Pursuant to Section 4 of Executive Order No. 192, Series of 2015, which transferred  the  regulation  and  supervision  of  all  Health  Maintenance Organizations  (HMOs) to the Insurance Commission (IC), the following Rules of Procedure for Adjudication of Cases against HMOs are hereby adopted and promulgated:


SECTION  1. TITLE  OF THE  RULES.  - These  Rules  shall be known  as œThe Rules of Procedure for Adjudication of Cases Against Health Maintenance Organizations in the Insurance Commission. 

SECTION  2. CONSTRUCTION.  - These  Rules  shall  be  liberally  construed  to carry  out the objectives  obtaining  just,  expeditious  and  inexpensive  resolution and settlement of disputes.

SECTION  3. SUPPLETORY  APPLICATION  OF THE RULES OF COURT. - In the absence of any applicable provision in these Rules, the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court of the Philippines may, in the interest of expeditious dispensation of justice and whenever practicable and convenient, be applied by analogy or in a suppletory character and effect.


SECTION 1. SCOPE AND JURISDICTION. - This Rules shall govern hearings of such claims and complaints where the issue/s pertain to membership issues or benefits and services issues with an HMO under an HMO agreement. Except as to the amount of actual damages, attorney ™s fees and costs, which include filing fees and litigation expenses, no other form of damages shall be recoverable.
This Rules will only apply for complaints filed by a member against an HMO. This Rules  will not apply  in disputes  arising  from the contractual  relations  between HMOs and affiliated hospitals, medical clinics, and physicians.


SECTION 1. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Rule:

(a)  Complainant refers to the member, whether a natural or juridical person, who initiated a complaint against an HMO doing business in the Philippines, for issues  pertaining  to  membership  with  an  HMO  or  denial  of  benefits  and services under an HMO agreement;
(b)  Respondent is the HMO against whom the relief sought is directed;
(c)  Person   is  a  natural   individual,   corporation,   partnership,   limited   liability partnership, association, or other juridical entity endowed with personality by law;
(d) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) refers to a juridical entity legally organized to provide or arrange for the provision of pre-agreed or designated health care services to its enrolled members for a fixed pre-paid fee for a specified period of time.
(e)  Member  refers  to the  principal  and/or  dependent  who  is eligible  and  has
been accepted for membership by an HMO after complying with the Eligibility
Provision and who is currently enrolled under an HMO agreement.
(f)   Complaint refers to a pleading alleging the cause or causes of action of the complainant. The names and addresses of all complainants and respondents must be stated in the complaint. It shall be verified under oath by the complainant  with a certificate  of non-forum  shopping.  A party having more than one cause  of action  against  the respondent,  arising  out of the same HMO Agreement, shall include all of them in one complaint;
(g)  Answer refers to a pleading in which a respondent sets forth his defenses. It shall   be   verified   under   oath   by   the   authorized   representative   of  the respondent;
(h)  Certificate  to  File  Action  refers  to  a  certification  or  any  written  document
issued  by the Public  Assistance  and Mediation  Division  certifying  the fact that parties had undergone mediation and failed to reach an amicable settlement;
(i)   Membership Issues include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

1.   Eligibility for Enrollment;
2.   Cancellation of Membership;
3.   Return of Membership Fees upon cancellation of membership;
4.   Effective Date and Expiry Date of Membership; and
5.   Membership Fees;

(j)   Benefits  and  Services  Issues  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  any  of  the following:

1. Determination if particular injury, illness, disability, or detect is covered under an HMO Agreement;
2.    Annual Benefit Limit;
3.    Eligible Expenses;
4.    Issuance/Non-Issuance  of Letter of Authority;
5.    Maximum Benefit Limit;
6.    Medical Necessity; and
7.    Room and Board Accommodation;

(k)  Commission refers to the Insurance Commission and its District Offices;
(l)   Commissioner refers to the Insurance Commissioner;
(m) Hearing Officer refers to a lawyer/s under the Claims Adjudication  Division and the District Offices with the position of at least IC Attorney l; and
(n)  Doctor ™s Affidavit refers to an affidavit executed by the attending physician or company  physician,  as  the  case  may  be,  submitted  by  both  parties  in support  of  their  respective  position  as  to  why  a  particular  injury,  illness, disability, or defect is covered or not covered under an HMO Agreement.

