EXECUTION CIV Flashcards
Under what circumstances can the execution of a judgment or final order be issued as a matter of right, and how does the principle of immutability of final judgments protect the prevailing party?
Execution as a Matter of Right
Upon motion of the prevailing party, execution of a judgment
or final order shall issue as a matter of right when no appeal is taken
therefrom or upon the lapse of the period to do so. This is due to
the well-settled principle of immutability of final judgments which
demands that once a judgment has become final, the winning party
should not, through a mere subterfuge, be deprived of the fruits of the
verdict.
Ordinarily, courts have the ministerial duty to grant the execution
of a final judgment. The prevailing party may immediately move for
execution of the judgment, and the issuance of the writ follows as a
matter of course. Execution, being the final stage of litigation, cannot
be frustrated.
Nevertheless, the execution of a final judgment may be stayed or
set aside in certain cases. Courts have jurisdiction to entertain motions
to quash writs of execution which were previously issued. They have
the inherent power, for the advancement of justice, to correct the errors
of their ministerial officers and to control their own processes.
This passage means that even though a final judgment is typically enforceable through execution, there are certain situations where its enforcement can be paused (stayed) or canceled (set aside).
In Philippine law, execution of a final judgment may be stayed or set aside in cases such as:
- Supervening events – If new circumstances arise that make execution unjust or impossible.
- Defects in the writ of execution – If the writ is legally flawed or improperly issued.
- Agreement between parties – If the judgment creditor agrees to accept a reduced amount or alternative settlement.
- Lack of authority – If the writ was issued by a court or official without proper jurisdiction.
- Wrongful execution – If the writ is enforced against the wrong party.
These principles are covered under Rule 39 of the Philippine Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs execution of judgments. You can find more details here. Let me know if you need further clarification!
Answer:
The execution of a judgment or final order is issued as a matter of right under the following circumstances:
- No Appeal is Taken – If the losing party does not file an appeal within the allowed period, the judgment is considered final and executory, meaning it can now be enforced.
- Expiration of Appeal Period – If the appeal period lapses without action, execution can proceed automatically.
This is based on the principle of immutability of final judgments, which ensures that once a decision becomes final, the winning party must not be deprived of the rightful benefits of the verdict. Courts uphold this principle to prevent endless litigation and ensure stability in judicial rulings.
Execution as a Matter of Right
This is due to the well-settled principle of immutability of final judgments which demands that once a judgment has become final, the winning party should not, through a mere subterfuge, be deprived of the fruits of the verdict.
This passage explains the principle of immutability of final judgments, which ensures that once a court decision becomes final and executory, it cannot be altered, reopened, or challenged except under very limited circumstances.
Key Points:
1. Finality of Court Decisions
- Once a judgment becomes final, it is binding and must be enforced.
- Neither party can modify, delay, or challenge it without legitimate legal grounds.
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Protecting the Winning Party
- The principle ensures that the prevailing party receives the full benefits of the court’s decision.
- The losing party cannot use deceptive tactics (“subterfuge”) to avoid compliance.
-
Prevention of Endless Litigation
- Courts uphold this rule to maintain stability in legal proceedings.
- It stops cases from being reopened indefinitely, preventing unnecessary delays.
Purpose of This Rule:
- Guarantees certainty and fairness in judicial rulings.
- Prevents the losing party from stalling enforcement through technicalities.
- Ensures that justice is carried out as ordered in the final judgment.
Would you like an example of how courts apply this principle in real cases?
Doctrine of Finality of Judgment
Under the doctrine of finality of judgment or immutability of judgment, a decision that has acquired finality becomes immutable and unalterable, and may no longer be modified in any respect, even if the modification is meant to correct erroneous conclusions of fact and law, and whether it be made by the court that rendered it or by the Highest Court of the land. Any act which violates this principle must immediately be struck down.
A recognized exception to the execution of such judgment as a
matter of right is the existence of?
- Supervening event
- When execution is impossible or unjust
- Other Instances When a Writ May Be Quashed or Stayed
Explain Supervening event
.
A recognized exception to the execution of such judgment as a
matter of right is the existence of a supervening event.
