Below is a comprehensive discussion of the Motion for Reconsideration (MR) Timeline in the Philippines, focusing on its legal basis, procedural requirements, and notable nuances across different courts and types of cases. Although the general rules are primarily found in the Revised Rules of Court, certain administrative and quasi-judicial bodies also have their own timelines and rules. This article aims to give a full overview of what practitioners, litigants, and law students need to know.

1. Overview of a Motion for Reconsideration

A Motion for Reconsideration is a pleading filed by a party who wishes to request the court—or a quasi-judicial body—to re-examine its judgment, final order, or resolution. Its primary aim is to show that the decision or resolution contains errors (in law or in fact) that necessitate either modification or reversal.

The concept of a Motion for Reconsideration serves at least two central purposes:

Judicial Economy – It allows a court to correct its own errors promptly, preventing unnecessary appeals.
Fairness – It gives the party an opportunity to point out potential misinterpretations of fact or law before the case progresses to higher courts (or finality).

2. Governing Law and General Timeline

2.1. The Rules of Court (Civil and Criminal Cases)

Relevant Provisions
- For civil cases: Rule 37 of the Rules of Court (as amended) governs motions for reconsideration of judgments or final orders.
- For criminal cases: Rule 121, Section 1 of the Rules of Court governs motions for new trial or reconsideration.
General Period to File
- Civil Cases: A motion for reconsideration of a judgment or final order must generally be filed within 15 calendar days from receipt of the judgment or final order.
- Criminal Cases: Similarly, a motion for reconsideration (or new trial) must be filed within 15 calendar days from promulgation of judgment or notice of final order.
Effect on the Period to Appeal
- Civil Cases: A timely filed MR suspends (or “tolls”) the running of the period to appeal. Once the MR is resolved, the adverse party then has the remainder of the statutory period to file an appeal (often 15 days), counting from the receipt of the order denying the MR.
- Criminal Cases: If the MR is denied, the timeline to elevate the matter to the next court (e.g., by appeal) resumes.
Form and Substance Requirements
- Must clearly state the grounds relied upon (errors of law or fact).
- Must be verified if it involves matters not of record.
- Must include a notice of hearing, proof of service, and comply with formal requisites under the Rules of Court.

2.2. Appellate Proceedings

Court of Appeals
- When a decision or resolution is rendered by the Court of Appeals, the aggrieved party usually has 15 days from receipt of the decision or resolution to file a motion for reconsideration.
- The motion must be pro forma barred (i.e., it must not raise exactly the same arguments already fully considered). Otherwise, it may not toll the finality period.
Supreme Court
- The general rule is that a motion for reconsideration must be filed within 15 days from receipt of the Supreme Court’s decision or resolution.
- Extensions are rarely granted.
- Second Motions for Reconsideration are prohibited except for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., the court has overlooked certain constitutional issues or there is a need to reverse a precedent to avoid a miscarriage of justice). In such extraordinary situations, leave of court must first be obtained.

3. Special Timelines in Administrative and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

In addition to the standard 15-day period under the Rules of Court, several administrative agencies and quasi-judicial bodies in the Philippines adopt their own periods for filing a motion for reconsideration. Below are some notable examples:

National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
- Under the Labor Code and the NLRC Rules of Procedure, parties have 10 calendar days from receipt of the decision to file a motion for reconsideration or an appeal.
Office of the Ombudsman
- The Ombudsman’s Rules of Procedure provide specific timelines for the filing of motions for reconsideration of its resolutions or decisions. Typically, a party has 5 days from receipt of the decision/resolution to file, although changes in Ombudsman issuances may adjust this.
Civil Service Commission (CSC)
- Depending on the CSC issuances, the timeline is typically 15 days from receipt of the questioned decision, subject to specific implementing rules.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- In electoral disputes, COMELEC en banc decisions and resolutions often have particular timelines—commonly 5 to 15 days—depending on the type of action or resolution involved.

Because each administrative body has its own set of procedural rules, always check the specific issuances and implementing guidelines for accurate timelines.

4. Prohibited or Subsequent Motions

4.1. Prohibited Motions under the Rules of Court

Under the amended Rules of Civil Procedure (2019 Amendments), the following motions are classified as prohibited in certain circumstances (Rule 15, Section 12), if they do not comply with specific exceptions:

A second motion for reconsideration (in most cases, outside the extraordinary exceptions in the Supreme Court).
A motion for reconsideration of an order denying a prior motion for reconsideration (which would effectively be a second MR).

