NATURAL RESOURCES NOTES FINALS b. Municipal fishing ordinance 4.

The areas leased shall be developed and producing

Jann Claudine M. Amago 2 A within on a commercial scale within 3 years from the
Organizational structure approval of the lease contract.
I. PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE Republic Act no. Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Areas not fully developed within 5 years shall
8550 Aquatic Resources automatically revert back to the State for
reforestation.
Application of the law Municipal fisheries 5. The fishpond shall not be subleased, in whole or in
1. All Philippine waters The municipal or city government shall have part.
2. All aquatic and fishery resources whether inland, jurisdiction over municipal waters together with the 6. The transfer or assignment of rights of the FLA shall be
coastal or offshore fishing areas Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council allowed upon approval of the DA.
3. All lands devoted to aquaculture, or businesses and (FARMC). 7. The lessee shall undertake reforestation.
activities relating to fishery, whether public or private Functions of the LGU: 8. The lessee shall provide facilities that will minimize
lands a. Issuance of permits to construct fish cages within environmental pollution
municipal waters
Internal waters, Territorial sea, Contiguous zone, Exclusive b. Issuance of permits to gather aquarium fishes Prohibitions and penalties
economic zone within municipal waters
c. Issuance of permits to gather kapis shell within 1. Unauthorized fishing or engaging in unauthorized
Internal waters the waters around, between and municipal waters fishing activities without a license, lease or permit.
connecting the islands of the Philippines d. Issuance of permits to gather or culture shelled For daily food sustenance not for commercial purposes
Territorial sea a belt of sea outwards from the mollusks within municipal waters is allowed.
baseline up to 12 nautical miles e. Issuance of permits to establish seaweed within 2. Poaching in the Philippine waters it shall be unlawful
Contiguous zone an area of water not exceeding 24 municipal waters for any foreign person, corporation or entity to fish or
nautical miles from the baseline f. Issuance of licenses to establish pearl cultures operate any fishing vessel in Philippine waters. Entry of
Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) an area extending not within municipal waters foreign fishing vessel shall constitute a prima facie
more than 200 nautical miles beyond the baseline g. Issuance of auxiliary invoice to transport fish and evidence that the vessel is engaged in fishing within
fish prducts the Philippine waters. Fine and confiscation.
Important definitions h. Establish closed seasons in municipal waters
Catch ceiling annual catch limits allowed to be taken, Under the general welfare clause of the LGC, the LGUs *NOTE: Determine what law is violated. Whether a municipal
gathered or harvested from any fishing area in have the power to enact ordinances to enhance the ordinance or RA 8550
consideration of the need to prevent overfishing and right of the people to a balanced and healthful
harmful depletion f breeding stocks of aquatic ecology, grant fishery privileges, enact ordinances to
resources. protect environment and impose appropriate penalties II. WATER CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES Presidential
Closed season the period during which the taking of Jurisdiction of the LGUs : Decree 1067
specified fishery species by a specified fishing gear is a. Small and medium scale commercial fishing
prohibited in a specified area or areas in the Philipine b. Not more than 15 km from the shore line Basic principles:
waters. c. Depth less than 7 fathoms All waters belong to the State
Commercial fishing the taking of fishery species by NOTE: Large scale commercial fishing more than 15 The owner of the land where the water may be found
the use of active or passive fishing gear for trade, km and 7 fathoms, under BFARs jurisdiction may use the same for domestic purposes without
business or profit. securing a permit, provided that such use shall be
a. Small scale commercial fishing fishing with Lease of fishponds registered when required by the council.
active or passive gear utilizing a fishing Conditions:
vessel of 3.1 gross tons up to 20 GT Appropriation of waters
b. Medium scale commercial fishing 20.1- 1. Areas leased for fishpond purposes The acquisition of rights over the use of waters or
150 GT Not more than 50 hectares individuals taking or diverting of waters from a natural source in
c. Large scale commercial fishing more than Not more than 250 hectares for corporations or fisher the manner and for any purpose allowed by law.
150 GT folk organizations Water may be appropriated for the following purpose:
Municipal waters 15 km within the coastline, when 2. Shall be for a period of 25 YEARS and renewable for a. Domestic
two municipalities are so situated on opposite shores another 25 years. b. Municipal
there is less than 30 km marine waters between them, In case the lessee dies, his spouse and or children, as c. Irrigation
the third line must be equally distant from the his heirs shall have a pre-emptive right of his unexpired d. Power generation
opposite shore. The municipality must enact 2 laws: FLA e. Fisheries
a. Zoning ordinance 3. Lease rates shall be determined by the DA. f. Livestock raising

