I. Introduction

Receiving a subpoena can be alarming. It may direct a person to appear before a court, prosecutor, tribunal, government office, or quasi-judicial body. It may also require the production of documents, records, objects, or other evidence. Because a subpoena carries legal consequences, it should never be ignored. At the same time, it should never be blindly trusted without verification, especially in an era when scams, fake notices, and fraudulent “legal” demands are increasingly common.

In the Philippines, a genuine subpoena is ordinarily issued under the authority of a court, prosecutor, investigating officer, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial body that has legal power to compel attendance or production of evidence. A valid subpoena should show the issuing authority, case details, parties, date and time of appearance, place of appearance, purpose, signature, and other identifying information. Verification means confirming that the document truly came from the authority named in it and that the proceeding actually exists.

This article explains how subpoenas work in the Philippine legal setting, the types of subpoenas commonly encountered, the warning signs of a fake subpoena, and the practical steps a recipient can take to verify authenticity.

This article is for general legal information only and is not a substitute for advice from a Philippine lawyer regarding a specific case.

II. What Is a Subpoena?

A subpoena is a formal legal process requiring a person to do one or both of the following:

Appear and testify before a court, prosecutor, tribunal, government office, or authorized officer; or
Produce documents, records, objects, or other evidence relevant to a proceeding.

The word “subpoena” is often associated with court proceedings, but in Philippine practice, subpoenas may also be issued in criminal preliminary investigations, administrative investigations, labor cases, regulatory proceedings, legislative inquiries, and other official proceedings where the issuing body has authority to compel attendance or production.

A subpoena is not the same as a warrant of arrest. It is also not automatically a finding of guilt or liability. It is usually a command to appear, testify, explain, submit documents, or participate in a proceeding.

III. Common Types of Subpoena in the Philippines

A. Subpoena Ad Testificandum

A subpoena ad testificandum requires a person to appear and testify. This is the type commonly issued to witnesses. It may direct the recipient to attend a hearing, trial, preliminary investigation, administrative conference, or other official proceeding.

B. Subpoena Duces Tecum

A subpoena duces tecum requires a person to bring or produce documents, records, books, papers, electronic records, objects, or other evidence. The subpoena should describe the documents or things required with reasonable particularity.

C. Combined Subpoena

Some subpoenas require both appearance and production of documents. For example, a person may be directed to appear before a court and bring contracts, receipts, bank records, corporate documents, medical records, employment files, or other relevant materials.

IV. Who May Issue a Subpoena?

Depending on the proceeding, a subpoena may be issued by or under the authority of:

A. Courts

Philippine courts may issue subpoenas in civil, criminal, family, commercial, probate, special proceedings, and other cases. These include first-level courts, Regional Trial Courts, appellate courts, and special courts, depending on jurisdiction.

B. Prosecutors and Investigating Officers

In criminal complaints undergoing preliminary investigation or inquest-related proceedings, a prosecutor or investigating officer may issue a subpoena requiring a respondent, complainant, or witness to appear and submit counter-affidavits, evidence, or other documents.

C. Quasi-Judicial and Administrative Agencies

Certain government agencies and tribunals may issue subpoenas in connection with proceedings within their authority. Examples may include labor, tax, corporate, regulatory, disciplinary, professional, election, immigration, or administrative matters.

D. Legislative Bodies

Congressional committees conducting inquiries in aid of legislation may issue subpoenas, subject to constitutional and legal limits.

E. Arbitral or Special Bodies

In some proceedings, arbitral tribunals, administrative panels, or special bodies may request or compel attendance or production through procedures provided by law, rules, or court assistance.

V. Basic Contents of a Genuine Subpoena

A genuine subpoena usually contains several identifying features. The absence of one item does not always make the subpoena fake, but missing or suspicious details should prompt verification.

A Philippine subpoena commonly includes:

A. Name of the Issuing Authority

The document should clearly identify the court, prosecutor’s office, tribunal, agency, or committee issuing it. For court subpoenas, it should show the branch, station, city or province, and sometimes the sala or office address.

B. Case Title

The subpoena should identify the parties, such as:

People of the Philippines v. Accused;
Complainant v. Respondent;
Plaintiff v. Defendant;
Petitioner v. Respondent;
In Re: a specific matter.

