Environmental cases: procedures.

Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

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

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CASES


April 13, 2010.

PART I

RULE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title. — These Rules shall be known as "The Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases."

Section 2. Scope. — These Rules shall govern the procedure in civil, criminal and special civil actions before the Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts involving enforcement or violations of environmental and other related laws, rules and regulations such as but not limited to the following:

(a) Act No. 3572, Prohibition Against Cutting of Tindalo, Akli, and Molave Trees;

(b) P.D. No. 705, Revised Forestry Code;

(c) P.D. No. 856, Sanitation Code;

(d) P.D. No. 979, Marine Pollution Decree;

(e) P.D. No. 1067, Water Code;

(f) P.D. No. 1151, Philippine Environmental Policy of 1977;

(g) P.D. No. 1433, Plant Quarantine Law of 1978;

(h) P.D. No. 1586, Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures and for Other Purposes;

(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, School Premises or in any Other Public Ground;

(j) R.A. No. 4850, Laguna Lake Development Authority Act;

(k) R.A. No. 6969, Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act;

(l) R.A. No. 7076, People’s Small-Scale Mining Act;

(m) R.A. No. 7586, National Integrated Protected Areas System Act including all laws, decrees, orders, proclamations and issuances establishing protected areas;

(n) R.A. No. 7611, Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act;

(o) R.A. No. 7942, Philippine Mining Act;

(p) R.A. No. 8371, Indigenous Peoples Rights Act;

(q) R.A. No. 8550, Philippine Fisheries Code;

(r) R.A. No. 8749, Clean Air Act;

(s) R.A. No. 9003, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act;

(t) R.A. No. 9072, National Caves and Cave Resource Management Act;

(u) R.A. No. 9147, Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act;

(v) R.A. No. 9175, Chainsaw Act;

(w) R.A. No. 9275, Clean Water Act;

(x) R.A. No. 9483, Oil Spill Compensation Act of 2007; and

(y) Provisions in C.A. No. 141, The Public Land Act; R.A. No. 6657, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988; R.A. No. 7160, Local Government Code of 1991; R.A. No. 7161, Tax Laws Incorporated in the Revised Forestry Code and Other Environmental Laws (Amending the NIRC); R.A. No. 7308, Seed Industry Development Act of 1992; R.A. No. 7900, High-Value Crops Development

Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases Act; R.A. No. 8048, Coconut Preservation Act; R.A. No. 8435, Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997; R.A. No. 9522, The Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law; R.A. No. 9593, Renewable Energy Act of 2008; R.A. No. 9637, Philippine Biofuels Act; and other existing laws that relate to the conservation, development, preservation, protection and utilization of the environment and natural resources.

Section 3. Objectives. - The objectives of these Rules are:

(a) To protect and advance the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology;

(b) To provide a simplified, speedy and inexpensive procedure for the enforcement of environmental rights and duties recognized under the Constitution, existing laws, rules and regulations, and international agreements;

(c) To introduce and adopt innovations and best practices ensuring the effective enforcement of remedies and redress for violation of environmental laws; and

(d) To enable the courts to monitor and exact compliance with orders and judgments in environmental cases.

Section 4. Definition of Terms. -

(a) By-product or derivatives means any part taken or substance extracted from wildlife, in raw or in processed form including stuffed animals and herbarium specimens. 1avvphi1

(b) Consent decree refers to a judicially-approved settlement between concerned parties based on public interest and public policy to protect and preserve the environment.

(c) Continuing mandamus is a writ issued by a court in an environmental case directing any agency or instrumentality of the government or officer thereof to perform an act or series of acts decreed by final judgment which shall remain effective until judgment is fully satisfied.

(d) Environmental protection order (EPO) refers to an order issued by the court directing or enjoining any person or government agency to perform or desist from performing an act in order to protect, preserve or rehabilitate the environment.

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

(f) Precautionary principle states that when human activities may lead to threats of serious and irreversible damage to the environment that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that threat.

(g) Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) refers to an action whether civil, criminal or administrative, brought against any person, institution or any government agency or local government unit or its officials and employees, with the intent to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal recourse that such person, institution or government agency has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws, protection of the environment or assertion of environmental rights.

(h) Wildlife means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental stages including those which are in captivity or are being bred or propagated.

PART II
CIVIL PROCEDURE

RULE 2
PLEADINGS AND PARTIES

Section 1. Pleadings and motions allowed. — The pleadings and motions that may be filed are complaint, answer which may include compulsory counterclaim and cross-claim, motion for intervention, motion for discovery and motion for reconsideration of the judgment.

Motion for postponement, motion for new trial and petition for relief from judgment shall be allowed in highly meritorious cases or to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.

Section 2. Prohibited pleadings or motions. — The following pleadings or motions shall not be allowed:

(a) Motion to dismiss the complaint;

(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;

(c) Motion for extension of time to file pleadings, except to file answer, the extension not to exceed fifteen (15) days;

(d) Motion to declare the defendant in default;

(e) Reply and rejoinder; and

(f) Third party complaint.

Section 3. Verified complaint. — The verified complaint shall contain the names of the parties, their addresses, the cause of action and the reliefs prayed for.

The plaintiff shall attach to the verified complaint all evidence proving or supporting the cause of action consisting of the affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence and if possible, object evidence. The affidavits shall be in question and answer form and shall comply with the rules of admissibility of evidence.

The complaint shall state that it is an environmental case and the law involved. The complaint shall also include a certification against forum shopping. If the complaint is not an environmental complaint, the presiding judge shall refer it to the executive judge for re-raffle.

Section 4. Who may file. — Any real party in interest, including the government and juridical entities authorized by law, may file a civil action involving the enforcement or violation of any environmental law.

Section 5. Citizen suit. — Any Filipino citizen in representation of others, including minors or generations yet unborn, may file an action to enforce rights or obligations under environmental laws. Upon the filing of a citizen suit, the court shall issue an order which shall contain a brief description of the cause of action and the reliefs prayed for, requiring all interested parties to manifest their interest to intervene in the case within fifteen (15) days from notice thereof. The plaintiff may publish the order once in a newspaper of a general circulation in the Philippines or furnish all affected barangays copies of said order.

Citizen suits filed under R.A. No. 8749 and R.A. No. 9003 shall be governed by their respective provisions.

Section 6. Service of the complaint on the government or its agencies. - Upon the filing of the complaint, the plaintiff is required to furnish the government or the appropriate agency, although not a party, a copy of the complaint. Proof of service upon the government or the appropriate agency shall be attached to the complaint.

Section 7. Assignment by raffle. - If there is only one (1) designated branch in a multiple-sala court, the executive judge shall immediately refer the case to said branch. If there are two (2) or more designated branches, the executive judge shall conduct a special raffle on the day the complaint is filed.

Section 8. Issuance of Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO). - If it appears from the verified complaint with a prayer for the issuance of an Environmental Protection Order (EPO) that the matter is of extreme urgency and the applicant will suffer 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 for only seventy-two (72) hours from date of the receipt of the TEPO by the party or person enjoined. Within said period, the court where the case is assigned, shall conduct a summary hearing to determine whether the TEPO may be extended until the termination of the case.

The court where the case is assigned, shall periodically monitor the existence of acts that are the subject matter of the TEPO even if issued by the executive judge, and may lift the same at any time as circumstances may warrant.

The applicant shall be exempted from the posting of a bond for the issuance of a TEPO.

Section 9. Action on motion for dissolution of TEPO. - The grounds for motion to dissolve a TEPO shall be supported by affidavits of the party or person enjoined which the applicant may oppose, also by affidavits.

The TEPO may be dissolved if it appears after hearing that its issuance or continuance would cause irreparable damage to the party or person enjoined while the applicant may be fully compensated for such damages as he may suffer and subject to the posting of a sufficient bond by the party or person enjoined.

Section 10. Prohibition against temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction. - Except the Supreme Court, no court can issue a TRO or writ of preliminary injunction against lawful actions of government agencies that enforce environmental laws or prevent violations thereof.

Section 11. Report on TEPO, EPO, TRO or preliminary injunction. - The judge shall report any action taken on a TEPO, EPO, TRO or a preliminary injunction, including its modification and dissolution, to the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Court Administrator, within ten (10) days from the action taken.

Section 12. Payment of filing and other legal fees. - The payment of filing and other legal fees by the plaintiff shall be deferred until after judgment unless the plaintiff is allowed to litigate as an indigent. It shall constitute a first lien on the judgment award.

For a citizen suit, the court shall defer the payment of filing and other legal fees that shall serve as first lien on the judgment award.

Section 13. Service of summons, orders and other court processes. - The summons, orders and other court processes may be served by the sheriff, his deputy or other proper court officer or for justifiable reasons, by the counsel or representative of the plaintiff or any suitable person authorized or deputized by the court issuing the summons.

Any private person who is authorized or deputized by the court to serve summons, orders and other court processes shall for that purpose be considered an officer of the court.

The summons shall be served on the defendant, together with a copy of an order informing all parties that they have fifteen (15) days from the filing of an answer, within which to avail of interrogatories to parties under Rule 25 of the Rules of Court and request for admission by adverse party under Rule 26, or at their discretion, make use of depositions under Rule 23 or other measures under Rules 27 and 28.

Should personal and substituted service fail, summons by publication shall be allowed. In the case of juridical entities, summons by publication shall be done by indicating the names of the officers or their duly authorized representatives.

Section 14. Verified answer. - Within fifteen (15) days from receipt of summons, the defendant shall file a verified answer to the complaint and serve a copy thereof on the plaintiff. The defendant shall attach affidavits of witnesses, reports, studies of experts and all evidence in support of the defense.

Affirmative and special defenses not pleaded shall be deemed waived, except lack of jurisdiction.

Cross-claims and compulsory counterclaims not asserted shall be considered barred. The answer to counterclaims or cross-claims shall be filed and served within ten (10) days from service of the answer in which they are pleaded.

Section 15. Effect of failure to answer. - Should the defendant fail to answer the complaint within the period provided, the court shall declare defendant in default and upon motion of the plaintiff, shall receive evidence ex parte and render judgment based thereon and the reliefs prayed for.

RULE 3
PRE-TRIAL

Section 1. Notice of pre-trial. - Within two (2) days from the filing of the answer to the counterclaim or cross-claim, if any, the branch clerk of court shall issue a notice of the pre-trial to be held not later than one (1) month from the filing of the last pleading.

The court shall schedule the pre-trial and set as many pre-trial conferences as may be necessary within a period of two (2) months counted from the date of the first pre-trial conference.