1
 g. Industrial Regular courts have jurisdiction where the issue thereof shall be taken in consideration in the decision
h. Recreational involves the enjoyment of an existing right to use making process.
i. Other purpose water. No actual implementation of activities without the
Appeal taken to the CA. required Environmental Compliance Certificate.
Citizenship requirement only citizens of the
Philippines of legal age, as well as juridical persons, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)
who are duly qualified by law to exploit and develop Does not have any adjudicatory function IV. PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT Republic Act no.
water resources, may apply for water permits. Juridical It is primarily a specialized lending institution for the 8749
persons 60% of capital owned by Filipinos promotion, development and financing of local water
Filing of application facilities. Important definitions
a. File an application with the Natural Water III. NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS Air pollution any alteration of the physical, chemical
Resources Council (NWRC) SYSTEM ACT Republic Act no. 7586 and biological properties of the atmospheric air or any
b. The council shall deny or grant the application discharge thereto of any liquid, gaseous or solid
based on the following NIPAS substances that will or is likely to create or to render
Protests filed Is the classification and administration of all the air resources harmful and detrimental.
Prior permits granted designated protected areas to maintain essential Air pollutant any matter found in the atmosphere
The availability of water ecological processes and life support systems preserve other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapour, carbon
Water supply needed for beneficial use genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of dioxide and the inert gases that is detrimental to the
Possible adverse effects resources found therein and to maintain their natural environment.
Land use economics conditions to the greatest extent possible.
Air pollution clearances and permits
Water rights and permits Categories DENR shall have the authority to issue permits as it
Water right is a privilege granted by the government 1. Strict nature reserve may determine necessary for the prevention and
to appropriate and use water. 2. Natural park abatement of air pollution.
No person, including GOCC, shall appropriate water 3. National monument Serve as management tools for the LGUs in the
without a water right, which shall be evidence by a 4. Wildlife sanctuary development of their action.
document known as a water permit. 5. Protected landscape and seascapes
A holder of a water permit may demand the 6. Resource reserve natural biotic areas
establishment of necessary easements. 7. Other categories established by law Pollution form stationary sources
Ban on incinerations burning of municipal, bio
National Water Resource Council Buffer zones medical and hazardous wastes which emits poisonous
A regulatory and executory council, it coordinates and For each protected area, peripheral buffer zones shall and toxic fumes, is prohibited.
integrates water resources development activities and be established to protect the same from activities that Prohibition is only applicable to large scale
grants, determines and adjudicate water rights. will directly or indirectly harm it. incinerations
Functions: There shall be management plans to serve as a guide
a. Authority to enter into private lands for the for formulating individual plans for each protected Pollution from motor vehicles
purpose of conducting surveys area. DOTC shall implement emission standards for motor
b. Jurisdiction over water disputes vehicles set pursuant t and as provided in the act.
o Shall have original jurisdiction over all Administration and management
disputes relating to appropriation, NIPAS is under the control and administration of the Regulations of all vehicles and engines
utilization, exploitation, development, DENR Any imported new or locally assembled new motor
control, conservation and protection Each regional office where protected areas have been vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies with
of waters. established shall have protected areas and wildlife the emission standard set pursuant to this act by the
o All decisions are immediately executor division which shall manage protected areas and DOTC as evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity
and enforcement thereof can only be promote permanent preservation of their natural (COC).
suspended when a bond in amount conditions. In case of non-compliance, the importer or consignee
fixed by the council. may be allowed to modify or rebuild the engine or
o All disputes shall be decided within 60 Environmental impact assessment vehicle so that it will be in compliance with the
days Proposals for activities outside the scope of the applicable emission standards.
o Issue writs and execution and enforce management plan for protected areas shall be subject The inspection shall be conducted by the DOTC or its
its decisions with the assistance of the to an EIA before they are adopted, and the results authorized inspection centres within 60 days prior to
local or national police agencies. date of registration.
2
 Registration = COC Manila and other HUCs in coordination with LGUs, For premises containing 6 or more residential units,
shall be required to connect the existing sewage line to the LGU shall promulgate regulations requiring the
LGUs role available sewerage systems. owner or person in charge of premises to:
City zoning ordinance to safeguard the health of the Provided, that such connection shall be subject to a. Provide for the residents a designated area
people from noise and pollution a valid exercise of sewerage charge and fees in accordance with existing and containers
police power. laws. b. Notify the occupants of the requirements of
Provided further, that all sources of sewage and this act
Pollution from other sources septage shall comply with the requirement herein.
Pollution from smoking Requirements for segregation and storage of solid
Pollution from other mobile sources Financial liability mechanism waste
Ozone depleting substances DENR shall require program and project proponents to a. There shall be a container for each type of
Greenhouse gases put up environmental guarantee fund as part of the waste from all sources
Radioactive emissions environmental management fund. b. The solid waste container depending on its
use shall be properly marked and identified
Institutional mechanism for onsite collection as, compostable, non-
The DENRS EMB is the primary government agency VI. ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT recyclable, recyclable, or special waste.
responsible for the enforcement of this act. Republic Act no. 9003
LGUs shall share the responsibility in the management Collection and transport of solid waste
and maintenance of air quality within their territorial National Solid Waste Commission Requirements for collection for solid waste:
jurisdiction. The government sector shall be represented by the a. All collectors and personnel shall be
heads of the following agencies in their ex officio equipped with PPE to protect them from
Gross violations capacity: hazards or handling solid waste
Three or more specific offenses within a period of 1 a. DENR b. Necessary training shall be given to the
year b. DOST collectors and personnel to ensure that the
Three or more specific offenses for a period of three c. DPWH solid wastes are handled properly
consecutive years d. DOH c. Collection of solid waste shall be done in a
Blatant disregard of the orders of PAB e. DTI manner which prevents damage to the
f. DA container and spillage
Irreparable grave damage to the environment
g. MMDA
h. League of provincial governors Recycling program
Joint congressional oversight committee
i. League of city mayors
To monitor the implementation of the act composed of
j. Association of barangay councils Waste management facilities
5 senators and 5 representatives to be appointed by
k. Technological education and skill Prohibition against use of open dumps for solid waste
the senate president and speaker of the HR
respectively.
development authority National project that affects environmental and
l. Philippine information agency ecological balance:
Supervision for any modification needed by the act.
a. Consultation with affected communities
The commission may, from time to time, call on any b. Approval of the project by the appropriate
other concerned agencies or sectors as it may deem sanggunian
necessary. ** Absence of either requirements, the projects
Representatives from the NGOs may be appointed by implementation is deemed illegal
V. PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT Republic Act the president for a period of 3 years.
no. 9275
National Ecology Center VII. POLLUTION ADJUDICATION BOARD Republic
Water quality management area Shall provide consulting, information, training, and Act no. 3931
The DENR in coordination with National Water networking services for the implementation of the
provisions of this act. Pollutant any alteration of the physical, chemical and biological
Resources Board (NWRB) shall designate certain areas
properties of any water, air and or land resources of the
as water quality management areas.
Role of LGUs in solid waste management Philippines or any discharge thereto of any liquid, gaseous or solid
Domestic sewage collection, treatment and disposal Implementation and enforcement of this act within wastes as will or is likely to create or to render such air, water or
their respective territorial jurisdiction. land resources harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health,
The agency vested to provide water supply and
safety or welfare or which will adversely affect its utilization.
sewerage facilities and or concessionaires in Metro
Segregation of wastes
3
General jurisdiction c. Documentary evidence may be received in interest and public policy to protect and preserve the
The board shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the the form of excerpts or copies, if the environment.
adjudication of pollution cases, and all other matters original is not readily available.
relating thereto, including the imposition of d. Every party shall have the opportunity to be
(c) Continuing mandamus is a writ issued by a court in
administrative sanctions heard in accordance with administrative
an environmental case directing any agency or
due process and to submit rebuttal
instrumentality of the government or officer thereof to
Specific jurisdiction evidence.
perform an act or series of acts decreed by final
Clean air act e. The board or hearing officer may take
judgment which shall remain effective until judgment
Clean water act notice of judicially cognizable facts and
is fully satisfied.
Establishing an environmental impact system generally cognizable technical or scientific
Ecological solid waste management act facts within its or his specialized knowledge.
Toxic substances and hazardous wastes act (d) Environmental protection order (EPO) refers to an
Cease and desist order order issued by the court directing or enjoining any
Hearing, review and execution Issued when the board finds prima facie evidence person or government agency to perform or desist
a. Public hearing Directing the discontinuance, temporary suspension or from performing an act in order to protect, preserve or
rehabilitate the environment.
Public hearings shall be conducted by the cessation of operation of the establishment or person
commissioner, deputy commissioners, or generating such pollutants.
any senior official duly designated by the The CDO shall be immediately executor and shall (e) Mineral refers to all naturally occurring inorganic
commissioner. remain in force and effect until modified or lifted by substance in solid, gas, liquid, or any intermediate
Provided, that whenever the commission the Board or DENR Secretary. state excluding energy materials such as coal,
find a prima facie evidence that the petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials and
discharged sewage or wastes are of Temporary lifting order geothermal energy.
immediate threat to life, health, safety of Upon motion of the respondent, issue or recommend
welfare or to animal or to plant life, or to the DENR Secretary a TLO to allow the
(f) Precautionary principle states that when human
exceeds the allowable standards set by the implementation or completion of comprehensive
activities may lead to threats of serious and
commission, the commissioner shall issue pollution control programs subject to conditions
irreversible damage to the environment that is
an ex parte order directing the prescribed by the board.
scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be
discontinuance or temporary suspension or taken to avoid or diminish that threat.
cessation of operation of such Arbitration
establishment. Any claim for reparation or restitution of damages and
losses resulting from the pollution of water, air, or land (g) Strategic lawsuit against public participation
b. Appeal to the courts resources may be brought before the board or regional (SLAPP) refers to an action whether civil, criminal or
Within 15 days from the date of notification office for voluntary arbitration. administrative, brought against any person, institution
and judicial review. Based on gravity and duration of the pollution and the or any government agency or local government unit or
c. Court review extent and reasonable value of the damages and its officials and employees, with the intent to harass,
May be appealed to the CA losses. vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal recourse
May be appealed to the SC that such person, institution or government agency has
taken or may take in the enforcement of
Rules of evidence RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CASES environmental laws, protection of the environment or
In the conduct of hearings, the board or hearing order assertion of environmental rights.
shall not be bound by the technical rules of evidence. Section 4. Definition of Terms. -
However, the following simplified rules shall be (h) Wildlife means wild forms and varieties of flora and
observed: fauna, in all developmental stages including those
a. The board or hearing officer shall admit and (a) By-product or derivatives means any part taken or
which are in captivity or are being bred or propagated.
give probative value to evidence commonly substance extracted from wildlife, in raw or in
accepted by a reasonably prudent man in processed form including stuffed animals and
herbarium specimens. 1avvphi1 PART II
the conduct of his affairs.
CIVIL PROCEDURE
b. All documents whether marked as exhibits
or not shall be deemed admitted as (b) Consent decree refers to a judicially-approved
evidence settlement between concerned parties based on public RULE 2
PLEADINGS AND PARTIES

