Republic of the Philippines

Office of the President

Housrng and Urban Devcloptrrcnt Coordinating CounciL
HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD

BOARD OT.' COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION NO.nzr
Series of 2011

PROMULGATING THE 2OTT REVISED RULES O!- PROCEDURE OF THE

HOUSING AND LAND USE R.EGULATORY BOARI)
PuRSUANTTo Section 5 (c) and fi), Executive Order No.648, Series of 198'l, as arnended by
Executive Order No.90, Series of 1986, and Executive Order No.535, Series of 1979. as
amended by Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8763, and Republic Act No. 9904. the Housing
and Lard Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) hereby adopts and promulgates the fbllowins Rules
of Procedure.
l,AR'l'I
COMMON PROVISIONS
Rule I
TITLE AND CONSTRUCTION
Section l.Title.- The following shall be known as the 20l l Revised Rules oI ProceduLe ol the
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board,, hereinafter ret'erred tcl as the "Rrries".
Section 2. Coverage.- This Rules shall be bpplicable to the tbllowing disputes Lrr corltroversres:

(a) Actions concerning unsound real estate.business practices liled by buyers;

(b) Claims involving refund and other claims filed by subdivision lot ol condominiunt unit
buyer against the project owner, developer, dealer, broker or salesmatr
(c) Cases involving specific performance of contractual and statutory obligatiorrs t'iled try
subdivision lot or condominium unit buyer against the project owner, developer, dcaler,
broker or salesman;
(d) Intra-association disputes or controversies arising out of the relations betweetr and antong
members of homeowners associations; between any or all of thern and the homeowners
association of which they are members;
(e) Inter-association disputes or controversies arisir.rg out of the relations between and amortg
lwo or more homeowners associations;
(f) Disputes between such homeowners association and the state insofar as it concerns their
individual franchise or right to exist and those which are intrinsically connected witli the
regulation of homeowners associations or dealing with the internal affairs of such entity;
(g) Suits filed in opposition to an applicatlon tbr certificate ol'registration and licensc to sell,
development permit for condominium projects, clearance to mortgage, or the revocation or
cancellation thereof, and locationa.l clea,rances, certifications or perrnits, when issued by the
Regional Field Office of HLURB;
(h) Appeals from decisions of local and regional planning and zoning bodies; and,

; Pdge 1of 20

IILURB Bldg., Kalayaan AvelLre colltel Mryatnall Street, Diliman, Quezon City
rvrv r.v. li Ir rrb . gov.Dh
(i) Other analogous cases.
Section 3. Construction. - This Rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote the
general welfare and to assist the parties in obtaining a just and speedy determinaticln o['every
action application or proceeding.
Section 4. Nature o.f pr<tceedings.- Proceedings before HLURB shull be surntnirry itr
nature. The provisions of the Rules ol Court shall not be applicable except in a suppletory
character.
Rule 2
AC'I'IONS AND PROCEEDINGS
Section 5. Actions and Proceedings. - An action or proceedings rneans any suit filed with
HLURB by which one party sues another for the entbrcement or protection ol'a right or fbr thc
prevention or redress of a wrong.
Section 6. Order of Proceedings.- The following proceedings shall be unitbrm tbr all cases
filed before the Arbiter:
(a) The commencement of an action through the filing of a verified cornplaint and upon
payment of the required legal fees;
(b) Service of summons on the respondent, together with a copy of the complaint and all
attachments thereto;
(c) Filing of the answer;
(d) Mandatory conference;
(e) Optional submission of additional evidence; and,
(l) Notice of the Decision.
Section 7.Venue.- AJI complaints or actions shalt be filed in the Regional Field OfTice which
has jurisdiction over the area where the project involved is located or, in cases of homeowners
suits, in the Regional Field Office where the homeowners association is registered.

Rule 3
REAL PARTY IN INTEREST, COUNSELS AND REPRESENTATIVES
Section 8. Parties.- Every action or proceeding must be prosecuted and defended in the name
of the real party in interest.
A.ll natural or juridical persous who clairn an inlerest in the subject rxatter ol'the action or
proceeding and in obtaining the relief demanded shall be joined and referred to as
"complainan ts".