Section 2. Pre-trial brief. - At least three (3) days before the pretrial, the parties shall submit pre-trial briefs containing the following:

(a) A statement of their willingness to enter into an amicable settlement indicating the desired terms thereof or to submit the case to any of the alternative modes of dispute resolution;

(b) A summary of admitted facts and proposed stipulation of facts;

(c) The legal and factual issues to be tried or resolved. For each factual issue, the parties shall state all evidence to support their positions thereon. For each legal issue, parties shall state the applicable law and jurisprudence supporting their respective positions thereon;

(d) The documents or exhibits to be presented, including depositions, answers to interrogatories and answers to written request for admission by adverse party, stating the purpose thereof;

(e) A manifestation of their having availed of discovery procedures or their intention to avail themselves of referral to a commissioner or panel of experts;

(f) The number and names of the witnesses and the substance of their affidavits;

(g) Clarificatory questions from the parties; and

(h) List of cases arising out of the same facts pending before other courts or administrative agencies. Failure to comply with the required contents of a pre-trial brief may be a ground for contempt.

Failure to file the pre-trial brief shall have the same effect as failure to appear at the pre-trial.

Section 3. Referral to mediation. - At the start of the pre-trial conference, the court shall inquire from the parties if they have settled the dispute; otherwise, the court shall immediately refer the parties or their counsel, if authorized by their clients, to the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) unit for purposes of mediation. If not available, the court shall refer the case to the clerk of court or legal researcher for mediation.

Mediation must be conducted within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) days from receipt of notice of referral to mediation.

The mediation report must be submitted within ten (10) days from the expiration of the 30-day period.

Section 4. Preliminary conference. - If mediation fails, the court 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 following purposes:

(a) To assist the parties in reaching a settlement;

(b) To mark the documents or exhibits to be presented by the parties and copies thereof to be attached to the records after comparison with the originals;

(c) To ascertain from the parties the undisputed facts and admissions on the genuineness and due execution of the documents marked as exhibits;

(d) To require the parties to submit the depositions taken under Rule 23 of the Rules of Court, the answers to written interrogatories under Rule 25, and the answers to request for admissions by the adverse party under Rule 26;

(e) To require the production of documents or things requested by a party under Rule 27 and the results of the physical and mental examination of persons under Rule 28;

(f) To consider such other matters as may aid in its prompt disposition;

(g) To record the proceedings in the "Minutes of Preliminary Conference" to be signed by both parties or their counsels;

(h) To mark the affidavits of witnesses which shall be in question and answer form and shall constitute the direct examination of the witnesses; and

(i) To attach the minutes together with the marked exhibits 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.

During the preliminary conference, the branch clerk of court shall also require the parties to submit the depositions taken under Rule 23 of the Rules of Court, the answers to written interrogatories under Rule 25 and the answers to request for admissions by the adverse party under Rule 26. The branch clerk of court may also require the production of documents or things requested by a party under Rule 27 and the results of the physical and mental examination of persons under Rule 28.

Section 5. Pre-trial conference; consent decree. - The judge shall put the parties and their counsels under oath, and they shall remain under oath in all pre-trial conferences.

The judge shall exert best efforts to persuade the parties to arrive at a settlement of the dispute. The judge may issue a consent decree approving the agreement between the parties in accordance with law, morals, public order and public policy to protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Evidence not presented during the pre-trial, except newly-discovered evidence, shall be deemed waived.

Section 6. Failure to settle. - If there is no full settlement, the judge shall:

(a) Adopt the minutes of the preliminary conference as part of the pre-trial proceedings and confirm the markings of exhibits or substituted photocopies and admissions on the genuineness and due execution of documents;

(b) Determine if there are cases arising out of the same facts pending before other courts and order its consolidation if warranted;

(c) Determine if the pleadings are in order and if not, order the amendments if necessary;

(d) Determine if interlocutory issues are involved and resolve the same;

(e) Consider the adding or dropping of parties;

(f) Scrutinize every single allegation of the complaint, answer and other pleadings and attachments thereto, and the contents of documents and all other evidence identified and pre-marked during pre-trial in determining further admissions;

(g) Obtain admissions based on the affidavits of witnesses and evidence attached to the pleadings or submitted during pre-trial;

(h) Define and simplify the factual and legal issues arising from the pleadings and evidence. Uncontroverted issues and frivolous claims or defenses should be eliminated;

(i) Discuss the propriety of rendering a summary judgment or a judgment based on the pleadings, evidence and admissions made during pre-trial;

(j) Observe the Most Important Witness Rule in limiting the number of witnesses, determining the facts to be proved by each witness and fixing the approximate number of hours per witness;

(k) Encourage referral of the case to a trial by commissioner under Rule 32 of the Rules of Court or to a mediator or arbitrator under any of the alternative modes of dispute resolution governed by the Special Rules of Court on Alternative Dispute Resolution;

(l) Determine the necessity of engaging the services of a qualified expert as a friend of the court (amicus curiae); and

(m) Ask parties to agree on the specific trial dates for continuous trial, comply with the one-day examination of witness rule, adhere to the case flow chart determined by the court which shall contain the different stages of the proceedings up to the promulgation of the decision and use the time frame for each stage in setting the trial dates.

Section 7. Effect of failure to appear at pre-trial. - The court shall not dismiss the complaint, except upon repeated and unjustified failure of the plaintiff to appear. The dismissal shall be without prejudice, and the court may proceed with the counterclaim.

If the defendant fails to appear at the pre-trial, the court shall receive evidence ex parte.

Section 8. Minutes of pre-trial. - The minutes of each pre-trial conference shall contain matters taken up therein, more particularly admissions of facts and exhibits, and shall be signed by the parties and their counsel.

Section 9. Pre-trial order. - Within ten (10) days after the termination of the pre-trial, the court shall issue a pre-trial order setting forth the actions taken during the pre-trial conference, the facts stipulated, the admissions made, the evidence marked, the number of witnesses to be presented and the schedule of trial. Said order shall bind the parties, limit the trial to matters not disposed of and control the course of action during the trial.

Section 10. Efforts to settle. - The court shall endeavor to make the parties agree to compromise or settle in accordance with law at any stage of the proceedings before rendition of judgment.

RULE 4
TRIAL

Section 1. Continuous trial. - The judge shall conduct continuous trial which shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of the issuance of the pre-trial order.

Before the expiration of the two-month period, the judge may ask the Supreme Court for the extension of the trial period for justifiable cause.

Section 2. Affidavits in lieu of direct examination. - In lieu of direct examination, affidavits marked during the pre-trial shall be presented as direct examination of affiants subject to cross-

examination by the adverse party.

Section 3. One-day examination of witness rule. - The court shall strictly adhere to the rule that a witness has to be fully examined in one (1) day, subject to the court’s discretion of extending the examination for justifiable reason. After the presentation of the last witness, only oral offer of evidence shall be allowed, and the opposing party shall immediately interpose his objections. The judge shall forthwith rule on the offer of evidence in open court.

Section 4. Submission of case for decision; filing of memoranda. - After the last party has rested its case, the court shall issue an order submitting the case for decision.

The court may require the parties to submit their respective memoranda, if possible in electronic form, within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the case is submitted for decision.

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

Section 5. Period to try and decide. - The court shall have a period of one (1) year from the filing of the complaint to try and decide the case. Before the expiration of the one-year period, the court may petition the Supreme Court for the extension of the period for justifiable cause.

The court shall prioritize the adjudication of environmental cases.

RULE 5
JUDGMENT AND EXECUTION

Section 1. Reliefs in a citizen suit. - If warranted, the court may grant to the plaintiff proper reliefs which shall include the protection, preservation or rehabilitation of the environment and the payment of attorney’s fees, costs of suit and other litigation expenses. It may also require the violator to submit a program of rehabilitation or restoration of the environment, the costs of which shall be borne by the violator, or to contribute to a special trust fund for that purpose subject to the control of the court.

Section 2. Judgment not stayed by appeal. - Any judgment directing the performance of acts for the protection, preservation or rehabilitation of the environment shall be executory pending appeal unless restrained by the appellate court.

Section 3. Permanent EPO; writ of continuing mandamus. - In the judgment, the court may convert the TEPO to a permanent EPO or issue a writ of continuing mandamus directing the performance of acts which shall be effective until the judgment is fully satisfied.

The court may, by itself or through the appropriate government agency, monitor the execution of the judgment and require the party concerned to submit written reports on a quarterly basis or sooner as may be necessary, detailing the progress of the execution and satisfaction of the judgment. The other party may, at its option, submit its comments or observations on the execution of the judgment.

Section 4. Monitoring of compliance with judgment and orders of the court by a commissioner. - The court may motu proprio, or upon motion of the prevailing party, order that the enforcement of the judgment or order be referred to a commissioner to be appointed by the court. The commissioner shall file with the court written progress reports on a quarterly basis or more frequently when necessary.

Section 5. Return of writ of execution. - The process of execution shall terminate upon a sufficient showing that the decision or order has been implemented to the satisfaction of the court in accordance with Section 14, Rule 39 of the Rules of Court.

RULE 6
STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Section 1. Strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). - A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal recourse that any person, institution or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws, protection of the environment or assertion of environmental rights shall be treated as a SLAPP and shall be governed by these Rules.

Section 2. SLAPP as a defense; how alleged. - In a SLAPP filed against a person involved in the enforcement of environmental laws, protection of the environment, or assertion of environmental rights, the defendant may file an answer interposing as a defense that the case is a SLAPP and shall be supported by documents, affidavits, papers and other evidence; and, by way of counterclaim, pray for damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit.

The court shall direct the plaintiff or adverse party to file an opposition showing the suit is not a SLAPP, attaching evidence in support thereof, within a non-extendible period of five (5) days from receipt of notice that an answer has been filed.

The defense of a SLAPP shall be set for hearing by the court after issuance of the order to file an opposition within fifteen (15) days from filing of the comment or the lapse of the period.

Section 3. Summary hearing. - The hearing on the defense of a SLAPP shall be summary in nature. The parties must submit all available evidence in support of their respective positions. The party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial evidence that his act for the enforcement of environmental law is a legitimate action for the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the environment. The party filing the action assailed as a SLAPP shall prove by preponderance of evidence that the action is not a SLAPP and is a valid claim.

Section 4. Resolution of the defense of a SLAPP. - The affirmative defense of a SLAPP shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after the summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court may award damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit under a counterclaim if such has been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice.

If the court rejects the defense of a SLAPP, the evidence adduced during the summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits of the case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court.

PART III
SPECIAL CIVIL ACTIONS

RULE 7
WRIT OF KALIKASAN

Section 1. Nature of the writ. - The writ is a remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, people’s organization, non-governmental organization, or any public interest group accredited by or registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.

Section 2. Contents of the petition. - The verified petition shall contain the following:

(a) The personal circumstances of the petitioner;

(b) The name and personal circumstances of the respondent or if the name and personal circumstances are unknown and uncertain, the respondent may be described by an assumed appellation;

(c) The environmental law, rule or regulation violated or threatened to be violated, the act or omission complained of, and the environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.