C. Case Number or Docket Number

A legitimate subpoena should normally include a case number, docket number, NPS docket number, criminal case number, civil case number, administrative case number, labor case number, or similar reference.

D. Name of the Recipient

The subpoena should identify the person being summoned. In some cases, it may be directed to a custodian of records, corporate officer, government office, employer, school, bank, hospital, or other entity.

E. Purpose of the Subpoena

It should state whether the recipient is required to testify, produce documents, appear at a hearing, submit evidence, attend preliminary investigation, or comply with another lawful directive.

F. Date, Time, and Place of Appearance

The subpoena should specify when and where the recipient must appear. Vague instructions such as “report immediately” without identifying the proceeding, officer, or venue are suspicious.

G. Description of Documents or Objects Required

For a subpoena duces tecum, the records or items required should be described with reasonable clarity. A sweeping demand for “all documents in your possession” without connection to a proceeding may be questionable.

H. Signature and Official Designation

The subpoena should bear the signature of an authorized official, such as a judge, clerk of court, prosecutor, hearing officer, commissioner, labor arbiter, sheriff, or other authorized person, depending on the issuing body.

I. Seal, Letterhead, or Official Markings

Many official subpoenas contain a court or agency letterhead, dry seal, stamp, barcode, QR code, reference number, or other official markings. These are helpful but not conclusive. A fake document may copy logos and seals.

J. Proof or Mode of Service

A subpoena is usually served personally, by registered mail, courier, electronic means where allowed, or through an authorized officer or process server. The manner of service can help determine authenticity.

VI. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Verify a Court Subpoena in the Philippines

Step 1: Read the Entire Document Carefully

Before reacting, read the subpoena from beginning to end. Identify:

Who issued it;
What case it refers to;
Your role in the case;
Whether you are being asked to testify, produce documents, or both;
The date, time, and place of appearance;
The name and signature of the issuing officer;
The case or docket number;
Any contact details provided.

Do not rely only on the first page. Some subpoenas contain attachments, instructions, or a list of required documents.

Step 2: Identify the Issuing Office

Determine whether the subpoena supposedly came from:

A court;
A prosecutor’s office;
A police or law enforcement office;
A barangay or local office;
A government agency;
A quasi-judicial body;
A legislative committee;
A private lawyer.

A true “court subpoena” should come from a court or be issued under court authority. A letter from a private lawyer demanding attendance is not, by itself, a court subpoena unless it is attached to or accompanied by a valid court process.

Step 3: Check the Case Number

Look for the case number, docket number, NPS number, or reference number. A valid subpoena should be traceable to a real case or proceeding.

For court matters, the case number should correspond to the issuing court and branch. For criminal complaints at the prosecutor’s level, the NPS docket number should correspond to a prosecutor’s office. For administrative matters, the docket number should correspond to the agency or tribunal.

If there is no case number, verify immediately with the issuing office.

Step 4: Contact the Court or Office Directly

The safest verification method is to contact the issuing court or office using contact information obtained independently, not merely the phone number printed on the subpoena.

Use official channels where possible:

Call the official court branch or office number;
Visit the court or agency in person;
Check the official website or directory of the judiciary or agency;
Ask the Office of the Clerk of Court;
Ask the records section or docket section;
Ask the prosecutor’s office or agency docket unit.

When calling or visiting, provide the case number, case title, date of subpoena, and your name. Ask whether:

The case exists;
The subpoena was actually issued;
You are listed as a recipient;
The date, time, and venue are correct;
The issuing officer or branch is correct;
There are any instructions for compliance.

Step 5: Verify the Branch, Sala, or Office Address

Fraudulent subpoenas sometimes use real court names but fake addresses or wrong branch information. Confirm that the branch, sala, station, or office address matches the official court or government office.

Be cautious if the subpoena directs you to appear at:

A private residence;
A hotel;
A restaurant;
A parking lot;
A mall;
A private office unrelated to the case;
A police station without clear legal context;
An unknown location not connected to the issuing authority.

Some legitimate hearings may occur online or in designated venues, but unusual locations should be verified.

Step 6: Check the Signature and Name of the Issuing Officer

Identify who signed the subpoena. A court subpoena may be signed by a judge, clerk of court, branch clerk, or authorized court officer, depending on the context. A prosecutor’s subpoena may be signed by a prosecutor or authorized officer. Agency subpoenas may be signed by a commissioner, hearing officer, director, labor arbiter, or other authorized official.