4
Section 1. Pleadings and motions allowed. The pleadings and Section 5. Citizen suit. Any Filipino citizen in representation of Section 9. Action on motion for dissolution of TEPO. - The grounds
motions that may be filed are complaint, answer which may others, including minors or generations yet unborn, may file an for motion to dissolve a TEPO shall be supported by affidavits of
include compulsory counterclaim and cross-claim, motion for action to enforce rights or obligations under environmental laws. the party or person enjoined which the applicant may oppose,
intervention, motion for discovery and motion for reconsideration Upon the filing of a citizen suit, the court shall issue an order also by affidavits.
of the judgment. which shall contain a brief description of the cause of action and
the reliefs prayed for, requiring all interested parties to manifest
The TEPO may be dissolved if it appears after hearing that its
their interest to intervene in the case within fifteen (15) days from
Motion for postponement, motion for new trial and petition for issuance or continuance would cause irreparable damage to the
notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a
relief from judgment shall be allowed in highly meritorious cases party or person enjoined while the applicant may be fully
newspaper of a general circulation in the Philippines or furnish all
or to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice. compensated for such damages as he may suffer and subject to
affected barangays copies of said order.
the posting of a sufficient bond by the party or person enjoined.
Section 2. Prohibited pleadings or motions. The following
Citizen suits filed under R.A. No. 8749 and R.A. No. 9003 shall be
pleadings or motions shall not be allowed: Section 10. Prohibition against temporary restraining order (TRO)
governed by their respective provisions.
and preliminary injunction. - Except the Supreme Court, no court
can issue a TRO or writ of preliminary injunction against lawful
(a) Motion to dismiss the complaint;
Section 6. Service of the complaint on the government or its actions of government agencies that enforce environmental laws
agencies. - Upon the filing of the complaint, the plaintiff is or prevent violations thereof.
(b) Motion for a bill of particulars; required to furnish the government or the appropriate agency,
although not a party, a copy of the complaint. Proof of service
Section 11. Report on TEPO, EPO, TRO or preliminary injunction. -
(c) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, upon the government or the appropriate agency shall be attached
The judge shall report any action taken on a TEPO, EPO, TRO or a
except to file answer, the extension not to exceed to the complaint.
preliminary injunction, including its modification and dissolution,
fifteen (15) days; to the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Court
Section 7. Assignment by raffle. - If there is only one (1) Administrator, within ten (10) days from the action taken.
(d) Motion to declare the defendant in default; designated branch in a multiple-sala court, the executive judge
shall immediately refer the case to said branch. If there are two
Section 12. Payment of filing and other legal fees. - The payment
(2) or more designated branches, the executive judge shall
(e) Reply and rejoinder; and of filing and other legal fees by the plaintiff shall be deferred until
conduct a special raffle on the day the complaint is filed.
after judgment unless the plaintiff is allowed to litigate as an
indigent. It shall constitute a first lien on the judgment award.
(f) Third party complaint. Section 8. Issuance of Temporary Environmental Protection Order
(TEPO). - If it appears from the verified complaint with a prayer
For a citizen suit, the court shall defer the payment of filing and
Section 3. Verified complaint. The verified complaint shall for the issuance of an Environmental Protection Order (EPO) that
other legal fees that shall serve as first lien on the judgment
contain the names of the parties, their addresses, the cause of the matter is of extreme urgency and the applicant will suffer
award.
action and the reliefs prayed for. grave injustice and irreparable injury, the executive judge of the
multiple-sala court before raffle or the presiding judge of a single-
sala court as the case may be, may issue ex parte a TEPO effective Section 13. Service of summons, orders and other court
The plaintiff shall attach to the verified complaint all evidence for only seventy-two (72) hours from date of the receipt of the processes. - The summons, orders and other court processes may
proving or supporting the cause of action consisting of the TEPO by the party or person enjoined. Within said period, the be served by the sheriff, his deputy or other proper court officer
affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence and if possible, court where the case is assigned, shall conduct a summary or for justifiable reasons, by the counsel or representative of the
object evidence. The affidavits shall be in question and answer hearing to determine whether the TEPO may be extended until plaintiff or any suitable person authorized or deputized by the
form and shall comply with the rules of admissibility of evidence. the termination of the case. court issuing the summons.

