Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BILL OF RIGHTS
Q. How is the Bill of Rights strengthened in the 1987
Constitution? (Bar Question)
A. There are several ways in which the Bill of Rights is
strengthened in the 1987 Constitution.
1. New rights are given explicit recognition such as, the
prohibition against detention by reason of political beliefs
and aspirations. The waiver of Miranda rights is now
required to be made in writing with the assistance of
counsel. The use of solitary, incommunicado and secret
detention places is prohibited, while the existence of
substandard and inadequate penal facilities is made the
concern of legislation.
There is also recognition of the right of
expression, an express prohibition against the use of
torture, a mandate to the State to provide compensation
and rehabilitation for victims of torture and their families.
2. Some rights have been expanded. For instance, free
access to courts now includes access to quasi-judicial
bodies and to adequate legal assistance.
3. The requirements for interfering with some rights have
been made more strict. For instance, only judges can now
issue search warrants or warrants of arrest. There must be
a law authorizing the Executive Department to interfere
with the privacy of communication, the liberty of abode,
and the right to travel before these rights may be impaired
or curtailed.
4. The Constitution now provides that the suspension of
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus does not
suspend the right to bail, thus resolving a doctrinal dispute
of long standing.
5. The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus and the proclamation of martial law have been
limited to 60 days and are now subject to the power of
Congress to revoke. In addition, the Supreme Court is
given the jurisdiction, upon the petition of any citizen to
determine the sufficiency of the factual basis of the
suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
and the proclamation of martial law.
6. The Supreme Court is empowered to adopt rules for the
protection and enforcement of constitutional rights.
7. Art. II, Sec. 11 commits the State to a policy which
places value on the dignity of every human person and
guarantees full respect for human rights.
8. A Commission on Human Rights is created.
9. Under Art. XVI,Sec. 5(2) the State is mandated to
promote respect for the peoples rights among the
members of the military in the performance of their duty.
DUE PROCESS
Q. The members of a union barricaded the gates of the
court in order to press the court to render judgment in
their favor. In case the court renders a judgment in
their favor, do you think there was deprivation of the
right to due process? Why?
A.Yes, because the decision was the result of a mob
where there was no independent judgment. (Nestle Phils.
VS NLRC). In a similar decision, the requirement of due
process would likewise be violated. This is especially so if
the publicity is focused on the guilt of the accused.
(Martelino VS Alejandro, 32 SCRA 106)
Q. The S/S Masoy of Panamanian registry, while
moored at the South Harbor, was found to have
contraband goods on board. The Customs team found
out that the vessel did not have the required ships
2)
A.
1) No, Stevie is not correct, As held in Adamson
& Adamson, Inc VS Amores, 152 SCRA 237, as
administrative due process does not require that the actual
taking of testimony or the presentation of evidence before
the same officer who will decide the case.
In American Tobacco Co. V Director of
Patents, 67 SCRA 287, the Supreme Court has ruled that
so long as the actual decision on the merits of the cases is
made by the officer authorized by law to decide, the power
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2
to hold a hearing on the basis of which his decision will be
made can be delegated and is not offensive to due
process. The court noted that: AS long as a party is not
deprived of his right to present his own case and submit
evidence in support thereof, and the decision is supported
by the evidence in record, there is no question that the
requirements of due process and fair trial are fully met. In
short, there is no abrogation of responsibility on the part of
the officer concerned as the actual decision remains with
and is made by said officer. It is however, required that to
give the substance of a hearing, which is for the purpose
of making determinations upon evidence the officer who
makes the determinations must consider and appraise the
evidence which justifies them.
2) No, Stevie was not denied due process simply
because the complainants, the prosecutor, and the hearing
officers were all sunbordinates of the Commissioner of the
Bureau of Immigration and Deportation. In accordance
with the ruling in Erlanger & Galinger, Inc VS Court of
Industrial Relations, 110 Phil 470,the findings of the
subordinates are not conclusive upon the Commissioners,
who have the discretion to accept or reject them. What is
important is that Stevie was not deprived of his right to
present his own case and submit evidence in support
thereof, the decision is supported by substantial evidence,
and the Commissioners acted on their own independent
consideration of the law and facts of the case, and did not
simply accept the views of their subordinates in arriving at
a decision.
EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE
Q. Sec. 89, RA 6975 creating the PNP provides for
compulsory retirement at the age of 56. It provides
however, that the members of the INP who were
absorbed by the PNP shall retire at the age of 60
during the 4-year transitory period. Some members of
the PC who were absorbed by the PNP and who
reached 56 received notices of retirement. They
challenged Sec. 89 as violative of the equal protection
clause since it applies only to the PNP. Decide.
A.The contention is not correct because there is a
substantial distinction between them and the members of
the INP. Under the laws enforced before RA 6975,
members of the PC were already retirable at the age of 60.
The transitory period of 4 years is intended to give them
(INP members) a breathing space to enable them to plan
for their retirement, which would be earlier than what was
provided by the old law. (Napolcom VS De Guzman, 48
SCAD 205, February 9, 1994)
Q. RA 7354, otherwise known as the Philippine Postal
Corporation withdrew the franking privilege of the
Courts, while retaining the same insofar as the
Executive and Legislative Branches were concerned.
It was questioned as violative of the equal protection
clause. Is the contention correct? Why?