A supervening event is a fact which transpires or a new
circumstance which develops after a judgment has become final and
executory. This includes matters which the parties were unaware of
prior to or during trial because they were not yet in existence at that
time. To be sufficient to stay or stop the execution, a supervening event
must create a substantial change in the rights or relations of the parties
which would render execution of a final judgment unjust, impossible, or inequitable,
making it imperative to stay immediate execution in theinterest of justice.
Thus, where a case was filed and decided against three defendants
but only two of them appealed the judgment, the execution of the
adverse decision against the defendant who failed to appeal follows as
a matter of right. However, when a subsequent judgment was issued
on the appeal taken by the other two defendants, which renders the
prior execution of that previous decision against the defendant who
did not appeal as unjust and inequitable, such execution may be stayed
and restitution must be made as a matter of course, otherwise it would
leave the defendant, who was found not liable in the latter case, holding
the proverbial “empty bag.”
This passage explains the concept of a supervening event, which refers to a new fact or circumstance that arises after a court judgment has become final and executory. These events were not known or existing during the trial, but they significantly change the rights or relations of the parties involved.
Key Points:
1. Nature of a Supervening Event
- It is a new development that occurs after the final judgment.
- It must be substantial enough to make executing the judgment unjust, impossible, or unfair.
- The court may suspend or stop execution if enforcing the judgment would violate principles of justice.
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Example Scenario in the Passage
- A case was decided against three defendants, but only two appealed the decision.
- The third defendant did not appeal, so execution against them would proceed as a matter of right.
- However, if a subsequent ruling on the appeal found the other two defendants not liable, it would make the execution against the third defendant unfair (since they were also part of the same case).
- In this situation, the court may stay execution and order restitution, ensuring fairness.
-
Impact of a Supervening Event on Execution
- It acts as an exception to the immutability of final judgments.
- It protects parties from being unfairly penalized due to circumstances that were unknown during the trial.
- Courts have the discretion to stop or modify execution when justice demands it.
Purpose of This Rule:
- Prevents rigid enforcement of judgments when new facts make execution unfair.
- Ensures equitable treatment of all parties involved in the case.
- Allows courts to correct outcomes when unforeseen events impact legal rights.
Would you like a real-world example of how courts handle supervening events?
Explain When execution is impossible or unjust
A writ of execution may also be stayed or quashed when facts and
circumstances transpire after judgment has been rendered that would
make execution impossible or unjust.
When the trial court issued a writ of execution directing a car
manufacturer to deliver a 1983 Toyota Corolla Liftback to a buyer
but compliance thereto was already rendered impossible due to the
cessation of its business operations, the Supreme Court allowed the
writ to be quashed and instead ordered it to pay for damages.
Other Instances When a Writ May Be Quashed or Stayed
A writ of execution may also be quashed or stayed on the following
instances:
- a) Payment or satisfaction of the judgment debt constitute ground for the quashal of a writ of execution
although the sum given by the debtor was less than the amount of the judgment debt if the judgment cre-
ditor accepted the reduced amount as full satisfaction of the money judgment. In such case, it is justified to
recall the writ of execution; - b) A writ of execution may also be set aside or quashed
when it appears from the circumstances of the case
that: DIWA
the writ is defective in substance; or
the writ has been improvidently issued, or
the writ was issued without authority, or
the writ was issued against the wrong party.
This passage outlines the grounds for quashing or setting aside a writ of execution in legal proceedings.
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Payment or Satisfaction of Judgment Debt
- If a debtor pays less than the full amount of the judgment debt, but the creditor voluntarily accepts it as full satisfaction, the writ of execution (which enforces the judgment) can be quashed or recalled.
- This is because the purpose of the writ—to compel payment—has been fulfilled through mutual agreement.
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Other Grounds for Quashing a Writ of Execution
A writ of execution may also be set aside if:- It is defective in substance, meaning it contains errors that make it legally invalid.
- It was improvidently issued, meaning it was granted without proper justification or prematurely.
- It was issued without authority, meaning the court or official who granted it lacked the legal power to do so.
- It was issued against the wrong party, meaning it mistakenly targets someone who is not legally responsible for the judgment debt.
These principles are based on Rule 39 of the Philippine Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs the execution of judgments. If you’re interested in more details, you can check this resource. Let me know if you need further clarification!
