act already performed, where
anythingremainstobedonebythecourt,prohibitionwillgivecompleterelief,not
Prohibition, not mandamus, is the proper remedy when a motion to dismiss is onlybypreventingwhatremainstobedonebutbyundoingwhathasbeendone.
wrongfullydenied.
3. Morfev.JusticeofthePeaceofCaloocan
PROCEDURE:samewithCertiorari,supra Thewritofmandamushasforitsobjecttocompelaninferiortribunalintheproper
case, as a justice of the peace court, to comply with a function which the law
PROHIBITIONvs.INJUNCTION specifically prescribes as a duty resulting from its office when there is no plain,
speedyandadequateremedy.
PROHIBITION:directedtothecourtortribunaldirectingittorefrainfrom
theperformanceofacts,whichithasnojurisdictiontoperform. Prohibition has for its object that of preventing an inferior tribunal in the proper
case,asajusticeofthepeacecourt,fromexecutingorcontinuingtoexecuteanact
INJUNCTION:directedagainstapartytotheaction. inexcessofitsjurisdiction,whenthereisnoplain,speedyandadequateremedyin
theordinarycourtoflaw.

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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 14

4. Vergarav.Rugue
The office of the extraordinary remedy of prohibition is NOT to correct errors of
judgmentbuttopreventorrestrainusurpationbyinferiortribunalsandtocompel
them to observe the limitation of their jurisdictions. As a preventive remedy, its
function is to restrain the doing of some act to be done. It is not intended to
providearemedyforactsalreadyaccomplished.

5. Versozav.Martinez
Wheretheactshavebeenperformedpriortothefilingoftheinjunctionsuit,the
general rule is that consummated acts can no longer be restrained by injunction.
However, where the acts are performed after the injunction suit is brought, a
defendantmaynotasamatterofrightproceedtoperformtheactssoughttobe
restrained and then be heard to assert in the suit that the injunction will not lie
becausehehasperformedtheseactsbeforefinalhearinghasbeenhad,butafter
thebeginningoftheaction.

Aninjunctivewritmaybeissuedwhenthefollowingrequisitesareestabilished:
a. Theinvasionoftherightismaterialandsubstantial
b. Therightofcomplainantisclearandunmistakable
c. There is an urgent and permanent necessity for the writ to prevent
seriousdamage

6. NacionalistaPartyv.Bautista
Thewritofprohibitioncannotbeavailedofasasubstituteforquowarranto.This
has been allowed, not only against courts and tribunals in order to keep them
within the limits of their own jurisdiction and to prevent them from encroaching
upon the jurisdiction of other tribunals, but also in appropriate cases, against an
officerorpersonwhoseactsarewithoutorinexcessofhisauthority.

7. Enriquezv.Macadaeg
Whenamotiontodismissonthegroundofimpropervenueiserroneouslydenied,
mandamus is not the proper remedy for correcting the error, but a writ of
prohibition.

8. Asinasv.CFIRomblon
TheextraordinaryremedyofprohibitiondoesNOTliewhenaremedyofappealis
adequatetocorrecttheerrorofthelowercourt,whenitexceededitsjurisdiction
inorderingthepaymentofexpensesotherthanadministrativeexpenses.

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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 15

