Practice question
A court proposes wholesale merger, but a narrower joint hearing would resolve the common technical evidence while avoiding confusion of unrelated claims. Does Rule 31 force the broadest possible merger once any common issue exists?
- Yes; any overlap mandates universal merger.
- No; the court may select the lawful arrangement suited to cost, delay and fairness.
- Yes; procedural economy always requires disregarding prejudice.
- Yes; parties automatically acquire each other’s claims.
- Yes; no tailored procedural order is possible.
Legal references
- Producers Bank of the Philippines v. Excelsa Industries, Inc., G.R. No. 173820, April 16, 2012, main decision, consolidation forms and remedy for actual merged cases: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2012/apr2012/gr_173820_2012.html
- Rules of Court, Rules 25-29, interrogatories, admissions, production and physical examination; retained text read with current amendments: https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_1-71_civil.html
- 2019 Amendments to Civil Procedure, Rules 23-34, particularly the current provisions cited in each explanation: https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/am_19-10-20-sc_2019.html
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.