When stayed
This passage refers to the process of staying the execution of a judgment—essentially, delaying or halting the enforcement of a court’s decision under specific circumstances.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Trial Court’s Authority: The trial court has the power to order a stay of execution within the decision it originally renders. This means the court can decide that the judgment shouldn’t be immediately enforced, based on factors it considers relevant.
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Appellate Court’s Role: If the case is taken to a higher court (an appellate court), that court also has discretion over the execution of the judgment. It can issue orders to:
- Suspend (pause the execution)
- Modify (change the terms of execution)
- Restore (reinstate a previously halted action)
- Grant an injunction, receivership, accounting, or support.
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Conditions for a Stay: A stay of execution is not automatic—it usually comes with conditions. For instance:
- Bond Requirement: The party requesting the stay may need to post a bond as a form of security.
- Other Terms: The appellate court might impose additional requirements to ensure the rights of the opposing party are protected.
This process is designed to balance the need for enforcement of judgments with fairness and protection of the interests of all parties involved. Would you like to explore real-world examples or cases where this principle was applied?
Explain - Thus, where a case was filed and decided against three defendants
but only two of them appealed the judgment, the execution of the
adverse decision against the defendant who failed to appeal follows as
matter of right. However, when a subsequent judgment was issued
on the appeal taken by the other two defendants which renders the
prior execution of that previous decision against the defendant who
did not appeal as unjust and inequitable, such execution may be stayed
and restitution must be made as a matter of course, otherwise it would
leave the defendant, who was found not liable in the latter case, holding
the proverbial “empty bag.”‘3
This passage addresses a legal principle concerning fairness in the execution of judgments, particularly in cases involving multiple defendants. Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Initial Judgment and Execution: When a case is decided against three defendants, and only two of them appeal the judgment, the decision against the third defendant (who did not appeal) is enforceable as a matter of right. This means the judgment can be executed against the non-appealing defendant without delay.
- Subsequent Appeal Outcome: If the appeal by the other two defendants results in a new judgment that changes the outcome—such as finding that none of the defendants are liable—the prior execution against the non-appealing defendant becomes unfair and inequitable. This is because the new judgment effectively overturns the basis for the earlier execution.
- Stay of Execution and Restitution: In such cases, the execution of the earlier judgment against the non-appealing defendant may be stayed (temporarily halted). Additionally, restitution must be made to correct the injustice. This ensures that the non-appealing defendant, who is ultimately found not liable, is not left to bear the consequences of a judgment that has been overturned.
- “Empty Bag” Metaphor: The phrase “holding the proverbial ‘empty bag’” illustrates the unfairness of leaving the non-appealing defendant to suffer the consequences of a judgment that no longer holds, while the appealing defendants are exonerated.
This principle underscores the importance of equity in the enforcement of legal decisions, ensuring that no party is unfairly burdened due to procedural technicalities. Let me know if you’d like to explore related legal doctrines or examples!
As earlier discussed, the timely perfection of an appeal effectively
stays the execution of a judgment or final order.
As an exception, however, to this general rule, judgments in
actions for injunction, receivership, accounting, and support shall not
be stayed by an appeal taken therefrom. Hence, said judgments are
immediately executory notwithstanding any appeal taken therefrom. (IRAS)
This passage explains an important exception in legal proceedings regarding the execution of judgments. Normally, when a party appeals a judgment or final order, its execution is put on hold until the appeal is resolved. This is called the “stay of execution.”
However, in cases involving injunctions, receivership, accounting, and support, this general rule does not apply. Even if an appeal is filed, the judgment remains immediately executory—meaning it takes effect right away, despite the pending appeal.
Breakdown of Terms:
- Injunction – A court order requiring a party to do or stop doing something.
- Receivership – A process where a court appoints a receiver to manage the assets of an entity in financial distress.
- Accounting – A judicial process where financial records are reviewed, usually in disputes over money.
- Support – Typically related to financial support obligations, such as child support or spousal support.
Since these types of judgments often require urgent enforcement (to prevent harm, protect assets, or uphold financial obligations), courts allow them to be executed immediately, regardless of appeals.
Let me know if you want me to clarify anything further!
As earlier discussed, the timely perfection of an appeal effectively
stays the execution (when a party appeals a judgment or final order, its execution is put on hold until the appeal is resolved. This is called the “stay of execution.) of a judgment or final order.
