Rules of Procedure on Corporate Rehabilitation

Section 2

Nothing in this Rule prevents the court from refusing to take an action governed by this Rule if (a) the action would be manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Philippines; and (b) if the court finds that the country of which the petitioner is a national does not grant recognition to a Philippine rehabilitation proceeding in a manner substantially in accordance with this Rule.

Section 3

A foreign representative may apply with the Regional Trial Court where the debtor resides for recognition of the foreign proceeding in which the foreign representative has been appointed. A petition for recognition shall be accompanied by: (a) A certified copy of the decision commencing the foreign proceeding and appointing the foreign representative; or (b) A certificate from the foreign court affirming the existence of the foreign proceeding and of the appointment of the foreign representative; or (c) In the absence of evidence referred to in subparagraph (a) and (b), any other evidence acceptable to the court of the existence of the foreign proceeding and of the appointment of the foreign representative.

Section 4

A foreign proceeding shall be recognized if: (a) The proceeding is a foreign proceeding as defined herein; (b) The person or body applying for recognition is a foreign representative as defined herein; and (c) The petition meets the requirements of Section 3 of this Rule;

Section 5

A petition for recognition of a foreign proceeding shall be decided within thirty (30) days from the filing thereof.

Section 6

From the time of filing the petition for recognition f the foreign proceeding, the foreign representative shall inform the court promptly of: (a) Any substantial change in the status of the foreign proceeding or the status of the foreign representative's appointment; and (b) Any other foreign proceeding regarding the same debtor that becomes known to the foreign representative.

Section 7

Provisional Relief that May be Granted upon Application for Recognition of Foreign Proceeding. - From the time of filing a petition for recognition until the same is decided upon, the court may, upon motion of the foreign representative where relief is urgently needed to protect the assets of the debtor or the interests of the creditors, grant relief of a provisional nature, including: (a) Staying execution against the debtor's assets; (b) Entrusting the administration or realization of all or part of the debtor's assets located in the Philippines to the foreign representative or another person designated by the court in order to protect and preserve the value of assets that, by their nature or because of other circumstances, are perishable, susceptible to devaluation or otherwise in jeopardy; (c) Any relief mentioned in Section 9(a)(1), (2) and (7) of this Rule.

Section 8

Upon recognition of a foreign proceeding: (a) Commencement or continuation of individual actions or individual proceedings concerning the debtor's assets, rights, obligations or liabilities is stayed; provided, that such stay does not affect the right to commence individual actions or proceedings to the extent necessary to preserve a claim against the debtor. (b) Execution against the debtor's assets is stayed; and (c) The right to transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of any assets of the debtor is suspended.

Section 9

Relief That May be Granted After Recognition of Foreign Proceeding. (a) Upon recognition of a foreign proceeding, where necessary to protect the assets of the debtor or the interests of the creditors, the court may, upon motion of the foreign representative, grant any appropriate relief including: (1) Staying the commencement or continuation of individual actions or individual proceedings concerning the debtor's assets, rights, obligations or liabilities to the extent they have not been stayed under Section 8(a) of this Rule; (2) Staying execution against the debtor's assets to the extent it has not been stayed under Section 8(b) of this Rule; (3) Suspending the right to transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of any assets of the debtor to the extent this right has not been suspended under Section 8(c) of this Rule; (4) Providing for the examination of witnesses, the taking of evidence or the delivery of information concerning the debtor's assets, affairs, rights, obligations or liabilities; (5) Entrusting the administration or realization of all or part of the debtor's assets located in the Philippines to the foreign representative or another person designated by the court; (6) Extending the relief granted under Section 7 of this Rule; (7) Granting any additional relief that may be available to the rehabilitation receiver under these laws. (b) Upon recognition of a foreign proceeding, the court may, at the request of the foreign representative, entrust the distribution of all or part of the debtor's assets located in the Philippines to the foreign representative or another person designated by the court; provided that the court is satisfied that the interests of local creditors are adequately protected.

Section 10

Protection of Creditors and Other Interested Persons. (a) In granting or denying relief under this Rule or in modifying or terminating the relief under paragraph (c) of this Section, the court must be satisfied that the interests of the creditors and other interested persons, including the debtor, are adequately protected. (b) The court may subject the relief granted under Section 7 or Section 9. Of this Rule to conditions it considers appropriate. (c) The court may, upon motion of the foreign representative or a person affected by the relief granted under Section 7 or Section 9 of this Rule, or on its own motion, modify or terminate such relief.

Section 11

Upon recognition of a foreign proceeding, the foreign representative acquires the standing to initiate actions to avoid or otherwise render ineffective acts detrimental to creditors that are available under these Rules.

Section 12

Upon recognition of a foreign proceeding, the foreign representative may intervene in any action or proceeding in the Philippines in which the debtor is a party.

Section 13

In matters covered by this Rule, the court shall cooperate to the maximum extent possible with foreign courts or foreign representatives. The court is entitled to communicate directly with, or request information or assistance directly from, foreign courts or foreign representatives.

Section 14

Cooperation may be implemented by any appropriate means, including but not limited to the following: (a) Appointment of a person or body to act at the discretion of the court; (b) Communication of information by any means considered appropriate by the court; (c) Coordination of the administration and supervision of the debtor's assets and affairs; (d) Approval or implementation by courts of agreements concerning the coordination of proceedings; (e) Coordination of concurrent proceedings regarding the same debtor; (f) Suspension of proceedings against the debtor; (g) Limiting the relief of assets that should be administered in a foreign proceeding pending in a jurisdiction other than the place where the debtor has its principal place of business (foreign non-main proceeding) or information required in that proceeding; and (h) Implementation of rehabilitation or re-organization plan for the debtor. Nothing in this Rule limits the power of the court to provide additional assistance to the foreign representative under other applicable laws.

Section 15

After the recognition of a foreign proceeding, a local proceeding under these Rules may be commenced only if the debtor is doing business in the Philippines, the effects of the proceedings shall be restricted to the assets of the debtor located in the country and, to the extent necessary to implement cooperation and coordination under Sections 13 and 14 of this Rule, to the other assets of the debtor that, under local laws, must be administered in that proceeding.

Section 16

Where a foreign proceeding and a local proceeding are taking place concurrently regarding the same debtor, the court shall seek cooperation and coordination under Section 13 and 14 of this Rule. Any relief granted to the foreign proceeding must be made consistent with the relief granted in the local proceeding.