Administrative Matter No. 00-2-10-SC

The Court resolved to AMEND the following provisions in the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure: (a) Section 4 of Rule 7; and (b) Section 13 of Rule 41, to read as follows:

• Rule 7
  • Section 4  Verification.

    Except when otherwise specifically required by law or rule, pleadings need not be under oath, verified or accompanied by affidavit.

    • A pleading is verified by an affidavit that the affiant has read the pleading and that the allegations therein are true and correct of his personal knowledge or based on authentic records.

    • A pleading required to be verified which contains a verification based on "information and belief", or "upon knowledge, information and belief," or lacks a proper verification, shall be treated as an unsigned pleading.(4a)

• Rule 41
  • Section 13  Dismissal of appeal.

    Prior to the transmittal of the original record or the record on appeal to the appellate court, the trial court may, motu proprio or on motion, dismiss the appeal for having been taken out of time or for non-payment of the docket and other lawful fees within the reglementary period. (13a)

The foregoing amendments shall take effect on May 1, 2000, following the publication of this Resolution in two (2) newspapers of general circulation not later than March 15, 2000.