am no. 09-6-8-sc-rules of procedure on envi cases

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RepublicofthePhilippinesSUPREMECOURT

Manila

A.M.No.0968SC

RULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES

RESOLUTION

Acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Subcommittee on the Rules of Procedure forEnvironmentalCasessubmittingforthisCourtsconsiderationandapprovaltheproposedRulesofProcedureforEnvironmentalCases,theCourtResolvedtoAPPROVEthesame.

TheseRules shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following its publication once in a newspaper of generalcirculation.

April13,2010.

REYNATOS.PUNOChiefJustice

ANTONIOT.CARPIOAssociateJustice

RENATOC.CORONAAssociateJustice

(onleave)CONCHITACARPIOMORALES

AssociateJustice

PRESBITEROJ.VELASCO,JR.AssociateJustice

ANTONIOEDUARDOB.NACHURAAssociateJustice

TERESITAJ.LEONARDODECASTROAssociateJustice

ARTUROD.BRIONAssociateJustice

DIOSDADOM.PERALTAAssociateJustice

LUCASP.BERSAMINAssociateJustice

MARIANOC.DELCASTILLOAssociateJustice

ROBERTOA.ABADAssociateJustice

MARTINS.VILLARAMA,JR.AssociateJustice

JOSEP.PEREZAssociateJustice

JOSEC.MENDOZAAssociateJustice

TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

RULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES

PARTI

RULE1GENERALPROVISIONS

Section1.Title.TheseRulesshallbeknownas"TheRulesofProcedureforEnvironmentalCases."

Section2.Scope.TheseRulesshallgoverntheprocedureincivil,criminalandspecialcivilactionsbeforetheRegional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts andMunicipalCircuitTrialCourts involvingenforcementorviolationsofenvironmentalandother related laws, rulesandregulationssuchasbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:

(a)ActNo.3572,ProhibitionAgainstCuttingofTindalo,Akli,andMolaveTrees

(b)P.D.No.705,RevisedForestryCode

(c)P.D.No.856,SanitationCode

(d)P.D.No.979,MarinePollutionDecree

(e)P.D.No.1067,WaterCode

(f)P.D.No.1151,PhilippineEnvironmentalPolicyof1977

(g)P.D.No.1433,PlantQuarantineLawof1978

http://www.google.com/javascript:none()http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/statutes.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/courts/judiciar.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/index.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/international/interlaw.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/judjuris.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/consti/constitu.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/legalink/legalink.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/executive/executive.htmlhttp://www.lawphil.net/legalink/legalink.html

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(h)P.D.No.1586,EstablishinganEnvironmentalImpactStatementSystemIncludingOtherEnvironmentalManagementRelatedMeasuresandforOtherPurposes

(i) R.A. No. 3571, Prohibition Against the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees,Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, SchoolPremisesorinanyOtherPublicGround

(j)R.A.No.4850,LagunaLakeDevelopmentAuthorityAct

(k)R.A.No.6969,ToxicSubstancesandHazardousWasteAct

(l)R.A.No.7076,PeoplesSmallScaleMiningAct

(m) R.A. No. 7586, National Integrated Protected Areas System Act including all laws, decrees, orders,proclamationsandissuancesestablishingprotectedareas

(n)R.A.No.7611,StrategicEnvironmentalPlanforPalawanAct

(o)R.A.No.7942,PhilippineMiningAct

(p)R.A.No.8371,IndigenousPeoplesRightsAct

(q)R.A.No.8550,PhilippineFisheriesCode

(r)R.A.No.8749,CleanAirAct

(s)R.A.No.9003,EcologicalSolidWasteManagementAct

(t)R.A.No.9072,NationalCavesandCaveResourceManagementAct

(u)R.A.No.9147,WildlifeConservationandProtectionAct

(v)R.A.No.9175,ChainsawAct

(w)R.A.No.9275,CleanWaterAct

(x)R.A.No.9483,OilSpillCompensationActof2007and

(y)ProvisionsinC.A.No.141,ThePublicLandActR.A.No.6657,ComprehensiveAgrarianReformLawof1988R.A.No.7160,LocalGovernmentCodeof 1991R.A.No.7161,TaxLaws Incorporated in theRevisedForestryCodeandOtherEnvironmentalLaws(AmendingtheNIRC)R.A.No.7308,SeedIndustryDevelopmentActof1992R.A.No.7900,HighValueCropsDevelopment

RulesofProcedureforEnvironmentalCasesActR.A.No.8048,CoconutPreservationActR.A.No.8435,AgricultureandFisheriesModernizationActof1997R.A.No.9522,ThePhilippineArchipelagicBaselinesLawR.A.No.9593,RenewableEnergyActof2008R.A.No.9637,PhilippineBiofuelsActandotherexistinglawsthatrelate to theconservation,development,preservation,protectionandutilizationof theenvironmentandnaturalresources.

Section3.Objectives.TheobjectivesoftheseRulesare:

(a)Toprotectandadvancetheconstitutionalrightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology

(b)Toprovideasimplified,speedyandinexpensiveprocedurefortheenforcementofenvironmentalrightsand duties recognized under the Constitution, existing laws, rules and regulations, and internationalagreements

(c)Tointroduceandadoptinnovationsandbestpracticesensuringtheeffectiveenforcementofremediesandredressforviolationofenvironmentallawsand

(d)Toenablethecourtstomonitorandexactcompliancewithordersandjudgmentsinenvironmentalcases.

Section4.DefinitionofTerms.

(a) Byproduct or derivatives means any part taken or substance extracted from wildlife, in raw or inprocessedformincludingstuffedanimalsandherbariumspecimens.1 a v v p h i1

(b)Consentdecreereferstoa judiciallyapprovedsettlementbetweenconcernedpartiesbasedonpublicinterestandpublicpolicytoprotectandpreservetheenvironment.

(c) Continuingmandamus is a writ issued by a court in an environmental case directing any agency orinstrumentality of the government or officer thereof to perform an act or series of acts decreed by finaljudgmentwhichshallremaineffectiveuntiljudgmentisfullysatisfied.

(d)Environmentalprotectionorder(EPO)referstoanorderissuedbythecourtdirectingorenjoininganypersonorgovernmentagencytoperformordesistfromperforminganactinordertoprotect,preserveorrehabilitatetheenvironment.

(e)Mineral refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, liquid, or any intermediatestate excluding energy materials such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials andgeothermalenergy.

(f)Precautionaryprinciplestatesthatwhenhumanactivitiesmayleadtothreatsofseriousandirreversibledamageto theenvironment that isscientificallyplausiblebutuncertain,actionsshallbe takentoavoidordiminishthatthreat.

(g) Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) refers to an action whether civil, criminal oradministrative,broughtagainstanyperson,institutionoranygovernmentagencyorlocalgovernmentunit

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or its officials and employees, with the intent to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legalrecoursethatsuchperson,institutionorgovernmentagencyhastakenormaytakeintheenforcementofenvironmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights.

(h)Wildlifemeanswildformsandvarietiesoffloraandfauna, inalldevelopmentalstagesincludingthosewhichareincaptivityorarebeingbredorpropagated.