4.2. Second Motion for Reconsideration in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Internal Rules disfavor second motions for reconsideration. As noted, they are generally prohibited except when there are substantial grounds that warrant a re-examination, such as extraordinary constitutional or jurisprudential issues.
Before filing, a party must first seek leave to file a second motion, showing compelling reasons. The Court’s denial of a motion for leave means the second MR will not even be entertained.

5. Effect of Filing a Motion for Reconsideration

5.1. Suspension of Execution and Finality

A timely filed MR prevents the decision from attaining finality. While the motion is pending, the court’s decision or order is not yet “executory.”

5.2. Interruption of the Period to Appeal

For civil cases, if the MR is denied, the party has the balance of the appeal period (often 15 days) to file an appeal. If no MR was filed, the decision generally becomes final 15 days after receipt of the judgment.

5.3. Modification or Reversal

If the court grants the MR (in whole or in part), it may amend its findings or conclusions, which could result in a partial or complete reversal of the judgment.

6. Grounds for Filing a Motion for Reconsideration

6.1. Errors of Fact

The party must show that the court misapprehended certain facts, overlooked material evidence, or relied on evidence not admitted into the record.

6.2. Errors of Law

The party can argue that the court misapplied a legal principle, cited an inapplicable precedent, or otherwise erred in its legal reasoning or interpretation of statutes.

6.3. Newly Discovered Evidence (Often Coupled with Motion for New Trial)

If the ground is newly discovered evidence, the motion typically must show that:
1. The evidence is newly discovered and could not have been discovered before trial by due diligence,
2. The evidence is material, not merely cumulative, and
3. It would likely alter the outcome if presented.

7. Procedure and Best Practices

Strictly Observe Deadlines
- The 15-day period (or the shorter or longer period set by an agency’s own rules) is inflexible.
- Late filing usually renders the motion pro forma or dismissible outright.
Serve Copies on All Parties
- Failure to serve copies on adverse parties with proper proof of service could lead to denial.
State the Specific Issues or Errors
- Do not merely rehash the entire case record. Focus on the specific factual and legal points that the court supposedly overlooked or misapplied.
Beware of Successive Motions
- If you have already filed and lost one motion for reconsideration, a second motion is typically prohibited. Exhaustively address all issues in your first MR.
Check Jurisprudential Developments
- The Supreme Court frequently updates or clarifies the application of the Rules of Court. Stay current with recent rulings.

8. Common Pitfalls

Missing the Deadline
- Failing to meet the 15-day requirement (or relevant period in specialized tribunals) immediately weakens your position.
Pro Forma Motions
- Submitting an MR that merely repeats arguments without substantive explanation can be dismissed outright as pro forma.
Non-Compliance with Form Requirements
- An MR without notice of hearing, proof of service, or verification (when required) can be struck down.
Filing Multiple Motions
- Attempting to file successive motions for reconsideration can delay your case or lead to an outright denial on procedural grounds.

9. Practical Tips

Draft Concisely: Courts appreciate clarity. Briefly highlight the critical points the court might have overlooked or misapplied.
Cite Pertinent Law and Jurisprudence: Strengthen the argument by referencing specific rules, statutes, and on-point Supreme Court decisions.
Organize Your Grounds: If there are multiple errors alleged, group them into errors of fact and errors of law.
Remember Potential Impact on Appeal: A well-prepared MR can often narrow the issues if the case proceeds to the appellate level, saving time and resources.

10. Conclusion

The timeline for filing a Motion for Reconsideration in the Philippines is governed primarily by the 15-day rule under the Revised Rules of Court for both civil and criminal proceedings. However, practitioners and litigants must be mindful that certain administrative bodies have shorter or specialized timelines. Once filed on time and properly argued, an MR suspends the finality of the decision and may ultimately pave the way for a reversal or modification of the judgment.

Because missing deadlines or filing a defective motion can severely prejudice a litigant’s rights, careful attention to procedural details is paramount. Always consult the latest amendments to the Rules of Court and the specific rules of each court or agency to ensure compliance. When used effectively and promptly, a Motion for Reconsideration can serve as a critical opportunity to rectify errors and potentially secure a just outcome without the need for a full-blown appeal.