SECTION 1. PLEADINGS  ALLOWED.  - The only pleadings allowed to be filed are the complaints and the answers thereto which shall be verified under oath.

SECTION 2. CAPTION AND TITLE. - In all cases filed with the Commission, the party  initiating  the  action  shall  be  called  the  œComplainant   and  the  opposing party the œRespondent .

The  full  names  of  all  the  real  parties  in  interest,  whether  natural  or  juridical persons  or  entities  authorized  by  law,  shall  be  stated  in  the  caption  of  the complaint, as well as in the decisions, resolutions or orders of the Commission.

SECTION   3.  FILING   AND  SERVICE   OF  PLEADINGS.   -  All  pleadings   in connection with a case shall be filed with the Commission, as the case may be.

The party filing a pleading shall serve the opposing parties with a copy and its supporting documents. No pleading shall be considered without proof of service to  the  opposing  parties  except  if  filed  simultaneously  during  a  schedule  set before the Commission.

SECTION  4.  SERVICE  OF  NOTICES,  RESOLUTIONS,  ORDERS  AND DECISIONS. -

a)   Notices and copies of resolutions or orders, shall be served upon the parties by registered mail or by private courier;
b)   In case of decisions, copies thereof shall be served on both parties and their counsel or representative  by registered mail or by private courier; Provided that, in cases where a party to a case or his/her counsel on record personally seeks service of the decision upon inquiry thereon, service to said party shall be  deemed  effected  as  herein  provided.  Where  parties  are  numerous, service shall be made on counsel and upon such number of complainants, as may be practicable.

For  purposes  of  appeal,  the  period  shall  be  counted  from  receipt  of  such decisions, resolutions, or orders by the counsel or representative of record.

SECTION 5. APPEARANCES -

a)   A lawyer appearing for a party is presumed to be properly authorized for that purpose.  In  every  case,  he/she  shall  indicate  in  his/her  pleadings  and motions his/her Attorney ™s Roll Number, as well as his/her PTR and IBP numbers for the current year and MCLE compliance.
b)   Appearances of a non- lawyer in contravention of this section shall not be recognized in any proceedings before this Commission.
c)     Appearances  may be made orally or in writing. In both cases, the complete name  and office  address  of counsel  or authorized  representative  shall be made of record and the adverse party or his counsel or authorized representative properly notified.
d)   In case of change of address, the counsel or representative shall file a notice of such change,  copy furnished  the adverse  party and counsel  or representative, if any.
e)   Any change or withdrawal  of counsel or authorized  representative  shall be
made in accordance with the Rules of Court.

SECTION 6. AUTHORITY TO BIND PARTY. - Counsel or other authorized representatives of parties shall have authority to bind their clients in all matters of procedure;  but  they  cannot,  without  a  Special  Power  of  Attorney  or  express consent,  enter into a compromise  agreement  with the opposing  party in full or partial discharge of a client ™s claim.


SECTION 1. NATURE OF PROCEEDINGS. - The proceedings before the Commission shall be non-litigious in nature. Subject to the requirements of due process,  the technicalities  of law and procedure  and the rules obtaining  in the courts of law shall not strictly apply thereto. The Hearing Officer may avail himself/herself  of all reasonable means to ascertain the facts of the controversy speedily, including ocular inspection and examination of well- informed persons.

SECTION 2. COMMENCEMENT  OF ACTION. - An action shall commence upon the  filing  of  a  complaint  verified  under  oath  with  a  certificate  of  non-forum shopping, certificate to file action, and payment of docket fees.

lf the complaint  does not include  the certificate  to file action  as defined  under Section 1(h), Rule 3, the hearing officer of this Commission must endorse the complaint to the Public Assistance and Mediation Division of this Commission for the conduct of mediation, if none has been had, or the issuance of a certificate to file action, if mediation had already been conducted and terminated.