PARTIICIVILPROCEDURE

RULE2PLEADINGSANDPARTIES

Section1.Pleadingsandmotionsallowed.Thepleadingsandmotionsthatmaybefiledarecomplaint,answerwhichmay include compulsory counterclaimand crossclaim,motion for intervention,motion for discovery andmotionforreconsiderationofthejudgment.

Motion for postponement, motion for new trial and petition for relief from judgment shall be allowed in highlymeritoriouscasesortopreventamanifestmiscarriageofjustice.

Section2.Prohibitedpleadingsormotions.Thefollowingpleadingsormotionsshallnotbeallowed:

(a)Motiontodismissthecomplaint

(b)Motionforabillofparticulars

(c)Motionforextensionoftimetofilepleadings,excepttofileanswer,theextensionnottoexceedfifteen(15)days

(d)Motiontodeclarethedefendantindefault

(e)Replyandrejoinderand

(f)Thirdpartycomplaint.

Section3.Verifiedcomplaint.Theverifiedcomplaintshallcontainthenamesoftheparties, theiraddresses,thecauseofactionandthereliefsprayedfor.

Theplaintiffshallattachtotheverifiedcomplaintallevidenceprovingorsupportingthecauseofactionconsistingof theaffidavitsofwitnesses,documentaryevidenceand if possible,objectevidence.Theaffidavits shall be inquestionandanswerformandshallcomplywiththerulesofadmissibilityofevidence.

Thecomplaintshallstatethatitisanenvironmentalcaseandthelawinvolved.Thecomplaintshallalsoincludeacertificationagainstforumshopping.Ifthecomplaintisnotanenvironmentalcomplaint,thepresidingjudgeshallreferittotheexecutivejudgeforreraffle.

Section4.Whomayfile.Anyrealpartyininterest, includingthegovernmentandjuridicalentitiesauthorizedbylaw,mayfileacivilactioninvolvingtheenforcementorviolationofanyenvironmentallaw.

Section 5.Citizen suit.Any Filipino citizen in representation of others, includingminors or generations yetunborn,mayfileanactiontoenforcerightsorobligationsunderenvironmental laws.Uponthefilingofacitizensuit, thecourtshall issueanorderwhichshall containabriefdescriptionof thecauseofactionand the reliefsprayedfor,requiringallinterestedpartiestomanifesttheirinteresttointerveneinthecasewithinfifteen(15)daysfrom notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a newspaper of a general circulation in thePhilippinesorfurnishallaffectedbarangayscopiesofsaidorder.

CitizensuitsfiledunderR.A.No.8749andR.A.No.9003shallbegovernedbytheirrespectiveprovisions.

Section6.Service of the complaint on the government or its agencies. Upon the filing of the complaint, theplaintiff is required to furnish the government or the appropriate agency, although not a party, a copy of thecomplaint.Proofofserviceuponthegovernmentortheappropriateagencyshallbeattachedtothecomplaint.

Section7.Assignmentbyraffle.Ifthereisonlyone(1)designatedbranchinamultiplesalacourt,theexecutivejudge shall immediately refer the case to said branch. If there are two (2) ormore designated branches, theexecutivejudgeshallconductaspecialraffleonthedaythecomplaintisfiled.

Section 8. Issuance of Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO). If it appears from the verifiedcomplaintwithaprayerfortheissuanceofanEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(EPO)thatthematterisofextremeurgencyandtheapplicantwillsuffergraveinjusticeandirreparableinjury,theexecutivejudgeofthemultiplesalacourtbeforeraffleorthepresidingjudgeofasinglesalacourtasthecasemaybe,mayissueexparteaTEPOeffective foronlyseventytwo(72)hours fromdateof thereceiptof theTEPOby thepartyorpersonenjoined.Withinsaidperiod,thecourtwherethecaseisassigned,shallconductasummaryhearingtodeterminewhethertheTEPOmaybeextendeduntiltheterminationofthecase.

Thecourtwherethecaseisassigned,shallperiodicallymonitortheexistenceofactsthatarethesubjectmatterof the TEPO even if issued by the executive judge, andmay lift the same at any time as circumstancesmaywarrant.

TheapplicantshallbeexemptedfromthepostingofabondfortheissuanceofaTEPO.

Section 9.Action on motion for dissolution of TEPO. The grounds for motion to dissolve a TEPO shall besupportedbyaffidavitsofthepartyorpersonenjoinedwhichtheapplicantmayoppose,alsobyaffidavits.

TheTEPOmaybedissolvedifitappearsafterhearingthatitsissuanceorcontinuancewouldcauseirreparabledamagetothepartyorpersonenjoinedwhiletheapplicantmaybefullycompensatedforsuchdamagesashemaysufferandsubjecttothepostingofasufficientbondbythepartyorpersonenjoined.

Section 10. Prohibition against temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction. Except the

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SupremeCourt,nocourtcan issueaTROorwritofpreliminary injunctionagainst lawfulactionsofgovernmentagenciesthatenforceenvironmentallawsorpreventviolationsthereof.

Section11.ReportonTEPO,EPO,TROorpreliminaryinjunction.ThejudgeshallreportanyactiontakenonaTEPO,EPO, TROor a preliminary injunction, including itsmodification and dissolution, to theSupremeCourt,throughtheOfficeoftheCourtAdministrator,withinten(10)daysfromtheactiontaken.

Section12.Paymentoffilingandotherlegalfees.Thepaymentoffilingandotherlegalfeesbytheplaintiffshallbedeferreduntilafterjudgmentunlesstheplaintiffisallowedtolitigateasanindigent.Itshallconstituteafirstlienonthejudgmentaward.

Foracitizensuit,thecourtshalldeferthepaymentoffilingandotherlegalfeesthatshallserveasfirstlienonthejudgmentaward.

Section 13.Service of summons, orders and other court processes. The summons, orders and other courtprocessesmaybeservedbythesheriff,hisdeputyorotherpropercourtofficerorforjustifiablereasons,bythecounselorrepresentativeof theplaintifforanysuitablepersonauthorizedordeputizedbythecourt issuingthesummons.

Any private person who is authorized or deputized by the court to serve summons, orders and other courtprocessesshallforthatpurposebeconsideredanofficerofthecourt.

Thesummonsshallbeservedonthedefendant,togetherwithacopyofanorderinformingallpartiesthattheyhavefifteen(15)daysfromthefilingofananswer,withinwhichtoavailofinterrogatoriestopartiesunderRule25oftheRulesofCourtandrequestforadmissionbyadversepartyunderRule26,orattheirdiscretion,makeuseofdepositionsunderRule23orothermeasuresunderRules27and28.

Should personal and substituted service fail, summons by publication shall be allowed. In the case of juridicalentities, summonsbypublication shall bedoneby indicating thenamesof theofficers or their duly authorizedrepresentatives.

Section14.Verifiedanswer.Withinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofsummons,thedefendantshallfileaverifiedanswer to the complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. The defendant shall attach affidavits ofwitnesses,reports,studiesofexpertsandallevidenceinsupportofthedefense.