(d) All relevant and material evidence consisting of the affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence, scientific or other expert studies, and if possible, object evidence;

(e) The certification of petitioner under oath that: (1) petitioner has not commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency, and no such other action or claim is pending therein; (2) if there is such other pending action or claim, a complete statement of its present status; (3) if petitioner should learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending, petitioner shall report to the court that fact within five (5) days therefrom; and

(f) The reliefs prayed for which may include a prayer for the issuance of a TEPO.

Section 3. Where to file. - The petition shall be filed with the Supreme Court or with any of the stations of the Court of Appeals.

Section 4. No docket fees. - The petitioner shall be exempt from the payment of docket

fees.

Section 5. Issuance of the writ. - Within three (3) days from the date of filing of the petition, if the petition is sufficient in form and substance, the court shall give an order: (a) issuing the writ; and (b) requiring the respondent to file a verified return as provided in Section 8 of this Rule. The clerk of court shall forthwith issue the writ under the seal of the court including the issuance of a cease and desist order and other temporary reliefs effective until further order.

Section 6. How the writ is served. - The writ shall be served upon the respondent by a court officer or any person deputized by the court, who shall retain a copy on which to make a return of service. In case the writ cannot be served personally, the rule on substituted service shall apply.

Section 7. Penalty for refusing to issue or serve the writ. - A clerk of court who unduly delays or refuses to issue the writ after its allowance or a court officer or deputized person who unduly delays or refuses to serve the same shall be punished by the court for contempt without prejudice to other civil, criminal or administrative actions.

Section 8. Return of respondent; contents. - Within a non-extendible period of ten (10) days after service of the writ, the respondent shall file a verified return which shall contain all defenses to show that respondent did not violate or threaten to violate, or allow the violation of any environmental law, rule or regulation or commit any act resulting to environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.

All defenses not raised in the return shall be deemed waived.

The return shall include affidavits of witnesses, documentary evidence, scientific or other expert studies, and if possible, object evidence, in support of the defense of the respondent.

A general denial of allegations in the petition shall be considered as an admission thereof.

Section 9. Prohibited pleadings and motions. - The following pleadings and motions are prohibited:

(a) Motion to dismiss;

(b) Motion for extension of time to file return;

(c) Motion for postponement;

(d) Motion for a bill of particulars;

(e) Counterclaim or cross-claim;

(f) Third-party complaint;

(g) Reply; and

(h) Motion to declare respondent in default.

Section 10. Effect of failure to file return. - In case the respondent fails to file a return, the court shall proceed to hear the petition ex parte.

Section 11. Hearing. - Upon receipt of the return of the respondent, the court may call a preliminary conference to simplify the issues, determine the possibility of obtaining stipulations or admissions from the parties, and set the petition for hearing.

The hearing including the preliminary conference shall not extend beyond sixty (60) days and shall be given the same priority as petitions for the writs of habeas corpus, amparo and habeas data.

Section 12. Discovery Measures. - A party may file a verified motion for the following reliefs:

(a) Ocular Inspection; order — The motion must show that an ocular inspection order is necessary to establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. It shall state in detail the place or places to be inspected. It shall be supported by affidavits of witnesses having personal knowledge of the violation or threatened violation of environmental law.

After hearing, the court may order any person in possession or control of a designated land or other property to permit entry for the purpose of inspecting or

photographing the property or any relevant object or operation thereon.

The order shall specify the person or persons authorized to make the inspection and the date, time, place and manner of making the inspection and may prescribe other conditions to protect the constitutional rights of all parties.

(b) Production or inspection of documents or things; order – The motion must show that a production order is necessary to establish the magnitude of the violation or the threat as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.

After hearing, the court may order any person in possession, custody or control of any designated documents, papers, books, accounts, letters, photographs, objects or tangible things, or objects in digitized or electronic form, which constitute or contain evidence relevant to the petition or the return, to produce and permit their inspection, copying or photographing by or on behalf of the movant.

The production order shall specify the person or persons authorized to make the production and the date, time, place and manner of making the inspection or production and may prescribe other conditions to protect the constitutional rights of all parties.

Section 13. Contempt. - The court may after hearing punish the respondent who refuses or unduly delays the filing of a return, or who makes a false return, or any person who disobeys or resists a lawful process or order of the court for indirect contempt under Rule 71 of the Rules of Court.

Section 14. Submission of case for decision; filing of memoranda. - After hearing, the court shall issue an order submitting the case for decision. The court may require the filing of memoranda and if possible, in its electronic form, within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the petition is submitted for decision.

Section 15. Judgment. - Within sixty (60) days from the time the petition is submitted for decision, the court shall render judgment granting or denying the privilege of the writ of kalikasan.

The reliefs that may be granted under the writ are the following:

(a) Directing respondent to permanently cease and desist from committing acts or neglecting the performance of a duty in violation of environmental laws resulting in environmental destruction or damage;

(b) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity to protect, preserve, rehabilitate or restore the environment;

(c) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, private person or entity to monitor strict compliance with the decision and orders of the court;

(d) Directing the respondent public official, government agency, or private person or entity to make periodic reports on the execution of the final judgment; and

(e) Such other reliefs which relate to the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology or to the protection, preservation, rehabilitation or restoration of the

environment, except the award of damages to individual petitioners.

Section 16. Appeal. - Within fifteen (15) days from the date of notice of the adverse judgment or denial of motion for reconsideration, any party may appeal to the Supreme Court under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. The appeal may raise questions of fact.

Section 17. Institution of separate actions. - The filing of a petition for the issuance of the writ of kalikasan shall not preclude the filing of separate civil, criminal or administrative actions.

RULE 8
WRIT OF CONTINUING MANDAMUS

Section 1. Petition for continuing mandamus. - When any agency or instrumentality of the government or officer thereof unlawfully neglects the performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins as a duty resulting from an office, trust or station in connection with the enforcement or violation of an environmental law rule or regulation or a right therein, or unlawfully excludes another from the use or enjoyment of such right and there is no other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law, the person aggrieved thereby may file a verified petition in the proper court, alleging the facts with certainty, attaching thereto supporting evidence, specifying that the petition concerns an environmental law, rule or regulation, and praying that judgment be rendered commanding the respondent to do an act or series of acts until the judgment is fully satisfied, and to pay damages sustained by the petitioner by reason of the malicious neglect to perform the duties of the respondent, under the law, rules or regulations. The petition shall also contain a sworn certification of non-forum shopping.

Section 2. Where to file the petition. - The petition shall be filed with the Regional Trial Court exercising jurisdiction over the territory where the actionable neglect or omission occurred or with the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.

Section 3. No docket fees. - The petitioner shall be exempt from the payment of docket fees.

Section 4. Order to comment. - If the petition is sufficient in form and substance, the court shall issue the writ and require the respondent to comment on the petition within ten (10) days from receipt of a copy thereof. Such order shall be served on the respondents in such manner as the court may direct, together with a copy of the petition and any annexes thereto.

Section 5. Expediting proceedings; TEPO. - The court in which the petition is filed may issue such orders to expedite the proceedings, and it may also grant a TEPO for the preservation of the rights of the parties pending such proceedings.

Section 6. Proceedings after comment is filed. - After the 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 resolved without delay within sixty (60) days from the date of the submission of the petition for resolution.

Section 7. Judgment. - If warranted, the court shall grant the privilege of the writ of continuing mandamus requiring respondent to perform an act or series of acts until the judgment is fully satisfied and to grant such other reliefs as may be warranted resulting from the wrongful or illegal acts of the respondent. The court shall require the respondent to submit periodic reports detailing the progress and execution of the judgment, and the court may, by itself or through a commissioner or the appropriate government agency, evaluate and monitor compliance. The petitioner may submit its comments or observations on the execution of the judgment.

Section 8. Return of the writ. - The periodic reports submitted by the respondent detailing compliance with the judgment shall be contained in partial returns of the writ.

Upon full satisfaction of the judgment, a final return of the writ shall be made to the court by the respondent. If the court finds that the judgment has been fully implemented, the satisfaction of judgment shall be entered in the court docket.

PART IV
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

RULE 9
PROSECUTION OF OFFENSES

Section 1. Who may file. - Any offended party, peace officer or any public officer charged with the enforcement of an environmental law may file a complaint before the proper officer in accordance with the Rules of Court.

Section 2. Filing of the information. - An information, charging a person with a violation of an environmental law and subscribed by the prosecutor, shall be filed with the court.

Section 3. Special prosecutor. - In criminal cases, where there is no private offended party, a counsel whose services are offered by any person or organization may be allowed by the court as special prosecutor, with the consent of and subject to the control and supervision of the public prosecutor.

RULE 10
PROSECUTION OF CIVIL ACTIONS

Section 1. Institution of criminal and civil actions. - When a criminal action is instituted, the civil action for the recovery of civil liability arising from the offense charged, shall be deemed instituted with the criminal action unless the complainant waives the civil action, reserves the right to institute it separately or institutes the civil action prior to the criminal action.

Unless the civil action has been instituted prior to the criminal action, the reservation of the right to institute separately the civil action shall be made during arraignment.

In case civil liability is imposed or damages are awarded, the filing and other legal fees shall be imposed on said award in accordance with Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, and the fees shall constitute a first lien on the judgment award. The damages awarded in cases where there is no private offended party, less the filing fees, shall accrue to the funds of the agency charged with the implementation of the environmental law violated. The award shall be used for the restoration and rehabilitation of the environment adversely affected.

RULE 11
ARREST

Section 1. Arrest without warrant; when lawful. - A peace officer or an individual deputized by the proper government agency may, without a warrant, arrest a person:

(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing or is attempting to commit an offense; or

(b) When an offense has just been committed, and he has probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge of facts or circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed it. Individuals deputized by the proper government agency who are enforcing environmental laws shall enjoy the presumption of regularity under Section 3(m), Rule 131 of the Rules of Court when effecting arrests for violations of environmental laws.

Section 2. Warrant of arrest. - All warrants of arrest issued by the court shall be accompanied by a certified true copy of the information filed with the issuing court.

RULE 12
CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF SEIZED ITEMS, EQUIPMENT,
PARAPHERNALIA, CONVEYANCES AND INSTRUMENTS

Section 1. Custody and disposition of seized items. - The custody and disposition of seized items shall be in accordance with the applicable laws or rules promulgated by the concerned government agency.

Section 2. Procedure. - In the absence of applicable laws or rules promulgated by the concerned government agency, the following procedure shall be observed:

(a) The apprehending officer having initial custody and control of the seized items, equipment, paraphernalia, conveyances and instruments shall physically inventory and whenever practicable, photograph the same in the presence of the person from whom such items were seized.

(b) Thereafter, the apprehending officer shall submit to the issuing court the return of the search warrant within five (5) days from date of seizure or in case of warrantless arrest, submit within five (5) days from date of seizure, the inventory report, compliance report, photographs, representative samples and other pertinent documents to the public prosecutor for appropriate action.