A. Yes. In Philippine Judges Association VS Prado, 46
SCAD 225, Nov. 11, 1993, it was said that the judiciary
needs the franking privilege. And it cannot be understood
why, of all the departments of the government, it is the
judiciary that has been denied the franking privilege while
extending it to others less deserving. The argument that
the franking privilege of the judiciary must be withdrawn
because of the considerable volume of mail from it is selfdefeating. If the problem is the loss of revenues from the
franking privilege, the remedy, it seems is to withdraw it
altogether from all agencies of the government, including
those who do not need it. The problem is not solved by
retaining it for some and withdrawing it from others,
especially where there is no substantial distinction
Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
DINAH MARTINEZ. All Rights Reserved by the SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW BAR OPERATIONS 2003.
3
Phil 770, an article whose possession is prohibited by law
may be seized without the need of any search warrant if it
was discovered during a lawful search. The additional
requirement laid down in Roan VS Gonzales, 145 SCRA
687 that the discovery of the article must have been made
inadvertently was also satisfied in this case.
2) No, X cannot successfully challenge the legality of the
searcvh simply because the peace officers did not inform
him about his right to remain silent and his right to
counsel. Sec. 12(1), Art. III of the 1987 Constitution
provides:
Any person under investigation for the
commission of an offense shall have the right to be
informed of his right to remain silent and to have
competent and independent counsel preferably of his own
choice.
As held in People VS Dy, 158 SCRA 111, for this
provision to apply, a suspect must be under investigation.
There was no investigation involved in this case.
3) The unlicensed firearms stored at 12 Shaw Boulevard
may lawfully be seized their possession is illegal. As held
in Magoncia V Palacio, 80 Phil 770, when an individual
possesses contraband (unlicensed firearms belong to this
category), he is committing a crime and he can be
arrested without a warrant and the contraband can be
seized.
Alternative Answer:
In accordance with the rulings in Uy Keytin V
Villareal, 42 Phil 886 and People V Sy Juco, 64 Phil
667, the unlicensed firearms found in the house at 12
Shaw Boulevard may not be lawfully seized, since they
were not included in the description of the articles to be
seized by virtue of the search warrant. The search warrant
described the articles to be seized as firearms in the
house of X located at 10 Shaw Boulevard.
Q. An informant apprised Sgts. Sudiacal and Ahamad
of the presence of a drug pusher at the corner of 3 rd
St, and Rizal Avenue, Olongapo City. Responding to
the information, they, together with Capt. Castillo,
gave the informant marked money to but marijuana.
The informant now turned poseur-buyer, returned with
two sticks of marijuana. Capt. Castillo again gave said
informant marked money to purchase marijuana. The
informant poseur-buyer thereafter returned with
another two sticks of marijuana. The police officers
then proceeded to the corner of 3 rd St. and Rizal
Avenue and effected the arrest of the appellant which
was questioned as unconstitutional. Rule on the
contention.
A.The arrest was legal because the arresting officers had
personal knowledge of the facts implicating the appellant
with the sale of the marijuana to the informant-poseur
buyer. The arrest therefore, was legal and the consequent
search which yielded 20 sticks of marijuana was lawful for
being incident to a valid arrest.
The fact that the prosecution failed to
prove the sale of marijuana beyond reasonable doubt
does not undermine the legality of the appellants arrest.
It is not necessary that the crime should
have been established as fact in order to regard the
detention as legal. The legality of detention does not
depend upon the actual commission of the crime, but upon
the nature of the deed when such characterization may
reasonably be inferred by the officer or functionary to
whom the law at the moment leaves the decision on the
urgent purpose of suspending the liberty of the citizen.
The obligation to make an arrest by
reason of a crime does not presuppose as a necessary
requisite for the fulfillment thereof, the indubitable
existence of a crime.
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BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
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A.
a.
Alternative Answer:
1) Yes. The requirement of probable cause differs
from case to case. In this one, since the police
agents are confronted with large scale smuggling
of prohibited drugs, existence of which is of public
knowledge, they can set up checkpoints at
strategic places, in the same way that of in a
neighborhood a child is kidnapped, it is lawful to
search cars and vehicles leaving the
neighborhood or village. This situation is also
similar to warrantless searches of moving
vehicles in custom area, which searches have
been upheld. (Papa V Mago, 22 SCRA 857). The
rule is based on practical necessity.
2) NO, the waiver of the right to counsel is not valid,
since it was not reduced in writing and made in
the presence of counsel. Under Section 12(1),
Art. III of the Constitution to be valid, the waiver
must be made in writing and in the presence of
counsel.
Q. Do the ordinary right against unreasonable
searches and seizures apply to searches
conducted at the airport pursuant to routine
airport security procedures?
A.No. Persons may lose the protection of the search and
seizure clause by exposure of their persons or property to
the public in a manner reflecting a lack of subjective
expectation of privacy, which expectation society is
prepared to recognize as reasonable. Such recognition is
implicit in airport security procedures. Passengers
attempting to board an aircraft routinely pass through
metal detectors; their carry on baggage as well as
checked luggage are routinely subjected to x-ray scans.
Should these procedures suggest the presence of
suspicious objects, physical searches are conducted to
determine what the objects are. Travelers are often
notified through airport public address systems, signs and
notices in their airline tickets that they are subject to
search and, if any prohibited materials or substances are
found, such would be subject to seizure. These
announcements place passengers on notice that ordinary
constitutional protections against warrantless searches
b.
PRIVACY OF COMMUNICATIONS
Q.Andrea and Monica had confrontation in the latters
office. Andrea secretly taped the conversation. The
conversation between them bordered on humiliating
and vexing the personality and dignity of Monica for
which she filed a civil case for damages. During the
hearing Andrea produced the recorded tape to prove
that Monica indeed insulted her. Monica, in a
countersuit filed a criminal case against Andrea for
violation of RA 4200 which prohibits and penalizes
wire tapping and other violations of private
communication. Andrea moved to dismiss the criminal
case on the ground that the allegations do not
constitute an offense and that the taping of
conversation between the parties is not covered by
RA 4200. The trial court granted said motion which
decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals.
Andrea elevated the case to the Supreme Court on
Certiorari. Is Andrea liable for violation of RA 4200?
Decide.
A.Yes. Section 1 of RA 4200 clearly and unequivocally
prohibits any person, not authorized by all the parties to
any private conversation, to secretly tape record any
communication by means of a tape recorder.
Congressional records support the view that the intention
of the lawmakers in enacting RA 4200 is to make illegal
any unauthorized tape recording of private conversation or
communication taken by either of the parties themselves
or third persons. (Ramirez VS CA 248 SCRA 590)
Q. The police had suspicions that Juan Samson,
member of the subversive New Proletarian Army, was
using the mail for propaganda purposes in gaining
new adherents to its cause. The Chief of Police of
Bantolan, Lano Del Sur ordered the Postmaster of the
town to intercept and open all mail addressed to and
coming from Juan Samson in the interest of the
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BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
DINAH MARTINEZ. All Rights Reserved by the SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW BAR OPERATIONS 2003.
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national security. Was the order of the Chief of police
valid? (Bar Question)
Suggested Answer:
No, the order of the Chief of Police is not valid
because there is no law which authorizes him to order the
Postmaster to open the letters addressed to and coming
from Juan Samson. An official in the Executive
Department cannot interfere with the privacy of
correspondence and communication in the absence of a
law authorizing him to do so or a lawful order of the court.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Q. The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) was required by the
MTRCB to submit to it for review the video tapes for
its programs. The MTRCB disapproved the tapes on
the ground that they attacked the Catholic religion.
The INC contended that requiring it to submit
videotapes for review by the Board violated freedom
of speech and freedom of religion. Whom would you
sustain, the MTRCB or the INC.
A. The MTRCB. The video tapes can be submitted for
review. The right to act on ones belief can be subject to
regulation. The public broadcast involve the realm of
action. Television reaches even children. However, the
showing of the video tapes cannot be prohibited. There is
no clear and present danger of a substantial evil which the
state has a right to prevent. (Iglesia Ni Cristo VS CA, 259
SCRA 529)
Q. Distinguish content-based restrictions on free
speech from content-neutral restrictions, and give
example of each.
A.Content-based restrictions are imposed because of the
content of the speech and are, therefore, subject to the
clear-and-present danger test. For example, a rule such as
that involved in Sanidad VS Comelec (181 SCRA 529),
prohibiting columnists, commentators and announcers
from campaigning either for or against an issue in a
scrutiny. These restrictions are censorial and therefore
they bear a heavy presumption of constitutional invalidity.
In addition, they will be tested for possible overbreadth
and vagueness.
Content-neutral restrictions on the other hand, like Sec.
11(b) of RA No. 6646, which prohibits the sale or donation
of print space and air time to political candidates during
the campaign period are not concerned with the content of
the speech. These regulations need only a substantial
government interest to support them. A deferential
standard for review will suffice to test their validity. The
clear-and-present danger rule is inappropriate as a test for
determining the constitutional validity of laws, like Sec. 11
(b) of RA No. 6646, which are not concerned with the
content of the political ads but only with their incidents. To
apply the clear-and-present danger test to such regulatory
measure would be like using a sledgehammer to drive a
nail when regular hammer is all that is needed. The
Supreme Court applied the OBrien Test in the case of
SWS VS Comelec, May 5, 2001.
The test for this difference in the level of
justification for the restriction of speech is that contentbased restrictions distort public debate, have improper
motivation, and are usually imposed because of fear of
how people will react to a particular speech. No such
reasons underlie content-neural regulations, like regulation
of time, place and manner of holding public assemblies
under BP Blg. 880, the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
Q. A. The Comelec promulgated a resolution requiring
all newspaper to give free print space within their
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BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
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Suggested Answer:
The religious organization cannot invoke
freedom of speech and freedom of religion as grounds
for refusing to submit the tapes to the Movie and
Television Review and Classification Board for Review
prior to airing. When the religious organization started
presenting its program over television, it went into the
realm of action. The right to act on ones religious belief
is not absolute and is subject to police power for the
protection of the general welfare. Hence the tapes may
be required to be reviewed prior to airing.
In Iglesia ni Cristo V Court of Appeals, 259
SCRA 529, the Supreme Court Held:
We thus reject petitioners postulate that its
religious program is per se beyond review by the
respondent board. Its public broadcast on TV of its
religious program brings it out of the bosom of internal
belief. Television is a medium, that reaches even the
eyes and ears of children. The court reiterates the rule
Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
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8
that the exercise of religious freedom can be regulated
by the State when it will bring about the clear and
present danger of some substantive evil which the State
is duty bound to prevent, i.e.. serious detriment to the
mere overriding interest of public healyh, public morals
or public welfare.
However, the MTRCB cannot ban the tapes on
the ground that they attacked other religions. In Iglesia
ni Cristo VS C.A, the SC held:
Even a sideglance at Section 3 of PD No.
1986 will reveal that it is not among the grounds to
justify an order prohibiting the broadcast of petitioners
television program.
Moreover, the broadcast do not give rise to a
clear and present danger of a substantive evil. In this
case, it held that prior restraint on speech, including the
religious speech, cannot be justified by hypothetical
fears but only by the showing of a substantive and
imminent evil which has taken the reality already on the
ground.
Q. X is serving his prison sentence in
Muntinglupa. He belongs to a religious sect that
prohibits the eating of meat. He asked the Director
of Prisons that he be served with meatless diet. The
Director refused and X sued the director for
damages for violating his religious freedom. Decide.
(Bar Question)
A. Yes, the Director of Prison is liable under Art. 32 of
the Civil Code for violating the religious freedom of X.
according to the decision of the US Supreme Court in
the case of OLone V Estate of Shabazz, convicted
prisoners retain their right to free exercise of religion. At
the same time, lawful incarceration brings about
necessary limitations of many privileges and rights
justified by the considerations underlying the penal
system. In considering the appropriate balance between
these two factors, reasonableness should be the test.
Accommodation to religious freedom can be made if it
will not involve sacrificing the interest of security and it
will have no impact on the allocation of the resources of
the penitentiary. In this case, providing X with a
meatless diet will not create a security problem or
unduly increase the cost of food being served to the
prisoners. In fact, in the case of Olone, it was noted that
the Moslem prisoners were being given a different meal
whenever pork would be served.
Alternative Answer:
The suit should be dismissed. The free
exercise clause of the Constitution is essentially a
restraint on governmental interference with the right of
individuals to worship as they please. It is not a mandate
to the state to take positive, affirmative action to enable
the individual to enjoy his freedom. It would have been
Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
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9
Can the military commander force the
residents to transfer their places of abode without a
court order? Explain. (Bar Question)
A. No, the military commander cannot compel the
residents to transfer their places of abode without a
court order. Under Sec. 6, Art. III of the Constitution, a
lawful order of the court is required before the liberty of
abode and of changing the same can be impaired.
Suggested Answer:
Yes, the military commander can compel the
residents to transfer their places of abode without a
court order. If there is no reasonable time to get a court
order and the change of abode is merely temporary,
because of the exigency, this exercise of police power
may be justified.
Q. Mr. Esteban Krony, a Filipino citizen, is arrested
for the crime of smuggling. He posts bail for his
release. Subsequently, he jumps bail and is about to
leave the country when the Department of Foreign
Affairs cancels his passport. He sues the DFA,
claiming violation of his freedom to travel citing the
new provision in the Bill of Rights of the 1987
Constitution, to wit: Neither shall the right to travel
be impaired except in the interest of national
security, public safety or public health, as may be
provided by law.
Decide the Case. (Bar Question)
A. The case should be dismissed. Any person under an
order of arrest is under restraint and therefore he can
not claim the right to travel. If he is admitted to bail his
freedom of movement is confined within the country.
Therefore, if he subsequently jumps bail, he cannot
demand passport which in effect will facilitate his escape
from the country, he is in fact liable to be arrested
anytime. Indeed, the right to travel under the
Constitution presupposes that the individual is under no
restraint such as that which would follow from the fact
that one has a pending criminal case and has been
placed under arrest.
HABEAS CORPUS
Q.A) When may the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus be suspended?
B) If validly declared, what would be the full
consequences of such suspension? (Bar Question)
A.A)Under Section 18, Art. VII of the Constitution, the
privilege of the writ of habeas corpus may be suspended
when there is an invasion of rebellion and public safety
require it.
B)According to Sec. 18, Art. VII of the
Constitution, the suspension of the privilege of the writ
of habeas corpus shall apply only to persons judicially
charged with rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly
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10
illegal detention and to require her to work sans
compensation would be involuntary servitude.
Decide. (Bar Question)
A. Joy can be incarcerated for contempt of court for
refusing to transcribe her stenographic notes. As held in
Aclaracion Vs Gatmaitan 64 SCRA 132, her
incarceration does not constitute illegal detention. It is
lawful, because it is the consequence of her
disobedience of the court order. Neither can she claim
that to require her to work without compensation is
tantamount to involuntary servitude. Since courts have
the inherent power to issue such orders as are
necessary for the administration of justice, the Court of
Appeals may order her to transcribe her stenographic
notes even if she is no longer in the government service.
RIGHT TO INFORMATION
Q. May the Executive Secretary, upon petition of a
citizen, be ordered to give access to the names of
executive officials holding multiple positions in
government, copies of their appoinments, and a list
of the recipient of luxury vehicles seized by the
Bureau of Customs and turned over to Malacanang?
A. Yes. The limitation on the right to information on
matters of public concern are embodied in the Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees (RA 6713). It provides that in the
performance of their duties, all public officials and
employees are obliged to respond to letters sent by the
public within 15 working days from receipt thereof and to
ensure the accessibility of all public documents for
inspection by the public within reasonable working
hours, subject to the reasonable claims of confidentiality.
(Gonzalez VS Narvasa, August 14, 2000)
NON-IMPAIRMENT CLAUSE
Q. Does the imposition of the VAT upon sales and
leases of real estate entered into before the
effectivity of the E-VAT Law violate the rule against
non-impairment of contracts? Why?
A. No, because the law did not impair or effect a change
in the rights of the parties with respect to each other. A
tax measure which affects the relationship between one
of the parties to the contracts as taxpayers and the
government does not impair the obligation of contracts.
In Tolentino VS Sec. Of Finance, it was said that it is
enough to say that the parties to a contract cannot,
through the exercise of prophetic discernment, fetter the
exercise of the taxing power of the State. For not only
are existing laws read into contracts in order to fix the
obligations as between parties, but the reservation of
Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
DINAH MARTINEZ. All Rights Reserved by the SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW BAR OPERATIONS 2003.
11
Q. When the accused was picked up as he was
coming out of the communal bathroom and wearing
a t-shirt covered with bloodstains which he tried to
cover with his hands, he suddenly broke down and
knelt before Sgt. Marante and confessed that he
killed Jennie Banguis. Is the testimony of Sgt.
Marante that the accused confessed the killing,
admissible in evidence? Why?