All natural juridical persons who claim an interest in the controversy or in tlre subiect matter
or
thereof adverse to the complainant, or who are necessary to a cornplete deterrnination or
settlement of the issues involved therein, shall be joined and referred to as "respondents".
Section 9. Indigent Litigants.- The rule on the qualifications of indigent litigants and thcir
exemption from the payment of filing fees shall be in accordance with such rules as rray be
promulgated by the Supreme Court.
Section 10. Derivative Suit.- A member of a homeowners association in good standing may
bring an action on behalf of the association provided that:

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(a) The complainant was a member at thq time the acts or transactions subject ()1' the actiorl
occurred and at the time the action was filed;
(b) The complaint alleges with particularity that reasonable eflorts were exerted to exhaust all
remedies available under the association's alticles of incorporation. bylaws, laws or rulcs
for the purpose of obtaining the reliefprayed forl and,
(c) The complaint states a valid cause of action.
Section ll. Appearance o.f CounseL or Represemutive.- The appearance ol' counscl ot
representative is opt ional.
(a) If a party is represented by counsel, the lawyer must indicate tlre lbllowing in the
pleadings:
(1) Mailing address which is not a post office box number, including tlre lawyer's
telephone/cellular phone number and email address, if available;

(2) Roll of Attorneys Number;

(3) Current Professional Tax Receipt Number, including the date and place of issue;
(4) IBP Official Receipt Number or IBP Lit'etime Membership Number, including the date
and place of issue; and,

(5) Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Compliance or Exemption Certificate Numbe r

and the date of issue.

(b) A non-lawyer who represents a party shall attach to the pleading a special power ol'
attorney authorizing such person to file tlre case and an afTiclavit duly executed by the party
represented stating the reasons why such person was so authorized.

(c) In case the real party-in-interest is out of the country, the special power of atlorney must lre
authenticated by the consular office concerned and comply with other applicablc
lormalities for their execution.
(d) In case the party represented is a corporation, the representative shall attach to the
complaint, a board resolution authorizing such person to act on behalf of the corporation.
Failure of the party to comply with the requirements herein shall render the pleading as not
filed.
Rule 4
PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND PRACTtCti
Section 12. Pleadings and Motions.- Pleadings and motions shall be Iiled in triplicate, plus
such number of copies as there are respondents, with proof of service to the other parties.
Section 13. Pleadings Allowed.- Pleadings are either nrandatory or discretionary.
(a) Mandatory Pleadings.- Mandatory pleadings are those which are absolutely nccessary lbr
the resolution of the case, such as, the Complaint, Answer, and Appeal Menrorandunt.
(b) Discretionary Pleadings.- All other pleadings not prohibited may be filed. The tiling ot'
these pleadings does not toll the reglementary periods and failure to file the same shall not
have any adverse effect on the rights of the parties.

Section 14. Prohibited Pleadings and Motions.- The following shall be considered as
prohibited pleadings and motions which shall not be entertained:

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(u) Motion to dismiss;
(b) Motion for a bill of particulars;
(c) Petition for relief from judgment;
(d) Motions for reconsideration in whatever stage of the proceedings;
(e) Appeal from any interlocutory order, including but not limited to, cease and dcslst
orders;
(0 Motions for extension of time;
(g) Motions for postponement except for justifiable reasons;
(h) Motion to admit pleadings tiled beyond the reglementary period;
(i) Reply, except in answer to a compulsory counterclaim;

0) Fourth and subsequent party complaints; and,

(k) Motion for clarification of final orders and decisions.
The filing of such pleadings or motions shall not interrupt the running of the prescriptive perioci
and shall not bar the adjudication of the case.

An opposition to a motion may be filed, without waiting for a separate order therefor, withirr
five (5) days from the receipt of a copy of the rnotion.
Rule 5
COMPLAINT
Section 15, Complainr.- The complaint shall contain the lbllowing:
(a) Caption and Title.- In all cases filed betbre the Regional Field Offices, the party initiating
the action shall be called the "Complainant" and the opposing party the "Respondent".

(b) Body.- The body of the complaint shall'contain the full name of the real parties in interest,
whether natural orjuridical, showing capacity to sue and to be sued, status, nrailing address
and designation, and a concise statement of the ultimate facts which support the
complainant's cause of action, claims or reliefs, and the date of preparatiorl thereof.
(c) Relief.- The pleading shall specify the relief sought, but ir may add a general prayer fbr
such other relief as may be deemed just or equitable.

