Computation of Time When Last Day Falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Legal Holiday and a Motion for Extension Filed on Next Working Day is Granted
On February 29, 2000, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a resolution clarifying the computation of time for filing pleadings under Rule 22 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure. It specifies that if the last day for filing falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the filing is deemed timely if submitted on the next working day. Furthermore, when a party requests an extension, the new due date is counted from the original expiration of the period rather than automatically extending to the next working day. This resolution aims to provide clarity and guidance for the legal community regarding deadlines and extensions in court proceedings.
February 29, 2000
A.M. No. 00-2-14-SC
Gentlemen:
Quoted hereunder, for your information, is a resolution of the Court En Banc dated 29 February 2000
"A.M. No. 00-2-14-SC. — Re: Computation of Time When the Last Day Falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Legal Holiday and a Motion for Extension Filed on Next Working Day is Granted. DAaEIc
Whereas, Section 1, Rule 22 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure provides:
Section 1. How to compute time. — In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these Rules, or by order of the court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act or event from which the designated period of time begins to run is to be excluded and the date of performance included. If the last day of the period, as thus computed, falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday in the place where the court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day. (n)
Whereas, the aforecited provision applies in the matter of filing of pleadings in courts when the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, in which case, the filing of the said pleading on the next working day is deemed on time;
Whereas, the question has been raised if the period is extended ipso jure to the next working day immediately following where the last day of the period is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday so that when a motion for extension of time is filed, the period of extension is to be reckoned from the next working day and not from the original expiration of the period;
NOW THEREFORE, the Court Resolves, for the guidance of the Bench and the Bar, to declare that Section 1, Rule 22 speaks only of "the last day of the period" so that when a party seeks an extension and the same is granted, the due date ceases to be the last day and hence, the provision no longer applies. Any extension of time to file the required pleading should therefore be counted from the expiration of the period regardless of the fact that said due date is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday." DCcHAa
Very truly yours,
LUZVIMINDA D. PUNOClerk-of Court
By:
(SGD.) MA. LUISA D. VILLARAMAAssistant Clerk of Court