A. Yes, it is a competent evidence to link him to the
killing. The declaration of an accused expressly
acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged may be
given in evidence against him. (Sec. 29, Rule 130 Rules
of Court). There is compliance with the constitutional
procedures on custodial investigation elicited through
questioning, but given in an ordinary manner whereby
the accused orally admitted having slain the victim.
(Aballe VS People, 183 SCRA 196)
Q. At what stage of the police line-up does the
suspect need the assistance of a counsel? Why?
A. The moment there is a move or urge to investigate to
elicit admission or confession, or even plain information,
which may appear innocent or innocuous at the time
from the suspect, he should be assisted by counsel
unless there is a written waiver aided by counsel.
Q. A was suspected of having killed B. Is A entitled
to his rights under RA No. 7438 and the constitution
if he is invited to shed light on the offense? Why?
A. Yes, Under Sec. 2, last paragraph of RA No. 7438, as
used in the law custodial investigation shall include the
practice of issuing an invitation to a person who is
investigated in connection with an offense he is
suspected to have committed, without prejudice to the
liability of the inviting officer for any violation of the law.
RIGHT TO BAIL
Q. An accused filed a motion for bail before he was
actually placed under arrest. He failed to appear at
the hearing as he was confined at a hospital. Can he
be granted bail? Why?
A. Yes, because at that point, he can be considered as
being constructive and legally under custody. And
because of this peculiar circumstances, he is deemed to
have voluntarily submitted his person to the custody of
the law and necessarily, to the jurisdiction of the trial
court which thereafter granted bail as prayed for. It must
be stressed that the counsel made it known to the court
during the hearing for bail that the accused could not
personally appear as he was then confined at a named
hospital for acute custochrondritis and could not then
the
hospital.
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SCRA 379, he should have been warned also that he
has the right to remain silent and that any statement he
makes may be used as evidence agaist him. Besides,
under Art. III, Sec. 12(1) of the Constitution, the counsel
assisting a person being investigated must be
independent. Assistant Fiscal Malaputo could not assist
Jose Walangtakot. As held in People V Viduya, 189
SCRA 403, his function is to prosecute criminal cases.
To allow him to act as defense counsel during custodial
investigations would render nugatory the constitutional
rights
of the accused during custodial investigation.
What the Constitution requires is a counsel who will
effectively undertake the defense of his client without
any conflict of interest. The answer of Jose indicates
that he did not fully understand his rights. Hence, it
cannot be said that he knowingly and intelligently
waived those rights.
Q. An information for parricide was filed against
Danny. After the NBI found an eyewitness to the
commission of the crime, Danny was placed in a
police line-up where he was identified as the one
who shot the victim. After the line-up, Danny made a
confession to a newspaper reporter who interviewed
him.
1) Can Danny claim that his identification
by the eyewitness be excluded on the
ground that the line-up was made
without benefit of his counsel?
2) Can Danny claim that his confession
be excluded on the ground that he was
not afforded his Miranda rights? (Bar
Question)
A.
1) No, the identification of Danny, a private
person, by an eyewitness during the line-up cannot be
excluded in evidence. In accordance with the ruling in
People VS Hatton, 201 SCRA 1 the accused is not
entitled to be assisted by counsel during a police lineup, because it is not part of custodial investigation.
Alternative Answer:
Yes, in United States Vs Wade, 338 US 218
(1967) and Gilbert V California, 338 US 263 (1967), it
was held that on the basis of the Sixth, rather than the
Fifth Amendment (equivalent to Art. III, Sec. 14(2) rather
than Sec. 12 (1), the police line-up is such a critical
stage that it carries potential substantial prejudice for
which reason the accused is entitled to the assistance of
Counsel.
0
2) No, Danny cannot ask that his confession to
a newspaper reporter should be excluded in evidence.
As held in People VS Bernardo, 220 SCRA 31, such as
admission was not made during a custodial interrogation
but a voluntary statement made to the media.
RIGHT TO COUNSEL
Q. A and B were charged with violation of RA No.
3019. The court rendered judgement convicting A.
on petition to the Supreme Court, A claims that she
has been deprives of her constitutional right to
counsel because at the time of his proceedings, her
counsel was suspended from the practice of law.
After the suspension of her lawyer, however, other
lawyers represented her at the time her first counsel
withdrew his appearance, all evidence had already
been presented. A did not present evidence for her
defense. Was A denied of her right to counsel under
the Constitution?
A. No, As claim that she was not adequately
represented by counsel at the trial due to the
suspension from the practice of law of her counsel is
untenable. Despite the suspension of her first counsel,
she was still represented by other lawyers. All evidence
had been presented with A being represented by
counsel. It is just that A opted not to present any
evidence for her defense relying on what she perceived
to be glaringly weak prosecution evidence. There is no
denial of the right to counsel in this case. (Dans VS
People, January 29, 1998)
Q. 1) A, as a suspect in a murder case was not
represented by counsel during the question and
answer stage. However, before he was asked to
sign his statements to the police investigator, the
latter provided A with a counsel, who happened to
be at the police station. After conferring with A, the
counsel told the police investigator that A was ready
to sign the statements.
Can the statements of A be presented in
court as his confession? Explain.
2) On the first day of the trial of a rape-murder case
where the victim was a popular star, over a hundred
of her fans rallied at the entrance of the courthouse,
each carrying a placard demanding the conviction
of the accused and the imposition of the death
penalty on him. The rally was peaceful and did not
disturb the proceedings of the case.
a) Can the trial court order the dispersal of
the rallyist under pain of being punished for
contempt of court, if they fail to do so? Explain.
b) If instead of a rally, the fans of the victim
wrote letters to the newspaper editors demanding
the conviction of the accused, can the trial court
punish them for contempt? Explain. (Bar Question)
A. 1) No, the statements of A cannot be presented in
court as his confession. He was not assisted by counsel
during the actual questioning. There is no showing that
the lawyer who belatedly conferred with him fully
explained to him the nature and consequences of his
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confession. In People Vs Compil, 244 SCRA 135, the
Supreme Court held that the accused must be assisted
by counsel during the actual questioning and the belated
assistance of counsel before he signed the confession
does not cure the defect.