(c) Upon motion by any interested party, the court may direct the auction sale of seized items, equipment, paraphernalia, tools or instruments of the crime. The court shall, after hearing, fix the minimum bid price based on the recommendation of the concerned government agency. The sheriff shall conduct the auction.

(d) The auction sale shall be with notice to the accused, the person from whom the items were seized, or the owner thereof and the concerned government agency.

(e) The notice of auction shall be posted in three conspicuous places in the city or municipality where the items, equipment, paraphernalia, tools or instruments of the crime were seized.

(f) The proceeds shall be held in trust and deposited with the government depository bank for disposition according to the judgment.

RULE 13
PROVISIONAL REMEDIES

Section 1. Attachment in environmental cases. - The provisional remedy of attachment under Rule 127 of the Rules of Court may be availed of in environmental cases.

Section 2. Environmental Protection Order (EPO); Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) in criminal cases. - The procedure for and issuance of EPO and TEPO shall be governed by Rule 2 of these Rules.

RULE 14
BAIL

Section 1. Bail, where filed. - Bail in the amount fixed may be filed with the court where the case is pending, or in the absence or unavailability of the judge thereof, with any regional trial judge, metropolitan trial judge, municipal trial judge or municipal circuit trial judge in the province, city or municipality. If the accused is arrested in a province, city or municipality other than where the case is pending, bail may also be filed with any Regional Trial Court of said place, or if no judge thereof is available, with any metropolitan trial judge, municipal trial judge or municipal circuit trial judge therein. If the court grants bail, the court may issue a hold-departure order in appropriate cases.

Section 2. Duties of the court. - Before granting the application for bail, the judge must read the information in a language known to and understood by the accused and require the accused to sign a written undertaking, as follows:

(a) To appear before the court that issued the warrant of arrest for arraignment purposes on the date scheduled, and if the accused fails to appear without justification on the date of arraignment, accused waives the reading of the information and authorizes the court to enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the accused and to set the case for trial;

(b) To appear whenever required by the court where the case is pending; and

(c) To waive the right of the accused to be present at the trial, and upon failure of the accused to appear without justification and despite due notice, the trial may proceed in absentia.

RULE 15
ARRAIGNMENT AND PLEA

Section 1. Arraignment. - The court shall set the arraignment of the accused within fifteen (15) days from the time it acquires jurisdiction over the accused, with notice to the public prosecutor and offended party or concerned government agency that it will entertain plea-bargaining on the date of the arraignment.

Section 2. Plea-bargaining. - On the scheduled date of arraignment, the court shall consider plea-bargaining arrangements. Where the prosecution and offended party or concerned government agency agree to the plea offered by the accused, the court shall:

(a) Issue an order which contains the plea-bargaining arrived at;

(b) Proceed to receive evidence on the civil aspect of the case, if any; and

(c) Render and promulgate judgment of conviction, including the civil liability for damages.

RULE 16
PRE-TRIAL

Section 1. Setting of pre-trial conference. - 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. Preliminary conference. - 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. Pre-trial duty of the judge. - 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. Manner of questioning. - All questions or statements must be directed to the court.

Section 5. Agreements or admissions. - 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. Record of proceedings. - All proceedings during the pre-trial shall be recorded, the transcripts prepared and the minutes signed by the parties or their counsels.

Section 7. Pre-trial order. - 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.

RULE 17
TRIAL

Section 1. Continuous trial. - The court shall endeavor to conduct continuous trial which shall not exceed three (3) months from the date of the issuance of the pre-trial order.

Section 2. Affidavit in lieu of direct examination. - Affidavit in lieu of direct examination shall be used, subject to cross-examination and the right to object to inadmissible portions of the affidavit.

Section 3. Submission of memoranda. - The court may require the parties to submit their respective memoranda and if possible, in electronic form, within a non-extendible period of thirty (30) days from the date the case is submitted for decision.

With or without any memoranda filed, the court shall have a period of sixty (60) days to decide the case counted from the last day of the 30-day period to file the memoranda.

Section 4. Disposition period. - The court shall dispose the case within a period of ten (10) months from the date of arraignment.

Section 5. Pro bono lawyers. - If the accused cannot afford the services of counsel or there is no available public attorney, the court shall require the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to provide pro bono lawyers for the accused.

RULE 18
SUBSIDIARY LIABILITY

Section 1. Subsidiary liability. - In case of conviction of the accused and subsidiary liability is allowed by law, the court may, 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 Penal Code.

RULE 19
STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CRIMINAL CASES

Section 1. Motion to dismiss. - Upon the filing of an information in court and before arraignment, the accused may file a motion to dismiss on the ground that the criminal action is a SLAPP.

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 party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial evidence that his acts for the enforcement of environmental law is a legitimate action for the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the environment. The party filing the action assailed as a SLAPP shall prove by preponderance of evidence that the action is not a SLAPP.

Section 3. Resolution. - The court shall grant the motion if the accused establishes in the summary hearing that the criminal case has been filed with intent to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle any legal recourse that any person, institution or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of environmental laws, protection of the environment or assertion of environmental rights.

If the court denies the motion, the court shall immediately proceed with the arraignment of the accused.

PART V
EVIDENCE

RULE 20
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE

Section 1. Applicability. - When there is a lack of full scientific certainty in establishing a causal link between human activity and environmental effect, the court shall apply the precautionary principle in resolving the case before it.

The constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology shall be given the benefit of the doubt.

Section 2. Standards for application. - In applying the precautionary principle, the following factors, among others, may 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 affected.

RULE 21
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Section 1. Photographic, video and similar evidence. - Photographs, videos and similar evidence of events, acts, transactions of wildlife, wildlife by-products or derivatives, forest products or mineral resources subject of a case shall be admissible when authenticated by the person who took the same, by some other person present when said evidence was taken, or by any other person competent to testify on the accuracy thereof.

Section 2. Entries in official records. - Entries in official records made in the performance of his duty by a public officer of the Philippines, or by a person in performance of a duty specially enjoined by law, are prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated.

RULE 22
FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Effectivity. - These Rules shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.

Section 2. Application of the Rules of Court. - The Rules of Court shall apply in a suppletory manner, except as otherwise provided herein.

SUB-COMMITTEE ON
THE RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CASES

Chairperson
CHIEF JUSTICE REYNATO S. PUNO

Members

JUSTICE PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.

JUSTICE DIOSDADO M. PERALTA

JUSTICE LUCAS P. BERSAMIN

JUSTICE MA. ALICIA AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ (RET.)

COMMISSIONER MARY ANN LUCILLE L. SERING

JUDGE MYRNA LIM-VERANO

ATTY. ASIS G. PEREZ

Secretary
ATTY. ABEGAIL T. SZE

Asst. Secretary
ATTY. FERMIN NESTOR A. GADRINAB

Secretariat
ATTY. MARIA CAMILLE G. LANTION

JAMES CHRISTIAN A. BITANGA, ESQ.

MS. LIDA A. PILAPIL

MS. CLARITA T. ESCARDA

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

Children in conflict with the law.

Republic of the Philippines
SUPREME COURT
Manila

EN BANC

A.M. No. 02-1-18-SC November 24, 2009

RULE ON JUVENILES IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW

R E S O L U T I O N

Acting on the recommendation of the Chairperson and Members of the Subcommitee on Rules Procedure for Family Courts submitting for this Court's consideration and approval the proposed revised Rule on Children in Conflict with the Law, the Court Resolved to APPROVE the same.

This Resolution shall take effect on December 1, 2009 following its publication in two(2) newspapers general circulation not later than November 27, 2009.

November 24, 2009.

REYNATO S. PUNO
Chief Justice
ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Associate Justice RENATO C. CORONA
Associate Justice
CONCHITA CARPIO MORALES
Associate Justice MINITA V. CHICO-NAZARIO
Associate Justice
PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.
Associate Justice ANTONIO EDUARDO B. NACHURA
Associate Justice
TERESITA J. LEONARDO-DE CASTRO
Associate Justice ARTURO D. BRION
Associate Justice
DIOSDADO M. PERALTA
Associate Justice LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Associate Justice
MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLO
Associate Justice ROBERTO A. ABAD
Associate Justice

MARTIN S. VILLARAMA, JR.
Associate Justice

REVISED RULE ON CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW

Section 1. Applicability of the Rule. - This Rule shall apply to all criminal cases involving children in conflict with law.

A child in conflict with the law is a person who at the time of the commission of the offense is below eighteen (18) years old but not less than fifteen (15) years and one (1) day old.

This Rule shall not apply to a person who at the time of the initial contact as defined in Sec. 4 (q) of this Rule shall have reached the age of eighteen (18) in which case, the regular rules on criminal procedure shall apply without prejudice to the rights granted under Secs. 53,54,55 and 56 of this Rule.

Section 2. Objective. - The objective of this Rule is to ensure that the justice system treats every child in conflict with the law in a manner that recognizes and upholds human dignity and worth, and instills in the child respect for the fundamental rights ad freedom of others. The Rule considers the developmental age of the child and the desirability of the child's reintegration in the assumption of a constructive role in society in accordance with the principles of balanced and restorative justice.

To attain this objective, the Rule seeks:

(a) To provide child-appropriate proceedings, including programs and services for crime prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, re-integration and aftercare to ensure the normal growth and development of the child in conflict with the law;

(b) To provide procedural rules dealing with children in conflict with the law that take into account their distinct circumstances, assure all parties of a fair hearing with each party's constitutional and statutory rights recognized and respected, and ensure that appropriate disposition measures are implemented by law enforcers social services and the courts;

(c) To divert from the formal justice system children in conflict with the law who can be cared for or placed under community continuum alternative programs of treatment, training and rehabilitation in conformity with the principles of balanced and restorative justice;

(d) To deal with the child in a family environment whenever possible, and to separate the child from the parents only when necessary for the child's welfare or in the interest of public safety.

(e) To remove from children in conflict with the law the stigma of criminality and criminal behavior;

(f) to promote, facilitate and implement in administrative and judicial proceedings respect for the view of the child;

(g) To provide for the care, protection and wholesome moral, mental, and physical development of children in conflict with the law; and

(h) To promote and protect the rights and interest of children as zones of peace in situations of armed conflict, but who are alleged to be in conflict with the law. (a)

Section 3. Interpretation. - This Rule shall be interpreted liberally to promote the best interest of the child in conformity with Philippine laws, the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant international treaties and protocols.

Section 4. Definitions. - As used in this Rule,

(a) Age of criminal responsibility is the age when a child, fifteen (15) years and one (1) day old or above but below eighteen (18) years of age, commits an offense with discernment.

(b) Bail refers to the security given for the release of the child in custody of the law, furnished by the child, the child's parent, guardian, or a bondsman, to guarantee the child's appearance before the court. Bail may be posted in a form such as corporate security, property bond or cash deposit.