MANDAMUS

WRIT OF MANDAMUS: a writ issued in the name of the State to an inferior tribunal, MandamuswillNOTlietocompeltheperformanceofadiscretionaryduty,to
corporation, board or person commanding the performance of an act, which the law control or review the exercise of discretion of a public officer where the law
enjoinsasadutyresultingfromanoffice,trustorstation. imposesuponsaidpublicofficertherightanddutytoexercisehisjudgmentin
referencetoanymatterinwhichheisrequiredtoact.
GROUNDS
Mandamus will NOT lie as a remedy to enforce the performance of a
1. When any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person UNLAWFULLY contractualobligation.Itisnotintendedtoaidaplaintiffintheenforcement
NEGLECTS the performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins as a ofamerecontractright,ortotaketheplaceoftheotherremediesprovided
dutyresultingfromanoffice,trustorstation. bylawfortheadjudicationofdisputedclaims.
2. When any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person UNLAWFULLY
EXCLUDES another from the use and enjoyment of a right or office to which MANDAMUSvs.INJUNCTION
theotherisentitled.
MANDAMUS INJUNCTION
REQUISITES(CPMEN) Specialcivilaction Ordinarycivilaction
Directed against a tribunal, Directedagainstalitigant
1. TheremustbeaCLEARLEGALRIGHTORDUTY. corporation,boardorofficer
2. The act to be performed must be PRACTICALwithin the powers of Purpose:Toperformaministerialact Purpose: To refrain from an act or to
respondenttoperformsuchthatifthewritofmandamuswasissued,hecan perform not necessarily a legal and
complywithit,orelsetheessencewillbedefeated. ministerialduty
3. Respondent must be exercising a MINISTERIAL DUTYa duty which is Purpose: To perform a positive legal Purpose: To prevent an act to
absoluteandimperativeandinvolvesmerelyitsexecution. duty and not to undo what has been maintain the status quo between the
4. ThedutyoracttobeperformedmustbeEXISTINGacorrelativerightwillbe done parties
deniedifnotperformedbytherespondents
5. ThereisNOOTHERPLAIN,SPEEDYANDADEQUATEREMEDYintheordinary MANDAMUSvs.QUOWARRANTO
courseoflaw.Preliminaryinjunctionmustbesought.
MANDAMUS QUOWARRANTO
PURPOSE:Tocompeltheperformance,whenrefused,ofaministerialduty,thisbeingits Proper remedy when the Proper remedy when the respondent
mainobjective.Itdoesnotlietorequireanyonetofulfillacontractualobligationorto respondent unlawfully excludes the claimsanyrighttotheofficeandusurps,
compelacourseofconduct,nottocontrolorreviewtheexerciseofdiscretion. petitioner from an office to which intrudes into or unlawfully holds it
the latter is entitled without againstthepetitioner.
EXHAUSTIONOFADMINISTRATIVEREMEDIES usurping, intruding into or
GR:Mandamuswillnotissuewhenadministrativeremediesarestillavailable. unlawfullyholdingtheoffice

Exception:
Bothmandamusandquowarrantomaybecombined.
a. Ifthepartyisinestoppel

b. Purequestionsoflawareraised


MINISTERIALDUTY:adutyoractthatdemandsnospecialjudgment,discretionorskill;

onethatleavesnothingtodiscretionandisasimpleanddefinitedutyimposedbylaw.

