Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts

Section 1

The regular procedure prescribed in the Rules of Court shall apply to the cases covered by these Rules where no specific provision is found herein. It shall also apply in a suppletory manner even if there is a specific provision found in these Rules, but only insofar as not inconsistent. In case of inconsistency, these Rules shall prevail.

Sec 2

The following pleadings, motions, or petitions shall not be allowed in cases governed by these Rules: (a) In civil cases, a motion to dismiss the complaint or the statement of claim, and in criminal cases, a motion to quash the complaint or information, except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter or failure to comply with the requirement of barangay conciliation, pursuant to Chapter VII, Title I, Book III of Republic Act No. 7160; (b) Motion to hear and/or resolve affirmative defenses; (c) Motion for a bill of particulars; (d) Motion for new trial, or for reconsideration of a judgment on the merits, or for reopening of proceedings; (e) Petition for relief from judgment; (f) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits or any other paper; (g) Memoranda; (h) Petition for certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition against any interlocutory order issued by the court; (i) Motion to declare the defendant in default; (j) Dilatory motions for postponement. Any motion for postponement shall be presumed dilatory unless grounded on acts of God, force majeure, or physical inability of a counsel or witness to personally appear in court, as supported by the requisite affidavit and medical proof; (k) Rejoinder; (l) Third-party complaints; (m) Motion for and Complaint in Intervention; (n) Motion to admit late judicial affidavit/s, position papers, or other evidence, except on the ground of force majeure or acts of God; (o) Motion for judicial determination of probable cause in criminal cases.

Sec 3

As far as practicable, and if the court finds that the conduct of a videoconference hearing will be beneficial to the fair, speedy and efficient administration of justice, the court, on its own initiative or upon motion, may set the case for a videoconference hearing at any stage of the proceedings.

Sec 4

Service made pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters shall be valid, and the period to answer shall commence from receipt of the document served.