(c) Balanced and Restorative Justice is a principle in juvenile justice that requires a process of resolving conflicts with the participation of the victim, the child in conflict with the law, and the community. It seeks to obtain reparation for the victim; reconciliation to the victim, the child in conflict with the law, and the community, and the reassurance that the child in conflict with the law can be reintegrated into society. It also enhances public safety by involving the victim, the child in conflict with the law, and the community in prevention strategies. (a)

(d) Best interest of the child refers to the totality of congenial to the survival, protection and feelings of security of the child and most encouraging to the child's physical, psychological and emotional development. It also means the least detrimental available alternative for safeguarding the growth and development.

(e) Case study report is a written report on the social case inquiry conducted by the social worker of the local government unit or the Department of Social Welfare and Development or by the social worker designated by the court on the social, cultural, economic and legal status or condition of the child in conflict in the law. It shall include, among other matters, the child's development age; educational attainment; family and social relationships; the quality of the child's peer group; the strengths and weaknesses of the family; parental control; the child's attitude towards the offense ; the harm or damage done to others resulting from the offenses, if any; and the attitude of the parents towards the child's responsibility for the offense. The social worker shall also include an initial determination of the child's discernment in the commission of the offense. (a)

(f) Community continuum refers to the aftercare of a child in conflict with the law and is a provides continuous guidance and support to the child in conflict with the law upon release from rehabilitation and subsequent reintegration into society. Community continuum for the child includes timely release, suitable residence, food, clothing, available employment and sufficient means to facilitate successful reintegration in local government unit and other appropriate agencies. (n)

(g) Corporal punishment is any kind of physical punishment inflicted on the body as distinguished from pecuniary punishment or fine.

(h) Court refers to a designated family court or in places where there are no designated family courts, any regional trial court hearing family and youth cases. (a)

(i) Deprivation of Liberty refers to any form of detention or imprisonment, or to the placement of a child in conflict with the law in a public or private custodial setting, from which the child in conflict with the law is not permitted to leave at will except by order of any judicial or administrative authority. (a)

(j) Discernment means the capacity of the child at the time of the commission of the offense to understand the differences between right and wrong and the consequences of the wrongful act.

(k) Disposition conference is a meeting held by the court with the social worker who prepared the case study report, together with the child in conflict with the law and the parents or guardian ad litem, and the child's counsel for the purpose of determining the disposition measures appropriate to the personal and special circumstances of the child.

(l) Diversion refers to an alternative child-appropriate process of determining the responsibility and treatment of a child in conflict with the law on the basis of the child's social, cultural, economic psychological or educational background without resorting to formal court adjudication.

(m) Diversion programs refer to programs the child in conflict the law is required to undergo in lieu of formal court proceedings.

(n) Expedited Transfer of a Child is a process where a child who commits an offense is immediately brought by the apprehending officer or private individual to a social worker for preliminary determination of discernment. (n)

(o) Guardian Ad Litem is a person appointed by the court to protect the best interest of the child. (a)

(p) In conflict with the law means take into custody, detained, or charged with the commission of an act defined and punished as a crime or offense under the law, including violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations, and ordinances of local government units. (a)

(q) Initial contact refers to apprehension or taking into custody of a child in conflict with the law by law enforcement officers or private citizens. It includes the time the child alleged to be in conflict with the law receives a subpoena under Section 3 (b) of Rule 112 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure or summons under Section 6 (a) or Section 9(b) of the same Rule in cases that do not require preliminary investigation, or where there is no necessity to place the child alleged to be in conflict with the law under immediate custody. (n)

(r) Intake report is the initial written report containing the personal and other circumstances of the child in conflict with the law prepared by the social worker assigned to assist the child entering the justice system.

(s) Intervention programs refer to a series of individualized treatment activities or programs designed to address issues that caused the child to commit an offense . These may include counseling, skills, training, education, and other activities that are aimed to improve and enhance the child's psychological, emotional and psychosocial well being. (n)

(t) Law Enforcement Officer refers to the person in authority or an agent as defined in Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, including a barangay tanod. (n)

(u) Non-Serious Offense refers to an offense where the imposable penalty for the crime committed is not more than six (6) years imprisonment. (n)

(v) Probation is an alternative disposition, ordered by the court, under which a child in conflict with the law is released after conviction and sentence and permitted to remain at home or with an appropriate custodian, subject to certain terms and conditions imposed by the court.

(w) Recognizance is an undertaking in lieu of a bond, assumed by a mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian, or in their absence, the nearest relative, or any responsible member of the community to assume custody of a child in conflict with the law and be responsible for the appearance of the child in court whenever required during the pendency of the case. (a)

(x) Segregation refers to the procedure where, upon initial contact with a child alleged to have committed an offense, the law enforcer places the child in a separate and different area from adult detention prisoners, and ensures that female children are separated from male children. (n)

(y) Serious offense refers to an offense where the imposable penalty for the offense committed exceeds six (6) years imprisonment. (a)

(z) Status offenses refers to offenses that discriminate only against a child, such as curfew violations, truancy, parental disobedience and the like. (n)

(aa) Suspended sentence is the holding in abeyance of the service of the sentence imposed by the court upon a finding of guilt of the child in conflict with the law, whereby the child undergoes rehabilitation within a fixed period under such terms and conditions as may be ordered by the court. (n)

(bb) Victimless Crimes refer to offenses where there are no private offended parties. (n)

(cc) Youth detention home refers to a 24-hour child-caring institution managed by accredited local government units and licensed and/or accredited non-government organizations providing short-term residential care for children in conflict with the law and where the child may be physically restricted by order of any judicial, administrative or other public authority, and from which the child is not permitted to leave at will, pending court disposition of the charge or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction. (a)

(dd) Youth rehabilitation center refers to a 24-hour residential care facility managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, licensed and/or accredited non-government organizations monitored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The Center provides care, treatment and rehabilitation services for children in conflict with the law under a structured therapeutic environment through the guidance of a trained staff, where the physical mobility of the children may be restricted pending court disposition of their cases. (a)

Section 5. Determination of Age. - The child in conflict with the law shall enjoy the presumption of minority and shall enjoy all the rights of a child in conflict with the law until proven to be eighteen years old or older at the time of the commission of the offense. The age of the child shall be determined according to the following rules:

(1) The best evidence to prove the age of a child is an original or certified true copy of the certificate of live birth;

(2) In the absence of a certificate of live birth, similar authentic documents such as baptismal certificates and school records or any pertinent document that shows the date of birth of the child;

(3) In the absence of the documents under paragraphs 1 and 2 of this section due to loss, destruction or unavailability, the testimony of the child, the testimony of a member of the family related to the child by affinity or consanguinity who is qualified to testify on matters respecting pedigree such as the exact age or date of birth of the child pursuant to Sec.40, Rule 130 of the Rules on Evidence, the testimonies of the other persons, the physical appearance of the child and other relevant evidence, shall suffice.

Section 6. Burden of Proof of Age. - Any person alleging the age of the child in conflict with the law has the burden of proving the age of such child.

If the age of the child is contested prior to the filing of the information in court, a case for determination of age under summary proceeding may be filed before a court which shall render its decision within 24 hours from receipt of the appropriate pleadings of all the parties. (n)

In all cases involving a child, the court shall make a categorical finding as to the age of the child.

Section 7. Exemption from Criminal Liability. - A child fifteen years of age or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability. However, the child shall be subjected to an intervention program as provided for in Republic Act No. 9344 when consented to by the child and the parents. (a)

Exemption from criminal liability does not include exemption from civil liability which shall be enforced in accordance with the provisions of Article 221 of the Family Code in relation to Article 101 of the Revised Penal Code and Rule 111 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. If the act or omission of the child involves a quasi-delict, Article 2180 of the Civil Code shall apply.

Section 8. Procedure for Handling Children Exempted from Criminal Liability. - If it is determined at the initial contact that the child is 15 years of age or below, the procedure provided in Section 20, Republic Act No. 9344 shall be observed as follows:

(a) The authority who had the initial contact with the child shall immediately release the child to the custody of the mother or father, or the appropriate guardian or custodian, or in their absence, the nearest relative.

(b) The authority shall immediately notify the local social welfare and development officer of the taking of the child into custody.

(c) The local social welfare and development officer shall, with the consent of the child and the person having custody over the child, determine the appropriate intervention programs for the child.

(d) If the child's parents, guardians or nearest relatives cannot be located, or if they refuse to take custody, the child may be released to any of the following: a duly registered nongovernmental or religious organization; a barangay official or a member of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children; a local social welfare and development officer; or, when and where appropriate, the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

(e) If the child has been found by the local social welfare and development office to be abandoned, neglected or abused by the parents, or if the parents and the child do not consent to or do not comply with the prevention program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the Local Social Welfare and Development Office shall file before the court a petition for involuntary commitment pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 603, otherwise known as "The Child and Youth Welfare Code." (a)

Section 9. Procedure for Children Not Exempted from Criminal Liability. - A child fifteen (15) years and one (1) day old or above but below eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the commission of the offense shall, at the sound discretion of the court and subject to its supervision, be released on recognizance to the care of the willing and responsible mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian, or, in their absence, the nearest relative. However, if the prosecution determines that the child acted with discernment, the child shall be proceeded against in accordance with Secs. 25 to 29 or, in case of diversion, Secs. 31 to 38 of this Rule.

Section 10. Determination of Discernment. - Discernment is preliminarily determined by a social worker and finally by the court in the case of a child charged with a non-serious offense. In all other cases, discernment is determined by the court.

The determination of discernment shall take into account the ability of a child to understand the moral and psychological components of criminal responsibility and the consequences of the wrongful act; and whether a child can be held responsible for essentially antisocial behavior.