Affirmativeandspecialdefensesnotpleadedshallbedeemedwaived,exceptlackofjurisdiction.

Crossclaims and compulsory counterclaims not asserted shall be considered barred. The answer tocounterclaimsorcrossclaimsshallbefiledandservedwithinten(10)daysfromserviceoftheanswerinwhichtheyarepleaded.

Section 15.Effect of failure to answer. Should the defendant fail to answer the complaint within the periodprovided,thecourtshalldeclaredefendant indefaultanduponmotionof theplaintiff,shallreceiveevidenceexparteandrenderjudgmentbasedthereonandthereliefsprayedfor.

RULE3PRETRIAL

Section1.Noticeofpretrial. Within two (2) days from the filing of the answer to the counterclaimor crossclaim,ifany,thebranchclerkofcourtshallissueanoticeofthepretrialtobeheldnotlaterthanone(1)monthfromthefilingofthelastpleading.

Thecourtshallschedulethepretrialandsetasmanypretrialconferencesasmaybenecessarywithinaperiodoftwo(2)monthscountedfromthedateofthefirstpretrialconference.

Section 2.Pretrial brief. At least three (3) days before the pretrial, the parties shall submit pretrial briefscontainingthefollowing:

(a)Astatementoftheirwillingnesstoenterintoanamicablesettlementindicatingthedesiredtermsthereofortosubmitthecasetoanyofthealternativemodesofdisputeresolution

(b)Asummaryofadmittedfactsandproposedstipulationoffacts

(c)The legaland factual issues tobe triedor resolved.Foreach factual issue, thepartiesshall stateallevidencetosupporttheirpositionsthereon.Foreachlegalissue,partiesshallstatetheapplicablelawandjurisprudencesupportingtheirrespectivepositionsthereon

(d) The documents or exhibits to be presented, including depositions, answers to interrogatories andanswerstowrittenrequestforadmissionbyadverseparty,statingthepurposethereof

(e)Amanifestationoftheirhavingavailedofdiscoveryproceduresortheirintentiontoavailthemselvesofreferraltoacommissionerorpanelofexperts

(f)Thenumberandnamesofthewitnessesandthesubstanceoftheiraffidavits

(g)Clarificatoryquestionsfromthepartiesand

(h) List of cases arising out of the same facts pending before other courts or administrative agencies.Failuretocomplywiththerequiredcontentsofapretrialbriefmaybeagroundforcontempt.

Failuretofilethepretrialbriefshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretoappearatthepretrial.

Section3.Referraltomediation.Atthestartofthepretrialconference,thecourtshallinquirefromthepartiesifthey have settled the dispute otherwise, the court shall immediately refer the parties or their counsel, ifauthorized by their clients, to the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) unit for purposes of mediation. If notavailable,thecourtshallreferthecasetotheclerkofcourtorlegalresearcherformediation.

Mediationmustbeconductedwithinanonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromreceiptofnoticeofreferralto

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mediation.

Themediationreportmustbesubmittedwithinten(10)daysfromtheexpirationofthe30dayperiod.

Section 4.Preliminary conference. Ifmediation fails, the courtwill schedule the continuance of the pretrial.Before the scheduled date of continuance, the court may refer the case to the branch clerk of court for apreliminaryconferenceforthefollowingpurposes:

(a)Toassistthepartiesinreachingasettlement

(b)Tomarkthedocumentsorexhibitstobepresentedbythepartiesandcopiesthereoftobeattachedtotherecordsaftercomparisonwiththeoriginals

(c) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and dueexecutionofthedocumentsmarkedasexhibits

(d)TorequirethepartiestosubmitthedepositionstakenunderRule23oftheRulesofCourt,theanswerstowritten interrogatoriesunderRule25,andtheanswers torequest foradmissionsby theadversepartyunderRule26

(e)TorequiretheproductionofdocumentsorthingsrequestedbyapartyunderRule27andtheresultsofthephysicalandmentalexaminationofpersonsunderRule28

(f)Toconsidersuchothermattersasmayaidinitspromptdisposition

(g)Torecordtheproceedings in the"MinutesofPreliminaryConference" tobesignedbybothpartiesortheircounsels

(h)Tomarktheaffidavitsofwitnesseswhichshallbeinquestionandanswerformandshallconstitutethedirectexaminationofthewitnessesand

(i)Toattachtheminutestogetherwiththemarkedexhibitsbeforethepretrialproper.

Thepartiesortheircounselmustsubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addressesandcontactnumbersoftheaffiants.

During the preliminary conference, the branch clerk of court shall also require the parties to submit thedepositionstakenunderRule23oftheRulesofCourt,theanswerstowritteninterrogatoriesunderRule25andtheanswerstorequest foradmissionsbytheadversepartyunderRule26.ThebranchclerkofcourtmayalsorequiretheproductionofdocumentsorthingsrequestedbyapartyunderRule27andtheresultsofthephysicalandmentalexaminationofpersonsunderRule28.

Section5.Pretrialconferenceconsentdecree.Thejudgeshallputthepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath,andtheyshallremainunderoathinallpretrialconferences.

Thejudgeshallexertbesteffortstopersuadethepartiestoarriveatasettlementofthedispute.Thejudgemayissue a consent decree approving the agreement between the parties in accordance with law, morals, publicorderandpublicpolicytoprotecttherightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecology.

Evidencenotpresentedduringthepretrial,exceptnewlydiscoveredevidence,shallbedeemedwaived.

Section6.Failuretosettle.Ifthereisnofullsettlement,thejudgeshall:

(a)Adopt theminutesof thepreliminary conferenceaspart of thepretrial proceedingsandconfirm themarkingsofexhibitsorsubstitutedphotocopiesandadmissionsonthegenuinenessanddueexecutionofdocuments

(b)Determine if therearecasesarisingoutof thesame factspendingbeforeother courtsandorder itsconsolidationifwarranted

(c)Determineifthepleadingsareinorderandifnot,ordertheamendmentsifnecessary

(d)Determineifinterlocutoryissuesareinvolvedandresolvethesame

(e)Considertheaddingordroppingofparties

(f)Scrutinizeeverysingleallegationofthecomplaint,answerandotherpleadingsandattachmentsthereto,and the contents of documents and all other evidence identified and premarked during pretrial indeterminingfurtheradmissions

(g) Obtain admissions based on the affidavits of witnesses and evidence attached to the pleadings orsubmittedduringpretrial

(h) Define and simplify the factual and legal issues arising from the pleadings and evidence.Uncontrovertedissuesandfrivolousclaimsordefensesshouldbeeliminated

(i)Discusstheproprietyofrenderingasummaryjudgmentorajudgmentbasedonthepleadings,evidenceandadmissionsmadeduringpretrial

(j)ObservetheMostImportantWitnessRule in limitingthenumberofwitnesses,determiningthefactstobeprovedbyeachwitnessandfixingtheapproximatenumberofhoursperwitness

(k)Encouragereferralof thecasetoatrialbycommissionerunderRule32of theRulesofCourtor toamediator or arbitrator under any of the alternativemodes of dispute resolution governed by theSpecialRulesofCourtonAlternativeDisputeResolution

(l)Determinethenecessityofengagingtheservicesofaqualifiedexpertasafriendof thecourt(amicuscuriae)and

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(m)Askpartiestoagreeonthespecifictrialdatesforcontinuoustrial,complywiththeonedayexaminationof witness rule, adhere to the case flow chart determined by the court which shall contain the differentstagesoftheproceedingsuptothepromulgationofthedecisionandusethetimeframeforeachstageinsettingthetrialdates.