(d) Signature.- The complaint must be signed and must contain the requirernents under Rule 3
hereof. The signature of counsel constitutes a certification that such counsel has read the
complaint; that to the best of such counsel's knowledge and infbluratiorl, there is good
ground to support it; and that it is not interposed tbr delay.
(e) Verification.- A complaint is verified try an alTidavit that the conrplainanl has reacl the
complaint and that the allegations therein are true and correct oi- complainaut's own
personal knowledge. A complaint based merely on "infbrr.nation and belief" or uporl
"knowledge, information, and belief'sMll be dismissed.
(f) Certification Against Forum Shopping..- The complainant shall certify under oath in thc
complaint or other initiatory pleadings asserting a clairn for relie[', or in a sworr.r
certification annexed thereto and simulianeouslv filed therewith that:

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 (1) The complainant has not theretotbre commenced any action or filed any clairr
involving the same issues in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency atrd, to lhc
best of the complainant's knowledge, no such other action or claim is pendirrg thereirr:
(2) lf there is such other pending action or claim, the cornplainant shall state the status
thereof: and.
(3) lf the complainant should thereafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has
been filed or is pending, the complainant shall report that fact within five (-5) days
therefrom to HLURB.
(g) The following shall be attached to the complaint upon filirrg:
(1) Proof of payment of filing t-ees;
(2) Documentary evidence supporting the cause of action; and
(3) In homeowners association cases, a certification issued by the chair of the Election
Committee in cases involving elections, or by the chair of the Crievance Comnrittec or
any other committee constituted to resolve any maltcr in corrtroversy at the association
level, as the case may bp, stating under oath that the parties have been invited to
participate in the proceedings to settle the dispute but that no arnicable settlement was
reached.

In the absence of an Election Committee and Grievance Cornrnittee or re fusal to issue

the certification, an affidavit attesting to this fact shall be rnade and further slating that
complainant has exhausted administrative remedies.
Non-conrpliance with any of the above requirements shall be a ground for the dismissal of the
complaint without prejudice.
If it is proved that the complainant has engaged in deliberate forurl-shopping, the complaint
shall be dismissed with prejudice.
Section 16. Elfects of Defective Signature, Verilicution untl Certilicutiln ol Nott-l:rtrurn
Shopping.-
(a) Any defect in the signature or verification under paragraphs (d) and (e) of the preceding
section shall not result in the dismissal of the complaint but shall be subject to correction
during the mandatory conference. If the cornplainant refuses to rectify the error as directed
by the Arbiter, the Arbiter shall dismiss the case without prejudice.
(b) Any defect of the certification against forum-shopping under paragraph (f) of the preceding
section shall be a ground tbr the dismissal of the complaint, without prejudice.
Section 17. Opposition to Applicatictn Jbr a Permit, License or Cleurance.- An
opposition to an application for clearance, permit or license shall be treated as a complaint and
all other provisions of Rule 5 of this Rules shall, except as otherwise provided, apply to such
oppositions.
An opposition to an application for locational clearance tbr projects of national or
regional significance, if filed with the Regional Field Office, shall be elevated to the
Board of Commissioners which shall assurne original jurisdiction and resolve the
opposition. All projects are presumed to be of local significance unless otherwise
declared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The rules pertaining to contested applications for license, permit or clearance shall apply to
cases filed for the revocation thereof.

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Decisions of the Board of Commissioners with respect to permits, Iicenses or clearances sliall
be immediately executory notwithstanding any appeal therefrorn.
iRule 6
COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION OR PROCEEDINGS
Section 18. Filing and Service of I'leadings.- All pleadings shall be filed with lhe appropriale
records unit of the Regional Field Office or Board of Cornmissioners, as the casc may be. Tlre
party filing the pleadings, except a complaitt, shall serve the opposing parties with a copy
thereof and its supporting documents in thb tnanner provided under this Rules with proof of
such service.

Section 19. When Action is Deemed Comryenced.- An action is deerred cornnrenced upcln the
filing of a verified complaint with the Regional Field Office, in triplicate plus such nurnbcr o1'
copies as there are respondents, with supporting documents, aud upon paylnent ol- the
required filing fees. ; '
Section 20. Complaint Filed by Registeyelt Mail.- Lf the complaint is tiled by registered rnail,
the action is deemed commenced on th<i date of mailing. The complainant shall attach to the
complaint a money order in the amount of :the filing f'ees, payable to HLURB. The non-
inclusion of the said money order shall be cause for dismissal of the complaint.
Section 21. Filing Fees.- The complainant.is required to pay the liling fees, as determined
by the Regional Field Office, at the time; of the filing of the cornplaint.
(a) Effect of non-payment filing Jbes. - The rnon-payment of the filing fees at the time of the
of
filing of the complaint is a jurisdiction4l ,defect which shall be cause fbr the disntissal of
the complaint without prejudice. i' , :. I , I
(b) EJfect of delicient puyment ol'filingiLc.r:- Failure to fully pay the filing t'ees within five (5)
days from notice of deficiency, as -iu[iequently determined by thc Arbiter, shall be a
ground for the dismissal of the complirint lryithout prejudice.
,' pgR.r z
PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ARBITER
" e7
TER
Arbiter.- Upon filing of the conrplaint and the
rnal Field Office shall, within three (3) days,

Section 23. Powers of the Arbiter The .A,r{bffer shall have the fbllowing powers:
(a) To hear and decide cases cognizabletpq,[:ILURB consistent with this Rules:
(b) To issue subpoen a ad testificandum :an! sunpoena tluces tecuml
(c) To issue cease and desist orders and oiii+l'iirouirional remedies allowed under rhis Rules;
(d) Totakejudicialnoticeofthecorporat{,reQordsoftheassociationortechnical docker ofrhe
subdivision or condominium project u. $iili' n"..rtory;
(e) To cite and/or declare any person in diitni or indirect contempr;
(f) To impose fines and/or other penaltiEg'for. violation of this Rules and related laws and
regulations, or any order, resolution, o! i&cision of HLURB; and,

i5 Dt 20
(g) To perform such other powers and functions as may be assigned by the Board of
Commissioners.
Section 24. Inhibition of the Arbiter.-
(a) Mandatory Inhibition.- The Arbiter shall inhibit from adjudicating u case on arry ol the
following grounds:
(1) The Arbiter's spouse, child or relative within the sixth degree of consanguinity or
affinity, is directly or indirectly interested in the subject of the litigation:
(2) The Arbirer is related ro either of the parties or their counsel within the sixth degrcc o{'
consanguinity or affinity; or i
(3) The Arbiter has participated as counsel in the same case.
(b) Discrctionury Inhibition.- The Arbiter may motu prctprio inhibit from handling a case
by issuing an order stating any o:f the above grounds or any otheL .iustifiable grounds
as basis for the inhibition.

Section 25. Procedure Jbr Inhibitbn.- The party seeking the inhibitiorr of an Arbiter slrall
file a motion for inhibition stating .the grounds with the evidence in support thereol.
Thereafter, the Arbiter shall rule on the motion.
Section 26. Reassignment of Cases upon Inhibition of Arbiter.- In case the Arbiter inhibits
from hearing or adjudicating a case, the Regional Officer shall raffle the case to another arbiter.
In the absence of other arbiters in the Regional Field Office, the records o[ thc case shall be
transmitted to the trgal Aftairs Group. : '
Section 27. Procedure in Regional Fietd O.ffices witfutut Arbiter.- ln case a Regional lrield
Office does not have an Arbiter, the duly authorized Legal Otficer of the Regional Field Otfice
shall perform the functions of an Arbiteq except to decide the case, to issue cease and desisl
orders and other provisional remedies and to cite parties in contempt which shall be perfbrtned
by the tegal Affairs Group.
When the parties have filed their respective position papers or the case is deemed subrnittcd lbr
resolution, the Legal Officer shall, within five (-s) days therefrorn and with notice to the parties,
transmit the records of the case to the Legiit AtTairs Group tbr resolution.
The Director of the Irgal Affairs Group shall, within three (3) days from receipt thereof, assign
the case by raffle to a lrgal Affairs GrolpArbiter who shall resolve the case within a period of
thirty (30) days from assignment. i:,'
After the resolution of the case by the t-egal Aftairs Arbiter, the records of the case shall be
remanded to the Regional Field Office of origin foL the release and service of thc judgrnent to
the parties. ". ,
-.,,1;
,; RuleS
SERVICE,AND SUMMONS
Section 28. Service of Summons, Notices,' ,llesolutions, Orders und Det'iskn: ln Gcrterul.- As
authorized by the Arbiter, notices or summous ar-rd copies of orders, resolutious, and ciecisions,
shall be served on the parties and/or counsel of record to the case personally by tlre prttcess
server or by registered mail, both within two (2) days from receipt by the process server lbr the
purpose of service thereof: provided, that in special circumstances, service of summons may be
effected in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court

Page 7 of 20
The return of service of summons shall be submittetl to the Regiotral Field Office, within lhrce
(3) days from the date of service thereof, stating legibly therein the pt'ocess serYer's llarlle, the
names of the persols served, and the date of receipt, which return shall be inrmediately attaclied
and form part of the records of the case. In case of service by registered mail, the Process server
shall write in the return, the names of persons served and the date of mailing of lhe surnmons,
resolution, or decision. If no service was etfected, the process server shall state the rcason
therelor in the retu rn.
Section 29. Service of Notices Through Electronic Means.- Notices nta1, tre served and etfected
to the parties through facsimile or electronic mail; provided, the party serving such tlotice
attaches an affidavit explaining how such hotice was effected and the manner of how receipt of
such notice was verified.
Section 30. Proof and Completeness of Service.- The retunl is primu Iacie proof of the l'acts
indicated therein. Service by registered rnail is complete upon receipt by the atldressee or his
agent; but if the addressee fails or refuses to claim such mail matter frorn the post office withirt
five (5) days tiom the date of first notice ol the postmaster, service shall take efI'ect after such
time.
Section 31. Issuance of Summons.- Upon a determination that tl.re complaint is sufficient in
form and substance, the Arbiter shall tbrthwith issue the corresponding suntmons to thc
respondent. The process server, as authorized by the Arbiter, shall serve the sutrrttlotls,
together with a copy of the complaintl and the attached documents filed therewith, to the
respondent, in accordance with this Rules,
I
Rule 9
VERIFIED ANSWER
Section 32. Verified Answer or Responsive Pleading.- The respondent shall file a
verified answer or responsive pleading, together with the supporting docurnenLs withirr a
non-extendible period of ten (10) days from receipt of the summons, furnishing contplair.rant a
copy thereof.
All grounds for a motion to dismiss, counterclaim, or cross-claim must be pleaded or
incorporated in the answer; otherwise, these shall be deemed waived.
Section 33. Effect of Failure to File a Verified Answar or lTesponsive I'lcudittg.- lf the
respondent fails to file an answer or rcspor.rsive pleading within ten (10) days lrom the service
of summons, the Arbiter shall direct the complainant to file, within ten (10) days, a verified
position paper and draft decision together with supporting documents. Thereafter, the case
shall be deemed submitted for resolution.
The respondent shall be entitled to notice ofsubsequent proceedings but shall not be allowed to
take part therein.
Rule 10
CONFERENCE, MEDIATION AND AMICABLE SETTLEMENT
Section 34. Mandatory Conf'erence. - The conduct of conference, including ntediation,
is mandatory provided the period to conclude the same shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar
days from the date of initial conference.

Within three (3) days from receipt of the Answer, the Arbiter shall forthwith issue the
corresponding notices to the parties for the conduct of the rlrandatory conference tbr the
following purposes:

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(a) To consider the possibility of an amicable settlement through rnediation;
(b) The scheduling by the Arbiter of the mediation which shall be signed by the parties ancl
shall serve as notice to them;
(c) The definition and simplification of the issues;
(d) The possibility of entering into admissions or stipulations of facts:
(e) The submission by the parties of additional docurnentary evidence; and,

(Q The resolution of all other preliminary matters.

The holding of the mandatory conference shall be terminated within thirty (30) days frotn lhe
date of in itial conference.

Section 35. Mediation Proceedings.- Mediation proceedings shatl be conducted by the Arbiter
or a Mediator assigned by the Arbiter. However, when conciliation or other alternative nrodes
of dispute resolution have already been resorted to prior to the filing of the case, mediation
proceedings shall no longer be conducted.
Prior to the conduct of mediation proceedings, the Arbiter or Mediator slrall cxplain to thc
parties the objectives, nature and rules of the mediation and thereafter, I'acilitatc the
communication and negotiation between the parties in order to assist thern in reaching an
agreement regarding their dispute.

Section 36. Confidentiality of Mediation Proceedings.- All inforr-nation obtained during the
mediation proceedings shall be confidential.
Section 37. Appearance of Parties Mandatory.- The appearance of parties in the mediation
proceedings is mandatory. ln case the parties cannot be personally present, their representative
shall be clothed with the proper special power of attorney or board resolution, as the case may
be, with full power to enter into a coinpromise agreement or settlement. Such authority shall be
presented to the Arbiter or Mediator before the commencement of the mediation proceeclings.

Section 38. Eftbct of Failure to Appear in tlte Metliation Prrtr:eetling.i.- When a party fails to
appear personally or through a representative during the scheduled u.rediation proceedings, the
party present may move either for the termination of the proceedings or tbr the resetting
thereof, in accordance with the schedule,set in the initial cont'erence.
Section 39. Compromise Agreemenr and Jhdgment Upon Comprontise.- lf a compromise is
reached, the agreement shall be reducpd in writing, signed by the parties and attested to by the
Arbiter or Mediator. When conducted by the latter, the Mediator shall return the case to the
Arbiter together with the compromise agteement. The Arbiter shall ibrthwith reuder judgnrent
based on the compromise agreement which shall be immediately final and executory.