As an exception, however, to this general rule, judgments in (IRAS)
actions for injunction, receivership, accounting, and support shall not
be stayed by an appeal taken therefrom. Hence, said judgments are
immediately executory notwithstanding any appeal taken therefrom.
The timely perfection of an appeal effectively
stays the execution of a judgment or final order.
As an exception, however, to this general rule, judgments in
actions for?
actions for injunction, receivership, accounting, and support shall not
be stayed by an appeal taken therefrom. Hence, said judgments are
immediately executory notwithstanding any appeal taken therefrom.
When Stayed
The execution of such judgment, on the other hand, may be stayed
when the trial court ordered otherwise in the decision it rendered.
On appeal, the appellate court, in its discretion, may also make
an order suspending, modifying, restoring, or granting the injunction,
receivership, accounting, or award of support. Said stay of execution
shall be upon such terms as to bond or otherwise as may be considered
proper for the security or protection of the rights of the adverse party.
This passage explains situations where the execution of certain judgments—such as injunctions, receivership, accounting, and support—may be temporarily halted (stayed), despite the general rule that they are immediately executory.
Key Points:
- Trial Court’s Decision: Even though judgments in these cases are usually executed right away, the trial court has the authority to issue an order preventing immediate enforcement (staying execution) in its decision.
- Appellate Court’s Discretion: When an appeal is filed, the appellate court can also decide whether to:- Suspend (pause the enforcement)
- Modify (change the terms)
- Restore (reinstate a prior order)
- Grant the injunction, receivership, accounting, or support
- Terms of the Stay: If execution is stayed, the court may require conditions—such as posting a bond or other measures—to ensure the rights of the opposing party are protected.
In short, while these judgments are generally enforceable despite an appeal, courts retain the discretion to halt execution when necessary, often under conditions that safeguard the interests of all parties involved.
Where to File Motion?
No appeal taken
Where no appeal had been taken from the judgment or final order
sought to be enforced or the period for the taking of said appeal had
lapsed, the motion shall be filed in
In the court of origin.
After appeal
If an appeal has been duly perfected and finally resolved, the
motion for execution may be filed by the judgment obligee in the court
of origin. A certified true copy of the judgment or final order sought to
be enforced and a copy of the entry of judgment shall be attached to
said motion. The judgment obligee shall also furnish the adverse party
with a copy of said motion.
When justice so requires, the motion may also be filed in the
appellate court. Said motion, however, must be filed while the appellate
court still has possession of the record or record on appeal. If granted,
the appellate court may direct the court of origin to issue the writ of execution
execution.
What documents must be attached to the motion for execution, and under what circumstances can the motion be filed in the appellate court?
A certified true copy of the judgment or final order sought to
be enforced and a copy of the entry of judgment shall be attached to
said motion. The judgment obligee shall also furnish the adverse party
with a copy of said motion.
When justice so requires, the motion may also be filed in the
appellate court. Said motion, however, must be filed while the appellate
court still has possession of the record or record on appeal. If granted,
the appellate court may direct the court of origin to issue the writ of execution
This passage outlines the requirements and process for enforcing a final judgment through a writ of execution in the Philippines.
Key Points:
1. Required Documents for Execution
- The judgment obligee (the party entitled to enforce the judgment) must attach:
- A certified true copy of the judgment or final order.
- A copy of the entry of judgment, which confirms that the decision is final and executory.
- The obligee must also provide the adverse party (the losing party) with a copy of the motion for execution.
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Filing in the Appellate Court
- If necessary for justice, the motion for execution can be filed in the appellate court (higher court).
- However, this must be done while the appellate court still has possession of the case records.
- If the appellate court grants the motion, it may instruct the lower court (court of origin) to issue the writ of execution.
Purpose:
This ensures that execution of judgments follows proper legal procedures, preventing unauthorized enforcement and protecting the rights of both parties.
Would you like more details on how a writ of execution works in Philippine law? Let me know!
Under what circumstances can a judgment be enforced before it attains finality, and what role does the court’s discretion play in discretionary execution? (SSP)
A judgment may also be enforced even before it attains finality
and this may be done subject to the court’s discretion. There are two
possible situations wherein discretionary execution may be issued.