Section 11. Duties of a Person in Authority Taking a Child into Custody. - Any person taking into custody a child in conflict with the law shall:

(a) Assign an alias to the child;

(b) Ensure that the blotter details containing the true name of the child, if any, are modified, to reflect the alias by which the child shall be known throughout the proceedings;

(c) Explain to the child in simple language and in a dialect that can be understood the reason for placing the child under custody, and the offense allegedly committed;

(d) Advise the child of his/her constitutional rights in a language or dialect understandable to the child;

(e) Present proper identification to the child;

(f) Refrain from using vulgar or profane words and from sexually harassing or abusing, or making sexual advances on the child;

(g) Avoid displaying or using any firearm, weapon, handcuffs or other instrument of force or restraint, unless absolutely necessary and only after all methods of control have been exhausted and have failed;

(h) Avoid violence or unnecessary force and refrain from subjecting the child to greater restraint than is necessary for apprehension and custody;

(i) Ensure that a body search of the child is done only by a law enforcement officer of the same gender as that of the child;

(j) Ensure expedited transfer of the child by immediately, or not later than eight (8) hours after apprehension, turning over custody of the child to the local social welfare and development office or other accredited non-government organizations;

(k) Notify the child's parents, guardians or custodians or in their absence, the child's nearest relative and the Public Attorney's Office of the child's apprehension;

(l) Ensure that the child is not locked up in a jail or detention cell during the investigation;

(m) Bring the child immediately to an available government medical or health officer for a thorough physical and mental examination;

(n) Ensure that should detention of the child in conflict with the law be necessary, the segregation of the child be secured in quarters separate from that of the opposite sex and adult offenders, except where a child is taken into custody for reasons related to armed conflict, either as combatant, courier, guide or spy, and families are accommodated as family units in which case, the child shall not be separated from the family;

(o) Record all the procedures undertaken in the initial investigation including the following: whether handcuffs or other instruments of restraint were used, and if so, the reason for such use; that the parents or guardian of the child, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Public Attorney's Office were informed of the taking into custody of the child and the details thereof; the measures that were undertaken to determine the age of child, and the precise details of the physical and medical examination or in case of failure to submit a child to such examination, the reason therefore; and

(p) Ensure that all statements signed by the child during the investigation are witnessed and signed by the child's parents or guardian, social worker or legal counsel in attendance. (n)

Section 12. Rights of a Child Under Custody. - At the custodial investigation, a child who has been taken into custody shall have the following rights:

(a) At the police station, to be immediately assisted by a lawyer and a social worker who shall make sure that the child is effectively informed of his/her rights, as far as the child's maturity and discernment allow;

(b) To demand that the questioning or interrogation take place in conditions that respect the rights of the child and are complaint with child-sensitive procedural rules;

(c) To have the child's family located and notified with dispatch;

(d) To be informed, together with the parents, guardians or custodians or nearest relatives, by the social welfare and development officer of the local government unit or of the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the consequences of the offense alleged to have been committed with a view towards counseling and rehabilitation, diversion from criminal justice system and reparation if appropriate;

(e) To have the results of the child's medical and dental examination kept confidential unless otherwise ordered by the court. Whenever medical treatment for any physical or mental defect is necessary, to demand that steps must be immediately taken by the medical officer to provide the child with the necessary and proper treatment;

(f) To have the right of privacy respected and protected at all times, including the utilization of all measures necessary to promote this right, including the exclusion of the media; and

(g) While under investigation, not to be fingerprinted or photographed in a humiliating and degrading manner.

Section 13. Taking Custody of a Child Without a Warrant. - The law enforcement officer or a private person taking into custody a child in conflict with the law without a warrant shall observe the provisions in Sections 5, 8 and 9 of Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall forthwith deliver the child to the nearest police station. The child shall be proceeded against in accordance with Section 7 of Rule 112 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Section 14. Conduct of Initial Investigation by the Police. - The police officer conducting the initial investigation of a child conflict with the law shall do so in the presence of either or both of the parents, guardian or custodian, or in their absence, the nearest relative of the child, the child's counsel of choice, or a lawyer from the Public Attorney's Office, and the local social welfare officer. A representative of a non-government organization, religious group, or member of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children shall be allowed to be present at the investigation in the absence of the parents, guardian, relative, or social welfare officer. (a)

Section 15. Guidelines for Fingerprinting and Photographing of the Child. - The following guidelines shall be observed when fingerprinting or photographing the child:

(a) The child's fingerprint and photograph files shall be kept separate from those of adults and shall be kept confidential. They may be inspected by law enforcement officers only when necessary for the effective discharge of their duties and upon prior authority of the court; and

(b) The fingerprint and photograph shall be removed from the files and destroyed: (1) if the case against the child is not filed, or is dismissed; or (2) when the child reaches twenty-one (21) years of age and there is no record that the child committed an offense after reaching eighteen (18) years of age.

Section 16. Intake Report by the Social Welfare Officer. - Upon the taking into custody of a child in conflict with the law, the social welfare officer assigned to the child shall immediately undertake a preliminary background investigation of the child and, should a case be filed in court, submit to the court the corresponding intake report prior to the arraignment.

Section 17. Filing of Criminal Action. - A criminal action may be instituted against a child in conflict with the law by filing a complaint with the prosecutor.

All criminal actions commenced by complaint or information shall be prosecuted under the direction and control of the public prosecutor assigned to the court.

Petitions for confinement of a child drug dependent shall be filed under Section 21 of the Rule on Children Charged under Republic Act No. 9165. (n)

Section 18. Prosecution of Civil Action. - When a criminal action is instituted against a child in conflict with the law, the action for recovery of civil liability arising from the offense charged shall be governed by Rule 111 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Section 19. Preliminary Investigation. - As far as consistent with this Rule, the preliminary investigation of a child conflict with the law shall be governed by Section 3 of Rule 112 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure. A specially trained prosecutor shall be assigned to conduct the inquest, preliminary investigation and prosecution of the case involving a child in conflict with the law. The child, on the other hand, shall be assisted by a private lawyer or if none, a lawyer from the Public Attorney's Office. If there is an allegation or evidence of torture or ill-treatment of a child in conflict with the law during custody or detention, it shall be the duty of the prosecutor to investigate the same. (n)

Section 20. Conduct of Preliminary Investigation. - Preliminary investigation shall be conducted in the following instances: (a) when the child in conflict with the law does not qualify for diversion; (b) when the child, the parents or guardian do not agree to diversion as provided in Sections 27 and 28 of Republic Act No. 9344; or (c) when, after considering the assessment and recommendation of the social worker, the prosecutor determines that diversion is not appropriate for the child in conflict with the law. (n)

At the preliminary investigation, should there arise a need for clarificatory questions to be propounded on the child, the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness shall apply.

Section 21. Filing of Information. - If the investigating prosecutor finds probable cause to hold the child in conflict with the law for trial, there being discernment, the corresponding Resolution and Information shall be prepared for the approval by the provincial or city prosecutor, a s the case may be. The child and the mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian, or in the absence thereof, the nearest relative, and the child's private counsel or lawyer from the Public Attorney's Office shall be furnished forthwith a copy of the approved resolution and the Information.

The Information shall be filed with the court within forty-five (45) days from the start of the preliminary investigation. (n)

No Information shall be filed against a child for the commission of the following:

(a) status offences;

(b) vagrancy and prostitution under Section 202 of the Revised Penal Code;

(c) mendicancy under Presidential Decree No. 1563; and

(d) sniffing of rugby under Presidential Decree No. 1619.

Children taken into custody for the foregoing shall, with their consent and that of their parents, guardian or custodian, instead undergo appropriate counseling and treatment program. (n)

Section 22. Duties of the Clerk of Court Upon Receipt of information. - The Clerk of Court, upon receipt of the Information, shall:

(1) Maintain a separate case docket or logbook for cases involving children in conflict with the law. Whenever possible, the Clerk of Court shall use color coding or other method to easily distinguish the records of children in conflict with the law from the other case records;

(2) Determine whether the offense charged qualifies for diversion, that is it punishable by imprisonment of not more than twelve (12) years, regardless of fine, or fine alone regardless of the amount;

(3) If the crime charged is punishable by such imprisonment, immediately assign a temporary case number in accordance with Sec. 23 of this Rule and raffle off the case to a court so that its Diversion Committee can immediately undertake the appropriate action under Section 33 of this Rule; and

(4) If the crime charged does not quality for diversion because it is punishable by imprisonment of more than twelve (12) years, the case shall be assigned a regular criminal case docket number raffled off to a court for formal proceedings. (n)

Section 23. Docketing of the Case - a case that qualifies for diversion under paragraph 3 of the preceding Section shall not be docketed as a regular criminal case but instead shall be assigned a temporary case number as follows: CICL-(no.) ___- (year) ___ -D (which means diversion), before the same is raffled off to the appropriate court.

Section 24. Venue - Subject to the provisions of Section 15, Rule 110 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, any criminal or civil action involving a child in conflict with the law shall be instituted and tried in the appropriate court nearest the place where the offense was committed or where any of its essential elements occurred.

Section 25. Released of Children on Recognizance to the Parents, Guardian, Custodian or Nearest Relative. - The release of a child from a custody during the pendency of the case involving a non-serious offense as defined in Sec. 4 (u) of this rule may be ordered by the court only after a hearing for that purpose, and upon favorable recommendation of the social worker assigned to the child, with the conformity of the public prosecutor and the private complainant. The child shall be released to the custody of a willing and responsible mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian or in their absence, the nearest relative, who shall be responsible for the child's good behavior and appearance in court whenever required.

No child shall be ordered detained in jail pending trial or hearing of the child's case, subject to the provisions of this Rule. (n)

Section 26. Commitment and transfer to a youth Rehabilitation Center. - A child charged with non-serious offense as defined in Section 4 (u) of this Rule, unless released on bail or recognizance, may be transferred to a youth detention home rehabilitation center or other appropriate facility such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development which shall ensure the appearance of the child in court.

In the absence of a youth detention home established by the local government pursuant to Section 8 of the Family Courts Acts, in the city or municipality where the child resides or, a local rehabilitation center recognized by the government in the province, city or municipality within the jurisdiction of the court, or the Department of Social Welfare and Development or other appropriate local rehabilitation center, the youth shall be placed under the care of a provincial, city or municipality jail which shall ensure the appearance of the child in court when so required. (a)

Section 27. Bail as a Matter of right. - All children in conflict with the law shall be admitted to bail as a matter of right before final conviction of an offense not punishable by reclusion perpetua life imprisonment.

Section 28. When Bail Not a Matter of Right. - No child charged with an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment shall be admitted to bail when evidence of guilt is strong. In this case, the court shall commit the to a youth detention home or youth rehabilitation center, or in the absence thereof, to the care of a provincial, city or municipal jail as provided for in Section 27 of this Rule, which shall be responsible for the appearance of the child in court whenever required.

Section 29. Care of Child in Youth Detention Homes or Rehabilitation Centers. - The child in conflict with the law who has been transferred to a youth rehabilitation center or youth detention home shall be provided with a healthy environment. If the child is placed under the care of the provincial, city or municipal jail, the child shall be provided with adequate quarters separate from adults and prisoners of the opposite sex depending on the age, sex, sexual lifestyle, and such other circumstances and needs of the child.

Section 30. Case Study Report. - After the institution of the criminal action, the social worker assigned to the child shall immediately undertake a social case inquiry of the child and the child's family, the child's environment and such other matters relevant to aid the court in the proper disposition of the case. The report shall be submitted to the court preferably before arraignment. If not available at that time, the Report must be submitted to the court as soon as possible.

Section 31. Diversion Committee - In each court, there shall be organized a Diversion Committee composed of its Branch Clerk of Court as chairperson; the prosecutor, a lawyer of the Public Attorney's Office assigned to the court, and the social worker assigned by the court to the child, as members.

Section 32. Proceedings Before Arraignment - The Diversion Committee shall determine if the child can be diverted and referred to alternative measures or services. Subject to pertinent provisions of this Rule and pending determination of diversion by the Committee, the court shall release the child on recognizance to the parents, guardian or custodian, or nearest relative; or if this is not advisable, commit the child to an appropriate youth detention home or youth rehabilitation center which shall be responsible for the presence of the child during the diversion proceedings.

