[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 69-2010, May 12, 2010 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 69-2010, May 12, 2010 ]

[ OCA CIRCULAR NO. 69-2010, May 12, 2010 ]

TO:

ALL JUDGES AND CLERKS OF COURT OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS

SUBJECT:

PERSONAL NOTICE TO THE PARTIES OF THE RAFFLE OF CASES IN ELECTION CONTESTS BEFORE THE COURTS INVOLVING ELECTIVE MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS (A.M. No. 10-4-1-SC)

Pursuant to the Resolution of the Honorable Court En Bane in A.M. No. 10-4-1-SC dated 27 April 2010, which approved the 2010 Rules of Procedure in Election Contests before the Courts Involving Elective Municipal Officials, you are hereby directed to strictly comply with the requirement of personal notice to the parties before the raffle of cases in election contests involving elective municipal officials, to wit:

Section 11. Raffle of cases. - The Supreme Court shall designate the Regional Trial Courts within a judicial region that shall take cognizance of election protests and petitions for quo warranto. A raffle conducted by the executive judge shall determine the assignment of cases to these courts, except in single-sala courts or courts specifically designated by the Supreme Court. No court shall assume jurisdiction over an election contest unless the case has been properly assigned to it as provided herein.

At least twenty-four (24) hours before the raffle, the clerk of court must serve personal notice to the parties, stating the date and time of the raffle. Proof of service to the parties shall be submitted to the court, and the raffle shall be open to the public. The Supreme Court shall issue the necessary circular implementing this proviso. (Emphasis supplied). The Rules shall take effect on 2 Manila Bulletin on 06 May 2010.

12 May 2010.

(SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator