Law Summary
Key Requirements on Paper Usage (Section 3, Efficient Use of Paper Rule)
- All court-bound pleadings, motions, and similar papers must be:
- Written in single space with 1.5 space between paragraphs.
- Typed using a 14-point readable font chosen by the party.
- Printed on white bond paper measuring 13 inches by 8.5 inches.
- Applies also to reports, transcripts, decisions, resolutions, and orders.
Formatting and Numbering of Court-Bound Papers (Section 4)
- Every page of court-bound papers must be consecutively numbered.
- Standardized margin requirements:
- Left margin: 1.5 inches
- Top margin: 1.2 inches
- Right margin: 1.0 inch
- Bottom margin: 1.0 inch
Filing and Copies of Documents (Section 5)
- Generally, only one original of court-bound papers needs to be filed in "other courts" except Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Tax Appeals.
- The original must be properly marked and accompanied by all stated annexes.
Service of Annexes and Copies (Section 6)
- A party serving court-bound papers on the adverse party need not include annexes already in the adverse party’s possession based on court records.
- If annexes are requested, they must be provided within five (5) days of receipt of the request.
Commission’s Existing Rules on Paper (Section 2, Rule 3; Section 1, Rule 10)
- Pleadings and other papers with the Commission are typed on 8.5" x 14" paper, double-spaced except for single-spaced footnotes and quotes.
- Originals and two copies are required unless otherwise directed.
- All documents must be served to all parties, and copies furnished to new parties upon request.
Amendments to the Commission’s Rules Incorporating Efficient Use of Paper Rule
- Section 2, Rule 3 amended to require:
- Single space with 1.5 space between paragraphs;
- Use of 14-point Arial font;
- Use of 13" x 8.5" white bond paper;
- Footnotes are single-spaced;
- Consecutive numbering and specified margins as per Supreme Court rule;
- Original and two copies of documents with annexes are to be filed.
- Section 1, Rule 10 amended to require:
- Service of all filed documents (except confidential) upon all parties;
- Exclusion of annexes already possessed by adverse parties during service;
- Compliance with annexes requests within five (5) days.
Authority and Effectivity
- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) adopts the Supreme Court’s Efficient Use of Paper Rule as part of its Rules of Practice and Procedure.
- This adoption is pursuant to the ERC’s authority under Section 38 of RA 9136 and Section 4(o), Rule 3 of the EPIRA IRR.
- The Resolution takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Compliance and Dissemination
- Copies of the Resolution are to be furnished to the University of the Philippines Law Center-Office of the National Administrative Register (UPLC-ONAR).
- The Resolution is signed and promulgated by the ERC Chairperson and Commissioners.