P. Trial (Codal)

Question 1

Section 1. Schedule of trial.

Answer 1

The parties shall strictly observe the scheduled hearings as agreed upon and set forth in the pre-trial order.

Question 2

Sec. 1(a)

The schedule of the trial dates, for both plaintiff and defendant shall be continuous and within the following periods:

Answer 2

i. The initial presentation of plaintiff’ s evidence shall be set not later than thirty (30) calendar days after the termination of the pre-trial conference. Plaintiff shall be allowed to present its evidence within a period of three (3) months or ninety (90) calendar days which shall include the date of the judicial dispute resolution, if necessary;

ii. The initial presentation of defendant s evidence shall be set not later than thirty (30) calendar days after the court s ruling on plaintiff s formal offer of evidence. The defendant shall be allowed to present its evidence within a period of three (3) months or ninety (90) calendar days;

iii. The period for the presentation of evidence on the third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or cross-claim shall be determined by the court the total of which shall in no case exceed ninety (90) calendar days; and

iv. If deemed necessary, the court shall set the presentation of the parties respective rebuttal evidence, which shall be completed within a period of thirty (30) calendar days.

Question 3

b) The trial dates may be shortened

Answer 3

(b) The trial dates may be shortened depending on the number of witnesses to be presented, provided that the presentation of evidence of all parties shall be terminated within a period of ten (10) months or three hundred (300) calendar days. If there are no third (fourth, etc.)-party claim, counterclaim or cross-claim, the presentation of evidence shall be terminated within a period of six (6) months or one hundred eighty (180) calendar days.

Question 4

(c) The court shall decide and serve copies of its decision to the parties

Answer 4

(c) The court shall decide and serve copies of its decision to the parties within a period not exceeding ninety (90) calendar days from the submission of the case for resolution, with or without memoranda.