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1. AngchancoJr.v.Ombudsman
Mandamusisawritcommandingatribunal,corporation,boardorpersontodothe
actrequiredtobedonewhenitorheunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceifanact
whichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasadutyresultingfromanoffice,trustorstation,
ORunlawfullyexcludesanotherfromtheuseandenjoymentofarightorofficeto
whichsuchotherisentitled,therebeingnootherplain,speedyandadequaterelief
intheordinarycourseoflaw.
2. Lambv.Phipps
Whenever a duty is imposed upon a public official and an unnecessary and
unreasonabledelayintheexerciseofsuchdutyoccurs,ifitiscleardutyimposedby
law, the courts will intervene by the extraordinary legal remedy of mandamus to
compel action. If the duty is purely ministerial, the courts will require specific
action. If the duty is purely discretionary, the courts by mandamus will require
actiononlyandnotinaspecificmanner.
3. Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa Manila Railroad Company Credit Union v.
ManilaRailroadCo.
Mandamusistheproperremedyifitcouldbeshownthattherewasneglectonthe
partofatribunalintheperformanceofanact,whichspecificallythelawenjoinsas
adutyoranunlawfulexclusionofapartyfromtheuseandenjoymentofarightto
whichheisentitled.Onlyspecificlegalrightsmaybeenforcedbymandamusifthey
areclearandcertain.Ifthelegalrightsofthepetitionerarenotwelldefined,clear
andcertain,thepetitionmustbedismissed.
4. Carbungcov.Amparo
The law has prescribed a period, and this requirement should be complied with
strictly,anditsobservanceandcomplianceshouldbeenjoinedandenforcedbythe
courts,notonlyfortheprotectionofthepartiesinwhosefavorthelawhappensto
have been made and promulgated, but also for the information and guidance of
those otherwise affected there. Pending appeal, failure to make the deposit of
rentalwithintheperiodfixedbylaw,howevershortthedelay,givespetitionerthe
righttoexecutethejudgment,whichthecourtisboundtograntandenforce.
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 16
CASEDOCTRINES
5. UniversityofSanCarlosv.CA
Schoolsaregivenamplediscretiontoformulaterulesandguidelinesinthegranting
ofhonorsforpurposesofgraduationaspartoftheiracademicfreedom.
6. Peraltav.Salcedo
The writ of mandamus prayed for cannot issue for the reason that the petition is
clearly premature. No recourse to the courts can be had until all administrative
remedies have been exhausted and special civil actions have been held not
entertainableifsuperioradministrativeofficerscouldgrantrelief.
7. Madrigalv.Lecaroz
Apetitionforquowarrantoandmandamusaffectingtitlestopublicofficemustbe
filed within 1 year from the date the petitioner is ousted from his position. In
actions for quo warranto involving the right to an office, the action must be
institutedwithintheperiodof1year.
8. UniversityofSanAgustinInc.v.CA
Mandamusisemployedtocompeltheperformance,whenrefused,ofaministerial
duty,thisbeingitsmainobjective.Itdoesnotrequireanyonetofulfillcontractual
obligationsortocompelacourseofconduct,nortocontrolorreviewtheexercise
ofdiscretion.Itisessentialtotheissuanceofthewritofmandamusthatheshould
haveaclearlegalrighttothethingdemandedandmustbetheimperativedutyof
therespondenttoperformtheactrequired.
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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 17

COMMONMATTERS(RULE65)

CERTIORARI PROHIBITION MANDAMUS

DirectedagainstanentityorpersonexercisingJUDICIALOR Directed against an entity or person exercising JUDICIAL, Directed against an entity or person exercising
QUASIJUDICIALFUNCTIONS QUASIJUDICIALorMINISTERIALFUNCTIONS MINISTERIALFUNCTIONS
Entityorpersonisallegedtohaveacted: Entityorpersonisallegedtohaveacted: EntityorpersonisallegedtohaveUNLAWFULLY:
Withoutjurisdiction Withoutjurisdiction NEGLECTEDaministerialduty
Inexcessofjurisdiction Inexcessofjurisdiction EXCLUDEDanotherfromarightoroffice
Withgraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolack Withgraveabuseofdiscretionamountingtolack
orexcessorjurisdiction(GADLEJ) orexcessofjurisdiction
Purpose:Toannulornullifyaproceeding Purpose: To have the respondent desist from further Purpose:
proceeding Todotheactrequired
Topaydamages
Correctiveremedy:Tocorrectusurpationofjurisdiction Preventive and negative remedy: To restrain, prevent Affirmativeandpositiveremedy:
usurpationofjurisdiction Toperformaduty
Todesistfromexcludinganotherfromarightor
office
CoversDISCRETIONARYACTS CoversDISCRETIONARYandMINISTERIALACTS CoversMINISTERIALACTS
c. DatewhentheMRorMNTwasdenied
PROCEDURE
COURTWITHJURISDICTION
1. Person aggrieved may file a verified petition in the proper court alleging the
factswithcertaintyandprayingforafavorablejudgment. REGIONAL TRIAL COURT: if the petition relates to the acts or omissions of a
lowercourtorofacorporation,board,officerorperson
2. Petitionmustbeaccompaniedwith:
a. Certified true copy of the judgment, order or resolution subject of COURT OF APPEALS: if the petition involves acts or omissions of a quasi
thepetition judicialagency
b. Copiesofallrelevantpleadingsanddocuments
c. Sworncertificationofnonforumshopping SANDIGANBAYAN:ifitisinaidofappellatejurisdiction