The complaint shall state that it is an environmental case and the The court where the case is assigned, shall periodically monitor Any private person who is authorized or deputized by the court to
law involved. The complaint shall also include a certification the existence of acts that are the subject matter of the TEPO even serve summons, orders and other court processes shall for that
against forum shopping. If the complaint is not an environmental if issued by the executive judge, and may lift the same at any time purpose be considered an officer of the court.
complaint, the presiding judge shall refer it to the executive judge as circumstances may warrant.
for re-raffle.
The summons shall be served on the defendant, together with a
The applicant shall be exempted from the posting of a bond for copy of an order informing all parties that they have fifteen (15)
Section 4. Who may file. Any real party in interest, including the issuance of a TEPO. days from the filing of an answer, within which to avail of
the government and juridical entities authorized by law, may file a interrogatories to parties under Rule 25 of the Rules of Court and
civil action involving the enforcement or violation of any request for admission by adverse party under Rule 26, or at their
environmental law.
5
discretion, make use of depositions under Rule 23 or other (b) A summary of admitted facts and proposed Section 4. Preliminary conference. - If mediation fails, the court
measures under Rules 27 and 28. stipulation of facts; will schedule the continuance of the pre-trial. Before the
scheduled date of continuance, the court may refer the case to
the branch clerk of court for a preliminary conference for the
Should personal and substituted service fail, summons by (c) The legal and factual issues to be tried or resolved.
following purposes:
publication shall be allowed. In the case of juridical entities, For each factual issue, the parties shall state all
summons by publication shall be done by indicating the names of evidence to support their positions thereon. For each
the officers or their duly authorized representatives. legal issue, parties shall state the applicable law and (a) To assist the parties in reaching a settlement;
jurisprudence supporting their respective positions
thereon;
Section 14. Verified answer. - Within fifteen (15) days from receipt (b) To mark the documents or exhibits to be presented
of summons, the defendant shall file a verified answer to the by the parties and copies thereof to be attached to the
complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. The (d) The documents or exhibits to be presented, records after comparison with the originals;
defendant shall attach affidavits of witnesses, reports, studies of including depositions, answers to interrogatories and
experts and all evidence in support of the defense. answers to written request for admission by adverse
(c) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts
party, stating the purpose thereof;
and admissions on the genuineness and due execution
Affirmative and special defenses not pleaded shall be deemed of the documents marked as exhibits;
waived, except lack of jurisdiction. (e) A manifestation of their having availed of discovery
procedures or their intention to avail themselves of
(d) To require the parties to submit the depositions
referral to a commissioner or panel of experts;
Cross-claims and compulsory counterclaims not asserted shall be taken under Rule 23 of the Rules of Court, the answers
considered barred. The answer to counterclaims or cross-claims to written interrogatories under Rule 25, and the
shall be filed and served within ten (10) days from service of the (f) The number and names of the witnesses and the answers to request for admissions by the adverse party
answer in which they are pleaded. substance of their affidavits; under Rule 26;

