Who May Be Parties in a Civil Action? (Sec. 1, Rule 3, ROC)

Question 1

Only the following may be parties in a civil action:

Answer 1

1. Natural persons;
2. Juridical persons; or
3. Entities authorized by law

Question 2

Entities authorized by law to be parties in a civil action

Answer 2

Under Article 44, Civil Code of the Philippines:

(A) The State and its political subdivisions;

(B) Other corporations, institutions, and entities for public interest or purpose, created by law (their personality commences as soon as they have been constituted in accordance with law);

(C) Corporations, partnerships, and associations for private interest or purpose to which the law grants a juridical personality separate from that of each shareholder, partner, or member.

Under prevailing jurisprudence:

(A) Estate of a deceased person;

(B) Legitimate labor organizations;

(C) Roman Catholic Church;

(D) Dissolved corporation, provided that (a) the suits occur within 3 years after its dissolution and (b) the suits are in connection with the settlement and closure of its affairs.