Section 40. Termination of Mediation, Proceedings. - Where no compromise or settlement is

reached the Arbiter or Mediator conducting the mediation shall terminate the proceedings and
shall issue a certificate attesting thereto. The case shall then be returned to tlrc Arbiter
immediately upon the termination of the mediation proceedings if such is conducted by the
Mediator.

Rule ll
POSITION PAP ER S AND DRAFT DECTSIONS

t;
,rPage 9 of 20

I
Section 41. I'osition I'apers ancl Dralt Deci:'^ions,- When the nranclatory ctttrlercttcc ts
terminated within the 30-day period, the Arbiter shall issue an order directing the prrties to
simultaneously file within fifteen (15) days fronr receipt Ihercof their respective positirrrr
papers, jointly verified by the parties and their respective counsels, attachins thereto the
affidavits of their witnesses and documentary evidence, as well as their draft decisions as
provided for by Executive Order No. 26.

Said position papers and draft decisions shall state.clearly and distinctly the facts, tl.tc issucs
and applicable laws and jurisprudence on which they are based.

Section 42. Ocular Inspection andlor Clarificatory Hearinl4s.- At any time befbre the case is
resolved, the Arbiter may require an ocular inspection of the project or conduct clarificatory
hearings provided the same are held within the period of thirty (30) days provided for the
resolution of the case.
Rule 12
JUDGMENT OF THE ARBITER
Section 43, When Case Deemed Submitted t'br Rexth.ttktr.- A case is deerned submitted lbr
resolution when the parties have filed their respective position papers and draft decisions or
when the period to file the same expires.
Section 44.Judgment - The Arbiter shall resolve the case within thirty (30) days l'rorn the (late
the case is deemed submitted tbr resoluJion. All pending ntotiolts as well as those unresolved
incidents filed after the submission of the case for resolution shall be resolved in the judgmerrt.
Section 45, Notice of the Judgment to the partle.r. - Within three (3) days from the resolution o[
the case, the Arbiter, through the process server, shall lbrthwith send a copy of the judgment to
the parties.

PART 3
PROCEEDINGS ON APPEAL

, Rule 13
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Section 46. Composition.- Tbe Board of Commissioners is composed of the Clrairman, fbur (4)
full-time Commissioners and four (4) ex o.fticict Commissioners representing the National
Economic and Development Authority, the Department o[ Justice, the Department ot'the
Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Public Works aud Highways.
Section 47. Jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners. - ln the exercise of its adiudicatory
authority, the Board shall have jurisdictipn over the following cases:
(a) Exclusive jurisdiction over controverSies involving orders and issuances of the Regional
Officer;
(b) Original jurisdiction over oppositigns to applications for locational clearance lbr
projects of national or regional sigirificance;
(c) Appellate jurisdiction over the judgments of the Arbiters
(d) Appellate jurisdiction over decisions of local and regional planning and zoning bodies;
and,
(e) Such other cases as provided by law.
Section 48. Divisions and Functions ol theBourd oJ Commisshners.-

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(a) Divisions.- The adjudicatory functions of the Board of Commissioners shall be exercised
through its four (4) Regular Divisions, consisting of two (2) full-time and one (1) e,t' rt.ffir:irt
Commissioner, and the Special Division, consisting of the lbur (4) full-tine
Commissioners.
(b) Quorum.- The presence of at least two (2) Commissioners irr a regular Division artd thrce
(3) Commissioners in the Special Division shall constitule a quorum. The concurretrce ol a
majority of the Commissioners present and constituting a quorum in a division nleeting
shalt be necessary for the promulgation of a judgment.