Section 7. Effect of failure to appear at pretrial. The court shall not dismiss the complaint, except uponrepeatedandunjustifiedfailureoftheplaintiff toappear.Thedismissalshallbewithoutprejudice,andthecourtmayproceedwiththecounterclaim.

Ifthedefendantfailstoappearatthepretrial,thecourtshallreceiveevidenceexparte.

Section8.Minutesofpretrial.Theminutesofeachpretrialconferenceshallcontainmatterstakenuptherein,moreparticularlyadmissionsoffactsandexhibits,andshallbesignedbythepartiesandtheircounsel.

Section9.Pretrialorder.Withinten(10)daysaftertheterminationofthepretrial,thecourtshallissueapretrial order setting forth the actions taken during the pretrial conference, the facts stipulated, the admissionsmade,theevidencemarked,thenumberofwitnessestobepresentedandthescheduleoftrial.Saidordershallbindtheparties,limitthetrialtomattersnotdisposedofandcontrolthecourseofactionduringthetrial.

Section10.Efforts tosettle. The court shall endeavor tomake the parties agree to compromise or settle inaccordancewithlawatanystageoftheproceedingsbeforerenditionofjudgment.

RULE4TRIAL

Section1.Continuoustrial.Thejudgeshallconductcontinuoustrialwhichshallnotexceedtwo(2)monthsfromthedateoftheissuanceofthepretrialorder.

Beforetheexpirationofthetwomonthperiod,thejudgemayasktheSupremeCourtfortheextensionofthetrialperiodforjustifiablecause.

Section2.Affidavitsinlieuofdirectexamination.Inlieuofdirectexamination,affidavitsmarkedduringthepretrialshallbepresentedasdirectexaminationofaffiantssubjecttocross

examinationbytheadverseparty.

Section3.Onedayexaminationofwitnessrule.Thecourtshallstrictlyadheretotherulethatawitnesshastobe fully examined in one (1) day, subject to the courts discretion of extending the examination for justifiablereason.Afterthepresentationofthelastwitness,onlyoralofferofevidenceshallbeallowed,andtheopposingpartyshall immediately interposehisobjections.The judgeshall forthwith ruleon theofferofevidence inopencourt.

Section4.Submissionofcase fordecision filingofmemoranda. After the lastpartyhas rested its case, thecourtshallissueanordersubmittingthecasefordecision.

Thecourtmayrequire theparties tosubmit their respectivememoranda, ifpossible inelectronic form,withinanonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedatethecaseissubmittedfordecision.

The court shall have a period of sixty (60) days to decide the case from the date the case is submitted fordecision.

Section5.Periodtotryanddecide.Thecourtshallhaveaperiodofone(1)yearfromthefilingofthecomplainttotryanddecidethecase.Beforetheexpirationoftheoneyearperiod,thecourtmaypetitiontheSupremeCourtfortheextensionoftheperiodforjustifiablecause.

Thecourtshallprioritizetheadjudicationofenvironmentalcases.

RULE5JUDGMENTANDEXECUTION

Section1.Reliefs inacitizensuit. Ifwarranted, the courtmaygrant to theplaintiff proper reliefswhich shallincludetheprotection,preservationorrehabilitationoftheenvironmentandthepaymentofattorneysfees,costsof suit and other litigation expenses. It may also require the violator to submit a program of rehabilitation orrestorationoftheenvironment,thecostsofwhichshallbebornebytheviolator,ortocontributetoaspecialtrustfundforthatpurposesubjecttothecontrolofthecourt.

Section2.Judgmentnotstayedbyappeal.Anyjudgmentdirectingtheperformanceofactsfortheprotection,preservation or rehabilitation of the environment shall be executory pending appeal unless restrained by theappellatecourt.

Section3.PermanentEPOwritofcontinuingmandamus.Inthejudgment,thecourtmayconverttheTEPOtoa permanent EPO or issue a writ of continuing mandamus directing the performance of acts which shall beeffectiveuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfied.

Thecourtmay,by itselfor through theappropriategovernmentagency,monitor theexecutionof the judgmentandrequirethepartyconcernedtosubmitwrittenreportsonaquarterlybasisorsoonerasmaybenecessary,detailingtheprogressoftheexecutionandsatisfactionofthejudgment.Theotherpartymay,atitsoption,submititscommentsorobservationsontheexecutionofthejudgment.

Section4.Monitoringofcompliancewithjudgmentandordersofthecourtbyacommissioner.Thecourtmaymotu proprio, or uponmotion of the prevailing party, order that the enforcement of the judgment or order bereferred to a commissioner to be appointed by the court. The commissioner shall file with the court writtenprogressreportsonaquarterlybasisormorefrequentlywhennecessary.

Section5.Returnofwritofexecution.Theprocessofexecutionshallterminateuponasufficientshowingthatthedecisionororderhasbeenimplementedtothesatisfactionofthecourt inaccordancewithSection14,Rule39oftheRulesofCourt.

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RULE6STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATION

Section1.Strategiclawsuitagainstpublicparticipation(SLAPP).Alegalactionfiledtoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethatanyperson,institutionorthegovernmenthastakenormaytakeintheenforcementofenvironmental laws,protectionof theenvironmentorassertionofenvironmental rightsshallbetreatedasaSLAPPandshallbegovernedbytheseRules.

Section2.SLAPPasadefensehowalleged.InaSLAPPfiledagainstapersoninvolvedintheenforcementofenvironmentallaws,protectionoftheenvironment,orassertionofenvironmentalrights,thedefendantmayfileananswer interposing as a defense that the case is a SLAPP and shall be supported by documents, affidavits,papersandotherevidenceand,bywayofcounterclaim,prayfordamages,attorneysfeesandcostsofsuit.

ThecourtshalldirecttheplaintifforadversepartytofileanoppositionshowingthesuitisnotaSLAPP,attachingevidenceinsupportthereof,withinanonextendibleperiodoffive(5)daysfromreceiptofnoticethatananswerhasbeenfiled.

Thedefenseof aSLAPPshall be set for hearingby the court after issuanceof theorder to file anoppositionwithinfifteen(15)daysfromfilingofthecommentorthelapseoftheperiod.

Section3.Summaryhearing.ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.Thepartiesmustsubmitallavailableevidenceinsupportoftheirrespectivepositions.Thepartyseekingthedismissalofthecasemust prove by substantial evidence that his act for the enforcement of environmental law is a legitimateactionfortheprotection,preservationandrehabilitationoftheenvironment.ThepartyfilingtheactionassailedasaSLAPPshallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPPandisavalidclaim.

