Hi Freddy
An important point to consider here, would be the dates that your friend has used throughout the forms while signing and at other places. I assume if his application and form signing dates indicate prior to July, then there could be a chance that his applications could be admitted.
Having said that, I note that you mention that his file was received by CIC on 12th of August. Really hard to convince CIC, because form was available since July 2013. IMM 0008 (07-2013) E not only has a different footer but also, Q12 has now been divided into two parts: 12a and 12b. Though on the face, this might not look like a big difference, yet I am guessing that when the new completed form is validated and bar codes generated, they would slightly feed differently into the CIC systems on scanning as compared to the old form.
As suggested by other forum members, there is absolutely no harm in sending the newly filled form and hope that it gets accepted and you get your PER!!!!!