Section 15. Effect of failure to answer. - Should the defendant fail (g) Clarificatory questions from the parties; and (e) To require the production of documents or things
to answer the complaint within the period provided, the court requested by a party under Rule 27 and the results of
shall declare defendant in default and upon motion of the the physical and mental examination of persons under
(h) List of cases arising out of the same facts pending
plaintiff, shall receive evidence ex parte and render judgment Rule 28;
before other courts or administrative agencies. Failure
based thereon and the reliefs prayed for.
to comply with the required contents of a pre-trial
brief may be a ground for contempt. (f) To consider such other matters as may aid in its
RULE 3 prompt disposition;
PRE-TRIAL
Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as
failure to appear at the pre-trial. (g) To record the proceedings in the "Minutes of
Section 1. Notice of pre-trial. - Within two (2) days from the filing Preliminary Conference" to be signed by both parties
of the answer to the counterclaim or cross-claim, if any, the or their counsels;
Section 3. Referral to mediation. - At the start of the pre-trial
branch clerk of court shall issue a notice of the pre-trial to be held
conference, the court shall inquire from the parties if they have
not later than one (1) month from the filing of the last pleading.
settled the dispute; otherwise, the court shall immediately refer (h) To mark the affidavits of witnesses which shall be in
the parties or their counsel, if authorized by their clients, to the question and answer form and shall constitute the
The court shall schedule the pre-trial and set as many pre-trial Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) unit for purposes of direct examination of the witnesses; and
conferences as may be necessary within a period of two (2) mediation. If not available, the court shall refer the case to the
months counted from the date of the first pre-trial conference. clerk of court or legal researcher for mediation.
(i) To attach the minutes together with the marked
exhibits before the pre-trial proper.
Section 2. Pre-trial brief. - At least three (3) days before the Mediation must be conducted within a non-extendible period of
pretrial, the parties shall submit pre-trial briefs containing the thirty (30) days from receipt of notice of referral to mediation.
The parties or their counsel must submit to the branch clerk of
following:
court the names, addresses and contact numbers of the affiants.
The mediation report must be submitted within ten (10) days
(a) A statement of their willingness to enter into an from the expiration of the 30-day period.
During the preliminary conference, the branch clerk of court shall
amicable settlement indicating the desired terms
also require the parties to submit the depositions taken under
thereof or to submit the case to any of the alternative
Rule 23 of the Rules of Court, the answers to written
modes of dispute resolution;
6
interrogatories under Rule 25 and the answers to request for (g) Obtain admissions based on the affidavits of Section 9. Pre-trial order. - Within ten (10) days after the
admissions by the adverse party under Rule 26. The branch clerk witnesses and evidence attached to the pleadings or termination of the pre-trial, the court shall issue a pre-trial order
of court may also require the production of documents or things submitted during pre-trial; setting forth the actions taken during the pre-trial conference, the
requested by a party under Rule 27 and the results of the physical facts stipulated, the admissions made, the evidence marked, the
and mental examination of persons under Rule 28. number of witnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial.
(h) Define and simplify the factual and legal issues
Said order shall bind the parties, limit the trial to matters not
arising from the pleadings and evidence.
disposed of and control the course of action during the trial.
Section 5. Pre-trial conference; consent decree. - The judge shall Uncontroverted issues and frivolous claims or defenses
put the parties and their counsels under oath, and they shall should be eliminated;
remain under oath in all pre-trial conferences. Section 10. Efforts to settle. - The court shall endeavor to make
the parties agree to compromise or settle in accordance with law
(i) Discuss the propriety of rendering a summary
at any stage of the proceedings before rendition of judgment.
The judge shall exert best efforts to persuade the parties to arrive judgment or a judgment based on the pleadings,
at a settlement of the dispute. The judge may issue a consent evidence and admissions made during pre-trial;
decree approving the agreement between the parties in RULE 4
accordance with law, morals, public order and public policy to TRIAL
(j) Observe the Most Important Witness Rule in limiting
protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
the number of witnesses, determining the facts to be
ecology.
proved by each witness and fixing the approximate Section 1. Continuous trial. - The judge shall conduct continuous
number of hours per witness; trial which shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of the
Evidence not presented during the pre-trial, except newly- issuance of the pre-trial order.
discovered evidence, shall be deemed waived.
(k) Encourage referral of the case to a trial by
commissioner under Rule 32 of the Rules of Court or to Before the expiration of the two-month period, the judge may ask
Section 6. Failure to settle. - If there is no full settlement, the a mediator or arbitrator under any of the alternative the Supreme Court for the extension of the trial period for
judge shall: modes of dispute resolution governed by the Special justifiable cause.
Rules of Court on Alternative Dispute Resolution;
(a) Adopt the minutes of the preliminary conference as Section 2. Affidavits in lieu of direct examination. - In lieu of direct
part of the pre-trial proceedings and confirm the (l) Determine the necessity of engaging the services of examination, affidavits marked during the pre-trial shall be
markings of exhibits or substituted photocopies and a qualified expert as a friend of the court (amicus presented as direct examination of affiants subject to cross-
admissions on the genuineness and due execution of curiae); and
documents;
examination by the adverse party.
(m) Ask parties to agree on the specific trial dates for
(b) Determine if there are cases arising out of the same continuous trial, comply with the one-day examination
Section 3. One-day examination of witness rule. - The court shall
facts pending before other courts and order its of witness rule, adhere to the case flow chart
strictly adhere to the rule that a witness has to be fully examined
consolidation if warranted; determined by the court which shall contain the
in one (1) day, subject to the courts discretion of extending the
different stages of the proceedings up to the
examination for justifiable reason. After the presentation of the
promulgation of the decision and use the time frame
(c) Determine if the pleadings are in order and if not, last witness, only oral offer of evidence shall be allowed, and the
for each stage in setting the trial dates.
order the amendments if necessary; opposing party shall immediately interpose his objections. The
judge shall forthwith rule on the offer of evidence in open court.
Section 7. Effect of failure to appear at pre-trial. - The court shall
(d) Determine if interlocutory issues are involved and
not dismiss the complaint, except upon repeated and unjustified
resolve the same; Section 4. Submission of case for decision; filing of memoranda. -
failure of the plaintiff to appear. The dismissal shall be without
After the last party has rested its case, the court shall issue an
prejudice, and the court may proceed with the counterclaim.
order submitting the case for decision.
(e) Consider the adding or dropping of parties;
If the defendant fails to appear at the pre-trial, the court shall
The court may require the parties to submit their respective
(f) Scrutinize every single allegation of the complaint, receive evidence ex parte.
memoranda, if possible in electronic form, within a non-
answer and other pleadings and attachments thereto,
extendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the case is
and the contents of documents and all other evidence
Section 8. Minutes of pre-trial. - The minutes of each pre-trial submitted for decision.
identified and pre-marked during pre-trial in
conference shall contain matters taken up therein, more
determining further admissions;
particularly admissions of facts and exhibits, and shall be signed
The court shall have a period of sixty (60) days to decide the case
by the parties and their counsel.
from the date the case is submitted for decision.
7
Section 5. Period to try and decide. - The court shall have a period order has been implemented to the satisfaction of the court in If the court rejects the defense of a SLAPP, the evidence adduced
of one (1) year from the filing of the complaint to try and decide accordance with Section 14, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court. during the summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the
the case. Before the expiration of the one-year period, the court parties on the merits of the case. The action shall proceed in
may petition the Supreme Court for the extension of the period accordance with the Rules of Court.
RULE 6
for justifiable cause.
STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PART III
The court shall prioritize the adjudication of environmental cases. SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS
Section 1. Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). -
A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle
RULE 5 any legal recourse that any person, institution or the government RULE 7
JUDGMENT AND EXECUTION has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws, WRIT OF KALIKASAN
protection of the environment or assertion of environmental
rights shall be treated as a SLAPP and shall be governed by these
Section 1. Reliefs in a citizen suit. - If warranted, the court may Section 1. Nature of the writ. - The writ is a remedy available to a
Rules.
grant to the plaintiff proper reliefs which shall include the natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, peoples
protection, preservation or rehabilitation of the environment and organization, non-governmental organization, or any public
the payment of attorneys fees, costs of suit and other litigation Section 2. SLAPP as a defense; how alleged. - In a SLAPP filed interest group accredited by or registered with any government
expenses. It may also require the violator to submit a program of against a person involved in the enforcement of environmental agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a
rehabilitation or restoration of the environment, the costs of laws, protection of the environment, or assertion of balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with
which shall be borne by the violator, or to contribute to a special environmental rights, the defendant may file an answer violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or
trust fund for that purpose subject to the control of the court. interposing as a defense that the case is a SLAPP and shall be employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental
supported by documents, affidavits, papers and other evidence; damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or
and, by way of counterclaim, pray for damages, attorneys fees property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.
Section 2. Judgment not stayed by appeal. - Any judgment
and costs of suit.
directing the performance of acts for the protection, preservation
or rehabilitation of the environment shall be executory pending Section 2. Contents of the petition. - The verified petition shall
appeal unless restrained by the appellate court. The court shall direct the plaintiff or adverse party to file an contain the following:
opposition showing the suit is not a SLAPP, attaching evidence in
support thereof, within a non-extendible period of five (5) days
Section 3. Permanent EPO; writ of continuing mandamus. - In the (a) The personal circumstances of the petitioner;
from receipt of notice that an answer has been filed.
judgment, the court may convert the TEPO to a permanent EPO or
issue a writ of continuing mandamus directing the performance of
(b) The name and personal circumstances of the
acts which shall be effective until the judgment is fully satisfied. The defense of a SLAPP shall be set for hearing by the court after
respondent or if the name and personal circumstances
issuance of the order to file an opposition within fifteen (15) days
are unknown and uncertain, the respondent may be
from filing of the comment or the lapse of the period.
The court may, by itself or through the appropriate government described by an assumed appellation;
agency, monitor the execution of the judgment and require the
party concerned to submit written reports on a quarterly basis or Section 3. Summary hearing. - The hearing on the defense of a
(c) The environmental law, rule or regulation violated
sooner as may be necessary, detailing the progress of the SLAPP shall be summary in nature. The parties must submit all
or threatened to be violated, the act or omission
execution and satisfaction of the judgment. The other party may, available evidence in support of their respective positions. The
complained of, and the environmental damage of such
at its option, submit its comments or observations on the party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial
magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property
execution of the judgment. evidence that his act for the enforcement of environmental law is
of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.
a legitimate action for the protection, preservation and
rehabilitation of the environment. The party filing the action
Section 4. Monitoring of compliance with judgment and orders of
assailed as a SLAPP shall prove by preponderance of evidence that (d) All relevant and material evidence consisting of the
the court by a commissioner. - The court may motu proprio, or
the action is not a SLAPP and is a valid claim. affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence,
upon motion of the prevailing party, order that the enforcement
scientific or other expert studies, and if possible, object
of the judgment or order be referred to a commissioner to be
evidence;
appointed by the court. The commissioner shall file with the court Section 4. Resolution of the defense of a SLAPP. - The affirmative
written progress reports on a quarterly basis or more frequently defense of a SLAPP shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after
when necessary. the summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court (e) The certification of petitioner under oath that: (1)
may award damages, attorneys fees and costs of suit under a petitioner has not commenced any action or filed any
counterclaim if such has been filed. The dismissal shall be with claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or
Section 5. Return of writ of execution. - The process of execution
prejudice. quasi-judicial agency, and no such other action or claim
shall terminate upon a sufficient showing that the decision or
is pending therein; (2) if there is such other pending

8
 action or claim, a complete statement of its present All defenses not raised in the return shall be deemed waived. (a) Ocular Inspection; order The motion must show
status; (3) if petitioner should learn that the same or that an ocular inspection order is necessary to
similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat
The return shall include affidavits of witnesses, documentary
petitioner shall report to the court that fact within five as to prejudice the life, health or property of
evidence, scientific or other expert studies, and if possible, object
(5) days therefrom; and inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. It shall
evidence, in support of the defense of the respondent.
state in detail the place or places to be inspected. It
shall be supported by affidavits of witnesses having
(f) The reliefs prayed for which may include a prayer
A general denial of allegations in the petition shall be considered personal knowledge of the violation or threatened
for the issuance of a TEPO.
as an admission thereof. violation of environmental law.