Section4.ResolutionofthedefenseofaSLAPP.TheaffirmativedefenseofaSLAPPshallberesolvedwithinthirty (30) days after the summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court may award damages,attorneysfeesandcostsofsuitunderacounterclaimifsuchhasbeenfiled.Thedismissalshallbewithprejudice.

IfthecourtrejectsthedefenseofaSLAPP,theevidenceadducedduringthesummaryhearingshallbetreatedasevidenceof thepartieson themeritsof thecase.Theactionshallproceed inaccordancewith theRulesofCourt.

PARTIIISPECIALCIVILACTIONS

RULE7WRITOFKALIKASAN

Section1.Natureofthewrit.Thewritisaremedyavailabletoanaturalorjuridicalperson,entityauthorizedbylaw, peoples organization, nongovernmental organization, or any public interest group accredited by orregistered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced andhealthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official oremployee,orprivateindividualorentity, involvingenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.

Section2.Contentsofthepetition.Theverifiedpetitionshallcontainthefollowing:

(a)Thepersonalcircumstancesofthepetitioner

(b)Thenameandpersonalcircumstancesof the respondentor if thenameandpersonalcircumstancesareunknownanduncertain,therespondentmaybedescribedbyanassumedappellation

(c) The environmental law, rule or regulation violated or threatened to be violated, the act or omissioncomplainedof,andtheenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.

(d) All relevant and material evidence consisting of the affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence,scientificorotherexpertstudies,andifpossible,objectevidence

(e)Thecertificationofpetitionerunderoaththat:(1)petitionerhasnotcommencedanyactionorfiledanyclaiminvolvingthesameissuesinanycourt,tribunalorquasijudicialagency,andnosuchotheractionorclaim is pending therein (2) if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of itspresent status (3) if petitioner should learn that the sameor similar actionor claimhasbeen filedor ispending,petitionershallreporttothecourtthatfactwithinfive(5)daystherefromand

(f)ThereliefsprayedforwhichmayincludeaprayerfortheissuanceofaTEPO.

Section3.Where to file. Thepetitionshallbe filedwith theSupremeCourtorwithanyof thestationsof theCourtofAppeals.

Section4.Nodocketfees.Thepetitionershallbeexemptfromthepaymentofdocket

fees.

Section 5. Issuance of thewrit. Within three (3) days from the date of filing of the petition, if the petition issufficient in form and substance, the court shall give an order: (a) issuing the writ and (b) requiring therespondenttofileaverifiedreturnasprovidedinSection8ofthisRule.Theclerkofcourtshallforthwithissuethewritunder thesealof thecourt including the issuanceofaceaseanddesistorderandother temporary reliefseffectiveuntilfurtherorder.

Section6.Howthewritisserved.Thewritshallbeservedupontherespondentbyacourtofficeroranypersondeputizedbythecourt,whoshallretainacopyonwhichtomakeareturnofservice.Incasethewritcannotbeservedpersonally,theruleonsubstitutedserviceshallapply.

Section7.Penaltyforrefusingtoissueorservethewrit.Aclerkofcourtwhoundulydelaysorrefusestoissuethewritafteritsallowanceoracourtofficerordeputizedpersonwhoundulydelaysorrefusestoservethesame

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shallbepunishedbythecourtforcontemptwithoutprejudicetoothercivil,criminaloradministrativeactions.

Section8.Returnofrespondentcontents.Withinanonextendibleperiodoften(10)daysafterserviceofthewrit, the respondentshall fileaverified returnwhichshall containalldefenses toshow that respondentdidnotviolateorthreatentoviolate,orallowtheviolationofanyenvironmentallaw,ruleorregulationorcommitanyactresultingtoenvironmentaldamageofsuchmagnitudeastoprejudicethelife,healthorpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.

Alldefensesnotraisedinthereturnshallbedeemedwaived.

The returnshall includeaffidavitsofwitnesses,documentaryevidence, scientificorotherexpert studies,and ifpossible,objectevidence,insupportofthedefenseoftherespondent.

Ageneraldenialofallegationsinthepetitionshallbeconsideredasanadmissionthereof.

Section9.Prohibitedpleadingsandmotions.Thefollowingpleadingsandmotionsareprohibited:

(a)Motiontodismiss

(b)Motionforextensionoftimetofilereturn

(c)Motionforpostponement

(d)Motionforabillofparticulars

(e)Counterclaimorcrossclaim

(f)Thirdpartycomplaint

(g)Replyand

(h)Motiontodeclarerespondentindefault.

Section10.Effectoffailuretofilereturn.Incasetherespondentfailstofileareturn,thecourtshallproceedtohearthepetitionexparte.

Section11.Hearing.Uponreceiptofthereturnoftherespondent,thecourtmaycallapreliminaryconferencetosimplifytheissues,determinethepossibilityofobtainingstipulationsoradmissionsfromtheparties,andsetthepetitionforhearing.

Thehearingincludingthepreliminaryconferenceshallnotextendbeyondsixty(60)daysandshallbegiventhesamepriorityaspetitionsforthewritsofhabeascorpus,amparoandhabeasdata.

Section12.DiscoveryMeasures.Apartymayfileaverifiedmotionforthefollowingreliefs:

(a)Ocular Inspection order The motion must show that an ocular inspection order is necessary toestablish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health or property ofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.Itshallstateindetailtheplaceorplacestobeinspected.Itshall be supported by affidavits of witnesses having personal knowledge of the violation or threatenedviolationofenvironmentallaw.

After hearing, the court may order any person in possession or control of a designated land or otherpropertytopermitentryforthepurposeofinspectingor

photographingthepropertyoranyrelevantobjectoroperationthereon.

Theordershallspecifythepersonorpersonsauthorizedtomaketheinspectionandthedate,time,placeandmannerofmakingtheinspectionandmayprescribeotherconditionstoprotecttheconstitutionalrightsofallparties.

(b)ProductionorinspectionofdocumentsorthingsorderThemotionmustshowthataproductionorderis necessary to establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health orpropertyofinhabitantsintwoormorecitiesorprovinces.

After hearing, the court may order any person in possession, custody or control of any designateddocuments,papers,books,accounts,letters,photographs,objectsortangiblethings,orobjectsindigitizedorelectronicform,whichconstituteorcontainevidencerelevanttothepetitionorthereturn,toproduceandpermittheirinspection,copyingorphotographingbyoronbehalfofthemovant.

Theproductionordershallspecifythepersonorpersonsauthorizedtomaketheproductionandthedate,time,place and manner of making the inspection or production and may prescribe other conditions to protect theconstitutionalrightsofallparties.

Section13.Contempt. Thecourtmayafterhearingpunish the respondentwho refusesorundulydelays thefilingofareturn,orwhomakesafalsereturn,oranypersonwhodisobeysorresistsalawfulprocessororderofthecourtforindirectcontemptunderRule71oftheRulesofCourt.

Section14.Submissionofcasefordecisionfilingofmemoranda.Afterhearing,thecourtshall issueanordersubmittingthecasefordecision.Thecourtmayrequirethefilingofmemorandaandifpossible, in itselectronicform,withinanonextendibleperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedatethepetitionissubmittedfordecision.

Section15.Judgment.Withinsixty(60)daysfromthetimethepetitionissubmittedfordecision,thecourtshallrenderjudgmentgrantingordenyingtheprivilegeofthewritofkalikasan.

Thereliefsthatmaybegrantedunderthewritarethefollowing:

(a) Directing respondent to permanently cease and desist from committing acts or neglecting theperformanceofadutyinviolationofenvironmentallawsresultinginenvironmentaldestructionordamage

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(b) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity to protect,preserve,rehabilitateorrestoretheenvironment

(c)Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity tomonitor strictcompliancewiththedecisionandordersofthecourt

(d)Directingtherespondentpublicofficial,governmentagency,orprivatepersonorentitytomakeperiodicreportsontheexecutionofthefinaljudgmentand

(e)Suchotherreliefswhichrelatetotherightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecologyortotheprotection,preservation,rehabilitationorrestorationofthe

environment,excepttheawardofdamagestoindividualpetitioners.

Section16.Appeal.Withinfifteen(15)daysfromthedateofnoticeoftheadversejudgmentordenialofmotionforreconsideration,anypartymayappealtotheSupremeCourtunderRule45oftheRulesofCourt.Theappealmayraisequestionsoffact.

Section17.Institutionofseparateactions.Thefilingofapetitionfortheissuanceofthewritofkalikasanshallnotprecludethefilingofseparatecivil,criminaloradministrativeactions.

RULE8WRITOFCONTINUINGMANDAMUS

Section1.Petitionforcontinuingmandamus.Whenanyagencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorofficerthereofunlawfullyneglectstheperformanceofanactwhichthelawspecificallyenjoinsasadutyresultingfromanoffice,trustorstationinconnectionwiththeenforcementorviolationofanenvironmentallawruleorregulationorarighttherein,orunlawfullyexcludesanotherfromtheuseorenjoymentofsuchrightandthereisnootherplain,speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, the person aggrieved therebymay file a verifiedpetitioninthepropercourt,allegingthefactswithcertainty,attachingtheretosupportingevidence,specifyingthatthe petition concerns an environmental law, rule or regulation, and praying that judgment be renderedcommandingtherespondenttodoanactorseriesofactsuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfied,andtopaydamagessustainedbythepetitionerbyreasonofthemaliciousneglecttoperformthedutiesoftherespondent,underthelaw,rulesorregulations.Thepetitionshallalsocontainasworncertificationofnonforumshopping.

Section 2.Where to file the petition. The petition shall be filed with the Regional Trial Court exercisingjurisdictionovertheterritorywheretheactionableneglectoromissionoccurredorwiththeCourtofAppealsortheSupremeCourt.

Section3.Nodocketfees.Thepetitionershallbeexemptfromthepaymentofdocketfees.

Section4.Ordertocomment.Ifthepetitionissufficientinformandsubstance,thecourtshallissuethewritandrequiretherespondenttocommentonthepetitionwithinten(10)daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.Suchordershallbeservedontherespondentsinsuchmannerasthecourtmaydirect,togetherwithacopyofthepetitionandanyannexesthereto.

Section 5.Expediting proceedings TEPO. The court in which the petition is filedmay issue such orders toexpeditetheproceedings,anditmayalsograntaTEPOforthepreservationoftherightsofthepartiespendingsuchproceedings.

Section6.Proceedingsaftercomment is filed. After thecomment is filedor the timefor the filing thereofhasexpired, the court may hear the case which shall be summary in nature or require the parties to submitmemoranda.Thepetitionshallberesolvedwithoutdelaywithinsixty(60)daysfromthedateofthesubmissionofthepetitionforresolution.

Section 7. Judgment. If warranted, the court shall grant the privilege of the writ of continuing mandamusrequiringrespondenttoperformanactorseriesofactsuntilthejudgmentisfullysatisfiedandtograntsuchotherreliefsasmaybewarrantedresultingfromthewrongfulorillegalactsoftherespondent.Thecourtshallrequirethe respondent to submit periodic reports detailing the progress andexecution of the judgment, and the courtmay, by itself or through a commissioner or the appropriate government agency, evaluate and monitorcompliance.Thepetitionermaysubmititscommentsorobservationsontheexecutionofthejudgment.

Section8.Returnof thewrit. Theperiodic reportssubmittedby the respondentdetailingcompliancewith thejudgmentshallbecontainedinpartialreturnsofthewrit.

Uponfullsatisfactionofthejudgment,afinalreturnofthewritshallbemadetothecourtbytherespondent.Ifthecourt finds that the judgment has been fully implemented, the satisfaction of judgment shall be entered in thecourtdocket.

PARTIVCRIMINALPROCEDURE

RULE9PROSECUTIONOFOFFENSES

Section1.Whomayfile.Anyoffendedparty,peaceofficeroranypublicofficerchargedwiththeenforcementofanenvironmentallawmayfileacomplaintbeforetheproperofficerinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt.

Section2.Filingoftheinformation.Aninformation,chargingapersonwithaviolationofanenvironmentallawandsubscribedbytheprosecutor,shallbefiledwiththecourt.

Section3.Special prosecutor. In criminal cases,where there is no private offended party, a counselwhoseservicesareofferedbyanypersonororganizationmaybeallowedbythecourtasspecialprosecutor,with theconsentofandsubjecttothecontrolandsupervisionofthepublicprosecutor.

RULE10PROSECUTIONOFCIVILACTIONS

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Section1.Institution of criminal and civil actions. When a criminal action is instituted, the civil action for therecovery of civil liability arising from the offense charged, shall be deemed instituted with the criminal actionunless the complainant waives the civil action, reserves the right to institute it separately or institutes the civilactionpriortothecriminalaction.

Unless the civil action has been instituted prior to the criminal action, the reservation of the right to instituteseparatelythecivilactionshallbemadeduringarraignment.

Incasecivilliabilityisimposedordamagesareawarded,thefilingandotherlegalfeesshallbeimposedonsaidawardinaccordancewithRule141oftheRulesofCourt,andthefeesshallconstituteafirstlienonthejudgmentaward.Thedamagesawardedincaseswherethereisnoprivateoffendedparty,lessthefilingfees,shallaccruetothefundsoftheagencychargedwiththeimplementationoftheenvironmentallawviolated.Theawardshallbeusedfortherestorationandrehabilitationoftheenvironmentadverselyaffected.

RULE11ARREST

Section 1. Arrest without warrant when lawful. A peace officer or an individual deputized by the propergovernmentagencymay,withoutawarrant,arrestaperson:

(a)When,inhispresence,thepersontobearrestedhascommitted,isactuallycommittingorisattemptingtocommitanoffenseor

(b)Whenanoffensehas justbeencommitted,andhehasprobablecause tobelievebasedonpersonalknowledgeoffactsorcircumstancesthatthepersontobearrestedhascommittedit.Individualsdeputizedby the proper government agencywhoare enforcing environmental laws shall enjoy the presumption ofregularity under Section 3(m), Rule 131 of the Rules of Court when effecting arrests for violations ofenvironmentallaws.