Alternative Answer:
Yes, the statements of A can be presented in
court as his confession. As held in People Vs Rous,
242 SCRA 732, even if the accused was not assisted by
counsel during the questioning, his confession is
admissible if he was able to consult a lawyer before he
signed.
2) a) Yes, the trial court can order the dispersal of the
rally under pain of being cited for contempt. The
purpose of the rally is to attempt to influence the
administration of justice. As stated in People Vs Flores,
239 SCRA 83, any conduct by any party which tends to
directly or indirectly impede, obstruct or degrade the
administration of justice is subject to the contempt
powers of the court.
b) No, the trial court cannot punish for contempt the
fans of the victim who wrote letters to the newspaper
editors asking for the conviction of the accused. Since
the letters were not addressed to the judge and to the
publication of the letters occurred outside the court, the
fans cannot be punished in the absence of a clear and
present danger rule to the administration of justice. In
Cabansag VS Fernandez, 102 Phil 152, it was held
that a party who wrote to the Presidential complaints
and Action Committee to complain about the delay in the
disposition of his case could not be punished for
contempt in the absence of a clear and present danger
to the fair administration of justice.
SPEEDY, IMPARTIAL AND PUBLIC TRIAL
Q. A and B were charged with libel. On October 18,
1988, they filed a motion to quash. The prosecution
was given 15 days to file an oppositions, but failed
to do so despite extensions. On August 30, 1991,
the trial court dismissed the case on the ground of
delay in the prosecution of the case which violated
the right to speedy trial. Is the action of the court
proper? Why?
A. Yes. The failure of the prosecution to file its
opposition for more than two years violated the right of
the accused to speedy trial. (Bangas VS RTC of Pasig,
October 1, 1993)
RIGHT TO CONFRONTATION
PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
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of the prison in order to enforce security and order in
prison. It is a valid exercise of police power.
Q: A driver was caught violating traffic regulations and
appears to be drunk. Can he be compelled by the
police to take a breathalyzer test?
A: Yes. The prohibition against self-incrimination is a
prohibition against physical or moral compulsion to
extort communications from him, and not an exclusion
of body as evidence. The breathalyzer test does not
compel the driver to produce testimonial evidence.
Q. Congress is considering a law against drunken
driving. Under the legislation, police authorities may
ask any driver to take a breathalyzer test, wherein
the driver exhales several times into a device which
can determines whether he was driving under the
influence of alcohol. The result of the test can be
used in any legal proceedings against him .
Furthermore, declaring that the issuance of the
drivers license gives rise only to a privilege to drive
a motor vehicles on public roads, the law provides
that a driver who refuses to take the test shall be
automatically subjected to a 90 days suspension of
his drivers license.
Cite 2 possible constitutional objections to
this law. Resolve the objections and explain
whether any such infirmities can be cured. (Bar
Question)
A. Possible objections to the law are that requiring a
driver to take a breathalyzer test will violate his
rights against self-incrimination, that providing for
the suspension of his drivers license without any
hearing violates due process, and that the
proposed law will violate the rights against
unreasonable searches and seizures, because it
allows police authorities to require a driver to take
the breathalyzer test even if there is no probable
cause.
Requiring a driver to take a breathalyzer
test does not violate his right against selfincrimination, because he is not being compelled
to give testimonial evidence. He is merely being
asked to submit to a physical test. This is not
covered by the constitutional guaranty against
self-incrimination. Thus, in South Dakota VS
Neville 459 US 553, it was held for this reason that
requiring a driver to take a blood-alcohol test is valid.
As held in Mackey VS Montryn, 443 US 1,
because of compelling government interest and safety
along the street, the license of a driver who refuses to
take the breathalyzer may be suspended immediately
INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE
Q: Asian Transmission Corp. is an export oriented
company employing 350 workers. The workers
declared a strike. After the case was certified to the
NLRC, the latter issued a return-to-work order under
pain of separation. The workers contended that the
order was violative of the no involuntary servitude
clause of the Constitution. Rule on the contention of
the workers and explain.
A: The order of the NLRC is not violative of the no
involuntary servitude clause because it is anchored on
its authority to assume jurisdiction over cases which
affect national interest like export oriented industries.
The return-to-work order not so much confers a right
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as it imposes a duty; while as a right it may be waived,
it must be discharged as a duty even against the
workers will. Returning to work is not a matter of
option or involuntariness but of obligation. The worker
must return to his job together with his co-workers so
the operations of the company can be resumed and it
can continue serving the public and promoting its
interests. That is the real reason such return can be
compelled. It is not violative of the right against
involuntary servitude.
(Sarmiento vs. Tuico, 162
SCRA 676 (1988) citing Kaisahan ng mga
Manggagawa ng Kahoy vs. Gotamco Sawmills, 80
Phil. 521).
Q:
State the concept of cruel or unusual
punishment.
A: A punishment is not cruel or unusual or
disproportionate to the nature of the offense unless
it is a barbarous one unknown to law or wholly
disproportionate to the nature of the offense as to
shock the moral sense of the community. (Legarda
vs. Valdez, 1 Phil.146). That the penalty is out of
proportion to the crime does not warrant the
declaration of unconstitutionality of the law on the
ground that it is cruel or unusual. The fact that the
punishment authorized by the statute is severe
does not make it cruel or unusual. In People vs.
