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Facts: In a civil action for sum of money filed in the Regional Trial Court of Manila, the sheriff’s Return of Summons dated February 14, 2026 states: “Left copies with Ms. Elena Rivera, office clerk, at the defendant corporation's premises, after due attempt to serve personally; The clerk acknowledged receipt; The defendant did not appear.” The plaintiff moves for default; the defendant moves to quash service on the ground that substituted service on a non-household member is invalid unless the person served is authorized to receive service on behalf of the defendant.
a) Identify the controlling doctrine governing Return of Summons and substituted service under Rule 14.
b) Distinguish between personal service and substituted service, and state what the Return must show to render the service valid in each case.
c) Apply to the facts: Is the substituted service on the office clerk a valid service that confers jurisdiction? What remedy should the defendant pursue if service is improper?