Call the issuing office and ask whether that person is connected with the office and whether the subpoena was issued under that person’s authority.

Step 7: Examine How the Subpoena Was Served

A legitimate subpoena is usually served through formal means. Service may be done by a sheriff, process server, court personnel, law enforcement officer, registered mail, courier, authorized agency personnel, or other method allowed by the applicable rules.

Be cautious if the subpoena was sent only through:

A random text message;
A private social media account;
A messaging app from an unknown person;
An email from a non-government address;
A scanned document without verifiable origin;
A courier package with no return address;
A person demanding money upon delivery.

Electronic service may be valid in some contexts, especially where rules, orders, or party consent allow it, but it should still be verifiable with the issuing office.

Step 8: Never Pay Money to “Cancel” or “Settle” a Subpoena

A common scam involves sending fake subpoenas and demanding payment to cancel an arrest, stop a case, settle a complaint, or avoid public embarrassment.

A real court, prosecutor, or government office will not normally demand payment through:

GCash or Maya to a personal number;
Bank deposit to a private individual;
Cryptocurrency;
Money remittance to a stranger;
Gift cards;
“Processing fees” to stop arrest;
“Confidential settlement fees” payable to a court employee.

Court fees, bail, fines, penalties, and settlement payments follow formal procedures. Do not pay anyone without legal advice and official documentation.

Step 9: Check Whether You Are a Party, Witness, or Records Custodian

Your obligations may differ depending on your role.

You may be summoned as:

A complainant;
A respondent;
An accused;
A plaintiff;
A defendant;
A petitioner;
A private complainant;
A witness;
A records custodian;
A corporate officer;
An employer representative;
A government official;
A medical, school, bank, or business records custodian.

If the subpoena incorrectly identifies your role, verify with the issuing office and seek legal advice.

Step 10: Consult a Lawyer Promptly

Even if the subpoena is genuine, you may need legal advice on:

Whether you are required to appear;
Whether you may object;
Whether the subpoena was properly served;
Whether the documents demanded are privileged or confidential;
Whether the subpoena is overly broad;
Whether you may ask for postponement;
Whether you should bring counsel;
Whether compliance may expose you to liability;
Whether the proceeding involves criminal risk.

A lawyer can also contact the issuing office on your behalf.

VII. Red Flags That a Subpoena May Be Fake

A subpoena may be suspicious if it has one or more of the following signs:

A. No Case Number

A subpoena without a case number, docket number, or official reference number should be verified carefully.

B. No Identifiable Court or Office

A document using only generic phrases such as “Philippine Court,” “National Court,” “Legal Department,” or “Office of Legal Summons” without naming a real court or agency is suspicious.

C. Wrong or Strange Terminology

Fake subpoenas may use foreign or incorrect legal terms, such as references to “federal court,” “district attorney,” “county sheriff,” or other systems not applicable to Philippine procedure.

D. Demand for Immediate Payment

Any subpoena that says you can avoid appearance, arrest, or prosecution by paying a private individual is highly suspicious.

E. Threats of Instant Arrest Without Context

While ignoring a valid subpoena may have legal consequences, fake subpoenas often use exaggerated threats such as “you will be arrested within 24 hours unless you pay.”

F. Poor Formatting and Errors

Typographical errors, wrong seals, inconsistent fonts, misspelled court names, incorrect addresses, and obviously altered signatures may indicate fraud.

G. Use of Personal Contact Details

A subpoena directing you to contact a private cellphone number, personal email, or social media account instead of an official office should be verified independently.

H. Suspicious Delivery Method

A subpoena delivered through an unknown social media account, anonymous email, or threatening text message should be treated with caution.

I. Unusual Appearance Venue

A direction to meet at a hotel lobby, restaurant, parking area, or private residence is suspicious unless independently confirmed by the issuing authority.

J. Confidentiality Pressure

Scammers may tell recipients not to contact the court, police, family, employer, or lawyer. That is a major warning sign. A real subpoena can be verified through official channels.