Dela Cruz, 92 Phil. 900, it was said that it is the
form of punishment as fixed in antiquity and not the
severity of the same that makes it cruel and
unusual penalty. Likewise, in People vs. Padua, 133
SCRA 1, it was said that punishment is cruel when
it involves torture or lingering death. (See also
People vs. Camano, 115 SCRA 688. )
Q: X was charged with malversation for
misappropriating P21,940.70 and sentenced to
suffer an imprisonment of eleven years and one day
to sixteen years and one day. He argued that the
penalty is oppressive since the same was based on
the amount misappropriated and the value of the
money has greatly depreciated since 1932. Is the
contention correct? Why?
A: No. Assuming arguendo that inflation has in effect
made more severe the penalty for malversing
P21,940.70, the remedy cannot come from the court
but from Congress. The court can intervene and strike
down a penalty as cruel, degrading, or inhuman only
when it has become so flagrantly oppressive and so
wholly disaproportionate to the nature of the offense as
to shock the moral senses.( People vs. Dionisico, 22
SCRA 1299; People vs. Estoista, 93 Phil. 647; U.S. vs.
Borromeo, 23 Phil. 297). Considering that malversation
of public funds by a public officer is a betrayal of the
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vs. Albano, supra; Saldana vs. CA, 190 SCRA 396
[1990]).
Q: A was charged with an offense. Upon his
motion, the case was dismissed. Can he invoke
double jeopardy in case he is charged with the
same case?Why?
A: No.As a rule, he cannot invoke double jeopardy
because when he moved for the dismissal, he waived
the right to interpose it. He prevented the State from
presenting evidence and the court from pronouncing
his guilt or innocence. 9People vs. Tagle, 105 Phil.
126; People vs. Gines, et al., G.R. No. 83463, May 27,
1991).
Q: Suppose in the question above, the accuse
invoked the right to speedy trial, can he invoke
double jeopardy in case he is charged again?Why?
A: Yes, by way of exception to the rule. (People vs.
Robles, 105 SCRA 1016).
Q: A case of grave threats was filed against Dr. and
Mrs. Paulin. Charges for grave threats and oral
defamation were filed against Barangay Captain
Mabuyo, before the Municipal Court of Talisay, Cebu.
The cases were jointly tried and on June 13, 1990, the
Court dismissed the case filed by Mabuyo on motion of
the accused Paulin. The dismissal was due to
procedural ground that the proper charge was not filed
which should have been disturbance of public
performance under Art. 153, RPC. A motion for
reconsideration was filed which was granted. Accused
invoked the principle of double jeopardy, contending
that the granting of the motion for reconsideration put
him in double jeopardy. Is the contention correct?
Why?
A: No, because the dismissal of the case was with
the express consent of the accused. 9People vs.
Gines, 197 SCRA 481 [1991]). Where the dismissal
was ordered upon motion or with the express
consent of the accused, he is deemed to have
waived his protection against double jeopardy.
(Paulin, et al. vs. Hon. Celso Gimenez, et al., G.R.
No. 103323, Jan. 21, 1993).
The dismissal in this case was made at a time
when the prosecution still had to present several
witnesses, where the order of dismissal was issued
at a time when the case was not ready for trial and
adjudication, the order is null and void. (People vs.
Pamitan, 30 SCRA 98 [1969]).
In People vs. Bocar, 138 SCRA 166(1985), it
was said that the prosecution was denied due
(2)
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reinstated. Accused moved to reconsider on the
ground of double jeopardy. It was denied, hence, a
petition for certiorari before the SC was filed. Rule on
the petition.
A: No, the
jurisdiction
vs. Galano,
No. 88232,
jeopardy.
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proceeding was sham and a mock trial. The State
was denied due process and double jeopardy
cannot be invoked in criminal cases where there
was denial of due process. (Galman vs. SB, 144
SCRA 43).
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his defense, he interposed his constitutional right
against double jeopardy. Is the defense valid? Why?
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Q: Two informations were filed against Mr. G for (1)
Violation of Section 7 of R.A. No. 3060, punishing a
person who exhibits any motion picture in a theater,
public place without such picture being duly passed by
the Board of Motion Pictures (Criminal Case No.
147347 Case No. 1 for easy reference); (2) Violation
of Art. 201 (3) of the Revised Penal Code punishing
those who in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any
other place open to public view, shall exhibit indecent
or immoral plays, acts, or shows. (Criminal Case No.
143748 Case No. 2 for easy reference.)
When arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to both
cases on May 31, 1972, and November 15, 1972.
Later, he moved for leave to withdraw his plea of not
guilty in Criminal Case No. 2, without substituting or
entering another plea. On December 27, 1972, he
moved to quash the information in Case No. 2 on the
ground of double jeopardy due to the pendency of
Case No. 1 containing the same allegations.
On Jan. 20, 1973, the judge dismissed Case
No. 2 over the objections of the Fiscal.
On Feb. 7, 1973, the accused changed his plea
of not guilty to guilty in case No. 1 and was fined
P600.00.
On Feb. 10, 1973, the Fiscal moved for a
reconsideration of the dismissal of Case No. 2 which
motion was denied. Republic elevated the case to the
Supreme Court on certiorari. Issue: Will the accused be
placed in double jeopardy if Case No. 2 is reinstated?
A: No, he will not be placed in double jeopardy
because the elements of the two offenses are
different.
R.A. No. 3060 punishes any person who
exhibits any motion picture which has not
previously passed by the Board of Censors for
Motion Pictures. It is malum prohibitum where
criminal intent need not be proved.
