A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC

Section 1

After the arraignment, the court shall set the pre-trial conference within thirty (30) days. It may refer the case to the branch clerk of court, if warranted, for a preliminary conference to be set at least three (3) days prior to the pre-trial.

Section 2

The preliminary conference shall be for the following purposes: (a) To assist the parties in reaching a settlement of the civil aspect of the case; (b) To mark the documents to be presented as exhibits; (c) To attach copies thereof to the records after comparison with the originals; (d) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and due execution of documents marked as exhibits; (e) To consider such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the case; (f) To record the proceedings during the preliminary conference in the Minutes of Preliminary Conference to be signed by the parties and counsel; (g) To mark the affidavits of witnesses which shall be in question and answer form and shall constitute the direct examination of the witnesses; and (h) To attach the Minutes and marked exhibits to the case record before the pre-trial proper. The parties or their counsel must submit to the branch clerk of court the names, addresses and contact numbers of the affiants.

Section 3

During the pre-trial, the court shall: (a) Place the parties and their counsels under oath; (b) Adopt the minutes of the preliminary conference as part of the pre-trial proceedings, confirm markings of exhibits or substituted photocopies and admissions on the genuineness and due execution of documents, and list object and testimonial evidence; (c) Scrutinize the information and the statements in the affidavits and other documents which form part of the record of the preliminary investigation together with other documents identified and marked as exhibits to determine further admissions of facts as to: i. The court’s territorial jurisdiction relative to the offense(s) charged; ii. Qualification of expert witnesses; and iii. Amount of damages; (d) Define factual and legal issues; (e) Ask parties to agree on the specific trial dates and adhere to the flow chart determined by the court which shall contain the time frames for the different stages of the proceeding up to promulgation of decision; (f) Require the parties to submit to the branch clerk of court the names, addresses and contact numbers of witnesses that need to be summoned by subpoena; and (g) Consider modification of order of trial if the accused admits the charge but interposes a lawful defense.

Section 4

All questions or statements must be directed to the court.

Section 5

All agreements or admissions made or entered during the pre-trial conference shall be reduced in writing and signed by the accused and counsel; otherwise, they cannot be used against the accused. The agreements covering the matters referred to in Section 1, Rule 118 of the Rules of Court shall be approved by the court.

Section 6

All proceedings during the pre-trial shall be recorded, the transcripts prepared and the minutes signed by the parties or their counsels.

Section 7

The court shall issue a pre-trial order within ten (10) days after the termination of the pre-trial, setting forth the actions taken during the pre-trial conference, the facts stipulated, the admissions made, evidence marked, the number of witnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial. The order shall bind the parties and control the course of action during the trial.