SECTION  3. DOCKET FEES. - Upon the filing of a complaint, the complainant shall pay a docket  fee to be determined  on the basis  of the principal  amount being claimed, exclusive of interest and attorney ™s fees as follows, to wit:

Principal Amount Being Claimed	Docket Fee
P100,000.00 and below	P1,000.00
More than P100,000.00 up to P200,000.00	2,000.00
More than P200,000.00 up to P300,000.00	3,000.00
More than P300,000.00 up to P400,000.00	4,000.00
More than P400,000.00 up to P500,000.00	5,000.00
More than P500,000.00 up to P600,000.00	6,000.00
More than P600,000.00 up to P700,000.00	7,000.00
More than P700,000.00 up to P800,000.00	8,000.00
More than P800,000.00 up to P900,000.00	9,000.00
More than P900,000.00 up to P1,000,000.00	10,000.00
More than P1,000,000.00 up to P2,000,000.00	15,000.00
More than P2,000,000.00 up to P3,000,000.00	20,000.00
More than P3,000,000.00 up to P4,000,000.00	25,000.00
More than P4,000,000.00 up to P5,000,000.00	30,000.00
More than P5,000,000.00	35,000.00

Plus an amount equivalent  to one percent (1%) of the filing fee but in no case shall be less than Ten Pesos (P10.00) to be collected as Legal Research Fund Fee in accordance with Republic Act No. 3870, as amended by President Decree No. 1856, dated December 26, 1982.

SECTION 4. INDIGENT PARTY. - A party may be authorized to litigate his action as an indigent if the Commission, upon an ex parte application and hearing, is satisfied  that  the  party  is  one  who  has  no  money  or  property  sufficient  and available for food, shelter and basic necessities fo himself and his family.

Such  authority  shall  include  an  exemption  from  payment  of docket  and  other lawful fees and of transcripts  of stenographic  notes. The amount of the docket and  other  lawful  fees  which  was  exempted  shall  be  a  lien  on  any  judgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent.

SECTION  5. DOCKETING  OF COMPLAINT.  - After payment  of the docketing fee, the Commission shall enter the case in its docket book and a corresponding case number shall be inscribed in the complaint.

SECTION 6. ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS. - Within five (5) days from receipt of a complaint or amended complaint, the Hearing Officer shall issue the required summons, attaching thereto a copy of the complaint or amended complaint and its annexes, if any. The summons shall direct the respondent  to file an answer within ten (10) days from receipt thereof.

SECTION 7. SERVICE OF SUMMONS.  - Summons shall be served personally upon the parties by a duly authorized public officer or by registered mail/private courier within three (3) days from issuance thereof; Provided, that in special circumstances,  service  of  summons  may  be  effected  in  accordance  with  the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court.

SECTION 8. ANSWER. - Within ten (10) days from service of summons, the respondent shall file his answer to the complaint and serve a copy thereof on the complainant.  Affirmative  and  negative  defenses  not  pleaded  therein  shall  be deemed waived, except for lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter.

No Motion for Extension of Time to file an answer shall be allowed.

SECTION 9. EFFECT OF FAILURE TO ANSWER. - Should the respondent fail to answer the complaint within the period above provided, the Commission, motu proprio,  or  on  motion  of  the  complainant,  shall  render  judgment  as  may  be warranted by the facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what is prayed for therein: Provided, however, that the Commission may in its discretion reduce the amount of interests and attorney ™s fees claimed for being excessive or otherwise unconscionable.

SECTION  10.  PROHIBITED   PLEADINGS   AND  MOTIONS.  -  The  following pleadings and motions shall not be allowed and acted upon:

a)   Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, res judicata, prescription,  extinguishment  of liability by payment, and forum shopping;
b)   Motion for Extension of Time to File an Answer;
c)    Motion for a bill of particulars;
d)   Motion for new trial;
e)   Petition for Relief from Judgment;
f)    Motion to declare respondent in default;
g)   Motion  for  reconsideration  of  any  decision  or  any  order  of  the  Hearing
Officer;
h)   Appeal from any interlocutory  order of the Hearing Officer, such as but not limited to, an order:

1.   denying a motion to dismiss;
2.   denying a motion to inhibit;
3.   denying a motion for issuance of writ of execution; or
4.   denying a motion to quash writ of execution;

i)     Appeal from orders issued by the Hearing Officer in the course of execution proceedings; and
j)     Such  other  pleadings,  motions  and  petitions  of similar  nature  intended  to circumvent above provisions.