Art. 210 (3) of the RPC punishes a person
who exhibits indecent or immoral plays, acts,
shows, not just motion pictures. Art. 201 (3) is
malum in se,
where criminal intent is an
indespensible ingredient.
Because of the differences in elements and
nature, there is no identity of the offenses involved
BILL OF ATTAINDER
Q: state the constitutional provision prohibiting the
passage of a bill of attainder and ex post facto law.
A: No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be
enacted. (Art. III, Sec. 22, 1987 Constitution)
Q: The Philippines and Australia entered into an
Extradition Treaty providing that extradition may be
granted irrespective of when the offense was
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committed provided that such offense is an offense
penalized under the laws of the requesting State.
Pursuant to such treaty, Paul Joseph Wright was
sought to be extradited for having committed certain
offenses in Australia, but he contended that since he
committed the offenses before the treaty became
effective, retroactivity would be violative of the
constitutional prohibition against ex post facto law. Is
his contention valid? Why?
A: No, because the prohibition against the passage
of ex post facto law applies only to criminal
legislation which affects the substantial rights of
the accused. The treaty is neither a piece of
criminal legislation nor a criminal procedural
statute. It merely provides for the extradition of
persons wanted for prosecution of an offense or a
crime which offense or crime was already
committed or consummated at the time the treaty
was ratified. (Wright vs. CA, et al ., 54 SCAD 406,
G.R. No. 113213, aug. 15, 1994).
Q: In Wright vs. CA, et al., 235 SCRA 341, it was
contended by the person sought to be extradited that
the phrase wanted for prosecution means that a
person should have a criminal case pending before a
competent court of the requesting State. Is the
contention correct?Why?
A: No, otherwise it would stretch the meaning of
the phrase beyond the intention of the States,
because the treaty provisions merely require a
warrant for the arrest or a copy of the warrant.
Furthermore, the Charge and Warrant of Arrest
Sheets attest to the fact that he is not only wanted
for prosecution, but has in fact, absconded to
evade arrest and criminal prosecution. To limit the
interpretation to persons charged with an
information or complaint renders the Treaty
ineffective over individuals who absconded for the
purpose of evading arrest and prosecution.
Q: X was charged with illegal recruitment before the
effectivity of P.D. 2018 penalizing illegal recruitment on
a large scale. Can this Decree be used to penalize X?
Why?
A: No, because it would become retroactive which
would violate the constitutional prohibition against
the enactment of ex post facto law. (People vs.
Taguba, 47 SCAD 172, G.R. Nos. 95207-17, Jan. 10,
1994).
CITIZENSHIP
Q: When does an administrative proceeding on
citizenship acquire res judicata effect?
A: Administrative proceeding on citizenship
acquire res judicata
effect if the following
requisites concur:
(1)Citizenship is resolved as a material issue in the
controversy;
(2)After
a
full
blown
hearing;
(3) Active participation of the Solicitor General or
his
representative;
(4) The finding of his citizenship is affirmed by the
Supreme Court (Burca V Republic , June 16, 1973)
Q. Rosebud was born of Filipino parents. Upon
reaching the age of majority she became a naturalized
citizen in another country. Later, she required
Philippine Citizenship. Could Rosebud regain her
status as a natural born Filipino citizen? Would your
answer be the same whether she reacquires his
Filipino citizenship by repatriation or by act of
Congress? Explain.
A. Rosebud can regain her status as a natural born
citizen by repatriating. Since repatriation involves
restoration of a person to citizenship previously
lost by expatriation and Rosebud was previously a
natural born citizen, in case she repatriates she
will be restored to her status as a natural born
citizen. (Bengzon III V HRET, May 7, 2001). If she
reacquired her citizenship by an act of Congress,
she will not be a natural born citizen since she
reacquired
her
citizenship
by
legislative
naturalization.
Q. What are the instances when a citizen of the
Philippines may possess dual citizenship considering
the citizenship clause (Article IV) of the Constitution?
A. (1) Those born of Filipino fathers/mothers in
foreign countries which follow the principle of jus
soli.
(2) Those born in the Philippines of Filipino
mothers and alien fathers if by the laws of their
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the qualifications prescribed in Sec. 2 of the
Revised
Naturalization
Law
provided
she
possesses none of the disqualifications set forth
in Sec. 4 of the same law. All of the grounds
invoked by the former girlfriend of Peter Go for
opposing the petition of Lily, except for the last
one, are qualifications, which Lily need not
possess. The fact that Lily is advocating the
unification of Taiwan with mainland China is not a
ground for disqualification under Sec. 4 of the
Revised Naturalization Law.
(2) The child can run for the House of
Representatives provided upon reaching the age
of majority he elected Philippine Citizenship.
Under sec. 6, Art. VI of the 1987 Constitution, to
qualify to be a member of the House of
Representative one must be a natural born
Philippine Citizen. According to Sec. 1(3), Art. IV of
the Constitution, children born before January 17,
1973 of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
Citizenship upon reaching the age of majority are
Philippine Citizens.
A citizen to an alien
an alien to a citizen on their spouses and
children? Discuss. (1999 Bar Question)
Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
DINAH MARTINEZ. All Rights Reserved by the SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW BAR OPERATIONS 2003.
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Prepared by the POLITICAL LAW SECTION Chief MARILOU LINDA Assistant Chief CATHY AQUINO Members MAY AQUINO, ERRIZA
BUCU, MARICAR DELA CRUZ, KATHREEN GUNAYON, GRACIELA LEYGO, MARY GRACE MANZANO, RUTCHIE MARANON, and
DINAH MARTINEZ. All Rights Reserved by the SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW BAR OPERATIONS 2003.