1. In its discretion, the court may order the execution of a judgment pending
appeal or
2. the execution of a several, separate, or partial judgment.
This passage explains the concept of discretionary execution, which allows a court to enforce a judgment even before it becomes final. Normally, judgments are executed only after they attain finality, meaning all appeals have been resolved. However, in certain cases, courts have the discretion to order execution earlier.
Two Situations Where Discretionary Execution May Be Issued:
1. Execution Pending Appeal
- If a judgment is being appealed, the court may still order its execution before the appeal is resolved.
- This is allowed when there are good reasons to justify immediate enforcement, such as urgency or risk of irreparable harm.
- The party requesting execution usually needs to post a bond to protect the opposing party in case the judgment is later reversed.
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Execution of a Several, Separate, or Partial Judgment
- If a case involves multiple claims or parties, the court may execute certain parts of the judgment independently.
- For example, if a judgment resolves one issue but other issues are still pending, the court may enforce the resolved portion without waiting for the entire case to conclude.
This principle is covered under Rule 39 of the Philippine Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs execution of judgments. If you’d like more details, you can check this resource. Let me know if you need further clarification!
Execution Pending Appeal
Even before the expiration of the period to appeal, the prevailing
party may file a motion for the execution of the judgment in the trial
court while it has jurisdiction over the case and is still is in possession
of the original record or record on appeal. The adverse party must be
furnished with a copy of said motion.
After hearing and upon showing of good reasons, the trial court
may, in its discretion, issue a special order for the execution of such
judgment pending appeal. Therefore, execution pending appeal may
only be granted upon good reasons which are to be stated in the special
order.
Good reason must consist?
of superior or exceptional circumstances
of such urgency as to outweigh the injury or damage that the losing
party may suffer in the event that the appealed judgment is later
reversed. Thus, a mere allegation of financial distress of a corporation
does not outweigh the long standing general policy of enforcing only
final and executory judgments.
Certainly! In the context of judgment execution, “outweighs” refers to situations where an urgent or exceptional circumstance is significant enough to justify delaying or modifying the enforcement of a court decision.
For example, once a court issues a final judgment, the general rule is that it should be executed promptly. However, if the losing party argues that enforcing the judgment would cause irreparable harm—such as severe financial ruin, public safety concerns, or a violation of fundamental rights—the court may determine that these concerns outweigh the need for immediate execution. In such cases, the court might grant a temporary suspension or modification of the judgment to prevent unjust consequences.
However, simple financial distress alone is usually not enough to outweigh the principle that final judgments must be enforced. The courts require truly exceptional circumstances to justify any delay.
Would you like more examples related to specific types of judgments? 😊
Good reason must consist?
of superior or exceptional circumstances of such urgency as to outweigh the injury or damage that the losing
party may suffer in the event that the appealed judgment is later reversed. Thus, a mere allegation of financial distress of a corporation does not outweigh the long standing general policy of enforcing only final and executory judgments.
This passage outlines the strict standard required for discretionary execution of a judgment before it becomes final.
Key Points:
- Superior or Exceptional Circumstances: The court may allow execution of a judgment before it attains finality, but only in rare cases where there is an urgent and compelling reason to do so. These circumstances must be so serious that they outweigh the potential harm or injustice to the losing party if the judgment is later reversed on appeal.
- Potential Injury or Damage: If the losing party may suffer significant harm because of early enforcement, courts are generally cautious. A judgment should not be executed prematurely unless the urgency is clear and overwhelming.
- Financial Distress Alone is Not Enough: A corporation claiming financial difficulties does not automatically justify early execution. The legal principle favors waiting for a judgment to become final and executory before enforcement, ensuring fairness and protecting rights.
In short, discretionary execution is not granted lightly—there must be truly exceptional circumstances that override the risk of injustice if the judgment is later reversed.
What procedural requirements must be met for discretionary execution, and where should the motion for execution pending appeal be filed after the trial court loses jurisdiction?
Hearing Required
Note that discretionary execution may only be issued
- after hearing and
- upon showing of good reasons.
Such good reasons must be
stated in the special order. After the trial court has lost jurisdiction, the
motion for execution pending appeal should be filed in the appellate
court, which is in possession of the original record or record on appeal.
