Rule 4. Venue of Actions
Section 1. Venue of real actions.
Actions affecting title to or possession of real property, or interest therein, shall be commenced and tried in the proper court which has jurisdiction over the area wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated.
Forcible entry and detainer actions shall be commenced and tried in the municipal trial court of the municipality or city wherein the real property involved, or a portion thereof, is situated. (1[a], 2[a]a)
Section 2. Venue of personal actions.
All other actions may be commenced and tried where the plaintiff or any of the principal plaintiffs resides, or where the defendant or any of the principal defendants resides, or in the case of a nonresident defendant where he may be found, at the election of the plaintiff. (2[b]a)
Section 3. Venue of actions against nonresidents.
If any of the defendants does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, and the action affects the personal status of the plaintiff, or any property of said defendant located in the Philippines, the action may be commenced and tried in the court of the place where the plaintiff resides, or where the property or any portion thereof is situated or found. (2[c]a)
Section 4. When Rule not applicable.
This Rule shall not apply:
- In those cases where a specific rule or law provides otherwise; or
- Where the parties have validly agreed in writing before the filing of the action on the exclusive venue thereof. (3a, 5a)
Summary
Specifies the rules on the proper venue of actions: real actions must be filed where the property is located, personal actions may be filed where either party resides or where a nonresident defendant is found, and actions against nonresidents may be filed where the plaintiff resides or the property is situated. Provides exceptions when another rule or law governs, or when parties have agreed on an exclusive venue in writing.