(c) Dissenting Opinion.- A member of a Division may dissent fronr the decisron oi the
majority by writing a dissenting opinion.
(d) Inhibition - No motion to inhibit the entire Division o[ the Cornrnission shall be
entertained. However, any Commissioner may inhibit from the consideration and
resolution of any case or matter before the Division and shall so state in writing the legal or
justifiable grounds therefor.
(e) Consolidation of Cases.- Appealed cases involving the sarne parties, issues, or relatcd
questions of fact or law may be consolidated betbre the Division to lvhich the case with the
lowest case number is assisned.
Rule 14
APPEAL MEMORANDUM AND COUNTER-MEMORANDUM
Section 49. Allowed Pleadings.- The only pleadings allowed on appeal are the Appeal
Memorandum and the Counter-Memorandum. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of
Commissioners, no other pleadings shall be allowed and the filing thereof does not toll the
period for the resolution of the appeal. :

Section 50. Appeal Memorandum.- An appeal may be taken from the decision of the Arbiter on
any legal ground and upon payment of the appeal fee, by filing with the Regional Field Otfice
a verified appeal memorandum in three (3) copies within fifteen (15) days fiom receipt o1'lhe
assailed decision.

Within five (5) days from receipt of the appeal memorandum, the Regional Field OfTice shall
elevate the records of the case to the Board of Commissioners tosether with the surnmary rJf
proceedings.

Section 51. Contents of AppeaL Memorandum.-

(a) Title and Caption.- The heading shall s[ate that the case is filed under the jurisdiction of
the HLURB. The caption shall be the same as that stated in the original case but the party
appealing shall be additionally designated as the "Appellant" arrd the party against whonr
the appeal is made as the "Appellee"; r

(b) Statement of Date of Receipt of Appealeid Decision.- The staternent of the date when the
appellant received a copy of the appealed decision;
(c) Statement of the Facts and Incidents.- Th$ summary of the tacts leading to tlie filing of the
case, or giving rise to the omission or commission of the acts constituting the cause of
action or defense, and the proceedings coriducted, inclusive of the material dates;

(d) Statement of the lssaes.- The issues to be resolved in the appeal;

(e) Statement of the Grounds lbr the Appeal.- The grounds upon which the appeal is based;

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(fl Reliefs.- The ultimate claims of the parties;
(g) Verificatictn.- The verification which shall be in accordance with Section l-5 (c) of this
Ru les;

the date ol service of the appeal

(h) AJlidavit of service to the other party.- Ati affidavit stating
memoranoum upon the other party and a copy of the registry return receipt which shall be
attached thereto, and,
(1) Appeal Bond.- In case of money judgment, an appeal bond in cash or rnanager's check
posted with the Board or surety bond in accordance with the succeeding sectiotl, equivalenl
to the amount of the award and actual damages, excluding interests, other damages, and
attorney's fees.
Section 52. Requirements of the Surety Bond.-
(a) Formal Requirements.- A surety bond shall be issued by a reputable bonding cor.nparly
duly accredited by the Supreme Court, and shall be accomparried by originat or certified
true copies of the following:
(1) A joint declaration under oath by the appellant and the bonding comparly, attesting that
the bond posted is genuine, and shall be in effect until final disposition of the case;
(2) An indemnity agreement between the appellant and bonding colrlpany;
(3) Proof of security deposit or collateral securing the bond, provided that a check shall
not be considered as an acceptable security;
(4) Certificate of authority from the Insurance Commission;
(5) Certificate of registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission;
(6) Certificate of authority to transact surety business from the Otfice of tlte President;
(7) Certificate of accreditation and authority from the Supreme Court; and,
(8) Notarized board resolution or secretary's cerlificate fi'orn the bonding corllparly
showing its authorized signatories and their specirnen signatures.
(b) Validity.- An appeal bond in cash or surety shall be valid and efl'ective frorn the date of
deposit or posting until the case is finally decided, resolved, or tertnrnated, ctt' lhc awatd
satisfied. This condition shall be deemed incorporated in the terms and conditions of the
surety bond, and shall be binding or.r the appellant and the bonding company.
The appellant shall furnish the appetlee with a certified true copy of the said surety bond
with all the above-mentioned supporting documents. The appellee shall verify the
regularity and genuineness thereof and immediately report any irregularity to the Board of
Cornmissioners. Upon verification by the Board of Commissioners that the bond is
irregular or not genuine, the Board of Commissioners shall cause the immediate dismissal
of the appeal, and censure or cite in contempt the responsible parties and their counsels, or
subject them to reasonable fine or penalty.
Section 53. Counter-Memorandum.- Upon receipt of a copy of the appellattt's ntetnorandunt
and without waiting for any separate order tiom the Board of Commissioners, the appellee
shall file a counter-memorandum in three (3) copies within a non-extendible period o1 ten ( I0)
days from receipt of the appellant's memorandum, with proof of service to the appellant.

