Georgia T. Estel v. Recarrdo P. Diego, Sr. et al.

G.R. No. 174082

January 16, 2012
On the matter of Verification (III.E.2.c)
Ponente: Justice Peralta

Relevant Facts:
Petition originated from a Complaint for Forcible Entry by
respondents in herein case. MTCC rendered judgement in their favor.
The RTC and CA affirmed this decision. After the CA denied the herein
petitioner’s motion for reconsideration, petitioner avers in his petition
to the SC that the verification accompanying the complaint are
defective because of the words "to the best" before the phrase "of our
own personal knowledge". Petitioner contends that it should be based
on respondent's personal knowledge or on authentic record and not
simply upon "knowledge, information and belief."

Issue: Whether the verification is defective.

Ruling: Petition is denied.

Ratio Decidendi:
The addition of the words "to the best" before the phrase "of our
own personal knowledge" did not violate the requirement under
Section 4, Rule 7, it being sufficient that the respondents declared that
the allegations in the complaint are true and correct based on their
personal knowledge. Verification is deemed substantially complied with
when, as in the instant case, one who has ample knowledge to swear to
the truth of the allegations in the complaint or petition signs the
verification, and when matters alleged in the petition have been made
in good faith or are true and correct.