3. Petition must be filed within 60 days from the notice of judgment, order or SUPREME COURT: doctrine of hierarchy of courts will refrain the SC from
resolution. taking cognizance of the petition unless a compelling reason exists for not
a. In case a MR or MNT is filed and subsequently denied, the 60day filingthesamewiththelowercourts.
period will be counted from the notice of denial of MR or MNT
(freshperiod). PARTIESTOTHEPETITION
b. NoextensionoftimetofilethepetitionshallbegrantedEXCEPTfor
compellingreasonsandinnocaseexceeding15days. PERSONAGGRIEVED:personwho was a partyintheproceedings before the
lowercourt
4. Petitionmustdatematerialdates(MaterialDateRule) Petitionershalljoinasprivaterespondent/swiththepublicrespondent/sthe
a. Datewhenthejudgmentorfinalorderorresolutionwasreceived person/sinterestedinsustainingtheproceedingsincourt.
b. DatewhentheMRorMNTwasfiled
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If the case is elevated to the higher court by either party, the public
respondents shall be included therein as nominal parties. However, unless
otherwise specifically directed by the court, they shall not appear or
participateintheproceedingstherein
INJUNCTIVERELIEF
It is necessary that a TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction be issued by a
highercourtagainstthepublicrespondentsothatduringthependencyofthe
petition,itwillrefrainfromfurtherproceeding.
ORDERTOCOMMENT
Nosummonsisissuedinapetitionforcertiorari
Instead of summons, court will issue an order requiring the respondents to
commentonthepetitionwithin10daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.Itshall
be made only if the court finds that the petition is sufficient in form and
substance.
InpetitionsforcertioraribeforetheSCandtheCA,therespondentsmayalso
be required to file a comment to the petition and not a motion to dismiss.
Thereafter, the court may require the filing of a reply and such other
responsiveorotherpleadingsasitmaydeemnecessaryandproper.
PROCEEDINGSAFTERCOMMENT;JUDGMENT
Afterthecommentorotherpleadingsarefiled,thecourtmay
o Hearthecaseor
o Requirethepartiestosubmitamemoranda
Thecourtdismissesthepetitionif:
o Petitionispatentlywithoutmerit
o Petitionisprosecutedmanifestlyfordelay
o Questionsraisedinthepetitionaretoounsubstantialtorequire
consideration
SERVICEOFCOPYOFTHEJUDGMENTTOPUBLICRESPONDENT
Certifiedcopyofthejudgmentshallbeserveduponthepublicrespondent
concerned.
Disobediencetothejudgmentorordershallbepunishedascontempt.
SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 18
RELIEF
Primaryrelief:ANNULMENTORMODIFICATIONOFTHEJUDGMENT,ORDER
ORRESOLUTIONORPROCEEDINGSUBJECTOFTHEPETITION
Otherincidentalreliefsaslawandjusticemayrequire
Damagesandtheexecutionoftheawardfordamagesandcostsshallfollow
procedureinRule391.
NOTES:
Rule65doesNOT
o Interruptthecourseoftheprincipalaction
o Affect the running of the reglementary periods involved in the
proceedings
o Stay the execution of the judgment, unless a TRO or writ of
preliminaryinjunctionisissued
A writ of certiorari or prohibition cannot be issued by a RTC against an
ADMINISTRATIVEAGENCYexercisingQUASIJUDICIALFUNCTIONsincetheRTC
hasthesamerankastheADMINISTRATIVEAGENCY.
A writ of prohibition may be issued by the RTC against ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENCIESexercisingADMINISTRATIVEFUNCTIONS.
Generally, a motion for reconsideration is an essential precondition for the
filingofapetitionunderRule65.Itisaplain,speedyandadequateremedyto
givethecourttheopportunitytocorrectitself.
o EXCEPTION:
1. Whentheorderisapatentnullity,aswherethecourtaquohasno
jurisdiction
2. When the questions raised in the certiorari proceeding have been
dulyraisedandpassedbythelowercourt,orarethesameasthose
raisedandpasseduponinthelowercourt
3. Wherethereisanurgentnecessityfortheresolutionofthequestion
and any further delay would prejudice the interests of the
governmentorofthepetitioner
4. Wherethesubjectmatteroftheactionisperishable
5. Whereunderthecircumstances,amotionforreconsiderationwould
beuseless
6. Where the petitioner was deprived of due process and there is
extremeurgencyforrelief
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 SPECIALCIVILACTIONS|ATTY.MELO 19