Section 3. Where to file. - The petition shall be filed with the

Section 9. Prohibited pleadings and motions. - The following After hearing, the court may order any person in
Supreme Court or with any of the stations of the Court of Appeals.
pleadings and motions are prohibited: possession or control of a designated land or other
property to permit entry for the purpose of inspecting
Section 4. No docket fees. - The petitioner shall be exempt from or
(a) Motion to dismiss;
the payment of docket

(b) Motion for extension of time to file return; photographing the property or any relevant object or
fees. operation thereon.

(c) Motion for postponement;

Section 5. Issuance of the writ. - Within three (3) days from the The order shall specify the person or persons
date of filing of the petition, if the petition is sufficient in form and authorized to make the inspection and the date, time,
substance, the court shall give an order: (a) issuing the writ; and (d) Motion for a bill of particulars; place and manner of making the inspection and may
(b) requiring the respondent to file a verified return as provided in prescribe other conditions to protect the constitutional
Section 8 of this Rule. The clerk of court shall forthwith issue the (e) Counterclaim or cross-claim; rights of all parties.
writ under the seal of the court including the issuance of a cease
and desist order and other temporary reliefs effective until
(f) Third-party complaint; (b) Production or inspection of documents or
further order.
things; order The motion must show that a
production order is necessary to establish the
Section 6. How the writ is served. - The writ shall be served upon (g) Reply; and magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice
the respondent by a court officer or any person deputized by the the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or
court, who shall retain a copy on which to make a return of (h) Motion to declare respondent in default. more cities or provinces.
service. In case the writ cannot be served personally, the rule on
substituted service shall apply.
Section 10. Effect of failure to file return. - In case the respondent After hearing, the court may order any person in
fails to file a return, the court shall proceed to hear the petition ex possession, custody or control of any designated
Section 7. Penalty for refusing to issue or serve the writ. - A clerk parte. documents, papers, books, accounts, letters,
of court who unduly delays or refuses to issue the writ after its photographs, objects or tangible things, or objects in
allowance or a court officer or deputized person who unduly digitized or electronic form, which constitute or
delays or refuses to serve the same shall be punished by the court Section 11. Hearing. - Upon receipt of the return of the
contain evidence relevant to the petition or the return,
for contempt without prejudice to other civil, criminal or respondent, the court may call a preliminary conference to
to produce and permit their inspection, copying or
administrative actions. simplify the issues, determine the possibility of obtaining
photographing by or on behalf of the movant.
stipulations or admissions from the parties, and set the petition
for hearing.
Section 8. Return of respondent; contents. - Within a non- The production order shall specify the person or persons
extendible period of ten (10) days after service of the writ, the authorized to make the production and the date, time, place and
respondent shall file a verified return which shall contain all The hearing including the preliminary conference shall not extend
manner of making the inspection or production and may prescribe
defenses to show that respondent did not violate or threaten to beyond sixty (60) days and shall be given the same priority as
other conditions to protect the constitutional rights of all parties.
violate, or allow the violation of any environmental law, rule or petitions for the writs of habeas corpus, amparo and habeas data.
regulation or commit any act resulting to environmental damage
Section 13. Contempt. - The court may after hearing punish the
of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of Section 12. Discovery Measures. - A party may file a verified
respondent who refuses or unduly delays the filing of a return, or
inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. motion for the following reliefs:
who makes a false return, or any person who disobeys or resists a