Execution of Several, Separate, or Partial Judgments
A several, separate, or partial judgment may also be executed
under the same terms and conditions as execution of a judgment or
final order pending appeal.
This passage explains that judgments can be executed even if they are several, separate, or partial, as long as they meet the same legal requirements as a final order pending appeal.
Key Points:
- Several, Separate, or Partial Judgments: These refer to decisions where the court resolves only part of the case or issues rulings that apply to different parties or claims. Unlike a single final judgment that covers everything, these rulings may address only specific portions of the legal dispute.
- Execution Still Possible: Even though the case might still be ongoing or other claims may remain unresolved, these judgments can be enforced under the same principles that apply to final orders pending appeal.
- Legal Conditions Apply: The execution of these judgments follows the same procedures and requirements as any final order pending appeal, meaning courts may still use discretion and require safeguards like bonds to protect the interests of the opposing party.
In short, even if a judgment is not yet completely final for the entire case, courts may still enforce it under proper legal conditions. Would you like further clarification?
The execution of several, separate, or partial judgments follows the same conditions as a final order pending appeal, meaning it must meet certain legal requirements. Here are the key conditions:
- Judicial Discretion – The court must determine whether execution is appropriate before the judgment becomes final.
- Good Reasons Required – There must be a valid justification for executing the judgment early, such as urgency or protecting the rights of the prevailing party.
- Hearing Requirement – The court must conduct a hearing and allow both parties to present their arguments before granting execution.
- Security Measures – The losing party may be required to provide a bond or other assurances to protect the interests of the opposing party in case the judgment is reversed on appeal.
- Jurisdiction – If the trial court has already lost jurisdiction due to an appeal, the execution request must be filed in the appellate court, which has control over the case records.
These conditions help balance fairness and efficiency in enforcing judgments before they attain finality. Let me know if you need further clarification!
Stay of Discretionary Execution
Discretionary execution may be stayed upon approval by
the proper court of a sufficient supersedeas bond filed by the party
against whom it is directed. Such bond shall be conditioned upon
the performance of the judgment or order allowed to be executed in
case it shall be finally sustained in whole or in part. This bond may be
proceeded against on motion with notice to the surety.
This passage explains how discretionary execution—which allows a judgment to be enforced before it becomes final—can be paused (stayed) under certain conditions.
Key Points:
- Supersedeas Bond Requirement: The party affected by discretionary execution can request a stay by filing a supersedeas bond. This bond serves as a financial guarantee that they will comply with the judgment if it is ultimately upheld.
- Court Approval Needed: The stay is not automatic—the court must approve the bond before discretionary execution can be halted.
- Purpose of the Bond: The bond ensures that if the judgment is confirmed (either fully or partially), the party who requested the stay will still perform the obligations stated in the judgment or order.
- Enforcement of the Bond: If the party fails to comply when the judgment is upheld, the bond can be enforced through a motion, with notice to the surety (the party guaranteeing the bond).
In simple terms, this rule allows the affected party to prevent early execution by providing financial security to protect the rights of the judgment obligee while the case is still under appeal.
sufficient supersedeas bond
This passage explains how a supersedeas bond serves as a security measure to temporarily halt (stay) the execution of a judgment.
Key Points:
- Purpose of the Supersedeas Bond: If a judgment is set for discretionary execution (meaning it can be enforced before becoming final), the affected party can prevent its immediate enforcement by filing a supersedeas bond.
- Financial Guarantee: The bond acts as a promise that the affected party will comply with the judgment if it is later upheld by the higher court.
- Court’s Approval: The stay of execution is not automatic—the court must approve the bond before the execution is paused.
- Protection for the Judgment Obligee: If the judgment is ultimately upheld, the bond ensures that the prevailing party can enforce the decision without unnecessary delay.
- Enforcement of the Bond: If the affected party fails to comply after the final ruling, the bond can be proceeded against—meaning legal action can be taken to collect its value.
In short, the supersedeas bond allows a party to delay execution while appealing, but also guarantees that the judgment will be honored if it is confirmed later. Let me know if you’d like more details!
Effect of Reversal of Executed Judgment
Where the executed judgment is reversed totally or partially,
or annulled, on appeal or otherwise, the trial court may, on motion,
issue such orders of restitution or reparation of damages as equity and
justice may warrant under the circumstances.