Section2.Warrantofarrest.Allwarrantsofarrestissuedbythecourtshallbeaccompaniedbyacertifiedtruecopyoftheinformationfiledwiththeissuingcourt.

RULE12CUSTODYANDDISPOSITIONOFSEIZEDITEMS,EQUIPMENT,

PARAPHERNALIA,CONVEYANCESANDINSTRUMENTS

Section 1.Custody and disposition of seized items. The custody and disposition of seized items shall be inaccordancewiththeapplicablelawsorrulespromulgatedbytheconcernedgovernmentagency.

Section2.Procedure. In theabsenceofapplicable lawsor rulespromulgatedby theconcernedgovernmentagency,thefollowingprocedureshallbeobserved:

(a) The apprehending officer having initial custody and control of the seized items, equipment,paraphernalia, conveyances and instruments shall physically inventory and whenever practicable,photographthesameinthepresenceofthepersonfromwhomsuchitemswereseized.

(b)Thereafter, theapprehendingofficershallsubmit to the issuingcourt thereturnof thesearchwarrantwithin five(5)days fromdateofseizureor incaseofwarrantlessarrest,submitwithin five(5)days fromdate of seizure, the inventory report, compliance report, photographs, representative samples and otherpertinentdocumentstothepublicprosecutorforappropriateaction.

(c)Uponmotionbyanyinterestedparty,thecourtmaydirecttheauctionsaleofseizeditems,equipment,paraphernalia, toolsor instrumentsof thecrime.Thecourtshall,afterhearing, fix theminimumbidpricebasedontherecommendationoftheconcernedgovernmentagency.Thesheriffshallconducttheauction.

(d)Theauctionsaleshallbewithnoticetotheaccused,thepersonfromwhomtheitemswereseized,ortheownerthereofandtheconcernedgovernmentagency.

(e)Thenoticeofauctionshallbepostedinthreeconspicuousplacesinthecityormunicipalitywheretheitems,equipment,paraphernalia,toolsorinstrumentsofthecrimewereseized.

(f)Theproceedsshallbeheld intrustanddepositedwiththegovernmentdepositorybankfordispositionaccordingtothejudgment.

RULE13PROVISIONALREMEDIES

Section1.Attachment inenvironmental cases. Theprovisional remedyof attachment underRule127of theRulesofCourtmaybeavailedofinenvironmentalcases.

Section2.EnvironmentalProtectionOrder(EPO)TemporaryEnvironmentalProtectionOrder(TEPO)incriminalcases.TheprocedureforandissuanceofEPOandTEPOshallbegovernedbyRule2oftheseRules.

RULE14BAIL

Section1.Bail,wherefiled.Bailintheamountfixedmaybefiledwiththecourtwherethecaseispending,orintheabsenceorunavailabilityofthejudgethereof,withanyregionaltrialjudge,metropolitantrialjudge,municipaltrial judge or municipal circuit trial judge in the province, city or municipality. If the accused is arrested in aprovince,cityormunicipalityotherthanwherethecaseispending,bailmayalsobefiledwithanyRegionalTrialCourtofsaidplace,or ifno judge thereof isavailable,withanymetropolitan trial judge,municipal trial judgeormunicipal circuit trial judge therein. If the court grants bail, the court may issue a holddeparture order inappropriatecases.

Section2.Dutiesofthecourt.Beforegrantingtheapplicationforbail,thejudgemustreadtheinformationinalanguage known to andunderstoodby the accusedand require the accused to sign awritten undertaking, asfollows:

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(a) To appear before the court that issued the warrant of arrest for arraignment purposes on the datescheduled, and if the accused fails to appear without justification on the date of arraignment, accusedwaivesthereadingoftheinformationandauthorizesthecourttoenterapleaofnotguiltyonbehalfoftheaccusedandtosetthecasefortrial

(b)Toappearwheneverrequiredbythecourtwherethecaseispendingand

(c)Towaivetherightoftheaccusedtobepresentatthetrial,anduponfailureoftheaccusedtoappearwithoutjustificationanddespiteduenotice,thetrialmayproceedinabsentia.

RULE15ARRAIGNMENTANDPLEA

Section1.Arraignment. Thecourt shall set thearraignmentof theaccusedwithin fifteen (15)days from thetimeitacquiresjurisdictionovertheaccused,withnoticetothepublicprosecutorandoffendedpartyorconcernedgovernmentagencythatitwillentertainpleabargainingonthedateofthearraignment.

Section 2.Pleabargaining. On the scheduled date of arraignment, the court shall consider pleabargainingarrangements.Where theprosecutionandoffendedpartyor concernedgovernmentagencyagree to thepleaofferedbytheaccused,thecourtshall:

(a)Issueanorderwhichcontainsthepleabargainingarrivedat

(b)Proceedtoreceiveevidenceonthecivilaspectofthecase,ifanyand

(c)Renderandpromulgatejudgmentofconviction,includingthecivilliabilityfordamages.

RULE16PRETRIAL

Section 1.Setting of pretrial conference. After the arraignment, the court shall set the pretrial conferencewithinthirty(30)days.Itmayreferthecasetothebranchclerkofcourt,ifwarranted,forapreliminaryconferencetobesetatleastthree(3)dayspriortothepretrial.

Section2.Preliminaryconference.Thepreliminaryconferenceshallbeforthefollowingpurposes:

(a)Toassistthepartiesinreachingasettlementofthecivilaspectofthecase

(b)Tomarkthedocumentstobepresentedasexhibits

(c)Toattachcopiesthereoftotherecordsaftercomparisonwiththeoriginals

(d) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and dueexecutionofdocumentsmarkedasexhibits

(e)Toconsidersuchothermattersasmayaidinthepromptdispositionofthecase

(f)TorecordtheproceedingsduringthepreliminaryconferenceintheMinutesofPreliminaryConferencetobesignedbythepartiesandcounsel

(g)Tomarktheaffidavitsofwitnesseswhichshallbeinquestionandanswerformandshallconstitutethedirectexaminationofthewitnessesand

(h)ToattachtheMinutesandmarkedexhibitstothecaserecordbeforethepretrialproper.Thepartiesortheircounselmustsubmit to thebranchclerkofcourt thenames,addressesandcontactnumbersof theaffiants.

Section3.Pretrialdutyofthejudge.Duringthepretrial,thecourtshall:

(a)Placethepartiesandtheircounselsunderoath

(b)Adopttheminutesofthepreliminaryconferenceaspartofthepretrialproceedings,confirmmarkingsof exhibits or substituted photocopies and admissions on the genuineness and due execution ofdocuments,andlistobjectandtestimonialevidence

(c)Scrutinizetheinformationandthestatementsintheaffidavitsandotherdocumentswhichformpartoftherecordofthepreliminaryinvestigationtogetherwithotherdocumentsidentifiedandmarkedasexhibitstodeterminefurtheradmissionsoffactsasto:

i.Thecourtsterritorialjurisdictionrelativetotheoffense(s)charged

ii.Qualificationofexpertwitnessesand

iii.Amountofdamages

(d)Definefactualandlegalissues

(e)Askparties toagreeon thespecific trial datesandadhere to the flowchart determinedby thecourtwhich shall contain the time frames for the different stages of the proceeding up to promulgation ofdecision

(f)Requirethepartiestosubmittothebranchclerkofcourtthenames,addressesandcontactnumbersofwitnessesthatneedtobesummonedbysubpoenaand

(g)Considermodificationoforderoftrialiftheaccusedadmitsthechargebutinterposesalawfuldefense.