VIII. What to Ask When Verifying a Subpoena

When contacting the court or issuing office, ask clear and specific questions:

Does this case or proceeding exist?
Is the case number correct?
Was a subpoena issued to me?
What is my role in the proceeding?
Who signed or authorized the subpoena?
When was it issued?
How was it served?
What date and time must I appear?
Where exactly must I appear?
What documents or items must I bring?
May I appear through counsel?
May I request postponement or clarification?
Is there an online hearing link or official instruction?
Are there confidentiality, privacy, or protective-order concerns?
What happens if I cannot attend?

Write down the name and position of the person who confirms the subpoena, the date and time of your call, and any instructions given.

IX. What If the Subpoena Is Genuine?

If the subpoena is verified as genuine, take it seriously. Your next steps may include:

A. Calendar the Date Immediately

Note the date, time, venue, branch, room number, and required documents. Set reminders.

B. Preserve Relevant Documents

Do not destroy, alter, conceal, or fabricate evidence. Preserve emails, text messages, contracts, receipts, business records, photos, videos, and other relevant material.

C. Review the Scope

If documents are required, determine exactly what is being requested. Avoid bringing unrelated sensitive materials unless legally required.

D. Seek Legal Advice

This is especially important if:

You are a respondent or accused;
The matter may involve criminal liability;
The documents contain privileged information;
The documents involve bank, medical, school, employment, corporate, or government records;
You are unsure whether you can legally disclose the documents;
You are being asked about another person’s confidential information.

E. Prepare Identification and Copies

Bring valid identification and organized copies of documents. Keep your own copy of anything submitted.

F. Attend on Time

Arrive early. Dress appropriately. Bring the subpoena. Follow court or office security procedures.

G. Be Truthful

If you testify, answer truthfully. Do not guess. If you do not know or do not remember, say so. False testimony may expose a person to serious legal consequences.

X. What If You Cannot Attend?

If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, do not simply ignore the subpoena. Depending on the proceeding, you or your lawyer may:

File a motion to quash subpoena;
File a motion for postponement;
Submit a written explanation;
Contact the branch or office for instructions;
Request resetting for valid reasons;
Ask whether appearance through counsel is allowed;
Ask whether remote appearance is available;
Submit documents in advance if permitted.

Valid reasons may include illness, emergency, conflict with another court appearance, lack of proper service, insufficient time to prepare, or impossibility of producing the requested documents. Supporting proof may be required.

XI. Can You Refuse to Comply With a Subpoena?

A subpoena should not be ignored, but there may be legal grounds to question, object to, or seek modification of it.

Possible grounds may include:

A. Improper Service

If the subpoena was not properly served, the recipient may question whether there is a valid duty to comply.

B. Lack of Jurisdiction or Authority

If the issuing body has no authority over the person, subject matter, or proceeding, the subpoena may be challenged.

C. Irrelevance

A subpoena may be questioned if the testimony or documents sought are not relevant to the proceeding.

D. Oppressiveness or Overbreadth

A subpoena that demands a massive amount of records without reasonable limitation may be challenged as oppressive or unreasonable.

E. Privilege

Certain communications or information may be protected by privilege, such as attorney-client communications, privileged marital communications, priest-penitent communications, physician-patient information in applicable contexts, trade secrets, national security information, or other protected matters.

F. Confidentiality and Data Privacy

Some records may involve personal information or sensitive personal information. Compliance may require careful handling under Philippine privacy laws and applicable court or agency procedures.

G. Self-Incrimination

A person may have constitutional protections against being compelled to incriminate themselves. This issue is especially important in criminal or quasi-criminal proceedings.

H. Impossibility

If the documents do not exist, are not in your possession or control, or cannot be produced despite diligent effort, this should be explained properly.

The proper response is usually to raise the objection before the issuing authority, often through a lawyer, rather than ignoring the subpoena.

XII. Motion to Quash a Subpoena

A person affected by a subpoena may, in appropriate cases, ask the issuing authority to quash or set aside the subpoena. The grounds and procedure depend on the applicable rules and the issuing body.

A motion to quash may argue that:

The subpoena is unreasonable or oppressive;
The documents sought are irrelevant;
The documents are not described with sufficient particularity;
The witness is not material;
The subpoena violates privilege;
The subpoena was improperly issued;
The issuing body lacks authority;
Compliance is impossible or unduly burdensome.