SECTION  11. MOTION  TO  DISMISS.  - The  respondent  may  file a motion  to dismiss on grounds provided under Section 10, paragraph (a) hereof within the period  of filing  an answer.  Such  motion  shall  be immediately  resolved  by the Hearing Officer through a written order. An order denying the motion to dismiss, or suspending its resolution until the final determination of the case, is not appealable.

SECTION  12.  EFFECT  OF  FAILURE  TO  FILE  MOTION  TO  DISMISS.  - No motion to dismiss shall be allowed or entertained after the lapse of the period provided in Section 8 hereof.

SECTION 13. PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE.  - Not later than thirty (30) days after the last answer is filed, a Pre-Trial conference shall be held.

a)   The pre-trial conference shall be called for the purpose of:

(1)  discussing  the  possibility  of  amicably  settling  the  case  upon  a  fair compromise;
(2)  determining the real parties in interest;

(3)  determining  the necessity  of amending  the complaint  and including  all causes of action;
(4)  defining and simplifying the issues in the case; (5)  entering into admissions or stipulations of facts;
(6)  marking of supporting documents and affidavits as evidence; and
(7)  threshing  out  all  other  preliminary  matters.  The  Hearing  Officer  shall personally preside over and take full control of the proceedings.

SECTION  14. EFFECT  OF FAILURE  OF SETTLEMENT.  - lf the parties fail to agree on an amicable settlement, either in whole or in part, during the Pre-Trial Conference, the Hearing Officer shall proceed to the other purposes of the said conference as enumerated in Section 13(a) hereof.

SECTION  15. NON- APPEARANCE  OF PARTIES.  - The non- appearance  of the  complainant  during  the  Pre-Trial  Conference  scheduled  in  the  summons, despite due notice thereof, shall be a ground for the dismissal of the case without prejudice.

In  case   of  non-appearance   by  the  respondent,   the  Hearing   Officer   shall immediately terminate the Pre-Trial Conference and direct the complainant to file a verified  position  paper  and submit  evidence  in support  of his/her  causes  of action  and thereupon  render  his/her  decision  on the basis of the evidence  on record.

SECTION 16. SUBMISSION  OF POSITION PAPER AND REPLY. - Within five (5)  calendar  days  after  the  termination  of  the  Pre-Trial  Conference  and  no settlement  or compromise  agreement  having been agreed upon by the parties, the Hearing Officer shall:

a)   Direct the parties to submit simultaneously their verified position papers with supporting  documents  and  affidavits  marked  during  the  mandatory conciliation  and mediation  conference,  including  the doctor ™s affidavit, on a date  set  by  him/her  within  fifteen  (15)  calendar  days  from  the  date  of termination of the mandatory conciliation and mediation conference.
b)   No amendment of the complaint shall be allowed after the filing of position papers, unless with leave of the Hearing Officer.
c)     The position papers of the parties shall cover only those claims and causes of action stated in the complaint or amended complaint, accompanied  by all supporting  documents,  including  the affidavits  of doctors  and  other witnesses,  which  shall  take  the  place  of  their  direct  testimony,  excluding those that may have been amicably settled.
d)   Within  fifteen  (15)  days  from  receipt  of the position  paper  of the adverse party, a reply may be filed on a date agreed upon and during a schedule set before the Hearing Officer. The reply shall not allege and/or prove facts and any cause or causes of action not referred to or included in the original or amended complaint or raised in the position paper.

SECTION 17. DETERMINATION OF NECESSITY OF HEARING OR CLARIFICATORY  CONFERENCE.  - Immediately  after  the  submission  by  the parties of their position paper and reply, as the case may be, the Hearing Officer shall,  motu  proprio,   determine   whether   there  is  a  need  for  a  hearing   or clarificatory  conference.  At this stage, he/she may, at his/her discretion  and for the purpose of making such determination,  ask clarificatory  questions to further elicit facts or information, including but not limited to the subpoena of relevant documentary evidence, if any, from any party or witness.

SECTION 18. ROLE OF THE HEARING OFFICER IN HEARING AND CLARIFICATORY  CONFERENCE. - a) The Hearing Officer shall take full control and personally conduct the hearing or clarificatory conference and may ask questions for the purpose of clarifying points of law or facts involved in the case. The Hearing Officer may allow the presentation of testimonial evidence with right of cross- examination by the opposing party and shall limit the presentation of evidence to matters relevant to the issue before him/her and necessary for a just and speedy disposition of the case.

b)   The  Hearing  Officer  shall  make  a  written  summary  of  the  proceedings, including  the  substance  of  the  evidence  presented,  in  consultation  with  the parties. The written summary shall be signed by the parties and shall form part of the records.