Section4.Mannerofquestioning.Allquestionsorstatementsmustbedirectedtothecourt.

Section 5. Agreements or admissions. All agreements or admissions made or entered during the pretrial

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conferenceshallbereducedinwritingandsignedbytheaccusedandcounselotherwise,theycannotbeusedagainst the accused. The agreements covering thematters referred to inSection 1,Rule 118 of theRules ofCourtshallbeapprovedbythecourt.

Section 6. Record of proceedings. All proceedings during the pretrial shall be recorded, the transcriptspreparedandtheminutessignedbythepartiesortheircounsels.

Section7.Pretrialorder.Thecourtshallissueapretrialorderwithinten(10)daysaftertheterminationofthepretrial,settingforththeactionstakenduringthepretrialconference,thefactsstipulated,theadmissionsmade,evidencemarked, thenumberofwitnesses tobepresentedand thescheduleof trial.Theordershallbind thepartiesandcontrolthecourseofactionduringthetrial.

RULE17TRIAL

Section1.Continuoustrial. Thecourtshallendeavortoconductcontinuoustrialwhichshallnotexceedthree(3)monthsfromthedateoftheissuanceofthepretrialorder.

Section2.Affidavit inlieuofdirectexamination.Affidavit in lieuofdirectexaminationshallbeused,subjecttocrossexaminationandtherighttoobjecttoinadmissibleportionsoftheaffidavit.

Section3.Submissionofmemoranda.Thecourtmayrequirethepartiestosubmittheirrespectivememorandaand if possible, in electronic form,within a nonextendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the case issubmittedfordecision.

Withorwithoutanymemorandafiled,thecourtshallhaveaperiodofsixty(60)daystodecidethecasecountedfromthelastdayofthe30dayperiodtofilethememoranda.

Section4.Dispositionperiod.Thecourtshalldisposethecasewithinaperiodoften(10)monthsfromthedateofarraignment.

Section5.Probonolawyers.Iftheaccusedcannotaffordtheservicesofcounselorthereisnoavailablepublicattorney,thecourtshallrequiretheIntegratedBarofthePhilippinestoprovideprobonolawyersfortheaccused.

RULE18SUBSIDIARYLIABILITY

Section1.Subsidiaryliability.Incaseofconvictionoftheaccusedandsubsidiaryliabilityisallowedbylaw,thecourtmay,bymotionofthepersonentitledtorecoverunderjudgment,enforcesuchsubsidiaryliabilityagainstapersonorcorporationsubsidiaryliableunderArticle102andArticle103oftheRevisedPenalCode.

RULE19STRATEGICLAWSUITAGAINSTPUBLICPARTICIPATIONINCRIMINALCASES

Section1.Motion todismiss. Upon the filingofan information in courtandbeforearraignment, theaccusedmayfileamotiontodismissonthegroundthatthecriminalactionisaSLAPP.

Section2.Summaryhearing.ThehearingonthedefenseofaSLAPPshallbesummaryinnature.Thepartiesmustsubmitalltheavailableevidenceinsupportoftheirrespectivepositions.Thepartyseekingthedismissalofthecasemustprovebysubstantialevidencethathisactsfortheenforcementofenvironmentallawisalegitimateactionfortheprotection,preservationandrehabilitationoftheenvironment.ThepartyfilingtheactionassailedasaSLAPPshallprovebypreponderanceofevidencethattheactionisnotaSLAPP.

Section3.Resolution.Thecourtshallgrantthemotioniftheaccusedestablishesinthesummaryhearingthatthecriminalcasehasbeenfiledwithintenttoharass,vex,exertunduepressureorstifleanylegalrecoursethatany person, institution or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws,protectionoftheenvironmentorassertionofenvironmentalrights.

Ifthecourtdeniesthemotion,thecourtshallimmediatelyproceedwiththearraignmentoftheaccused.

PARTVEVIDENCE

RULE20PRECAUTIONARYPRINCIPLE

Section 1.Applicability. When there is a lack of full scientific certainty in establishing a causal link betweenhumanactivity andenvironmental effect, the court shall apply theprecautionaryprinciple in resolving the casebeforeit.

Theconstitutionalrightofthepeopletoabalancedandhealthfulecologyshallbegiventhebenefitofthedoubt.

Section 2. Standards for application. In applying the precautionary principle, the following factors, amongothers,maybeconsidered:(1)threatstohumanlifeorhealth(2)inequitytopresentorfuturegenerationsor(3)prejudicetotheenvironmentwithoutlegalconsiderationoftheenvironmentalrightsofthoseaffected.

RULE21DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCE

Section1.Photographic,videoandsimilarevidence.Photographs,videosandsimilarevidenceofevents,acts,transactionsofwildlife,wildlifebyproductsorderivatives,forestproductsormineralresourcessubjectofacaseshallbeadmissiblewhenauthenticatedbythepersonwhotookthesame,bysomeotherpersonpresentwhensaidevidencewastaken,orbyanyotherpersoncompetenttotestifyontheaccuracythereof.

Section2.Entriesinofficialrecords.Entriesinofficialrecordsmadeintheperformanceofhisdutybyapublicofficer of the Philippines, or by a person in performance of a duty specially enjoined by law, are prima facieevidenceofthefactsthereinstated.

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RULE22FINALPROVISIONS

Section 1.Effectivity. These Rules shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following publication once in anewspaperofgeneralcirculation.

Section2.ApplicationoftheRulesofCourt.TheRulesofCourtshallapplyinasuppletorymanner,exceptasotherwiseprovidedherein.

SUBCOMMITTEEONTHERULESOFPROCEDUREFORENVIRONMENTALCASES

ChairpersonCHIEFJUSTICEREYNATOS.PUNO

Members

JUSTICEPRESBITEROJ.VELASCO,JR.

JUSTICEDIOSDADOM.PERALTA

JUSTICELUCASP.BERSAMIN

JUSTICEMA.ALICIAAUSTRIAMARTINEZ(RET.)

COMMISSIONERMARYANNLUCILLEL.SERING

JUDGEMYRNALIMVERANO

ATTY.ASISG.PEREZ

SecretaryATTY.ABEGAILT.SZE

Asst.SecretaryATTY.FERMINNESTORA.GADRINAB

SecretariatATTY.MARIACAMILLEG.LANTION

JAMESCHRISTIANA.BITANGA,ESQ.

MS.LIDAA.PILAPIL

MS.CLARITAT.ESCARDA

TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

am no. 09-6-8-sc-rules of procedure on envi cases

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