A motion to quash should usually be filed promptly before the date of compliance. Waiting until the hearing date may be risky.

XIII. Subpoena in Criminal Proceedings

In criminal matters, subpoenas commonly appear during:

A. Preliminary Investigation

A respondent may receive a subpoena from the prosecutor’s office requiring the submission of a counter-affidavit and supporting evidence. This is serious. Failure to respond may result in the case being resolved based on the complainant’s evidence.

B. Court Trial

Witnesses may be subpoenaed to testify for the prosecution or defense. Ignoring a court subpoena may result in contempt or other legal consequences.

C. Production of Evidence

A person or entity may be ordered to produce documents or records relevant to a criminal case.

D. Police or Law Enforcement Requests

Not every police request is a subpoena. A police invitation, request, or notice should be distinguished from a court or prosecutor-issued subpoena. If unsure, verify and consult counsel.

XIV. Subpoena in Civil Cases

In civil cases, subpoenas may be used to compel witnesses or documents relevant to disputes involving:

Contracts;
Property;
Family matters;
Damages;
Collection cases;
Corporate disputes;
Land disputes;
Probate and estate matters;
Injunctions;
Special proceedings.

A witness who is not a party may still be compelled to attend if properly subpoenaed and if the testimony is material.

XV. Subpoena from Prosecutor’s Office vs. Court Subpoena

A common source of confusion is the difference between a prosecutor’s subpoena and a court subpoena.

A. Prosecutor’s Subpoena

This is usually issued during preliminary investigation. It may direct a respondent to appear and submit a counter-affidavit. It does not necessarily mean a criminal case has already been filed in court. It means a complaint is being evaluated.

B. Court Subpoena

This is issued in a case already pending in court. It may require a witness to testify or produce evidence for a hearing or trial.

Both are serious, but they occur at different stages and may require different responses.

XVI. Subpoena vs. Summons vs. Notice of Hearing

These documents are often confused.

A. Subpoena

A subpoena commands a person to testify or produce evidence.

B. Summons

A summons informs a defendant or respondent that a case has been filed and requires an answer or response.

C. Notice of Hearing

A notice of hearing informs parties or counsel of a scheduled hearing. It may not necessarily compel a non-party witness to appear unless accompanied by a subpoena.

D. Order

A court order may direct a party to do or refrain from doing something. It may be broader than a subpoena.

Understanding the type of document matters because each has different legal consequences.

XVII. Special Concerns for Companies and Institutions

Businesses, schools, hospitals, banks, employers, government offices, and organizations should treat subpoenas carefully.

A. Verify Authority

Confirm the subpoena with the issuing office before releasing records.

B. Identify the Records Custodian

A subpoena may be directed to the custodian of records. The organization should designate the proper person to handle compliance.

C. Protect Confidential Information

Records may contain personal data, sensitive personal information, trade secrets, privileged communications, or confidential business information.

D. Keep a Compliance Record

Maintain a file containing:

Copy of the subpoena;
Verification notes;
Records produced;
Date and manner of production;
Name of receiving officer;
Internal approvals;
Legal advice received.

E. Avoid Overproduction

Produce only what is required, unless otherwise advised by counsel or ordered by the issuing authority.

F. Consider Data Privacy Obligations

Philippine privacy rules may require careful handling of personal data. A subpoena may provide a lawful basis for disclosure, but the disclosure should still be limited, secure, and properly documented.

XVIII. Online, Emailed, or Digitally Served Subpoenas

Electronic communications are now common, but they require caution.

An emailed or digitally transmitted subpoena may be legitimate in some contexts, especially if:

The proceeding allows electronic service;
The parties consented to electronic service;
The court or office uses official email channels;
The document can be verified by the issuing branch or office;
The case details match official records.

However, digital documents are easy to fake. Verify by contacting the official office through independently obtained contact details. Do not click suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.

XIX. What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Subpoena

If the subpoena appears fake:

Do not pay money.
Do not provide personal information.
Do not send identification documents.
Do not click suspicious links.
Do not call only the number printed on the document.
Independently verify with the court or agency.
Preserve the document, envelope, messages, emails, and call logs.
Report the matter to the proper authorities if fraud is suspected.
Consult a lawyer if you are named in the document.

If someone is impersonating a court employee, lawyer, police officer, prosecutor, or government official, the matter may involve criminal conduct.