9
lawful process or order of the court for indirect contempt under under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. The appeal may raise Section 6. Proceedings after comment is filed. - After the
Rule 71 of the Rules of Court. questions of fact. comment is filed or the time for the filing thereof has expired, the
court may hear the case which shall be summary in nature or
require the parties to submit memoranda. The petition shall be
Section 14. Submission of case for decision; filing of memoranda. - Section 17. Institution of separate actions. - The filing of a petition
resolved without delay within sixty (60) days from the date of the
After hearing, the court shall issue an order submitting the case for the issuance of the writ of kalikasan shall not preclude the
submission of the petition for resolution.
for decision. The court may require the filing of memoranda and if filing of separate civil, criminal or administrative actions.
possible, in its electronic form, within a non-extendible period of
thirty (30) days from the date the petition is submitted for Section 7. Judgment. - If warranted, the court shall grant the
RULE 8
decision. privilege of the writ of continuing mandamus requiring
WRIT OF CONTINUING MANDAMUS
respondent to perform an act or series of acts until the judgment
is fully satisfied and to grant such other reliefs as may be
Section 15. Judgment. - Within sixty (60) days from the time the
Section 1. Petition for continuing mandamus. - When any agency warranted resulting from the wrongful or illegal acts of the
petition is submitted for decision, the court shall render judgment
or instrumentality of the government or officer thereof unlawfully respondent. The court shall require the respondent to submit
granting or denying the privilege of the writ of kalikasan.
neglects the performance of an act which the law specifically periodic reports detailing the progress and execution of the
enjoins as a duty resulting from an office, trust or station in judgment, and the court may, by itself or through a commissioner
The reliefs that may be granted under the writ are the following: connection with the enforcement or violation of an or the appropriate government agency, evaluate and monitor
environmental law rule or regulation or a right therein, or compliance. The petitioner may submit its comments or
unlawfully excludes another from the use or enjoyment of such observations on the execution of the judgment.
(a) Directing respondent to permanently cease and
right and there is no other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in
desist from committing acts or neglecting the
the ordinary course of law, the person aggrieved thereby may file
performance of a duty in violation of environmental Section 8. Return of the writ. - The periodic reports submitted by
a verified petition in the proper court, alleging the facts with
laws resulting in environmental destruction or the respondent detailing compliance with the judgment shall be
certainty, attaching thereto supporting evidence, specifying that
damage; contained in partial returns of the writ.
the petition concerns an environmental law, rule or regulation,
and praying that judgment be rendered commanding the
(b) Directing the respondent public official, respondent to do an act or series of acts until the judgment is fully Upon full satisfaction of the judgment, a final return of the writ
government agency, private person or entity to satisfied, and to pay damages sustained by the petitioner by shall be made to the court by the respondent. If the court finds
protect, preserve, rehabilitate or restore the reason of the malicious neglect to perform the duties of the that the judgment has been fully implemented, the satisfaction of
environment; respondent, under the law, rules or regulations. The petition shall judgment shall be entered in the court docket.
also contain a sworn certification of non-forum shopping.
(c) Directing the respondent public official, PART IV
government agency, private person or entity to Section 2. Where to file the petition. - The petition shall be filed CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
monitor strict compliance with the decision and orders with the Regional Trial Court exercising jurisdiction over the
of the court; territory where the actionable neglect or omission occurred or
RULE 9
with the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.
PROSECUTION OF OFFENSES
(d) Directing the respondent public official,
government agency, or private person or entity to Section 3. No docket fees. - The petitioner shall be exempt from
Section 1. Who may file. - Any offended party, peace officer or
make periodic reports on the execution of the final the payment of docket fees.
any public officer charged with the enforcement of an
judgment; and
environmental law may file a complaint before the proper officer
Section 4. Order to comment. - If the petition is sufficient in form in accordance with the Rules of Court.
(e) Such other reliefs which relate to the right of the and substance, the court shall issue the writ and require the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology or to the respondent to comment on the petition within ten (10) days from
Section 2. Filing of the information. - An information, charging a
protection, preservation, rehabilitation or restoration receipt of a copy thereof. Such order shall be served on the
person with a violation of an environmental law and subscribed
of the respondents in such manner as the court may direct, together
by the prosecutor, shall be filed with the court.
with a copy of the petition and any annexes thereto.
environment, except the award of damages to
Section 3. Special prosecutor. - In criminal cases, where there is
individual petitioners. Section 5. Expediting proceedings; TEPO. - The court in which the
no private offended party, a counsel whose services are offered
petition is filed may issue such orders to expedite the
by any person or organization may be allowed by the court as
Section 16. Appeal. - Within fifteen (15) days from the date of proceedings, and it may also grant a TEPO for the preservation of
special prosecutor, with the consent of and subject to the control
notice of the adverse judgment or denial of motion for the rights of the parties pending such proceedings.
and supervision of the public prosecutor.
reconsideration, any party may appeal to the Supreme Court
10
 RULE 10 RULE 12 RULE 13
PROSECUTION OF CIVIL ACTIONS CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF SEIZED ITEMS, EQUIPMENT, PROVISIONAL REMEDIES
PARAPHERNALIA, CONVEYANCES AND INSTRUMENTS
Section 1. Institution of criminal and civil actions. - When a Section 1. Attachment in environmental cases. - The provisional
criminal action is instituted, the civil action for the recovery of civil Section 1. Custody and disposition of seized items. - The custody remedy of attachment under Rule 127 of the Rules of Court may
liability arising from the offense charged, shall be deemed and disposition of seized items shall be in accordance with the be availed of in environmental cases.
instituted with the criminal action unless the complainant waives applicable laws or rules promulgated by the concerned
the civil action, reserves the right to institute it separately or government agency.
Section 2. Environmental Protection Order (EPO); Temporary
institutes the civil action prior to the criminal action.
Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) in criminal cases. - The
Section 2. Procedure. - In the absence of applicable laws or rules procedure for and issuance of EPO and TEPO shall be governed by
Unless the civil action has been instituted prior to the criminal promulgated by the concerned government agency, the following Rule 2 of these Rules.
action, the reservation of the right to institute separately the civil procedure shall be observed:
action shall be made during arraignment.
RULE 14
(a) The apprehending officer having initial custody and BAIL
In case civil liability is imposed or damages are awarded, the filing control of the seized items, equipment, paraphernalia,
and other legal fees shall be imposed on said award in accordance conveyances and instruments shall physically inventory
Section 1. Bail, where filed. - Bail in the amount fixed may be filed
with Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, and the fees shall constitute a and whenever practicable, photograph the same in the
with the court where the case is pending, or in the absence or
first lien on the judgment award. The damages awarded in cases presence of the person from whom such items were
unavailability of the judge thereof, with any regional trial judge,
where there is no private offended party, less the filing fees, shall seized.
metropolitan trial judge, municipal trial judge or municipal circuit
accrue to the funds of the agency charged with the
trial judge in the province, city or municipality. If the accused is
implementation of the environmental law violated. The award
(b) Thereafter, the apprehending officer shall submit to arrested in a province, city or municipality other than where the
shall be used for the restoration and rehabilitation of the
the issuing court the return of the search warrant case is pending, bail may also be filed with any Regional Trial
environment adversely affected.
within five (5) days from date of seizure or in case of Court of said place, or if no judge thereof is available, with any
warrantless arrest, submit within five (5) days from metropolitan trial judge, municipal trial judge or municipal circuit
RULE 11 date of seizure, the inventory report, compliance trial judge therein. If the court grants bail, the court may issue a
ARREST report, photographs, representative samples and other hold-departure order in appropriate cases.
pertinent documents to the public prosecutor for
appropriate action.
Section 1. Arrest without warrant; when lawful. - A peace officer Section 2. Duties of the court. - Before granting the application for
or an individual deputized by the proper government agency may, bail, the judge must read the information in a language known to
without a warrant, arrest a person: (c) Upon motion by any interested party, the court may and understood by the accused and require the accused to sign a
direct the auction sale of seized items, equipment, written undertaking, as follows:
paraphernalia, tools or instruments of the crime. The
(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested
court shall, after hearing, fix the minimum bid price
has committed, is actually committing or is attempting (a) To appear before the court that issued the warrant
based on the recommendation of the concerned
to commit an offense; or of arrest for arraignment purposes on the date
government agency. The sheriff shall conduct the
scheduled, and if the accused fails to appear without
auction.
justification on the date of arraignment, accused
(b) When an offense has just been committed, and he
waives the reading of the information and authorizes
has probable cause to believe based on personal
(d) The auction sale shall be with notice to the accused, the court to enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the
knowledge of facts or circumstances that the person to
the person from whom the items were seized, or the accused and to set the case for trial;
be arrested has committed it. Individuals deputized by
owner thereof and the concerned government agency.
the proper government agency who are enforcing
environmental laws shall enjoy the presumption of (b) To appear whenever required by the court where
regularity under Section 3(m), Rule 131 of the Rules of (e) The notice of auction shall be posted in three the case is pending; and
Court when effecting arrests for violations of conspicuous places in the city or municipality where
environmental laws. the items, equipment, paraphernalia, tools or
(c) To waive the right of the accused to be present at
instruments of the crime were seized.
the trial, and upon failure of the accused to appear
Section 2. Warrant of arrest. - All warrants of arrest issued by the without justification and despite due notice, the trial
court shall be accompanied by a certified true copy of the (f) The proceeds shall be held in trust and deposited may proceed in absentia.
information filed with the issuing court. with the government depository bank for disposition
according to the judgment.
11
 RULE 15 (d) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts (e) Ask parties to agree on the specific trial dates and
ARRAIGNMENT AND PLEA and admissions on the genuineness and due execution adhere to the flow chart determined by the court
of documents marked as exhibits; which shall contain the time frames for the different
stages of the proceeding up to promulgation of
Section 1. Arraignment. - The court shall set the arraignment of
decision;
the accused within fifteen (15) days from the time it acquires (e) To consider such other matters as may aid in the
jurisdiction over the accused, with notice to the public prosecutor prompt disposition of the case;
and offended party or concerned government agency that it will (f) Require the parties to submit to the branch clerk of
entertain plea-bargaining on the date of the arraignment. court the names, addresses and contact numbers of
(f) To record the proceedings during the preliminary
witnesses that need to be summoned by subpoena;
conference in the Minutes of Preliminary Conference
and
Section 2. Plea-bargaining. - On the scheduled date of to be signed by the parties and counsel;
arraignment, the court shall consider plea-bargaining
arrangements. Where the prosecution and offended party or (g) Consider modification of order of trial if the
(g) To mark the affidavits of witnesses which shall be in
concerned government agency agree to the plea offered by the accused admits the charge but interposes a lawful
question and answer form and shall constitute the
accused, the court shall: defense.
direct examination of the witnesses; and

