According to Rule 14 of the Rules of Court, summons is effected as follows:

a. Personal service upon a natural person is made by personally handling the copy of the
summons to the defendant in her residence. In case of refusal to receive the summons, the
copy may be left in her residence within the view and in the presence of the defendant;

b. Substituted service upon a natural person must only be done upon proof of failure of
personal service for at least three attempts in two different dates. Upon establishment of
such proof, substituted service may be effected as follows:
(1) In the defendant’s residence with the person aged 18 years old and with sound
discretion;
(2) In the defendant’s place of business with a competent person or who habitually receives
documents of communication for the defendant;
(3) In case of refusal of entry, with any officer of the homeowner’s association or the chief
security officer in charge.

c. Upon a defendant whose whereabouts or identity is unknown, summons may be effected

with publication.