If the Diversion Committee determines that diversion is not proper, or when the child or the private complainant object to the diversion, or when there is failure if the diversion program if undertaken by the child, it shall submit a report to the court recommending that the case be subjected to formal criminal proceedings. The court in turn shall direct the transmittal of the records of the case to the Office of the Clerk of Court for the assignment of a regular criminal docket number to the case as follows: CICL Crim. Case No.___-___( year). The Office of the Clerk of Court shall thereafter return the case to the court for arraignment and formal proceedings.

Section 33. Proceeding Before the Diversion Committee. - Upon receipt by the Committee of a case for diversion from the Office of the Clerk of Court, the chairperson shall call for a conference with notice to the child, the mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian, or in their absence, the nearest relative, the child's counsel, and the private complainant and counsel to determine if the child can be diverted to the community continuum instead of formal court proceedings.

In determining whether diversion is appropriate for the child, the Committee shall consider the following factors:

(a) The past records, if any, involving the child in conflict with the law;

(b) The likelihood that the child will be an obvious threat to himself/herself and the community;

(c) Whether the child has feeling of remorse for the offense committed;

(d) If the child or the parent are indifferent or hostile; and whether this will increase the possibility of delinquent behavior; and

(f) If community-based programs for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the child are available.

If the Committee finds that diversion is appropriate, it shall design a diversion program in accordance with Section 34 of this Rule for the consideration and approval of the court.

Should the Committee determine that diversion is not appropriate, it shall make the corresponding report and recommendation in accordance with Section 31 of this Rule.

The Committee cannot recommend diversion in case the child or the private complainant objects.

Section 34. Diversion programs. -The Committee shall design a diversion program talking into consideration the individual characteristics and peculiar circumstances of the child in conflict with the law. The program shall be for a specific and definite period and may include any or a combination of the following:

(a) Written or oral reprimand or citation;

(b) Written or oral apology;

(c) Payment of the damage caused;

(e) Payment of the cost of the proceedings;

(f) Return of the property;

(g) Guidance and supervision orders;

(h) Counseling for the child and his family;

(i) Training, seminar and lectures on (i) anger management skills; (ii) problem-solving and/or conflict resolution skills; (iii) values formation; and (iv) other skills that will aid the child to properly deal with situations that can lead to a repetition of the offense;

(j) Participation in available community-based programs;

(k) Work-detail program in the community; or

(l) Institutional care and custody.

The Committee shall also include in the program a plan that will secure satisfaction of the civil liability of the child in accordance with Sec. 2180 of the Civil Code. Inability to satisfy the civil the liability shall not by itself be a ground to discontinue the diversion program of a child. On the other hand, consent to diversion by the child or payment of civil indemnity shall not in any way be construed as admission of guilt and used as evidence against the child in the event that the case is later on returned to the court for arraignment and conduct of formal proceedings.

The court shall act on the recommendation within five (5) days from the termination of the hearing.

Section 36. Undertaking. - In all cases where a child in conflict with the law is granted diversion by the court, the child, together with the mother or father, or appropriate guardian or custodian, or in their absence, the nearest relative, and the child's counsel shall sign an undertaking to comply with their respective duties and obligation under the terms and conditions of the express agreement by complainant assisted by counsel to the diversion of the child, shall be approved by and enforced under the supervision and control of the court. It shall contain the following minimum principal terms and conditions:

(a) The child shall appear before the social worker assigned to the child by the Court that approved the diversion program at least once a month for evaluation of its effectiveness.

(b) The child shall faithfully comply with the term and conditions of the program. Should the child fail to do so, the Committee shall report such failure to the court which shall set a show- cause hearing with notice to the child and private complainant. The court shall thereafter determine whether to allow the child to continue with the diversion program, or to end the same and direct that the case now undergo a formal proceeding.

Should the child be permitted by the court to reside in a place under the jurisdiction of another court, control and supervision over such child shall be transferred to the appropriate court of that place. The diversion records of the case such as the minutes of the diversion proceedings, copy of the undertaking, the intake and case study reports and all other pertinent documents shall be transmitted to the court to which jurisdiction over the diverted child has been transferred.

Section 37. Report of Social Worker. - The court social worker shall conduct regular monthly visit to the child undergoing diversion proceedings and shall submit the corresponding reports about the status of the diverted child to the committee. At any time before or at the end diversion period, the committee shall file with trhe court of the report recommending termination or extension of diveertion, as the case may be. The report and recommendation shall be heard by the court within fifteen (15) dyas form receipt, with notice to the members of the Committee, the child, the mother or father, or the appropriate guardian or custodian, or in the absensce thereof, the nearest relative, the child's councel, and the complainant and counsel.

The court shall thereafter determine whether the diversion program has been full and satisfactorily complied with

Section 38. Closure Order. - On the basis of the report and recommendation of the Committee, the court may:

(a) Issue a closure order terminating the case if it is convinced that the child has complied satisfactorily with the diversion program; or

(b) Extend the period of diversion if it is convinced that the child may still be rehabilitated; or

(c) Order the case to undergo formal court proceedings if it finds that the child has not complied with the diversion program, is incorrigible, or that the program is not serving its purpose.

In case of the judicially-approved transfer of residence of the child in conflict with the law, the court to which supervision of the diversion program was transferred shall make the proper finding. IF it finds that diversion has been successful. It shall order the closure of the case. However, if it determines that diversion has failed it shall return the case to the original court for formal criminal proceedings.

Section 39. Rights of the Child in Conflict with the Law. - In all criminal proceedings, the child in conflict with the law shall have the following rights which shall be respected and protected by the court:

(a) To be presumed innocent until guilt is proved beyond reasonable doubt;

(b) To be informed promptly and directly of the nature and cause of the charge and if appropriate, through the child's mother, father, legal guardian, or appropriate custodian;

(c) To be present at every stage of the proceedings, from arraignment to promulgation of judgement. The child may, however, waive presence at the rial pursuant to the stipulations set forth in the bail bond, unless presence at the trial is specifically ordered by the court for purposes of identification. The absence of the child without justifiable cause at the trial of which there was due notice shall be considered a waiver of the right of the child to be present. Escape by the child under custody shall be deemed a waiver of the right to be present in all subsequent hearings until custody over such child is gained;

(d) To have legal and other appropriate assistance in the preparation and presentation of the child's defense; in case of a child arrested for reasons related to armed conflict, to have immediate free legal assistance;

(e) If detained, to be released (I) on recognizance to the willing and responsible mother or father or appropriate guardian or custodian, or in the absence thereof, the nearest relative; (ii) on bail; or (iii) by commitment to a youth detention home or youth rehabilitation center, 1avvphi1

(f) Not to be detained in a jail or transferred to an adult facility pending trial or hearing of the case, unless detention is used as a last resort which must be done for the shortest time possible, and only upon order by the court;

(g) In the case the child has been arrested for reasons related to armed conflict, either as combatant, courier, guide or spy:

(i) To be segregated and have separate detention quarters from adults except where families ate accommodated as family un its;

(ii) To immediate free legal assistance in the absence of private counsel;

(iii) To immediate notice of such arrest to the parents, guardians or custodians or nearest relatives of the child; and;

(iv) To be released on recognizance within twenty-four (24) hours to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or any responsible member of the community as determined by the court.

(h) To testify as a witness in his/her own behalf; and subject to cross-examination only on matters covered by direct examination. The child shall not be compelled to be a witness against himself/herself and the child's silence shall not in any manner prejudice him/her;

(i) To confront and cross-examine the witnesses against him/her;

(j) To have compulsory process issued to secure the attendance of witnesses and production of other evidence in the child's behalf

(k) To have speedy and imparial trial, with legal or other appropriate assistance and preferable in the presence of the child's parents or legal guardian or custodian, unless such presence is considred not to be in the best interest of the child taking into account the latter's age or other peculiar circumstances;

(l) To be accorded all the rights un der the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness;

(m) To have the child's privacy fully protected in all stages of the proceedings; and

(n) To appeal in all cases allowed and in the manner prescribed by law.

Section 40. Rights if Victims of Offences Committed by Children in Conflict with the Law. - In any case involving a child in conflict with the law, the victim has the following rights:

(1) To be reasonably protected from the child in conflict with the law;

(2) To timely notice of any public proceedings, or any parole proceedings involving the crime or of any release or escape of the child in conflict with the law;

(3) Not to be excluded from any public proceeding, unless the court, after receiving any clear and convincing evidence, determines that the testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony in that proceeding.

(4) To be reasonably heard at any administrative or public proceeding involving diversion, release, plea, suspension of sentence and determination of disposition measures, or any parole proceeding;

(5) To confer with the prosecutor in the case;

(6) To avail of legal assistance from the Public Attorney's Office, Integrated Bar of the Philippines. any other legal aid office or any law practitioner.1avvphi1

(7) To be informed of the availability of compensation from the Department of Justice Board of Claims in accordance with the provisions of Rep Act. No.7309.

(8) To be entitled to support services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units;

(9) To be entitled to all legal remedies and support as provided for under the Family Code;

(10) To be informed of the rights and the services available to victims of offenses including the right to apply for a protection order;

(11) To full and timely restitution as provided in law;

(12) To proceedings that are free from unreasonable delay; and

(13) To be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

Section 41. Responsibilities of the Court. - For the protection of the rights of the child in the conflict with the law, the court shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) To monitor the status of a child whose case is pending in its court placed in a youth detention center or other institution during the pendency of the child's case;

(2) To receive and investigate complaints concerning violations of the rights of the child whose case is pending on its court;

(3) To require all professionals working for the welfare of the child, such as barangay captains, teachers, social workers, medical professionals, and law enforcers, to render regular monthly reports to the court.

(4) To order access to adequate services for rehabilitation, counseling and other forms of reintegration for the child;

(5) To ensure that the child who is capable of forming his or her own views has the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, and that such views be accorded due weight in accordance with the developmental age and maturity of the child;

(6) To ensure that the child, either directly or through a representative , is provided the opportunity to be heard in all proceedings affecting such child;

(7) To ensure communication at all times between the judge and the child;

(8) To ensure that the child sits with close family members of the child's choice during the court proceedings;

(9) To ensure that the child can communicate freely with counsel at all times;

(10) To ensure that the child is informed in age-appropriate language of all stages of the judicial proceeding affecting such child;

(11) To ensure that a child placed in a Youth Detention Home or Youth Rehabilitation Center or in any child facility be given appropriate medical examination in order to determine and put on record any evidence of ill-treatment; to identify any physical or mental condition requiring medical attention; and thereafter make sure that child is provided by adequate treatment and medical attention;

(12) To insure that a child is informed as soon as possible of the death, serious illness or injury of any immediate family member and be allowed to visit the ill family member or attend the funeral, when appropriate and advisable;

(13) To ensure if a child dies during the pendency of the case or within six (6) months of release, an independent inquiry is conducted on the circumstances of the death and a report thereof, including the child's death certificate, be made available to the child's mother or father , guardian, custodian or nearest relative;

(14) When appropriate and advisable, to allow the child temporarily leave the detention home or rehabilitation center by means of an "out-on-pass" order to attend special family occasions such as Christmas and New Year celebrations. The "out-on-pass" order shall contain reasonable restrictions to ensure safety, security and timely return to detention as may be determined by the court;

(15) To allow at all times, and from the moment of initial contact, any member of the family or the guardian of the child to visit the child, unless prejudicial to the latter's best interest;

(16) To allow the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem if available and advisable, to enable the child to raise concerns and complaints without fear or retribution; and

(17) To undertake all other appropriate measures to ensure the promotion of the best interest of the child and the child's eventual reintegration in society.