7. Whereinacriminalcase,relieffromorderofarrestisurgentandthe 3. For certain special considerations as public policy or public

grantingofsuchreliefbythetrialcourtisimprobable welfare
8. Where the proceedings in the lower court are a nullity for lack of 4. Whentheorderisapatentnullity
dueprocess 5. Whendecisioninthecertioraricasewillavoidfuturelitigation
9. Wheretheproceedingswasexparteorinwhichthepetitionerhad 6. When, in criminal actions, the court rejects rebuttal evidence
noopportunitytoobject for the prosecution as in case of acquittal, there could be no
10. Wheretheissueraisedisonlypurelyoflaworwherepublicinterest remedy.
isinvolved
RemedyofappealandcertiorariareMUTUALLYEXCLUSIVE.
Generally,wheretheproperremedyisappeal,theactionforcertiorariwillnot Except:whentheappealisnotaplain,speedyandadequateremedy.
beentertained.Itisnotaremedyforerrorsofjudgment,butonlyforerrorsof
jurisdiction.

o EXCEPTIONS:(REPOFC)

1. When the appeal does not constitute a speedy and adequate
remedy
2. When orders were issued either in excess of or without
jurisdiction

CASEDOCTRINES

1. Santiagov.Vasquez 3. JoyMartConsolidatedGroupv.CA
TheoriginalandspecialcivilactionfiledwiththeSupremeCourtis,forallintents ByliftingthewritofinjunctionbeforetheCAcouldruleonwhetherornotitwas
and purposes, an invocation for the exercise of its supervisory powers over the properly issued, the trial court in effect preempted the CAs jurisdiction and
lower courts. It does not have the effect of divesting the inferior courts of flouteditsauthority.
jurisdiction validly acquired over the case pending before them. It is elementary
that the mere pendency of a special civil action for certiorari, commenced in Nopetitionforcertiorari,mandamus,prohibition,habeascorpusorquowarranto
relationtoacasependingbeforealowercourt,doesnoteveninterruptthecourse maybefiledintheIACifanothersimilarpetitionhasbeenfiledorisstillpendingin
ofthelatterwhenthereisnowritofinjunctionrestrainingit.Foraslongasnowrit theSC.
ofinjunctionorrestrainingorderisissuedinthespecialcivilactionforcertiorari,no
impedimentexistsandthereisnothingtopreventthelowercourtfromexercising 4. Gov.JudgeAbrogar
itsjurisdictionandproceedingwiththecasependingbeforeit. The principle of judicial courtesy could not have prevented the judge from
authorizing the execution of the judgment and issuing the writ of execution. This
2. EternalGardensMemorialParkv.CA principle should not be applied indiscriminately and haphazardly if we are to
The rule of judicial courtesy would apply only if there is a strong probability that maintaintherelevanceofSec.7,Rule65oftheROC.
the issued before the higher court would be rendered moot and moribund as a
resultofthecontinuationoftheproceedingsinthelowercourt.





NIKKIHIPOLITO|A2012