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Section 54.EJfectoJ'FilinganAppeal.-Theappealshall staytheexecutio[of ar.rydecisionor
order of the Arbiter unless otherwise provided in this Rules'
Section 55. Admissibility of New Evidence on Appeal.- The Board of Commissioners may, itr
the evaluation of the appeal, order reception of evidence or conduct furthcr proceedings. trr
take judicial notice of oih"r reco.ds of the HLURB, provided the same are held rvitlrirr tlic
periodof sixty(60)daystbrtheresolutionof thecaseunderRule l6of thisRules.
Rule l5
DISMISSAL OFTHEAPPEAL
Section 56. Dismissal of the AppeaL - The appeal shalt be dismissed on any of the fbllowing
grounds:

(a) Filing of the appeal beyond the reglementary period;

(b) Failure to state the date of receipt of the appealed decision by the appellant;

(c) Joint motion of the parties to dismiss the appeal;

(d) Withdrawal of the appeal;

(e) Failure to pay appeal fees;
(f) Failure to post appeal bond;
(g) Failure to furnish the other party a copy of the appeal memorandum: or,
(h) Failure to comply with the orders of the Board of Commissioners and/or the requirernents
of this Rules.
Rule 16
JUDGMENT OFTHE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Section 57. Judgment of the Board ol'Commissioners.-The Board of Commissioners shall
resolve the appeal within sixty (60) days from the date the appeal is deemed submitted for
resolution. A1l pending motions as well as those unresolved incidents filed after the submission
of the appeal for resolution shall be resolved in the judgment.
Section 58. Notice of the.ludgment.'' Upon resolution of thc appeal, the Board ol'
Commissioners shall notify the parties thereof by serving upon them a copy the judgment.
Section 59. 1/o Motion for Reconsideration Jbr Judgment ort Appeal.- No motion tbr
reconsideration shall be atlowed nor 6ntertained fiom the judgment of the Board of
Commissioners on appealed cases.
PART4 ;
FINALITY AND EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT
Rule 17
FINALITY OFJUDGMENT
Section 60. Finality of Judgment.- Decisions or orders of the Arbiter and the Board of
Commissioners shall be deemed final and executory in accordance with the followiug:
(a) Decisions, resolutions or orders of the Arbiter shall beconre tinal and executory lifteerr
(15) days after the date of receipt thereof by the parties and no appeal has been filed within
the said period;

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(b) Decisions, resolutions or orders of the Board of Commissioners shall become final and
executory fifteen (15) days after the receipt thereof by the parties and no appeal lras treert
filed within the said period.
Rule l8
EXECUI'ION
Section 61. Execution of Judgments.- Executior.r shall issue only upon motiou of an interested
party upon a final decision, resolution or order. A motion for execution shall bc filed, copy
furnished the other parties, with the Regional Field Otfice of origin and accompanied by:

(a) The original copy or certified true copy of the entry of .iudgrnent or certilicate or tlrdcl
of finality issued by the Board of Commissioners, the Office of the Prcsident. the Court
of Appeals or the Supreme Court, as the case may be; and,
(b) Certified true copies of all judgments on the case.

The Arbiter shall resolve the motion and issue the writ of executiort within a period ol' fifteen
(15) days from receipt of the motion fbr execution. When an opposition is filed, within a period
of five (5) days from receipt of the motion fbr execution, the Arbiter shall resolve the incidcrlt
within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the opposition.
Section 62. Writs of Execution - All writs of execution shall be issued by the Arbiter
directed to the sheriff concerned.
Section 63. Prohibited Pleadings in Exectttiort Proceedings.- Pleadings or ntotiorrs in lhe
guise of an appeal on collateral issues or questions deemed already passed upon or
considered in the resolution of the case or incident shall not be entertained in the resolution
of the motion for execution.
Section 64. Resolution of Incidents of Execution - All incidents pertaining to the execution
of the final and executory judgment shall be resolved by the Arbiter.
Section 65. Executir,tn Pending Appeul.- Where execution pending appeal is allowed and the
execution is granted upon such terms considered proper for the protection or security of the
rights of the adverse party, the party moving for execution shatl be required to post a bond to
answer for whatever damages that the adverse party may sustain by reason of the execution if it
should be finally decided that the movant is not entitled thereto.

PART 5
PROVISIONAL AND SPECIAL REMEDIES
Rule 19
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 66. Coverage.- This Rules shall be applicable to the following provisional and special
remedies, which include:

(a) Creation of Management Committee;

(b) Cease and Desist Order;

(c) Contempt;
(d) Inspection of Books and Records; and.
(e) Other applicable provisional and special remedies in tlre Rules of Court.

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