Section 42. Determination of the Bests Interests of the Child. - The following factors may be considered in determining the best interests of a child in conflict with the law: the child's age and sex, the child's mental and physical health, the mental and physical health of the parents, their lifestyle and other social factors; the emotional ties between the parents and the child, the ability of the parents to provide the child with food, shelter, clothing and medical care; the established living pattern for the child concerning school, home, community and religious institution, quality of schooling, the existence of other relatives who may be in a better position to be with the child and the child's relationship with these relatives; the child's background, maturity and level of understanding, sexual lifestyle and any other characteristics and needs of the child that the court may deem relevant.

Section 43. Arraignment and Plea. - The provisions of Rules 116 and 117 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure shall apply to the arraignment of the child in the conflict with the law. The arraignment shall be scheduled within three (3) days from the date of receipt of the complaint or information by the court, unless a shorter period is provided for by law.

In case the child is not assisted by a private counsel, the court shall immediately appoint its Public Attorney as the child's counsel de oficio.

Arraignment shall be held in chambers and conducted by the judge by furnishing the child and counsel a copy of the complaint or information, reading the same in a language or dialect known to and understand by the child, explaining the nature and consequences of a plea of guilty or not guilty and asking the child's plea.

Section 44. Pre-trial. - The provisions of Rule 118 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure shall govern the pre-trial of the child in conflict with the law. Agreements or admissions made during the pre-trial conference shall be in writing and signed by the child, the mother, the father or duly appointed guardian, and counsel; otherwise, the agreements or admissions shall not be admissible against the child.

Whenever possible and practicable, the court shall explore all possibilities of settlement of the case, except its criminal aspects. Plea bargaining shall be resorted to only as a last measure when it shall serve the best interest of the child and the demands of truth and restorative justice.

Section 45. Trial. - All hearings shall be conducted in am manner conductive to the best interest of the child and in an environment that will allow the child to participate fully and freely in accordance with the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness.

Section 46. Guiding Principles in Judging the Child. - Subject to the provisions of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and other special laws, the judgment against a child in conflict with the law shall be guided by the following principles:

(1) The judgment shall be in proportion to the gravity of the offense, and shall consider the circumstances and the best interest of the child, the rights of the victim, and the needs of society in line with the demands of balanced and restorative justice.

(2) Restrictions on the personal liberty of the child shall be limited to the minimum. Where discretion is given by the law to the judge whether the penalty to be imposed is fine or imprisonment, the imposition of fine should be proffered as the more appropriate penalty.

(3) No corporal punishment shall be imposed.

(4) In case of the presence of any exculpatory evidence or doubt in the prosecution's evidence, the doubt shall be resolved In favor of the child.

Section 47. Promulgation of Sentence. - If. After the trial, the court should find the child in conflict with the law guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the offense charged, it shall impose the proper penalty, including any civil liability which the child may have incurred, and promulgate the sentence in accordance with Section 6, Rule 120 of the Revised Rules if Criminal Procedure.

Section 48. Automatic Suspension of Sentence and Disposition Orders. - If the child is found guilty of the offense charged, the court, instead of executing the judgments of conviction, shall palce the child in conflict with the law under suspended sentence, without need of application. Suspension of sentence can be availed of even if the child is already eighteen years (18) of age or more but not above twenty-one (21) years old, at the time of the pronouncement of guilt, without prejudice to the child's availing of other benefits such as probation, if qualified, or adjustment of penalty, in interest of justice.

The benefits of the suspended sentence shall not apply to a child in conflict with the law who has once enjoyed suspension of sentence, but shall nonetheless apply to one who is convicted of an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment pursuant to the provisions of Rep. Act No. 9346 prohibiting the imposition of the death penalty and in lieu thereof, reclusion perpetua, and after application of the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority.

If the child in conflict with the law reaches eighteen (18) years of age while under suspended sentence, the court shall determine whether to discharge the child in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9344, or to extend the suspended sentence for a maximum period of up to the time the child reaches twenty-one (21) years of age, or to order service of sentence.

Section 49. Disposition Conference. -In case of suspended sentence, the court shall set the case for disposition conference within fifteen (15) days from the promulgation of sentence with notice to the social worker of the court, the child and the parents or guardian ad litem of the child and the child's counsel , the victim and counsel. At the conference, the court shall proceed to determine and issue any or a combination of the following disposition measures best suited to the rehabilitation and welfare of the child:

(1) Care, guidance, and supervision of orders;

(2) Community service orders;

(3) Drug and alcohol treatment

(4) Participation in group counseling and similar activities; and

(5) Commitment to the Youth Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or other centers for children in conflict with the law authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Section 50. Compliance with the Disposition Measures. - The social worker assigned to the child shall monitor the compliance by the child in conflict with the law with the disposition measures and shall submit regularly to the court a status and progress report on the matter. The court may set a conference for the evaluation of such report in the presence, if practicable, of the child, the parents or guardian, counsel and other persons whose presence may be deemed necessary.

Section 51. Discharge of Child Subject of Disposition Measure. - Upon the recommendation of the social worker assigned to the child, the court shall, after due notice to all parties and hearing, dismiss the case against the child who has been issued disposition measures, even before reaching eighteen(18) years of age, and order a final discharge if it finds that the child has been rehabilitated and has shown the capability to be a useful member of the community.

If the court finds that the child (a) is incorrigible; or (b) has not shown the capability of becoming a useful member of society; or (c) has willfully failed to comply with the conditions of the disposition or rehabilitation program; (d) or the child's continued stay in the training institution is not in the child's best interest, the child shall be brought before the court for execution of the judgment.

The final release of the child shall not extinguish the civil liability. The parents and other persons exercising parental authority over the child shall be civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused by the acts or omissions of the child living in their company and under the parental authority subject to the appropriate defenses provided by law.

Section 52. Probation as an Alternative to Imprisonment. - The court may, after it shall have convicted and sentenced a child in conflict with the law and upon application at any time, place the child on probation if qualified, in lieu of service of sentence taking into account the best interest of the child.

Section 53. Credit in Service of Sentence. - The child in conflict with the law who has undergone preventive imprisonment shall be credited in the service of the sentence consisting of deprivation of liberty, with the full time during which the child has undergone preventive imprisonment, if the child agrees voluntarily in writing to abide by the same or similar disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted prisoners, except in any of the following cases:

(1) When the child is a recidivist or has been convicted twice or more times of any crime; or

(2) When upon being summoned for execution of sentence, the child failed to surrender voluntarily.

A child who does not agree to the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted prisoners shall be credited in the service of the sentence with four-fifths of the time during which the child has undergone preventive imprisonment.

Whenever the child has undergone preventive imprisonment for a period equal to or more than the possible maximum imprisonment of the offense charged to which the child may be sentenced and the case is not yet terminated, the child shall be released immediately without prejudice to the continuation of any on-going intervention program, and the trial thereof or the proceeding on appeal, if the same is under review. In case the maximum penalty to which the child may be sentenced is destierro, the child shall be released after thirty (30) days of preventive imprisonment.

Any form of physical restraint imposed on the child in conflict with the law, including community service and commitment to a rehabilitation center, shall be considered preventive imprisonment.

Section 54. Confidentiality of Proceedings and Record. - All proceedings and records involving children in conflict with the law from initial contact until final disposition of the case by the court shall be considered privileged and confidential. The public may be excluded from the proceedings and pursuant to the provisions of Section 31 of the Rule on Examination of a Child Witness, the records shall not be disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone by any of the parties or the participants in the proceeding for any purpose whatsoever, except to determine if the child may have the sentence suspended under Section 38 of this Rule or if the child may be granted probation under the Probation Law, or to enforce the civil liability imposed in the criminal action.

The court shall employ other measures to protect confidentiality of proceedings including non-disclosure of records to the media, the maintenance of a separate police blotter for cases involving children in conflict with the law and the adoption of a system of coding to conceal material information, which lead to the child's identity. The records of children in conflict with the law shall not be used in subsequent proceedings or cases involving the same offender as an adult.

Section 55. Non-liability for Perjury or Concealment or Misrepresentation. - Any person who has been in conflict with the law as a child shall not be held guilty of perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by reason of failure to acknowledge the case or recite any fact related thereto in response to any inquiry.

Section 56. Sealing of Records. - The court, motu proprio or on application of a person who has been adjudge a child in conflict with the law, or if still a minor, on motion of the parents or legal guardian, shall, upon notice to the prosecution and after hearing, order the sealing of the records of the case if it finds that two (2) years have elapsed since the final discharged of the child after suspension of sentence or probation, or from the date of the closure order and the child has no pending case of an offense or a crime involving moral turpitude.

Upon entry of the order, the case shall be treated as if it never occurred. All index references shall be deleted and in case of inquiry, the court, prosecution, law enforcement officers and all other offices and agencies that dealt with the case shall reply that no record exist with respect to the child concerned. Copies of the order shall be sent to these officials and agencies named in the order. Inspection of the sealed records thereafter may be permitted only by order of the court upon petition of the child who is the subject of the records or of other proper parties.

This procedure shall be without prejudice to the rule on destruction of video or audio tapes under Section 31 of the Rule on the Examination of Child Witness.

Section 57. Prohibition of Labeling. - In the conduct of proceedings from initial contact with the child in conflict with the law to the final disposition of the case, there shall be no branding or labeling of the child as a young criminal, juvenile delinquent, prostitute, vagrant, or attaching to the child in any manner any derogatory description or name. Likewise, no discriminatory statements, conduct and practices shall be allowed, particularly with respect to the child's social or economic status, physical or mental disability or ethnic origin.

Section 58. Contempt Powers. - A person who directly or indirectly disobeys any order of the court or obstruct or interferes with its proceedings or the enforcement of its orders issued under this Rule shall be liable for contempt of court.

Section 59. Effectivity. - This Rule as revised shall take effect on December 1, 2009 after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation not later than November 27, 2009.

See A.M. No. 02-1-18-SC, April 15, 2002
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