Query: Kaylan po kaya pwede makakuha ng finality after the decision of the court?

In the Philippine legal system, the finality of a court decision signifies the end of litigation, where no further appeals or motions can be entertained, and the decision becomes executory. Understanding when a decision attains finality involves several key steps and timelines dictated by procedural rules.

Finality of a Trial Court Decision

Judgment and Appeal Period: After a trial court renders its judgment, the aggrieved party has 15 days to file an appeal. If no appeal is filed within this period, the decision becomes final and executory.
Motion for Reconsideration: If a motion for reconsideration is filed within the 15-day period, the decision does not attain finality until the court resolves the motion. Once the motion is resolved, the 15-day period to appeal starts anew from the date of notice of the denial of the motion.

Finality of an Appellate Court Decision

Court of Appeals: Decisions of the Court of Appeals (CA) become final after 15 days from receipt of the decision if no appeal is filed to the Supreme Court. A motion for reconsideration can also be filed, which pauses the finality until it is resolved.
Supreme Court: Decisions of the Supreme Court are generally final and executory. However, parties can file a motion for reconsideration within 15 days of the decision. If the motion is denied, the decision becomes final and executory upon the second denial.

Rules Governing Finality

Rule 36, Section 2 of the Rules of Court: This rule explicitly states that a judgment or final order is entered by the clerk of court if no appeal or motion for reconsideration is filed within the prescribed period. The entry of judgment marks the finality of the decision.

Special Civil Actions and Certiorari

In certain instances, a party may file a special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court if there is a question of jurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. This action must be filed within 60 days from notice of the judgment, order, or resolution.

Executory Nature of Final Judgments

Once a decision becomes final and executory, it is entered in the Book of Entries of Judgments. At this point, the decision can be enforced. The prevailing party can now seek the issuance of a writ of execution to implement the court's decision.

Conclusion

The finality of a court decision in the Philippines occurs after the lapse of the prescribed period for filing appeals or motions for reconsideration, provided no such filings are made. For trial court decisions, this period is generally 15 days, and similar timelines apply for appellate decisions. Understanding these procedural timelines is crucial for litigants to navigate the legal process effectively.