SECTION 19. NON- APPEARANCE  OF PARTIES, AND POSTPONEMENT  OF HEARINGS AND CLARIFICATORY CONFERENCES.

a)   The parties and their counsels appearing before the Hearing Officer shall be prepared  for  continuous  hearing  or  clarificatory  conference.  No postponement or continuance shall be allowed, except upon meritorious grounds and subject to the requirement  of expeditious disposition of cases. The hearing or clarificatory conference shall be terminated within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the initial clarificatory conference.
b)   In  case  of  non-  appearance  of  any  of  the  parties  during  the  hearing  or clarificatory  conference  despite due notice, proceedings  shall be conducted ex- parte. Thereafter, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision.

SECTION  20.  SUBMISSION   OF  THE  CASE  FOR  DECISION.  -  Upon  the submission by the parties of their position papers or replies or objections to the recommendation  of the medical consultant, or the lapse of the period to submit the same, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision unless the Hearing Officer calls for a hearing or clarificatory conference in accordance with Section 17 of this Rule, in which case, notice of hearing or clarificatory conference shall be immediately sent to the parties. Upon termination of the said hearing or conference, the case is deemed submitted for decision.

SECTION 21. PERIOD TO DECIDE THE CASE. - The Commission shall render its   decision   within   sixty   (60)   working   days,   without   extension,   after   the submission of the case by the parties for decision, even in the absence of stenographic notes.

SECTION 22. CONTENTS OF DECISIONS. - The decisions and orders of the Commission shall be clear and concise and shall include a brief statement of the: a) facts of the case; b) issues involved; c) applicable laws or rules; d) conclusions and the reasons therefor; and e) specific remedy or relief granted.

SECTION 23. FINALITY OF THE DECISION OR ORDER AND ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF FINALITY. -

(a)  Any Decision  or Order determining  the merits of a case shall be in writing and signed by the Commissioner  and a copy thereof shall be served upon the parties personally or by registered mail or private courier. The Decision or Order of the Commission shall become final and executory after the lapse of fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy thereof by the parties unless a motion for reconsideration or an appeal from such decision or order is filed within the period herein prescribed.
(b)  Certificate of Finality. - Upon expiration of the period provided in paragraph (a) of this Section,  the Commission  may issue a certificate  of finality upon written request made by any of the parties to the case.

SECTION 1. MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION.  - Within fifteen (15) calendar days  from  receipt  of the  decision  or order  of this  Commission,  the  aggrieved party may be allowed to file a motion for reconsideration  of such order, ruling or decision  upon  payment  of P500.00.  If the  motion  is denied,  the  movant  may appeal in accordance with Section 1 of Rule VII hereof. No second motion for reconsideration shall be allowed.

SECTION  2. OPPOSITION  TO  MOTION  FOR  RECONSIDERATION.  - Within fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt of the Motion for Reconsideration, the opposing  party may file his/her  opposition  thereto  and serve  a copy upon the movant.

SECTION 3. WHEN DEEMED SUBMITTED FOR RESOLUTION. - After the opposition is filed, or at the expiration of the period for filing the same without any such  opposition  having  been  filed,  the  motion  for  reconsideration   shall  be deemed  submitted  for  resolution  by  the  Commission,  unless  the  Commission shall consider  it necessary  to hear the oral arguments  of the parties,  in which case the Commission shall issue a corresponding order or notice to that effect.


SECTION  1. HOW APPEAL  IS TAKEN.  - Any party affected  by a final order, ruling, or decision of this Commission may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of such order or decision, file a verified petition for review in seven (7) legible copies with the Court of Appeals, a copy of which shall be served on the Commission and on the adverse  party,  in accordance  with Rule  43 of the Rules  of Court. Proof of service of the petition to the Commission and on the adverse party shall be attached to the petition.

SECTION 2. CONTENTS OF PETITION. - The petition for review shall contain a concise statement of the facts and issues involved and the grounds relied upon for review, and shall be accompanied by a duplicate original or certified true copy of the ruling, award, order, decision, or judgment appealed from, together with certified  true copies  of such material  portions  of the record  as are referred  to therein and other supporting papers. The petition shall state the specific material dates showing that it was filed within the period required.

SECTION  3.  EFFECT  OF  APPEAL.  -  The  appeal  shall  not  stay  the  award, judgment,  final  order  or resolution  sought  to be reviewed  unless  the Court  of Appeals shall direct otherwise upon such terms as it may deem just.


SECTION 1. DIRECT CONTEMPT.  - The Commissioner  or any Hearing Officer authorized to conduct hearing or proceedings may summarily adjudge in direct contempt any person who has committed or is committing any act of misbehavior in  his  presence  and  while  the  proceedings  is  on  going,  including  disrespect towards him, offensive personalities towards others, or refusal to be sworn or to answer  as  a  witness  or  to  subscribe  an  affidavit  or  deposition  when  lawfully required  to do  so.  lf the  offense  is committed  against  the  Commissioner,  the same   shall  be  punished   by  a  fine  not  exceeding   Two  Thousand   Pesos (P2,000.000)  However,  if the offense  is committed  against  any hearing  officer, the same shall be punished by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.000).

SECTION  2.  REMEDY.  -  The  person  adjudged  in  direct  contempt  may  not appeal therefrom but may avail himself of the remedies of certiorari or prohibition. The execution of the judgment shall be suspended pending resolution of such petition,  provided  such  person  filed  a  bond  fixed  by  the  Commission  on  the condition that he will abide by and perform the judgment should the petition be decided against him.

SECTION  3. INDIRECT  CONTEMPT.  - The  Commissioner  or Hearing  Officer may also cite any person for indirect contempt upon grounds and in the manner prescribed under Rule 71 of the Rules of Court.


SECTION 1. EXECUTION  UPON FINALITY OF DECISION OR ORDER. - a) A writ of execution may be issued motu proprio or on motion, upon a decision or order that has become final and executory.

b)   If an appeal  has been duly perfected  and finally  resolved  by the Court of Appeals, a motion for execution may be filed before the Commission upon submission of certified true copies of the decisions or final order/s sought to be enforced including notice of decision or order and the entry of judgment, copy furnished the adverse party.

SECTION 2. PRE- EXECUTION CONFERENCE.  - Within ten (10) working days from receipt of a motion for the issuance of a writ of execution which shall be accompanied   by   a   computation   of   a   judgment   award,   if   necessary,   the Commission  may  schedule  a  pre-execution  conference  to  thresh  out  matters relevant to execution including the final computation of monetary award.

Any order issued by the Hearing Officer in the pre- execution conference is not appealable.

SECTION 3. ISSUANCE, CONTENTS AND EFFECTIVITY OF A WRIT OF EXECUTION.  - The writ of execution shall issue in the name of the Republic of the  Philippines  signed  by  the  Commission  ordering  a  duly  authorized  public officer  to execute  the  decision,  order,  or award  of the  Commission  and  must contain  the  complete  name  of  the  party,  whether  natural  or  juridical,  against whom  the  writ  of  execution  was  issued,  the  dispositive  portion  thereof,  the amount, if any, to be demanded, and all legal fees to be collected from the losing party or any other person required by law to obey the same.

A writ of execution shall be effective for a period of five (5) years from issuance thereof. In case of partial satisfaction of judgment during the lifetime of the writ, the Commission shall motu proprio issue an updated writ reflecting the amount collected and the remaining balance.

SECTION  4.  ENFORCEMENT  OF  WRIT  OF  EXECUTION.  -  In  executing  a decision, resolution or order, the duly authorized public officer acting as Sheriff of the Commission, shall serve the writ within five (5) days from receipt of the same and shall be guided strictly by the applicable rules under the Rules of Court, as amended.


SECTION  1.  SEPARABILITY   CLAUSE.  -  If  any  provision  of  this  Rules  of Procedure   or  any  part  hereof  be  declared   invalid   or  unconstitutional,   the remainder of the law or other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 2. EFFECTIVITY.  - This Rules of Procedure shall be published in any of the top three (3) major broadsheet newspapers circulated nationwide and shall take effect on March 1, 2018.