Question & AnswerQ&A (ERC Resolution NO. 02, S. 2013)
The primary objective is to reduce the judicial system's use of excessive quantities of costly paper to save forests, avoid landslides, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Section 3 covers (a) all pleadings, motions, and similar papers intended for court and quasi-judicial bodies' consideration and action (court-bound papers), (b) reports and transcripts of stenographic notes submitted to courts, and (c) all decisions, resolutions, and orders issued by courts and quasi-judicial agencies.
Documents must be written in single space with a one-and-a-half space between paragraphs, using an easily readable 14-size font on 13-inch by 8.5-inch white bond paper.
The required margins are a left margin of 1.5 inches, an upper margin of 1.2 inches, and right and lower margins both of 1.0 inch from the paper's edges.
For courts other than the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Tax Appeals, only one original properly marked with annexes should be filed unless otherwise directed by the court.
A party serving court-bound papers need not enclose copies of annexes that the adverse party already possesses according to court records. If annexes are requested, the filing party must comply within five days from receipt.
The ERC adopted the Efficient Use of Paper Rule and amended its Rules of Practice and Procedure to require all ERC-bound papers to be single spaced, use 14-size Arial font, printed on 13-inch by 8.5-inch paper with specified margins and page numbering, and follow similar filing and service rules.
Commission-bound papers must have a left margin of 1.5 inches, an upper margin of 1.2 inches, and right and lower margins of 1.0 inch.
An original and two copies of any pleading and other papers must be filed unless otherwise directed.
The resolution takes effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
The party is entitled to receive a copy of all papers previously filed upon request.
Section 4(o) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (RA 9136) empowers the ERC to issue necessary rules essential for its functions.
Consecutive page numbering ensures organized, clear referencing and aids in efficient case management.
The ERC specifies using 14-size Arial font.