XX. Consequences of Ignoring a Valid Subpoena

Ignoring a genuine subpoena may result in serious consequences, depending on the issuing authority and the proceeding.

Possible consequences include:

Contempt proceedings;
Issuance of a warrant or order to compel attendance;
Adverse inference or procedural disadvantage;
Waiver of opportunity to submit evidence;
Resolution of a complaint without your side;
Administrative sanctions;
Fines or other penalties where allowed by law.

The exact consequence depends on the type of subpoena and the rules governing the proceeding.

XXI. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a subpoena the same as being sued?

No. A subpoena may be issued to a witness or records custodian who is not a party to the case. However, if you are named as respondent, accused, defendant, or party, you should seek legal advice immediately.

2. Does receiving a subpoena mean I will be arrested?

Not necessarily. A subpoena is usually a command to appear or produce evidence. However, ignoring a valid subpoena may lead to legal consequences.

3. Can a subpoena be sent by text or email?

It depends on the proceeding and applicable rules. However, because electronic messages can be faked, always verify with the issuing office.

4. Can I call the court to verify?

Yes. You should contact the issuing court or office using independently verified contact information.

5. Should I bring a lawyer?

You may bring or consult a lawyer, especially if you are a party, respondent, accused, or if the matter may involve liability, privilege, confidential records, or self-incrimination.

6. What if the subpoena asks for documents I do not have?

Do not fabricate or alter documents. Inform the issuing authority properly, preferably through counsel, that the documents are not in your possession or control.

7. What if the date has already passed?

Contact a lawyer immediately. Then verify with the issuing office what happened and whether any order was issued due to non-appearance.

8. Can I ignore a subpoena if I think it is fake?

Do not ignore it without verification. Confirm with the issuing office. If fake, preserve evidence and consider reporting it.

9. Can a private lawyer issue a subpoena?

A private lawyer may request documents or attendance, but a true subpoena generally requires authority from a court, tribunal, prosecutor, agency, or other legally empowered body.

10. Can I refuse to answer questions?

In some situations, yes, especially where privilege or self-incrimination applies. But refusal should be handled carefully and usually with legal advice.

XXII. Practical Verification Checklist

Before complying with a subpoena, check the following:

Name of court, prosecutor, tribunal, or agency;
Branch, sala, office, or unit;
Official address;
Case title;
Case or docket number;
Name of recipient;
Role of recipient;
Date of issuance;
Date, time, and place of appearance;
Documents or objects required;
Name and title of issuing officer;
Signature;
Seal, stamp, barcode, or official marking;
Method of service;
Contact information independently verified;
Confirmation from official records section, branch, or docket unit;
Legal advice obtained if needed.

XXIII. Sample Script for Verifying by Phone

“Good morning/afternoon. I received a subpoena that appears to have been issued by your office. I would like to verify if it is authentic. The case number is ________. The case title is ________. It is dated ________ and directs me to appear on ________ at ________. May I confirm whether this subpoena was issued by your office and whether I am required to appear or produce documents?”

Record the name, position, office, date, and time of the person who confirms the information.

XXIV. Sample Written Verification Request

Subject: Request for Verification of Subpoena

Dear Sir/Madam:

I received a subpoena dated ________ in connection with Case/Docket No. ________, entitled ________. The subpoena directs me to appear on ________ at ________ and/or produce the following documents: ________.

May I respectfully request confirmation that the subpoena was issued by your office and that the date, time, venue, and required documents are correct?

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Name Contact details

XXV. Key Takeaways

A subpoena in the Philippines should be treated seriously but verified carefully. A genuine subpoena should be traceable to a real court, prosecutor’s office, agency, tribunal, or authorized proceeding. The most reliable way to verify is to contact the issuing office directly using independently obtained contact details and confirm the case number, recipient, date, venue, and purpose.

Do not pay money to anyone claiming that a subpoena can be “cancelled” privately. Do not provide sensitive personal information to unverified persons. Do not ignore a subpoena merely because it is inconvenient. If the subpoena is genuine and you are unsure how to comply, consult a lawyer promptly.

Verification protects both your legal rights and your personal security. In the Philippine legal system, the safest approach is simple: confirm the source, confirm the case, confirm your obligation, and get legal advice when the matter is serious.