(a) Issue an order which contains the plea-bargaining Section 4. Manner of questioning. - All questions or statements
(h) To attach the Minutes and marked exhibits to the
arrived at; must be directed to the court.
case record before the pre-trial proper. The parties or
their counsel must submit to the branch clerk of court
(b) Proceed to receive evidence on the civil aspect of the names, addresses and contact numbers of the Section 5. Agreements or admissions. - All agreements or
the case, if any; and affiants. 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
(c) Render and promulgate judgment of conviction, Section 3. Pre-trial duty of the judge. - During the pre-trial, the
agreements covering the matters referred to in Section 1, Rule
including the civil liability for damages. court shall:
118 of the Rules of Court shall be approved by the court.

RULE 16 (a) Place the parties and their counsels under oath;
Section 6. Record of proceedings. - All proceedings during the pre-
PRE-TRIAL
trial shall be recorded, the transcripts prepared and the minutes
(b) Adopt the minutes of the preliminary conference as signed by the parties or their counsels.
Section 1. Setting of pre-trial conference. - After the arraignment, part of the pre-trial proceedings, confirm markings of
the court shall set the pre-trial conference within thirty (30) days. exhibits or substituted photocopies and admissions on
Section 7. Pre-trial order. - The court shall issue a pre-trial order
It may refer the case to the branch clerk of court, if warranted, for the genuineness and due execution of documents, and
within ten (10) days after the termination of the pre-trial, setting
a preliminary conference to be set at least three (3) days prior to list object and testimonial evidence;
forth the actions taken during the pre-trial conference, the facts
the pre-trial.
stipulated, the admissions made, evidence marked, the number of
(c) Scrutinize the information and the statements in witnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial. The order
Section 2. Preliminary conference. - The preliminary conference the affidavits and other documents which form part of shall bind the parties and control the course of action during the
shall be for the following purposes: the record of the preliminary investigation together trial.
with other documents identified and marked as
exhibits to determine further admissions of facts as to:
(a) To assist the parties in reaching a settlement of the RULE 17
civil aspect of the case; TRIAL
i. The courts territorial jurisdiction relative
to the offense(s) charged;
(b) To mark the documents to be presented as Section 1. Continuous trial. - The court shall endeavor to conduct
exhibits; continuous trial which shall not exceed three (3) months from the
ii. Qualification of expert witnesses; and date of the issuance of the pre-trial order.
(c) To attach copies thereof to the records after
comparison with the originals; iii. Amount of damages; Section 2. Affidavit in lieu of direct examination. - Affidavit in lieu
of direct examination shall be used, subject to cross-examination
(d) Define factual and legal issues; and the right to object to inadmissible portions of the affidavit.

12
Section 3. Submission of memoranda. - The court may require the stifle any legal recourse that any person, institution or the enjoined by law, are prima facie evidence of the facts therein
parties to submit their respective memoranda and if possible, in government has taken or may take in the enforcement of stated.
electronic form, within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) days environmental laws, protection of the environment or assertion
from the date the case is submitted for decision. of environmental rights.
RULE 22
FINAL PROVISIONS
With or without any memoranda filed, the court shall have a If the court denies the motion, the court shall immediately
period of sixty (60) days to decide the case counted from the last proceed with the arraignment of the accused.
Section 1. Effectivity. - These Rules shall take effect within fifteen
day of the 30-day period to file the memoranda.
(15) days following publication once in a newspaper of general
circulation.
Section 4. Disposition period. - The court shall dispose the case
within a period of ten (10) months from the date of arraignment.
Section 2. Application of the Rules of Court. - The Rules of Court
shall apply in a suppletory manner, except as otherwise provided
Section 5. Pro bono lawyers. - If the accused cannot afford the herein.
PART V
services of counsel or there is no available public attorney, the
EVIDENCE
court shall require the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to provide
pro bono lawyers for the accused.
RULE 20
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
RULE 18
SUBSIDIARY LIABILITY
Section 1. Applicability. - When there is a lack of full scientific
certainty in establishing a causal link between human activity and
Section 1. Subsidiary liability. - In case of conviction of the
environmental effect, the court shall apply the precautionary
accused and subsidiary liability is allowed by law, the court may,
principle in resolving the case before it.
by motion of the person entitled to recover under judgment,
enforce such subsidiary liability against a person or corporation
subsidiary liable under Article 102 and Article 103 of the Revised The constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful
Penal Code. ecology shall be given the benefit of the doubt.

RULE 19 Section 2. Standards for application. - In applying the

STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN precautionary principle, the following factors, among others, may
CRIMINAL CASES be considered: (1) threats to human life or health; (2) inequity to
present or future generations; or (3) prejudice to the environment
without legal consideration of the environmental rights of those
Section 1. Motion to dismiss. - Upon the filing of an information in
affected.
court and before arraignment, the accused may file a motion to
dismiss on the ground that the criminal action is a SLAPP.
RULE 21
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
Section 2. Summary hearing. - The hearing on the defense of a
SLAPP shall be summary in nature. The parties must submit all the
available evidence in support of their respective positions. The Section 1. Photographic, video and similar evidence. -
party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial Photographs, videos and similar evidence of events, acts,
evidence that his acts for the enforcement of environmental law transactions of wildlife, wildlife by-products or derivatives, forest
is a legitimate action for the protection, preservation and products or mineral resources subject of a case shall be
rehabilitation of the environment. The party filing the action admissible when authenticated by the person who took the same,
assailed as a SLAPP shall prove by preponderance of evidence that by some other person present when said evidence was taken, or
the action is not a SLAPP. by any other person competent to testify on the accuracy thereof.

Section 3. Resolution. - The court shall grant the motion if the Section 2. Entries in official records. - Entries in official records
accused establishes in the summary hearing that the criminal case made in the performance of his duty by a public officer of the
has been filed with intent to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or Philippines, or by a person in performance of a duty specially

13